Qingchuan's Veil of Vengean Recap, Plot, Synopsis

Qingchuan's Veil of Vengean Synopsis

In the tenth year of the Zhanghe era, Xia Qiguang is sent by his father, the Prince of Jing, to become the disciple of Mo Wang by chance. The young nobleman scorns this so-called "The World's Greatest Master," but greatly admires the female general Mo Qingchuan, who defends the nation. Unbeknownst to him, the very person before him—Mo Wang—is Qingchuan herself. As master and disciple save and protect each other, they rebuild the Mo Army and embark on a journey to restore honor to the legendary legion of heroes.

Qingchuan's Veil of Vengean Recap

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In the interrogation room, Mo Qingchuan was beaten all over, covered in wounds, yet mocked the torturers, saying their efforts were merely tickling her. That year was the second year of the Xia calendar. Blood dripped from Mo Qingchuan’s legs onto the ground, and from it sprouted green plants. Even the torturers were moved, urging her to surrender, promising that the Chu kingdom would reward her richly.

But Mo Qingchuan firmly refused to give up an inch of land, declaring the Mo Army would never retreat. Four years later, at the beginning of spring, the weather remained bitterly cold with heavy snow falling. The northern blizzards had taken many lives, and people lamented how life only got worse by the day.

Yet inside the courtyard of Prince Jing’s residence, Prince Jing was ruthlessly whipping the Young Lord Xia Qiguang, ordering him to go to the Cao residence and apologize. But Xia Qiguang, though beaten, steadfastly refused. The steward tried to persuade him, saying that Cao Ling’an relied on the Empress Dowager’s support to seize good farmland and oppress women, and Xia Qiguang had already done more than enough—there was no need to apologize.

Helpless, Prince Jing could only sit down and try reasoning with Xia Qiguang, hoping he would understand the situation. But Xia Qiguang was already fully aware. Prince Jing had been relegated to the position of a powerless noble because years ago, Empress Dowager Cao helped Emperor Zhang Ping secure the throne and stabilize the court by purging the Xia clan’s power. To protect himself, Prince Jing voluntarily requested a fief. Xia Qiguang was left in the capital, essentially a hostage.

Yet Xia Qiguang believed that even with all his father’s compromises, peace in court could never be achieved. Prince Jing had received his orders—he was to leave for his fief the day after tomorrow. Concerned that Xia Qiguang wouldn't be safe, he had requested a teacher for him. As soon as he said this, Jiang Kui arrived to inform Xia Qiguang to greet his new mentor.

Jiang Kui, once rumored to be a bloodthirsty killer in the martial world, now appeared to be a sweet young girl claiming to have turned over a new leaf. Watching her leave, Prince Jing was overwhelmed with emotion. The person he had long awaited had finally returned—this person was once Prince Jing’s military advisor. Jiang Kui waited in the courtyard. Xia Qiguang followed the address she gave and arrived to find Ms. Mo.

Jiang Kui reminded Xia Qiguang that his teacher was resting and asked him to wait, but Xia Qiguang was visibly dissatisfied. The two suddenly began to spar in the courtyard. At first, Jiang Kui was no match for him and was about to lose her temper when Ms. Mo—Mo Wang—emerged from within. Xia Qiguang was briefly stunned by Mo Wang’s beauty, but he directly stated his doubts about becoming her disciple.

He said he loved martial arts and was only there because of his father’s insistence, so he wanted to know whether Mo Wang was highly skilled. Upon hearing she was not, Xia Qiguang immediately refused to become her disciple, stating he only admired those with superior martial prowess. His lifelong wish was to become a great general like Mo Qingchuan and one day reclaim Qingchuan Town.

However, Mo Wang considered Mo Qingchuan a traitor who betrayed her country for personal gain. Xia Qiguang’s eyes filled with anger—he was certain Mo Qingchuan wasn’t a traitor. Twelve years ago, he had witnessed Mo Qingchuan head into battle when she was just fifteen. She had taken an enemy general’s head amid ten thousand troops, earned numerous military merits afterward, and her defense of the borders deterred the enemy from further attacks. But at this point, Xia Qiguang stopped speaking.

Mo Wang picked up where he left off: In the seventh year of Zhang Ping’s reign, the war between Chu and Xia broke out. Mo Junshan died of illness, and command of the Mo Army passed to his brother Mo Junyu. Mo Qingchuan was besieged at the Chuanhe Inn, trapped like a cornered beast. The enemy general Feng Shiye offered her great rewards to surrender, and Mo Qingchuan cast aside her sword and surrendered.

Xia Qiguang completely rejected this version of events. He believed someone who held life and death so lightly would never betray their country. Even if the entire world thought she was a traitor, he would never believe it. Mo Wang suddenly stared Xia Qiguang down, asking him: What if Mo Qingchuan really did betray the town? This only increased Xia Qiguang’s resentment toward her, and he turned to leave, no longer willing to become her disciple.

But Jiang Kui blocked his way, pressing his head down—this was now considered an official apprenticeship, because Mo Wang had promised Prince Jing she would take Xia Qiguang as her student. As Xia Qiguang left, he turned back to look at where Mo Wang lived, recalling her question: What if Mo Qingchuan truly betrayed them? At that moment, he felt that even if she did, she must have had no other choice.

That night, Mo Wang dozed at the table, but her mind returned to the scene of Mo Qingchuan being surrounded years ago. She woke up in fright. Jiang Kui, beside her, noticed she had the same nightmare again. Soon after, Mo Wang received a note: “There is no tomorrow in the capital.” She immediately realized something had happened to Prince Jing and rushed off with Jiang Kui. In the outskirts, Prince Jing was bidding farewell to Xia Qiguang.

They wouldn’t meet again for another three years. Just as they were parting reluctantly, a group of assassins launched a surprise attack. Xia Qiguang told the steward to protect Prince Jing and went to face the attackers himself. But to his shock, the steward suddenly turned on them and killed Prince Jing. Xia Qiguang rushed over to save him but was also injured by the steward. Nevertheless, he managed to kill the traitorous steward.

More enemies swarmed in, but Mo Qingchuan and Jiang Kui arrived just in time to rescue Xia Qiguang and capture one of the assassins alive. Xia Qiguang begged Mo Wang to save his father, but fainted from exhaustion. Mo Wang interrogated the captive and found he had been poisoned. She fed him a stronger poison, forcing him to reveal the entire plan.

The assassins belonged to the Suoque Sect and had been ordered to kill Prince Jing, destroy the body, and make it look like a vendetta from the martial world. After learning everything, Mo Wang fired a signal flare to report success and then let the captive go. She then instructed Jiang Kui to leave a message for the imperial court, so the court would know who was behind it all. Jiang Kui carved the words “The Suoque Sect was here” into a tree. Mo Wang then ordered Silver Cicada, Chen Yi, to set the scene ablaze.

When Xia Qiguang was a child, Shen Zhaorong lived in the capital with him, separated from her husband, and promised to take good care of Xia Qiguang. Prince Jing left reluctantly. Xia Qiguang saw this scene again in his dream and woke up in shock. Seeing the bandaged wound on his wrist, he recalled that the butler had cut his wrist the night before. Jiang Kui was thrilled to see Xia Qiguang coming out of his room.

She had been taking care of him for over ten days, and now that he was awake, she no longer had to. She excitedly handed the medicine pot to Xia Qiguang and was about to leave, but was stopped by Mo Wang, who had just returned. Xia Qiguang remembered that this was the master his father had begged for him, and the thought of his father’s tragic death made him ask to see Prince Jing.

But Mo Wang coldly told him that she had already burned Prince Jing's body, which was just an empty shell. Furious that he didn’t get to see his father one last time, Xia Qiguang argued, but Mo Wang coldly reminded him that the farewell outside the city was his final goodbye, and he should remember that moment.

She also told him that he had to choose: either to become someone like his father who endured the darkness or to walk away entirely. But once he chose, there should be no regrets. Xia Qiguang bitterly declared that he would avenge his father. Mo Wang then told him that the people of the Suoque Sect had been ambushed under orders. Behind it all was the imperial court. The Suoque Sect was composed of death row convicts.

She deliberately set a fire, destroying all evidence, including the fact that Xia Qiguang was still alive. Now, to the outside world, Xia Qiguang was a dead man. Xia Qiguang thanked her for her help, but Mo Wang reminded him that if he had actually attacked her earlier, it would have been a betrayal of master and ancestors. However, considering his grief over his father’s death, she would go easy and punish him with kneeling for an hour.

Jiang Kui was secretly delighted—Mo Wang was like a demon king. But before she could gloat, she too was punished and sent to watch over the medicine. Although punished, Xia Qiguang seemed to see his father again and remembered what he had said before.

In his father’s eyes, although Mo Wang was a mix of eccentric genius, lunatic, and death warrior, the rise of the Cicada Agency was thanks to her, and if it ever perished, it would also be because of her. No matter what, she was the one most worthy of trust. Mo Wang stood alone in a bamboo grove with her hands behind her back, waiting for Qi Yun, the deputy general of the Mo Army's vanguard unit, to arrive.

Unable to contain his eagerness, Qi Yun tried to spar with her, only to find that she had lost all her inner strength. Mo Wang explained that her internal power had been abolished. Enraged, Qi Yun knelt and paid respects to her—it turned out that Mo Wang was none other than Mo Qingchuan from years ago. The Mo Army had been disbanded for four years.

Mo Wang insisted that from now on, no one was to call her Mo Qingchuan—only Mo Wang. She appointed Qi Yun as the new manager of the capital's storefront, reminding him that in business, he must be amiable and not scare off customers with his soldierly demeanor. Qi Yun would go undercover at the Cicada Agency, gathering intelligence.

Meanwhile, they deliberately leaked information—now everyone knew that the leader of the Cicada Agency was not Prince Jing, but a mysterious woman named Mo Wang, the most brilliant master in the world. Once the Young Lord returned to the capital, his orphan status would stir public sympathy. The imperial court had also discovered the Suoque Sect and would soon make arrests. What Mo Wang worried about now was her mother.

Luckily, she would be returning to the capital soon, and Mo Wang intended to personally visit Mo Junyu, the Grand Commandant. At the same time, Cao Ling’an and Mo Junyu were discussing the assassination of Prince Jing. They knew that the person who had deliberately left clues about the Suoque Sect wanted them to wipe it out—but they had no choice but to follow through.

Mo Wang removed the bandages from Xia Qiguang’s wrist and saw the injury was serious—it would take a while to heal. She told Jiang Kui to train with him in one-handed combat. When Xia Qiguang sparred with Jiang Kui, he quickly picked up her moves, surprising Mo Wang with his talent, though she did not show it. She then handed him a book for self-training. Xia Qiguang trained every day, but progress was slow.

From Jiang Kui, he learned that Mo Wang got up early every day to exercise—she was a total devil, and not worth learning from. But Mo Wang trained even harder. One day when she returned, she said she was going to the Suoque Sect. Xia Qiguang, practicing nearby, immediately asked to go with her, and Mo Wang agreed. On a slope not far from the Suoque Sect, several people were watching, curious to see who the court would send.

They were surprised to see it was a major general of the Black Armor Army, prompting Mo Wang to sarcastically remark that the Xia dynasty was rotten to the core. They entered the main hall and intercepted Cao Ling’an, who had just finished killing someone. Cao Ling’an asked Xia Qiguang to come back with him and plead with the Empress Dowager. Xia Qiguang demanded to know why he killed Prince Jing, but Cao Ling’an flatly denied it.

Mo Wang told Xia Qiguang to fight him using his other hand—good practice. With Mo Wang’s guidance, Xia Qiguang easily defeated Cao Ling’an. Mo Wang interrogated Cao Ling’an about who was behind the manipulation of the Suoque Sect, but he refused to speak. In a rage, she killed him. She then said she was heading to the capital and asked Xia Qiguang if he would go with her.

Remembering his father's words—that Mo Wang was the most trustworthy—Xia Qiguang sincerely knelt and acknowledged her as his master. Jiang Kui was overjoyed—she finally had a junior disciple. Mo Wang said she wanted Xia Qiguang to become a major general in the Black Armor Army. Xia Qiguang replied that the army was too dirty. But Mo Wang said a military unit was only as good as its leadership. Seeing the determination in her eyes, Xia Qiguang understood and immediately agreed. Soon, the group arrived in the capital. Last time, when they returned, Mo Wang was still Mo Qingchuan and was welcomed with fanfare. But now, everything had changed.

On the battlefield, Chen Siqi was nearly killed, but was saved in time by Mo Qingchuan. At that moment, Chen Siqi was deeply grateful to her. Today marked the day of Chen Siqi's promotion, and guests came in an endless stream to offer their congratulations, with gifts piling up in the room. Mo Qingchuan quietly watched everything from the shadows.

Chen Siqi seemed very satisfied with his current life—feeling he could finally live up to the spirits of his deceased parents, give his younger sister a good life, and bring honor to his family name. Mo Qingchuan did not disturb Chen Siqi and his sister, choosing instead to leave silently. The next day, she stood on the attic with Jiang Kui, helping her identify former members of the Mo Army.

It was the day of Prince Jing’s funeral, and officials from the court had gathered to pay their respects. Chen Siqi had once served as the deputy commander of the vanguard battalion in the Mo Army—he was cheerful and skilled in martial arts, and possibly one of the targets to be eliminated. He now held the position of Guard Commander, ranked fourth-grade.

Zhou Zheng, currently serving as the Mo Army's chief secretary, was known for his integrity and now held the third-grade rank of Left Supervisor in the Court of Judicial Review. He was under investigation. Mo Junyu arrived with Cao Yuyan, the beloved niece of Empress Dowager Cao and the woman he loved most. Yet, Mo Junyu was also marked for death. After the Empress Dowager and the Emperor arrived, Xia Qiguang publicly told the Empress Dowager about Prince Jing’s assassination.

Members of the Cicada Agency brought Cao Ling’an, already caged, and handed over the Golden Cicada to Xia Qiguang. Xia Qiguang enumerated Cao Ling’an’s crimes: protecting death-row prisoners to establish the Suoque Sect, colluding to eliminate political enemies, and even poisoning members of the sect—a crime that could be proven. Cao Ling’an was now unable to speak. He and Chen Siqi had used poison to control death-row prisoners, turning them into their tools. Poison was found at the scene.

Chen Siqi rushed forward in panic, pulling the cloth from Cao Ling’an’s mouth, begging him to speak and not implicate him. But Cao Ling’an still couldn’t speak, and even Xia Qiguang didn’t understand why. Xia Qiguang pleaded with the Empress Dowager to have Zhou Zheng thoroughly investigate the matter. With everyone watching, the Empress Dowager had no choice but to agree. Chen Siqi was also taken into custody. Chen Siqi’s jade pendant fell to the ground.

He shouted loudly, demanding to retrieve it, but Zhou Zheng picked it up and held it in his hand. Seeing this, Mo Wang remembered that during her secret investigation, Zhou Zheng’s name had appeared in a memorial impeaching the Mo Army. She then instructed Jiang Kui to go to Zhou Zheng’s house and see if there was anything interesting there. The Cicada Agency delivered their badge along with a priceless luminous pearl.

However, Xia Qiguang handed everything to the Empress Dowager, claiming it was Prince Jing’s final wish—to help resolve the northern snow disaster. The Golden Cicadas could be exchanged for silver notes and entitled one to all profits of the Cicada Agency. The Empress Dowager was very pleased and ordered Xia Qiguang to stay in the capital to observe mourning for three years. After that, he could return to his fief. Mo Wang watched everything coldly from an inconspicuous corner.

In her view, with Prince Jing dead, the connection between the Cicada Agency and the court was broken. Now only Xia Qiguang could carry on. Jiang Kui couldn’t understand why Mo Wang, at such a painful moment for Xia Qiguang, was only thinking of how he could be useful. But Mo Wang believed that instead of crying with Xia Qiguang, it was better to avenge Prince Jing with him. After all, this was the path Xia Qiguang had chosen.

The Empress Dowager investigated Mo Wang’s background extensively and discovered that no one had ever seen her true face. She was said to be hideous and always wore a mask. She had only descended from the mountain three years ago, taking in the nation's most infamous playboy Bai Liang, the second-ranked master of lightning strikes Qiu Yin, and the number one enchantress Jiang Kui as her disciples. She proclaimed herself the number one eccentric master in the world.

After taking over the Cicada Agency, she claimed to be the richest person in the world, a boast the Empress Dowager found laughable and self-aggrandizing. The Empress Dowager suspected that Cao Ling’an’s silence by poisoning had deeper reasons. Before arriving, Xia Qiguang had given the Suoque Sect’s account books to the Empress Dowager. They implicated many high-ranking officials. She had thought Xia Qiguang had powerful guidance behind him, but after reviewing the ledgers, they didn’t seem that extraordinary.

Still, Cao Ling’an had to be silenced—there was concern he might implicate others. Prince Jing had left a letter for Mo Wang, which Xia Qiguang handed to her. When Mo Wang went to offer incense to Prince Jing, Jiang Kui felt heartbroken. Three Golden Cicadas were handed over—money she had acquired through raids and robberies. Though corrupt officials had been robbed, none dared speak out.

The Cicada Agency now had roots deep in the court, all thanks to Prince Jing’s secret planning. Mo Wang gave more Golden Cicadas to Xia Qiguang, believing it all rightfully belonged to him and wishing to protect it with him. Xia Qiguang feared that although the Empress Dowager let him stay in the army, she might never truly entrust him with power.

But Mo Wang had her own plans: she arranged for Xia Qiguang to report to the barracks the next day to enlist. She suggested it’d be best if he could squeeze out a few tears; if not, he should loudly declare his determination to serve. If met with resistance, he should offer bribes to get in and let people say they were coerced by Xia Qiguang and had nothing to do with it.

That way, he could smoothly enter the military. Xia Qiguang didn’t expect Mo Wang to know the inner workings so well. Inside the military camp, no one really saw Xia Qiguang as a soldier because of Mo Wang’s status as the Young Lord. Yet Xia Qiguang was very proactive, waking early to wash everyone’s clothes and serve tea. When Commander Cao Huaitai heard of this, he deliberately summoned Xia Qiguang and, after dismissing everyone, began beating him severely.

Xia Qiguang, recalling Mo Wang’s words, thought of how his father had endured countless humiliations over the years and vowed to endure as well. No matter how hard Cao Huaitai beat him, he remained indifferent. Cao Huaitai’s subordinates feared he might truly injure Xia Qiguang and reminded him that Xia Qiguang had given the Empress Dowager three Golden Cicadas. Cao Huaitai finally relented but ordered him to clean the stables as punishment. While doing so, Xia Qiguang saw former members of the Mo Army doing the dirtiest, most exhausting tasks—and still being whipped.

Back then, after Chen Siqi was captured, the Chu State demanded that he lure out Mo Qingchuan. But Chen Siqi would rather die than comply. He was beaten black and blue, yet still refused to do it. However, his enemies threatened him with his sister, who was pregnant at the time. After thinking it over, Chen Siqi finally committed something against his conscience. Chen Siqi was imprisoned and burning with anxiety, hoping to be released soon.

When he saw Zhou Zheng approaching, he hurriedly begged for mercy. But Zhou Zheng believed Chen Siqi couldn’t be released for now. Although Cao Ling’an was already dead, Zhou Zheng held an account book that contained enough incriminating evidence to have Chen Siqi beheaded. Zhou Zheng also knew that Chen Siqi must have been set up, but couldn’t figure out who he had offended.

In fact, the account book had been left at Zhou Zheng’s door by Jiang Kui, who only left after seeing him take it. At Zhou Zheng’s residence, she didn’t find much silver, and it appeared very modest, making her think he was an honest official. But to Mo Wang, Zhou Zheng had grown up poor, and she only hoped he was truly worthy of the title “good official.”

As Zhou Zheng was enjoying his meal, he saw Mo Junyu returning with Cao Yuyan. His eyes instinctively went to Cao Yuyan, who gave a slight nod as a greeting. It was Mo Junyu who took the initiative to ask Zhou Zheng about Chen Siqi and questioned why the case hadn’t been closed. This made Zhou Zheng start to wonder whether Mo Junyu had some kind of leverage that Chen Siqi might be holding over him.

Qingchuan Town and Biluohua River had always been places Mo Wang liked, but since things in the capital hadn’t settled, they couldn’t return for now. Jiang Kui was feeling a bit bored and wished Xia Qiguang would come back to keep her company. Mo Wang believed they would be able to return soon. Empress Dowager Cao was reviewing memorials. As long as she approved something, the Emperor would too.

On the surface, she suggested that the Emperor take over governance, but in reality, he handed everything back to her, which made her quite pleased. When Cao Huaitai submitted a memorial proposing punishment for Xia Qiguang, the Empress Dowager believed he was holding a grudge because Prince Jing had once flogged him with a military staff and now wanted revenge through Xia Qiguang. As a result, instead of punishing him, she had Mo Junyu arrange a civil post for him.

Xia Qiguang returned to visit Mo Wang. As soon as he entered the courtyard and saw Mo Wang’s graceful figure, he was momentarily dazed. But regaining his focus, he handed her his official appointment document. Mo Wang noticed the blood at the corner of Xia Qiguang’s mouth and angrily asked who had hit him. Xia Qiguang didn’t say and instead claimed that suffering a little grievance was nothing.

He planned to assume his military post the next day and wanted Mo Wang to accompany him as a witness to this moment in his life. It was also the day of the martial arts tournament. Mo Wang refused, saying the Cicada Agency had matters to attend to. But once Xia Qiguang mentioned he had seen former Mo Army members being abused, Mo Wang immediately canceled all her plans and agreed to go personally.

Jiang Kui also insisted on going, and Mo Wang agreed. At the martial arts tournament, under Cao Huaitai’s instruction, someone volunteered to spar with Xia Qiguang. On Mo Wang’s signal, Xia Qiguang agreed. His opponent demanded that the duel be to the death, and the two fought fiercely. Xia Qiguang easily defeated his opponent. Jiang Kui was overjoyed, and even Mo Wang smiled with satisfaction.

But someone noticed that Xia Qiguang’s martial arts bore the hallmarks of the Mo family’s techniques. Cao Huaitai believed the Mo family was nearly extinct, and it was impossible anyone had taught him—unless it was Mo Qingchuan, who was far away in Chu. But even that seemed unlikely. Cao Huaitai asked directly where Xia Qiguang had learned Mo-style swordsmanship. Xia Qiguang froze, unaware that what he had learned was the Mo style. After repeated questioning, he still didn’t answer.

Mo Wang stepped forward and claimed she had taught him. She explained that the technique required excellent natural aptitude and then revealed her identity as Mo Wang. Cao Huaitai pressed her on where she had obtained the technique. Mo Wang said she had learned it from Mo Junshan. However, this explanation didn’t match what Xia Qiguang had said before, and he now wondered why his master had lied to him. Cao Huaitai suspected the person before him was Mo Qingchuan.

Xia Qiguang began to doubt too and instinctively moved to stand in front of Mo Qingchuan, ready to protect her. Cao Huaitai ordered Mo Qingchuan’s former subordinates to be brought forward for identification. Mo Wang unveiled herself in front of everyone, allowing them to verify her identity, but no one could confirm it. Cao Huaitai knew that Mo Qingchuan was extremely protective of her own, so he stabbed one of her former subordinates in the hand.

Mo Wang clenched her fists tightly behind her back but remained silent. Cao Huaitai, infuriated, ordered them to leave. Before leaving, the men shouted in unison, “If the General calls, we will answer without hesitation!” On the surface, this was directed at Cao Huaitai, but in reality, it was meant for Mo Wang. Mo Wang demanded that Cao Huaitai apologize for mistaking her for Mo Qingchuan. Cao Huaitai refused.

Suddenly, Mo Wang snatched the dagger from his hand and slashed his cheek. She said this was both a token of apology and an act of vengeance on behalf of her brothers. Cao Huaitai dared not speak out, fearing that the Empress Dowager would find out. After all, it was his fault to begin with, and if he harmed Mo Wang, he would be cutting off the Empress Dowager’s financial lifeline. Mo Wang turned away coldly, stabbing the dagger into the floor as she left.

Back then, after Chen Siqi met with Mo Qingchuan, he informed her that Qingchuan Town was finished. Mo Qingchuan couldn’t understand—it wasn’t possible for them to fall so quickly, even if her father had died. Chen Siqi didn’t explain further. At that moment, pursuers arrived outside, and Mo Qingchuan assumed they were coming for her. On her return journey, she was ambushed. Not wanting to implicate Chen Siqi, she urged him to leave quickly.

Chen Siqi has now been released, but people from the Cicada Agency are secretly monitoring his every move. Mo Wang knew about Mo Qingchuan’s situation but didn’t want to tell Xia Qiguang, because she saw that Xia Qiguang believed in Mo Qingchuan. His eyes lit up whenever he mentioned her. Yet Mo Wang, cloaked in darkness under another name, didn’t want to snuff out that light.

But Jiang Kui suddenly asked—what if Xia Qiguang trusted Mo Wang the same way he trusted Mo Qingchuan? Before Mo Wang could respond, Xia Qiguang arrived. Xia Qiguang probed Mo Wang, asking if she was Mo Qingchuan, but Mo Wang denied it. As for why she knew the Mo family's blade techniques, she explained that she used to be a Mo family shadow guard named Shuicao. She also asked Xia Qiguang why he was always targeted by Cao Huaitai.

Years ago, Cao Huaitai’s son, Cao Lingxiu, bullied their fellow students. Xia Qiguang couldn’t bear it and taught him a lesson. Cao Huaitai came seeking revenge and accidentally injured Xia Qiguang’s mother, leading to her death. But Cao Huaitai was only imprisoned briefly before being released. Jiang Kui was furious about this. Mo Wang comforted Xia Qiguang, saying his mother was the truly brave one, while Cao Huaitai was just a coward wrapped in a cloak of brutality.

Early in the morning, Xia Qiguang came to escort Mo Wang to the Cicada Agency. Qi Yun had learned that a letter had been sent to Mo Junyu at Zhao Prison, and that Chen Siqi would be released today. Mo Wang seemed to have anticipated all of this but hadn’t expected how deeply things would be entangled. Qi Yun informed Mo Wang that Feng Shiye from Chu would soon arrive in the capital for negotiations.

Mo Wang instructed Jinchan Zhou to gather intelligence on the enemy’s troop deployment. In Xia Qiguang’s study, he found a token from the Mo Army’s vanguard battalion and indeed saw the name Shuicao. Still unwilling to believe it, he went to ask a former subordinate of Mo Qingchuan, who found it odd that Xia Qiguang would ask such a question—after all, Shuicao had once stood right beside him.

Xia Qiguang stopped questioning and accepted that Shuicao was Mo Wang, though he was somewhat disappointed. In fact, Jiang Kui had already warned Mo Wang ahead of time to be prepared in case Xia Qiguang came asking. When Xia Qiguang returned, he no longer treated Mo Wang with the same respect and bluntly called her Shuicao. Mo Wang didn’t mind and didn’t want to explain much either.

She simply said she believed Mo Qingchuan was a traitor and didn’t want to admit she had once been her shadow guard. Xia Qiguang, angry, turned and left. Even though he heard Mo Wang coughing behind him and felt a pang of emotion, he still didn’t turn back. Mo Wang then went out with an umbrella to settle accounts with Chen Siqi. The next day, Chen Siqi discovered his sister was missing.

He received a ransom note demanding money for her return. He ordered his men to exchange money but intended to kill whoever had taken her. After raising the funds, he received another note telling him to go alone to an abandoned temple west of the city. When Chen Siqi arrived, only Jiang Kui was waiting inside. Jiang Kui warned him for bringing so many men, but Chen Siqi didn’t take her seriously.

Mo Qingchuan stepped out of the room and questioned Chen Siqi about his betrayal. Terrified, Chen Siqi knelt and explained he had betrayed them to save his sister. Mo Qingchuan said that if it were only about his sister, she wouldn’t blame him. But Chen Siqi had quickly risen to the rank of captain because he had tasted the sweetness of power, and that had turned him into a parasite.

Chen Siqi stood and retorted that Mo Qingchuan had also sacrificed many lives in war. Mo Qingchuan asked if he regretted his betrayal. Chen Siqi said he did not. Mo Qingchuan told Chen Siqi to write a confession, hand over the silver, and he could see his sister one last time before returning to face death. If he did this, she would spare his sister’s life. Knowing Mo Qingchuan’s capabilities and realizing he couldn’t escape, Chen Siqi signed the confession.

But he accidentally discovered that Mo Qingchuan hadn’t actually attacked him, which meant her martial arts were probably crippled, and she was bluffing. He planned to kill her and take back the confession. After seeing his sister one last time, Chen Siqi urged her to flee. Once she was gone, he blew a whistle to summon his men to surround Mo Qingchuan—but no one came. Mo Qingchuan hadn’t expected Chen Siqi to try to kill her.

Jiang Kui swiftly captured him with one move. Chen Siqi fell to his knees, begging for mercy. Mo Qingchuan slit his throat with a single stroke, expelling him from the Mo Army.

Years ago, Mo Junyu’s son was captured, and the captors used the child to threaten him into opening the city gates—one person in exchange for an entire city. Meanwhile, Chen Siqi disappeared. Mo Junyu recalled their meeting in prison: Chen Siqi had fallen into despair and begged Mo Junyu to help him. Mo Junyu had no intention of helping at first, but what Chen Siqi held in his hands left Mo Junyu deeply uneasy.

That was the only reason he came to see him. Mo Junyu also reminded Chen Siqi that Zhou Zheng was in charge of reviewing the case, so it was up to him to determine life or death. But Chen Siqi believed Zhou Zheng was playing both sides and the outcome was still uncertain. Because of the evidence, Mo Junyu was left with no choice but to release Chen Siqi.

Now, both Chen Siqi and his sister have gone missing, which left Mo Junyu increasingly uneasy. He sent people out to search for them. Xia Qiguang applied to have four former Mo Army members—Zheng Wuyou, Li Mao, Wang Guohua, and Yang Yi—transferred into the Fleetwind Battalion. General Zhang, who was in charge, came to Xia Qiguang to advise him against doing so.

These men were all on bad terms with Cao Huaitai, and transferring them all at once would raise suspicion. But Xia Qiguang insisted they were qualified and reminded General Zhang that his own position had been granted by the Empress Dowager herself. He was willing to take full responsibility, so General Zhang agreed to report it. Qi Yun came to report to Mo Wang that it was Mo Qinglian’s death anniversary.

Cao Yuyan never visited the memorial, but every month she would go to a certain mountain stronghold, which was six hours from the capital. In two days, she would depart again. A few days earlier, Mo Wang had mobilized the Silver Cicada and obtained a calligraphy painting by Zhou Jiusi. Mo Wang didn’t mind and told Qi Yun not to follow up further—she believed Xia Qiguang would know how to handle it properly. Today was the Empress Dowager’s family banquet.

Cao Yuyan had specially brought a gift that delighted the Empress Dowager, who reminded Mo Junyu to treat her well. In the eyes of outsiders, Cao Yuyan was Mo Junyu’s beloved. Just then, Xia Qiguang presented the painting by Zhou Jiusi, which the Empress Dowager adored even more—it was not something that could be bought with money. She brought out a prized green plum wine from Chu as a reward for everyone.

When Cao Huaitai asked for more, the Empress Dowager refused. Xia Qiguang was deep in thought. He realized the green plum wine was produced in Qingchuan Town but had been delivered by people from Chu—clearly unusual. Yet no one in the royal family noticed anything. The Empress Dowager saw that Xia Qiguang was distracted and questioned him. He quickly explained it was simply his first time tasting such wine and he was a bit dazed.

Feeling affection for him, she rewarded him with two more flasks to take home. On his way out, Xia Qiguang ran into Cao Huaitai, who mocked him for not even getting more wine. Enraged, Cao Huaitai shoved Xia Qiguang to the ground, breaking the flask and injuring his hand. This scene was witnessed by the Empress Dowager. She believed Cao Huaitai had gone too far.

Not only did she reward Xia Qiguang with two new flasks, but she also reminded Cao Huaitai that the ruling house still bore the surname Xia. When Mo Junyu took the drunken Cao Huaitai back, he began speaking recklessly, saying that Xia Qiguang knew the Mo family blade techniques and had learned them from Mo Wang. Mo Junyu suspected this meant Mo Qingchuan, but Cao Huaitai denied it—he had already had someone look into it.

Mo Junyu asked the house steward if he had ever heard of Mo Wang, but the steward knew nothing. Sensing Mo Junyu’s concern, Cao Yuyan reassured him: if Mo Qingchuan returned, they could just kill her. No need to worry. But Mo Junyu responded that the name "Mo Qingchuan" symbolized honor. She had bought Xia seven years of peace and secured its mineral resources. He both envied and feared her.

He truly hoped Mo Qingchuan had died in Chu’s prison and would never return. That night, Xia Qiguang dreamed of a girl on horseback in the forest—the same image he remembered from his first meeting with Mo Qingchuan. He wanted to offer her the green plum wine, believing she would return. But the girl said nothing, only reached out her hand. Yet he did not offer the wine, lost instead in sorrow over Mo Wang.

Then Mo Wang appeared again, and he wanted to give the wine to her. But Mo Wang reminded him she was not Mo Qingchuan—she was just Shuicao. Xia Qiguang hastily explained that in his heart, his master was like the moon—irreplaceable. Mo Wang suddenly asked him if she was more important than Mo Qingchuan. Xia Qiguang, startled by her sharp gaze, dropped the wine. He awoke, confused about why he had such a dream.

While Mo Wang and Jiang Kui were walking in the forest, two men tried to kidnap Mo Wang, claiming they had money deposited at the Cicada Agency and feared they couldn’t withdraw it before the term expired. They wanted to hold the agency head for ransom. Jiang Kui quickly knocked them out. Mo Wang didn’t hurt them and even told them how they could retrieve the money. Excited, the two left.

When Mo Wang and Jiang Kui returned, they found two flasks of green plum wine hanging at the door—they knew it was from Xia Qiguang. Mo Wang said they should go pick him up today. Just as Xia Qiguang stepped out of the military camp, he saw Jiang Kui and Mo Wang waiting for him. Mo Wang held an umbrella for him and asked if he was avoiding her, if he resented her. Xia Qiguang denied both.

Mo Wang then offered to go home together, and Xia Qiguang immediately agreed. Jiang Kui also noticed that Xia Qiguang hadn’t taken a carriage today—clearly, the carriage he used before was just for her and Mo Wang. Hearing this, Mo Wang felt a pang of emotion. Mo Junyu’s investigation into Mo Wang hadn’t yielded much, but he acknowledged that anyone who could find a luminous pearl and knew Mo family blade techniques must be quite capable.

He decided to ask her to help find a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager. He sent an invitation, hoping she would visit his residence, but Mo Wang refused. This made Mo Junyu feel a strange, familiar frustration. He eventually dismissed her as a fame-seeking merchant and didn’t pursue it further. Cao Yuyan went to Yunwu Stronghold wearing a mask to deliver food to a prisoner. Over the years, she had never spoken a word, leaving the prisoner baffled.

One day, he suddenly reached out and shook her wildly, trying to get her to speak. At that moment, Mo Qingchuan appeared and knocked Cao Yuyan out. The prisoner, seeing her, called her "Sister Mo Qingchuan," thinking she had come to rescue him—he was none other than Mo Junyu’s son.

The prisoner that Cao Yuyan visited each time was her son, Mo Qinglian. Mo Qinglian had been locked up for five years and still saw no hope of release. He believed he was imprisoned in Chu, unaware that he was actually in Xia. Every time Cao Yuyan visited, she would bring his favorite treat—silver thread pastries. Since the pastries were from Xia, Mo Qinglian guessed they must have been sent by his parents.

Cao Yuyan, each time she heard her son’s cries, felt deep sorrow. On this visit, she again brought him silver thread pastries. Dressed in black and wearing a mask, and always silent, Mo Qinglian had given her the nickname "Little Black." He told Little Black the story behind the pastries: when he was young and had made a mistake, his father punished him. He ran off to find his mother but couldn’t, and grew so hungry he nearly collapsed.

By chance, he ate a silver thread pastry and thought it was the most delicious thing in the world. From then on, whenever he wanted silver thread pastries, his mother would buy them for him. Hearing this, Cao Yuyan was heartbroken. Mo Qinglian asked Little Black to deliver a letter to his mother, convinced she would come to save him—but Cao Yuyan could neither agree nor speak. Hearing his pleas for death, she left with a heart torn to pieces.

Later, she brought lotus seeds to give him hope that one day, they would bloom. This time, when Cao Yuyan came again, Mo Qingchuan followed her and knocked her out. Mo Qinglian recognized Mo Qingchuan and begged her to take him away. Mo Qingchuan showed him Cao Yuyan’s face, and though he was shocked to realize he was in Xia, he didn’t blame his mother. He was simply stunned.

Mo Qingchuan explained some things and promised that once everything was ready, she would take him away. After Mo Qingchuan left, Cao Yuyan regained consciousness. Mo Qinglian said nothing about having seen Mo Qingchuan and didn’t expose his mother’s identity. When Mo Qingchuan returned, Xia Qiguang had been waiting for her in the courtyard. Upon hearing she had gone to meet an old acquaintance, he tried to subtly ask if it was a man or a woman.

He even brought up the green plum wine, wondering if she planned to share it with that person. When Mo Qingchuan said she’d take it next time, Xia Qiguang felt momentarily jealous and upset—he thought that only she should drink his wine, but she was willing to share it with others. After thinking it through, he decided not to stay angry with her. Mo Junyu secretly approached the courtyard and caught sight of Mo Qingchuan’s face.

He was shocked that she had indeed returned. Knowing she chose to remain hidden, he planned to kill her before she could reveal herself. On Jiang Kui’s birthday, he sent assassins to attack. Jiang Kui was injured in the assault. Mo Qingchuan sealed two of her own acupoints to concentrate her strength and used all three forms of Dawn Break to kill the five assassins.

This entire scene was witnessed by Xia Qiguang, who had come to celebrate Jiang Kui’s birthday—he now confirmed that his master was Mo Qingchuan. Realizing Mo Qingchuan couldn’t stay in the courtyard, Xia Qiguang brought her straight to Prince Jing’s residence. To protect her, he summoned the Cicada Agency to stand guard. He also entered the palace to meet the Empress Dowager. When Xia Qiguang returned, Mo Qingchuan’s friend Fang Du arrived.

It had been Mo Qingchuan who had sent a messenger pigeon asking Fang Du to come and treat Xia Qiguang’s wrist, which ultimately saved her in time. Fang Du told Xia Qiguang that Mo Qingchuan’s cultivation technique was extremely domineering but damaging to the body. Despite this, she still practiced it to protect her family. Fang Du urged Xia Qiguang to take good care of her to prevent her from succumbing to inner demons. While Fang Du went out to prepare medicine, Xia Qiguang quietly watched Mo Qingchuan, seeing both Mo Wang and Mo Qingchuan as one and the same.

When Xia Qiguang was a child, he once saw Mo Qingchuan in the street with his mother, returning with the bodies of three Mo Army members who had died in service. The townspeople lined both sides of the road. That was the first time Xia Qiguang laid eyes on Mo Qingchuan. To him, the Mo Army was like the sky itself, and Mo Qingchuan was the blazing sun within it.

His mother told him that one day, she would protect everyone, just like that. Mo Junyu fabricated a charge against the Cicada Agency and wanted to arrest Mo Wang for interrogation. Lord Li led men to Prince Jing’s residence to seize Mo Wang, but Xia Qiguang stopped them at the gate. Given the residence's royal status, Lord Li dared not enter without permission.

Mo Junyu arrived, claiming he had seen Mo Wang enter and insisted on going in, but the Imperial Guards, dispatched by the Empress Dowager to guard the residence, left him with no choice but to leave. The night before, Xia Qiguang had visited the Empress Dowager, intentionally injuring his own arm and claiming he had been attacked, asking her to dispatch the Imperial Guards for protection. Believing their duty was to protect royal members, the Empress Dowager agreed at once.

Fearing that Mo Junyu might really lead the Black Armored Army to storm the residence, Xia Qiguang had already discussed countermeasures with Qi Yun. Qi Yun promised to lead the Cicada Agency to defend Mo Qingchuan with all their might and would even escort her away if it came to that. At that moment, Fang Du delivered some medicine and instructed Xia Qiguang and Jiang Kui to prepare it.

The concoction included bizarre insects, and Jiang Kui found it hard to stomach. She joked that if she fell ill next time, Fang Du should make a tastier remedy. Fang Du agreed and, as she left, called Jiang Kui “Okra,” silently thinking how adorable her disciple was. Xia Qiguang curiously asked Jiang Kui how she had met Mo Qingchuan.

He learned that when she was a child, she had encountered the Xingyue Sect of the Hidden Mist Forest, which in truth consisted of only its master, Hong Yan. Hong Yan found Jiang Kui gifted and brought her back to train in martial arts. But when Jiang Kui returned home, she discovered her entire family had been slaughtered by Chu people. Seeking revenge, she killed Chu soldiers in the street and was arrested.

In prison, she met Mo Qingchuan, who was in the neighboring cell. She witnessed how those people whipped Mo Qingchuan. Since Jiang Kui had to recite the martial arts scriptures Hong Yan taught her daily in case she was tested, one day Mo Qingchuan finally spoke, pointing out an error in her recitation—the ending from the previous day was the same, but different from the first day. Jiang Kui was surprised at her memory.

Eventually, the two became friends, and Mo Qingchuan shared many things with her. Mo Qingchuan was later rescued by a man, but before leaving, promised to come back and take Jiang Kui away. She kept that promise. Jiang Kui genuinely wanted to follow Mo Qingchuan because she had always treated her well. That night, Xia Qiguang stayed by Mo Qingchuan’s side.

When Mo Qingchuan woke, she seemed to be dreaming, mumbling strange things and regressing to her youth, asking her brother for candy and to teach her Dawn Break. Suddenly, she struck Xia Qiguang with a palm strike. Before he could understand what had happened, Jiang Kui rushed in and pulled him out, warning him not to enter—when her master fought, she was terrifying, and even ten of them together couldn’t take her. Whenever it happened, Jiang Kui always hid.

When the room finally quieted, Xia Qiguang went in. Mo Qingchuan curled up in a corner, confused as to why everyone feared and avoided her. Xia Qiguang promised he would never betray her and would always stay by her side. The next morning, Mo Qingchuan regained full consciousness and drank the medicine Fang Du had prepared.

Watching her drink with a blank expression, Jiang Kui became curious and asked for a taste—only to run out and vomit, baffled at how her master could drink something so vile without a flinch. Mo Qingchuan asked Xia Qiguang if he had noticed anything strange during his visit to the side courtyard.

Xia Qiguang had seen her kill someone but, afraid to reveal that he knew her identity, lied and said she had fainted when he arrived, and nothing else seemed unusual. Mo Qingchuan then brought up celebrating Jiang Kui’s birthday properly. Since Jiang Kui liked watermelon, she would buy one for her. Xia Qiguang agreed to everything. Fang Du, seeing things were settled, prepared to return to the deep mountains to cultivate.

She told Xia Qiguang not to inform Mo Qingchuan and didn’t say goodbye in person. She left the medicine with Xia Qiguang so he could take care of Mo Qingchuan and also gave him a remedy for his wrist. Watching Fang Du’s departing figure, Mo Qingchuan shook her head helplessly. Fang Du was still the same—always leaving without a word. She recalled how, when she had fainted, she woke to Xia Qiguang holding her hand and calling her name.

From that, she understood that Xia Qiguang already knew her true identity. The next day, Mo Qingchuan prepared to return to the Cicada Agency, but Xia Qiguang was worried and gave her a hidden dart launcher. He urged her not to use her inner power unless absolutely necessary and feared Mo Junyu would try something. Mo Qingchuan, however, believed that instead of hiding, it was better to face him head-on. As soon as Mo Qingchuan arrived at the Cicada Agency, she saw Mo Junyu standing nearby. He approached and invited her to his home for a meal. Mo Qingchuan agreed.

Back when Chu and Xia were at war, Mo Junyu, who served as the commanding general, failed in his strategy and led the Xia forces to defeat. His own son was even captured as a prisoner of war. Mo Huaizhou and Mo Huaizhang, his brothers, were dissatisfied with Mo Junyu's failure and mocked him. Everyone wanted to hear Mo Qingchuan’s opinion.

Mo Qingchuan proposed that she lead the cavalry to flank the Chu forces from behind, while her uncles launched a frontal assault to create a diversion. Mo Huaizhang feared that even a slight misstep would result in Mo Qingchuan never returning. But Mo Qingchuan was prepared to die. Her decision deeply unsettled Mo Junyu. Though he agreed on the surface, in truth, he didn’t want Mo Qingchuan to return.

Mo Qingchuan came to Mo Junyu’s residence as agreed, even bringing her mother along. She intended to take her blind mother and leave, but Mo Junyu stopped her. He sarcastically accused her of betrayal, saying that it was only by sacrificing his own son’s reputation that the Mo family’s honor had been preserved. Mo Junyu told Mo Qingchuan to leave and never return, pretending that nothing had ever happened.

Mo Qingchuan countered by asking if Mo Junyu could really sleep peacefully at night. She knew that he wanted to use her mother as leverage to force her to leave, but Mo Junyu didn’t dare to truly harm her mother. Mo Qingchuan warned him that if he dared to stop her, she would kill him. Yet none of Mo Junyu’s subordinates dared draw their swords against her—because she was Mo Qingchuan. Mo Junyu could only watch as she left.

Mo Qingchuan recalled what Chen Siqi had said before his death—that Mo Junyu had poisoned Mo Junshan. In that moment, she wished nothing more than to kill Mo Junyu. Mo Junyu saw the murderous intent in her eyes and was so terrified he froze, only begging to let bygones be bygones. Mo Qingchuan ignored him and left with her mother. News spread that the Empress Dowager’s birthday tribute had been intercepted by Cloudmist Stronghold.

Enraged, the Empress Dowager ordered its annihilation. When the news reached Mo Junyu, he instantly knew it was Mo Qingchuan’s doing. At that moment, Mo Qingchuan escorted her mother to the outskirts of the city and handed her over to trusted subordinates to ensure her safety. In her heart, she swore to strip Mo Junyu of his skin before the eyes of the world. The Empress Dowager sent Xia Qiguang to eliminate the bandits, something Mo Junyu hadn’t anticipated.

But Cao Huaitai deliberately made things difficult for Xia Qiguang, assigning him only ten men to take down Cloudmist Stronghold—hoping Xia would die there, and he could claim all the credit. Xia Qiguang brought along veterans of the Mo Army, including Shi Tou. In the forest, Mo Qingchuan arrived on horseback, and all the men knelt to greet her. Mo Qingchuan instructed them that whether she was present or not, they must protect Xia Qiguang.

It was then that Shi Tou and the others learned the mission to Cloudmist Stronghold wasn’t to recover the Empress Dowager’s tribute but to rescue someone. The map given to Xia Qiguang was deliberately wrong—the goal was to wipe them out. There were 2,000 elite soldiers on the mountain. Mo Qingchuan had known this all along and had prepared a detailed plan. Mo Junyu had already begun to suspect that Mo Qingchuan might know Mo Qinglian was being hidden there.

Rather than rushing into battle, Mo Qingchuan set up camp. Mo Junyu, aware of Mo Qingchuan’s tactical prowess, began to grow fearful but still believed he had strength in numbers. Mo Qingchuan did not attack but instead gave the order to retreat. This made Mo Junyu uneasy—he worried she would seize the opportunity of the heavy fog to mobilize reinforcements. He thus ordered his men to escort Mo Qinglian away through the back mountain.

Mo Qingchuan stared at a leaf in her hand, waiting for the right moment. Once the time was right, she ordered her troops to begin the assault. At the same time, Mo Junyu commanded his men to find out exactly how many forces Mo Qingchuan had brought. Xia Qiguang led his men while running and blowing a whistle to draw attention. Because of the thick fog, no one could distinguish friend from foe. Arrows rained down from the mountain.

The torchlight lit up the slopes. From her position halfway up the mountain, Mo Qingchuan had a clear view. She drew her bow, fired multiple arrows at once, and precisely targeted the source of the torches on the mountaintop.