Qing Luo Recap, Plot, Synopsis, Total Episodes

Qing Luo Synopsis

A medical genius, Yu Qingluo gave birth to her son, Nan Nan, alone. Seven years later, she develops her unique medical skills and becomes a well-known doctor with unorthodox skills.

In the process of finding her son Nan Nan’s father, she befriends the royal son of Feng Cang Kingdom, Ye Xiudu. Because of his resemblance to his enemy Yang Xiusheng, Yu Qingluo is deeply disgusted with him, and only after several tests does she confirm that it is just a coincidence, but at that time, Ye Xiudu has already fallen deeply in love with her.

Yu Qinglu is gradually indulged in the unconditional protection and doting of Ye Xiudu. At the same time, Yu Qingluo is forced to get involved in strife because of her identity as a genius doctor, and together with Ye Xiudu, she fights with various forces and eventually discovers by accident that Ye Xiudu is actually the father of her son Nan Nan.

During the course of their time together, Yu Qingluo completely fell into deep love With Ye Xiudu, and eventually the family hand in hand for the rest of their lives.

Qing Luo Recap

Episode 1 Recap

In the Fengcang Kingdom, the King issued an imperial edict announcing a Medical Competition, secretly seeking a divine physician capable of treating the mysterious illness afflicting Minister of Revenue, Ye Haoran. Prince Ye Xiudu, close to his brother Haoran, firmly believed that the illness was the result of a malicious plot. He vowed to find a divine physician to cure Ye Haoran and uncover the truth behind his condition.

In Zuimeng City, Ye Xiudu found himself in a bustling teahouse where a storyteller regaled the patrons with tales of the legendary "mysterious doctor." The storyteller lauded her medical skills as being on par with ancient masters like Hua Tuo and Bian Que. Two rumors about her circulated: one highlighted her miraculous ability to bring the dead back to life, and the other emphasized her elusive nature, appearing and disappearing without a trace.

Her signature item, a fragrant purple fan, was said to contain various potent medicinal and poisonous powders, allowing her to either save or kill with its opening and closing. However, her true appearance remained a mystery, with some claiming she was a benevolent elderly woman and others describing her as a fairy-like young lady. Amidst the chatter, news spread about the upcoming Medical Competition on Fengcang Kingdom's Yaowang Island, near Zuimeng City.

The winner was promised the revered "Shennong Pharmacopoeia," and many speculated that the mysterious doctor would undoubtedly attend to claim the title of the world's foremost physician. The mysterious doctor arrived in Zuimeng City, drawing considerable attention. The Affectionate Childe, Ye Pianzhou, a known womanizer, attempted to challenge her but was easily repelled by her attendants. Ye Xiudu, observing discreetly, caught a glimpse of the mysterious doctor's face — a composed young woman seated elegantly in her sedan chair.

He surmised that this subtle yet impactful group must be the legendary figure. This mysterious doctor was Yu Qingluo. While in the city, she continued her medical practice, even healing a fainting girl named Qing'er, the daughter of a local landlord.

Yu Qingluo’s attendants, acting on her behalf, then suggested a marriage alliance between the "mysterious doctor's distant cousin" (actually Yu Qingluo herself) and Landlord Zhang's son, Mr. Zhang, to take place on the Red Bridge during the Qiqiao Festival, with Mr. Zhang wearing a specific mask. Yu Qingluo confided in her friend, Jin Liuli, her determination to find a stepfather for her son, Nan Nan, though she worried Nan Nan might scare off her suitor.

She felt Nan Nan needed a disciplinarian, and Mr. Zhang, a patient school teacher, seemed a suitable candidate. To prevent Nan Nan from interfering, Jin Liuli arranged for Nannan to be taken to the south of the city by Monkfruit. Unbeknownst to them, Nan Nan had overheard their entire conversation and secretly plotted his own disruption. Later that night, Ye Xiudu and his attendant, Mo Xian, were ambushed by a group of men in black near the city gate.

Ye Xiudu sustained an arm injury, but insisted Mo Xian hide while he distracted their assailants. Meanwhile, Nan Nan, having eluded Monkfruit, intentionally bumped into Mr. Zhang, who was wearing the agreed-upon mask. Recognizing his mother's date, Nan Nan released his pet scorpion to teach Mr. Zhang a lesson, much to Monkfruit's despair. Ye Xiudu, still evading the men in black, ducked into the bustling market, grabbing a mask from a stall to conceal his identity.

At that moment, Yu Qingluo, mistaking the masked Ye Xiudu for Mr. Zhang, approached him. Seeing his pursuers, Ye Xiudu embraced Yu Qingluo, feigning affection to deter the assassins. Noticing his injury, Yu Qingluo compassionately led him to a secret room belonging to her acquaintance, Mr. Ding. While concealed, she continued to address him as Mr. Zhang. When Mr. Ding's voice was heard from outside, implying the danger had passed, Yu Qingluo moved to open the door.

However, Ye Xiudu, sensing a lingering threat or a possible ruse, swiftly kissed her to prevent her from revealing their location. Once they finally emerged, an outraged Yu Qingluo furiously confronted Ye Xiudu, accusing him of being a lecher. During their heated exchange, his mask fell off, revealing that he was not Mr. Zhang.

Ye Xiudu calmly stated he never claimed that identity, thanked her for her help, and quickly departed, leaving Yu Qingluo to hurl curses at his retreating figure. The assassins, having failed to capture Ye Xiudu, reported their incompetence to their Deputy Chief, who summarily executed the subordinate and dispatched Lianhun to pursue Ye Xiudu. Back at the market, Yu Qingluo found Mr. Zhang covered in painful red welts from Nan Nan's scorpion.

She swiftly provided an antidote and sent him home, then returned to confront her mischievous son, Yu Qingnan (Nan Nan). Despite Nan Nan's tearful apologies and promises to reform, Yu Qingluo remained firm, determined to find a father who could discipline him. Feeling unloved and misunderstood, Nan Nan declared he would run away from home again, asserting that no one but his biological father could fill that role.

Monkfruit tried to intervene, assuring Nan Nan of his mother's deep affection and reminding Yu Qingluo that Nan Nan never stayed away for more than an hour. But Nan Nan, determined to earn his mother's respect, decided to undertake a significant feat. He learned of the upcoming Medical Competition and saw it as his opportunity. Meanwhile, Jin Liuli tried to convince Yu Qingluo to abandon her quest for a stepfather, arguing that Nan Nan would only accept his biological father.

Yu Qingluo despaired, saying finding his father was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Jin Liuli, however, offered a ray of hope. She revealed that six years prior, when she rescued Yu Qingluo from the Chaobai River, Yu Qingluo was unconscious but clutching a distinctive jade pendant, which Jin Liuli's friend later identified as the work of the world's finest craftsman.

With Fulong Inn branches spanning four kingdoms but conspicuously absent in the Fengcang Kingdom's capital, Jin Liuli proposed expanding there as a strategic move to uncover the pendant's origin and the father's identity. Yu Qingluo expressed concern for Jin Liuli's safety, as her friend had been hiding from the powerful Xiuluo Sect in the capital for years. But Jin Liuli, unwavering in her loyalty, insisted on helping, recognizing this as their only lead.

She cautiously reminded Yu Qingluo that pursuing this past might unearth painful memories, as Yu Qingluo had awakened from a three-day coma after her rescue with complete amnesia, unable to recall her past. Nan Nan, still determined to make his mother proud, poisoned Monkfruit and took ten taels of silver before sailing to Yaowang Island for the Medical Competition. Upon arrival, he attempted to obtain a contestant pass, but scoffed at the exorbitant price of a thousand taels.

Hungry, he followed the aroma of crispy chicken and found himself at a stall where Ye Xiudu was eating. Ye Xiudu caught Nan Nan trying to steal his food. Quick-witted, Nan Nan feigned the role of a pitiful orphan, gaining Ye Xiudu's sympathy, who then offered him food. Nan Nan then dramatically declared himself the direct disciple of the mysterious doctor.

Observing Ye Xiudu's trembling hand, Nan Nan correctly diagnosed him with a potent poison that would be fatal in ten days. He produced an antidote from his pocket, which Ye Xiudu consumed, instantly alleviating his symptoms and restoring his hand's strength. Impressed, Ye Xiudu agreed to take Nan Nan to the Medical Competition.

Nan Nan, ever the shrewd negotiator, demanded 90% of the prize money and a hundred crispy chickens, to which Ye Xiudu generously offered the entire prize and a roast chicken store if Nan Nan won the championship. The two then formalized their agreement in writing. Driven by her search for Nan Nan, Yu Qingluo also arrived at Yaowang Island.

To her indignation, a flamboyant individual posing as the mysterious doctor was granted special entry to the competition grounds, while she, the real mysterious doctor, was dismissed and forced to buy an expensive pass with her last remaining money. Once inside, she spotted Nan Nan, safe and sound, laughing and chatting with Ye Xiudu. Later, as Ye Xiudu watched the now-sleeping Nan Nan, Yu Qingluo, disguised as a maid, entered Ye Xiudu's room after incapacitating his attendant, Mo Xian.

Seeing Ye Xiudu bathing in the adjacent room, she seized the chance to retrieve Nan Nan. Ye Xiudu, hearing the noise, mistakenly called out to Nan Nan for wound healing ointment. Yu Qingluo's eyes then landed on a Linfeng flute, which she recognized as belonging to the notorious womanizer, Ye Pianzhou. This instantly brought back memories of Landlord Zhang's daughter, Qing'er, who had tragically committed suicide after being cruelly abandoned by Ye Pianzhou.

Recalling her vow to seek justice for women exploited by such heartless men, Yu Qingluo, now suspecting Ye Pianzhou was in the room, rushed towards the bathroom, only to accidentally collide with Ye Xiudu, who had just stepped out.

Episode 2 Recap

As Yu Qingluo entered Ye Xiudu's room, she found him bathing. She noticed a flute, immediately recognizing it as belonging to the notorious playboy Ye Pianzhou. Mistaking Ye Xiudu for Ye Pianzhou, she launched into an attack, declaring, "It's you! How dare you cheeky bastard! Now I can settle accounts with you." Ye Xiudu, in turn, accused her of trespassing and interrupting his bath.

Yu Qingluo retorted, identifying him with the saying, "White-robed, willow-leaf, flute in the wind, the amorous young master Ye Pianzhou. . . Am I right? Cat got your tongue?" Ye Xiudu simply replied that if that's what she thought, then so be it, leading Yu Qingluo to label him a "playboy" with "evil intentions." During their fierce combat, Yu Qingluo released her poisonous scorpions to bite Ye Xiudu.

Just then, Nan Nan woke up, surprised to find the two locked in an embrace. Yu Qingluo was surprised to see that Ye Xiudu hadn't succumbed to the poison. Nan Nan then revealed that he had taken Ye as his disciple and had given all his antidotes from his fan to Ye Xiudu, much to Yu Qingluo's dismay. She berated Nan Nan for taking a "pervert" as a disciple.

When Ye Xiudu inquired about Yu Qingluo's relationship to Nan Nan, Nan Nan quickly lied, claiming she was his "older sister and fellow disciple." Yu Qingluo, attempting to pull Nan Nan away, was stopped by Ye Xiudu, who reminded her of his existing contract with Nan Nan. When Yu Qingluo tore up the contract, Ye Xiudu subtly threatened to cause trouble for Jin Liuli at Fulong Inn, forcing Yu Qingluo to agree to participate in the Medical Competition.

Yu Qingluo set three conditions: Nan Nan's safety, all prize money if she won, and the title deed to Chen's shop plus 10,000 taels of silver regardless of her victory. She also demanded the right to withdraw at any time if she was unhappy.

Ye Xiudu readily agreed to her terms, even raising his own offer to 30,000 taels of gold if she completed the competition, but warned that he would still find her, even referencing "Ding Bo from Guanxing Tower," if she quit. Yu Qingluo, still calling him a "cunning thief" and "pervert," eventually relented. Ye Xiudu, seemingly teasing, also asked her to let her scorpion bite him again, which she refused, calling him a "weirdo."

The Medical Competition began, presided over by the Imperial Censor. Yu Qingluo was annoyed by a fake mysterious doctor who was performing, calling her a "copy cat." Nan Nan wanted to expose the imposter, but Yu Qingluo held him back. Ye Xiudu, however, had already discerned the impostor, noting the difference between her ordinary fan and the legendary "fragrant purple fan" of the true mysterious doctor, which was a unique short weapon with hidden poisons and exceptionally hard fan bones.

He then turned to Yu Qingluo, acknowledging her as the true mysterious doctor's disciple, implying he knew her real identity. Realizing her cover was blown, Yu Qingluo decided to play along. The Imperial Censor announced the prizes for the winner of the two-round competition: 10,000 taels of gold and the legendary medical book, "Shennong Medical Classic." The first round involved "observing, listening, questioning, and palpating" a patient, Miss Xiangling.

Many doctors struggled, finding Miss Xiangling's pulse normal and her complexion healthy. However, Yu Qingluo easily determined that Miss Xiangling's condition was complex and only manifested at night. That night, Yu Qingluo worried about Ye Xiudu's intentions toward Nan Nan, fearing he might be luring her into a trap. Their conversation turned confrontational as Ye Xiudu questioned the true mysterious doctor's reasons for hiding her identity and maintaining a high profile.

Yu Qingluo, agitated, removed an earring, which she intended to use with its hidden bait to attract poisonous bees to Ye Xiudu. However, he quickly swapped the earrings, telling her that asymmetrical earrings didn't look good. He explained that her original earrings had insect-repelling properties for the forest. Their conversation was interrupted by Miss Xiangling, who, in a trance, wandered into the forest and began to act like a beast, attempting to eat people.

The other doctors failed to help her, and she attacked them. Yu Qingluo, overwhelmed, had to scream for Ye Xiudu's help, calling him "Ye, come and help me!" He saved her by pulling her onto a tree just before Xiangling collapsed.

The next day, the Imperial Censor confirmed that only five teams, including Yu Qingluo's, had passed the first round, and explained Miss Xiangling's symptoms: normal during the day, but a beast at night, challenging the remaining doctors to cure her. Nan Nan, having spent more time with Ye Xiudu, defended him to Yu Qingluo, asking her to give "Ye" a chance, arguing that he might have a traumatic past despite his wealth and reputation.

Yu Qingluo pondered that perhaps Ye Xiudu wasn't the lecher rumors painted him to be. Meanwhile, Ye Xiudu confided in Mo Xian, confirming his belief that Yu Qingluo was indeed the mysterious doctor and the only person capable of curing his brother, Ye Haoran. Separately, the Imperial Censor looked at a painting of Han Jiangxue, suspecting Yu Qingluo might be her.

Nan Nan continued to advocate for Ye Xiudu, urging him to "turn good," which Ye Xiudu agreed to, subtly swaying Yu Qingluo. Yu Qingluo diagnosed Xiangling with "night roaming disease of losing one's mind," characterized by abnormal pupils and nocturnal, beast-like foraging. She deduced that the Yunshan Snow Lotus was key to the cure and suggested using poisonous bees to lead them to it. The poisonous bees led them to a cliff.

Yu Qingluo persuaded Ye Xiudu to descend to retrieve the Yunshan Snow Lotus, providing him with a drawing of the rare flower. Meanwhile, Lianhun and the mysterious Deputy Chief confirmed that Ye Xiudu was disguised as Ye Pianzhou. They were ordered by the General to kill all participating doctors, ensuring Ye Haoran would never be cured.

As Ye Xiudu delayed, Nan Nan grew anxious, begging Yu Qingluo to go save his "only disciple" and also expressing concern for Miss Xiangling's illness. Yu Qingluo, despite her initial thought of letting Ye Xiudu die in the valley, gave in to Nan Nan's pleas and descended the cliff to search for him. She found Ye Xiudu in a bat cave, his right arm dislocated.

Although she reminded herself of her oath to bring justice and initially hesitated, recalling Ye Xiudu's reputation for misleading women, she decided to set his bone. She performed the setting with speed and precision, joking that she was particularly good at mending "worthless bones" like his, causing him to cry out in pain. As they searched further, they stumbled upon a formation. Yu Qingluo quickly realized it guarded a rare "Yunshan Immortal Lotus," the king of all flowers.

She dismissed Ye Xiudu's suggestion of an hour-long intricate solution, swiftly breaking the formation with poison powder, though regretting the loss of the surrounding plants. Ye Xiudu, impressed, remarked on her compassion, to which she retorted that as a "playboy," he was used to attracting flowers and should know better. She clarified that destroying the old flowers was necessary for new ones to grow, likening it to his "liking new things."

They eventually found the snow lotus, but it looked different from Yu Qingluo's drawing, which she blamed on the difference between ancient texts and reality. Before they could secure it, Lianhun and his assassins arrived. Yu Qingluo scattered poison powder to deter their pursuers, but Ye Xiudu was injured while protecting her. Just then, the Imperial Censor arrived with soldiers, ending the confrontation. The Imperial Censor recognized Ye Xiudu but, upon a subtle signal, did not expose his identity. As Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu returned, an anxious Nan Nan rushed to Yu Qingluo, embracing her and exclaiming, "Mom!" astonishing everyone present.

Episode 3 Recap

Nan Nan, embracing Yu Qingluo, called her "Mom!" This unexpected address stunned everyone present. Moments later, Li Zifan arrived, praising Nan Nan for his quick thinking in reporting the situation, and affectionately patted his head. Nan Nan immediately expressed his dislike for being touched on the head, prompting Li Zifan to awkwardly withdraw his hand. After Yu Qingluo and Nan Nan had left, Ye Xiudu questioned Nan Nan about his lie.

Nan Nan explained that he had argued with his mother and couldn't enter the Medical Competition alone. He then instructed Ye Xiudu to address Yu Qingluo as "Mistress", asserting that since she had bravely jumped off a cliff to save Ye Xiudu, he owed her this respect. Ye Xiudu playfully asked if that meant he had an unknown "husband". Nan Nan revealed that Yu Qingluo had suffered from Soul-lost disease after his birth and no longer remembered her husband.

Nan Nan probed further, wondering why Ye Xiudu was so concerned, hinting at Ye Xiudu's potential feelings for Yu Qingluo. Ye Xiudu quickly denied this, but Nan Nan, still wary, warned Ye Xiudu to abandon any romantic notions as men who fall for his mother never come to a good end.

Yu Qingluo, observing how easily Ye Xiudu managed Nan Nan, was pleasantly surprised to see her son so compliant, and she began to form a favorable impression of Ye Xiudu. She later asked Nan Nan about his conversation with Ye Xiudu. Nan Nan proudly stated he had warned Ye Xiudu not to "flirt" with his mother. Yu Qingluo chastised him for misusing the term.

Realizing the increasing dangers around them, Yu Qingluo decided it was time to put an end to her involvement. She presented Ye Xiudu with a wound-healing ointment and announced her intention to quit the competition, prioritizing Nan Nan's safety over the prize money or the Shennong Pharmacopoeia, which she didn't care for. Ye Xiudu reminded her of their initial agreement, but Yu Qingluo insisted she was informing him, not seeking his permission.

Ye Xiudu then confessed that the men in black were after him, and that it was crucial for Yu Qingluo, as a doctor, to cure Xiangling. He then hinted that since his injuries were a result of protecting her and Nan Nan, she should repay the favor. Yu Qingluo, despite her apprehension, agreed to treat his wound.

She deliberately omitted anesthesia and added disfiguring powder to his medicine, a small act of revenge for his overbearing behavior and his past of "harassing girls." She warned him that if he didn't promise to reform, his face would swell up like a pig's head. Ye Xiudu retorted that he would only "harass" her, infuriating Yu Qingluo, who stormed off. He tried to stop her by threatening to harm himself with a needle, to which Yu Qingluo called him despicable.

After treating him, Yu Qingluo instructed Mo Xian not to disturb the resting Ye Xiudu. Meanwhile, Mo Xian couldn't help but chuckle upon finding "Affectionate Childe" scrawled on Ye Xiudu's back. Ye Xiudu, catching a glimpse of the words in a mirror, was livid. Yu Qingluo later coaxed Nan Nan away by claiming they needed to find one last ingredient for Xiangling's medicine.

While Yu Qingluo and Nan Nan traveled in their carriage to gather herbs, an imperial censor, Li Zifan, received news that other contestants were being attacked by unknown forces, causing him to worry about Yu Qingluo's whereabouts. Separately, Ye Xiudu also learned of the widespread deaths among contestants and Yu Qingluo's disappearance, showing a troubled expression. Their carriage was indeed ambushed, but Li Zifan arrived just in time to rescue them.

Yu Qingluo again stated her wish to withdraw from the competition. Li Zifan, however, revealed that Yaowang Island was now a trap; all boats were destroyed, and no one could leave due to the ongoing murders of contestants. He assured her that he had sent word for official reinforcements and would protect them until their arrival. Li Zifan, observing Yu Qingluo, remarked on her striking resemblance to an old friend and subtly inquired about her ancestral home.

Sensing a connection to her past, Yu Qingluo asked to speak with him privately, much to Ye Xiudu's visible annoyance. Li Zifan disclosed that his old friend was named Han Jiangxue, from Sangyuan, a renowned medical family whose father, Han Xiao, had become the Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau eight years prior. Yu Qingluo then revealed that she had suffered an accident six years ago at the Chaobai River, leading to memory loss and uncertainty about her own identity.

Li Zifan, hearing this, excitedly confirmed that she was indeed Han Jiangxue, expressing his joy at finding her. He began to address her intimately, but Yu Qingluo gently corrected him, asking him to call her Qingluo for the time being. Misunderstanding their conversation, Nan Nan, fearing Li Zifan would become his new stepfather, urged Ye Xiudu (whom he knew as Ye Pianzhou) to drive away "Tuoba Bloodhand Li Zifan," mistakenly identifying Li Zifan as the villain Lord Yuyang had defeated.

Ye Xiudu had to clarify that Li Zifan was not the infamous Tuoba Bloodhand and that the latter had long been vanquished by Lord Yuyang. Recognizing each other's true identities, Lord Yuyang (Ye Xiudu in disguise) and Li Zifan discussed the Shennong Pharmacopoeia and the Ye family's reason for offering such a prestigious prize. Li Zifan subtly questioned Ye Xiudu's disguise and closeness to Yu Qingluo, while Ye Xiudu countered with his own veiled inquiries about Li Zifan's timely arrival.

Their conversation quickly escalated into a wager: whoever could apprehend the true culprit first, the other would have to keep their distance from Yu Qingluo. They sealed the agreement. Yu Qingluo, unaware of their bet, pondered her rediscovered past with Li Zifan and the whereabouts of her father.

Elsewhere, a frustrated Vice Sect Leader, realizing Yu Qingluo was still alive, resolved to use "dirty tricks" to eliminate both Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu, preventing them from interfering with the "Shura Sect's grand plan." The remaining contestants were summoned, and Li Zifan announced he had identified the killer among them. He presented items belonging to deceased contestants found in the fake mysterious doctor's room. Nan Nan attempted to expose the falsehood, but the fake doctor lashed out.

Mo Xian intervened, unmasking her as Ji Sanniang, a storyteller from a local tavern. Ji Sanniang frantically begged for mercy, admitting she only impersonated the mysterious doctor for money and had no intention of killing anyone. Li Zifan, unconvinced, ordered her to the dungeon for intense interrogation. He then approached Ye Xiudu, confidently asserting he had caught the killer and implying Ye Xiudu should uphold his end of the wager.

Ye Xiudu scoffed, dismissing Ji Sanniang as a mere opportunist and doubting she was the real murderer. Later, an official reported to Li Zifan that Ji Sanniang continued to deny any murders under torture, only admitting to fraud. Nan Nan, still determined to thwart any perceived romantic interest in his mother, brought food to Li Zifan, claiming Yu Qingluo had prepared it for him.

Yu Qingluo, entering just in time, stopped Li Zifan from eating, revealing Nan Nan had laced the meal with laxatives. Despite Li Zifan's attempts to excuse Nan Nan's mischief, Yu Qingluo disciplined her son by making him copy ancient poems. Learning that Yu Qingluo was alone in Li Zifan's room after sending Nan Nan away, Ye Xiudu's jealousy flared. He burst in, ostensibly concerned about Yu Qingluo's progress on Xiangling's medicine, and forcibly carried her out.

Yu Qingluo resisted, chiding him and praising Li Zifan as a true gentleman, contrasting him with Ye Xiudu's "lecherous" behavior. Ye Xiudu, however, sternly warned her to stay away from the cunning Li Zifan. He placed the necessary medicine box in her room, informing her that he would guard the door while Mo Xian protected Nan Nan, allowing Yu Qingluo to focus on her task. Yu Qingluo found his "protection" irritatingly condescending.

Outside, Ye Xiudu spoke with Nan Nan, emphasizing Yu Qingluo's deep love and her desire for him to have a complete family. This conversation inadvertently prompted Nan Nan to express a mischievous desire to poison his absent father with his unique concoctions. Ye Xiudu, playing along, advised him to develop an antidote first. After working through the night, Yu Qingluo successfully completed the snow lotus pill.

As she opened her door, she saw Nan Nan peacefully asleep in Ye Xiudu's arms. Ye Xiudu, feigning sleep, opened his eyes and smirked at her, causing Yu Qingluo to blush and quickly retreat. Later, as they sat down for breakfast, Mo Xian rushed in with alarming news: Nan Nan was missing.

Episode 4 Recap

Upon discovering that Nan Nan was missing, Yu Qingluo, Ye Xiudu, and Mo Xian immediately set out together to find him. Mo Xian quickly found a letter, which Ye Xiudu passed to Yu Qingluo. She recognized Nan Nan's handwriting, believing it to be a crucial clue left for them. Meanwhile, Li Zifan received reports of two more guards found dead, both killed by a nine-section whip.

Learning that Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu had left the villa in a hurry to search for Nan Nan, Li Zifan's brow furrowed in concern. Following the clues, Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu soon found Nan Nan tied to a tree. Anticipating an ambush, Ye Xiudu cautioned Yu Qingluo to wait while he went to rescue Nan Nan, promising to bring him back safe. Yu Qingluo, handing him a dagger, emphasized that both he and Nan Nan must return unharmed.

As Ye Xiudu engaged Lianhun, Yu Qingluo spotted men in black lying in wait on a nearby hillside. She unleashed her poisonous scorpions, "Dabaihe," to deal with them, then subtly moved to free Nan Nan. When Lianhun gained the upper hand against Ye Xiudu, Yu Qingluo intervened by throwing poison powder, temporarily blinding Lianhun. Ye Xiudu seized the opportunity, using the dagger to kill him. Mo Xian noticed a distinctive tattoo on Lianhun and the other assassins.

Yu Qingluo recognized it as the same tattoo seen on the individual who attacked Jin Liuli, leading her to suspect that these attackers were all members of the Xiuluo Sect. Ye Xiudu tasked Mo Xian with investigating the Xiuluo Sect's leader, expressing concern about a potential conspiracy against the Ye family, given the recent strange illness afflicting Minister of Revenue Ye Haoran, the murder of a doctor, and their own pursuit by assassins.

Back at the mansion, a mysterious figure, identified as Ji Sanniang, was found among the contestants, attempting to "treat" Xiangling. Yu Qingluo exposed her malicious intent, revealing that Ji Sanniang was planning to use Blood Silkworm Magic to control Xiangling with a so-called "blood pill." Li Zifan and Mo Xian quickly subdued Ji Sanniang, who was then captured by Yu Qingluo's personal guards. Nan Nan proudly revealed that he had sent "Xiaobaihe" to alert the guards.

Yu Qingluo then administered a snow lotus pill to Xiangling, who soon recovered and expressed her gratitude. Recognizing Yu Qingluo as the renowned mysterious doctor, Li Zifan promised to keep her identity a secret. When Yu Qingluo asked for her prize money for winning the Medical Competition, she was annoyed to learn that Ye Xiudu had already claimed it. Considering Ji Sanniang's crime as merely greed and not warranting death, Li Zifan ordered Wu Ge to release her.

He then personally presented Yu Qingluo with the esteemed Shennong Pharmacopoeia. Yu Qingluo inquired if Li Zifan had ever seen a jade pendant with a magpie standing on a plum blossom branch, but he had not. She then pressed him about their past relationship. Li Zifan recounted the prevailing rumor that Han Jiangxue was an adulteress, divorced by Yu Zuolin, and subsequently committed suicide out of shame.

Yu Qingluo strongly refuted this, stating that she was rescued from the Chaobai River with a stone tied to her foot, indicating she was murdered. She firmly believed she was wronged and asked Li Zifan to uncover the truth. Li Zifan then revealed that the Medical Competition was held under His Majesty's orders to find a miracle-working doctor for Minister of Revenue Ye Haoran, who suffered from the same strange illness as Xiangling.

Despite Yu Qingluo's victory, Li Zifan advised her against going to the capital, fearing retaliation from Yu Zuolin. He explained that seven years ago, Yu Qingluo's father, Director Han, was part of a medical team that participated in the Four Kingdom Contest on behalf of the Fengcang Kingdom. Due to a strategic error by the team leader, Lord Ye, the entire team, including Director Han, was wiped out, leading to the decline of the Han family.

At that time, Yu Qingluo was already married to Yu Zuolin, and the Yu family subsequently lost favor with the Emperor. Shortly thereafter, the Yu family announced Jiangxue's death. Just three months later, Yu Zuolin married Li Ranran, the Prime Minister's daughter, swiftly rising from Commandant to General of Agile Cavalry within six years.

Yu Qingluo, now convinced she was framed, resolved to go to the capital with Li Zifan to confront Yu Zuolin and confirm if he was Nan Nan's biological father. Li Zifan agreed to protect her. In the dungeon, Ye Xiudu discovered that Ji Sanniang had been replaced and escaped. He pursued her and found her being aided by Wu Ge, whom he killed for releasing her.

Ye Xiudu noticed the same distinctive Xiuluo Sect tattoo on Wu Ge, which intensified his suspicion of Li Zifan. Concerned for Yu Qingluo's safety, he rushed to her room, only to find a note from her that he misinterpreted as a cry for help. He also learned that Li Zifan, Yu Qingluo, and Nan Nan were heading to the capital and decided to follow. Li Zifan settled Yu Qingluo and Nan Nan at the Fulong Inn.

Yu Qingluo's guards complained about the inn's poor hygiene, but Yu Qingluo dismissed their concerns, subtly revealing her ownership of the establishment by noting it was one of her properties. Li Zifan offered Yu Qingluo a bowl of "Emerald & White Jade Soup," remarking it was her favorite, but she found it bland, again hinting at her forgotten past tastes.

Nan Nan complained about the inn's food, having eaten it for six years, and called Li Zifan "Tuoba Bloodhand," suspecting his intentions towards his mother and his desire to control him. Li Zifan suggested finding a teacher for Nan Nan in the capital, which Yu Qingluo agreed to. Ye Xiudu arrived at the Fulong Inn with Mo Xian and spotted the trio. Nan Nan immediately ran to Ye Xiudu, urging him to "teach that Tuoba Bloodhand a good lesson."

Ye Xiudu, still suspicious, grabbed Li Zifan's clothes, seemingly searching for a tattoo. Yu Qingluo, observing the scene, pondered if Ye Xiudu was interested in both genders. Ye Xiudu accused Li Zifan of colluding with Wu Ge and the Xiuluo Sect. Li Zifan vehemently denied any involvement, swearing his innocence. Yu Qingluo defended Li Zifan, which did little to assuage Ye Xiudu's suspicions.

Yu Qingluo, noticing Li Zifan's deferential manner towards Ye Xiudu, concluded that Ye Xiudu held a higher rank. She decided to ply him with alcohol to extract information but ended up getting drunk herself. The intoxicated Li Zifan, engaging in conversation with Ye Xiudu, claimed he and Yu Qingluo were childhood sweethearts. Ye Xiudu dismissed this as mere wishful thinking, implying Yu Qingluo harbored feelings for him.

Li Zifan, in turn, declared that he would never allow anyone, not even Lord Yuyang, to take Jiangxue from him again, before collapsing into a drunken stupor. Ye Xiudu then carried the unconscious Yu Qingluo to her bed. As she mumbled his name in her sleep, a smile touched his lips, and he gently kissed her forehead. The next morning, Yu Qingluo awoke to find Ye Xiudu sleeping beside her. Infuriated, she accused him of impropriety.

He claimed she had held him tightly all night, a statement she vehemently denied. At that moment, Nan Nan burst into the room, scolding Ye Xiudu for "teasing" his mother. Ye Xiudu quickly concocted a story, explaining he had stayed to protect Yu Qingluo from Li Zifan's advances, which Nan Nan readily believed. Still furious, Yu Qingluo threw poisonous powder at Ye Xiudu, temporarily rendering him speechless.

She then chastised her guards for allowing Ye Xiudu to spend the night in her room, only to be reminded that she herself had insisted on it while drunk, causing her to blush with embarrassment. Her anger softened as she witnessed Ye Xiudu patiently teaching Nan Nan to write. However, her pleasant mood vanished when Nan Nan again referred to Li Zifan as "Tuoba Bloodhand" and expressed his desire to move out of his home.

Seizing the moment, Ye Xiudu playfully encouraged Nan Nan to "run away from home." Nan Nan eagerly agreed, enticed by the promise of delicious crispy chicken in the capital. They left a note for Yu Qingluo, stating that Nan Nan disliked "Tuoba Bloodhand" (Li Zifan), was going to the capital with "Ye" to collect money, and instructed her to find them at No.1 Yumen Street. Yu Qingluo was utterly enraged upon reading the note.

Episode 5 Recap

Ye Xiudu and Nan Nan traveled by carriage to the capital. During their journey, Nan Nan spoke of his admiration for Lord Yuyang and his desire to learn martial arts to become a powerful kungfu master who could even send Tuoba Bloodhand flying with a kick. Ye Xiudu was pleased, acknowledging Nan Nan's good physique and intelligence. He promised to teach Nan Nan kungfu, turning him into a master in Jianghu.

Upon their arrival in the capital, a troop of soldiers appeared, welcome Lord Yuyang back to the city. Nan Nan, seeing the grand welcome and hearing "Lord Yuyang," excitedly realized that his "disciple," Ye, was the revered Lord Yuyang, the greatest hero of the Fengcang Kingdom. Princess Xiangxiang also came to greet Ye Xiudu.

When she introduced herself as his future wife, Nan Nan, in his innocent excitement, cheekily called her his "disciple's future wife," much to Ye Xiudu's displeasure, who quickly ordered his guards to clear the area. Meanwhile, Shuang Ke, who had failed to acquire the Shennong Pharmacopoeia, reported to the Chief of the Xiuluo Sect. The Chief acknowledged that Ye Xiudu was more formidable than expected.

He then revealed that the mysterious doctor was the one who had complicated their plans and was now in possession of the Shennong Pharmacopoeia. Instructing Shuang Ke to keep Yu Zuolin in check, the Chief declared that the day the mysterious doctor entered the palace to treat Ye Haoran would be the day both she and Ye Haoran would perish. Yu Qingluo and Li Zifan arrived at Prince Ye's Mansion.

Li Zifan was stopped at the entrance, as Lord Yuyang had only invited the mysterious doctor. Concerned for her safety, Li Zifan gave Yu Qingluo a token, advising her to hide her identity and use it to seek his help at the Censorate if needed. Yu Qingluo accepted the token and entered the mansion, where she found Nan Nan happily indulging in snacks with Luo Hanguo.

Scolding Nan Nan for running away from home, she then went to confront Ye Xiudu. Despite Ye Xiudu's attempts to maintain his disguise, Yu Qingluo quickly saw through his pretense of being Ye Pianzhou and recognized him as Lord Yuyang, Ye Xiudu. She expressed her distrust and declared her intention to leave after curing Ye Haoran, wanting nothing more to do with him. Ye Xiudu, however, warned her of a larger conspiracy surrounding the Medical Competition and Ye Haoran's illness.

He revealed that a Xiuluo Sect spy named Wu Ge had infiltrated Li Zifan's circles, making Prince Ye's Mansion the safest place for her and, more importantly, for Nan Nan. Yu Qingluo accused him of manipulating her and using Nan Nan to lure her to the capital to treat Ye Haoran. Ye Xiudu admitted that his primary concern was to cure Ye Haoran and agreed to settle any debt she claimed from him if she stayed.

Yu Qingluo, weighing the risks, agreed to remain and treat Ye Haoran. Li Zifan returned to Mr. Situ's residence, his esteemed teacher. Mr. Situ was struggling to concoct a "Resurrection Pill" to treat Ye Haoran, his repeated attempts resulting in explosions. Li Zifan shared the news of the mysterious doctor's incredible skills, recounting how she had cured Xiangling.

Hearing that the mysterious doctor was now residing at Prince Ye's Mansion and was confident in treating Ye Haoran, Mr. Situ's spirits lifted. Meanwhile, Mo Xian updated Ye Xiudu on the Xiuluo Sect, describing them as a secretive killer organization. Ye Xiudu surmised that their Chief either held a position in the court or was hired by someone within the court, and their objective was to prevent Ye Haoran from recovering, likely because Ye Haoran possessed critical information.

He concluded that curing Ye Haoran quickly was paramount to uncovering the mastermind. Later, as Nan Nan slept soundly, Ye Xiudu gently placed him in bed. Watching Ye Xiudu's tender actions, Yu Qingluo's heart softened. The next morning, as the medical team prepared to depart for the palace, Nan Nan insisted on accompanying them, but Yu Qingluo firmly refused, emphasizing the dangers of the palace for a child.

However, Ye Xiudu declared that he would accompany Yu Qingluo, stating that His Majesty had assigned him to escort her and that he was worried about a conspiracy behind Ye Haoran's illness. When Li Zifan tried to dissuade him, Ye Xiudu insinuated that Li Zifan might have a hidden agenda. At the palace, they found Mr. Situ by Ye Haoran's bedside.

Mr. Situ reported that Ye Haoran's pulse was weakening, and his condition was critical, sustained only by a rare thousand-year-old red sage. Yu Qingluo began her examination. While Ye Haoran's symptoms seemed similar to Xiangling's, Yu Qingluo quickly observed subtle but crucial differences, such as the absence of mouth ulcers and pink fingernails, indicating that it was not the same anemic condition. Despite the distinct pathology, she expressed confidence in her ability to treat him.

Unbeknownst to them, Yu Zuolin was seething over the Xiuluo Sect's failed assassination of Ye Xiudu and the mysterious doctor's arrival. He worried that if the mysterious doctor cured Ye Haoran, the reunited Ye brothers would thwart his ambitions in the upcoming Four Kingdom Contest. His wife, Ran Ran, reassured him that Shuang Ke had guaranteed Ye Haoran would not survive the day, and a distraught Ye Xiudu would be an easy target later.

However, Yu Zuolin remained anxious, concerned that if Ye Haoran awakened, he would hand over a crucial account book to the monarch, thereby exposing Yu Zuolin's entire plan and bringing severe punishment upon his family. He immediately ordered Shuang Ke, disguised as his Chief Guard, to search the palace for the mysterious doctor and kill her on sight. After administering her medicine, Yu Qingluo assured everyone that Ye Haoran's pulse had stabilized and he would soon awaken.

Li Zifan rushed off to report the good news to the monarch. Mr. Situ, however, requested a private word with Yu Qingluo. He humbly asked about Ye Haoran's ailment, expressing his curiosity about the unusual symptoms. Yu Qingluo revealed that Ye Haoran was not suffering from a disease but had been poisoned by magic mushrooms. She explained that long-term consumption of these rare mushrooms, found deep within hot and humid jungles, could cause hallucinations, damage internal organs, and be life-threatening.

Mr. Situ was shocked and vowed to report the serious matter to the monarch for a thorough investigation. While Yu Qingluo was speaking with Mr. Situ, Ye Xiudu remained by Ye Haoran's side. A palace maid offered him tea, and as she left, Ye Xiudu spotted a familiar scar on her wrist—a mark he had left on a Xiuluo Sect assassin.

Recognizing her as Shuang Ke, the Deputy Chief of the Xiuluo Sect disguised as a maid, he attempted to apprehend her, but she swiftly escaped. Moments later, Yu Qingluo returned, but Ye Xiudu quickly stopped her from entering Ye Haoran’s room, fearing foul play. He deduced that Shuang Ke's target was Ye Haoran, not Yu Qingluo, and suspected the illness was a poisoning.

To avoid further danger and to investigate, he immediately led Yu Qingluo, who was now disguised as a guard, away from the scene. Their escape was short-lived as Yu Zuolin, flanked by his soldiers, intercepted them. Yu Zuolin dramatically accused the mysterious doctor of wrongly administering medicine and causing Ye Haoran's death. Ye Xiudu vehemently denied the charges, stating he had personally witnessed Ye Haoran's improvement after taking the medicine, which was why he was escorting the doctor out.

Yu Zuolin retorted that two imperial doctors had already confirmed Ye Haoran's death by poison and that there was no hope of revival. Despite Ye Xiudu's insistence that the mysterious doctor was a guest of the monarch and deserved respectful treatment, Yu Zuolin ordered her arrest. Believing he had captured the mysterious doctor, Yu Zuolin triumphantly led the disguised Yu Qingluo to the dungeon.

Upon unmasking her, he discovered he had been duped; the person in the cell was not the real mysterious doctor. Furious, Yu Zuolin ordered all palace gates closed and a thorough search for the real mysterious doctor. Meanwhile, Ye Xiudu and Yu Qingluo, having evaded capture, discussed the poisoning. Yu Qingluo was bewildered, wondering how anyone could have poisoned Ye Haoran right under her nose, given that only she had handled the medicine.

Ye Xiudu recalled seeing the disguised maid (Shuang Ke) adding incense to a burner in Ye Haoran's room. This sparked a realization in Yu Qingluo. She remembered smelling a fragrance during her diagnosis but dismissed it as non-toxic. Now, she surmised that the incense itself was the delivery mechanism. Upon returning to Ye Haoran's room, they found him missing.

Yu Qingluo examined the remaining incense, identifying Fritillaria powder, which, when combined with Aconitum (a crucial ingredient in her snow lotus pill for Xiangling and the medicine she gave Ye Haoran), creates a potent poison due to their "Eighteen Antagonisms" contraindication in traditional medicine. She realized it was a malicious, premeditated plot not only to murder Ye Haoran but also to frame her.

Soon, a servant reported that Ye Haoran's body had been moved to a side chamber, awaiting transport back to Prince Ye's Mansion. Rushing to the side chamber, Yu Qingluo found Ye Haoran's body displaying pale complexion, blue lips, clenched teeth, dilated pupils, and a stiff body. She immediately diagnosed him with "corpse-like syncope," caused by the poison disrupting the flow of blood and qi.

She confirmed that he could be saved and prepared to administer acupuncture to the vital "Baihui" and "Points of Life and Death" to restore his yang and consciousness. Just as she prepared to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Ye Xiudu, overcome with jealousy and concern for her propriety, intervened. He insisted that he should perform the resuscitation, citing gender distinction, and playfully reminded her of their previous intimacy.

Yu Qingluo, sighing at his usual antics, agreed to teach him the proper technique, guiding him to pinch Ye Haoran's nose and breathe air into his mouth. At the same time, Li Zifan arrived at the dungeon, only to be shocked to discover that the "Yu Qingluo" he had come to rescue was an imposter.

Episode 6 Recap

After learning mouth-to-mouth resuscitation from Yu Qingluo, a method he found necessary to perform, Ye Xiudu and Yu Qingluo worked together on Ye Haoran. Despite Ye Xiudu's playful banter about their past kisses and his tendency to use "special occasions" as an excuse, Yu Qingluo instructed him carefully. Soon, a faint pulse and then a heartbeat returned to Ye Haoran.

When Shuang Ke, the deputy head of the Xiuluo Sect, arrived with soldiers and ordered a search, Ye Xiudu recognized a scar on her hand. He and Yu Qingluo hid. Fortunately, Xiao Han, who had escaped from prison, created a diversion using his secret weapon, the Coldwater Stone, drawing the soldiers away. Yu Qingluo explained that while Ye Haoran's life was saved, he remained in a coma because a crucial ingredient, Lingzhikuai, was missing.

She described Lingzhikuai as a rare block of flying squirrel feces and urine, only found in rural towns, and thus unavailable in the imperial pharmacy. She mentioned that its waking time was unpredictable due to the nature of corpse-like syncope, but suggested Kuoke beans as a potential substitute. Suddenly, Yu Zuolin stormed into the side hall, intending to arrest the mysterious doctor. Li Zifan and Mr. Situ arrived, having realized the wrong person was imprisoned.

Yu Zuolin tried to use the Emperor's authority to proceed, but Ye Xiudu stepped forward, revealing that Ye Haoran was alive. Mr. Situ examined Ye Haoran, confirming a weak pulse but no breath, similar to a recently deceased person. Yu Qingluo clarified that Ye Haoran suffered from corpse-like syncope and assured them she could wake him. Skeptical about the unpredictable waking time, Yu Zuolin insisted on arresting her.

Ye Xiudu, however, dramatically declared that he would guarantee Ye Haoran's awakening within one incense stick's burning time, staking the Ye family's entire feudal title on it, willing to face imprisonment, confiscation, or execution if he failed. Yu Zuolin reluctantly agreed. Yu Qingluo quickly prepared the Kuoke beans Ye Xiudu happened to possess, and Ye Xiudu administered them. Before the incense stick burned down, Ye Haoran woke up, spitting out dark blood.

Yu Zuolin, stunned, had no choice but to concede. Ye Haoran, now awake, thanked the mysterious doctor for saving his life. Yu Qingluo jokingly demanded a hefty medical fee from Ye Xiudu, who readily agreed. She then stated that Ye Haoran, though out of immediate danger, was still weak and required her care for another half-month, effectively ensuring her continued stay at Prince Ye's Mansion, a point Ye Xiudu quickly seized on.

After the others left, Ye Haoran privately informed Ye Xiudu about Yu Zuolin's recent significant increases in military expenditures. He had discovered Yu Zuolin's purchases of large quantities of "magic mushrooms" on the black market and had obtained a ledger detailing these transactions. He had intended to give it to the Emperor but was poisoned by Yu Zuolin. He then told Ye Xiudu the ledger's location.

Meanwhile, Li Zifan advised Yu Qingluo to leave the capital for her safety, fearing Yu Zuolin would discover her identity. However, Yu Qingluo refused, determined to uncover the truth. Li Zifan offered his own mansion as a refuge for her and Nan Nan. Ye Xiudu, emerging from Ye Haoran's room, interrupted, insisting that Yu Qingluo must stay at Prince Ye's Mansion to continue Ye Haoran's treatment, to which Yu Qingluo offered no objection.

Upon arriving at Prince Ye's Mansion, Yu Qingluo was greeted by Nan Nan and the mansion's guards. One of her subordinates, Xiao Han, promptly asked for the 8,888 taels medical fee, which the Red Steward was instructed to handle. Later, Yu Qingluo learned from Ye Xiudu about the ledger incriminating Yu Zuolin, hidden in a secret compartment in Ye Haoran's office. She expressed her satisfaction, saying she hated Yu Zuolin for almost having her jailed.

Nan Nan, delighted with Ye Xiudu's generosity and his wish for them to stay, urged his mother to remain at the mansion, but Yu Qingluo brushed it off as Ye Xiudu's "tricks." Ye Xiudu, however, discussed spending the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival with her, a plan Nan Nan happily accepted on her behalf, also revealing that Ye Xiudu had prepared a surprise for them.

Later that evening, Ye Xiudu inquired about Yu Qingluo's "Soul-lost disease," asking if she remembered Nan Nan's biological father. Yu Qingluo, evasive, questioned the relevance of his query. After she left, Ye Xiudu looked at a jade pendant, part of a pair his mother had commissioned, adorned with images of "bloomy plums on the branches" and "singing magpies on the branch," symbolizing "two happy events coming together."

His mother had hoped he would give it to the woman he loved, and he clearly thought of Yu Qingluo. Mo Xian then reported that Ye Haoran's office had caught fire, destroying the ledger before he could retrieve it. Ye Xiudu recalled an inner eunuch eavesdropping on his conversation with Ye Haoran. He immediately dispatched Mo Xian with his token to investigate the eunuch who had been on duty at the Imperial Medical Bureau that night.

It was later confirmed that the eunuch, who was dumb but could read lips, had been killed. Yu Qingluo learned that Jin Liuli's Fulong Inn had newly opened in the capital and went to visit. Jin Liuli confirmed that Mr. Ou, the jade carver, had indeed made the jade as a pair, with the same symbolic motifs.

While he couldn't recall the specific owner, he confirmed they were from a prominent family in the capital, giving Yu Qingluo a glimmer of hope in her search for Nan Nan's father. Yu Qingluo then revealed she had encountered members of the Xiuluo Sect on Yaowang Island. Meanwhile, Shuang Ke and Yu Zuolin discussed improving their combat-enhancing drugs for the Four Kingdom Contest. They had replaced the "magic mushrooms" with "Sanshi Pills" but found them less potent.

Shuang Ke informed Yu Zuolin that the "Shennong Pharmacopoeia," which the mysterious doctor won, contained the precise formula for a far more powerful "five-grass powder." Determined to defeat Ye Xiudu, Yu Zuolin decided to eliminate the mysterious doctor to obtain the book. Yu Qingluo later showed the "Shennong Pharmacopoeia" to Jin Liuli, who admitted she was expelled from the Xiuluo Sect years ago for failing to steal that very book from Prince Ye's Mansion.

Upon learning Yu Qingluo received it for saving Ye Haoran, Jin Liuli wistfully recalled her past affection for Ye Haoran, which had ended due to their conflicting identities. Ye Haoran was disheartened by the loss of the ledger, but Ye Xiudu reassured him, vowing to defeat Yu Zuolin in the Four Kingdom Contest, which he believed would be more agonizing for Yu Zuolin than death itself.

Ye Haoran cautioned Ye Xiudu that Yu Zuolin's past "magic mushroom" purchases were likely related to using dirty tricks in the upcoming contest. He also praised Yu Qingluo's meticulous care, including preparing his medicine and a special recovery diet. As Prince Ye's Mansion bustled with Mid-Autumn Festival decorations, Nan Nan playfully enlisted Ye Xiudu to help him hang lanterns.

Later, Nan Nan excitedly told Yu Qingluo about a story he found in a picture book in Ye Xiudu's study, detailing a hero and a woman who, despite misunderstandings, were destined to be together. Ye Xiudu, trying to deflect, claimed it was Mo Xian's book. He then used the story as an allegory to confess his deep feelings for Yu Qingluo, promising never to lie to her again and hoping their future would mirror the story.

As fireworks suddenly lit the night sky, Yu Qingluo, fearful of the loud noises which reminded her of thunder (a phobia Nan Nan had explained to Ye Xiudu), instinctively hid in Ye Xiudu's embrace. Though Ye Xiudu offered to stop the display, Yu Qingluo, composing herself, decided to enjoy the fireworks with him and Nan Nan.

As they watched, Nan Nan pointed out shapes in the sky, and Yu Qingluo thanked Ye Xiudu for a wonderful Mid-Autumn Festival, feeling a profound sense of family warmth. Seeking a "reward," Ye Xiudu gently kissed her forehead.

Episode 7 Recap

Fulong Inn was bustling with noise. Yu Qingluo found Jin Liuli and told her all about her past with Yu Zuolin. Jin Liuli also inquired about the Han family's affairs, and Yu Qingluo was indeed the Han family's only daughter. But Yu Qingluo still felt that nothing was that simple, and currently, the most important thing was to find Nannan's biological father.

Jin Liuli believed Ye Xiudu was the perfect candidate to be Nannan's father, but Yu Qingluo still didn't trust Ye Xiudu. Jin Liuli persuaded Yu Qingluo that even if she found the so-called biological father, a man who had never sought out the mother and son might not be more reliable than Ye Xiudu. Yu Qingluo fell silent after hearing this.

Jin Liuli took the opportunity to ask about Ye Haoran, and Yu Qingluo noticed that Jin Liuli had special feelings for Minister Ye. The Moon Festival arrived. Yu Qingluo voluntarily prepared dishes for Ye Xiudu and Nannan, and the three of them felt very much like a family of three. After Nannan fell asleep, Ye Xiudu took Yu Qingluo's hand, wanting to take her somewhere else.

Jin Liuli declined Yu Qingluo's invitation to gather, instead going to the imperial palace alone to visit Ye Haoran. Ye Xiudu brought Yu Qingluo to see the full moon. Under the bright moonlight, Ye Xiudu handed his mother's jade pendant to Yu Qingluo. Yu Qingluo looked at the jade pendant she had longed for, a doubt arose in her heart, "Could Ye Xiudu, standing before her, also be connected to her memories?"

Ye Xiudu hugged Yu Qingluo tightly, making a promise of love. Yu Zuolin secretly followed the two. As soon as he saw Yu Qingluo, Yu Zuolin remembered Han Jiangxue, whom he had once ordered men to drown in the Chaobai River using bamboo tubes. He didn't expect Han Jiangxue to be so resilient. Yu Zuolin then sent out Shuang Ke and others. Ye Xiudu sensed the danger and immediately started fighting Shuang Ke.

Yu Zuolin shot an arrow in the dark, which hit the jade pendant in Yu Qingluo's hand. Yu Qingluo fell off the cliff. Ye Xiudu rushed to search for her and found Yu Qingluo and the jade pendant by a small stream. Yu Qingluo's ankle was injured, so Ye Xiudu carried Yu Qingluo to a secluded cave. The two made do for a night there. Ye Xiudu helped Yu Qingluo heal her injuries.

Yu Qingluo saw Ye Xiudu close his eyes tightly, making no inappropriate moves, and she couldn't help but lower her guard. When she asked about Ye Xiudu's jade pendant, Yu Qingluo then realized that Nannan's biological father was right before her eyes. Ye Xiudu confessed about concealing his identity. Regarding his relationship with Nannan, Ye Xiudu believed that for such a long time, the two had been like father and son.

Under Ye Xiudu's questioning, Yu Qingluo shyly still didn't respond directly, but she already had the answer in her heart. Early the next morning, Yu Qingluo discovered Ye Xiudu lying next to her again. It turned out that there was a loud thunderstorm during the night, and Yu Qingluo, frightened, had hidden in Ye Xiudu's arms. Yu Qingluo could only pretend not to acknowledge it.

Xiao Baihe found Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu, and everyone returned to the Prince Ye's Estate. Yu Zuolin told his wife that the Ghost Doctor was actually Han Jiangxue. His wife persuaded Yu Zuolin to cleverly acquire the medical books, letting Yu Zuolin focus on preparing for the Four Nations Grand Competition, and she would figure out a way for the medical books.

Ye Xiudu and Yu Qingluo felt that Yu Zuolin must be planning to use the medical books to research new pharmacies. Li Zifan suggested that Yu Qingluo move out of Prince Ye's Estate, but Ye Xiudu said that Yu Qingluo had already accepted his token of love. . . Jin Liuli wondered why Ye Xiudu was Nannan's biological father. The relationship between Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu made Jin Liuli extremely curious.

Nannan was going to enroll in the academy to study in two days. Yu Qingluo decided to use this time to test whether Ye Xiudu truly cared about Nannan. On the other side, Ye Haoran bumped into Jin Liuli and immediately recognized Jin Liuli's appearance. Jin Liuli claimed to be Yu Qingluo's friend, but Ye Haoran held onto Jin Liuli and wouldn't let go. Jin Liuli, left with no choice, could only knock Ye Haoran unconscious with a palm strike.

Ye Xiudu treated Nannan very considerately. Xiao Baihe and Mo Xian, watching from the side, were also deeply moved. Two days later, Nannan was about to go to school, but Nannan was very unwilling. Seeing Yu Qingluo and Nannan arguing fiercely, Ye Xiudu happened to walk over. Who knew that with Ye Xiudu's backing, Nannan simply refused to go to the academy. Yu Qingluo, furious, directly dragged Nannan away.

When it was Shen Shi (3-5 PM), Yu Qingluo was about to come to the academy to pick Nannan up after school. Who knew that Nannan had secretly slipped away during the second class. . .

Episode 8 Recap

Nannan and Ye Xiudu were at the training grounds. While the other Night Guard members went to rest, Nannan remained, looking listless. He begged Ye Xiudu to teach him martial arts and allow him to join the Night Guard, despite Ye Xiudu's initial insistence that he continue studying. Ye Xiudu, playing along, agreed to train him using demanding Night Guard methods, which Nannan struggled to endure. During the training, Princess Xiangxiang arrived, calling out to Ye Xiudu and acting spoiled.

Ye Xiudu responded coldly. When Nannan accidentally bumped into her, he offered her a chicken leg as an apology, calling her his "disciple's wife." Princess Xiangxiang was surprised that Ye Xiudu did not object. Soon after, Yu Qingluo arrived, ready to lecture Nannan. Princess Xiangxiang, seeing Yu Qingluo, mockingly called her a "middle-aged woman." Nannan added fuel to the fire by telling his mother that Princess Xiangxiang was "Ye's future wife."

Ye Xiudu quickly clarified to Yu Qingluo that there was no engagement with Princess Xiangxiang, explaining he had previously refused the Emperor's proposal for a marriage alliance. Ignoring the unfolding drama, Yu Qingluo declared that she just wanted to lecture her son and dragged Nannan away. A subordinate informed Princess Xiangxiang that the "middle-aged woman" was the mysterious doctor who had been staying in Prince Ye's Mansion for some time.

Fuming, Princess Xiangxiang vowed to teach the mysterious doctor a lesson. Meanwhile, Luo Hanguo, with the help of a friend he paid with ten jars of wine, penned a love letter to Mo Xian. Upon receiving it, Mo Xian noticed its strong wine smell. Nannan was still upset and refused to eat, having previously refused to go to school because other children mocked him for not having a father.

Ye Xiudu consoled him, mentioning that Mingde Academy required students to fill out a registration form, suggesting he could fill himself in as Nannan’s father. Nannan, initially resistant and accusing Ye Xiudu of trying to take advantage, eventually agreed to the arrangement for school purposes, but insisted that outside of the academy, he would remain the master and Ye Xiudu the disciple.

The next morning, Yu Qingluo intended to personally take Nannan to school, only to discover that Nannan and Lord Yuyang had been up talking all night, and Ye Xiudu had already taken Nannan to school in his carriage, coaxing him with a Night Guard badge. Annoyed, Yu Qingluo ordered a carriage for herself. Princess Xiangxiang, informed by her subordinate Lengfeng that Lord Yuyang had registered as Nannan's father, grew furious.

Believing Yu Qingluo was manipulating the situation, she prepared to confront her with an imperial whip. At the school gates, Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu watched as Nannan, proudly displaying his Night Guard badge, happily interacted with his new classmates, gaining their admiration. Yu Qingluo was surprised and impressed. However, Princess Xiangxiang soon arrived, accusing Yu Qingluo of lying and trying to freeload at Prince Ye's Mansion.

Ye Xiudu intervened, telling Princess Xiangxiang that his family matters were none of her concern. Yu Qingluo retorted, suggesting Princess Xiangxiang was simply jealous and offering to prescribe medicine for her "eye disease." Enraged, Princess Xiangxiang attempted to strike Yu Qingluo with her imperial whip, but Ye Xiudu swiftly cut the whip in half. At that moment, Eunuch Yu arrived with an imperial decree. Princess Xiangxiang anticipated it would punish Yu Qingluo for her insolence.

To her shock, the decree instead praised the mysterious doctor for her skillful healing of Minister Ye Haoran, rewarding her with 1,000 taels of gold, appointing her as the Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, and bestowing upon her Qingnang Pavilion, a lavish mansion at No. 1 Xiyumen Street. Yu Qingluo accepted the decree. Princess Xiangxiang, dumbfounded, could only watch as Ye Xiudu instructed Mo Xian to escort her back to the palace.

Before leaving, Princess Xiangxiang threatened Yu Qingluo, vowing to make her pay twice over, to which Yu Qingluo defiantly replied, "Whenever you want." Later that night, Yu Qingluo, holding the jade pendant that was her only remaining token from seven years ago, pondered how to approach Ye Xiudu about its true origins. Ye Xiudu appeared, and as he began to express his affections, Li Zifan arrived, requesting to see Yu Qingluo about Nannan's biological father.

Li Zifan revealed that his investigation showed the jade pendant was stolen from Prince Ye's Mansion seven years prior, "before" Yu Qingluo became pregnant with Nannan. Therefore, the jade pendant could not prove Ye Xiudu was Nannan's biological father. Troubled by this news, Yu Qingluo confronted Ye Xiudu with the jade. Ye Xiudu recognized it as the one lost by his family seven years ago, confirming that Yu Qingluo's assumption about him being Nannan's father was a misunderstanding.

He then pressed her, asking if her feelings for him were merely "fake" because of this misunderstanding. Overwhelmed and needing time to process the revelation, Yu Qingluo fled, leaving Ye Xiudu to ponder her emotional state. The next day, Jin Liuli attempted to comfort a despondent Yu Qingluo, asking if she truly liked Ye Xiudu. Yu Qingluo admitted that if she didn't, she wouldn't be so conflicted.

Jin Liuli realized Yu Qingluo was worried about Nannan's desire for his biological father. Knowing Nannan's fondness for Ye Xiudu, Jin Liuli suggested using fried spicy chicken as a way to subtly gauge Nannan's feelings about the situation. Yu Qingluo, taking the advice, prepared two pieces of fried spicy chicken for Nannan. However, Nannan returned home with a furious mother of a classmate, who accused Yu Qingluo of failing to discipline her child and showed off her son's bruised eyes.

Nannan defiantly declared that his classmate deserved the beating and that he had done nothing wrong. Angered, Yu Qingluo punished Nannan with a ruler. After Nannan ran off, Luo Hanguo explained the full story: Nannan's classmates had been mocking him and Yu Qingluo, spreading rumors that they were freeloading at Prince Ye's Mansion and that Nannan was a "fatherless wild child" pretending to be Lord Yuyang's son. Yu Qingluo immediately regretted her actions and went to Nannan's room.

She tenderly applied medicine to the wounds on his small hands and apologized for misunderstanding him. Nannan, holding back tears, confessed that while he liked Ye Xiudu, he wasn't his real father, and he didn't want his mother to be subjected to criticism from others. He reiterated his desire to find his true father. Understanding Nannan's pain, Yu Qingluo promised they would move to Qingnang Pavilion the following day.

Luo Hanguo, lamenting his own misfortune, complained that his love letter to Mo Xian, written with his friend's help, had been ineffective and that Mo Xian had ignored him. The newly acquired Qingnang Pavilion was beautifully decorated and situated in a pleasant environment, delightful to everyone.

Nannan was ecstatic, eagerly claiming a room of his own and listing his requirements: it had to be near the dining hall for easy access to fried spicy chicken, have a training ground, a study, and a weapon cabinet. Yu Qingluo indulged him, allowing him to choose freely. Meanwhile, Ye Xiudu diligently prepared for the Four Nations Competition, his archery skills visibly improving with constant practice.

Mo Xian reported that Yu Zuolin was conspicuously purchasing large quantities of Yuqiu grass and Guizhi grass. Despite these herbs having general health benefits, Ye Xiudu suspected foul play and ordered Mo Xian to continue surveillance. Mo Xian also informed him that Yu Qingluo and Nannan had moved to Qingnang Pavilion, leaving behind only the jade pendant. Ye Xiudu remained silent, letting out a quiet sigh.

Later, feeling restless in Qingnang Pavilion, Yu Qingluo found herself still thinking of Ye Xiudu. He soon appeared, confronting her and acknowledging her silence as an answer. He then gently blindfolded her and carried her to a hidden room. Unveiling her eyes, Yu Qingluo discovered a vast collection of medicinal herbs and plants. Ye Xiudu revealed this to be Luoye Garden, a dedicated pharmacy he had prepared specifically for her, far exceeding the collection on Yaowang Island.

He detailed his plans for their future home within Luoye Garden, including soundproof windows to alleviate her fear of thunder, a master bedroom for them, and a specially designed room for Nannan, complete with all his desired amenities and a personal cook for fried spicy chicken. He presented her with a newly crafted jade pendant, an identical replacement for her broken "joyful on the branches" one, intended as a protective charm.

However, this gesture only intensified Yu Qingluo's internal conflict, reigniting the words of Li Zifan about the jade pendant not proving paternity and Nannan's heartfelt plea for his biological father. She refused the new jade, explaining that "the original matching one is still the most suitable" and that "such differences are only temporary; problems will arise over time, and people's hearts are the same."

Ye Xiudu, sensing her rejection, asked if her feelings for him were all "wishful thinking" on his part. Yu Qingluo confirmed, stating that she had only acknowledged their relationship because she mistakenly believed he was Nannan's biological father. With the truth revealed, she declared that they must "go our separate ways," leaving a heartbroken and stunned Ye Xiudu unable to speak.

Episode 9 Recap

Yu Qingluo turned her back on Ye Xiudu and walked away, while Ye Xiudu helplessly lowered his hand, his eyes red. He tried to offer her a new jade pendant, but Yu Qingluo refused it, asserting that the original was always the most fitting and that while they might seem the same initially, problems would arise over time, just like with the human heart.

Ye Xiudu dismissed this as an excuse, vowing that he could care for her and Nan Nan better than the boy’s biological father. Yu Qingluo retorted that his was merely wishful thinking and confirmed that any feelings between them were solely her own wishful thinking, stemming from her mistaken belief that he was Nan Nan’s father. Since that fact was now disproven, they had to go their separate ways.

Later, Jin Liuli found Yu Qingluo, who was hiding her emotions but still appeared distraught. Jin Liuli asked if she regretted what she had said, to which Yu Qingluo replied that she was not to be underestimated and felt relieved returning to her carefree state from Zuimeng City. However, Jin Liuli observed Yu Qingluo's furrowed brow, indicating she was still preoccupied with finding clues about Nan Nan's father. Yu Qingluo revealed that they had overlooked a critical person.

Meanwhile, Ye Xiudu vented his frustration through strenuous training, even losing focus during a spar with Ye Haoran. Ye Haoran noted that Ye Xiudu’s emotional state was making him careless, exposing his weakness to his opponents. He cautioned Ye Xiudu to calm down for the upcoming pledge match and to resolve his issues with Yu Qingluo. Ye Xiudu, however, remained confident, stating that failure was not in his vocabulary.

Yu Qingluo decided that Yu Zuolin was the key figure in her mysterious memories and sought a way to make him appear. Just then, Li Zifan arrived with an invitation for the Four Kingdom Contest's pledge match. He explained that the winner of the contest would be promoted to Grand General, a title Yu Zuolin would surely covet. Seizing the opportunity, Jin Liuli proposed a plan to help Yu Qingluo get close to Yu Zuolin during the match.

The next day, during the pledge match, Ye Xiudu secured an easy victory, emerging as the champion. As soon as the match concluded, he searched for Yu Qingluo. Meanwhile, Princess Xiangxiang, pleased that Yu Qingluo had moved out of the prince's mansion, believed her rival could no longer compete for Ye Xiudu’s affection. When Ye Xiudu approached, Princess Xiangxiang mistakenly thought he was looking for her and assumed an embroidered ball he held was for her.

She enthusiastically accepted it and then tried to give him a congratulatory gift. However, Ye Xiudu quickly clarified that the embroidered ball was intended for Yu Qingluo, not her, much to the princess's dismay. Jin Liuli and Li Zifan had already put their plan into action. Jin Liuli intentionally bumped into Yu Zuolin’s wife, Li Ranran, while disguised as a clumsy maid.

Li Ranran, annoyed by the maid's carelessness, was about to scold her when Jin Liuli claimed to be Princess Xiangxiang's personal maid. Not daring to offend the princess, Li Ranran merely expressed her displeasure. Li Zifan then intervened, offering Li Ranran clean clothes and escorting her away to change, thus clearing the path. Yu Qingluo, using Jin Liuli’s disguise technique and Voice Imitation, transformed into Li Ranran and entered Yu Zuolin's tent.

Yu Zuolin inquired about the amber grass and sawgrass, which Yu Qingluo confirmed were ready. She skillfully steered the conversation toward Han Jiangxue's pregnancy, hinting at a possible scandal. Yu Zuolin vehemently denied any involvement with Han Jiangxue, explaining that he had arranged for a philanderer to disgrace her, but the plan failed, yet she became pregnant afterward. He admitted he did not know who Nan Nan's biological father was.

Just as Yu Qingluo’s Voice Imitation began to fail after half an hour, Ye Xiudu unexpectedly arrived, creating a diversion. He entered the tent, taunted Yu Zuolin about his previous defeat, and challenged him to win the upcoming Four Kingdom Contest, ensuring that Yu Qingluo could discreetly leave. Once the real Li Ranran returned, Yu Zuolin realized he had been tricked and immediately dispatched guards to capture the "maid" he suspected was involved in the deception (Jin Liuli).

Ye Haoran spotted Jin Liuli trying to escape the guards and brought her into a tent, wrongly suspecting she was trying to steal Yu Qingluo's medical books. To ensure her escape and maintain secrecy, Jin Liuli knocked him out. Alone with the real Li Ranran, Yu Zuolin speculated that Han Jiangxue was trying to uncover Nan Nan's paternity because she was suffering from Soul-lost disease and had forgotten her past.

Li Ranran informed him that her father had ordered the planting of the Tianzhu tree, which had already bloomed. Li Ranran then proposed a plan to Yu Zuolin: to use the illness caused by the Tianzhu flower, which was now spreading across the city, as an opportunity. She suggested her father report to the Monarch, pushing for Yu Qingluo to be put in charge of curing the widespread illness.

If Yu Qingluo failed to cure the disease within a strict timeframe, her medical books, including the "Shennong Pharmacopoeia," would be confiscated and fall into Yu Zuolin’s hands, allowing them to complete the "five-grass powder." Meanwhile, Ye Xiudu confronted Yu Qingluo about her dangerous actions, expressing deep worry. He offered to help her find Nan Nan's father, promising to compete fairly for her affection once the father was found.

Yu Qingluo, however, insisted on handling it herself, explaining that Nan Nan suffered immensely from not knowing his father and that she, as a mother, was willing to take any risk for him. Their conversation was interrupted by Luo Hanguo, who rushed in with news that Nan Nan had fallen ill with typhoid fever. Yu Qingluo went to prepare medicine, while both Li Zifan and Ye Xiudu vied to care for the sick boy, eventually falling asleep by his side.

The next morning, Yu Qingluo found Ye Xiudu and Li Zifan huddled around Nan Nan, covering him too heavily, and playfully scolded them. Later, while Ye Xiudu was out buying food, he noticed many people in the city exhibiting rashes, indicating a wider outbreak. Soon after, a royal edict arrived at Qingnang Pavilion, ordering Yu Qingluo to cure the city's typhoid patients within three days. Despite Jin Liuli’s concerns about the tight deadline, Yu Qingluo reluctantly accepted the decree.

Princess Xiangxiang, hearing the news, met with Li Ranran, who fueled her resentment against Yu Qingluo, implying that this task might be Yu Qingluo's downfall. Yu Qingluo discovered a rash on Nan Nan’s hand, a symptom not detailed in her medical texts. Ye Xiudu recalled a historical account of soldiers suffering a similar illness during a winter campaign at Tongmu Pass, which led to their defeat. He suggested looking for more information in the Imperial Medical Bureau's forbidden historical records.

Yu Qingluo cautioned that such an act was a felony. But Ye Xiudu, determined to help, declared he had a plan and would go alone, telling Yu Qingluo to wait. He secretly infiltrated the Imperial Medical Bureau library. Upon opening a relevant scroll, he suddenly felt dizzy and weak, realizing he might have contracted the rash-inducing illness. Yu Qingluo arrived shortly after, and as a mysterious mist emanated from the book, they covered their mouths and noses.

Soldiers pursued them, but a commotion outside the door momentarily distracted the guards. Ye Xiudu, increasingly disoriented, eventually collapsed onto Yu Qingluo’s shoulder as they tried to escape through the thick mist. Unbeknownst to them, Princess Xiangxiang's subordinates had spotted Ye Xiudu and were following him.

Episode 10 Recap

Ye Xiudu collapsed into Yu Qingluo's arms, suffering from the same rash as Nan Nan. Yu Qingluo quickly prepared an antidote using a dossier Ye Xiudu had retrieved. She explained that the rash was caused by Tianzhu flowers. Decades ago, Tianzhu flowers blooming at the same time as a warm southern wind caused a large-scale outbreak in Dongmuguan that incapacitated an army.

Ye Xiudu recalled that the Prime Minister, who was Li Ranran's father, had transplanted many Tianzhu trees to the capital to please the Empress Dowager and wondered if Yu Zuolin was behind it. Yu Qingluo assured Ye Xiudu that Nan Nan was fine after receiving the ointment. She then revealed that the dossier also mentioned the Tianzhu flower rash could be passed between parents and children, giving her an opportunity to find Nan Nan's biological father.

She told Ye Xiudu to focus on his training for the Four Kingdom Contest and stay out of her search, but gave him the ointment for his own rash. Yu Qingluo opened a clinic at Fulong Inn to treat the widespread rash. Commandant Zhang, authorized by the Emperor, announced the consultation's start. Ye Haoran found Ye Xiudu still outside, wondering why he wasn't helping Yu Qingluo.

Ye Xiudu explained that Yu Qingluo had pushed him away, fearing she couldn't promise him a future, and he didn't want to pressure her. Ye Haoran urged him to show his determination in finding Nan Nan's father. Meanwhile, Jin Liuli, assisting Yu Qingluo, felt Ye Haoran was constantly watching her, suspicious she was after the "Shennong Pharmacopoeia." Ye Haoran, indeed, believed Jin Liuli was feigning loyalty to steal the medical book and resolved to keep a close eye on her.

Ye Xiudu gave Yu Qingluo a half jade pendant, believing it would help her find Nan Nan's father, affirming his sincere desire to help. As Yu Qingluo displayed the jade pendant to patients, an antique dealer tried to buy it, but Jin Liuli quickly shooed him away. Princess Xiangxiang and Li Ranran watched the thriving clinic with annoyance, with Li Ranran encouraging the princess not to give up.

Later, Commandant Zhang, accompanied by Princess Xiangxiang, accused Yu Qingluo of misdiagnosing several high-ranking officials, including Vice Minister Li and his son, Lin Jong, Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall, He Huanzhi, Chief Minister of the Court of the Imperial Banquets, and Royal Uncle Tao, all of whom had suffered relapses. Princess Xiangxiang ordered Yu Qingluo's arrest, but Li Zifan tried to intervene.

Ye Xiudu stepped forward, reminding Commandant Zhang that Yu Qingluo had one day left of the three-day imperial decree. He offered his personal guarantee for Yu Qingluo, promising to accept the same punishment if the truth was not found by tomorrow. Commandant Zhang reluctantly agreed. Yu Qingluo suspected Princess Xiangxiang's involvement but believed someone more cunning was manipulating her. Ye Xiudu insisted on joining the investigation, stating they were "on the same side."

They split up, with Yu Qingluo investigating the medicinal herbs, while Ye Xiudu and Li Zifan looked into the patients' movements. Nan Nan attempted to play detective, making deductions about a "culprit" who had tampered with the medicine, only for Yu Qingluo to reveal she was the one who had accidentally made the "marks" he found. She clarified that investigating the herb residue was a dead end.

After compiling a list of the patients' whereabouts, they discovered that several of them had all visited the Qin Restaurant. At the Qin Restaurant, they investigated and, after hearing a sudden noise and briefly hiding to avoid detection, discovered that shanqingzi, a colorless, non-toxic substance with a faint aroma, had been mixed into the well water. Ye Xiudu's palms began to itch after touching the water, confirming the contamination.

While beneficial for normal circulation, it caused severe reactions in rash patients. Yu Qingluo deduced that the poisoner was likely from Jiangnan, where shanqingzi was commonly used for warmth on boats, making it rare in the interior. Mo Xian reported that a luthier named Gu Yebai, who fit their criteria, had been seen near the well the previous night and was likely at his home by the Chaobai River.

Li Zifan volunteered to apprehend him, while Ye Xiudu decided to visit the black market for further leads, taking an antidote from Yu Qingluo for his rash. Meanwhile, Yu Qingluo's four guards prepared to take the blame for her if she was imprisoned, recalling her past kindness to them. Yu Qingluo refused, instructing them to care for Nan Nan if anything happened to her.

As the deadline approached, Jin Liuli grew anxious, but Yu Qingluo calmly continued preparing the antidote for distribution. Ye Haoran continued to shadow Jin Liuli, despite her protests that she was Yu Qingluo's loyal sister. Ye Haoran, still convinced she sought the "Shennong Pharmacopoeia," was determined to make her "mend her ways," to which Jin Liuli responded by kicking him. Li Zifan returned without Gu Yebai, leaving Yu Qingluo to accept her fate.

Jin Liuli urged Yu Qingluo to flee, but Yu Qingluo refused, saying she couldn't hide forever with Nan Nan and entrusted her son's care to Jin Liuli. Commandant Zhang returned to the inn, demanding results. Li Zifan reported that Gu Yebai had poisoned the well. Princess Xiangxiang, however, demanded Gu Yebai's presence as proof. With no suspect in custody, she insisted on arresting Yu Qingluo, who calmly agreed to go.

Just then, Gu Yebai appeared, proclaiming Yu Qingluo's innocence and identifying Lengfeng as the true culprit. Princess Xiangxiang accused Gu Yebai of conspiring with Yu Qingluo and ordered his arrest, but Ye Xiudu intervened with evidence. He brought Wen, the medicine seller, who identified Lengfeng as the buyer of the shanqingzi. Ye Xiudu also produced physical evidence found in Lengfeng's belongings. Cornered, Lengfeng inadvertently revealed his guilt by naming shanqingzi before it had been mentioned.

He then confessed that he had acted alone, wanting to "teach the mysterious doctor a lesson" for "bullying" Princess Xiangxiang. Commandant Zhang arrested Lengfeng, resolving the crisis. Ye Xiudu warned Princess Xiangxiang that her actions could lead to severe consequences from the Emperor. Yu Qingluo thanked Ye Xiudu and Gu Yebai for clearing her name. Gu Yebai then addressed Yu Qingluo as "Jiangxue," shocking her, Ye Xiudu, and Li Zifan.

Yu Qingluo later told Jin Liuli that Gu Yebai claimed to be Nan Nan's biological father. Jin Liuli was skeptical, finding his story "too true" and perfectly made up. Yu Qingluo, also doubtful, housed Gu Yebai in a guest room. Gu Yebai recounted his story to Yu Qingluo: seven years ago, at a banquet, he, a musician, saved "Han Jiangxue" from an attack orchestrated by her husband, Yu Zuolin, who wanted to disgrace her to marry the Prime Minister's daughter.

Half a month later, they reunited at the Qin Restaurant, where he was injured by two ruffians, and she nursed him. They spent a passionate night together, which led to her pregnancy with Nan Nan. He claimed she wanted to secretly give birth to their child, but Yu Zuolin framed her for adultery and had her thrown into the Chaobai River, where he failed to save her.

He lost his will to live until he saw her again at the consultation. Yu Qingluo had no memory of these events and wondered if her past self would have been interested in someone like him. Jin Liuli suggested Yu Qingluo was simply accustomed to Ye Xiudu's type now. Jin Liuli, at Yu Qingluo's request, decided to test Gu Yebai's sincerity.

She confronted him in his room with a knife, but Gu Yebai, recognizing her, disarmed her with his astute observations about her "strong shell" hiding a "hidden story" of "affection" and loneliness. Jin Liuli left his room, strangely convinced and touched by his words.

As she reported back to Yu Qingluo that Gu Yebai was indeed Nan Nan's father, Ye Xiudu and Li Zifan, who had been playing Go and betting on Jin Liuli's success, were astonished by her swift change of heart. Ye Xiudu, determined to uncover the truth about Gu Yebai, decided to confront him himself. Before Ye Xiudu could act, Nan Nan approached the guest room, asserting that he would not allow another man to live in the Qingnang Pavilion and would uncover the truth.

Episode 11 Recap

Nan Nan entered the room to confront Gu Yebai, but Gu Yebai, observing Nan Nan's stubbornness, chose to draw him a portrait as a mighty hero. This delighted Nan Nan, and Gu Yebai further endeared himself by presenting Nan Nan with beautiful new clothes. Nan Nan, proudly displaying his new "Mr. Qingnan" outfit, asked Yu Qingluo if "Uncle Bai" could stay longer. Ye Xiudu immediately declared the clothes "No," while Li Zifan opposed "Uncle Bai" staying longer.

Yu Qingluo, annoyed by their interference, led them away. Recognizing Gu Yebai's unusual charm after he so easily won over Nan Nan, Ye Xiudu and Li Zifan decided to feign hospitality while secretly investigating him, agreeing to "steady him first, and then try to investigate the thing secretly. We'll split up. We'll figure out his real aim."

Meanwhile, Ye Haoran continued his attempts to "save" Jin Liuli from her current life, but his efforts only earned him more beatings and scolding from her. Returning to the Prince Ye's Mansion, Ye Xiudu questioned Ye Haoran about the footprint on his back. Separately, Jin Liuli confided in Yu Qingluo, revealing her complicated history with Ye Haoran. More than six years prior, she had accepted a mission from the Xiuluo Sect to steal the Shennong Pharmacopoeia from the Ye family.

Her initial approach as a unique dancer in a brothel failed to sway Ye Haoran, who generously offered to redeem her freedom, stating he saw "the pureness in your eye" and didn't want her to suffer, while maintaining he couldn't marry until his ambition was achieved. Changing tactics, Jin Liuli disguised herself as a male scholar and "accidentally" encountered Ye Haoran at the academy.

Despite her initial illiteracy, Ye Haoran patiently tutored her, even punishing her for mistakes with a ruler, much to her secret frustration as a "top killer" being taught by a mere scholar. After two months, she became good friends with him, gaining free access to the Prince Ye's Mansion. Her attempt to steal the book, however, triggered a mechanism, and Ye Haoran appeared to save her.

He admitted he had known her true intentions all along but had come to genuinely regard her as a friend, hence he allowed her to leave without consequence. Ye Xiudu, hearing this, realized Jin Liuli was the assassin from six years ago, questioning why Ye Haoran now distrusted her despite letting her go then. Ye Haoran explained he still saw "pureness in her eye" but couldn't trust her words.

Though he denied having feelings for Jin Liuli, his reluctance to answer suggested otherwise. Simultaneously, Jin Liuli confessed her affection for Ye Haoran to Yu Qingluo, lamenting that he still saw her as "an evil person" and remarking on the stark difference between the Ye brothers.

Ye Xiudu advised Ye Haoran to persist in "influencing her" to win her trust, while Yu Qingluo suggested Jin Liuli "play it by ear" and take the initiative to make Ye Haoran fall for her as he continued to "influence" her. Ye Xiudu, still deeply suspicious of Gu Yebai's presence, worried that his identity might be forged and Yu Zuolin could be manipulating him due to Yu Qingluo's past memory loss.

He had already sent Mo Xian to investigate Gu Yebai, and Mo Xian reported that Gu Yebai was indeed a zither player with "clean" background, no martial arts skills, and no bad habits apart from an "addiction to alcohol." Ye Xiudu, however, insisted that "His identity and background can be forged," reiterating his belief that Gu Yebai was "not that simple." One night, Ye Xiudu observed Gu Yebai carrying a tray of mysterious items.

The next morning, Nan Nan, excited about "Uncle Bai," spoke incessantly about Gu Yebai's drawings. After Yu Qingluo finally got Nan Nan to sleep, Gu Yebai entered, offering homemade tonics for Nan Nan's upcoming exam. Seeing Nan Nan was asleep, Gu Yebai took Yu Qingluo to a high point in the mountains. There, Yu Qingluo recalled the day Ye Xiudu had confessed his love and given her a jade pendant, unconsciously smiling at the memory.

Both Ye Xiudu, who had been secretly following them, and Gu Yebai misinterpreted her smile as being for Gu Yebai. Gu Yebai then proposed a date at Qin Restaurant the following day. Later, Jin Liuli, observing Yu Qingluo's reluctance about the date, advised her, "You refused Ye Xiudu for the sake of Nan Nan. . . For the sake of Nan Nan, you can have another try, can't you?" Yu Qingluo, for Nan Nan's sake, agreed.

The next day, Ye Xiudu and Li Zifan, disguised, also went to Qin Restaurant. Gu Yebai played "the Song of Courtship" on a Raoliang Zheng for Yu Qingluo, stirring memories of Ye Xiudu playing the same tune for her. Unable to tolerate Gu Yebai's overt display of affection, Li Zifan and Ye Xiudu joined in on their own instruments, creating a discordant racket that caused Gu Yebai's zither string to snap. Infuriated guests then attacked Gu Yebai.

Yu Qingluo, anxious, urged Ye Xiudu and Li Zifan to intervene. Ye Xiudu eventually called Mo Xian, who arrived with officers. The attackers quickly confessed that Gu Yebai had hired them to "play the scene" and beat him up. Gu Yebai then admitted to Yu Qingluo that he had orchestrated the incident to "replay the scene of what happened to us that year" hoping it would stimulate her to recall her memories.

Angry at his bizarre "surprise," Yu Qingluo brought Gu Yebai back to Qingnang Pavilion to tend to his injuries. After applying medicine to Gu Yebai's wounds, Yu Qingluo emerged to find Ye Xiudu and Li Zifan still eavesdropping. She confirmed that Gu Yebai was not an associate of Yu Zuolin and had no interest in the Shennong Pharmacopoeia, asserting that she had already tested him on the matter.

Gu Yebai, when shown the legendary book, acknowledged its fame but dismissed the myth of "bringing the dead back to life" as mere fabrication. He saw the book as a source of good fortune, as it had led him to reunite with Yu Qingluo and Nan Nan, and he hoped it would bless them to "never be separated in the future."

She asked him where to store the book securely, and he deferred the decision to her, stating she was the one who could "make the best of the book and let it benefit all the people." Yu Qingluo informed Ye Xiudu and Li Zifan of her decision: in three days, on Nan Nan's birthday, she would arrange for Gu Yebai and Nan Nan to acknowledge their father-son relationship.

Despite Li Zifan's concern that she was "rushing into making this decision" and not considering her own happiness, Yu Qingluo remained firm, explaining she sought to give Nan Nan a complete family. Reluctantly, Ye Xiudu and Li Zifan agreed to attend.

Later, when a servant withheld preserved fruits from Nan Nan, saying Yu Qingluo worried he'd lose his teeth, Gu Yebai intervened, assuring Nan Nan that teeth loss was natural for his age, regardless of sweets, and offered him more preserved fruits. Hearing Yu Qingluo's decision, Ye Xiudu immediately retreated to his room and began intently writing.

Ye Haoran found him, revealing Ye Xiudu was crafting a replica of "the masterpiece which isn't handed down of the divine craftsman, Mr. Excellence, Meng Ban"—a skill he learned after saving Meng Ban's life—all as a special gift for Nan Nan's birthday. Later, Ye Haoran voiced concerns to Ye Xiudu about Yu Zuolin's unusual inactivity before the upcoming Four-Kingdom Contest. Ye Xiudu assured him that the Night Guard was closely monitoring Yu Zuolin and he would thwart any schemes.

Episode 12 Recap

Gu Yebai played a mesmerizing tune in the courtyard, and Yu Qingluo found herself deeply immersed, feeling her blood flow accelerate. She praised the music, and Gu Yebai explained that it was a culmination of his years of learning string instruments, aiming to connect emotions through tonality and make the listener feel present. He revealed he composed the piece for Nan Nan, intending it as a surprise for his upcoming birthday party. Yu Qingluo expressed her gratitude.

Suddenly, a subordinate arrived with urgent news for Gu Yebai. He quickly excused himself from Yu Qingluo, stating there was an issue with Nan Nan's birthday gift that he needed to personally inspect. He assured her he would return swiftly, and Yu Qingluo, feeling uneasy, secretly followed him. She arrived at Prince Ye's Mansion and witnessed Ye Xiudu strike Gu Yebai. Rushing forward, Yu Qingluo furiously confronted Ye Xiudu, accusing him of violence.

Ye Xiudu urged her to understand the situation before blaming him, but Gu Yebai interjected, claiming it was merely his own carelessness. Yu Qingluo, having seen the initial blow, stood her ground, telling Ye Xiudu to direct his anger at her and not involve innocent people. Ye Xiudu, hurt by her immediate assumption, asked if she truly saw him as such an unreasonable person.

Yu Qingluo, however, declared their relationship severed and instructed him not to attend Nan Nan's birthday celebration. She then led Gu Yebai away. Back at her residence, Yu Qingluo questioned Gu Yebai about his visit to Prince Ye's Mansion. Gu Yebai claimed that Ye Xiudu had invited him alone and belittled him, asserting that as a mere musician without martial arts or power, he could not provide true happiness to Yu Qingluo and Nan Nan, regardless of his pure heart.

Gu Yebai further lamented that his current lowly status made him unworthy of Yu Qingluo, and that Nan Nan would likely be ashamed of a father like him. Yu Qingluo, believing his story, reassured him that power and status were secondary to a sincere heart, and neither she nor Nan Nan cared about his background. She urged him to focus on preparing Nan Nan's birthday gift, promising to handle all other matters.

Gu Yebai then suggested holding Nan Nan's birthday party at Qin Restaurant. On Nan Nan's birthday, Ye Xiudu was noticeably absent. When Nan Nan eagerly asked for "Ye," Yu Qingluo explained that he had other commitments and might not be able to attend, leaving Nan Nan visibly disappointed. Gu Yebai then presented Nan Nan with several paintings and began to play a composition he titled "Records of Hero Nan."

As he played, the music had a strange effect, and soon, everyone present appeared to fall unconscious at their tables. Yu Zuolin, along with his men, then entered Qin Restaurant. Yu Zuolin had previously discussed his plans with Gu Yebai, who had assured him of Yu Qingluo's trust and his intention to deliver both her and the medical book in three days.

Yu Zuolin had made it clear he aimed to publicly defeat Ye Xiudu at the Four-Kingdom Contest, not secretly eliminate him, to solidify his position as the premier general. Now, seeing Yu Qingluo seemingly incapacitated, Yu Zuolin drew his blade, ready to strike. At that moment, Ye Xiudu's men swiftly covered all the windows with dark curtains.

In the ensuing darkness, Ye Xiudu single-handedly fought off ten of Yu Zuolin's men, ultimately pinning Yu Zuolin with a blade to his neck. As the lights returned, Yu Qingluo and the others stood up, much to the confusion of Yu Zuolin and Gu Yebai. Yu Qingluo revealed that their plan had been exposed, sarcastically thanking Gu Yebai for his "self-cleverness" in involving Ye Xiudu, which ultimately led to his undoing.

She recounted how the "strike" from Ye Xiudu, which she had witnessed, caused Gu Yebai to involuntarily use his inner force to deflect the blow, exposing his earlier lie about possessing no martial arts. When Gu Yebai accused them of colluding, Yu Qingluo revealed that they had investigated his gifts and found that the ink in his paintings contained Qingmo, a colorless and odorless narcotic/sedative.

She explained that Gu Yebai had used his music to vibrate and disperse the powdered ink into the air, while his two henchmen's music accelerated the victims' blood circulation, intending to cause a silent demise for everyone. However, everyone had taken antidotes and were merely feigning unconsciousness. Nan Nan had been given preserved fruit containing a tranquilizer to ensure he remained safely asleep during the ensuing confrontation. Gu Yebai, outmaneuvered, conceded that it was a clever trap.

Yu Qingluo then declared that Yu Zuolin would face judgment from the Emperor. Amidst the chaos, a mysterious assassin shot an arrow into the room, injuring Ye Haoran as he shielded Jin Liuli. Seizing the opportunity, Yu Zuolin managed to escape with the Shennong Pharmacopoeia. Gu Yebai, left behind, begged Yu Qingluo for mercy, invoking the time they had spent together.

Yu Qingluo feigned agreement, only to swiftly kill him, stating chillingly that she would spare no one who dared to harm Nan Nan. After the incident, Jin Liuli suggested that she, Ye Xiudu, and others should team up to kill Yu Zuolin immediately. However, Ye Xiudu warned that Yu Zuolin was extremely cautious and heavily guarded, making a covert assassination nearly impossible.

Li Zifan deduced that Yu Zuolin's primary motive for stealing the Shennong Pharmacopoeia was to concoct medicine to use against Ye Xiudu in the upcoming Four-Kingdom Contest. Yu Qingluo, combining information about amber grass and sawgrass that Yu Zuolin had inadvertently mentioned to her (when she was disguised as Li Ranran) with details about Yuqiu grass and Guizhi grass that the Night Guard uncovered, concluded that Yu Zuolin intended to create Sisha cream.

She described Sisha cream as a highly toxic substance that would make its victims appear to have a common cold, suffering from chills, fever, dizziness, and extreme weakness, rendering them completely incapable of combat for seven days. Moreover, if mixed into food or drink, it would poison victims silently, undetectable even by skilled physicians. Ye Haoran expressed concern that Yu Zuolin might use Sisha cream during the Four-Kingdom Contest to defeat Ye Xiudu, claim victory, and suppress the Ye family.

In response, Ye Xiudu ordered Mo Xian to immediately seal off the martial training field for closed training and heightened precautions to thwart Yu Zuolin's plans. Elsewhere, Yu Zuolin entrusted the Shennong Pharmacopoeia to a subordinate, instructing them to produce "five-grass powder" to aid his grand scheme. Nan Nan, still upset from his "ruined" birthday, complained to Yu Qingluo that it was the worst one he had ever experienced.

Monkfruit had informed him that Gu Yebai was responsible for his broken tooth and inability to eat roast chicken because of all the preserved fruit Gu Yebai had given him (which also contained tranquilizer). To cheer him up, Ye Xiudu released Kongming lanterns.

When Nan Nan expressed a wish to fly higher and see them up close, Ye Xiudu surprised them by launching a "Flying Mushroom," a type of hot air balloon created by the divine craftsman, Mr. Excellence, Meng Ban. Nan Nan and Yu Qingluo were thrilled as they soared above the city, even higher than the lanterns. Nan Nan, ecstatic, declared it the best birthday he had experienced in six years.

Ye Xiudu encouraged him to make a wish, reminding him of a legend where throwing one's first fallen tooth at the moon could make wishes come true. Nan Nan made his wish. Later, Nan Nan shared his wish with Yu Qingluo: to grow up quickly and protect his mom. He recounted how Monkfruit had told him about Gu Yebai impersonating his father and mistreating Yu Qingluo.

Nan Nan had decided he didn't need a father, as he was perfectly happy with his mom, Aunt Jin, Monkfruit, and now "Ye" (Ye Xiudu) by his side. He vowed to protect Yu Qingluo and ensure her happiness. After Nan Nan was asleep, Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu had a candid conversation. Yu Qingluo thanked him for bringing a blanket, noting the cold at such a high altitude.

She then playfully asked how they would land, to which Ye Xiudu admitted he wasn't entirely sure, but reassured her, based on his study of the "Flying Mushroom's" mechanics, that it would descend when its fuel ran out, or he could use his Qing Kung to fly them down. Yu Qingluo playfully scolded him for joking. They then discussed Nan Nan's earlier statement about not needing a father.

Yu Qingluo told Ye Xiudu that if he still wished to help Nan Nan find his biological father, she would support him, but she personally would no longer compete for that position. Ye Xiudu clarified that his feelings for her were separate from Nan Nan's search for a father, and that these two emotions should not be conflated.

He then returned the jade pendant he had given her, but Yu Qingluo insisted he keep it as a keepsake, should they be separated. Ye Xiudu urged her to be honest about her feelings and give them a chance, especially since Nan Nan had let go of his obsession to find his biological father. He suggested they become a couple first and tell Nan Nan when he was ready to accept it.

Yu Qingluo, quoting a poem from the Book of Songs, teased him about his "impersonal" and direct declaration of love. Ye Xiudu, unfazed, promised to demonstrate his sincerity by arranging a "perfect date" that would make even the stars dim in comparison. That evening, Jin Liuli was seen scolding Ye Haoran for drinking while his injury (sustained protecting her earlier) had not fully healed. Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu arrived, finding them eating hotpot.

Ye Xiudu took the opportunity to ask Yu Qingluo on a date for the following day, as he would soon begin his closed training. Just then, Nan Nan, awakened by the commotion, overheard the word "date" and asked if his mom was going out with someone again. To divert his suspicion, Yu Qingluo, with a subtle nod from Ye Xiudu, quickly stated that the date was for Jin Liuli and Ye Haoran.

Jin Liuli was delighted by this unexpected announcement, while Ye Haoran looked utterly surprised. Later, Ye Haoran complained to Ye Xiudu about being used as a "shield" to lie to Nan Nan. Ye Xiudu dismissed it as a "two birds with one stone" strategy, benefiting both of them. He then lectured Ye Haoran on the "unity of knowing and doing," urging him to "feel happiness" and "forget evil" by engaging Jin Liuli with genuine emotion, rather than just intellectual persuasion.

He further advised Ye Haoran not to be caught up on the word "date," as friends could also go on dates. Despite Ye Haoran's continued reluctance to deceive Nan Nan, Ye Xiudu insisted he simply cooperate, implying his date with Yu Qingluo was a foregone conclusion. The next morning, Nan Nan, in the backyard, was seen interacting with a little girl, engaging in playful banter about adopting a puppy he found and suggesting they become its parents.

He even spoke of having a baby and going to school together next year. Jin Liuli, however, intervened, telling Nan Nan by his full name, Yu Qingnan, to "let go of that girl." Observing Yu Qingluo and Jin Liuli dressed elegantly for the day, Jin Liuli commented that Ye Xiudu was deeply smitten with Yu Qingluo, and not even "little devil king Nan Nan" would be able to disrupt their plans this time.

Yu Qingluo sensed Jin Liuli's deeper meaning, and Jin Liuli revealed their "inside-out" strategy was a ruse to "divert the tiger from its mountain" (distract Nan Nan). Nan Nan, still confused by their elaborate attire, asked if they were going to perform in an opera, specifically "Zhu Yingtai chasing Liang Shanbo." He then questioned why Yu Qingluo was so dressed up if Jin Liuli was the one going on the date.

Yu Qingluo simply replied that she was just "acting" alongside Jin Liuli, implying their elegant appearance was meant to impress Ye Haoran. Nan Nan, however, still couldn't grasp the true nature of their deception.

Episode 13 Recap

The episode begins with Nan Nan, Ye Haoran, Jin Liuli, and Ye Xiudu sharing a carriage. Ye Xiudu offers a bouquet of forget-me-not flowers to Yu Qingluo, explaining it’s to make Ye Haoran feel less awkward about giving flowers. Nan Nan immediately claims the flowers, promising to carry them for his mother and reminding Ye Xiudu to never forget him and his mom.

Ye Haoran then presents Jin Liuli with a white pond lily, explaining its symbolism: to rise above the mud and embrace goodness. Enraged by his words, Jin Liuli hurls the flowers back at Ye Haoran, calling him an idiot. Jin Liuli, annoyed with the situation, decides to personally ensure Nan Nan is preoccupied. At Qin Restaurant, Jin Liuli reveals a special “chicken feast” where one chicken contains a lucky copper coin that grants a wish.

Nan Nan eagerly declares he will win the coin for Aunt Jin. Jin Liuli proposes a chicken-eating contest between Nan Nan and Ye Haoran, which Nan Nan confidently accepts, boasting his unparalleled chicken-eating skills (Yu Qingnan). While the contest commences, Ye Xiudu takes Yu Qingluo on a "unique and perfect date" to a pastry shop. He explains they will use kuoke beans, which Yu Qingluo once mentioned are used in Southeast Asia for a sweet treat that expresses romantic feelings.

He names their creation “Heart-to-Heart,” much to Yu Qingluo’s delight and admiration for his hidden talents. Back at the restaurant, Nan Nan eventually finds the lucky copper coin. Realizing Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu are gone, he deduces that the chicken feast was a “distract the tiger from its mountain lair” scheme. Using a tracking device, “Xiaobaihe,” he sets off to find his mother, despite Jin Liuli’s attempts to stop him.

At the pastry shop, as Ye Xiudu finishes preparing the “Heart-to-Heart” pastries and leans in for a kiss, Nan Nan bursts in, accusing Ye Xiudu of inappropriate behavior towards his "Shinao" (master's wife/mother). Yu Qingluo quickly explains they were making heart-shaped pastries as a surprise gift for Jin Liuli to give Ye Haoran. When Jin Liuli and Ye Haoran arrive, Nan Nan questions Jin Liuli about the surprise.

Ye Haoran felt it was time to tell Nan Nan the truth, but Jin Liuli, caught off guard, impulsively kisses Ye Haoran and declares it the surprise. Afterward, Yu Qingluo asks Jin Liuli about the kiss, who complains about the "smell of chicken" from Ye Haoran and denies any romantic feelings. Yu Qingluo then tells Jin Liuli to focus on Nan Nan, who is now closely following them.

Nan Nan, still upset about being tricked, insists on sleeping with Yu Qingluo. Yu Qingluo confides in Jin Liuli that Nan Nan is fiercely protective and preventing her and Ye Xiudu from being alone. Jin Liuli quickly excuses herself. Later, Ye Haoran confronts Ye Xiudu for sacrificing him during the date.

Ye Xiudu encourages Ye Haoran to be brave and honest about his feelings for Jin Liuli, revealing that he has already sought the King's permission to marry Yu Qingluo, conditional on winning the Four-Kingdom Contest trials. He emphasizes his genuine desire for a perfect date with Yu Qingluo before the trials.

Ye Haoran then turns the advice back on Ye Xiudu, asking if he experiences specific physical symptoms after kissing Jin Liuli, much like how Ye Xiudu felt for Yu Qingluo on Yaowang Island, urging him to face his feelings. Ye Haoran then finds Jin Liuli, presenting her with roses that he explains symbolize “sincere and unswerving love.” Jin Liuli wonders if he has finally had a breakthrough.

As Ye Haoran leans in, she anticipates a kiss, but he instead checks his pulse, counting aloud. He triumphantly declares his pulse doesn't indicate romantic feelings for her, and he hasn't developed lovesickness. Furious, Jin Liuli tells him to "get out" and throws the roses at him. That evening, Yu Qingluo discovers the courtyard filled with flower lanterns depicting her and Ye Xiudu’s shared memories.

Ye Xiudu embraces her, playfully calling himself a "lecher" who meticulously plans only for her, and assures her Nan Nan is asleep. They sit together to enjoy the “Heart-to-Heart” pastries. As their moment grows intimate, Nan Nan suddenly appears, questioning what they are doing alone "at midnight." They hastily explain they are discussing the Four-Kingdom Contest. Nan Nan points out the flower lanterns and paintings, which they claim are for reviewing past experiences.

They also describe the pastries as stimulating Yang and improving mental clarity for the contest. Nan Nan tries a pastry, finds it delicious, but sternly warns Ye Xiudu against any inappropriate actions towards his mother. Observing Nan Nan’s reaction, Ye Xiudu realizes Ye Haoran was right and decides it's better to be frank with Nan Nan than to keep hiding their relationship. The next day, Nan Nan, feeling energized by the Heart-to-Heart pastry, accompanies Ye Xiudu on a hunting trip.

Ye Xiudu teaches him how to hunt an eagle, and Nan Nan nearly succeeds. Ye Xiudu praises his skill, recalling his own first hunt at Nan Nan's age. Nan Nan vows to surpass Ye Xiudu and become the most powerful general. Meanwhile, Yu Qingluo goes to the training ground and learns from Mo Xian that Ye Xiudu and Nan Nan are hunting in the back mountains, so she goes to find them.

Nan Nan, enjoying roasted wild chicken prepared by Ye Xiudu, compliments his cooking and encourages him to win the upcoming contest against Yu Zuolin, mentioning he’s taken leave from his mentor to cheer him on. Ye Xiudu then carefully asks Nan Nan if he thinks his mother is happy, and if he could accept a decent, handsome, skilled, and truly loving man as his father, especially if that man also loves Nan Nan.

Nan Nan quickly realizes Ye Xiudu is referring to himself. Ye Xiudu confirms it, promising to treat Nan Nan even better than his biological father, explaining that while Nan Nan wants to protect his mother, Yu Qingluo also needs love and protection. Nan Nan demands to know when Ye Xiudu fell in love with his mother. Ye Xiudu states he vowed on Yaowang Island to marry only Yu Qingluo.

Heartbroken and enraged, Nan Nan misinterprets this as Ye Xiudu using him as "bait" to get close to his mother. He calls Ye Xiudu "disappointing" and dramatically declares their master-apprentice relationship over. Yu Qingluo and Han witness the emotional outburst. Yu Qingluo sends Han to follow Nan Nan, while Ye Xiudu laments rushing things. Yu Qingluo comforts him, assuring him that Nan Nan’s anger stems from how much he cares about Ye Xiudu, and that with time, he might understand.

She urges Ye Xiudu to focus on the upcoming trials, and he assures her that her presence gives him all the motivation and determination he needs. Yu Qingluo then announces her decision to participate in the contest as a medical officer. Ye Xiudu objects, citing the danger. Yu Qingluo explains she has given the antidote for Sisha cream to Mo Xian, neutralizing Yu Zuolin's initial plan.

She further reveals her strong personal motivation, stating she seeks revenge against Yu Zuolin for previously using Gu Yebai to impersonate Nan Nan's biological father, and insists on accompanying Ye Xiudu to assist and protect him. Ye Xiudu remains concerned, revealing that his Night Guard hasn't seen Yu Zuolin training, hinting at a hidden strategy. She gives Ye Xiudu a hand-stitched protective sachet containing heart-refreshing grass, which she says will help his hemophobia and ensure his safety during the trials.

Ye Xiudu is touched, notes it's her first gift, and vows to wear it always. He agrees to her participation on the condition that she stays by his side. Meanwhile, Yu Zuolin observes a subordinate who has taken the newly developed five-grass powder, noting a significant increase in their strength and speed. He is pleased and plans to use the powder to defeat the Night Guard.

On the day of the selection trials, Jin Liuli arrives, playfully teasing Ye Xiudu about being there to witness his failure, but he confidently declares his intent to win. Yu Qingluo mentions that Nan Nan, despite his earlier anger, was inquiring about the contest, showing he still cares. The rules are announced: Yu's troops and the Night Guard will start from the east and west of General Hill respectively, with ambushes and assassinations permitted.

The first team to find and claim the battle flag, located at a designated spot, will represent Fengcang Kingdom in the Four-Kingdom Contest. Participants receive tokens. Yu Zuolin and Ye Xiudu shake hands. Yu Zuolin taunts Ye Xiudu, suggesting General Hill will be his burial ground, to which Ye Xiudu retorts that Yu's troops will perish there. The trials officially begin.

A subordinate tries to persuade Nan Nan to watch, but Nan Nan refuses, saying he doesn't want to see his "disobedient apprentice" and hopes he loses, correcting himself that Ye Xiudu is no longer his apprentice. The subordinate notes Nan Nan spent the entire night complaining about Lord Yuyang (Ye Xiudu). Inside General Hill, Ye Xiudu, Yu Qingluo, Ye Haoran, and Mo Xian find themselves disoriented. Ye Haoran's compass is malfunctioning due to the hill being a mine.

Yu Qingluo identifies sun-shielding mushrooms, which prefer dark, damp places, to deduce they are on the north side of the hill. Mo Xian consults a map, confirming the battle flag is at the foot of the south side. As they prepare to head south, Yu Zuolin and his subordinates, enhanced by the five-grass powder, ambush them. Yu Zuolin declares that he finds killing more entertaining than a treasure hunt, stating he can find the flag later after killing them all. He orders his men to "kill them all."

Episode 14 Recap

Nan Nan awoke from a nightmare, crying out for his mother. Upon regaining his composure, he asked about the time and if Yu Qingluo and the others had returned, as the competition had already ended. Luo Hanguo informed him it was around 3 p. m. Luo Hanguo was retrieving wound-healing ointment, and Nan Nan anxiously inquired if his mother was injured.

Luo Hanguo reassured him that Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu were unharmed, but the rest of their companions had sustained injuries from Yu's troops. The contest had concluded in a draw, thanks to Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu's combined efforts to seize half of the battle flag from Yu Zuolin. Consequently, a play-off challenge competition was scheduled for the following day.

Mo Xian observed that the usual Night Guards' skilled fighters were absent, replaced by unfamiliar faces who were immune to Yu Qingluo's poison and possessed immense strength. Yu Qingluo suspected that someone else was helping Yu Zuolin produce the drugs his troops were consuming. Nan Nan, feigning indifference, remarked that he would "like to see him beaten by someone else" and predicted a difficult time for Ye Xiudu.

Yu Qingluo examined Mo Xian, discovering that he, like the other Night Guards, had severe internal injuries, rendering him unable to fight in the short term. Ye Xiudu declared that no injured individuals would participate in the upcoming challenge. Mo Xian offered to fight, but Ye Xiudu insisted he would be a burden, dismissing Mo Xian's self-blame for the Night Guard's first defeat in three years. Ye Xiudu found the Yu's troops' sudden surge in power "so weird."

Mo Xian added that the strong lead men, Guan Yang and Fan Zhong, were absent from Yu's troops, replaced by many unfamiliar faces, making him wonder where Yu Zuolin had found such powerful fighters. Yu Qingluo theorized that while new, strong fighters explained the power surge, it was abnormal that they were immune to her poison needles. Ye Xiudu confirmed Yu Zuolin's own unusually fierce palm strength.

Yu Qingluo concluded that the Yu's troops' extraordinary strength, swift movements, and speed suggested that the four herbs used to develop the "five-grass powder" were not intended as a weapon against them, but as a drug they consumed to enhance their combat abilities. She suspected a crucial herb was missing from their understanding of the medicine.

She believed that Yu Zuolin was merely a pawn, and the true mastermind behind the Shennong Pharmacopoeia and the powerful drugs was the chief of the Xiuluo Sect, who possessed actual medicinal knowledge. Ye Xiudu, emphasizing his own plan for the competition, reiterated his decision to exclude the injured.

Late into the night, Yu Qingluo was found by Ye Xiudu concocting medicines to counter Yu's troops, including enhanced tear gas powder, eye-stinging paste, and eye-blurring powder, which she promised would make them "enjoy them at one time." Concerned for her safety in the perilous challenge, Ye Xiudu tried to take her participation token, arguing her concoctions would only buy minimal time and he didn't want her to risk her life. A struggle ensued.

Nan Nan, overhearing from outside, was initially furious, believing Ye Xiudu was "bullying" his mother. Jin Liuli attempted to explain the complexities of arguments between couples. After Jin Liuli left, Ye Xiudu calmly explained to Nan Nan that he could not guarantee Yu Qingluo's safety against the significantly strengthened Yu's troops and was compelled to use this "last strategy" to put her to sleep.

He tenderly told Nan Nan that his mother, much like Nan Nan himself, also desired love and protection. Understanding Ye Xiudu's intentions, Nan Nan agreed not to wake his mother, but only if Ye Xiudu promised to take him to the competition. Ye Xiudu agreed, and Nan Nan, setting aside his anger, wrote a letter to Yu Qingluo to soothe her worries. The next morning, Yu Qingluo woke to find both Ye Xiudu and Nan Nan gone.

Jin Liuli offered comfort and soup, while Nan Nan's letter explained his understanding of Ye Xiudu's actions and his decision to accompany him to ensure victory. Annoyed by their independent choices, Yu Qingluo refocused her attention. She recalled Mo Xian's observation about the new, powerful fighters in Yu's troops replacing the expected strongmen. Her investigation revealed that many of these new recruits were listed in the mysterious doctors' consultation records, all having suffered from flower rash caused by Tianzhu flower.

This led her to a crucial realization: a physique easily infected with flower rash was the real reason these individuals were replaced, meaning Yu Zuolin's power-boosting medicine was incompatible with them. Therefore, the Tianzhu flower was likely the missing key herb. To turn the tide, Yu Qingluo decided they must travel to Sanmen Town, the Tianzhu flower planting base, where Yu Zuolin's pharmaceutical headquarters were likely located.

Calculating that the challenge would last one and a half hours and a round trip to Sanmen Town would take one hour, she decided they needed to depart immediately. At the competition venue, Nan Nan, Ye Haoran, and the three guards watched nervously. Luo Hanguo suggested cheering, but Nan Nan, though outwardly dismissive, silently prayed for Ye Xiudu. Li Zifan announced the three-round play-off rules: a victory is declared when one side falls and cannot get up.

Simultaneously, Yu Qingluo and Mo Xian arrived at the Tianzhu flower forest. Yu Qingluo observed that while the flowers remained unpicked, Mo Xian noted the remarkably few fallen leaves on the ground. Yu Qingluo concluded that the Tianzhu leaves, not the flowers, were the crucial herb, harvested because of their allergen content. Soon after, they spotted a group of men in black carrying Tianzhu leaves, confirming her suspicions that they were making medicine there.

Yu Qingluo, deeming a direct assault too risky for such a vital pharmaceutical base, presumed that Shuang Ke and other skilled fighters would be guarding it, necessitating a strategic, cunning approach. In the arena, Ye Xiudu commenced his fight. Ye Haoran and Nan Nan noticed Yu Zuolin's tactic of deploying only a few soldiers at a time, aiming to exhaust Ye Xiudu in a "battle of attrition" before personally engaging him.

Ye Xiudu, after dispatching several opponents, openly challenged Yu Zuolin, who then stepped onto the stage himself. Meanwhile, Yu Qingluo and her team, disguised as black-clad men, infiltrated Yu Zuolin's pharmaceutical stronghold. Yu Qingluo released a drug that incapacitated everyone in the room. Shuang Ke, the deputy chief, discovered the intrusion and attempted to flee.

Yu Qingluo, recognizing Shuang Ke's superior agility and familiarity with the terrain, called off the chase, instructing her team to prioritize the immediate creation of the "five-grass powder" antidote while others searched for incriminating evidence against Yu Zuolin. The first round of the competition concluded with the sound of the drum. Yu Zuolin taunted Ye Xiudu, but the latter retorted that the most "surprising part" was yet to come.

Nan Nan and Ye Haoran attended to Ye Xiudu, offering him water and words of encouragement. Elsewhere, Ran Ran rushed to inform Yu Zuolin that Shuang Ke had sent a carrier pigeon, reporting Yu Qingluo's successful infiltration and control of their wooden stockade in Sanmen Town. Enraged, Yu Zuolin immediately ordered reinforcements to Sanmen Town with instructions to destroy all evidence and "kill them all," preventing Yu Qingluo from returning to the arena.

Meanwhile, Shuang Ke led her forces in an ambush, intending to eliminate Yu Qingluo. To her shock, the person she cornered was revealed to be Jin Liuli in disguise. Shuang Ke was astonished that Jin Liuli had survived her fall from a cliff six years prior and was now allied with the mysterious doctor. Jin Liuli taunted her former junior sister apprentice, asserting her superior skill and past claim to the deputy chief position.

Enraged, Shuang Ke declared she would personally kill Jin Liuli on behalf of the Chief. The next round began, and Ye Xiudu unleashed his Wind-listening Sword Arts. However, Yu Zuolin's cunning subordinates created loud, distracting noises, impairing Ye Xiudu's hearing and disorienting him, making it impossible to pinpoint his enemies. Nan Nan cried out in alarm, fearing Ye Xiudu's defeat and urging his companions to find a way to intervene.

Just as Yu Zuolin prepared to deliver a fatal strike, the drum sounded, signaling the end of the second round. Simultaneously, Shuang Ke had gained the upper hand over Jin Liuli, nearly killing her. Providentially, Ye Haoran arrived just in time, saving Jin Liuli. Realizing she was outnumbered, Shuang Ke ordered a retreat. Despite being rescued, Jin Liuli remained irritated by Ye Haoran's characteristically blunt demeanor, maintaining their usual contentious dynamic.

As the drum sounded for the third round, Nan Nan, seeing blood on Ye Xiudu's lips, desperately pleaded with him to forfeit, fearing his death. Ye Xiudu, however, stood resolute, vowing to uphold the oath he made before his father's memorial tablet to lead the Ye family back to the Four-Kingdom Contest, asserting that the Night Guard would "never admit defeat." Yu Qingluo suddenly appeared, reminding Ye Xiudu of their "three rules" agreement.

She declared the previously unstated third rule: he must "quit the competition right this second." She assured him that their master-apprentice bond was never truly broken and that he was "always my apprentice" and "the winner in my heart." Yet, Ye Xiudu, picking up his sword, unleashed the Ye family's ultimate technique, the "Life-killing Sword Arts"—a powerful but physically draining move that, if it failed to strike decisively, would lead to his defeat.

As Yu Zuolin prepared to counter-attack the weakened Ye Xiudu, Yu Qingluo intervened, striking Yu Zuolin's neck with a poisoned needle and giving Ye Xiudu a spirit-restoring pill. Yu Zuolin's general reported that the effects of the "five-grass powder" had vanished, and Yu Zuolin, realizing Yu Qingluo's involvement, was met with her declaration: "You'll suffer from your own sins."

Revitalized, Ye Xiudu took over, delivering powerful blows to Yu Zuolin, proclaiming each punch was for Ye Haoran, Nan Nan, and Yu Qingluo, finally defeating him. Li Zifan officially announced the Ye's troops as the winners, earning them the right to represent Fengcang Kingdom in the Four-Kingdom Contest. Nan Nan watched Yu Qingluo embrace Ye Xiudu. Yu Qingluo then drew a sword and held it to Yu Zuolin's throat, revealing her true identity as Jiangxue.

Yu Zuolin, recognizing her and pleading for his life, reminded her of their past as a married couple and offered her all of the Yu family's possessions. Yu Qingluo, recalling how he had mercilessly cast her, pregnant, into the river six years ago, coldly stated, "But all that I want is your life."

Episode 15 Recap

Yu Zuolin desperately pleaded with Yu Qingluo to spare his life, reminding her of their past relationship as husband and wife. Yu Qingluo coldly recounted how, six years prior, he had heartlessly cast her, then pregnant, into the river, asking if he ever anticipated this day. She firmly stated that she desired nothing but his life. Just as she was about to strike, Eunuch Yu arrived with an imperial edict.

The edict proclaimed that Yu Zuolin had illicitly developed banned medicine for the contest, deceived the emperor, and tarnished the kingdom’s honor, ordering his immediate arrest. Yu Zuolin initially denied the charges, but confronted with evidence, including the poison found in the cave that afflicted Minister Ye, and the confessions of his accomplices, he was rendered speechless. He was taken away, charged with private manufacturing of banned medicine and conspiring to murder an imperial official.

Back at the Prince Ye’s Mansion, Yu Qingluo was tending to Ye Xiudu’s injuries. He playfully complained of pain all over his body and asked her to feed him. Eunuch Yu then returned with another imperial edict, announcing that Lord Yuyang, Ye Xiudu, was rewarded with a thousand taels of gold for winning the Four Kingdom Contest trials and apprehending Yu Zuolin.

Furthermore, Yu Qingluo, Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, was to be married to Lord Yuyang, with the wedding arrangements to be handled by the Minister of the Board of Rites on an auspicious day. Ye Xiudu accepted the edict with barely contained glee, almost losing his footing, leading Yu Qingluo to suspect he had planned the entire sequence of events. Despite his denials, Yu Qingluo could only smile to herself at his obvious machinations.

Jin Liuli entered, witnessing their playful banter, teased them for their "greenhand in love" antics, and then left them alone. As preparations for the wedding began, Ye Xiudu’s primary concern was Nan Nan’s feelings. One evening, Ye Xiudu found Nan Nan sitting alone on a swing, appearing dejected. Ye Xiudu assured the boy that his mother's love for him would not change after the marriage and that he would gain another loving father.

Nan Nan, however, stubbornly insisted that even if Ye Xiudu married his mother, he would still have to call Nan Nan "master." Ye Xiudu then presented Nan Nan with his personal badge, securing it to the boy’s waist, and began teaching him some simple martial stances, emphasizing how to clench his fist, to guide him in becoming a true man. Meanwhile, Li Ranran desperately sought out Shuang Ke, begging her to rescue Yu Zuolin from prison.

Shuang Ke, however, callously stated that Yu Zuolin was merely a pawn of the Xiuluo Sect, and his removal would not impede their plans. She refused to help, even suggesting that the meal intended for her should be given to Yu Zuolin as his final repast. Disheartened, Li Ranran secretly arranged for five-grass powder to be mixed into a bowl of soup for Yu Zuolin.

When the jailer delivered the meal, he urged Yu Zuolin to savor the "five-spice soup," claiming it was lovingly prepared by his wife for his last journey. The next day, Jin Liuli helped Yu Qingluo with her wedding attire and hair. Yu Qingluo, however, was still anxious, worried about Princess Ye's absence from the wedding, fearing it meant disapproval of her past. She also expressed concern over Nan Nan’s continued unhappiness.

Ye Xiudu then entered the room, and Jin Liuli discreetly left them. Yu Xiudu presented Yu Qingluo with a letter from his mother, explaining that Princess Ye adored her but could not attend due to health and the arduous journey from her current resting place. This revelation visibly eased Yu Qingluo’s worries.

He also reassured her that he had spoken at length with Nan Nan and understood that it might take time for the boy to fully accept him, but he was patient. Yu Qingluo confessed that the happiness felt like an unreal dream, fearing it might suddenly end.

Ye Xiudu gently stroked her shoulder, promising that even if she woke from a dream, she would always find him there, vowing to protect her and Nan Nan for a lifetime and never break his word. Soon after Ye Xiudu departed, the room door opened again, startling Yu Qingluo, whose smile vanished as she froze. It was Yu Zuolin, who had escaped from prison.

Li Zifan rushed in, frantically reporting Yu Zuolin's escape, explaining he had broken out after consuming the meal provided by Li Ranran, which contained five-grass powder. Ye Xiudu immediately realized Yu Qingluo was in grave danger. Jin Liuli then discovered a note on Yu Qingluo's desk: "To save Yu Qingluo, meet at Love-cutting Summit by Chaobai River." Ye Xiudu, without hesitation, rushed off alone.

At Love-cutting Summit, Yu Zuolin held a sharp knife to Yu Qingluo, declaring that his downfall was due to the "dog couple." Ye Xiudu offered his life for hers, discarding his Cold-night Single-star Sword. Yu Zuolin, emboldened by having consumed a double dose of five-grass powder, believed himself invincible. As they fought, Yu Qingluo secretly released her poisonous scorpions. Seizing the opportune moment, Ye Xiudu kicked Yu Zuolin, sending him flying over the edge of the cliff.

Immediately, Shuang Ke and a large group of her men, who had been lying in ambush, surrounded them. Facing overwhelming odds, Yu Qingluo decided their only chance was to take a desperate gamble. Embracing Ye Xiudu, she declared that she had no regrets dying in his arms, and together they leaped off Love-cutting Summit into the Chaobai River below. Shuang Ke observed their "miserable couple" fate, wishing them to become "loving couples in hell."

Three days later, Yu Qingluo regained consciousness while lying in the Chaobai River. As she surfaced, fragmented memories of being drowned by Yu Zuolin years ago in the same river, with him accusing her of carrying "another man's child" and revealing his secret machinations, flashed through her mind. Nan Nan was by her side, overjoyed that she had awakened. Her first thought was for Ye Xiudu.

Jin Liuli informed her that she had been unconscious for three days, and although Li Zifan's search party had found her, Ye Xiudu was still missing. Ye Haoran also reported that only Ye Xiudu's Cold-night Single-star Sword and a sachet, which had fallen near the cliff, had been recovered.

Yu Qingluo recognized the sachet as one she had personally made for Ye Xiudu, containing heart-refreshing grass to bring him good fortune in the trials, which he had promised to wear forever. Despite reassurances that the search for Ye Xiudu would continue, a heartbroken Yu Qingluo insisted on searching herself, venturing to the riverbank. There, she found only a bloodied piece of his waist belt.

Nan Nan, coming to his mother's side, comforted her, and the others promised to continue the search for Ye Xiudu, refusing to give up. Back at the Prince Ye's Mansion, the sight of the wedding decorations brought Yu Qingluo to tears. She picked up the marriage contract Ye Xiudu had prepared, and in her mind, she saw him in his wedding attire, recalling his solemn vows to protect her and Nan Nan forever.

Suddenly, all her memories returned—the Four Kingdom Feast, the mysterious smoke, her unexpected intimate night with Ye Xiudu, and the jade pendant given to her from the Prince Ye's Mansion. She finally realized that Ye Xiudu was Nan Nan's biological father. Jin Liuli, finding Yu Qingluo with a dagger, feared she would commit suicide and intervened. Yu Qingluo then revealed the truth about Nan Nan's parentage to a stunned Jin Liuli.

Yu Qingluo, no longer despondent, pressed her handprint onto the marriage contract, officially becoming Ye Xiudu's wife. She vowed to honor his wish by winning back the glory for the Ye family in the upcoming Four Kingdom Contest and to seek revenge against the Xiuluo Sect for their deeds. Meanwhile, Shuang Ke reported to the Xiuluo Sect Chief, confirming Ye Xiudu's apparent demise.

The Chief was pleased, convinced that the second volume of Shennong Pharmacopoeia was now within their grasp and confident in their alliance to win the Four Kingdom Contest and retrieve the medical text.

Episode 16 Recap

Li Zifan met with his Master Situ, who was reading "Records of One Hundred Grasses," a book he had co-authored with his old friend, Han Xiao. Master Situ revealed that "the mysterious doctor," who Li Zifan had been protecting, was none other than Han Xiao's daughter, Han Jiangxue.

He expressed his relief that Jiangxue was alive and understood why Li Zifan had concealed her identity, noting that fewer people knowing her true identity meant greater safety for her, especially with Yu Zuolin lurking and the volatile situation in the capital. Master Situ informed Li Zifan that Yu Jiangxue (Yu Qingluo) was going to replace Ye Xiudu in the Four-Kingdom Contest, a decision approved by the Emperor.

Recognizing the perilous nature of the journey, he instructed Li Zifan to accompany and secretly protect her, a task Li Zifan gratefully accepted. Yu Qingluo prepared to depart for Zuimeng City, leaving Nan Nan in the care of Xiaohong and Xiaocao at Fulong Inn. Nan Nan, asserting himself as a "real man," told his mother not to worry and asked her to win the contest for "Little Ye."

Jin Liuli, in turn, tasked Nan Nan with managing Fulong Inn while they were away. Ye Haoran offered six Night Guards for Yu Qingluo's protection. Jin Liuli, however, insisted that Zuimeng City was her and Yu Qingluo's territory and she would protect Yu Qingluo, questioning why Ye Haoran was there instead of Mo Xian. Li Zifan arrived, explaining that the Emperor had commanded him to escort them, as he intended to search for Ye Xiudu along the Chaobai River.

He designated Ye Haoran to lead the Night Guards. Ye Haoran, observing Li Zifan's attentive behavior towards Yu Qingluo, accused him of being "too enthusiastic" in Ye Xiudu's absence. Li Zifan retorted, advising Ye Haoran to focus on impersonating Ye Xiudu convincingly to prevent Fengcang Kingdom from being disqualified. Fed up with their bickering, Jin Liuli forcibly removed Ye Haoran from the carriage.

Ten days earlier, Princess Qingning and her retinue were on the Chaobai River, attempting to capture a rare sturgeon. She briefed her guards on the fish's elusive nature and speed, expressing her determination to succeed despite suspecting her elder brother, Prince Qingheng, of trying to dissuade her from the Four-Kingdom Contest. She commanded them to capture the sturgeon alive. After successfully ensnaring a large one, they discovered an unconscious man, Ye Xiudu, further upstream, apparently poisoned.

Princess Qingning brought him back. Upon waking, Ye Xiudu inadvertently caused the death of the sturgeon, infuriating Princess Qingning, who ordered her men to punish him. Ye Xiudu, suffering from amnesia, had no recollection of his identity but possessed formidable martial arts skills, effortlessly subduing and tying up Princess Qingning and her attendants. Her maid, Lühe, revealed Princess Qingning's identity as the daughter of Lord Qing of Tianyu Kingdom.

Princess Qingning bemoaned the absence of her brother, Prince Qingheng, a top contender in the Four-Kingdom Contest, who she believed could easily handle Ye Xiudu. Ye Xiudu, hearing mentions of the "Four-Kingdom Contest" and "Zuimeng City," sensed that the city might hold clues to his lost past. Desperate for release, Princess Qingning offered to guide him to Zuimeng City. When he seemed unconvinced, she dramatically vowed to become his disciple, secretly viewing it as a mere delaying tactic.

Ye Xiudu, despite his current unkempt appearance, accepted her as his apprentice and, to her horror, ordered the roasted sturgeon, which was originally intended to treat Prince Qingheng's roaring disease, to celebrate his new student. Princess Qingning and Lühe secretly plotted their revenge, with Princess Qingning having tampered with the apprenticeship contract and Lühe having added a "special ingredient" to the roasted fish.

Later, Princess Qingning and Ye Xiudu stopped at a tea stall run by Sanniang, who, dressed as "the mysterious doctor," was attempting to swindle customers. Sanniang, in her charlatan act, tried to sell Princess Qingning a "Red Jade Cream" made from "Yunshan Immortal Lotus," claiming it could rejuvenate skin and bring the dead back to life.

Ye Xiudu, however, interrupted her, pointing out the rarity of Yunshan Immortal Lotus blooming once every fifty years, implying Sanniang must be centuries old to have produced so much cream. Sanniang immediately recognized Ye Xiudu, mistaking him for Ye Pianzhou, and tried to flee, but Ye Xiudu used chopsticks to stop her. He demanded to know why she fled.

Still under the impression he was Ye Pianzhou, Sanniang accused him of being a "peer" who "swindles people of their love" while she "swindles people of their money." She exposed him as "Ye Pianzhou, the first womanizer of Fengcang Kingdom," also known as "Affectionate Childe." Ye Xiudu was stunned to learn of his supposed past but resolved that his amnesia presented an opportunity for a new, righteous life. He sternly warned Sanniang and her companion against revealing this information.

When Princess Qingning returned, Sanniang quickly revised her story, portraying Ye Xiudu as "Ye Pianzhou, the first warrior of Fengcang Kingdom," an enigmatic and dashing "Mr. Free Spirit" who had lost his memory but retained his noble character. Princess Qingning, though skeptical of his appeal in his current state, agreed to judge him after he had cleaned up. After a thorough wash, Ye Xiudu's handsome appearance captivated Princess Qingning.

Shortly after, she was alerted that her brother, Prince Qingheng, had fainted from his roaring disease again. A doctor explained that Prince Qingheng was suffering from corpse-like syncope due to the disease, caused by a disruption in his blood circulation from a poison. Recalling Yu Qingluo's medical teachings, Ye Xiudu suggested applying needles to the Dadun and Neiting acupoints, emphasizing the Baihui acupoint's role in resuscitation.

When these measures proved insufficient, Ye Xiudu prepared to administer artificial respiration, remembering a close encounter with Yu Qingluo from his fragmented memories, which he misunderstood as a "debt of love." However, just before he could perform the procedure, Prince Qingheng regained consciousness. Yu Qingluo, Li Zifan, Jin Liuli, and Ye Haoran arrived in Zuimeng City, bustling with activity due to the Four-Kingdom Contest. Fei Yu, Commander of Qingyang Guard of Tianyu Kingdom, greeted them on behalf of Prince Qingheng.

He explained that Fengcang Pavilion, their designated lodging, was modeled after Prince Ye's Mansion to make them feel at home. Fei Yu then extended an invitation to Prince Qingheng's birthday feast in three days, which would also be attended by dignitaries from Jinglei and Liuyun Kingdoms, strongly emphasizing the requirement for Lord Yuyang (Ye Xiudu) to attend in person. Jin Liuli suspected it was a "Hongmen Banquet" designed to test their military prowess.

Li Zifan concurred that, regardless of the danger, they had to attend. Yu Qingluo proposed that Ye Haoran impersonate Ye Xiudu. Both Jin Liuli and Li Zifan supported the idea, although Ye Haoran expressed reservations about his ability to convincingly portray his elder brother. Meanwhile, Princess Qingning challenged Ye Xiudu to a "one versus ten" fight to demonstrate his capabilities, especially after he consumed the sturgeon.

Ye Xiudu accepted and effortlessly defeated ten opponents, leaving Princess Qingning and Prince Qingheng impressed. To prepare Ye Haoran for his impersonation and to cure his hiccups, Jin Liuli, Xiaoguozi, and Hanshuishi hung him upside down for twelve hours. The unconventional treatment proved effective, as Ye Haoran later confirmed he no longer hiccuped when he lied. Later, while in the mansion, Yu Qingluo, noticing a figure resembling Ye Xiudu, followed him.

She encountered Shangguan Jin, Prince of Jinglei Kingdom, who immediately recognized her. Shangguan Jin reminded her that she, as "the mysterious doctor," had cured his eyes three years prior, a detail Yu Qingluo recalled, particularly remembering the substantial payment from his family. Shangguan Jin also expressed his fondness for nature, having been drawn by an eagle and birdsong. Yu Qingluo promised to care for a bird he held. An attendant interrupted, reminding them that Prince Qingheng's birthday feast had commenced.

At the feast, Shangguan Jin and Yu Qingluo entered together. General Qi openly expressed his desire to witness Lord Yuyang's legendary swordsmanship, famous for its ability to cut down enemy generals in battle. Ye Haoran, impersonating Ye Xiudu, tried to decline, stating that such skills were meant for the battlefield, not for display. However, Prince Qingheng intervened, requesting "Lord Yuyang" to grant General Qi's long-held wish on the occasion of his birthday.

As Ye Haoran prepared to reluctantly comply, the true Ye Xiudu suddenly appeared, declaring that in this world, there were only two kinds of people: those who acknowledged his strength and those who hadn't met him. He then swiftly moved to challenge Ye Haoran. Yu Qingluo, witnessing his unexpected arrival, was overjoyed to see Ye Xiudu alive.

Episode 17 Recap

At the banquet, Qingheng summoned Ye Xiudu. When Ye Xiudu, who had been missing for a long time, appeared, everyone was stunned. Ye Haoran called out "Big bro," but Ye Xiudu, who had lost his memory, mistakenly thought Ye Haoran was conceding the fight, telling him that even if he called him big bro, he wouldn't show mercy. Li Zifan advised Yu Qingluo that it was not appropriate to reveal Ye Xiudu's true identity there.

Stepping forward, Yu Qingluo offered to fight in Ye Haoran's stead, introducing herself as Yu Qingluo from Fengcang Kingdom. Ye Xiudu, observing her melancholic gaze, wondered if she was an old lover seeking to settle a score. He told her he didn't fight women, but Yu Qingluo retorted, reminding him of his past words that he would never let her go. A general commented that the two seemed to be flirting rather than fighting.

Ye Xiudu insisted he didn't know her and warned her not to push him further, to which Yu Qingluo challenged him to kill her if he wouldn't acknowledge her. During their spar, Yu Qingluo deliberately allowed herself to be cut, revealing the blood on her palm. This sight caused the hemophobic Ye Xiudu to collapse, confirming her suspicion that it was indeed him. Qingning rushed to his side to support him.

As Jin Liuli applied medicine to Yu Qingluo's wound, she expressed anger at Ye Xiudu's perceived closeness to Qingning. Ye Haoran speculated that Ye Xiudu might have lost his memory, just as Yu Qingluo once did after falling off a cliff. Jin Liuli suggested that Yu Qingluo arrange a private meeting with Ye Xiudu to clarify the situation, and Yu Qingluo agreed.

Meanwhile, a doctor informed Qingning that Ye Xiudu suffered from a rare case of hemophobia and couldn't be cured. Ye Xiudu, hearing this, remarked on his unexpected weakness. Qingheng, concerned about Ye Xiudu's effectiveness in the upcoming Four-Kingdom Contest, decided he couldn't participate, believing that such a weakness would be exploited. He also questioned Ye Xiudu's true identity, given how widely known his weakness seemed to be in Fengcang Kingdom.

Qingning defended her master, claiming that as Mr. Free Spirit, he had offended many while performing chivalrous deeds, thus exposing his vulnerability. Skeptical, Qingheng dispatched Feiyu to gather all available information on Ye Xiudu from Fengcang Kingdom. Upon waking, Ye Xiudu fabricated a story for Qingning, explaining that his hemophobia was the result of being poisoned by "dregs of society" he encountered during his past acts of heroism, a secret he had widely publicized in Fengcang Kingdom.

Qingning, surprised by this new "memory," expressed outrage at Yu Qingluo's "despicable" tactics in their duel and vowed revenge for her master. Shortly after, assassins attacked, and Ye Xiudu pursued them. Yu Qingluo intentionally led Ye Xiudu to a place that was once significant to them, hoping to trigger his memories.

Ye Xiudu, however, perceived her actions as an attempt to "settle a score" from a past relationship he couldn't recall and reiterated his desire to "cut off any relationships of the past" and forget her. He dismissed her attempts to reconnect, stating that the best outcome for them was to "forget each other." As Qingning and her guards approached, Li Zifan and his companions swiftly pulled Yu Qingluo away.

Ye Xiudu, finding himself alone with Qingning, assured her he was unharmed, adding that only his hemophobia could truly hinder him. Back at their residence, Jin Liuli fumed about Ye Xiudu's arrogant demeanor. Ye Haoran explained that Ye Xiudu had reverted to his extremely confident and "conceited" personality from his youth, before his father's defeat in the Four-Kingdom Contest seven years prior.

That loss brought great shame to the Ye family, but it also forced Ye Xiudu to mature overnight, leading him to diligently train in military tactics and martial arts. He volunteered to guard the borders, determined to restore his father's honor and the Ye family's glory by winning the Four-Kingdom Contest himself.

Understanding that Ye Xiudu's memory loss was the root cause, Yu Qingluo decided to use her identity as the mysterious doctor to help him recover his memories and treat his hemophobia. She learned that Tianyu Pavilion was seeking doctors for hemophobia and planned to offer her services. Qingning expressed her suspicion to Ye Xiudu about the mysterious doctor's sudden reappearance in Zuimeng City just as he needed a cure for his hemophobia.

Ye Xiudu, confident in his ability to discern genuine doctors from frauds, dismissed her concerns. He then demonstrated his martial arts skills while blindfolded, claiming he was "more powerful" that way and that "defects lead to extreme perfection." During her consultation as the mysterious doctor, Yu Qingluo confirmed Ye Xiudu was suffering from Soul-lost disease. When he challenged her to prove her skills, she asserted that curing his illness would be proof enough.

She attempted to use hypnotic incense to help him recover his lost memories, but he was pretending to be asleep. He then overpowered her, intending to unmask her and accusing her of having "ulterior motives" and of using her disguise to "ask about his past." Discovering her identity, Ye Xiudu expressed exasperation and reiterated his desire to leave the past behind.

He told her he had decided to go by the name Ye Pianzhou, aiming to "turn over a new leaf" and become the respected Mr. Free Spirit, asking for her understanding. Yu Qingluo, finding his current persona "cute," used silver needles to temporarily paralyze him. She then made a deal: she would not reveal his past identity if he agreed to compensate her by attending the upcoming annual Mask Festival in Zuimeng City with her.

Outside, Qingning, frustrated that she was denied entry to watch the treatment by Han, questioned the mysterious doctor's reliability, fearing she might be a "quack." Yu Qingluo later informed her team about Ye Xiudu's belief that he was Ye Pianzhou, prompting Jin Liuli to comment on the unusual thinking of men from the Ye family. Ye Haoran confronted Li Zifan, accusing him of having an ulterior motive in helping Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu.

Li Zifan confessed his love for Yu Qingluo but stated he would only pursue her if Ye Xiudu failed to win her back, acknowledging that his feelings were "within sight but beyond reach" as long as she loved Ye Xiudu. Ye Haoran, however, vowed that his brother would make Li Zifan give up entirely. Meanwhile, Shuang Ke reported to her sect leader that Ye Xiudu was alive and maintaining close ties with Qingheng and his sister.

The sect leader, unconcerned by a potential alliance between Ye Xiudu and Qingheng, prioritized eliminating the mysterious doctor (Yu Qingluo) to ensure the next phase of their plan proceeded smoothly. The following night, Yu Qingluo took Ye Xiudu to the Mask Festival. Ye Xiudu, still under the impression that he was Ye Pianzhou and determined to make Yu Qingluo give up, deliberately held her close.

Yu Qingluo had arranged for Ye Haoran and the others to reenact their past encounter as assassins in Mr. Ding's secret chamber. However, Shuang Ke and her men in black unexpectedly arrived first. Ye Xiudu, mistakenly believing these were Yu Qingluo's hired assassins, decided to play along and atone for his "past wrongdoings." To fulfill what he thought was her "last wish," he kissed Yu Qingluo in front of Shuang Ke and her men.

This action was misinterpreted by Shuang Ke as a "double agent" trick by Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu. Shortly after, Ye Haoran and his group, having successfully evaded Qingning, received Yu Qingluo's urgent signal and rushed to her aid. Yu Qingluo quickly explained the "emergency" to Ye Xiudu, who, still confused about the true nature of the attackers, expressed his desire to end their "relationship" after they dealt with the situation.

Shuang Ke declared their intention to kill both of them in the Xiuluo Formation. Ye Xiudu, embracing his persona, stated he was annoyed and would vent his anger on them. As the fight escalated, Yu Qingluo used poison powder to disorient Shuang Ke's men, allowing Shuang Ke to flee. From the shadows, an arrow was shot at Ye Xiudu. Yu Qingluo instinctively turned and shielded him, taking the arrow herself. Seeing her bleeding, Ye Xiudu fainted again, leaving Yu Qingluo to murmur that his safety was all that mattered.

Episode 18 Recap

Ye Xiudu, blindfolded, carefully tended to Yu Qingluo’s shoulder wound. In her semi-conscious state, Yu Qingluo murmured, "Ye Xiudu," pleading with him not to let her go. As she stirred, a jade pendant slipped from her, which Ye Xiudu discovered perfectly matched a piece he carried, forming a complete circle when joined. Meanwhile, in the main hall, Jin Liuli anxiously awaited news, furious at Ye Xiudu for Yu Qingluo’s injury.

Princess Qingning countered, accusing Yu Qingluo of feigning the identity of the mysterious doctor and failing to cure hemophobia. Jin Liuli, unwilling to tolerate Qingning’s irrational accusations, bluntly revealed that Yu Qingluo was, in fact, Ye Xiudu's fiancée. Ye Xiudu, who still believed his name was Ye Pianzhou, was visibly stunned by this revelation. Earlier, Jin Liuli had suggested forcibly bringing Ye Xiudu back for Yu Qingluo's safety.

Ye Haoran volunteered for this, but was instead captured by Ye Xiudu, during which he learned about Ye Xiudu's past injury. However, Ye Xiudu dismissed Ye Haoran's account, believing he was merely trying to trick him into serving Fengcang Kingdom. Elsewhere, Shuang Ke reported to her master that Ye Xiudu had lost his memory and didn't even remember Yu Qingluo.

Her master, anticipating a city-wide plague within a day, saw this as an opportunity, believing that revealing Ye Xiudu as Lord Yuyang at such a critical time would only worsen the epidemic. Later, Li Zifan expressed concern to Jin Liuli and Ye Haoran, fearing Qingning might expose Lord Yuyang’s true identity to her brother, Qingheng, endangering Ye Xiudu. Jin Liuli dismissed the worry, observing Qingning's obvious affections for Ye Xiudu.

Jin Liuli then proposed a more elaborate plan: they kidnap Ye Xiudu, get him drunk, and place him on Yu Qingluo’s bed, ensuring he would take responsibility for her, regardless of his memory. Ye Haoran enthusiastically volunteered for this task, convinced he could impress Jin Liuli by bringing Ye Xiudu back to Fengcang Pavilion. Ye Haoran's attempt to drug Ye Xiudu's wine, however, backfired.

Ye Xiudu, although ultimately succumbing to the poison due to a miscalculation, managed to knock Ye Haoran unconscious before losing consciousness himself. Shortly after, Princess Qingning arrived at the small cottage, found both men, and quickly hid Ye Haoran under the bed before placing the unconscious Ye Xiudu on her own bed. When her brother, Qingheng, arrived with his guards, he discovered Ye Xiudu and Qingning in bed together.

Concurrently, Ye Xiudu, dreaming of intimacy with Yu Qingluo, woke up to find Qingning beside him, mistakenly believing her to be the woman from his dream. Qingheng, having learned Ye Xiudu's true identity as Lord Yuyang from his subordinates, was enraged and threatened to kill him for defiling his sister. Qingning intervened, protecting Ye Xiudu and falsely claiming that they had fallen for each other at first sight and secretly pledged to marry, begging Qingheng to accept their union.

Upon waking, Yu Qingluo noticed her attendants, Luohan Guo and Han Shuishi, seemed unwell. Yu Qingluo immediately suspected the illness was more than fatigue. Ye Haoran arrived, boasting to Jin Liuli that he had successfully convinced Ye Xiudu of his identity. Moments later, Ye Xiudu himself appeared, urgently seeking the mysterious doctor’s help. Prince Qingheng had fallen gravely ill, and many citizens were now suffering from the same debilitating plague.

Yu Qingluo recognized the symptoms as identical to those displayed by her own subordinates. She agreed to treat Qingheng, but only after Ye Xiudu confirmed that he was the one who had bandaged her shoulder wound, which he did. Qingning voiced her distrust of Yu Qingluo, but Qingheng instructed her to allow the mysterious doctor to proceed. Yu Qingluo administered acupuncture to Qingheng, and after the duration of a burning incense stick, he regained consciousness.

She informed him that his condition and the city’s widespread plague were severe. Suddenly, Shangguan Jin, Prince of Jinglei Kingdom, and General Qi Hantian of Liuyun Kingdom arrived, accusing Ye Xiudu of being Lord Yuyang, who had concealed his identity and infiltrated Tianyu Kingdom. They claimed that since Ye Xiudu and the entire Fengcang Kingdom team were unaffected by the plague, it was a malicious scheme to win the Four-Kingdom Contest.

Qingning once again defended Ye Xiudu, asserting his amnesia and innocence. Qingheng, pressured by the accusations, ordered Ye Xiudu's temporary detention. Yu Qingluo, however, boldly declared that Ye Xiudu was under her protection, challenging anyone who dared to harm him. She swore on her identity as the mysterious doctor that she would resolve the plague within ten days, or face the same punishment as Lord Yuyang.

Qingheng, allowing for a shorter timeframe, granted her seven days, threatening to disqualify Fengcang Kingdom from the contest if she failed. The group then deliberated on why they remained immune to the plague, noting Qingning's immunity as well. Ye Haoran suspected the Xiuluo Sect of framing Ye Xiudu. Ye Xiudu, however, theorized the plague might be connected to incense.

Qingning produced a color-changing butterfly, leading Yu Qingluo to realize that the pollen of firethorns, favored by these butterflies, was the key. Firethorns, native to Jinglei Kingdom and known for their cold-dispelling and detoxifying properties, were even used in her own incense blends. They decided to follow the butterflies to find the flowers. Upon locating a small patch of firethorns, they also detected the scent of fire-stone powder, confirming intentional poisoning.

Realizing the collected amount was insufficient, they concluded a trip to Jinglei Kingdom was necessary. Ye Xiudu helped Yu Qingluo process the pollen into an antidote, which she then distributed to the ailing citizens of Zuimeng City. Later, Qingning approached Ye Xiudu, who pulled her aside to ask if their “intimate” encounter the previous night was real. Qingning, feigning hurt, reaffirmed their supposed romantic connection, claiming he had confessed his love to her. Ye Xiudu, troubled, vowed to take responsibility.

Qingning then mentioned she had recognized Yu Qingluo from the Four-Kingdom banquet seven years prior, where Yu Qingluo was the wife of Yu Zuolin, a Fengcang Kingdom officer. Yu Qingluo, overhearing this, stepped forward to explain that Yu Zuolin was indeed her ex-husband who had framed her and pushed her into Chaobai Lake seven years ago. She had been rescued by Jin Liuli, lost her memory, and reinvented herself as Yu Qingluo, shedding her former identity as Han Jiangxue.

She then looked at Ye Xiudu, asking if he still believed her and if her past changed anything. Ye Xiudu confirmed his belief in her and stated her past didn't matter. However, he emphasized that like her transformation from Han Jiangxue to Yu Qingluo, he also wished to start a new life, implying their relationship was over. Nevertheless, he promised to continue assisting with the plague.

Separately, Qingheng received reports from Feiyu confirming the plague was under control and that the assassins in the Star-gazing Tower bore Xiuluo Sect tattoos. He surmised that the Xiuluo Sect, rather than targeting Ye Xiudu directly, was using the plague to disrupt the Four-Kingdom Contest. Qingning, presenting Qingheng with the firethorn pollen cure, reiterated her desire to accompany Ye Xiudu to Jinglei Kingdom for more flowers.

Qingheng, fully aware of her feelings for Ye Xiudu and the danger posed by Xiuluo Sect’s ambush in Jinglei Kingdom, refused her request and confined her to Yueya Pavilion for her safety. He then summoned Ye Xiudu, who reaffirmed his commitment to taking responsibility for Qingning. Qingheng then commanded Ye Xiudu to marry Qingning after the Four-Kingdom Contest, to which Ye Xiudu agreed.

Later, Jin Liuli found Yu Qingluo feeling down, as Yu Qingluo was preparing to depart for Jinglei Kingdom to find more antidote. Yu Qingluo explained that Ye Xiudu had chosen to forget their past and embark on a new life, unaffected by her revelations. She confided in Jin Liuli that she would not give up. She had decided to change her strategy, recognizing that Ye Xiudu’s amnesia was a result of saving her. She intended to make him fall in love with her all over again, a declaration that Jin Liuli enthusiastically supported, offering her full assistance.

Episode 19 Recap

Yu Qingluo prepared to depart, instructing Li Zifan to ensure the patient avoids cold food and takes medicine on time, and asking him to look after the individual in her absence. Li Zifan, in turn, cautioned Yu Qingluo to be careful on her journey, promising to come to her aid if she sent a message via pigeon.

Ye Xiudu suggested that Li Zifan should instead focus on investigating the true cause of the epidemic disease, but Li Zifan dismissed it as not his concern. As Yu Qingluo, Jin Liuli, and Ye Haoran waited, Jin Liuli wondered about the absence of Ye Xiudu and Qingning. Ye Xiudu soon arrived alone, explaining to Ye Haoran that Qingning was not joining them.

Jin Liuli, pleased by this, remarked to Yu Qingluo that her plan to win Ye Xiudu's heart was already halfway successful. As they set out, Shuang Ke reported to the Xiuluo Sect Chief that Ye Xiudu's group had departed for Jinglei Kingdom, predicting they would not return even without direct intervention. The Chief ordered constant updates on their whereabouts.

Upon reaching their destination, they learned from an announcement in Zuimeng City that due to a raging epidemic, no one infected or lacking Jinglei Kingdom identification was permitted entry. Ye Haoran worried about returning empty-handed, but Jin Liuli confidently declared that she could obtain passes for two couples from the black market under her esteemed "Moonlit Asura" name.

She returned with two sets of couple's documents, explaining that the black market was booming due to the epidemic, and these were the last available. The passes were designated for a married couple: "Sima Jinyu, Magistrate of Yuanshan Prefecture" and "Madam Sima, first wife of Sima Jinyu," who had been married for five years. Jin Liuli emphasized that they would also face interrogations to verify their identities, requiring thorough preparation.

Yu Qingluo, seeing no other option for the competition and the welfare of the people, reluctantly agreed to cooperate. Ye Haoran commented that Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu already seemed like a long-married couple, solidifying their pairing as the Sima couple. Ye Xiudu was assigned to partner with Yu Qingluo, and when Ye Haoran asked if he was afraid, Ye Xiudu asserted that he was open-hearted.

Jin Liuli teased Ye Xiudu, suggesting he was afraid of genuinely falling for Yu Qingluo, while Ye Haoran countered that Ye Xiudu was more likely afraid of Yu Qingluo falling for him. Ye Xiudu cut them off, stressing that their top priority was obtaining firethorns in Jinglei Kingdom. Later, Jin Liuli noticed Yu Qingluo's somber mood and advised her that Ye Xiudu was likely "playing hard-to-get." She urged Yu Qingluo to take the initiative in their romantic game.

Jin Liuli then convened a "training session" to prepare them, confidently stating she would impart her years of experience to ensure they passed. Ye Xiudu dismissed her methods as "low and dirty tricks." Jin Liuli ignored him, explaining the first rule: memorize their characters' birth dates, both their own and their partner's. The second rule was to recall "touching moments" like their first meeting, date, and holding hands, as these were sure to be asked.

She even produced a script, promising fluent answers if they practiced their "real first times." Ye Haoran, overconfident, insisted he and Ye Xiudu had exceptional memories and needed no practice. Jin Liuli scolded him, fearing an accident. She then privately informed Yu Qingluo that she had not only secured the passes but also bribed the examiners at the designated Fulong Inn, ensuring the Ye brothers would be at their mercy. The examination began.

When Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu, acting as the Gongsun couple, entered, the examiner stated he would bypass conventional questions due to numerous imposters. Instead, he demanded they reenact their confession, which he assumed to be highly romantic. Ye Xiudu hesitated, but Yu Qingluo quickly took charge, telling him to cooperate.

She recounted her "confession" to him on the Mid-Autumn Festival under a full moon on Liudan Mountain, where she had declared her unwavering love for him since their fateful meeting at the Star-gazing Tower, regardless of his memory. She described grabbing his hands, saying he had fallen for her and she would never let go, then asked if he would be with her. After a moment, Ye Xiudu reluctantly agreed.

The examiner praised them as a "storybook couple" but revealed that this was only the first question. Meanwhile, Jin Liuli and Ye Haoran faced their own test. As Madam Sima, Jin Liuli spoke of her husband's dedication as magistrate, which often left her alone, though she claimed no complaints as long as he returned home. The examiner then asked their purpose for passing.

When Ye Haoran, the "magistrate," struggled to write an answer, Jin Liuli angrily accused him of being useless and unworthy as a husband. In a fit of rage, she threw her book, accidentally knocking out the examiner. However, the examiner declared them a "perfect match" due to their constant bickering, stating that only real couples quarrel so readily, and advised them never to divorce.

For the second part of Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu's test, which Jin Liuli had prepared for, the examiner, knowing Madam Gongsun (Yu Qingluo's character) excelled at making desserts, presented three, one of which was supposedly made by her. Ye Xiudu was tasked with identifying it. After some deliberation, Ye Xiudu chose one. Upon tasting it, he described its smooth, soft, fine, thick, sweet, slightly bitter, and mellow flavors. He asked its name, and Yu Qingluo replied, "Heart-to-Heart."

Ye Xiudu, recognizing the taste and experiencing a rush of familiar memories, declared, "So this is the taste of love!" Seeing tears well up in Ye Xiudu's eyes, Yu Qingluo was also moved. The examiner then announced that Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu had successfully passed. After the examination, Jin Liuli, still fuming at Ye Haoran, told him their feud could not be resolved and that she found him an "eyesore," refusing to speak to him.

An official announced that the city gate was closed for the night, and all entrants could stay at the inn. Later that night, Ye Xiudu suddenly felt a rush of blood and his heart pound. He offered Yu Qingluo the bed, intending to sleep on the floor, but then decided to find another room.

As the examiner walked by, Jin Liuli, still angry, loudly declared her intent to divorce Ye Haoran the next day and refused to share a room with him. Thinking Ye Xiudu was merely putting on an act when she noticed someone outside the window, Yu Qingluo quickly embraced and kissed him, intending to make the false thing become true. Suddenly, Qingning and Li Zifan burst in, interrupting the kiss.

Qingning angrily demanded to know what they were doing, then accused Ye Xiudu of abandoning her and kissing Yu Qingluo. She also chided Li Zifan for traveling with "this little girl" (Yu Qingluo). Li Zifan explained that they had sought passes from Prince Shangguan upon hearing of the closed pass in Jinglei Kingdom, hoping to assist, but found that Ye Xiudu and Yu Qingluo had already found a way through.

Ye Xiudu calmly asserted that no mere pass could defeat them. Yu Qingluo suggested they all go together the next day to procure firethorns and return to Tianyu Kingdom. Li Zifan, however, revealed that all firethorns in Jinglei Kingdom had been bought, suspecting the Xiuluo Sect. He added that while "Heaven never seals off all the exits," mentioning Windbell Valley as the origin of firethorns, it was in fact "a dangerous place with no return."

The next morning, in Windbell Valley, Ye Haoran approached Jin Liuli, who was practicing martial arts. He apologized for his past judgments regarding her book theft, admitting he had been too harsh and an unqualified friend, vowing to be candid from that day forward. Jin Liuli, however, was enraged, realizing her prolonged hopes had been wasted on such a "dumb head," confessing she was "blind and stupid" to have liked him.

Soon after, Qingning appeared, continuing her contentious remarks towards Yu Qingluo, calling her a "nuisance" and claiming Ye Xiudu would be "cheated away by someone" if she hadn't intervened. Ye Xiudu intervened, halting their argument and announcing their arrival at Windbell Valley. The group noted the valley's pleasant warmth, ideal for firethorn growth.

As they prepared to enter, a hunter warned them against it, stating that no one who ventured inside ever returned, calling it "a very dangerous place with no return." Ye Xiudu, undeterred, declared, "There's no place I can't go to in the world." Yu Qingluo, despite the warnings, insisted they had to proceed. Inside, the valley was filled with the rhythmic and strange sounds of wind chimes, activated by someone secretly playing a flute.

Yu Qingluo found herself disoriented by the sound and experienced a vivid hallucination: she saw Ye Xiudu and herself dressed in red wedding attire, pierced by arrows. She stumbled back into his arms, waking from the trance as if from a nightmare, and clinging to him tightly. Unbeknownst to them, a subordinate reported to the Valley Chief that six individuals—three men and three women—had broken into the inner valley, noting their unusual ability to bypass the "windbell array."

The Chief ordered continued surveillance to ascertain their purpose. Away from the group, Jin Liuli rebuffed another of Ye Haoran's attempts to reconcile, stating their feud was beyond resolution. Later that night, Yu Qingluo asked where Ye Xiudu was and was informed he had gone to scout ahead with Li Zifan. Deep within the valley, Li Zifan confronted Ye Xiudu, reminding him that since he had "spent a night with another girl," he should "behave himself and leave Qingluo."

Ye Xiudu asked if Qingning had told him. Li Zifan asserted that Ye Xiudu had "lost the qualification to be with Qingluo" and threatened him if he continued to pursue Yu Qingluo. Ye Xiudu stated he would handle the matter himself, but Li Zifan demanded he resolve it before returning to Zuimeng City. As the campfire burned, Yu Qingluo approached Ye Xiudu. She lamented his memory loss, recalling a beautiful night they shared on Yaowang Island.

Knowing the dangers of Windbell Valley, she gave him a sachet containing calming herbs, explaining it would "help ease your hemophobia," ensuring he wouldn't faint at the sight of blood. Meanwhile, Jin Liuli and Ye Haoran, observing from a distance, spotted Ye Xiudu and Yu Qingluo. Jin Liuli decided they should merely "observe" and not disturb them, pushing Ye Haoran away when he tried to get closer.

Yu Qingluo then produced a marriage contract, which she revealed she had found in Ye Xiudu's room after they both fell off a cliff. She read the beautiful vows, which declared a fixed marriage, a day for family and prosperity, and a commitment to live together till old age, signed by "Bridegroom Ye Xiudu" and "Bride Yu Qingluo." She then asked Ye Xiudu if the contract was still valid for him.

Despite Jin Liuli's hopeful exclamations, Ye Xiudu apologized, stating that they "can't be together." Yu Qingluo, hurt, asked if he truly loved Qingning. He denied it, saying he only saw Qingning as a disciple. However, he confessed that he had promised Qingheng he would marry Qingning after they obtained the firethorns, because he had "spent a night with Qingning" after getting drunk in the wooden house, and "I have to be responsible for her." Yu Qingluo, heartbroken, replied, "Okay.

I'll let you go." With tears in her eyes, she dramatically tore the marriage contract into pieces, declaring to Ye Xiudu, "From now on, you and I will have nothing to do with each other." Ye Xiudu stood silently, clutching the sachet Yu Qingluo had given him. He then slowly picked up the torn fragments of the marriage contract.

Memories flooded his mind: their first meeting, his promise to always protect her and Nannan, the imperial decree announcing their marriage, and Yu Qingluo's words about having no regrets dying in his arms. He felt a profound and growing pain in his heart, silently shedding tears, remembering his solemn promise never to break his word.

Episode 20 Recap

Jin Liuli vocally denounced Ye Xiudu as unfaithful and a womanizer, abandoning those he used and falling for anyone he met. Ye Haoran tried to defend Ye Xiudu, suggesting a misunderstanding, but Jin Liuli told him to stand aside, implying he was part of the problem. Li Zifan then approached Yu Qingluo, offering his support by gifting her a painting he made eight years prior, depicting her smiling.

He explained that he knew her feelings for Ye Xiudu and expected nothing in return, only wishing for her continued happiness. He also expressed his suspicion about Ye Xiudu's situation with Qingning, knowing that Liuli’s "Trouble Solving by Intoxication" would have left Ye Xiudu completely drunk, making any encounter with Qingning impossible. Yu Qingluo, however, dismissed the discussion, stating that the urgent priority was to find the firethorns to save the lives of Zuimeng City's people.

Meanwhile, Qingning, seeing Ye Xiudu, inquired about his relationship with Yu Qingluo, but he remained silent on the matter, instead urging her to sleep as they had to continue their search for firethorns the next day. Yu Qingluo resolved that from now on, she and Ye Xiudu would have no relationship. The next morning, the group continued their journey.

As they resumed their search for firethorns, Yu Qingluo noticed that the euploea mulciber were circling the flowers but not landing, indicating something unusual. She cautioned the others not to touch the firethorns, deducing that an extraordinary master, not the Xiuluo Sect, was guarding them due to the thriving vegetation around. Yu Qingluo used her fan to apply medicinal powder, making the flowers accessible.

However, as they began to gather the firethorns, the euploea mulciber descended, releasing a powder that caused Yu Qingluo and her companions to fall unconscious. Ye Xiudu and Qingning, following marks left by Ye Haoran, were led into Windbell Valley by a young boy sent by the valley chief. As they entered, the gate unexpectedly closed, separating Ye Xiudu from Qingning, who called out to him in alarm.

Ye Xiudu was led to a room where he found his friends, including Yu Qingluo, bound in chains. A voice announced that those who trespassed in Windbell Valley would die. Ye Xiudu calmly confronted the unseen speaker, inferring that his friends were also captive. He explained their purpose was to find firethorns to save lives. The voice asserted that the firethorns were precious and not for everyone, demanding a price for their trespass.

He then presented Ye Xiudu with a harrowing choice: save the mysterious doctor, Yu Qingluo, or his other four friends. Facing the impossible decision, Ye Haoran and Jin Liuli declared their love for each other, affirming that she had read his letter and would die without regret, urging Ye Xiudu to save Yu Qingluo. Jin Liuli warned him to treat Yu Qingluo well, or she would haunt him even in death.

Li Zifan also expressed his willingness to sacrifice himself for Yu Qingluo. Qingning bravely declared she was not afraid to die and would not be a burden to Ye Xiudu. Yu Qingluo, in turn, told Ye Xiudu that she had already given the antidote to "Xiao Han" and that he should save the other four to ensure the city's people could be rescued, even without her.

She made him promise to care for "Xiao Han" and, if he were to marry Qingning, to treat her well. She then pleaded with him not to forget her again, acknowledging their bond but expressing a sense of fate. The mysterious figure pressed Ye Xiudu for a decision. After agonizing hesitation, Ye Xiudu chose to save Ye Haoran, Jin Liuli, Qingning, and Li Zifan.

As the mysterious figure activated the mechanism to unleash spikes upon Yu Qingluo, Ye Xiudu swiftly moved to her side. There, he revealed that his memories had returned, correcting her previous belief that he had forgotten their past. He reaffirmed his love, reminding her of her words before they had once jumped off a cliff together—that she would have no regrets dying in his arms.

He declared that he would not let his woman have any regrets and would die with her. As the spikes descended, the other four mourned their presumed deaths, only for Ye Xiudu and Yu Qingluo to emerge unharmed. Following their escape, Qingning tearfully apologized to Yu Qingluo, confessing that nothing had happened between her and Ye Xiudu in the wooden house.

She admitted to being selfish, fearing that Yu Qingluo would take him away, and acknowledged that Ye Xiudu had already made it clear he loved Yu Qingluo. Yu Qingluo forgave her, and the two reconciled, agreeing to treat each other like sisters. Qin Yin reappeared, explaining that the Windbell Valley's formidable reputation was merely a deterrent for intruders. The doctors who "never returned" had voluntarily stayed to study medicine under the valley chief.

He clarified that the recent trials were the valley chief's way of testing their character, and since they had proven themselves righteous, the firethorns would be given to them. He invited them to dine before leaving. During lunch, Ye Haoran affectionately fed Jin Liuli, sparking envy among the others.

It was revealed that Jin Liuli had secretly read Ye Haoran's love letter, which finally articulated his deep feelings for her, from their first meeting, through their time as friends when he was captivated by her "peculiar dance moves," and even an "unexpected kiss" that made him realize he was deeply in love. He expressed his love using lines from "Immortal at the Magpie Bridge," confirming that their bond was profound.

Yu Qingluo mused on Jin Liuli's skill in "conquering his man." Seeing Ye Xiudu feed Yu Qingluo an orange, Qingning playfully demanded that Li Zifan do the same for her. Yu Qingluo then went to search for the torn marriage contract. Ye Xiudu surprised her by presenting the contract, which he had meticulously reassembled. She feigned continued anger, but he apologized, showering her with sweet words, which she found irresistible.

When she found the orange he offered too sour, he took a bite and then fed it to her again, making it taste sweet. He promised to make up for her loneliness, create new cherished memories, and never lose her again. She made him vow never to forget her again, and he solemnly promised that even if he forgot himself, he would never forget her.

As they prepared to depart, Li Zifan commented on the overwhelming "sour smell of love" in Windbell Valley, though he himself perceived a "sweet fragrance." The valley chief bid them farewell with a flute melody, a tune Yu Qingluo found hauntingly familiar, stirring childhood memories within her. Meanwhile, the Xiuluo Sect leader was astonished that Yu Qingluo and her companions had escaped Windbell Valley alive.

He decided against a direct ambush, noting their likely vigilance, and instead planned to deploy his "exclusive move" through a "little thing" to achieve his goals. Back in Zuimeng City, Yu Qingluo successfully prepared and distributed the antidote, saving the afflicted citizens. Qi Hantian, Shangguan Jin, and Qingheng arrived to express their gratitude.

Qi Hantian, carrying a plaque, sincerely apologized to Ye Xiudu and Yu Qingluo for his past misunderstandings, a gesture Ye Xiudu admired as a unique form of "asking for punishment." Ye Xiudu accepted the plaque, commending Qi Hantian as a "Righteous Man Fighting Injustice." As the others conversed, Qingheng approached Ye Xiudu, reminding him that they still had an unresolved matter between them.

Episode 21 Recap

Qingheng confronted Ye Xiudu, stating that Qingning had explained her lie, but despite that, Qingning had protected him with her chastity. Qingheng declared he could not tolerate Ye Xiudu treating Qingning merely as a disciple and sister. He announced his intention to take revenge in the upcoming Four Kingdom Contest, personally settling the score for his sister. Ye Xiudu accepted the challenge, unfazed, questioning Qingheng's ability to do so.

After Ye Xiudu left, Qingning asked Qingheng what they discussed, but he only told her that she would participate in the Four Kingdom Contest and must not disgrace their Tianyu Kingdom. Shangguan Jin found Yu Qingluo and invited her to his mansion to release the chick they had saved together, which could now fly. He also mentioned a feast prepared to thank her for helping Jinglei Kingdom.

Ye Xiudu, arriving, firmly interjected, stating they appreciated the gesture but would not attend the feast. He offered to accompany Shangguan Jin himself if he wished to release birds in the future, then led Yu Qingluo away, leaving Shangguan Jin seething with frustration. Ye Haoran expressed his joy to Ye Xiudu, believing his older brother had finally returned to his true self after overcoming his troubles in love. Ye Xiudu, in turn, acknowledged Ye Haoran’s blossoming relationship with Jin Liuli.

The two brothers celebrated their newfound happiness, toasting with water in lieu of wine. Yu Qingluo presented Ye Xiudu with the war flag of Fengcang Kingdom, entrusting him to lead its soldiers to victory in the Four Kingdom Contest, thereby restoring the honor of the Ye family and Fengcang. Ye Xiudu promised to win the championship for her, but she clarified that the victory was for himself, as it had been his dream for seven years.

He then confessed that, for him, nothing was more important than her. Later, Jin Liuli admired a gift for Yu Qingluo, remarking on Ye Xiudu’s unwavering attentiveness. Yu Qingluo, however, worried that Ye Xiudu's intense focus on her might make him vulnerable in the upcoming contest, with Qingheng as a declared rival and the Xiuluo Sect lurking in the shadows.

Jin Liuli reassured her, emphasizing that while Ye Xiudu had lost his memory, his formidable martial skills remained intact, making him capable of overcoming any adversary. Just as they were discussing these concerns, Luo Hanguo rushed in to report that Nan Nan had arrived and was already clashing with Ye Xiudu.

Yu Qingluo had anticipated this, knowing Ye Xiudu’s memory loss meant he wouldn't recognize Nan Nan, leading to immediate conflict between the two who were once like father and son. Ye Xiudu, forgetting Nan Nan was his master, challenged him, stating he would let Nan Nan go if he called him "dad." Nan Nan refused, reminding Ye Xiudu that he once admired his superior medical and poison skills.

Their argument escalated into a fight, during which Ye Xiudu, still suffering from memory loss, mistakenly called Nan Nan "Xiao Han" and publicly humiliated him. After the fight, Ye Xiudu even suggested a draw, proposing they call each other 'Master' and 'Dad', but Nan Nan vehemently refused, storming off infuriated. That evening, Yu Qingluo attempted to speak with Nan Nan, but he locked himself in his room, determined to defeat Ye Xiudu for forgetting him.

The next morning, Yu Qingluo tried to coax Nan Nan with a variety of delicious dishes, while Luo Hanguo praised Nan Nan’s administrative skills, noting that Fulong Inn’s income had increased by thirty percent under his management due to the popularity of crispy chicken. Yu Qingluo noticed Han Shuishi was absent. Luo Hanguo, with a hint of jealousy, explained that Mo Xian had called Han Shuishi away to train with Ye Xiudu, Mr. Li, and Ye Haoran.

When the men failed to return by dinner, Luo Hanguo’s suspicions were piqued. He mentioned smelling Bazhen rouge and powder, a unique fragrance from the Qunfang Whorehouse, on Han Shuishi. He deduced that Han Shuishi, and therefore the others, must have been there. Incensed, Yu Qingluo and Jin Liuli immediately headed to the Qunfang Whorehouse. Upon arriving, Jin Liuli witnessed Ye Haoran attempting to redeem a courtesan and angrily confronted him.

Yu Qingluo, meanwhile, found Ye Xiudu receiving a lesson on playing the "Phoenix Seeking His Mate" melody from another woman. Misinterpreting the situation, Yu Qingluo became furious and, as a form of punishment, kissed Ye Xiudu, transferring a poison to his lips. She declared their matter far from over and left in a huff. Ye Xiudu quickly followed, trying to explain that their visit to the Qunfang Whorehouse was a form of training.

He clarified that they had studied previous Four Kingdom Contests and discovered that obstacles were often hidden in places like brothels and gambling houses to ambush participants, and their visit was merely to adapt to the competition environment. Yu Qingluo remained skeptical until Ye Haoran, known for hiccuping when lying, corroborated Ye Xiudu's story without a single hiccup.

Internally, Ye Haoran rationalized his statement, acknowledging that while it "was" training, it was specifically for Ye Xiudu’s marriage proposal, making his words technically true. Ye Xiudu seized the moment to reassure Yu Qingluo of his unwavering devotion, stating that he had no interest in any woman other than her. However, Nan Nan, observing the interaction, immediately discerned Ye Xiudu’s lie, noticing that he had touched his nose, a habit Nan Nan himself displayed when being untruthful.

Nan Nan threatened to expose Ye Xiudu to Yu Qingluo unless he called him "master." Ye Xiudu reluctantly complied. Nan Nan then presented Ye Xiudu with a book titled "Legend of Lord Yuyang," hoping it would help him regain his memories and recall their bond. As Ye Xiudu read, fragmented memories resurfaced. He finally conceded that Nan Nan had won and sincerely promised to call him master from that day forward.

Despite this, Ye Xiudu asserted that Nan Nan would still need to call him "dad" because he planned to propose to Yu Qingluo and desired to create a complete family for her and Nan Nan. Nan Nan enthusiastically agreed to keep the proposal a secret. Meanwhile, Ye Haoran approached Jin Liuli to apologize for the incident at the Qunfang Whorehouse. He tried to explain his presence there as merely offering guidance to the women, a "love for teaching."

Jin Liuli dismissed his excuses, saying his "love at first sight" was merely based on appearance. She then scoffed at his suggestion of breaking up. To prove his genuine affection, Ye Haoran presented her with the Kylin Sword, an ancestral heirloom of the Ye family gifted to him by his father, and swore an oath of eternal loyalty, promising never to speak such words to another woman.

Jin Liuli accepted the sword, playfully threatening to use it on him if he ever betrayed her. Inspired, Nan Nan decided to complete Ye Xiudu’s unfinished painting as a wedding gift for Yu Qingluo and Ye Xiudu. He needed special painting ink for this endeavor. Qingning appeared and offered to provide all the painting ink from Tianyu Kingdom. Initially annoyed by her sudden presence, Nan Nan relented when he learned she was Ye Xiudu’s disciple.

He then demanded she call him "Grandmaster." Qingning, finding him adorable, ruffled his hair and complied. Yu Qingluo was later seen attempting to discreetly track Ye Xiudu when she encountered Shangguan Jin again. He renewed his advances, but Yu Qingluo coldly rejected him, telling him to respect himself and cease bothering her. Shangguan Jin, frustrated by her rebuffs, met with Shuang Ke. Shuang Ke informed him that Qingheng’s investigation into the epidemic had been successfully redirected towards Liuyun Kingdom.

She then presented Shangguan Jin with the last remaining Duanyu bird, explaining that its saliva could be used to create the potent "Duanyu Hong" poison, with its feathers serving as the antidote. Shangguan Jin immediately saw an opportunity. Soon after, Luo Hanguo frantically reported that Nan Nan had suddenly fainted. Yu Qingluo quickly realized the painting ink Nan Nan was using was poisoned; her Hundred Grass Juice turned purple upon contact.

Luo Hanguo revealed that Lvhe, Qingning’s maid, had purchased the ink from Wenxuan Study. Yu Qingluo rushed to Wenxuan Study, where Shangguan Jin was waiting for her. She demanded the Duanyu bird’s feathers to cure Nan Nan, who was poisoned with Duanyu Hong. Shangguan Jin, using Nan Nan's critical condition as leverage, insisted on speaking with Yu Qingluo alone.

Once they were by themselves, he vehemently expressed his desperate love, reminiscing about his search for her over the past three years and his anguish at finding her with another man. Yu Qingluo, however, remained unmoved, stating she barely remembered him and had no interest in becoming a "prince’s wife." She demanded he state his terms directly. Shangguan Jin then explained the terrifying effects of Duanyu Hong, emphasizing that without the antidote within twelve hours, Nan Nan would die.

He then asked what she was willing to trade for the cure. Yu Qingluo ultimately secured the antidote. Jin Liuli, though curious why Shangguan Jin yielded so easily, chose not to press the issue upon seeing the tears in Yu Qingluo’s eyes. Yu Qingluo then strictly instructed Jin Liuli and Han Shuishi not to reveal any details of the day’s events to Ye Xiudu.

That night, Ye Xiudu led Yu Qingluo to a stunningly romantic scene adorned with countless flowers, flickering candles, and illuminated sky lanterns. He knelt before her, presenting a unique mask-shaped ring, and proposed, "Qingluo, it's time to fulfill my promise to give you and Nan Nan a complete family. . . Marry me." He confessed that she was his only wish. Yu Qingluo responded by kissing him, accepting his proposal.

Episode 22 Recap

Ye Xiudu gently played "Phoenix Seeking His Mate," his face soft in the candlelight. He expressed his deep affection, singing of a beautiful lady he couldn't forget, saying that without her, he was lost. He then presented a carefully prepared wooden box, intending to fulfill their unfinished marriage.

When Yu Qingluo questioned if he had been preparing all this time, Ye Xiudu explained that despite his amnesia, he vaguely remembered her fondness for the tune, so he learned to play it at Qunfang Whorehouse. Upon seeing Nannan's drawing, Yu Qingluo realized that Ye Xiudu and Nannan had already reconciled. Ye Xiudu acknowledged that Nannan's drawings helped him recall some memories.

He then expressed a deeper understanding of the Four Kingdom Contest, stating it was not only to restore the Ye family's honor but also to protect his family and friends. He affirmed that without Yu Qingluo and Nannan, honor and fame were meaningless to him. He knelt and presented a unique mask ring, crafted by Mr. Ou, asking Yu Qingluo to marry him and complete their family. He spoke of praying under falling stars to realize one's deepest desires.

However, Yu Qingluo heartbreakingly refused, saying she had already found Nannan's biological father. Yu Qingluo explained that Shangguan Jin was the one who rescued her from a rogue seven years ago at the Four Kingdom Contest banquet, and that he had been trying to acknowledge their past connection, but she had mistakenly thought he harbored ill intentions.

Hearing this, Ye Xiudu was deeply hurt and sought solace in alcohol, clutching a wine bottle while recalling his past promises to Yu Qingluo and how they now seemed impossible to fulfill. Yu Qingluo, though outwardly firm, was also in immense pain, standing silently at his door, sharing his sorrow.

Shangguan Jin had confronted Yu Qingluo, threatening that if she agreed to marry him after he won the Four Kingdom Contest, he would present the Duanyu bird as a betrothal gift. The next day, Yu Qingluo and Jin Liuli prepared to depart for Jinglei Kingdom. Ye Xiudu, disheveled and distraught, watched Yu Qingluo leave, his heart in pieces.

Ye Haoran and Li Zifan tried to console him, urging him to not give up and to consider the hidden reasons behind Yu Qingluo's actions. Li Zifan speculated that Yu Qingluo might be investigating Jinglei Kingdom's collusion with Xiuluo Sect. Ye Haoran reminded Ye Xiudu that he had vowed not to give up on Yu Qingluo, even if Nannan's biological father reappeared. At that moment, Mo Xian reported that Princess Qingning had arrived and wished to see Ye Xiudu.

Meanwhile, Yu Qingluo comforted Nan Nan, explaining that they had moved from Fengcang Pavilion because he was sick, and she didn't want to jeopardize Ye Xiudu's participation in the Four Kingdom Contest by potentially spreading his illness. Nannan promised to recover quickly to see Ye Xiudu sooner.

Jin Liuli discussed Nannan's condition with Yu Qingluo, revealing that while the Duanyu bird's feather only delayed the poison, the true cure required either the bird's blood or a blood transfusion from a direct male relative. However, the poison would then transfer to the donor. Jin Liuli realized Yu Qingluo was fearful that Ye Xiudu, upon learning he was Nannan's biological father, would sacrifice his own life to save their son.

Just then, Shangguan Jin entered, bringing the Duanyu bird's feather. Yu Qingluo, noticing the feather's dull color and messy texture, confidently declared that the Duanyu bird was ill, likely from being caged too long. She warned Shangguan Jin that if anything happened to the bird or Nannan, she would hold him responsible. Shangguan Jin, who had secretly overheard Yu Qingluo and Jin Liuli's conversation and now knew Ye Xiudu was Nannan's true father, merely promised to ensure Nannan's safety.

After leaving, Shangguan Jin instructed his guards to keep a close watch on Yu Qingluo and Jin Liuli, preventing them from leaving their rooms. Yu Qingluo followed Shangguan Jin to see him meet with Shuang Ke. She was almost discovered upon her return, but Ye Xiudu suddenly appeared at the door. Ye Xiudu demanded to see Nannan, stating he would not give up on Yu Qingluo, regardless of the circumstances.

Shangguan Jin, however, defiantly embraced Yu Qingluo, calling her his future wife and Nannan his son, and audaciously invited Ye Xiudu to attend their wedding banquet after he won the Four Kingdom Contest. Ye Xiudu fiercely declared that Yu Qingluo would always be his woman and that he would personally take Shangguan Jin's life at the upcoming contest.

With Nannan's condition temporarily stabilized, Yu Qingluo and Jin Liuli surmised that the Duanyu bird, along with Xiuluo Sect's forces, must be hidden within the inner city, the battleground for the Four Kingdom Contest. Yu Qingluo ensured Nannan was well-protected by four guards. Meanwhile, Ye Xiudu's team, including Li Zifan and their teacher, rallied with renewed determination to restore the Ye family's honor.

Ye Haoran, however, continued to pester Jin Liuli for information regarding Yu Qingluo's sudden actions, but Jin Liuli remained tight-lipped, reminding him of their opposing sides. The Four Kingdom Contest officially commenced, with Zhan Changgong as the chief examiner, announcing the rules. The contest, divided into two rounds, would be held in Zuimeng City's inner city, which had been cleared of all non-participants. Contestants, blindfolded and randomly placed throughout the inner city, would compete to collect special identity wooden plates.

The two teams possessing the most plates by the final bell would advance. As the contest began, Yu Qingluo utilized scorpions as guides. She overheard Xiuluo Sect soldiers discussing their orders from Deputy Chief Shuang Ke to find medicine for a bird. Realizing they were referring to the Duanyu bird, Yu Qingluo quickly disguised herself as a Xiuluo Sect member, infiltrated their ranks, and successfully drugged Shuang Ke, rendering her unconscious.

However, Shangguan Jin then appeared, revealing he had anticipated her actions and was trailing her. He boasted of capturing Ye Haoran and Qingning, claiming the Tianyu Kingdom and Fengcang Kingdom were now hesitant to act, and that he had sown discord in Liuyun Kingdom, ensuring his victory. Yu Qingluo, unfazed, refuted his claims, declaring that she already had her beloved and that Ye Haoran and Qingning were not in his hands.

At that moment, Ye Xiudu and Li Zifan, disguised as Xiuluo Sect soldiers, revealed themselves, attacking Shangguan Jin's men. It was then revealed that Qingning had previously testified to Ye Xiudu that Shangguan Jin, suffering from an eye disease seven years prior, could not have saved Yu Qingluo at the banquet. Ye Xiudu, upon hearing this, realized Yu Qingluo's story was a fabrication and that Nannan must be in danger, compelling Yu Qingluo to act under duress. Since then, Ye Xiudu had been secretly protecting Yu Qingluo and Nannan, having long considered them his family, vowing to face any problems together and resolve what she could not.

Episode 23 Recap

Shangguan Jin called forth a contingent of men in black. However, Qingning's brother, Prince Qingheng, was already present, accompanied by Situ. Situ revealed that he had, at Ye Xiudu's instruction, informed Qingheng of Shangguan Jin's treacherous alliance with the Xiuluo Sect and his nefarious plans, leading Qingheng to realize he had been misled. Qingning chastised Shangguan Jin for his scheming, pointing out that her brother would not tolerate his collusion or her kidnapping, and defiantly questioned his reliance on numbers.

Shangguan Jin, overconfident, scoffed, believing he held the upper hand due to his superior forces. Qingheng, now enlightened, declared Shangguan Jin disqualified from the contest for colluding with the Xiuluo Sect, creating an epidemic, and using external forces, offering him a dignified death if he surrendered. Unwilling to yield, Shangguan Jin held the Duanyu bird hostage, threatening to harm it.

Yu Qingluo warned him against it, but he callously declared he would not be lonely in the nether world with Nan Nan as his companion. Shangguan Jin then proposed a duel with Ye Xiudu: if Ye Xiudu won, he would receive the Duanyu bird and Shangguan Jin would withdraw from the Four Kingdom Contest; but if Shangguan Jin won, Fengcang Kingdom would forfeit, and Ye Xiudu would have to swear to the heavens that he would never marry Yu Qingluo.

Jin Liuli protested this unfair wager. Shangguan Jin defiantly stated that what he could not possess, no one else would. Ye Xiudu accepted the challenge, assuring Yu Qingluo that he would not lose. The duel commenced, revealing Shangguan Jin's true proficiency with a bow and arrow, a skill he had deliberately concealed.

He gloated about the Ye family's Life-killing Sword Arts being unimpressive and boasted that his father, not the Tianyu Kingdom, had shot Ye Xiudu's father down seven years ago during the Four Kingdom Contest with the Shangguan family's golden arrow. He further revealed that his father was also responsible for poisoning Fengcang Kingdom by colluding with the Xiuluo Sect. Enraged by these revelations, Ye Xiudu attacked fiercely but was gravely wounded by an arrow, collapsing to the ground.

Recalling his father's tragic death and his vow to master the Life-killing Sword Arts to protect his family and restore the Ye family's honor, Ye Xiudu stood up, his face grim. He proclaimed that the debts for harming his child, harassing his wife, and insulting his father would all be settled that day. Wiping the blood from his mouth and blindfolding himself, Ye Xiudu unleashed the full power of the Life-killing Sword Arts. Shangguan Jin fell, critically wounded.

In his dying moments, he maliciously ordered Shuang Ke to burn the Duanyu bird, hoping to drag Nan Nan to the grave with him. Then, with a twisted smile, he divulged a final secret to Ye Xiudu: Ye Xiudu was Nan Nan's true biological father, and that Ye Xiudu was the only person in the world who could save Nan Nan's life, but at the cost of his own.

Shuang Ke carried out the order, burning the Duanyu bird until only a single feather remained. Enraged, Ye Xiudu killed Shangguan Jin. Jin Liuli then swiftly killed Shuang Ke. Distraught, Yu Qingluo worried that Nan Nan would not survive without the Duanyu bird. Ye Xiudu comforted her, urging her not to lose hope and suggesting that winning the final and obtaining the second volume of the "Shennong Pharmacopoeia" might provide a cure.

He vowed to save Nan Nan, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. The first round of the Four Kingdom Contest concluded, with Jinglei Kingdom and Liuyun Kingdom eliminated. Fengcang Kingdom and Tianyu Kingdom advanced to the final. Later, Ye Xiudu visited Yu Qingluo. He shared what he claimed was good news: Nan Nan could be saved.

He falsely told her that Shangguan Jin had lied, and his inquiries revealed that Duanyu birds always appear in pairs and could be found on Mount Meng, where hundred-leave grass grows. Yu Qingluo was relieved and believed him. Meanwhile, Situ tended to Ye Xiudu's arrow wound. Ye Xiudu inquired about Nan Nan's poisoning. Situ confirmed it was "Duanyu Hong," a severe poison usually treatable with Duanyu bird blood. He then revealed an alternative: a "blood exchange" method.

However, this method required the blood of the poisoned person's direct male relative and came at the ultimate cost of the donor's life, thus confirming Shangguan Jin's dying words. Ye Xiudu then shared the second piece of good news with Yu Qingluo: Shangguan Jin's arrow had unexpectedly restored all his memories. He tenderly adjusted her earring, reminiscing about a past moment, solidifying his regained memories for Yu Qingluo, who was overjoyed.

As Ye Xiudu and Yu Qingluo prepared to depart for Mount Meng, Ye Haoran assured Ye Xiudu that he would diligently train the Night Guard and care for Nan Nan, whose medicine was ready. Jin Liuli, however, was nowhere to be seen, observing them from behind a screen. On their journey, Ye Xiudu presented Yu Qingluo with three wish tokens, telling her to write down her desires and he would fulfill them, urging her to simply be happy.

In a maple forest, he returned her dagger and taught her a sword art for self-defense, instructing her to protect herself should he ever be absent. They hung a token on a maple tree, signifying their eternal love. Later, by a river, Ye Xiudu played a melody on a leaf, and Yu Qingluo placed another token on a stone, declaring it their "love stone."

Under the starry night sky, Ye Xiudu pointed out Vega and Altair, explaining their annual meeting at the Qiqiao Festival. He expressed his desire to be with her every moment, unlike the separated stars, wishing for them to be nameless stars, embracing each other and living happily every day. Yu Qingluo asked for a ring, to which Ye Xiudu replied he had left it in their room but promised to give it to her upon their return.

She then secretly slipped the last wish token into his hand. Back at the pavilion, Jin Liuli appeared troubled. Ye Haoran approached her, concerned. Jin Liuli confessed that Ye Xiudu was Nan Nan's biological father, and he already knew, having sought confirmation from her the previous day and asked her to keep it from Yu Qingluo.

She also revealed that the trip to Mount Meng was a pretense to comfort Yu Qingluo, and Ye Xiudu intended to use the blood exchange method, sacrificing his own life for Nan Nan's. Jin Liuli lamented the bitter fate of the sisters. Ye Haoran, understanding his brother's unyielding character, knew he could not be dissuaded.

He expressed his empathy, stating that as a father, he too would protect his child without hesitation, and suggested they simply be happy for the couple, trusting they would be alright. Yu Qingluo, meanwhile, fervently prayed for the successful discovery of the Duanyu bird and for their family of three to remain together forever, cherishing the Mount Meng journey as the happiest day of her life.

Upon reaching the mountain summit, Yu Qingluo spotted a white bird and, in her excitement, rushed towards it. Ye Xiudu, with a heavy heart, knocked her unconscious, murmuring an apology for his actions. Yu Qingluo awoke in a room to Jin Liuli informing her that Ye Xiudu had used the blood exchange method to save Nan Nan and was now in a coma. Yu Qingluo rushed to Ye Xiudu's side.

Situ regretfully informed her that despite all his efforts and the use of all the Duanyu bird's feathers, he could not wake Ye Xiudu, fearing he might not survive the day. Yu Qingluo, heartbroken, clutched the wish token and a ring, desperately reminding Ye Xiudu of his promises: that Nan Nan would be their child, that he would fulfill her wishes and ensure her happiness, and that he would never leave her, always being her exclusive Night Guard. She tearfully questioned why he was breaking his solemn vows.

Episode 24 (Ending) Recap

The atmosphere in Fengcang Pavilion was heavy as Yu Qingluo watched Nan Nan determinedly fly a kite. The young boy had written a letter on it, begging God to let Ye Xiudu wake up. Nan Nan explained that he knew Lord Yuyang was in a coma because he had saved him, and even Yu Qingluo couldn't cure him, so he hoped God could.

When the kite string broke and the kite flew away, Nan Nan was distraught, fearing God wouldn't see his plea. Yu Qingluo comforted him, assuring him that God had already received his message. Nan Nan then confessed his promises to God: he would never again secretly eat crispy chicken, play truant, or anger Yu Qingluo and Little Ye. All he wanted was for Little Ye to recover.

Tearfully, Nan Nan asked Yu Qingluo if Little Ye was truly his father, lamenting that he hadn't yet called him "Dad" and feared Little Ye might die. Yu Qingluo confirmed it and promised to do everything in her power to bring him back. Shortly after, Mo Xian delivered a letter to Yu Qingluo from Ye Xiudu.

After reading the letter, Yu Qingluo proposed delaying the Four-Kingdom Contest and gaining early access to the second volume of Shennong Pharmacopoeia to save Ye Xiudu. Li Zifan voiced concerns that the hosts, Qingheng and Tianyu Kingdom, might not agree. However, Situ Yu, with hidden motives, suggested they might be amenable, noting the previous alliance between Tianyu and Fengcang Kingdoms and Prince Qingheng's admiration for Lord Yuyang.

Ye Haoran worried Qingheng would prioritize winning the championship, but Jin Liuli was optimistic, mentioning Qingning's efforts to help. Yu Qingluo emphasized that the medical book was their sole hope and she would pursue it despite the slim chances. Soon, Qingning joyfully reported that her brother, Qingheng, had approved the request. They proceeded to Zuimeng Hall, an imposing structure that Qingning explained housed the Shennong Pharmacopoeia in a nine-lock mechanism box crafted by Tianyu Kingdom's artisans, requiring time to open.

Prime Minister Zhan welcomed them, explaining that Tianyu Kingdom's Monarch had made an exception not solely due to Prince Qingheng's request, but primarily because of Yu Qingluo's meritorious work in quelling the plague. Yu Qingluo expressed her gratitude. As the Prime Minister presented the book, Situ Yu, feigning scholarly interest, asked to join Yu Qingluo in examining it, and she agreed. However, as the box opened, Situ Yu snatched the book, declaring, "The game is over."

When the Prime Minister ordered his arrest, Xiuluo Sect members, disguised among the guards, emerged. Jin Liuli realized that Situ Yu was the Chief of Xiuluo Sect. Yu Qingluo, having anticipated this, revealed that the book in Situ Yu's hand was merely blank pages.

Situ Yu confessed to using Yu Qingluo's proposal to gain access, but she countered that his scheme was a trap to expose him, a strategy devised after she learned from Ye Xiudu's letter that the true enemy was the Chief of Xiuluo Sect. In his letter, Ye Xiudu had also explained his need for secrecy, knowing Yu Qingluo's determined nature to fight for the book regardless of the danger.

Situ Yu then seized Yu Qingluo with a dagger, challenging Qingheng to emerge. Qingheng appeared with guards, ordering Situ Yu to release her. Unfazed, Situ Yu revealed that Zuimeng Hall was once the main shrine of his ancestral Ethnic Mengshan, and the Shennong Pharmacopoeia was their sacred treasure. He claimed he was merely reclaiming what was rightfully his. He then threatened everyone present with death if they did not hand over the true Shennong Pharmacopoeia.

Just as Situ Yu prepared to kill Yu Qingluo, one of the black-clad figures played a flute, a melody Yu Qingluo recognized from Windbell Valley. Butterflies released bone-weakening powder, causing everyone except Yu Qingluo and a few others to collapse. The leader of the black-clad group administered an antidote to Yu Qingluo, then removed his mask, revealing himself to be her father, Han Xiao (also referred to as the head of the Jiang family).

Han Xiao explained that seven years prior, his misplaced trust in Situ Yu had indirectly led to the death of Lord Ye and his comrades, and his sole purpose for living had been to avenge them by destroying Situ Yu and Xiuluo Sect. However, before Han Xiao could assist the others, Situ Yu, astonishingly unaffected by the bone-weakening powder, rose and once again seized Yu Qingluo.

He boasted that he had become immune to all poisons through years of self-experimentation with herbs, developing an anti-poison pill during his relentless quest for vengeance. Yu Qingluo defiantly refused to surrender the Shennong Pharmacopoeia, further enraging Situ Yu. At that critical moment, Ye Xiudu arrived, warning Situ Yu that those who threatened his beloved met a grim end. Situ Yu was shocked, questioning how Ye Xiudu could be alive after being poisoned by Duanyu Hong.

Han Xiao proudly claimed responsibility for Ye Xiudu's recovery. Situ Yu, however, perceived that Han Xiao had only temporarily suppressed the poison, leaving Ye Xiudu still weak and no match for him. Yu Qingluo then recalled a self-defense swordsmanship Ye Xiudu had taught her on a mountain peak, where he had emphasized the importance of self-protection. Understanding his unspoken signal, she used a hidden dagger from her sleeve to break free from Situ Yu's grasp, creating an opening.

Ye Xiudu seized the opportunity and delivered a fatal blow to Situ Yu's throat. Li Zifan, who regarded Situ Yu as his mentor, was heartbroken to witness his death. Outside, Qingheng expressed his belief that Lord Yuyang would not die so easily, as they still had their fated battle to fight. Nan Nan also reassured Yu Qingluo, confident that his grandpa, Han Xiao, would cure Ye Xiudu, as Ye Xiudu always kept his promises.

Soon after, Han Xiao emerged, announcing that Ye Xiudu was safe, much to everyone's relief. He recounted how, with the second volume of Shennong Pharmacopoeia, he had finally developed an antidote for Duanyu Hong, thus curing Lord Ye's eldest son—who was also his grandson's father. Reflecting on the past seven years of guilt, Han Xiao expressed profound relief and a sense of destiny. Given Ye Xiudu's lingering weakness, Han Xiao advised against a crowd of visitors.

Yu Qingluo and Nan Nan were the first to enter. Ye Xiudu apologized for worrying them, promising it was the last time he would deceive them. Yu Qingluo made him vow to never lie to her again. Nan Nan, now aware of the truth, presented a painting he had recreated—a wedding gift for Ye Xiudu and Yu Qingluo, explaining that the original, started by Ye Xiudu, had been poisoned and burned by his mother.

Yu Qingluo gently prompted Nan Nan to use the proper address, and after a moment of hesitation, Nan Nan softly called Ye Xiudu "Dad." Overcome with emotion, Ye Xiudu asked him to repeat it, cherishing the words. Nan Nan then sweetly said, "Dad, I miss you so much." The Four-Kingdom Contest resumed with a climactic final battle between Ye Xiudu and Qingheng.

Qingheng declared his intention to fight with all his might, seeking to honor his father, who had regretted never having a fair fight with Lord Ye. Ye Xiudu eagerly accepted the challenge, and they engaged in a fierce contest. Ye Xiudu ultimately emerged victorious. Upon their return to Fengcang Kingdom, Yu Qingluo and her companions were greeted by a joyous populace celebrating their heroes.

Among the cheering crowd, Mo Xian and Xiao Han were seen together, while Xiaocao pondered the preparations for Yu Qingluo's upcoming wedding feast. While Yu Qingluo's group celebrated, Ye Xiudu and Ye Haoran had already hastened back to the capital to report to the Monarch.

Yu Qingluo and Jin Liuli speculated whether their early departure was to inform the Monarch about Situ Yu and the truth of the past Four-Kingdom Contest, hoping to clear Han Xiao's name, or if they had other plans. Soon, an imperial edict arrived, declaring that although Yu Qingluo and Jin Liuli had initially abandoned the contest and "escaped to Jinglei Kingdom," their subsequent return and contribution to Fengcang Kingdom's victory earned them forgiveness.

As a reward, the Monarch decreed that Yu Qingluo would marry Lord Yuyang (Ye Xiudu), and Jin Liuli would marry Minister Ye (Ye Haoran), with the weddings to be held the very next day. Ye Haoran gleefully asked Jin Liuli if his "highly anticipated and impressive proposal" had surprised her. The weddings took place at Prince Ye's Mansion. Lady Ye and Han Xiao were seated as honored parents.

Lady Ye personally thanked Han Xiao for saving Ye Xiudu, acknowledging his past sacrifices and noting the remarkable turn of events that had made their families united by marriage. Li Zifan, serving as the officiant, presided over the ceremonies. Meanwhile, Mo Xian inquired about Qingning, learning that she had gone out to find a wedding gift for her master and hadn't returned, playfully speculating if she was secretly meeting Li Zifan.

The two couples, deeply in love, performed the traditional bows to Heaven and Earth, to their parents, and to each other. Afterward, during the tossing of the embroidered balls, Jin Liuli threw hers, and Mo Xian caught it. Then, Yu Qingluo threw her embroidered ball, and after some playful encouragement, Li Zifan caught it.

Holding the embroidered ball, a bashful Li Zifan went outside to find Qingning, who was just returning, having dealt with a "malicious merchant" who had sold her a counterfeit wedding gift. Li Zifan declared her timing perfect and shyly presented her with the embroidered ball, their hands intertwining as their mutual affection deepened. Later that night, in their respective bridal chambers, Ye Haoran lifted his bride's veil, only to faint in shock upon seeing Shuangke.

Jin Liuli, removing her mask, revealed it had been her all along and playfully chastised the unconscious Ye Haoran for his fear. In another room, Ye Xiudu lifted Yu Qingluo's veil. He told her that compared to her, titles like Commander of the Four Kingdoms and Mr. Warrior were insignificant, and marrying her was his life's proudest achievement. Yu Qingluo replied that she needed no grand promises, only his daily companionship.

Ye Xiudu swore to protect her and Nan Nan forever. Yu Qingluo then teasingly reminded him of their "first night" seven years ago, which led to Nan Nan, and how he couldn't remember it.

Ye Xiudu, reverting to his more flirtatious demeanor from before his memory loss, then turned serious, suggesting that the disappearance of Maid Ge and the absence of the first volume of Shennong Pharmacopoeia from Situ Yu's possession indicated a more mysterious mastermind behind the scenes, and he vowed to uncover them. Yu Qingluo, eager to enjoy their wedding night, told him to stop talking business. When he suggested they have a baby girl for Nan Nan, offering to switch between his two personas during the night for her enjoyment, Yu Qingluo playfully called him "lustful."