Sassy Beauty Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Sassy Beauty Synopsis
Si Yan is a famous beauty blogger who accidentally entered the VR system of the Chinese traditional style beauty game. The arrogant young lady is reduced to the bottom as a dressing maid.
With her excellent beauty skills, complemented by her modern skills as an internet blogger, such as hotspot marketing and promotion, Si Yan wins the hearts of many ladies.
Each style of makeup is not only a beautiful face, but also behind the makeup are the women’s stories of sorrow and happiness.
In the process, Si Yan would have liked to focus on the task without the intention of opening the love line. But she accidentally encountered many beautiful young male characters, which occurred a series of high-energy sweet pet romantic growth stories.
Sassy Beauty Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Si Yan, a beauty blogger and the eldest daughter of Si Group, was live-streaming when she was involved in a severe car accident, leaving her in a vegetative state. Before the accident, Si Yan, known as "Chestnut" online, faced a growing number of negative comments and accusations of selling fake products, making it nearly impossible to salvage her image.
Her father, the company chairman, arranged for her to attend a VR event at his VR Park and also set her up on a blind date with a 25-year-old, wealthy, and talented game architect. Si Yan was preparing for her live stream at the VR Park, wearing a haute couture dress. Immersed in the VR world, Si Yan introduced various ancient landscapes, including South Jiuzhai, Northland, and the bustling Dongli City.
During this experience, she witnessed a handsome man, Qiguan Yi, who looked familiar, fall in battle. A woman resembling Si Yan rushed to embrace him as he lay dying, proclaiming his enduring love for her no matter how many times they might restart. This poignant scene left Si Yan deeply affected. Suddenly, a title, "The Beauty Blogger," appeared, and a voice told her it would show her future. She then found herself in an ancient setting.
She awoke in a carriage, observing two women in ancient costumes, finding the virtual reality remarkably lifelike. Initially assuming they were her maids, Si Yan was surprised to learn one was Hu Ying, a young lady from the Hu family, and the other, Lan Miao, claimed to be her childhood friend. Lan Miao informed Si Yan they were going to participate in a maid assessment for the Dongli Makeup Service Bureau.
Si Yan, frustrated and wanting to quit the game, was interrupted by the carriage's sudden jolt, revealing game rules: a time-limited makeup task inside the carriage. An attendant announced that the makeup assessment would be conducted there and judged upon arrival at the posting station. The assessment began, but Si Yan struggled with the unfamiliar ancient cosmetics, bewildered by the lack of product descriptions.
The time limit, initially "a stick of incense," was repeatedly shortened by the attendant, first to "half a stick of incense" and then "a quarter of a stick," each time leading to her expulsion from the current assessment. After two failures, Si Yan, on her third attempt, quickly started her makeup. Lan Miao tried to offer her faster-acting makeup, but Hu Ying, attempting to delay Lan Miao and win, asked her for help with her eyebrows.
Si Yan recognized Hu Ying's trickery and playfully messed with her eyebrows. As Si Yan reached for a cosmetic from Lan Miao, Hu Ying snatched it, claiming it was hers. Enraged by Hu Ying's actions and the unfairness, Si Yan declared, "I quit this round!" and paused the game, exiting the virtual world. She returned to a modern, sterile environment, where a man introduced himself as Jack, her exclusive butler.
He explained that she had been in a vegetative state for a year following a serious car accident and was now a test subject for Si Yao's PVIC system, a game simulation designed by her father to awaken her brainwaves. The system had hidden her traumatic memories to enhance her experience. Jack clarified that her current quest line, "Makeup Master," was the optimal match for her, aiming to become the Head Matron of the Dongli Makeup Service Bureau.
He also revealed her in-game backstory: born in winter, her mother, a mistress, died after childbirth, and her father was later executed after being framed for opening the military granary. She was adopted by the Si family as their seventh daughter. Jack confirmed she was the only human player in the game, with all other characters being NPCs. Meanwhile, Qiguan Yi, Prince Yi, was in a detention cell, interrogating a Northland spy.
The spy, under the influence of hallucinogenic pills, revealed his target was the top dancer at the Cloud Brothel and mentioned an elusive "Seventh Young Master" as his master. Prince Yi was then summoned by the City Lord's wife, who chided him for being late and reminded him to build a good relationship with Miss Min.
She instructed him to pick up a welcome gift, the White Jade Makeup Case, from the Treasure Pavilion, which was originally the engagement gift from General Min to the City Lord, and then meet Miss Min at the posting station before taking her to the Meeting Tower. The City Lord's wife's servant expressed concern that Prince Da had also been trying to intercept Miss Min.
She also expressed hope that Prince Teng, who had returned the White Jade Makeup Case from the battlefield, would bless Prince Yi's endeavors. His servant also commented on the Northland spy's claims, suggesting it might be an internal slander rather than a genuine spy mission. Prince Yi reassured his mother that he would follow her instructions and departed. Back in the game, the maid assessment resumed.
Lady Cui, the Head Matron of the Dongli Makeup Service Bureau, announced the criteria: cleanliness, freshness, neatness, and appropriateness. She quickly gave low scores to other participants for unclean or mismatched makeup, including Lan Miao (Level B) and Hu Ying (Level C), whose strange eyebrows were the result of Si Yan's earlier playful intervention. Despite her previous failures, Si Yan successfully created a refined gold leaf makeup, which she believed would earn her the highest rank.
However, Lady Cui awarded her a Level C, deeming her makeup "indecent and inappropriate." Si Yan argued that a makeup contest should prioritize beauty, not social status. Lady Cui countered that a maid's makeup must be modest, reflecting a "right heart" and respecting her identity, not competing with her master’s beauty. She accused Si Yan and others of using the Dongli Makeup Service Bureau as a means to seduce princes and climb the social ladder.
Si Yan retorted, pointing out that Lady Cui herself had started as a maid and must have also sought advancement, challenging her "straight-man design" (patriarchal) views and asserting that women do makeup for themselves, and there's nothing wrong with ambition. Enraged by Si Yan's defiance, Lady Cui ordered her expulsion from the Dongli Makeup Service Bureau. As Si Yan was being dragged away, a woman arrived in a carriage, pausing the expulsion. This woman was Miss Min, whose maid looked exactly like Si Yan's modern-day assistant, Tong Rui.
Episode 2 Recap
Si Yan found herself being dragged away by attendants, protesting loudly that she had done nothing wrong and that their actions were unfair. She inwardly mused about the typical "hero saves the beauty" trope of such scenarios. A flashback showed her modern-day assistant, Tong Rui, reluctantly informing Si Yan's father that replacing genuine products with fakes would ruin Si Yan's live stream. Si Yan's father, however, simply stated his desire for Si Yan to stop her live streaming career.
Another memory showed Si Yan, in her modern life, dealing with an onslaught of negative comments and vowing to fire her assistant if any more negative news surfaced about the "fake goods" incident, wondering if it was competitors or someone within her own team. Back in the ancient world, the attendants mistakenly thought Si Yan was Lady Min, but Si Yan quickly corrected them, pointing to the true Lady Min emerging from a carriage.
Lady Min asked what was happening, and an attendant explained they were expelling a maid from the Makeup Service at East Mansion for being unruly. Si Yan countered, accusing them of being unreasonable. Lady Min, observing Si Yan, commented on the East Mansion's reputation for beauty and noted that Si Yan's "Gold Leaf Makeup" was the popular Persian style that her own maid, Tong Rui, had created for her.
Tong Rui, present at Lady Min's side, subtly remarked that Si Yan's attempt at the makeup was merely superficial. Si Yan argued that while she would accept expulsion for poor skill, she wouldn't for outdated rules that deemed women too beautiful or maids prettier than their mistresses, questioning if a maid should disfigure herself if her lady was unattractive. Amused by Si Yan's boldness, Lady Min interceded, asking them to let Si Yan go.
Cui Shanggong, seemingly in charge, agreed to give Si Yan another chance but assigned her a Class C rating for insubordination. As Tong Rui left with Lady Min, she cast a glance back at Si Yan, who found the maid vaguely familiar but dismissed it, thinking all non-player characters looked alike.
Later, Si Yan overheard Lan Miao explaining that Lady Min was the only daughter of General Min, who had helped the lord quell a rebellion, and was now at the mansion to choose a husband from the princes, potentially becoming the future Lady of the East Mansion. Si Yan wondered if the game's developer, Jack, had misled her about her own role as the protagonist.
She then witnessed Hu Ying cultivating a connection with Director Hua, thanking him for his help and expressing her reliance on him in the future, confirming Si Yan's suspicion that "connections mean everything" even in this game world. Si Yan asked Jack how much money she had, only to find her balance was zero. She questioned if her father hadn't added funds or if Jack had taken them.
Jack clarified that as an awakening system, the game had no paid features, and players must earn money through quests or side missions. Determined to secure her financial standing, Si Yan decided to seek out opportunities to earn money. As Si Yan explored the market, she was drawn to a "Stone Bridge in Distress" quest, although she initially hesitated, finding the name ominous.
Jack, her AI butler who only she could see, encouraged her, explaining that such tasks could lead to hidden rewards. A distraught woman approached Si Yan, pleading for help to retrieve her mother's heirloom from a "heartless man" who had "played with her feelings, injured her leg," and given the item to his new lover. Si Yan, seeing this as a potential quest, readily agreed.
The woman pointed to a carriage, but before she could clarify that the 'heartless man' was "behind" it, Si Yan rushed ahead, mistakenly confronting Prince Yi whom she believed to be the "heartless man" as he emerged from the carriage. She tried to snatch a box from the coachman, assuming it was the stolen item, even offering him more money for his "acting."
Prince Yi emerged, demanding the box back, but Si Yan defiantly refused, expressing her disdain for "philandering rich boys." The distressed woman tried to correct Si Yan, indicating the "heartless man" was "behind" the carriage, but Si Yan was too focused on Prince Yi. In the ensuing struggle, the box was knocked from Si Yan's grasp and plummeted into the river. Prince Yi, without hesitation, plunged into the water after it.
Witnessing the guards offering a thousand tael reward for Prince Yi's rescue, Si Yan decided to jump in, thinking it an easy way to earn money in the game. She struggled to pull the heavy prince ashore, and seeing he was unresponsive, she began performing chest compressions. As she prepared for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, guided by Jack, Prince Yi suddenly regained consciousness, narrowly avoiding Si Yan's attempted kiss of life.
Si Yan immediately demanded her reward, but instead, Prince Yi ordered her arrest, accusing her of ingratitude. Si Yan was thrown into a jail cell and presented with a "Guide to Torture Device," forcing her to choose her own punishment. Believing a feather-like instrument to be for tickling, she picked it, only to discover it concealed a sharp needle intended for finger torture. She frantically begged for mercy.
Director Hua arrived, and upon learning that Si Yan had pushed Prince Yi into the river, he ordered severe punishment. Just as the guards were about to proceed, the woman Si Yan had helped intervened, declaring that the incident was entirely her fault and pleading for Si Yan's release. She directly bribed Director Hua, who then agreed to take Si Yan back to the mansion for internal disciplinary action.
The woman thanked Si Yan, informed her that the stolen heirloom had been recovered, and that the "heart-breaker" had been imprisoned as a thief. As a reward, she presented Si Yan with a book titled "The Secret to Eyebrows." Si Yan was utterly disappointed, feeling that a mere book was a paltry reward for her ordeal, including falling into the river and enduring punishment, and swore never to cross paths with Prince Yi again.
Once alone, the "grateful woman" eerily peeled away a "human skin mask" from her face, revealing her true, sinister identity. Meanwhile, Prince Da was seen visiting Lady Min, presenting her with a "White Jade Makeup Box." Servants whispered, suspecting Prince Da of orchestrating Prince Yi's mishap to usurp his opportunity to meet Lady Min. Prince Yi's mother, the First Lady, anxiously inquired about her son's condition.
She was informed that he had only caught a slight cold, had received treatment from the royal physician, but had also ingested some dirty river water. Lady Min was settled in the Serenity Pavilion. Prince Yi, kneeling before his mother, apologized for his actions. His mother emphasized the critical importance of maintaining a good relationship with General Min, warning that the seemingly peaceful East Mansion required powerful allies.
She advised Prince Yi to recover swiftly, as the upcoming Flower Feast could not afford any more missteps. Prince Yi assured her he would remember her words. Back at the East Mansion, other maids gossiped about Si Yan's recent imprisonment and her audacious act of pushing Prince Yi into the river, deeming her foolish. Hu Ying commented that Si Yan seemed like a formidable character.
Lan Miao, however, offered comfort to Si Yan and agreed to share her sleeping space, while the other maids distanced themselves. Si Yan found humor in having ample room to herself, noting it was her first time in such a large communal bed. As it approached midnight, the other maids quickly fell asleep, leaving Si Yan restless.
She mused on the simplicity of the non-player characters, who slept when the night watchman announced the hour and woke with the rooster's crow. She lamented her dramatic day, from falling into the river and being jailed to sleeping on a communal bed, a stark contrast to her previous life. Stepping outside, Si Yan gazed at the moonless sky, longing to return to her real world.
Jack materialized beside her, now in ancient attire, reassuring her that completing her tasks would lead to her awakening. Startled by his sudden appearance, Si Yan noticed his new clothes. Jack explained he had changed because she found his previous tuxedo out of place. Si Yan discovered she could change Jack's outfits at will, playfully dressing him in a stylish ensemble.
She expressed disappointment that only she could see his dashing appearance, to which Jack replied that his presence was solely for her. Feeling touched, Si Yan thanked him and attempted to touch him, but her hand passed through him. Jack clarified that as her AI butler, he was composed of data and code, not an NPC, and thus could not physically interact with the world. Just before dawn, a rooster began to crow, disturbing Si Yan.
She chased it, determined to prevent it from waking everyone. She cornered the bird, intending to silence it, but then found herself face-to-face with Prince Bao, who was practicing sword techniques nearby. Si Yan quickly tossed the rooster into the air, creating a brief, awkward moment as their eyes met. Later, at the morning assembly, Lan Miao informed Si Yan that the rooster's disappearance had caused everyone to oversleep, incurring Director Hua's wrath.
Director Hua, still fuming, addressed the assembled maids, outlining the monthly performance reviews for promotion or demotion, with three consecutive failures resulting in expulsion. Qi Ran was assigned to the First Lady's Virtue Pavilion, Lan Miao to the Second Lady's Jade Pavilion, and Hu Ying also received an assignment. When Si Yan's name was called, she confidently assumed she would be assigned to the prestigious Makeup Service. However, Director Hua directed her to the less glamorous Beekeeping Site. He continued to chastise the other servants for their incompetence in losing the rooster.
Episode 3 Recap
Si Yan found herself at the Beekeeping Site, a surprisingly shabby place within the grand East Mansion. After completing a quick game that rewarded her with a swarm of bees, she met Matron Liao. Matron Liao explained the importance of beeswax, a crucial ingredient for various cosmetics including eyebrow pencils, and strictly warned Si Yan against letting bees enter Prince Yi’s private garden, a place rich in rare flowers.
Si Yan was then tasked with opening a beehive, a prospect she initially balked at until she realized it was a necessary step to acquire beeswax, required for her mission to create eyebrow pencils. She grumbled, lamenting that this diversion from her goal would prevent her from becoming the Head Matron of the Palace Makeup Service. Later, Si Yan spotted Prince Yi reading by the river.
Still annoyed by him, she tried to get her bees to sting him, but to her exasperation, the bees seemed charmed by his good looks and ignored her command. Meanwhile, Prince Yi overheard his mother and a servant in the ancestral hall. His mother reminisced about his deceased brother, Prince Teng, whom she still held in the highest regard, expressing her hope that Prince Yi would marry Miss Min to secure his position.
She acknowledged that Prince Yi carried heavy burdens but kept them to himself. Troubled by this, Prince Yi sought solace in drink with his attendant. His attendant confessed to orchestrating the incident where Si Yan stopped Prince Yi’s carriage, admitting he did so to prevent Prince Yi from doing something he didn’t wish to do. Prince Yi, however, stated that as the sole surviving son, he must assume his brother's responsibilities.
He intended to marry Miss Min out of duty and respect, not love, to honor both her and his mother, believing he did not deserve happiness. That evening, Prince Yi visited the Cloud Brothel during a flower queen selection. He paid a hefty sum for a dancer named Yuege's handkerchief, only to be told by the proprietor that Yuege had vanished the previous night, leaving only the handkerchief. Prince Yi ordered his subordinates to investigate its origins.
An old matron later identified the handkerchief as an old design specifically distributed to Palace Makeup Service maids years ago, personally chosen by Prince Yi's mother. Elsewhere, Tong Rui, revealed to be the true Miss Min, continued to observe the mansion. She visited a jewelry store, delving into the mystery of the White Jade Boxes, a betrothal gift exchanged between her family and the city lord two decades prior.
The set originally comprised nine makeup boxes, but one—a rosewood powder box—went missing after Prince Teng’s death in battle when his camp suspiciously caught fire. She suspected the current replacement was fake and puzzled over why the least valuable box was the one stolen. She cautioned her attendant against prying into her personal quest. Back at the Beekeeping Site, Si Yan complained to Mark (her system) about her endless maid duties.
Matron Liao, in a surprising gesture of kindness, offered her a cleansing lotion for her skin. Si Yan continued to vent her frustration, learning from Matron Liao that genuine eyebrow pencils, called Luozi Dai, originated from Persia, and their recipe was a closely guarded secret of foreigners. This sparked a memory in Si Yan of a secret recipe book, "The Secret to Eyebrows," given to her previously.
Consulting it, she discovered that a vital ingredient, indigo flowers, grew in Prince Yi's private garden. Determined, Si Yan engineered a diversion, scattering fake money and releasing bees to draw away the guards, then stealthily entered Prince Yi's private garden. She located a blue flower and began to pluck it, only to be confronted by Prince Yi. In her attempt to escape, she accidentally ripped his clothes, revealing a rash on his body.
Si Yan quickly tried to talk her way out, suggesting that their clandestine meeting would invite scandalous rumors and that he should allow her to take a few flowers to avoid further gossip. Just then, Director Hua arrived, ready to reprimand Si Yan. In a final act of defiance, Si Yan commanded her bees to sting Director Hua, leaving him with a swollen forehead.
Enraged, Director Hua, already facing a shortage of eyebrow pencils in the mansion, vowed revenge on Si Yan as she was forcibly removed from the mansion. Later, a despondent Si Yan stood alone in the rain, lamenting her misfortune. Mark appeared, informing her that her mission failure rate had reached a critical point. He explained that time was irreversible within the game, but she could return to the main menu and choose a new mission.
Si Yan, recalling her father’s disapproval of her beauty blogger career and her own defiant past, decided against giving up. She affirmed that makeup was not merely a choice for her but a way to assert her existence, and she would persevere until the very end. Prince Yi, visiting his deceased brother's memorial tablet, pledged to emulate Prince Teng and live a life worthy of his memory. That night, Si Yan crept back into Prince Yi’s garden.
To her surprise, it was unguarded, allowing her to easily collect the indigo flowers. Unbeknownst to her, Prince Yi was observing from a distance, confirming that her only interest was the flowers. As she made her hasty exit, she accidentally dropped her hairpin. After several attempts, Si Yan finally succeeded in crafting the perfect Luozi Dai. Mark then helped her apply it to her eyebrows with precision.
She playfully suggested that applying it to herself would be more convincing proof of its quality and asked him to be gentle. Shortly after, Director Hua, his eyebrows still noticeably swollen, encountered Si Yan. She was momentarily startled by his appearance before noticing his reaction to her perfectly applied eyebrows. Si Yan, having successfully made the Luozi Dai, was preparing to bribe Director Hua when she encountered the Ninth Young Master, Qi Guanbao, and instantly developed a crush on him.
Episode 4 Recap
Si Yan, having successfully created eyebrow pencils, was on her way to deliver them to Director Hua when she encountered Prince Bao. Struck by his handsome appearance, Si Yan was momentarily flustered. Prince Bao noticed her lack of eyebrows and kindly used a white cloth to cover them, asking her for advice on decorations for his beloved "Xiao Wan."
Si Yan, enchanted by his looks, could only manage to say he looked the best before quickly excusing herself, realizing she had been completely captivated. When Si Yan finally met with Director Hua, he was furious. Unfazed, Si Yan presented him with the eyebrow pencils she had made, assuring him that losing one's eyebrows wasn't necessarily a bad thing, as it presented an opportunity to create a desired new look.
She demonstrated various eyebrow styles on herself, from alluring and wicked to gentle and moving, and adorable. Director Hua, who wished for dashing, manly "sword-like brows," was impressed. Si Yan carefully drew his new eyebrows, and Director Hua, pleased with the result, agreed to let her stay in the residence. Before leaving, however, Si Yan, with a mischievous grin, gave Director Hua a single, straight-line eyebrow, much to his later dismay.
Si Yan was then assigned to Wei Meiren’s residence, a task her companion saw as a promotion. However, upon arrival, a flying knife narrowly missed her, suggesting a less-than-welcoming environment. Her new mission was to help Wei Meiren attend the Flower Feast and regain the King's favor. Si Yan's initial confidence soon waned as she found herself confined to menial chores like beekeeping, laundry, and sweeping for three days, without even meeting Wei Meiren.
Zhi Qiu, Wei Meiren’s maid, zealously guarded access to her mistress, scolding Si Yan for attempting to deliver food and reminding her that only she could enter Wei Meiren’s room and handle her affairs. Forced to submit, Si Yan overheard Zhi Qiu scolding another maid, Tangier. Si Yan quickly intervened, discovering that Tangier was a potential ally and friend in her mission.
Meanwhile, at the archery contest, the rivalry between Prince Da and Qiguan Yi escalated, fueled by the presence of Miss Min. Prince Da showcased his impressive skills, even shooting blindfolded, clearly trying to impress Miss Min. He then challenged Qiguan Yi, who reluctantly declined, citing an unhealed "cold" and a red rash. When Qiguan Yi’s attendant tried to intercede, Prince Da almost struck him, but Qiguan Yi agreed to compete to protect his subordinate. The challenge involved shooting while running.
In a dangerous final round, Prince Da shot, causing an arrow to fly towards Miss Min. Fortunately, Miss Min’s attendant, Min Taotao, quickly split the arrow in half, saving Miss Min from harm. Prince Da stammered apologies. Miss Min then asked Qiguan Yi to escort her back to her pavilion. Si Yan, secretly enjoying a snack nearby, overheard Qiguan Yi instructing his servant to discreetly fetch Dr. Pei from outside the residence.
Qiguan Yi’s attendant, Director Wang, was worried about Qiguan Yi’s condition, which Dr. Pei diagnosed as a rash resembling a venereal disease, not merely a cold. Dr. Pei suspected that Qiguan Yi’s prescribed medicine, containing conflicting ingredients like ginseng and veratrum, had been tampered with. The doctor recommended stopping the medicine and using topical ointment, but couldn't promise a quick recovery, which troubled Qiguan Yi given the upcoming Flower Feast hosted by his mother.
He refused to alert the First Lady, fearing more rumors and unwanted attention. He secretly discarded the questionable decoction, pretending to drink it while pouring it into a bonsai and later into a celadon vase, all to observe who was behind the plot against him. Later, Si Yan, needing to replace the medicine she had accidentally burned while cooking, decided to sneak into the Imperial Institute of Medicine.
Coincidentally, Qiguan Yi was there for the same reason—to catch the person swapping his medicine. They confronted each other, each accusing the other of sneaking around. Suddenly, a man in black appeared to swap medicine bottles. Qiguan Yi, in the ensuing chaos, protected Si Yan as the black-clad man threw all the medicine bottles, eventually escaping. Fearing Qiguan Yi would blame her, Si Yan feigned unconsciousness. Qiguan Yi, realizing her ploy, then actually knocked her out.
Si Yan awoke outside Prince Da's courtyard the next morning, surrounded by gossiping maids, deeply embarrassed and wondering if she had been drawn into a palace intrigue. Back at Wei Meiren’s residence, Si Yan was startled to see Tangier’s face covered in black, only to realize Tangier was using charred medicine dregs as a facial masque to treat her acne.
Tangier, whose father was a traveling physician, revealed that Wei Meiren’s prescription contained expensive, effective herbs like ampelopsis radix, cinnamon sticks, tree peony bark, peach seed, and peony root, good for soothing pain, reducing swelling, and treating acne. This made Si Yan realize that Wei Meiren’s reclusiveness was likely due to a severe acne breakout. Seizing this opportunity, Si Yan offered to cure Tangier's acne in exchange for her knowledge of herbs and the complete recipe for the mask.
Zhi Qiu soon arrived demanding Wei Meiren’s medicine. Si Yan tried to offer a modified facial masque recipe, claiming it was an ancestral remedy for acne. Zhi Qiu, however, accused Si Yan of trying to harm Wei Meiren and seize her position. Zhi Qiu dragged Si Yan before Wei Meiren, distorting the truth and alleging that Si Yan had burned the medicine and tried to trick her with a "modified formula."
Wei Meiren, already distressed, ordered Si Yan to be punished. In a desperate move, Si Yan splashed a bucket of water on Wei Meiren’s face. Wei Meiren was furious, but Si Yan quickly explained it was just washed rice water—the best makeup remover. She revealed that Wei Meiren's acne was exacerbated by heavy makeup and the stifling veil, preventing healing. The rice water immediately offered relief, convincing Wei Meiren to trust Si Yan.
Si Yan began treating Wei Meiren, preparing herbal remedies and emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including early sleep, a controlled diet, and managing emotions. She explained that while the herbs offered temporary relief and established her credibility, true healing depended on Wei Meiren's own discipline. After some time, Si Yan noticed Tangier’s acne had cleared, but Wei Meiren’s had not improved. Investigating, Si Yan discovered Wei Meiren secretly indulging in late-night snacks with Zhi Qiu.
Si Yan confronted her sternly, asserting that self-respect and effort were necessary for any desired outcome, and that relying solely on a man's favor was futile. Her words, though harsh, resonated with Wei Meiren, who, seeing Tangier’s clear skin, agreed to follow Si Yan's strict regimen. Wei Meiren warned everyone not to speak of the incident and ordered an end to all illicit midnight snacks.
Later, Director Hua approached Qiguan Yi, complaining about Si Yan’s eyebrow prank, to which Qiguan Yi dryly remarked that Director Hua's unique eyebrows were indeed "distinctive." Meanwhile, Prince Da, having received confirmation from the pharmacy about Qiguan Yi's rash resembling a venereal disease, coupled with his recent visit to a brothel, saw an opportunity. He began spreading rumors that Qiguan Yi had contracted a venereal disease from his visits to brothels, intent on damaging his reputation.
Episode 5 Recap
For several days, Prince Yi had confined himself indoors, avoiding appearances. His elder brother, Prince Da, visited, attempting to provoke him and implying Prince Yi might be hiding a scandalous illness caught from an illicit place. Prince Yi, however, emerged, asserting that he was feeling much better and had merely been busy rehearsing a performance for the upcoming Flower Feast, as ordered by their father.
He challenged Prince Da, suggesting he had already perfected his own performance, effectively deflecting the accusations. As Prince Da left, Prince Yi's attendant, Director Wang, voiced his suspicion that Prince Da was behind the tampering of Prince Yi's medicine. Prince Yi acknowledged the possibility but believed the attacker, a man in black, was not from within the household, though he admitted Prince Da could have hired outsiders.
Director Wang then reported his finding that the maid, Si Yan, who had been left in Prince Da's courtyard, had suspicious snoring patterns that seemed like a code. Prince Yi acknowledged this and instructed Director Wang to thoroughly investigate Si Yan's personal background. Meanwhile, Si Yan was pleased to see Lady Wei's complexion significantly improved thanks to her treatments. Lady Wei, envisioning her grand comeback at the Flower Feast, eagerly anticipated outshining Lady Qian and the Second Lady.
Si Yan reminded her that the feast's main event was Miss Min's marriage selection, which was widely believed to be for Prince Yi, implying a fierce competition for the crown. Lady Wei, despite her confinement, was well-aware of the mansion's gossip, including Prince Yi's recent "accident" and the First Lady's strong dislike for a "crazy woman" who became a maid after causing trouble – a description that made Si Yan uneasy.
Si Yan quickly redirected the conversation back to Lady Wei's comeback makeup. Soon after, Si Yan received a letter marked with Prince Yi's distinctive symbol, inviting her to his residence. Jack, her AI guide, assured her it wasn't poisoned. The letter mockingly mentioned "repaying" her for their joint misadventures of falling into the water and releasing thieves.
Although Si Yan considered it a trap, she decided to attend, fearing the First Lady's wrath if her past involvement with Prince Yi became public. Upon arriving at Prince Yi's chambers, she noted a pervasive medicinal scent. Prince Yi appeared, confronting her about her past actions and questioning her true motives for being a maid in the East Mansion.
Si Yan, frustrated, explained her humble upbringing as an orphan and her aspiration to be a makeup artist, accusing him of paranoia and suggesting he focus on finding his real poisoner instead of badgering her. As Si Yan attempted to leave, Prince Yi blocked her path and seized her hairpin, threatening to frame her by placing it with his poisoned medicine. He demanded she steal an ancient register from the Palace Makeup Service in exchange for its return.
Si Yan initially resisted, condemning his "despicable" methods, but their ensuing struggle ended with her pinned beneath him. At that critical moment, Director Wang announced the First Lady's arrival. Prince Yi hastily hid Si Yan under his blanket. From her hiding spot, Si Yan tried to bargain for her hairpin back once she retrieved the register, but Prince Yi remained uncooperative.
The First Lady entered, accompanied by the royal physician, who confirmed Prince Yi's rashes were improving but required rest and avoidance of public appearances, especially during spring, ruling out his attendance at the Flower Feast. The First Lady, deeply concerned, immediately canceled the Flower Feast, stating it was better than Prince Yi's condition being exploited by rivals. Si Yan, overhearing this, was dismayed, realizing Lady Wei's chance for a comeback was lost.
The First Lady also expressed her sorrow, mistaking Prince Yi's illness as a sign of his unhappiness with his arranged marriage to Miss Min. Prince Yi quickly reassured his mother of his commitment to the union. Once the First Lady departed, Prince Yi ordered Si Yan to leave and keep silent about everything that transpired that night. Returning to Lady Wei's quarters, Si Yan found her despairingly eating spicy seafood.
Lady Wei revealed the circulating rumors that Prince Yi had contracted an "STD," which was the real reason for the Flower Feast's cancellation, not a delayed blossoming season. The gossip briefly agitated Si Yan, but then a realization struck her. Remembering a makeup tutorial about concealing blemishes, she conceived a plan: she could use special concealment techniques to hide Prince Yi's rashes, allowing the Flower Feast to proceed. Seizing Lady Wei's crayfish, she set off.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the City Lord expressed his displeasure with Prince Da's administrative performance, urging him to reflect and seek guidance from Prince Yi. Later, Miss Min, accompanied by Tong Rui, presented a calming fragrance to the pregnant Second Lady, which alleviated her morning sickness. The City Lord encouraged Miss Min to choose a suitable husband from among his sons, particularly Prince Da, Xiu, or Yi. During this conversation, Prince Bao arrived with his pet mouse.
He playfully chided his mother for using a childish nickname in front of others and, when questioned by his father about his lack of serious political engagement, charmingly stated his role was simply "not upsetting you" while his elder brothers handled state affairs. Si Yan later encountered Prince Bao, returning his pet mouse, Big Wan. During their brief, lighthearted interaction, Si Yan felt an inexplicable flutter in her heart.
When she consulted Jack, he confirmed that, within the game's narrative, she had a "crush on him," marking him as her "dark love" interest, while Prince Yi was designated as her "enemy." Si Yan, finding this peculiar given her popularity in the real world, learned that the game automatically assigned character relationships (friends, lovers, enemies) based on interactions and plot progression.
Reflecting on her growing list of "enemies" including Hu Ying, Zhiqiu, Director Hua, and Prince Yi, she decided to embrace the romance storyline, hoping it would aid her in her missions. Frustrated by Prince Yi's constant demands and the injury to her foot from his recent "punishment," Si Yan sought Jack's advice for a more effective rash concealment method.
Jack suggested "skin wax," describing it as "black technology" with a texture and color similar to human skin, superior to traditional concealer. Prince Yi, despite his continuous medicated baths, remained vexed by his rashes. He confided in Director Wang that he tasked Si Yan with retrieving the register not just for its contents, but to test her loyalty, suspecting her involvement with the "handkerchief incident" and the man in black, and to see if she would tamper with the document.
Following Prince Yi's orders, Si Yan easily retrieved the register from the Palace Makeup Service. On her way out, she also grabbed some makeup powder for Lady Wei. However, she was intercepted by Hu Ying, who, in a pre-meditated move, accused Si Yan of taking makeup belonging to Lady Qian from Yihe Xuan.
When Lady Qian arrived, Hu Ying further exaggerated, claiming Si Yan had praised the foundation as perfect for Lady Wei and hinted at the King's renewed favor for her. Lady Qian, after a sarcastic remark about Lady Wei's misfortune, "generously" allowed Si Yan to take the makeup. As Si Yan left, a maid "accidentally" tripped her, causing the makeup to spill and stepping on Si Yan's hand. Prince Yi appeared just in time to intervene, taking Si Yan away.
However, he made her kneel for three hours as a public "punishment," claiming it was to prevent others from thinking he was biased toward her. Si Yan protested, arguing her injury was a result of trying to help him with his rashes. Prince Yi coldly dismissed her efforts, reiterating that concealer wouldn't work for him. Si Yan demanded her hairpin back, wanting to end their entanglement, but Prince Yi refused, insisting she first find an effective solution for his rashes. Si Yan, limping from her injured foot, cursed him as a "rogue and a big liar."
Episode 6 Recap
Si Yan learned about a new method to help Qiguan Yi with his red rash: making skin wax. However, she needed rosin, and the pine trees in the East Mansion were protected by the City Lord's order. After trying to buy rosin at a pharmacy and finding it sold out everywhere, Si Yan was informed that Prince Bao had recently purchased a large quantity for his musical instruments.
When Si Yan encountered Prince Bao, she realized this was an intentional setup by the system for her "love story line." Prince Bao was eager to help Si Yan make the skin wax but proved clumsy. Si Yan eventually asked him to simply watch, though he found making makeup enjoyable. Later, Prince Bao offered Si Yan some poorly made fried chestnuts, explaining that his late mother used to make them for him.
Si Yan shared details about her own home, sparking Prince Bao's curiosity about her unique background. The servants in the household gossiped about Si Yan, speculating she used "foxy makeup" to attract Prince Bao and that she was a manipulative woman. Qiguan Yi also warned Prince Bao to stay away from Si Yan, calling her cunning and suggesting she was only interested in their status.
Si Yan overheard this and confronted Qiguan Yi, expressing her disappointment that he, who understood the pain of rumors, would stoop to slandering others. Feeling betrayed, Si Yan privately vowed to let Qiguan Yi "destroy himself." However, Jack, her system guide, reminded her that Qiguan Yi was a critical element of her mission, and abandoning him could lead to the mission's failure. Jack also alerted Si Yan to the possibility of another player in the system.
This other player is revealed to be Tong Rui, a refining player whose mission involves finding the "Herbal Compendium." It is stated that Tong Rui later snuck into Si Yan's room, tore a page from the book, and received a mission prompt to refine makeup using the First Lady's blood, and the system confirmed that this new player's path overlapped with Si Yan's.
News of General Min's great victory at the border reached the City Lord, who was delighted and decided to reward General Min with a high title and salary. Capitalizing on this, Qiguan Da proposed reopening the Flower Feast to celebrate Miss Min, a suggestion the City Lord readily approved. This decision, however, troubled Qiguan Yi, whose rash had not yet healed.
Si Yan overheard Qiguan Da's malicious plan to humiliate Qiguan Yi publicly at the feast, which made her uneasy despite her dislike for him. She later spent time helping Prince Bao design a safe environment for his pets, offering advice on their care. During their conversation, Prince Bao revealed that Qiguan Yi was once a playful and mischievous "King of the house" who brought joy to everyone.
However, after the death of their second brother, Qiguan Teng, Qiguan Yi became somber, secretive, and distrustful of others, though his affection for Prince Bao remained unchanged. Worried about Qiguan Yi's impending humiliation, Si Yan secretly entered his room to retrieve her hairpin while he was applying medicine. Her presence was almost discovered by Steward Wang, forcing Qiguan Yi to quickly hide her in a pool. Steward Wang left to chase away some "bees," a pretense.
Coming out of hiding, Si Yan offered Qiguan Yi the skin wax she had prepared. Though initially suspicious of her motives, Qiguan Yi eventually allowed her to apply it. Si Yan carefully covered the rashes on his back and then his chest, which made him feel self-conscious. Seeing the miraculous effect of the skin wax, Qiguan Yi was astonished.
Si Yan questioned his willingness to endure such hardship for the sake of the Flower Feast, perceiving him as a "puppet" manipulated by circumstances. She revealed to him that the feast was a crucial "barrier" for her as well, and failure to overcome it would mean her "death" (game over). Just then, Steward Wang returned with Qiguan Yi's medicine.
Si Yan quickly grabbed Qiguan Yi's "Herbal Compendium" as an excuse for her presence and left, commenting that the book contained methods for making cosmetics and coloring from plants. As she departed, Tong Rui observed Si Yan holding the book with keen interest. On the day of the Flower Feast, the ladies of the household gossiped about Wei Meiren's absence and her rumored disfigurement. Realizing something was amiss with Wei Meiren's makeup, Si Yan rushed to her chambers.
She found Wei Meiren attempting to hang herself, distraught over being betrayed by her maid Zhiqiu and having her face ruined by inferior cosmetics. Si Yan intervened, promising to help Wei Meiren regain her beauty and favor with a unique makeup look, thereby stopping the suicide attempt. Soon after, the City Lord, First Lady, and the princes arrived at the feast. The City Lord inaugurated the event, highlighting General Min's recent military success.
Tong Rui, General Min's daughter's attendant, was present but seemed distracted, anxiously looking for Min Taotao. The City Lord grew impatient with Wei Meiren's delay, while Lady Qian and other women continued to taunt her. Finally, Wei Meiren appeared, her face partially obscured by a fan. Si Yan had given her a "Drunken Face with Rouge" makeup, which greatly pleased the City Lord, who then asked Wei Meiren to pour his wine.
Later, Min Taotao arrived as the four princes performed a masked sword dance, capturing everyone's attention. During the sword dance, Qiguan Da intentionally slashed Qiguan Yi's clothing, aiming to expose his rash and humiliate him. To Qiguan Da's astonishment, Qiguan Yi's skin was perfectly clear beneath the torn fabric. The City Lord was angered by Qiguan Da's clumsy act, but Qiguan Yi surprisingly spoke up in his brother's defense, a move that annoyed Si Yan.
Subsequently, Tong Rui offered Qiguan Yi a handkerchief to wipe his sweat, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by the attendees. Many onlookers remarked on Min Taotao and Qiguan Yi's compatibility, while Prince Bao playfully complained to Min Taotao for only wiping Qiguan Yi's sweat and not his own.
Episode 7 Recap
The Flower Feast commenced, displaying an array of exotic flowers, including the Withered Butterfly from South Jiuzhai, the Blue Fire Lotus, and the Ghost Orchid from the Northland. Si Yan expressed her fascination with the Ghost Orchid, surprised by its name despite its ordinary appearance.
Tong Rui explained that the flower's name derives from its ghost-like movement in the wind and its refreshing scent, and shared that she had learned psychic magic from a Zen master during her childhood in the Northland. She described a ritual where a drop of blood from a living person, if destined, could create a spell to connect with a deceased spirit.
Tong Rui subtly attempted to obtain a drop of the First Lady's blood using a spoon, but her efforts were thwarted when the First Lady, feeling unwell, excused herself to rest before the upcoming Makeup Contest. Qiguan Yi, concerned, checked on his mother. She reassured him of her well-being and advised him to prioritize his standing as a legitimate prince by spending more time with Miss Min, then instructed Mrs. Huang to inquire about Miss Min's floral preferences.
Si Yan overheard discussions about the Makeup Contest, a significant event at the Flower Feast where the winning maid could be promoted to an officer. Enthusiastically, she decided to participate. However, Hu Ying, a maid from the Palace Makeup Service, scoffed at Si Yan's ambition, claiming only maids from the service were qualified. Qiguan Yi intervened, asserting that the rules were not so rigid and that Si Yan was eligible to compete.
Si Yan thanked him, then audaciously pressed him for details about the First Lady's preferred makeup, attire, or even colors. Qiguan Yi, visibly irked, refused her persistent requests and walked away. Later, Si Yan was deep in thought, searching for inspiration. Qiguan Bao, noticing her struggle, offered his help. He admitted that Hu Ying was a strong competitor and presented Si Yan with a copy of Hu Ying's design.
Si Yan, however, expressed her desire to win purely on her own skill, prompting Qiguan Bao to tear the copy, affirming his belief in her talent. As Qiguan Bao gently removed a flower petal from Si Yan's hair, Qiguan Yi witnessed the moment, misinterpreting their closeness. Later, Qiguan Yi sought information from Mrs. Huang about his mother’s preferences, learning she favored "peach blossom" makeup. He crumpled the note containing this information in vexation.
He then confronted Si Yan, accusing her of being overly fixated on winning and having too many willing helpers. Their argument was cut short by Tong Rui's approach, and Qiguan Yi hastily pulled Si Yan into hiding. After Qiguan Yi left, Si Yan discovered the crumpled note, which revealed the First Lady's fondness for peach blossom makeup. Armed with this knowledge, she submitted her design to the head manager. The Makeup Contest officially began, with various designs being presented.
The First Lady and City Lord found the "Begonia before Rain," "April Blossom," "Sunlight Lotus," and "Night Mist" looks uninspiring, with other ladies echoing their criticisms. Hu Ying then showcased her "Smoky Sunset" makeup, which garnered widespread praise from the City Lord and the ladies for its poetic depth, romantic appeal, and elegant suitability for the First Lady.
When Si Yan's "Peach Blossom in Dreams" was displayed, it was a simple sketch adorned with actual peach blossoms, drawing ridicule from Hu Ying and the other attendees for its unconventional presentation. Si Yan defended her design, explaining that while her artwork might not adhere to traditional standards, the contest rules did not prohibit the use of real objects for demonstration. She emphasized the importance of practicality, aiming for a design that was useful rather than merely decorative.
Watching from the side, Tong Rui recognized the "Peach Blossom" makeup as her own creation from the real world, fueling her resentment towards Si Yan for claiming it. The City Lord appreciated both designs but left the final decision to the First Lady. The First Lady, while acknowledging the technical perfection of Hu Ying's design, ultimately chose Si Yan's, commending its innovative and refreshing spirit and her willingness to try something new.
For her reward, Si Yan declined all offerings, requesting only to be admitted into the Palace Makeup Service. Tong Rui then stepped forward, proposing that her maid, Ju zi, who also possessed makeup skills, should compete against Si Yan. The First Lady agreed, setting the stage for a "Makeup Makeover" challenge, with the winner determined by the greatest transformation between before and after makeup. The competitors were given one hour.
Ju zi, Tong Rui's maid, presented a model with exquisite makeup, praised for its masterful use of color and bold, unique style. Qiguan Yi, observing, seemed to doubt Si Yan's chances. Aware that she couldn't win on traditional technique, Si Yan chose an unexpected strategy: her model was Yun Li, Prince Xiu's guard, cleverly disguised as a woman. The reveal stunned the audience, but the City Lord found it highly amusing, exclaiming "Interesting! How interesting! How wonderful!"
The First Lady conceded that Ju zi's makeup was technically superior, yet found Yun Li's transformation "breathtaking." Unable to declare a clear victor, the City Lord called the competition a draw. With the Second Lady's support, Si Yan successfully secured her entry into the Palace Makeup Service.
Later, Jack congratulated Si Yan on her promotion but warned her that another player, "Wang Zhaojun of the Borderlands," specializing in makeup product refinement, was also within the East Mansion, and their missions might coincide. Shortly after, the First Lady's carriage abruptly overturned. Amidst the ensuing chaos and distraction, Tong Rui seized the opportunity to quickly prick the First Lady's skin, collecting a crucial drop of blood. Back in her room, Tong Rui successfully refined an alluring rouge.
Her next objective was to locate a rosewood powder box. That night, Si Yan, troubled by Jack's warning, dreamt of his hint about a "lotus pattern on an envelope" related to the other player, waking abruptly with a realization about who the other player might be.
The following morning, Si Yan arrived at the Palace Makeup Service, only to be assigned menial tasks such as sweeping and grinding precious East China Sea pearls by Hu Ying, who sternly warned her of severe penalties if the powder was not perfectly fine. Frustrated, Si Yan covertly used her magical abilities to swiftly complete the cleaning.
Jack contacted her, reporting that the database containing information on the new player had been deliberately locked by a core engineer named Tong Hui, who was responsible for developing the game's system. Si Yan made the connection: Tong Rui and Tong Hui were likely father and daughter, which made sense of her recent string of bad luck.
Meanwhile, the City Lord, enraged by the attack on the First Lady, ordered a thorough yet discreet investigation to prevent public panic and avoid diplomatic complications with impending envoys. Qiguan Yi was tasked with leading this secret inquiry. He interrogated Lady Cui, who confirmed possessing Qing Yan's scripts and portrait. She revealed that Qing Yan, a footboy, had abruptly left the mansion three years after joining, reportedly due to a purchasing error involving the Second Lady's courtyard.
Lady Cui also identified a handkerchief with a dandelion, stating the embroidery was a later addition, but claimed no knowledge of its meaning or the identity of the person Qing Yan depicted in his art. Qiguan Yi demanded a relentless search for Qing Yan, "alive or dead." Later, Si Yan accidentally dropped her work badge over a high wall.
While attempting a risky climb to retrieve it, she nearly fell but was rescued by Qiguan Yi, who had been tracking the scent of safflower powder. He examined Si Yan’s shoe, leading him to suspect that the First Lady's assailant was a maid. He then dismissed her potential involvement in the attack, asserting she lacked the courage for such an act.
Si Yan, attempting to diffuse the tension, then began an impromptu "makeup class" for Yun Li, demonstrating the use of a cleansing masque to control oil as a crucial first step for makeup, telling him he would definitely want this transformation.
Episode 8 Recap
With the First Lady still recovering from her injury, the duty of accompanying the City Lord to meet the foreign envoys fell to the Second Lady. The task of preparing the Second Lady's makeup was assigned to Si Yan and Tong Rui. During a meeting, no one volunteered for the task, so Hu Ying recommended Si Yan to Cui Shanggong, highlighting Si Yan's recent victory in the makeup contest and her favored status with the First Lady.
Si Yan reluctantly accepted the assignment. Lan Miao later warned Si Yan that this was a difficult, no-win situation. Pleasing the Second Lady might displease the First Lady, and vice versa. Furthermore, the Second Lady was pregnant and couldn't wear traditional makeup, making her withdrawn and irritable.
Observing red spots on Lan Miao's face from fruit juice, Si Yan was inspired to create natural, edible makeup from fruits and vegetables, ensuring it would be safe for the Second Lady and her baby. The Second Lady was delighted with the natural colors. Soon after, Tong Rui, accompanied by her maid, arrived. Tong Rui immediately recognized the edible makeup, confirming Si Yan's suspicion that Tong Rui was her former assistant, "Glasses," from her previous life.
Tong Rui, however, cleverly dodged Si Yan's attempts to confirm her identity, claiming she had never left the Northern Border where she grew up. The Second Lady then instructed Si Yan and Tong Rui to collaborate on her makeup design for the envoy meeting. They decided on a "look-alike makeup" strategy, reasoning that from the tall watchtower where the meeting would take place, the common people wouldn't be able to distinguish the Second Lady clearly.
Meanwhile, Qiguan Bao was trying to learn about fragrances with Qiguan Yi, who noticed Qiguan Bao's sudden interest in makeup and teased him about having feelings for a girl. Qiguan Bao admitted his mind went blank when he thought of "her," and he wished to find common ground.
He tried to act natural when he saw Si Yan but became flustered, offering Lan Miao some pet treats (which he insisted were safe for humans, as he often ate them himself) before quickly leaving. Si Yan spoke with her AI system, Jack, asking if all players retained their modern memories. Jack explained that players had suffered brain trauma, making memory loss a common occurrence.
Si Yan then requested Jack to terminate her romance storyline with Qiguan Bao, explaining she wanted Lan Miao, her good friend, to pursue her feelings without interference. Jack informed her that players could not end a romance line; only an NPC could reject the player. Si Yan reiterated her desire not to hurt her friend, but a misunderstanding soon occurred.
Inspired by a Cinderella story, Si Yan encouraged Lan Miao to confess her feelings to Qiguan Bao, offering to be her "fairy" and suggesting Lan Miao present an embroidered pouch that Lan Miao herself had made. Lan Miao, emboldened, met Qiguan Bao, revealing she had asked Si Yan to arrange the meeting and that she had embroidered the pouch for him. Qiguan Bao, visibly disappointed that the pouch wasn't from Si Yan, quickly made an excuse and departed.
Confused about Si Yan's feelings, Qiguan Bao later consulted Qiguan Yi. He reluctantly admitted that a maid had confessed to him, but he was unsure how to react. Qiguan Yi immediately guessed it was Si Yan and advised Qiguan Bao to explicitly reject her to avoid any misunderstandings, offering to return the pouch himself since Qiguan Bao struggled with direct confrontation.
Later, as Si Yan comforted a heartbroken Lan Miao over drinks, Qiguan Yi arrived at their door, angrily returning the pouch. He harshly criticized Si Yan for her "frivolous behavior" and "inappropriate thoughts." Heartbroken by Si Yan's perceived betrayal and the cruel display, Lan Miao fled the scene in tears. Si Yan furiously confronted Qiguan Yi, accusing him of being rude and calling Qiguan Bao a "mama's boy" for not handling the rejection himself.
Qiguan Yi then realized that Lan Miao, not Si Yan, was the one who had confessed to Qiguan Bao. Meanwhile, Qiguan Yi continued investigating the attack on the First Lady. He showed a purple palash rouge to Granny Huang, who confirmed it was a rare foreign tribute and a prize from the makeup contest, awarded only to the two winners.
Granny Huang recalled a minor incident during the contest where Si Yan accidentally spilled some powder, and Peach, Tong Rui’s maid, stepped in it. Si Yan and Peach later realized that their natural fruit makeup had a short shelf life, changing colors quickly due to exposure and heat. Si Yan remembered a book, "The Herbal Record," which might contain information on preservatives. However, they discovered a page was missing from the book.
Peach suggested Si Yan visit a bookstall in the city alley that sold "The Encyclopedia of Plants," hoping it contained similar information to replace the missing page. Si Yan hurried off to acquire the book. During this time, rumors spread throughout the mansion about a close relationship between Si Yan and Qiguan Bao, causing distress to Lan Miao. Hu Ying seized the opportunity to manipulate Lan Miao, telling her that Si Yan was merely using her.
Hu Ying highlighted how Qiguan Bao had seemingly defended Si Yan during makeup trials and accused Si Yan of meddling in Lan Miao's affairs, even "feeding Qiguan Bao's hamsters" (a euphemism for flirting) when Lan Miao wasn't around. Hu Ying offered to help Lan Miao get revenge, but Lan Miao initially defended Si Yan. However, when Hu Ying accurately predicted Si Yan's exact comforting words and dismissive attitude towards Qiguan Bao, Lan Miao began to doubt Si Yan's sincerity.
Attempting to sneak back into the mansion at night, Si Yan was apprehended by Cui Shanggong and brought before Qiguan Yi. She was questioned about being outside during curfew. Si Yan hesitated to reveal her true reason, fearing it would implicate Peach and Tong Rui. Qiguan Yi, referencing an item that strongly suggested a connection to the First Lady's attack, pressed her for answers.
Her continued silence led Qiguan Yi to order her arrest by the patrol squadron, charging her with breaking curfew and accusing her as the assailant in the attack on the First Lady. Hu Ying gloated over Si Yan's predicament, taunting her and encouraging Lan Miao to participate in the humiliation, though Lan Miao chose to flee in tears. At this, Si Yan realized Lan Miao had betrayed her.
Hu Ying and her associates then physically assaulted and smeared makeup on Si Yan's face in the woodshed, but Si Yan defiantly refused to "call a time-out" (a game term for giving up or pausing the action). Unbeknownst to them, Qiguan Yi was in the stables, meticulously searching for clues related to the First Lady's attack. Under a carriage, he discovered an earring.
Realizing that Si Yan could not wear double-piercing earrings, he deduced that the earring belonged to the actual perpetrator, conclusively proving Si Yan's innocence. He then confronted Hu Ying, accusing her of conspiring with the assassin to attack the First Lady and ordered her immediate search.
Episode 9 Recap
Si Yan found herself in a dire situation, interrogated and beaten by Hu Ying and her accomplices. Hu Ying ordered a search of Si Yan and insisted on her punishment when she resisted. Fortunately, Qiguan Bao arrived, demanding they release Si Yan, and declared he believed her. He then ordered that those causing trouble be caned fifty times and copy the precepts a hundred times, effectively rescuing Si Yan from the ordeal.
When Qiguan Yi appeared, Qiguan Bao confronted him, questioning his apparent concern given he had ordered Si Yan's severe punishment. Qiguan Yi admitted to the order but offered no further explanation. He attempted to speak with Si Yan, but Qiguan Bao insisted he wait until she recovered. Upon regaining consciousness, Si Yan returned a book to Qiguan Yi, stating firmly that she no longer owed him anything.
Following this incident, Hu Ying, humiliated by Qiguan Bao's intervention, vowed to take severe revenge on Si Yan, dismissing her companions' warnings about Qiguan Bao's protection. Meanwhile, Qiguan Yi, looking at the returned book, deduced that Si Yan's recent outing was to purchase books.
His servant, Wang, reported discovering a pair of earrings identical to the one Si Yan was accused of stealing in Miss Min's maid Taotao's room, though Wang also noted that such earrings were widely available throughout East City. Qiguan Yi found this widespread availability suspicious, seeing it as a deliberate attempt to obscure the truth. His suspicions were further heightened upon learning that the shop selling these earrings, Treasure Pavilion, was owned by General Min.
Realizing the complexity of the situation, and noting that his investigation had pointed towards Tong Rui, he instructed Wang to monitor the shop for any developments. Si Yan impressed the Second Lady by applying a specialized recovery serum, highlighting its protective qualities against sun and dust. The Second Lady, reminiscing about her youth riding horses and regretting her past skincare negligence, praised Si Yan's innovative makeup, which she found to be "different than usual," and promised a reward.
Tong Rui, working as Si Yan's assistant, observed her closely, remarking that Si Yan seemed to have changed. Si Yan, relieved that her past identity wasn't recognized, attributed her improved makeup skills to her experience in the Makeup Service. Tong Rui was further amazed that Si Yan's homemade cosmetics remained fresh for days.
Si Yan explained that she had infused cloves into a liquid and mixed it with alcohol to neutralize the scent and preserve the products, humorously crediting the "Herbal Compendium" despite the trouble it caused her. Inspired by Si Yan's ingenuity, Tong Rui proposed they develop a line of pregnancy-safe cosmetics to be sold at the "Forever Young" store, offering to provide the necessary capital.
Si Yan's growing reputation brought her respect from other maids, much to the annoyance of Hu Ying, who openly criticized Si Yan. However, Si Yan, no longer intimidated, boldly retorted. While Qiguan Yi was practicing calligraphy, Qiguan Bao, still harboring resentment over Si Yan's beating, attempted to prank him.
He presented Qiguan Yi with two auspicious spiders, playfully suggesting they would bring good luck in marriage if given to a loved one on Chinese Valentine's Day, hinting that Tong Rui would be delighted to receive one from him. Qiguan Yi, feigning disinterest, dismissed the idea as childish and claimed he had no need for them.
When pressed, he deflected by suggesting such spiders might scare Miss Min and then challenged Qiguan Bao about his own intentions, causing Qiguan Bao to nervously retreat in search of "cuter" spiders. Later, Qiguan Yi sought advice from his servant, Wang, on how to apologize or make amends for unintentionally hurting or misunderstanding someone. Wang advised that for loved ones, one should cater to their preferences and "buy what she likes to please her in every way."
This advice gave Qiguan Yi an idea, and he quickly departed, leaving Wang to notice that Qiguan Yi had been writing poems containing the character "Yan." Qiguan Yi was then summoned to the back garden by the First Lady, where he found her with Tong Rui. The First Lady expressed gratitude to the Second Lady for filling in to meet the envoy due to her illness, thereby preventing a breach of etiquette.
She then praised Tong Rui for the Second Lady's makeup, noting how it made her resemble the First Lady, subtly implying Tong Rui had taken credit for Si Yan's creative concept. Tong Rui clarified that the idea was Si Yan's. Tong Rui, visibly pleased to see Qiguan Yi, suggested he take her to explore East City, as she hadn't ventured out since her arrival.
However, Qiguan Yi, seemingly overlooking Tong Rui's request, turned to Miss Min instead and invited her to the Chinese Valentine's Lantern Festival, all while discreetly keeping a watchful eye on her. Later that night, Tong Rui received a new assignment: to acquire the Top courtesan's tears for a "Blood Kiss" elixir. Disguised as a man, she visited a brothel and offered the madam a significant sum to make the courtesans cry. However, the tears she collected proved unsuitable.
The madam then revealed that two other Top courtesans were with an important guest, Qiguan Da, but only gave Tong Rui their general location, tasking her with finding them herself. Tong Rui discovered Qiguan Da practicing his speech with the two courtesans, noting a slight improvement in his stutter. She subtly gathered information about Qiguan Da, learning he was 25, had lost his mother young, was raised by matrons, and was studious, yet surprisingly lacked close female connections.
Tong Rui also overheard conversations about Qiguan Yi's advantageous position, supported by his mother, in arranging a Chinese Valentine's Lantern Festival boat trip with Miss Min. Intrigued by Qiguan Da's aversion to women, she pondered if it stemmed from a past heartbreak. Realizing the madam's earlier deception, Tong Rui concluded that she would have to wait until Chinese Valentine's night to obtain the genuine tears from the true Top courtesan.
The Makeup Service then announced its monthly exam: to design a "date makeup look" for Chinese Valentine's Day, incorporating one handmade cosmetic item, with the men of the mansion as judges. This news was met with collective groans from the maids, who dreaded being judged by "those straight men." To protect her unique design, Si Yan went to the riverside to sketch her ideas.
Qiguan Yi found her there and praised her unique and free-spirited design, comparing its blend of East Jin and High Tang aesthetics. There, she fell asleep and nearly tumbled into the water, but Qiguan Yi caught her, allowing her to rest on his shoulder.
As they sheltered from the rain, Si Yan confronted Qiguan Yi, accusing him of a lack of trust and questioning why he hadn't explained his actions earlier, asserting that if he truly knew her, he would have believed her. Qiguan Yi apologized for not trusting her fully, explaining he needed concrete evidence to clear her name, but also acknowledged that if she had simply given in or begged, she wouldn't be the Si Yan he knew.
Si Yan initially tried to make Qiguan Yi leave, but he insisted on staying, teasingly implying she would be responsible if he fell ill. To pass the time and playfully scare him, Si Yan recounted a chilling ghost story about a lady who, abandoned on Chinese Valentine's Day, committed suicide, and whose vengeful spirit now haunted men. Qiguan Yi was visibly frightened, much to Si Yan's amusement.
When Qiguan Yi expressed traditional views on women's reputation, Si Yan passionately argued for self-love, stating that Valentine's Day should celebrate everyone, not just lovers. This newfound perspective inspired her monthly exam makeup concept: a "Grape Blossoms with Rain makeup" that would allow singles to "cry beautifully." Qiguan Yi then presented her with a gift—a box of cosmetics.
Si Yan opened it, after Qiguan Yi insisted despite her concern it might displease Miss Min, to reveal a "death Barbie pink" lipstick. She openly criticized its "dull" and "horrible" color, though she ultimately accepted it as a gesture of his remorse. When Qiguan Yi asked for her forgiveness, Si Yan, still playful, told him, "Not today. Some other day," before leaving to prepare for her exam.
From a distance, Qiguan Da observed the two dressing maids, particularly Si Yan, noting their cleverness in navigating the intricate social dynamics without offending anyone. He found it especially intriguing how Si Yan managed to unsettle the usually composed Qiguan Yi, and how Qiguan Bao constantly remained by her side like a little bee in a flower patch. Qiguan Da mused that the situation was rapidly escalating into a "big melee."
Episode 10 Recap
The Qixi monthly exam for the Palace Makeup Service officially commenced. Si Yan, recalling her identity as a TikTok beauty blogger named Sugared Chestnuts, aimed to showcase her skill in creating a pearlescent eyeshadow pencil for "big watery eyes," a technique she considered her unique advantage in the game. Prince Xiu (Fifth Young Master) and Guard Yun were among the judges observing the contestants.
While examining the various makeup looks, one judge praised an orange-toned look emphasizing cheekbones and deep lip gloss, while another highlighted a light purple base emphasizing sparkling and charming eye makeup. A third judge remarked on the pleasant fragrance of the women compared to his greasy-smelling wife, and found the sparkling eye makeup acceptable, though another judge preferred Hu Ying's red-lipped "Flower Before Moon Makeup."
Meanwhile, a shadowy figure advised a superior about a "weird maid" who could be used as a scapegoat if their plans went awry, indicating a broader, sinister plot unfolding in the background. When the results were announced, Hu Ying's "Flower Before Moon Makeup" won first place. Si Yan achieved a passing score, much to her delight.
Prince Xiu, who had voted for Si Yan, complimented her innovative pearlescent eyeshadow pencil and suggested that if Qiguan Yi (Seventh Young Master) and Qiguan Bao (Ninth Young Master) had been present, her score would have been even higher. Min Taotao then arrived, stating she needed special makeup for her rare outing with Qiguan Yi. Hu Ying, still simmering from her victory, confronted Si Yan and Lan Miao.
She accused Si Yan of using the princes' influence to advance, calling her a "lowly maid who fast-tracked her way up by kissing up" and hinting at illicit dealings. Infuriated, Si Yan retaliated by slapping Hu Ying and then pushing her into a shallow well, stating that Hu Ying would be rescued in two hours, giving her time to reflect on her actions. Si Yan then accused Hu Ying of bribing Director Hua.
Away from the exam, Tong Rui, disguised as a man, encountered a woman mercilessly beating a child, claiming the child was a "freeloader" after the child's father died. Tong Rui intervened, logically explaining to the woman the long-term benefits of keeping the child, comparing him to a loyal "house dog" who could protect the home, rather than a "wild wolf" returning for revenge.
Qiguan Da (First Young Master), who had been observing this interaction, was impressed by Tong Rui's unconventional wisdom and invited her for a drink, which she accepted, hoping to uncover his weaknesses. Qiguan Da noted that the child had "fire in his eyes" and, even if raised like a dog, would possess a "wolf's heart" and eventually become his own master. Concurrently, the Oiran election was underway.
A stunning woman, simply known as Yuege, made a dramatic appearance, leaving behind only a hairpin as her identity. The madam overseeing the event immediately recognized her as the long-awaited Yuege. Back at the mansion, Si Yan received her monthly exam reward: a sum of coins. Though insufficient to buy the expensive clothes she desired, Jie Ke, her manager, suggested she could rent an outfit until midnight.
Si Yan tried on a rented ensemble, prompting Jie Ke to meticulously critique her makeup, which Si Yan playfully dismissed, telling him to simply say she looked "nice and very nice." Si Yan chose not to wear her "Grape Blossoms with Rain Makeup," explaining it was designed for "heart-broken girls" and she wished to avoid bad luck.
Tong Rui, however, arrived wearing that very makeup, declaring it was for her first private outing with "Brother Yi" (Qiguan Yi) and warning Si Yan not to replicate it. She then subtly cautioned Si Yan to "know her place" to avoid stirring up more rumors that could tarnish the princes' reputations. Jie Ke then informed Si Yan of the Qixi Festival activities, including riddles and sky lanterns, which excited Si Yan, who planned to enjoy the festivities with Lan Miao.
Soon after, Qiguan Bao approached Si Yan, inviting her to the Lantern Festival that night as he had something important to say. Si Yan felt awkward, as she no longer held feelings for him. Jie Ke, accessing his data, noted her "relationship virgin" status, which Si Yan playfully denied, claiming her database was "glitchy" as she was a beauty blogger with millions of fans.
Later, Peach, impersonating Min Taotao, was on a boat with Qiguan Yi, wearing the "Grape Blossoms with Rain Makeup." Qiguan Yi complimented her "unique makeup" for the Lantern Festival. During a chess game, Peach feigned a loss. Qiguan Yi then cleverly brought up his second brother, Prince Teng, and his past praises of Min Taotao's chess skills, implying Peach was deliberately losing.
Peach, startled, almost revealed herself but quickly recovered by emphasizing "Min Taotao's" deep affection for Prince Teng and their shared romantic past. Qiguan Yi, feigning concern, offered to help Peach (as Min Taotao) cancel her engagement, which Peach vehemently refused, stressing the importance of the alliance between their families. Qiguan Yi then revealed his suspicion regarding recent incidents in the East Mansion, questioning if "Min Taotao" (Peach) had ever suspected her maid of tampering with the First Lady's reins.
Peach was taken aback, realizing his keen observation. Meanwhile, Min Taotao had already instructed her maid Peach to impersonate her and meet Qiguan Yi, while Min Taotao herself sought to get closer to Qiguan Da, taking advantage of Prince Da's fear of women and the broader strategy of "not putting all eggs in one basket."
As evening fell, Si Yan, Lan Miao, and Jie Ke (whom Si Yan affectionately called "Xiao Li Zi" for the day, granting him a break from his butler duties) immersed themselves in the vibrant Lantern Festival. With Jie Ke's clever assistance, Si Yan excelled at guessing riddles, winning several lanterns and delighting her friends. Elsewhere, Qiguan Bao was searching for Si Yan when he encountered Prince Xiu, who advised him to be more thoughtful when choosing gifts for a girl.
Si Yan, drawn by a new "hidden task" in the game, chose an icon of a black spider, a challenge Jie Ke could not assist with. She then decided to browse at the Tongzhuang makeup shop, where she unexpectedly ran into Qiguan Bao. Si Yan asked him for help with her riddle, a complex verse that, when solved, revealed the phrase: "Wait for you to say 'I love you'." Qiguan Bao, visibly flustered, took Si Yan to a secluded spot.
He presented her with a "spider of joy" as a gift, but struggled to verbalize his feelings. After putting on a mask, he began to read from a pre-written confession, expressing how Si Yan had dazzled him and made him speechless. Before he could finish, Si Yan innocently interrupted, assuming it was a love letter he had written for Xiaowan.
At that precise moment, Qiguan Yi, who was at the festival with Peach (still impersonating Min Taotao), appeared and witnessed Qiguan Bao's failed confession. Seizing the opportunity, Qiguan Yi swiftly took Si Yan away while Qiguan Bao was distracted.
Episode 11 Recap
Qiguan Da and Tong Rui were sharing drinks. Da remarked on the Cloud Brothel selecting a new Courtesan that night, but Tong Rui dismissed women as "monsters waiting to drain your last drop of blood." During their conversation, Da's henchman reported that a group of unidentified men in black seemed to be targeting the Seventh Young Master, Qiguan Yi. Da, appearing pleased, commented that someone too cocky would eventually face their downfall, hinting at a "good show" about to unfold.
He then continued to drink with Tong Rui, expressing enjoyment in their conversation. Meanwhile, Qiguan Yi confronted Si Yan about a gift she received from Qiguan Bao, asking if she was "really into Bao" and reminding her that the auspicious spider he gave her was a token of marriage. Si Yan feigned ignorance, stating that her feelings were a private matter between herself and Qiguan Bao, not "others."
She then retorted, asking Qiguan Yi if he shouldn't be with Miss Min at the lantern festival, implying jealousy. Qiguan Yi looked displeased but quickly suggested they try a nearby food stall. Si Yan, to herself, acknowledged his indirect invitation. Later, Si Yan spotted Qiguan Xiu doing makeup for children and eagerly joined in to help. Soon, an announcement for the Pitch-Pot Contest drew her attention. Intrigued by the prizes, she decided to try.
Qiguan Yi, who had followed her, warned her that she couldn't hit anything, boasting about his own past experience with the game. Si Yan playfully challenged him to pay for her attempts, promising him half of her winnings. Although the merchant initially declined Qiguan Yi's money, he eventually accepted it. Si Yan's initial throws missed, drawing a teasing remark from Qiguan Yi. Determined, she declared her intention to win the biggest prize with her last toss.
She successfully hit the target, but upon inspecting the broken jar, she discovered a stone inside, revealing the game was rigged. Outraged, Si Yan, calling the merchant a "profiteer," grabbed Qiguan Yi and fled the scene. Running by the river, Si Yan realized her hairpin was missing, fearing she had lost it during their escape. To her surprise, Qiguan Yi produced it, having retrieved it earlier.
Relieved, Si Yan gifted him a set of general matryoshka dolls, which she called "Family," pointing out how each doll resembled his brothers, including Da, Xiu, and Bao. She playfully described Qiguan Yi as the "scheming general" who was "scheming inside and out," prompting him to feign offense before she quickly reassured him it was a joke. When she asked about the second largest doll, Qiguan Yi identified it as Prince Teng.
He then confessed to Si Yan about the war many years ago, where his impulsive mistake led to Prince Teng's death in battle. He expressed profound guilt, believing he failed to protect his brother and that his current burdened existence was an attempt to atone by becoming the "next Prince Teng."
Si Yan comforted him, suggesting that Prince Teng's sacrifice was not meant for Qiguan Yi to become a copy of him, but rather to live fully and truly as himself. She emphasized that everyone is unique, and Qiguan Yi didn't need to be anyone else. Moved by her words, Qiguan Yi gently kissed her cheek, then her lips. Their tender moment was abruptly interrupted by an attack from the black-clad men.
Qiguan Yi urged Si Yan to run and promised to meet her later, staying behind to fight. Si Yan hid inside a passing parade float, which turned out to be the Courtesan's. The Courtesan, who was Luna, revealed her scarred face and asked Si Yan if she was still beautiful. Si Yan, though startled, downplayed the importance of physical beauty.
Luna then revealed that she knew Si Yan was a maid from the Palace Makeup Service and was aware of Si Yan's hidden mission to assassinate Qiguan Yi, a task she claimed would grant Si Yan immense power and the position of Head Matron. Si Yan, shocked by this revelation, denied any knowledge of such a mission. Luna then knocked Si Yan unconscious, swapped clothes with her, and used Si Yan as bait to lure Qiguan Yi.
Qiguan Yi, joined by Qiguan Xiu and Qiguan Bao, confronted Luna (the Courtesan) on top of the city wall, where she was holding the real Si Yan captive. Si Yan, now dressed in different attire, pleaded to be released. Luna demanded Qiguan Yi beg for mercy to save Si Yan's life. Qiguan Xiu, dismissive of Si Yan's status, provocatively told Luna to kill the "maid," prompting Qiguan Bao to vehemently object and insist on saving Si Yan.
Luna mocked them, reveling in the brothers' argument over Si Yan, before Qiguan Yi finally knelt to beg for Si Yan's release. As Luna threatened to throw Si Yan off the wall, Qiguan Xiu threw a hidden weapon, causing Luna to drop Si Yan. Qiguan Yi caught Si Yan, but Luna lunged, stabbing him as he shielded Si Yan.
Heartbroken and feeling unworthy of his sacrifice, Si Yan internally confessed to having many misunderstandings, and that she was "lying to her" (presumably Luna or about her mission) but would never abandon him. Luna, gloating, declared the mission "well done" and pushed both Qiguan Yi and Si Yan off the wall. In a desperate attempt to save them, Si Yan called out "Jack, time-out!" twice, only to be informed by the system that her two time-out chances were now exhausted.
Qiguan Yi lay gravely injured and unconscious, continuously calling Si Yan's name. A doctor informed the First Lady that Prince Yi's pulse was unstable, showing signs of poisoning, and that his internal bleeding couldn't be stopped, leaving his survival uncertain. Tong Rui, present in the room, expressed guilt, believing her separation from Qiguan Yi led to his predicament. However, when Qiguan Yi continued to call Si Yan's name, the First Lady, visibly annoyed, sent Tong Rui away.
The First Lady then concluded that Si Yan, the maid from the Palace Makeup Service, was responsible for the chaos and instructed her subordinates to find a reason to "get rid of her." In the real world, Min Taotao, whose game avatar is Tong Rui, was nearing the end of her game quest, with only the Rosewood Power Box left to find. However, she suddenly fainted and required emergency medical attention.
Upon regaining consciousness in the game, a maid expressed concern about her health. Min Taotao, realizing her time was running out, dismissed the maid. She then affirmed her identity and status as Min Tong Rui, General Min's daughter, asserting her power within the game. She privately contemplated that if she couldn't discover which prince was destined to become the Young City Lord, she would simply "create" one herself.
Episode 12 Recap
Plagued by guilt and distress over Qiguan Yi's injury, Si Yan lamented her failure to understand her true identity earlier, fearing Qiguan Yi's death as a consequence. Jack, her system butler, reassured her that the current events were pre-ordained, yet Si Yan questioned why her ultimate goal of becoming the head matron had morphed into assassinating Qiguan Yi.
Jack explained that while normal promotion would take ten years, assisting the mastermind behind Qiguan Yi's assassination was the quickest path to achieving her goal, a hidden objective within the game. He clarified that Qiguan Yi, an NPC, was a component of her mission, destined to die for her to live. However, Si Yan's act of saving him had steered the game in an unpredictable direction.
Si Yan vehemently rejected this, stating the setup was a scam and unfair, as she could restart if she died, but Qiguan Yi would be gone forever. Jack, dismissing Qiguan Yi as mere data, questioned her deep concern for an NPC, to which Si Yan retorted that Jack was also a program. Jack clarified that he was her butler, born for her, and would always protect her.
Si Yan then expressed her belief that the mission was flawed and declared her intention to find the game's mastermind to change their fate. The system then presented two identical mission options: "Get exiled to Linchuan Cliff" and "Find the blood mica." Si Yan, seeing this as the system forcing her hand, refused to choose. Despite her refusal, the First Lady ordered Si Yan's banishment to Linchuan Cliff.
Qiguan Bao, distraught by this news, pleaded with his mother, arguing for Si Yan's innocence. He confessed his feelings for Si Yan, declaring he would do anything for her and did not care about her status or rumors about her and Qiguan Yi. His mother, though sympathetic, explained that Si Yan was at the epicenter of political intrigue, and exile to Linchuan Cliff was a lifeline, while remaining in the mansion would only invite greater disaster.
She advised Qiguan Bao, as a royal, to be discreet and build his own strength to protect those he cared for, to which he agreed. Meanwhile, Qiguan Da met Min Taotao, still disguised as a man. Min Taotao revealed her knowledge of Qiguan Da's true identity, remarking on the City Lord's extensive search for Qiguan Yi's assailant.
She implied Qiguan Da possessed superior virtues and combat skills compared to Qiguan Yi and noted his disadvantage as a son of a concubine. She offered her assistance in helping him become the Young City Lord. Qiguan Da, skeptical of her motives, questioned if she sought trouble or profit, to which Min Taotao, identifying herself as a merchant, admitted to pursuing self-interest, aspiring to become his advisor.
Upon arrival at Linchuan Cliff, Director Li, the mine's overseer, greeted Si Yan with seemingly generous provisions, which Si Yan found unsettling, remarking it felt like a "last meal." Director Li also inquired about her birth details, citing strict mining regulations. Si Yan soon discovered Director Li was exploiting prisoners' children for hard labor and embezzling their wages.
Shortly after, Si Yan was abducted, blindfolded, and taken to a tomb, where Director Li's men, acting on the First Lady's orders, physically abused her. Si Yan overheard their conversation, learning that a miner named Amu was falsely accused of stealing mica and died in a staged mine collapse designed to silence him. His friends had given the mica to Director Li, who then orchestrated this forced ghost marriage ritual between Si Yan and the deceased Amu at his tomb.
As Si Yan struggled against her captors, she was rescued by a black-clad figure who turned out to be Qiguan Bao. He urged her to return with him, confessing his love and fearing she would evade him as she had at the Lantern Festival. Si Yan, while acknowledging his feelings, rejected his offer, stating she didn't want to implicate him and that her feelings for Qiguan Yi were the reason.
Qiguan Bao then informed her that Qiguan Yi's poison had been detoxified but he was still recovering. Si Yan, deeply concerned, expressed her desire to see Qiguan Yi. Realizing her true affections, Qiguan Bao left to retrieve a horse, leaving her with a masked individual. Si Yan initially addressed the masked individual as Qiguan Bao, indicating her mistaken belief.
Later, at Qiguan Yi's bedside, Si Yan poured out her heart, believing herself to be his bad luck charm, responsible for his repeated dangers. She confessed her fear of what she had become—no longer the fearless person she once was, but someone burdened by worry and concern for him and others like Lan Miao, Lady Liao, Qiguan Bao, and Juzi. She admitted her fear of facing him and not wanting him to be a sacrifice for her game mission.
Acknowledging that he was no longer "just a random guy" to her, she kissed his forehead and bid him farewell, intending to distance herself. As she turned to leave, Qiguan Yi, who had been feigning unconsciousness, suddenly opened his eyes and grabbed her hand, begging her to stay. Just then, Manager Wang announced the First Lady's arrival. Si Yan, tearing herself away, implored Qiguan Yi never to seek her out again.
Outside, Si Yan confronted Jack, explaining that her continued presence would only endanger Qiguan Yi further. She refused to accept the system's "kill or be killed" narrative, believing there must be another way to reconcile her awakening with Qiguan Yi's survival. She declared that "choices are for kids" and vowed to find the game's mastermind, convinced that the man in black and the courtesan with dandelion makeup were linked.
She decided to investigate Director Li, suspecting him of being a key to a hidden route. Despite his incomplete recovery, Qiguan Yi attended the morning court, driven by his desire to clear Si Yan's name. During the session, Qiguan Da, recalling Min Taotao's advice to observe before acting, waited for others to speak. After various theories about the assassin's identity were proposed, Qiguan Yi expressed doubt about the Northern Abyss theory, as their people disdain the use of poison.
Qiguan Da then revealed a newly discovered female corpse in Hunyong River, whose appearance and attire matched the description of the courtesan. The City Lord promptly dispatched him to investigate. Meanwhile, Qiguan Xiu mused on finding a secret recipe and avenging his father, while his guard Yun Li advised caution, suggesting the true culprits might be internal rather than external. Under the cover of night, Si Yan stealthily searched Director Li's room, locating the blood mica.
She then discovered a hidden compartment containing a ledger and a blood-written letter. These documents revealed Director Li's illicit blood mica smuggling and his ruthless act of orchestrating the mine collapse to silence the miner Amu and other witnesses. Enraged by this heinous crime, Si Yan was about to leave when Director Li unexpectedly returned. He attempted to strangle her, but Qiguan Xiu intervened, subduing Director Li and taking him away.
Upon regaining consciousness, Si Yan thanked Qiguan Xiu for saving her, asking if Qiguan Bao or Qiguan Yi had sent him. Qiguan Xiu inquired about her presence on the courtesan Yuege's carriage that fateful night, to which Si Yan vaguely attributed it to coincidence. She described Yuege as having a burn scar covered by a dandelion leaf painting. Qiguan Xiu indicated this detail was sufficient.
Before leaving, he conveyed a message from Qiguan Yi: he would wait for her return to admire the bright full moon together. Qiguan Xiu then presented Si Yan with a blood mica piece, revealing it was found on Director Li and had "Xue Yunmu" carved on it. Si Yan realized this was a pun, connecting the miner's name to the blood mica.
Qiguan Xiu insisted Si Yan return to the mansion with him, citing concern from Qiguan Yi and Qiguan Bao. He also returned a lost token to Si Yan, which she recognized as having gone missing from the Imperial Institute of Medicine, making her wonder if Qiguan Xiu had also been there.
The ledger eventually fell into Qiguan Yi's hands, and Si Yan, due to her meritorious service in cracking the Linchuan Cliff black ledger, was able to return to the Makeup Bureau. Later, Qiguan Xiu's servant Yun Li expressed frustration at his master's continued meddling.
Episode 13 Recap
A black-clad courtesan assassinated Manager Li late at night. Upon investigating the body, Prince Da noticed that while other assassins had poisoned themselves, this woman died from blunt force trauma. Her face was unrecognizable due to prolonged immersion in water, but a money bag with the totem of Northland's Wolf King was found on her.
Despite the suspicious circumstances, Prince Da, recalling Min Taotao's advice that a quick resolution for the King's approval was more important than the actual truth, decided to fabricate a narrative. He instructed his subordinate to report the courtesan as a Northland spy killed by her accomplices and even suggested adding burn marks to her face to match previous reports.
Min Taotao expressed satisfaction with Prince Da’s swift progress on the case to her maid, who remained worried about their swapped identities being exposed. Min Taotao, however, dismissed her concerns, confident that their secret was safe as only the two of them knew. During a court assembly, Prince Da presented his fabricated findings to the King, asserting that the assassin was a Northland spy who committed suicide.
Prince Xiu immediately questioned the hasty conclusion, highlighting the courtesan's martial prowess, which should have allowed her an easy escape. Prince Yi also expressed his reservations about the authenticity of the findings, further suggesting that identifying the murderer with just a wallet was overly zealous. However, Prince Da successfully convinced the King, who praised him for his diligence.
Capitalizing on this moment, Prince Yi requested that Si Yan be exonerated from any wrongdoing related to the Linchuan Cliff incident, a request the King took note of. Si Yan, back in the Makeup Service, discussed her game strategy with Jack. She emphasized her desire to avoid the "assassin storyline" and prioritize her main goal of becoming the Head Matron, believing she could outsmart the system.
Jack, however, cautioned her that the system might not be easily manipulated and recounted a list of her "unruly" and "selfish" character traits that likely influenced the system's assignments. Meanwhile, the King grew increasingly frustrated by widespread rumors regarding Prince Xiu's frivolous behavior and his constant association with a guard. To quell the gossip and encourage him to settle down, the King announced a public marriage contest for Prince Xiu.
Prince Yi sought out Si Yan to apologize for the hardships she endured at Linchuan Cliff, expressing regret that she had to suffer. However, their private conversation was interrupted by the First Lady, who attempted to escort Prince Yi away. When Prince Yi resisted, she subtly threatened to punish Si Yan if he did not comply, forcing him to leave with her.
Later, the First Lady confided in her maid about her inability to get rid of Si Yan, considering more drastic measures. Her maid proposed a cunning plan: instead of trying to eliminate Si Yan, they should manipulate Prince Xiu into marrying her, using him as a "trump card." Meanwhile, Prince Yi found himself deeply conflicted and distressed by the complicated situation involving Min Taotao and Si Yan. Absent-minded, he resolved to confront Si Yan and face any problems together.
Still preoccupied with the mystery surrounding the assassins, he secretly studied portraits of Luna and Qing Yan. He noted their striking resemblance, believing them to be the same person, a notion his servant found hard to believe given one was a courtesan and the other a servant. In court, Prince Yi advised the King to cancel the annual Fall Hunt, citing concerns about Northland spies and the King's safety.
Prince Da vehemently disagreed, arguing that canceling would appear as a sign of weakness to Northland. The King ultimately decided to proceed with the hunt as planned. Prince Da then volunteered to organize the event, but the King surprisingly appointed Prince Xiu, despite his reputation for idleness. Prince Xiu, who frequently indulged in mahjong games at the Cloud Brothel with female companions until late hours, a facade to avoid marriage, was late for court that morning.
He was startled when the King entrusted him with the responsibility of the Fall Hunt. News of Prince Xiu's marriage contest spread quickly among the common folk, who speculated that the unusual nature of the contest was due to his alleged aphallia, rendering him unable to be intimate with women. However, due to these widespread rumors of his aphallia, no women were willing to apply for the marriage contest.
Min Taotao met with Prince Da, consoling him about not being chosen to lead the Fall Hunt. She urged him to focus on winning the first prize in the hunting competition itself to impress the King. Prince Da then recounted a painful childhood memory: his mother, a servant, was once humiliated by the First Lady and Lady Qian.
Her subsequent resentment and anger were often directed at him, leaving him with a deep-seated inability to speak coherently when in the presence of women. Back in the Makeup Service, Lady Cui announced the commencement of Fall Hunt preparations. She stressed the importance of creating light and breathable makeup, suitable for sun protection, for the ladies. A lucrative position for procuring veil hats was opened, requiring excellent accounting skills.
Min Taotao, observing the growing intimacy between Prince Yi and Si Yan, resolved to hinder Si Yan's new procurement task. Si Yan, drawing on her modern experience with financial reports and big data, quickly calculated a complex bill, winning the procurement role. As Si Yan prepared for her procurement duties, Prince Yi unexpectedly pulled her aside. He showed her a portrait, asking if she recognized the woman.
Si Yan identified her as Luna and recalled the distinct flower pattern that concealed a burn scar on Luna's face. Noticing Si Yan's difficulty in sketching the pattern, Prince Yi gently guided her hand, teaching her how to draw, which made Si Yan feel self-conscious, prompting her to excuse herself and leave. Later, while Si Yan practiced calligraphy, Lan Miao approached her, expressing concern for Prince Bao, who had not eaten for days since Si Yan's continued distance.
Lan Miao implored Si Yan to talk to him. Si Yan refused, explaining that giving him false hope would only prolong his suffering. She advised Lan Miao to spend more time with Prince Bao and encourage him to focus on his pet hamsters as a distraction. Prince Bao was indeed distraught, confiding his loneliness and longing for Si Yan to his pet mice. He was surprised to discover one of his mice wearing a small outfit.
Min Taotao continued her search for the rosewood powder box, unaware that Si Yan possessed it. The box suddenly vibrated, prompting Si Yan to consult Jack. Jack quickly identified it as a device for communicating with the outside world, likely from Si Yan's father. He read a letter addressed to "Dear Rui" from "Tong Hui," expressing deep concern and urging her to complete her tasks and return home soon.
Si Yan, feigning indifference, dismissed the letter and went to bed, stating her need to rest for tomorrow's procurement. However, despite her outward indifference, seeing her father's letter caused Si Yan's firm resolve in the game world to waver. Jack later investigated and discovered that "Rui" was Min Taotao, and that she and Si Yan had known each other prior to entering the game.
Episode 14 Recap
Min Taotao instructed her maid to ensure Si Yan was assigned the task of procuring sun-blocking hats. The maid, who had previously pawned Min Taotao's jewelry, justified her actions by claiming Si Yan was trying to seduce Qiguan Yi and steal the marriage from Min Taotao. Min Taotao, however, expanded the sabotage plan, ordering all hats and their raw materials in East City to be bought out, determined for Si Yan to fail.
Later, Prince Xiu hosted a gathering at a restaurant with Prince Da, Prince Bao, and Min Taotao, who was disguised as Adviser Tong. Prince Xiu confidently placed a large bet that no one would dare take down the marriage poster he had put up, believing it was a guaranteed win. Prince Bao, however, warned him against celebrating too early.
Qiguan Yi soon joined them, and Prince Xiu, noticing Qiguan Yi and Prince Bao seemed upset, invited Si Yan, who was downstairs, to join their drinking game. They played Truth or Dare. Prince Bao's dare was to carry the person next to him and twirl, so he carried Prince Da. Next, Prince Xiu's dare was to kiss the person he most wanted to kiss; he surprised everyone by kissing Prince Da.
Prince Da’s dare was to imitate a woman shouting, "I'm the most beautiful," which he did, sparking laughter as he recalled childhood antics involving Qiguan Yi and Prince Xiu playing pranks with him by the lake. When Adviser Tong (Min Taotao) chose Truth, she revealed her biggest childhood wish was simply to have birthday cake, as her father always forgot her birthdays. Prince Da, feeling sympathetic, promised to celebrate her birthdays in the future.
During the game, Si Yan's rosewood powder box vibrated, and she discovered a letter inside. The letter, from Tong Hui (Min Taotao's father) to "Rui" (Min Taotao's real name), revealed that Tong Hui was losing control of the game because Si Zheng (Si Yan's father) was interfering to protect his daughter. Tong Hui urged "Rui" to complete her mission and return soon as his health was declining.
Si Yan, realizing the implications and the box's purpose as a communication tool, debated what to do with the letter. She then pretended to make new dares but secretly placed the letter back inside the box, ensuring Min Taotao would find it. When Qiguan Yi chose Truth and was asked when he would return in time, he said he wished to go back to the Beiyuan battlefield, but now there were many places he wanted to revisit.
He discreetly gave Si Yan some blue indigo flowers and information about the First Lady's makeup preferences. Si Yan then made sure Min Taotao (as Adviser Tong) drew the dare containing the letter intended for her. Upon reading it, Min Taotao's face turned pale. She quickly drank a cup of wine as a self-imposed punishment and excused herself, claiming to be tipsy. Finally, it was Si Yan's turn, and her dare was to take down Prince Xiu's marriage poster.
Si Yan suspected the dare was tampered with, as she hadn't created it, but under pressure from everyone, she eventually took down the poster. The group then amusingly scored each other's appearances based on various idioms. News quickly spread that Si Yan, a mere court lady, had taken down Prince Xiu's marriage poster.
Prince Xiu vehemently opposed the forced marriage, but the King gave him an ultimatum: either marry Si Yan or banish his attendant (Min Taotao, still disguised as Adviser Tong). The First Lady then stepped in, offering to handle the delicate situation, subtly mentioning Si Yan's status as a maid in her Palace Makeup Service. Si Yan's task to procure sun-blocking hats quickly turned into a crisis.
Shop owners informed her that her orders were mysteriously canceled, and all the hats and black gauze in the market were sold out. Min Taotao appeared, mocking Si Yan and confirming that she was behind the sabotage, gloating about the looming half-day deadline. Meanwhile, Qiguan Yi expressed his distress over Si Yan being forced to marry Prince Xiu, despite his attendant's reassurance that there was no romantic connection between them.
Qiguan Yi, who harbored feelings for Si Yan, worried that his mother, the First Lady, would manipulate the situation to ensure the marriage. He rushed to find Si Yan, only to learn she was out trying to buy hats. Si Yan scoured the market for materials but found everything either sold out or exorbitantly expensive. Eventually, she settled on coarse linen.
Recognizing her as Prince Xiu's soon-to-be wife, the shop owner offered the cheap linen to her for free, asking only that she promote his store. Upon returning to the East Mansion, Si Yan was immediately summoned by the First Lady. She was given a luxurious bath and dressed in exquisite clothing, making Si Yan jokingly wonder if she was being prepared like a concubine for the Emperor.
That evening, the First Lady dined with Qiguan Yi, reminiscing about his deceased brother Teng'er and their childhood fondness for marshmallow biscuits. She then pressed Qiguan Yi to marry Lady Min and revealed that Si Yan and Prince Xiu were expected to consummate their marriage that very night. Qiguan Yi, distraught, attempted to leave but was prevented by his mother. Si Yan was escorted to Prince Xiu's room, where she found him lightly dressed.
They quickly realized they had been tricked and locked inside. Both were unwilling to consummate the marriage. Prince Xiu, attempting to lighten the mood, jokingly asked if she liked someone else, despite his "handsome, attractive, wise, and strong" presence. He proposed a temporary solution: they would pretend to accept the marriage for now. He planned to compete in the annual Fall Hunt, where the "First hunter" could make one request to the King.
He intended to win the title and ask the King to annul their engagement. He emphasized the crucial need for absolute secrecy, even from Qiguan Yi. Their conversation was interrupted by shouts of "Fire!" A servant reported seeing a shadow jump into the courtyard before a fire erupted by the fence. Si Yan initially suspected Qiguan Yi was orchestrating a rescue. Soon after, Qiguan Yi appeared, ordering Prince Xiu to investigate the East Wing, subtly hinting at his involvement.
Si Yan returned to her room to change, only to find it ransacked and her rosewood powder box stolen. It was then revealed that Min Taotao, still disguised as Adviser Tong, had started the fire and stolen the box. She read her father Tong Hui's complete letter, which detailed how he had conceived the game but was now losing his authority due to Si Zheng's interference to protect Si Yan.
Min Taotao resolved to complete her mission swiftly and return home. A lotus motif was noticed from the box, leading Min Taotao to ponder if her mission's target was connected to the lotus. She then placed the box back in Si Yan's room.
Episode 15 Recap
On the day of the annual autumn hunt, Prince Xiu had romantically decorated the hunting grounds, even providing cleansing muds from Yu Ni Fang for the ladies to keep their skin smooth despite the strong sun. However, the veil hats for the ladies were delayed, leading to complaints. Miss Min (who later identifies as Min Tong Rui) observed Si Yan and Prince Xiu, commenting critically on Si Yan's social climbing.
Prince Xiu intervened, theatrically helping Si Yan distribute the hats, much to her feigned embarrassment. Afterward, Si Yan and Prince Xiu privately acknowledged their "overacting," agreeing it was necessary to maintain their facade as an affectionate couple to ward off spies from the City Lord and the First Lady.
Prince Xiu confided in Si Yan that he planned to cheat to win the hunt, and Si Yan, embracing her role as "Prince Xiu's wife," intended to use her status for their schemes. Observing Si Yan and Prince Xiu's public display, Prince Yi felt a pang of unease, thinking he had been sentimental. He left abruptly, prompting Miss Min (Tong Rui) to declare her identity as Min Tong Rui and assert her claim over Prince Yi.
Meanwhile, the First Lady pressured Prince Yi to perform well in the hunt, aiming for him to win the top prize and secure a marriage alliance with the Min family. Despite his reluctance and concerns about Miss Min's true intentions, Prince Yi ultimately agreed to his mother's demands. Si Yan then had a conversation with a confidante, where she deliberately praised Prince Xiu, describing him as open-minded, gentle, and the most suitable husband among the princes.
Later, Si Yan and her companion flew a kite that, unluckily, landed near Prince Yi's tent, visibly annoying him. During the hunt's preparations, Prince Yi took Prince Xiu's horse, sparking a complaint from Prince Xiu. Si Yan confided in Jack, her butler, about Prince Yi's sudden coldness. Jack seized the opportunity to question Si Yan about her past car accident, revealing that her personal assistant, Tong Rui—who was also the daughter of game developer Tong Hui—was in the car.
This triggered fragmented memories for Si Yan: a blind date, being drunk, confronting her assistant about being a "mole" involved in a fake product scam with her father, and the subsequent car crash. Overwhelmed by the painful memories, Si Yan angrily told Jack to stop investigating her private affairs, reminding him he was just her butler. Feeling she might have been too harsh, Si Yan considered apologizing to Jack, but instead encountered Miss Min.
Si Yan cleverly baited Miss Min into indirectly confirming she was the one who bought all the veil hats to sabotage her, deducing that Miss Min's animosity was driven by her affection for Prince Yi. Miss Min, revealing her awareness of Si Yan being a "player," further implied she was behind Si Yan taking down the marriage contest poster, warning her to leave Dongli.
When the City Lord arrived to inspect the hunting grounds, he found Prince Xiu's elaborate decorations too ostentatious and ordered them removed. Prince Yi, surprisingly, agreed with his father, further infuriating Prince Xiu. Seizing the opportunity, Miss Min suggested a simpler decor that involved chopping firewood for tea, and Prince Yi promptly volunteered Si Yan for the task.
Despite Prince Xiu's attempt to protect Si Yan by asking her to help him change, Miss Min and Prince Yi insisted, leaving Si Yan no choice but to go chop wood alone. As the hunt officially began, all the princes rode into the mountains. Min Taotao, disguised as a male named Tong, assisted Prince Da in his hunt. However, Miss Min (Tong Rui) secretly fired an arrow at Min Taotao, hoping to eliminate her and secure her own identity.
Prince Da bravely saved Min Taotao, but during their fall, her hairpin came loose, revealing her female identity. Prince Da was shocked and rejected her, stuttering that he never wanted to see her again. Elsewhere, Jack, recalling Si Yan's earlier request not to meddle, hesitated to help Si Yan as she struggled to chop wood. After struggling with the laborious task of chopping firewood, Si Yan found herself alone.
Disoriented by a sudden mysterious mist, she tumbled down a cliff, falling into the icy waters of a pond, desperately calling for Jack. Prince Yi, who had been secretly following her, dove into the frigid water and rescued her. He noticed the toxic mist in the area and, giving her his only anti-poison pill, helped her onto a piece of wood.
Si Yan, realizing his sacrifice, questioned why he had been following her and why he had saved her despite his apparent coldness. Prince Yi, succumbing to the cold and poison, began to hallucinate, but in a moment of clarity, confessed his profound confusion and fear of not understanding her true feelings, caught between her saving him and her seemingly pushing him away. Si Yan embraced and kissed him, wishing the moment could last forever.
Just then, attendants' voices were heard searching for them. Si Yan hurried to call for help. As Prince Yi lay in Si Yan's arms, a sharp arrow suddenly shot into his heart from behind. With a pained "Why is it you?" he collapsed and died in her arms. Immediately, a message flashed: "Game Cleared - Hidden tasks accomplished, the end reached."
Episode 16 Recap
After Qiguan Yi's death, Si Yan found herself in a strange interface, where Jack congratulated her on completing her mission and informed her she was about to wake up in the real world. However, Si Yan was heartbroken to see Qiguan Yi dead, a hairpin wound indicating he was killed by someone resembling her. Distraught, she refused to accept this outcome, believing her awakening would be meaningless without him.
She pleaded with Jack to help her save Qiguan Yi, even if it meant restarting the game or returning to the initial interface. Jack agreed but warned that saving Qiguan Yi would come at the cost of losing someone else within the game. Si Yan accepted without hesitation, asserting that no one was more important to her than Qiguan Yi. With her decision, Jack's form began to dissipate as he initiated the program change, sacrificing himself for her wish.
Si Yan suddenly found herself transported back in time, 12 hours before the Fall hunt, in a room with Qiguan Xiu. Realizing she had a second chance, she urgently told Qiguan Xiu to cancel the upcoming Fall hunt, warning him that a fatal accident would occur.
Qiguan Xiu dismissed her concerns as drunken nonsense, explaining that canceling such a significant annual event would lead to his own demise and ruin their plans to annul their engagement, which he jokingly suggested would be to his detriment. Just then, a fire erupted outside. Si Yan, hearing Qiguan Yi's voice, rushed to embrace him, tears streaming down her face. She noticed his burnt clothing and realized that this time, Qiguan Yi had intentionally started the fire.
Qiguan Yi, urging discretion, advised Qiguan Xiu to focus on catching the assassin, as more people would soon arrive, making explanations difficult. Si Yan vowed to protect him in return. Unable to prevent the Fall hunt, Si Yan focused on the event arrangements, using her foreknowledge to make practical suggestions that baffled Tong Rui. For example, she advised replacing certain decorative gauze with more suitable items for the environment. She then frantically searched for Qiguan Yi.
Remembering that a kite could help locate him, she borrowed one from Lan Miao, which Lan Miao said she made for "Ninth Young Lord." Si Yan briefly mistook Qiguan Xiu for Qiguan Yi, who playfully chided her for looking for Qiguan Yi when he, her "husband," was right there. As she flew the kite, its string broke, causing it to land near Qiguan Yi. Seeing the message, Qiguan Yi became visibly upset and walked away, with Si Yan close behind.
At the hunting ground, Si Yan advised Qiguan Xiu to remove the purple chiffon decorations, a suggestion that the City Lord coincidentally echoed shortly after, surprising Qiguan Xiu with Si Yan's foresight. When Tong Rui tried to assign Si Yan to chop firewood, Si Yan cleverly refused, claiming she needed to mend Qiguan Xiu's torn clothes. She then subtly pulled Qiguan Yi away to speak with him privately.
Si Yan urged Qiguan Yi to stay with her, fearing for his safety if he ventured outside, and even threatened to reveal his earlier arson if he didn't comply. Qiguan Yi grew frustrated by her mysterious behavior, feeling that she was mocking him. With tears in her eyes, Si Yan confessed her true feelings, explaining that her engagement to Qiguan Xiu was a temporary arrangement orchestrated by others and that her sole desire was to protect him.
Moved by her confession, Qiguan Yi offered to help her annul the engagement. However, Si Yan gently stopped him, emphasizing that his safety was paramount. To ensure his protection, she then used a pre-prepared handkerchief to administer knockout drops, causing him to fall unconscious, and she promised to return for him. Si Yan secured Qiguan Yi in a hidden spot and, while there, discovered a cache of hidden arrows, confirming the existence of a planned assassination.
Meanwhile, Tong Rui, having bribed a stable hand, arranged for Si Yan to be lured away. The stable hand tricked Si Yan into a carriage, claiming Qiguan Xiu wished to see her, and then knocked her unconscious. Tong Rui then entered Qiguan Yi's hiding spot, located the unconscious Qiguan Yi, and retrieved her specific hidden arrow. Elsewhere, Qiguan Xiu led his father through the forest, attempting to guide him to a pre-arranged hunting spot.
His father, however, became increasingly exasperated, chastising Qiguan Xiu for his disheveled appearance and for feigning a carefree persona, urging him to take his responsibilities seriously. He also voiced strong disapproval of Qiguan Xiu's close association with Yun Li, whom he revealed to be a descendant of the notorious Yun family, known for their poison-making.
Qiguan Xiu fiercely defended Yun Li, declaring his unwavering loyalty to him and his commitment to protecting him, mentioning that Yun Li's father had died in East City. Seizing the opportunity of their being lost in the forest, Qiguan Xiu pressed his father to annul his engagement, using their predicament as leverage. At another location in the hunting grounds, Qiguan Da and Min Taotao, disguised as a man named Tong, celebrated a successful hunt.
However, an assassin attacked Min Taotao, revealing her true identity as a woman. The assassin, noticing a lotus pendant on Qiguan Da, questioned if he was the true target of her mission. Min Taotao then confessed her long-held affection for Qiguan Da, explaining that her male disguise was merely a means to get close to him due to her status as a maid.
Qiguan Da, who usually stuttered, now spoke clearly and without hesitation, indicating that his heart condition had improved. Having escaped the carriage, Si Yan donned Qiguan Yi's clothes to serve as a decoy and confront the assassin. She encountered the attacker, who was wearing a mask resembling Si Yan. During their struggle, Si Yan managed to rip off the mask, revealing the courtesan. Qiguan Yi, who had feigned unconsciousness from the knockout drops, suddenly appeared, joining the fight.
Despite their combined efforts, the courtesan managed to escape, warning Qiguan Yi that his luck would not last and that staying with Si Yan would lead to his eventual demise. Later, Qiguan Yi carried a weary Si Yan through the forest. Si Yan playfully kissed him, and he responded by gently setting her down and sharing a passionate kiss under the starlit sky.
Si Yan reflected on the moment, feeling a profound sense of happiness and realizing that even if their world was a game, these unique memories and feelings were undeniably real. Later, Jack, appearing as a translucent, intangible figure, spoke to Si Yan. He confessed his love for her, explaining that he had sacrificed his position as system butler and disappeared from the system earlier due to his "selfishness" in altering the game's code to resurrect Qiguan Yi. He then added that declaring his love made his existence in the endless darkness more bearable.
Episode 17 Recap
One month later, the King ordered the cancellation of Si Yan's engagement to Prince Xiu. Si Yan and Qiguan Yi's relationship deepened during this time. Qiguan Yi often found excuses to see Si Yan, visiting her in the makeup bureau. For instance, he brought rare mountain pomegranates for her cosmetics, much to her playful annoyance, and later recited poetry to her while she worked.
As Si Yan crushed rose petals to create cosmetics, she felt a void, missing the structure of tasks, rewards, and even Jack's nagging. Qiguan Yi noticed her melancholy and offered to have Wang, his steward, search for Jack. Si Yan, however, knew Jack was not a real person in this world and politely declined, explaining that Jack would always find her.
Despite this, Qiguan Yi still instructed Wang to look for someone named Jack in East City, although Wang expressed doubt about finding anyone with that surname. Meanwhile, Tong Rui, posing as Miss Min, had completely captivated Qiguan Da. She congratulated him on winning the autumn hunt and skillfully manipulated him, declaring her "love" and urging him to immediately ask the King to appoint him commander-in-chief for the Northland war.
She saw this as an opportunity for him to achieve military glory and eventually marry her when he becomes the Crowned Prince, thereby dictating their own destiny. That night, Qiguan Yi was still haunted by the assassin Luna's words, who claimed he was cursed to die early because of his connection to Si Yan. Soon after, Prince Xiu arrived, inquiring about the missing grain and fodder and the identity of Luna.
He also subtly teased Qiguan Yi about his relationship with Si Yan, advising him to be more proactive and reminding him of the many obstacles they faced, including the First Lady, Miss Min, and their differing social statuses. Qiguan Yi, in turn, reluctantly thanked Prince Xiu for the canceled engagement and urged him to continue investigating the flow of the grain and fodder quietly. The war with Northland escalated, causing great distress to the King.
Qiguan Yi visited the Second Lady to inquire about the Cloud Brothel fire three years prior. He specifically asked about a page boy named Qing Yan, suspecting he might be the same person as Luna due to their similar departure and appearance times.
The Second Lady vaguely remembered Qing Yan being reprimanded for accounting errors before he disappeared, but she claimed ignorance of his connection to Luna, remarking on the absurdity of a male servant and a female courtesan being the same person. Back in the Makeup Service, Si Yan was still frustrated by the lack of tasks and missed Jack.
She attempted to find Tong Rui (alias Miss Min) for information, but was blocked by a guard and told Tong Rui was not available. Si Yan, feeling trapped and unable to leave the "lousy space" of the East Mansion without tasks, confided in her friend Lan Miao about her dilemma regarding love and freedom. Lan Miao then mentioned that the Second Lady needed calming incense for the King, which Si Yan immediately recognized as a potential new task.
Later that night, Qiguan Yi found Si Yan asleep at her desk. He gently covered her with his cloak and confessed his desire to marry her, stating that she had taught him to face his true feelings.
Si Yan, still burdened by the uncertainties of her system-driven existence, expressed her fears: that they were from different worlds, that the system might force her to harm him again, that she might regret being unable to return to her original world, and that he might not adapt to her "real self." She preferred to simply enjoy their love in the present, free from external pressures.
However, Qiguan Yi insisted he only wanted to marry her and keep her by his side. The next morning, the First Lady orchestrated a plan to hasten Qiguan Yi's marriage to Miss Min, even suggesting Si Yan become a concubine. Qiguan Yi knelt before his mother, declaring his unwavering devotion to Si Yan alone.
Enraged, the First Lady struck him and reminded him of his second brother's death, blaming Si Yan for his recklessness and warning him of the consequences if General Min withdrew support. To diffuse the tension and demonstrate his loyalty, Qiguan Yi volunteered to lead troops into battle. At the formal departure ceremony, the King appointed Qiguan Da as the commander-in-chief and Qiguan Yi as deputy general.
The First Lady desperately pleaded with the King not to send Qiguan Yi, fearing another loss after his second brother. Qiguan Yi, however, reiterated his deep familiarity with Northland's terrain from a past campaign and his determination to avenge his brother. Recognizing his resolve, the King reluctantly agreed. Meanwhile, Tong Rui, still bound, was confronted by her captor, who revealed Qiguan Yi's true feelings.
Her captor scoffed at Tong Rui's self-pity and ambition, informing her that Qiguan Yi had rejected the First Lady's arranged marriage to Miss Min, choosing only Si Yan, and even went to war because of her. Tong Rui was left furious and heartbroken by this revelation. Later, Wang delivered Qiguan Yi's message to Si Yan, explaining that Qiguan Yi had fought fiercely with the First Lady over her, even bearing a visible mark from his mother's strike.
The First Lady had forbidden Qiguan Yi from seeing Si Yan before his departure, fearing it would bring bad luck. Qiguan Yi, knowing Si Yan would worry, asked her to put on her best makeup and await his victorious return. Distraught, Si Yan raced to the city gates, but was repeatedly blocked by guards as the system prevented her from leaving the city.
Despite these obstacles, Si Yan persisted and finally managed to reach Qiguan Yi's departing expedition at the city gate. She pleaded with him, offering to go with him no matter the distance, reminding him of her origins in the "West Region" and her desire to return home with him, not to be left alone. Qiguan Yi, firmly refusing to let her come, reassured her he would return safely.
They shared a poignant embrace and a deep kiss before he departed, as the guards pulled Si Yan back, fulfilling the First Lady's ban and Si Yan's plea not to be left alone.
Episode 18 Recap
Qiguan Yi prepared to lead the Royal Army on an expedition, delaying their departure as he silently hoped for Si Yan to appear at the city gate. His soldiers murmured, speculating that their Highness was waiting for his beloved. After a prolonged wait, Qiguan Yi finally commanded his troops to set off, leaving with a heavy heart. After winning several battles, Qiguan Yi and Qiguan Da arrived at Redbud Pass.
Qiguan Yi gazed at the formidable pass, his thoughts drifting to his deceased second brother, Qiguan Teng, who had met his end there years ago. This memory remained a deep scar for Qiguan Yi. That evening, as they shared drinks with their officers, Qiguan Da boldly declared they would capture Redbud Pass the following day. Qiguan Yi, however, urged for a more cautious approach, stressing the need for thorough planning after their provisions, led by Qiguan Xiu, arrived.
He reminded Qiguan Da of the pass's treacherous nature, fraught with secret passages, and the harsh reality that even a victory came at a terrible price. Qiguan Da, asserting his authority as the Commander, dismissed Qiguan Yi's concerns, leading to a tense disagreement. Later, outside, Qiguan Yi looked up at the falling snow and the moon, wondering if Si Yan was looking at the same sky.
Meanwhile, back in the East City, Si Yan found herself restless and bored without Qiguan Yi, Jack, or Tong Rui, feeling utterly alone. Steward Wang, who was deemed unfit for battle, lamented his inability to join Qiguan Yi at the front, expressing deep concern for his lord’s well-being in the freezing Northland, recalling Qiguan Yi’s past frostbite. Despite publicly dismissing superstitious beliefs, Si Yan secretly sought out a temple to pray for Qiguan Yi's safe return.
Unbeknownst to her, Qiguan Yi's mother, the First Lady, was also there, worried sick for her son, noting his tendency to only share good news and fearing his old frostbite injury might have returned. She prayed that he would return safely, even if it meant letting him marry whomever he wished. Elsewhere, Tong Rui, under the alias "Yun Li," was perfecting a frostbite cream.
A flashback revealed her late father's mission for her: to find the deadly "Hook Vine" formula to sow chaos in East City and avenge him. This task of making frostbite cream was a cover for her true objective: to introduce a poisonous variant into the East City’s army. Simultaneously, Qiguan Xiu, tasked with delivering crucial provisions, faced a dire crisis.
More than ten of his grain ships overturned in a storm due to faulty construction, a flaw that was previously ignored by Manager Ruan. Immediately after, he learned that the main granary had been set ablaze. With external aid months away and unwilling to burden the common people, Qiguan Xiu was at a loss on how to secure provisions, especially from the cunning wealthy merchants and nobles. Stepping up to help, Si Yan organized a unique charity auction.
She offered her handcrafted cosmetics not for money, but in exchange for grain, framing it as a patriotic act for the war effort. With Prince Bao, Qiguan Yi's younger brother, joining her to drum up enthusiasm, Si Yan employed her livestream selling tactics. Despite accidentally underpricing an eyeshadow palette, she leveraged the ladies' eagerness to secure an impressive amount of grain.
Just as Qiguan Xiu despaired over the lack of provisions, Si Yan's collected grain arrived, saving the day for the struggling army. In the Northland, Tong Rui, who had successfully infiltrated the region, was accused by the Northland people of killing their revered wolf god. They demanded her sacrifice to appease their wolf god and ensure victory against the East City. Just as the execution was to commence, the King of Northland intervened, intrigued by Tong Rui.
He presented a token, Qiguan Da's personal badge, to the East City forces, luring Qiguan Da to Blackwater Valley to rescue his beloved. Despite warnings from his aides that it was a trap, Qiguan Da, unwilling to abandon Tong Rui, rode to Blackwater Valley and was promptly ambushed and captured.
Meanwhile, Qiguan Yi, disguised, had covertly entered Redbud Pass with a small team to investigate its defenses and locate any secret passages, just as he and his second brother Qiguan Teng had done years ago. They discovered a secret passage beneath the city's water prison but were forced to flee before they could fully explore it.
Back at his camp, Qiguan Yi received a thoughtful gift from Si Yan – a jar of frostbite cream with a hidden, tender message of love and care. His moment of reflection was abruptly cut short when a messenger delivered the devastating news: the Northland had captured Qiguan Da, their Commander, and sent a letter of surrender. Imprisoned alongside Qiguan Da, Tong Rui challenged the King of Northland’s short-sightedness.
She argued that Qiguan Da’s capture was inconsequential compared to the true threat: Qiguan Yi. She shrewdly highlighted Qiguan Yi’s superior intellect and martial arts skills over Qiguan Da, and his position as the First Lady's legitimate son, making him a strong contender for the throne. Tong Rui warned that if Qiguan Yi ascended to power, he would seek revenge for his second brother, Qiguan Teng, whom the King of Northland had killed years ago, posing a far greater danger.
She proposed exchanging Qiguan Yi for Qiguan Da, suggesting it would not only cripple the East City but also gain Qiguan Da's favor, potentially leading to an alliance. Though aware of Tong Rui's true motive to save her lover, the King of Northland recognized the merit in her plan. He declared Qiguan Yi the true threat and decided to lure him in, confident that Qiguan Yi, much like his brother Qiguan Teng, valued loyalty and camaraderie above all else.
He ensured Tong Rui was treated well, granting her two personal maids. Far away, Si Yan experienced a horrifying nightmare of Qiguan Yi falling under a hail of arrows. Waking up in a fright, she recalled Jack's past warnings about Qiguan Yi's predetermined tragic fate in the game, labeling him a "cannon fodder boss." Frustrated that the game system prevented her direct travel to Northland, she sought out Luna.
Determined to reach Qiguan Yi, Si Yan covertly arranged a meeting with the assassins who had previously targeted her. Feigning renewed loyalty, she convinced them that she now wished to kill Qiguan Yi herself in Northland, claiming it was difficult to act in the East City. As she declared her intent, the game's system mysteriously "revived," unlocking access to Northland. Si Yan realized this was her only way to reach Qiguan Yi, even if it meant playing a dangerous deception.
Episode 19 Recap
Qiguan Da, previously captured, found himself confronted by the King of Northland, who revealed that Tong Rui had "cooperated" and devised a plan to exchange Qiguan Da for Qiguan Yi. Despite Qiguan Da's pleas to spare his brother and let Qiguan Yi go, the King threatened Tong Rui’s life, forcing Qiguan Da to comply. The King taunted Qiguan Da, telling him that a true ruler must understand choice and sacrifice.
Soon after, Qiguan Yi arrived at Zijin Pass, urging the King to release Qiguan Da. The King acknowledged Qiguan Yi's compliance with their agreement and ordered Qiguan Da’s release. Qiguan Da questioned Qiguan Yi's decision to sacrifice himself, to which Qiguan Yi replied that the army could not be without a leader, and he believed Qiguan Da would have done the same for him.
As the chains transferred from Qiguan Da to Qiguan Yi, Qiguan Yi returned a cherished black lotus jade to Qiguan Da, explaining he had taken it from him when they were children, and that it was supposed to bring good luck. Qiguan Da, now free, was led away, leaving Qiguan Yi imprisoned.
A flashback showed a young Qiguan Yi offering the same jade to a locked-up Qiguan Da, after a fight over mung bean cakes, further emphasizing the depth of their fraternal bond. Later, Qiguan Yi deliberately provoked the King of Northland, calling him a despicable, undeserving ruler and mocking his inability to win battles fairly. The enraged King, who claimed responsibility for Qiguan Yi’s second brother’s death, ordered Qiguan Yi to be thrown into the Zijin water dungeon for severe torture.
Qiguan Yi, however, had intentionally angered the King to gain access to the dungeon, where his second brother had left markings for a secret passage. Meanwhile, in Dongli, the City Lord and his court deliberated over Northland’s demand for a peace marriage, coupled with a dowry of five cities, using Qiguan Yi’s life as leverage. Outraged, some officials urged immediate military action, but Qiguan Xiu, the City Lord’s son, advised caution.
He pointed out the suspicious sinking of grain ships and Qiguan Yi’s capture, suggesting a deeper plot was at play to turn them against each other. The City Lord agreed with Qiguan Xiu, emphasizing the need for patience and observation to uncover Northland’s true intentions. He also expressed his worry about the succession if Qiguan Yi, his capable son, did not return. The Second Lady, Qiguan Bao's mother, listened intently.
Following the Northland’s demand, Lady Qian, responsible for the marriage arrangements, ordered the selection of maids to be adopted as surrogate daughters for the peace marriage, as Princess Hua Yan, the City Lord's real daughter, was rarely seen. Many maids feared becoming a "scapegoat." Si Yan, determined to find Qiguan Yi, volunteered, stating she had no regrets. She sought help from Hu Ying, who had previously seen Princess Hua Yan.
Despite Hu Ying’s warnings about the dangers and her criticism of Si Yan's romantic notions, Si Yan remained resolute, stating that love knew no bounds, even across "dimensions." Hu Ying, while still skeptical, eventually agreed to help Si Yan get chosen. She created a portrait for Si Yan (under the pseudonym "Si Yi An") that was likely intended to make her less appealing, hoping to deter Lady Qian.
Surprisingly, Lady Qian chose "Si Yi An", deeming her suitable for the role. Separately, Qiguan Xiu continued his investigation into the sunken grain ships. His men retrieved only rocks and cotton from the river, confirming that the grain loss was a deliberate act of sabotage, not an accident. He deduced that the missing Manager Ruan could not have acted alone and ordered his men to find Ruan and investigate for further collaborators.
In another part of the City Lord’s residence, the Second Lady subtly cultivated her son, Qiguan Bao’s, ambition. She praised his efforts in studying memorials, offered guidance on statecraft, and, to ensure his focus, revealed she had removed his beloved "hamster paradise." She then discussed the precarious position of their family, the Min family, if Northland ceased to be a threat to Dongli, implying that maintaining this threat was crucial for their power.
Meanwhile, in the Northland, Tong Rui, through a series of observations and recalled conversations, realized that Qiguan Yi, not Qiguan Da, was her true target. She confronted the King of Northland, feigning concern for Qiguan Yi's torture and warning of losing the dowry cities if he died. The King, confident in his scheme, assured her he would not kill Qiguan Yi, as he intended to use him for further gains.
While the King and his men celebrated, Tong Rui attempted to rescue Qiguan Yi from the water dungeon. Qiguan Yi, however, revealed he had long known her true identity as General Min's daughter and her role in orchestrating his and Qiguan Da's hostage exchange. He explained that he realized her deception when she showed an allergy to balsam flowers, despite his second brother having told him they were her favorite.
Tong Rui confessed that she was forced to cooperate with the Northland King after offending him by killing his cherished snow wolf. She also admitted to initially observing all four Dongli princes in secret to determine who would be a suitable husband and leader.
Qiguan Yi, revealing his intentional capture, laid out his plan: to find the secret passage within Zijin Pass that his second brother had failed to uncover years ago, and then, on the night of the peace marriage, have Dongli troops use it to launch a surprise attack and capture the pass.
As the peace marriage procession began, Si Yan, who had volunteered to impersonate Princess Hua Yan, traveled with the real Princess Hua Yan, whom Si Yan had helped escape her confinement the previous night. The princess, known for her gossiping nature, teased Si Yan about her feelings for Qiguan Yi. During their journey, they stumbled upon a group of suspicious foreign merchants who, despite posing as tea merchants, were secretly transporting large amounts of grain.
Realizing this could be the missing Dongli military provisions, Si Yan and Princess Hua Yan decided to investigate. Sneaking into the merchants' quarters at an inn, they encountered a young chef guarding the grain. Si Yan immediately recognized him as Jack, her former AI butler, though he had no memory of her and seemed to be just another character in this world. Despite his amnesia, Si Yan felt a tangible connection when he accidentally leaned on her.
To her surprise and delight, she discovered she could now physically touch him, a stark contrast to his previous form as an un-touchable AI. Princess Hua Yan, initially trying to playfully interact with Jack, accidentally hit him too hard, knocking him unconscious. Si Yan reflected on Jack’s transformation from her "heartless, nagging AI butler" to a real person, albeit one with erased memories.
With the mysterious caravan’s true nature uncovered and Jack’s unexpected return, Si Yan planned to send a message to Qiguan Da to intercept the stolen grain. She gratefully accepted and praised the congee Jack had made for her.
Episode 20 Recap
With military provisions secured, Qiguan Da was informed of their arrival by his subordinate. He credited Princess Hua Yan for the intelligence and ordered the interrogation of foreign merchants suspected of smuggling provisions and treason.
Despite his subordinate's cautious advice to think twice before attempting a rescue, reminding Qiguan Da that Qiguan Yi's uncertain fate could secure him the Young City Lord's position, Qiguan Da was adamant about avenging the humiliation of Northland demanding five cities as compensation for Qiguan Yi's capture. He declared he wouldn't return to East Mansion without retrieving his brother.
However, upon being reminded to protect himself, Qiguan Da decided to follow the City Lord's order to retreat, waiting for the princess's arrival for the peace marriage. Meanwhile, the peace-marriage princess of East Mansion arrived in Northland. The King of Northland debated whether to release Qiguan Yi after the marriage, hinting that his release depended on the ransom offered by those who wanted him. He even pondered how to set up Qiguan Yi if someone desired his death.
The Northland King was initially taken aback by the princess's appearance, finding her "a nightmare." However, the princess, unfazed, flirted with the King, making him believe she was "plump and round like a pearl," capable of bringing him good fortune. He was eager to consummate the marriage, but his attendant deemed such haste "improper," offering other dancers to entertain the King.
Si Yan, acting as a maid in the princess's retinue, discussed Qiguan Yi's likely imprisonment in an "evil underground prison" with the princess. The princess advised Si Yan to focus on the rescue mission, stating she would handle the marriage. However, Si Yan insisted on covering for the princess that night and maintaining a "low profile." Si Yan, disguised as a soldier, then delivered "Daughter Red" wine to the prison guards.
She cleverly persuaded them that the wine possessed "filters" that would make anyone appear beautiful, inciting them to rush to see the new queen. This distraction allowed Si Yan to infiltrate the water dungeon. She found Qiguan Yi in agony, shackled and injured. After struggling to open his chains, her hat fell off, revealing her identity. Qiguan Yi, now awake, quickly freed himself, tore off Si Yan's fake beard, and embraced her.
An emotional Si Yan cried, believing she would never see him again. Tong Rui, also attempting a rescue, interrupted their reunion, urging them to escape. She sarcastically called Si Yan a "love-struck idiot" for getting trapped while she had been diligently upgrading. As they fled, Tong Rui and Si Yan bickered over which path to take at a fork. Qiguan Yi, like an NPC, was frozen. They were then presented with a "line connection mission," a puzzle requiring their cooperation.
Si Yan used her memory of the prison layout—the number of drunk soldiers, whether candles were lit or extinguished, and a trip she took—to help solve the puzzle, while Tong Rui also contributed with her observational skills. After solving the puzzle, they found an exit. As soldiers closed in, Jie Ke, now referred to as Xiao Li, dramatically appeared, dispatching the guards with martial arts.
He offered to lead Si Yan to safety, a proposal Qiguan Yi found suspicious, but Si Yan assured him Jie Ke could be trusted. Outside, General Min's men were waiting, ensuring their escape. A grand banquet was held at General Min's mansion to celebrate Qiguan Yi's rescue and Northland's surrender. General Min lauded Qiguan Yi for discovering the "secret passage" and securing Northland's capitulation "without spending a single soldier."
Qiguan Yi, however, expressed his bewilderment at Northland's inexplicable cycle of defeat and renewed aggression, speculating that the King of Northland must have found "profits" in the ongoing conflict. During the celebration, Tong Rui, performing a sword dance, revealed her true identity as General Min's daughter, Miss Min. She apologized to Qiguan Da for her earlier deception, requesting discretion, then approached Qiguan Yi, affectionately calling him "Brother Yi" and reminding him of their engagement.
Overwhelmed, Si Yan accidentally shattered her cup. Distraught, Si Yan left the banquet hall and encountered Jie Ke, now a guard, who promised they would be a "perfect match" as a guard and a maid. Si Yan playfully commented on his newfound "sweet talker" nature. Qiguan Yi, observing Si Yan and Jie Ke dancing, became visibly upset and intervened, taking Jie Ke's place. While dancing with Si Yan, Qiguan Yi learned that Jie Ke and Si Yan were merely friends.
This clarification allowed Qiguan Yi to resolve their recent misunderstandings. Later that night, a very drunk Si Yan was carried back to her room by Qiguan Yi, who offered her his own room. The next day, as they prepared for the journey back to East Mansion, Tong Rui approached Qiguan Yi, offering him homemade desserts and feigning illness to draw his attention, suggesting they switch carriages. Si Yan arrived with her own dessert, leading to an immediate rivalry.
They exchanged barbs, with Si Yan calling Tong Rui a "conniving little bitch" for her melodramatic act. Tong Rui responded by challenging Si Yan to a dance-off. Meanwhile, Qiguan Da confronted Tong Rui, demanding to know the truth behind her numerous identities (maid Peach-peach, Brother Tong) and whether her feelings for him were genuine, emphasizing his willingness to sacrifice his life for her. Tong Rui, however, coldly informed him that her engagement to Qiguan Yi was a matter that "has nothing to do with Your Highness."
Episode 21 Recap
Qiguan Yi and Qiguan Da returned to Dongli City, where their father, the City Lord, celebrated their victory. Qiguan Da humbly admitted his rashness, but Qiguan Yi quickly praised Qiguan Da for his timely troop deployment that forced the Northland army to retreat. The City Lord expressed his pride in both of them, and also commended Bao for handling state affairs in his absence.
Qiguan Da then credited Qiguan Xiu for his crucial role in solving the missing provisions case, which saved their soldiers. The City Lord acknowledged Qiguan Xiu's newfound princely demeanor but urged him to work harder. The City Lord rewarded all the princes, confident that the Northland would not dare to invade for another decade. However, an unseen figure, a king, harbored dark intentions, wishing to see the City Lord suffer the loss of his son.
Amidst the celebrations, palace attendants gossiped, noting that while Qiguan Da received the imperial sword, Qiguan Yi was bestowed the jade crown of the crowned prince, clearly indicating him as the heir apparent, much to Qiguan Da's hidden fury. Meanwhile, Si Yan, having successfully completed her previous mission, was promoted to Ceremonial Officer. Her relationship with Hu Ying had improved, and Hu Ying congratulated her warmly.
Shortly after, the First Lady issued an order reassigning Si Yan to the Meditation Chamber as a makeup maid for Tong Rui, also known as Miss Min. Si Yan initially resisted serving Tong Rui, but when an attendant suggested sending her to the strenuous Beekeeping Site, she reluctantly accepted, asserting her proficiency in serving others.
Upon arrival, Tong Rui, with a hint of mockery, tasked Si Yan with finding palatable feed for pigs recently acquired from her father in the Northland. Si Yan, annoyed by the deliberate provocation, reminded Tong Rui of their agreement to maintain separate paths. Tong Rui, however, claimed she merely needed a maid and found Si Yan's skills "average but superior" to previous ones.
Si Yan, frustrated, retorted by asking Tong Rui to refrain from calling her "Glasses" if she didn't want to be called a "pig feeder." Si Yan pressed for Tong Rui's ultimate mission, but Tong Rui playfully insisted on mystery, then instructed Si Yan to summon Qiguan Yi to the Meditation Chamber the following day. Si Yan suspected Tong Rui was exploiting her new position for personal gain, but Tong Rui asserted she was merely adhering to the game's established rules.
Elsewhere, Qiguan Da's attendant observed General Min's continuous delivery of grand gifts to Qiguan Yi's residence, speculating that they were in fact dowry, foreshadowing an imminent marriage between Qiguan Yi and Tong Rui. This realization further infuriated Qiguan Da. Qiguan Yi and Qiguan Xiu intensified their investigation into the missing provisions by interrogating Manager Ruan. Ruan initially feigned ignorance, prompting Qiguan Yi to employ a silent, observant approach.
They brought in Ruan's young son, Long, who tearfully recounted that black-clothed men had murdered his grandparents and mother, eliciting a despairing cry from Ruan about a broken promise not to harm his family. With his family gone, Ruan confessed: ten years prior, as a grain depot assistant, he was coerced into framing his superior, Manager Lin (Si Yan's father), for embezzlement during a locust plague, leading to Lin Xu's wrongful execution and heavy casualties in the war against Northland.
Manager Ruan confirmed Manager Lin was indeed Si Yan's father. Qiguan Xiu questioned Si Yan's presence in the East Mansion, given her father's criminal past. Ruan further divulged that after his promotion, he was periodically contacted over the past three years to clandestinely transport military provisions to Northland via foreign merchants, using the Precious Treasures Pavilion as their meeting point. To cover the dwindling supplies, Ruan resorted to fabricating boating accidents.
Qiguan Yi connected these findings, revealing that a substantial mica smuggling operation, evident in ledgers Si Yan had previously uncovered, also funneled massive sums of money (tens of thousands of silver taels monthly) through the Precious Treasures Pavilion, confirming its role as an underground bank. He noted the Precious Treasures Pavilion was the only entity conducting "trade" with Northland under the guise of foreign exchange.
He also recalled that Manager Xue of the Precious Treasures Pavilion was a former subordinate of General Min, leading him to suspect the Precious Treasures Pavilion was General Min's covert base in Dongli. Qiguan Xiu grasped the implication: General Min was behind the entire conspiracy. Qiguan Yi elaborated on General Min's suspicious rise to power after miraculously saving Dongli's army ten years prior, and the recurring pattern of Northland invasions that only General Min successfully "resolved" without reported losses.
He deduced that General Min was likely supplying Northland with money and grain to maintain conflicts, thereby solidifying his own power. Recognizing his father's complex respect and apprehension towards General Min, Qiguan Yi stressed the critical need for irrefutable evidence.
He assigned Yun Li to monitor the Precious Treasures Pavilion and urged Qiguan Xiu to frequent the Meditation Chamber, hinting that if Tong Rui knew of General Min's treachery, she would pose a threat to their investigation if she remained in the East Mansion. He also jokingly added not to worry about Si Yan getting jealous. The Qiguan family men were suffering from hair loss, and the new hair-growth medicine was too bitter.
The palace departments were tasked with creating pleasant "medicine parings." Si Yan, upon hearing this, volunteered for the task, bargaining for her return to the Makeup Service if she succeeded. Cui Shanggong agreed to advocate for her. While cleaning Tong Rui's palace, Si Yan observed Qiguan Yi delivering gifts to Tong Rui, which displeased her.
Later, eavesdropping on maids admiring Qiguan Yi's generosity to Tong Rui and calling them a "dragon and phoenix," Si Yan muttered about them being "two-timing cheaters." In the kitchen, Jack playfully teased Si Yan about her frequent presence, then praised her growing popularity and asked if she had fallen for him. Si Yan quickly changed the subject. That evening, Qiguan Yi visited Tong Rui at the Meditation Chamber. Tong Rui, noticing Qiguan Yi's subtle glances, pointed out Si Yan's absence.
Qiguan Yi used the opportunity to discreetly inquire about General Min's recent activities, expressing concern about Northland's potential return. Tong Rui confidently reassured him, highlighting her father's long-standing border defense and the fear he instilled in the King of Northland, citing the recent effortless recapture of Redbud Pass. Qiguan Yi, however, subtly hinted that Northland's resilience might stem from "sufficient money and grain," suggesting other hidden sources of power beyond the Redbud Pass.
Tong Rui, understanding his implication of other beneficiaries, deftly diverted the conversation to Qiguan Teng, claiming her father respected him and understood his fated death in battle. Qiguan Yi grew agitated, and Tong Rui continued, asserting her father's belief that a border soldier's destiny was to die defending Dongli, advising Qiguan Yi to seek direct clarification to avoid misconceptions. Qiguan Yi, acknowledging her astuteness, admitted he had learned a lesson.
Tong Rui then mentioned her father's anticipated presence at their wedding, mockingly criticizing Qiguan Yi's chess move as self-destructive. Qiguan Yi conceded defeat and prepared to leave. Tong Rui then pointedly highlighted his excessive and unsuitable gifts, like Persian silk threads, questioning if he expected her to knit him a sweater, and suggesting he exert more effort if he was merely putting on a show.
She reiterated her awareness of his lack of affection, asking him to maintain boundaries as she only sought a "title" and nothing more. Qiguan Yi apologized, stating he could grant any request except their engagement. Si Yan, having overheard the exchange, approached Qiguan Yi, jokingly praising his tactic and offering to knit him a sweater. Qiguan Yi, flustered, excused himself to the Patrol Squadron. Si Yan then arranged to meet him at their usual spot that night.
Qiguan Da later found Qiguan Yi looking troubled and learned that Manager Lin, the falsely accused former official, was Si Yan's biological father. Shocked, Qiguan Da asked if Si Yan knew the truth. Qiguan Yi admitted his guilt for not preventing the execution order years ago, which led to her family's ruin. In a flashback, a younger Qiguan Yi questioned his father about Manager Lin's alleged embezzlement during a locust plague, suggesting further investigation.
The scene then shifted to a young Tong Rui tearfully demanding strict punishment for corrupt officials, which prompted the City Lord to sign the execution order, despite Qiguan Yi's attempt to intervene. Back in the present, Qiguan Da advised Qiguan Yi against revealing the truth to Si Yan, fearing it would only re-open old wounds and cause more suffering. In the kitchen, Si Yan continued to work on the medicine parings.
Jack, joining her, was intrigued by her idea of sweet and chewy candy, reminiscent of what his mother used to give him. Despite his duties as a guard, he agreed to help her find fruits. Later, as they prepared the gummies, Si Yan affectionately told Jack she no longer differentiated between "Xiao Li" and "Jack," feeling their connection was more profound now that she could physically interact with him, and thanked him for always being there.
Jack, visibly distressed by her words, became disoriented, crying out about being in darkness and unable to see, clinging to Si Yan and proclaiming his willingness to sacrifice everything for her. He woke up, still disoriented and apologizing, continuing to express his inability to see. Si Yan comforted him, calling him "Xiao Li," reassuring him it was over, but he desperately pleaded for her to stay. Si Yan, frightened, eventually extricated herself, stating she had other matters to attend to.
Before she left, Jack offered her a transparent gummy bear. The following morning, during the medicine distribution, an attendant, previously caught by Jack wandering near Si Yan's kitchen, ensured that Qiguan Yi received a green gummy bear. The princes gathered to sample the medicine parings from various departments: the Royal Kitchen presented Dragon Beard Candy, the Garment Service offered Orange Cake, and the Protocol Department had Red Preserves. Si Yan's Makeup Service offered "Spongy Gummy Bear," which amused the princes.
Qiguan Da decided to save Si Yan's gummy for last. As Qiguan Yi reached for a green gummy bear, Jack "accidentally" bumped into Si Yan, spilling the gummies. The attendant attempted to replace them, but Jack, feigning graciousness, offered his own. Then, as Qiguan Yi prepared to drink his medicine, the same attendant tried to swap it, claiming it was cold and bitter.
Highly suspicious, Jack abruptly seized Qiguan Yi's medicine and drank it himself, then swiftly departed, pretending everything was fine. Later, Si Yan found a severely ill Jack. He managed to maintain his facade, urging her to return to the princes, stating he could not allow Qiguan Yi to be harmed and for her to be implicated. After Si Yan left, Jack collapsed.
Episode 22 Recap
Jack woke up to find himself rescued by Tong Rui, who revealed she had poisoned Qiguan Yi, though Jack had consumed it instead. Tong Rui explained her intention was to sow discord between Si Yan and Qiguan Yi, hoping to drive them apart. She had suspected Jack was not a typical NPC, noting his unusual loyalty to Si Yan, whom he had followed from the Northland.
Tong Rui, recognizing their shared goal of separating Si Yan and Qiguan Yi, proposed they cooperate. Jack initially refused, wishing to avoid any further entanglement with her. However, Tong Rui challenged his reluctance, asserting that true love is selfish and demands active protection, not passive retreat.
Meanwhile, Si Yan was with Lian Miao, who was busy preparing soup for Prince Bao, noting his recent weight loss due to court affairs and the Second Lady's strictness, which even led to the demolition of his hamster park. Lian Miao confessed she secretly adopted Prince Bao's hamsters to cheer him up. Later, Lian Miao playfully suggested that the guard who returned with Si Yan, Jack, might have feelings for her, as he constantly followed and cared for her.
Si Yan quickly dismissed the idea, clarifying that Jack was merely a friend and her heart belonged solely to Qiguan Yi. Unbeknownst to Si Yan, Jack overheard this conversation from outside, leaving him visibly heartbroken. Si Yan then reiterated her unwavering commitment to stay by Qiguan Yi's side. Qiguan Yi and Qiguan Xiu pursued a black-clad assailant to the Treasure House, only to find Manager Xue already murdered.
Qiguan Yi observed that the killer was poisoned and, following trails of a reflective toxic powder, deduced the perpetrator was heading towards the East Mansion's gate. Simultaneously, in a courtyard, the Second Lady was performing a shadow puppet show when the black-clad man, Qing Yan, arrived. She revealed it was his birthday and presented him with a hair ornament, expressing her desire for a future where they could openly be together, free from societal judgment.
Qing Yan suddenly coughed up blood, confessing that Manager Xue had poisoned him in anticipation of his arrival. The Second Lady cried out his name, Qing Yan, confirming his identity as the man who had vanished from the Qi Mansion years ago. As Qiguan Yi and his guards surrounded the chamber, Qing Yan quickly changed into a black cloak, feigning to take the Second Lady hostage. He demanded to see the King, proclaiming his intention to die that night.
To provide a cover for the Second Lady, he loudly declared his supposed long-standing, unrequited love for her and his bitterness over her rejection. Qiguan Yi, suspecting a deeper plot involving General Min, offered himself as a hostage in exchange for the Second Lady. Qing Yan, however, insisted he acted alone out of love, attempting to stab Qiguan Yi. Tong Rui intervened, intercepting Qing Yan, allowing the guards to kill him.
Soon after, Si Yan rushed to aid Qiguan Yi, but Jack intercepted her, revealing his knowledge of her true mission as a killer. Jack confronted Si Yan, recounting how he had sacrificed his privileges and endured a lonely confinement in the dark system space, all to fulfill her plea to save Qiguan Yi. He declared his newfound desire to be selfish for her sake.
Si Yan, remorseful, promised to help him recover his lost privileges and assured him of her continued presence. Jack, echoing Tong Rui's earlier words about the selfish and possessive nature of love, hinted that he would eventually make Si Yan understand. Later, the Second Lady gave birth to a baby girl. Tong Rui awoke to Qiguan Yi's presence, admitting she deliberately collapsed to secure his attention and affection, claiming that gratitude, too, could foster love.
She then questioned the truthfulness of Qing Yan's dying words to Qiguan Yi and suggested his death was a staged event to clear someone's name, subtly implying General Min. Although Tong Rui asserted her father's innocence, she proposed a marriage to Qiguan Yi as a means to uncover the truth about General Min's potential treason, reasoning that her position as Qiguan Yi's wife would allow him to control the Min family army if her father proved guilty.
Qiguan Yi departed without committing to the proposal, leaving Tong Rui to ponder whether East Mansion or Si Yan held greater importance in his heart. In protest against the forced marriage to Tong Rui, Qiguan Yi knelt outside the King's palace for days. His efforts to reason with his father were met with a firm refusal, and the King forbade anyone from interceding on his behalf.
Jack, discussing Qiguan Yi's stubborn defiance with Tong Rui, acknowledged Qiguan Yi's struggle but reminded her that Si Yan, being a person of deep loyalty, would undoubtedly stand by him. Jack then suggested that Tong Rui exploit Si Yan's lingering guilt over the car accident, as Si Yan still believed herself responsible for Tong Rui's predicament, cautioning Tong Rui not to genuinely harm Si Yan.
Moved by Qiguan Yi's perseverance, Si Yan visited him nightly, bringing food and warm garments, encouraging him to remain steadfast. Tong Rui subsequently confronted Si Yan, urging her to abandon Qiguan Yi, asserting that it would benefit both of them. She revealed that her ultimate mission was to marry Qiguan Yi and achieve a "wedding kiss" to complete her task.
Tong Rui explained that the game was originally designed for a single player, and Si Yan's forceful entry by her boss had complicated things, creating a conflict where both of their mission keys were tied to Qiguan Yi. She implied that Si Yan's mission was to assassinate Qiguan Yi and proposed that Si Yan allow her to marry him first, then proceed with the assassination, so both could complete their missions and return to reality.
Si Yan vehemently refused to kill Qiguan Yi. Tong Rui then leveraged Si Yan's guilt, reminding her of the car accident that led to Tong Rui's current predicament and pleading that the wedding was her only chance to escape, before dramatically collapsing. As heavy rain fell, Qiguan Yi remained kneeling outside his father's palace. Si Yan approached him with an umbrella, tears streaming down her face.
She implored him to rise, stating that the King was resolute in marrying him to Tong Rui and she did not want to be a hindrance to their relationship. Overwhelmed by guilt for the car accident and believing she was responsible for Tong Rui's suffering, Si Yan felt she had no choice but to agree to Tong Rui's demands. With a heavy heart, she pushed away Qiguan Yi's embrace and ran off, leaving him distraught and questioning her decision.
Episode 23 Recap
Si Yan, dressed in a wedding gown, reluctantly rehearsed the wedding ceremony, lamenting that it was a difficult task for a servant. She wished the wedding were her own, but knew it was merely a dream. Meanwhile, Qiguan Da confronted Qiguan Yi, demanding to know why he agreed to marry Tong Rui.
Qiguan Da accused Qiguan Yi of never changing since childhood, always taking what belonged to others, questioned why he would marry Tong Rui when he didn't love her, and also why he treated Si Yan this way. Qiguan Yi, however, refused to explain, stating he had nothing to say to them. Qiguan Da's companion urged him to let Qiguan Yi go.
Elsewhere, someone played a mournful flute, noting its sorrowful tune and speculating that the player might have just experienced a breakup. The player mused about whether marriages were determined by parents' orders, matchmakers' arrangements, or by two people genuinely loving each other. At another location, someone, seemingly a paternal uncle, sought a meeting, to which the other party replied that a message would have sufficed instead of a personal trip.
The uncle demanded "the thing," but was told it hadn't been found. He then angrily reminded the person how their father tragically died in East City, threatening to personally intervene if the "Gouwang plant" wasn't found, warning that if the Fifth Young Master were accidentally harmed, it would be on them. Back at the rehearsal, Qiguan Yi appeared as the groom.
Si Yan tried to leave, but Qiguan Yi stopped her, insisting she drink the ceremonial wine before she could go. With tears streaming down her face, Si Yan complied. Qiguan Yi tried to explain that the wedding had another purpose, but Si Yan, emotional, couldn't listen and dismissed him, saying she only felt gratitude and wished to leave.
Later that night, the Second Lady (Min Ling) found Qiguan Da, who was grieving the loss of his beloved and the crowned prince title. Min Ling taunted him, calling him miserable. Qiguan Da, noticing his father's half of the Tiger Tally with her, questioned how she obtained it. Min Ling dismissed its origin, emphasizing how he could use it to achieve his goals.
When Qiguan Da pointed out the crime of taking the tally, Min Ling countered that it wouldn't be a crime if the future King of East City possessed it. She then explicitly suggested he stage a revolt, claiming everything rightfully belonged to him. She argued that Qiguan Da, despite his loyalty to East City, had been undermined.
She revealed that her brother held the other half of the Tiger Tally, and uniting them would mobilize the entire East City army, with the Min family's full support if he agreed. Qiguan Da questioned her motives, to which Min Ling replied she was doing it for Tong Rui, not wanting her to "follow in her footsteps" and marry someone she didn't love for family status, just as she had. She presented the opportunity to Qiguan Da, challenging his courage.
At the inn, a man referred to as "Master" (Jack) had been waiting all night, refusing food or water. He revealed he was waiting for someone who might never come, unsure whether to continue waiting. He described this person as a friend, confidant, and lover, admitting he had expected this outcome.
He explained that he once had no future, but her presence brought many moments to his life: watching her busy in the kitchen, observing her messy attempts at makeup, and seeing her interact happily with others, even witnessing her in someone else's arms, crying with hurt and sadness. He paused, and a voice assured him that despite his doubts, she could see him, just as he saw her.
In Deyang Palace, Si Yan told Tong Rui that she could leave after this night. Tong Rui thanked her, then asked if Si Yan truly intended to stay, knowing she wouldn't complete the task of killing Qiguan Yi. She pressed Si Yan about abandoning her family waiting outside. Tong Rui reminded Si Yan that their world was a data-constructed reality, seemingly real but full of danger, and as players, they could only win or lose.
A servant then informed Tong Rui that General Min was delayed fetching her special wedding gift from the Treasure Pavilion, which might postpone the auspicious time. Tong Rui insisted the auspicious time was paramount and instructed the servant to tell her aunt that the wedding would proceed as planned, then sent the servant to wait for her father outside.
Si Yan watched Tong Rui proceed, reminiscing about her own moments with Qiguan Yi and shedding tears, while Qiguan Yi, too, thought of Si Yan. Later, Qiguan Yi was officially proclaimed the crowned prince. As he and Tong Rui performed the second bow to the parents, Qiguan Da burst in, staging his coup. He declared it a family matter and warned others to leave if they wanted to live. The King ordered everyone to retreat.
Qiguan Da declared his intent to take the woman he loved and reclaim what was rightfully his, stating that since he couldn't take her legitimately, he would take what was his by force. He lashed out at the King, accusing him of never recognizing his achievements and asking why he was born if so hated. Qiguan Da vowed to prove himself by becoming the crowned prince, even if he had to declare himself one.
The King, however, revealed that the wedding and Qiguan Yi's temporary appointment as crowned prince were a setup to expose the real culprit. Qiguan Yi then collapsed, and Tong Rui fainted, signifying a game event. Immediately following the collapse of the false "crowned prince" ceremony, the Second Lady (Min Ling) made her move, appearing with Yue Ge's memorial tablet. She brazenly demanded that the City Lord appoint Qiguan Bao as the next City Lord.
Meanwhile, Si Yan, seeing this, had a bad feeling. Recalling Tong Rui's earlier words about her father not appearing on her wedding day, Si Yan wondered if General Min was the true mastermind, although she believed him to be loyal. She decided she had to find General Min, and located him bound in the Treasure House.
Elsewhere, Qiguan Bao, observing his mother's recent strange behavior, became suspicious, especially after she hastily sent him and the baby princess to the royal retreat. Lan Miao initially dismissed his concerns, but then admitted she too had noticed the Second Lady's sadness and secret tears, particularly after the assassin's death, and her habit of dismissing all guards and servants after dinner. Convinced something was wrong, Qiguan Bao decided they must return.
Back at the palace, Min Ling, now fully revealed as the orchestrator of events, including the Qixi assault, the Cloud Brothel case, and the missing food and fodder, confessed to sending Qiguan Teng to the Northland King, who then blackmailed her into providing supplies. She brazenly explained that the war allowed her to solidify her power. General Min arrived with his troops and ordered Qiguan Da to take Tong Rui away.
He confronted Min Ling, urging her to stop, as her rebel forces had been purged. Min Ling, enraged, cried that she was on the verge of success, of making East City hers, or rather, the Min family's. She accused her brother of forcing her into this, sacrificing her love for Qing Yan, whom she had to pretend not to know after his death. She lamented her life in what felt like a prison, where only Qing Yan offered solace.
Min Ling argued that all her arduous efforts and sacrifices were to make General Min the most powerful minister and the Min family influential. She bitterly questioned why he would stop her now when he had taught her that only power could bring freedom, feeling her entire life had been a cruel joke. Overwhelmed, she tried to take her own life with a sword, but Qiguan Bao intervened, grabbing the blade, injuring his hand.
Qiguan Bao pleaded with his father to forgive his mother, offering his own life in exchange. General Min also begged the King to spare his sister. The King, accepting their pleas, ordered that Min Ling be stripped of her nobility, made a commoner, and exiled to the north region, never to return to East City.
As Min Ling and Qiguan Bao were being taken away, Qiguan Bao comforted his mother, assuring her they would find their place in the world and that he sought no wealth or power, only to care for her. He added that serving at the northern border suited his inclinations. Lan Miao, rushing after them, begged to accompany them.
Despite Qiguan Bao's initial resistance, claiming no feelings for her and not needing her care, Lan Miao confessed her unwavering love for him, regardless of his status, and insisted on staying by his side. Qiguan Bao, moved, embraced her and agreed, with one condition: she must never cry again. Having completed the Second Lady's hidden storyline, Si Yan was overjoyed that she no longer had to kill Qiguan Yi.
She then found a message from Jack, realizing he had been waiting for her at the posting station. Upon opening her door, she saw Qiguan Yi, who embraced her tightly, declaring that no one could separate them now. Si Yan, however, indicated she still had one more task to complete.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
After the palace coup, the storyteller recounted that on Qi Yi's wedding day, the Second Lady attempted a city-wide slaughter. Her elaborate schemes ultimately failed, leading to her demotion to commoner and exile to the northern regions. Many were implicated, including Qi Da and Min Tongrui, whose whereabouts became unknown. Qi Xiu, meanwhile, had unknowingly harbored Yun Li, an ingrate who had spent years in East Li seeking the highly poisonous heartbreak grass recipe.
Now, with the recipe disappearing alongside Yun Li, there were concerns about potential harm to innocent lives. Qi Xiu staunchly defended Yun Li, asserting he had no involvement in Manager Xue's poisoning. He explained that he had sent Yun Li to procure flowers for incense, so he would be away for a while.
Qi Xiu's father, however, accused his son of willful ignorance, pointing out that even if Yun Li wasn't directly responsible for Manager Xue's death, the Yun family had a long history of seeking the heartbreak grass, even resorting to fratricide, which led to Yun Li's father's tragic death. He revealed that Yun Li's father had entrusted him with the recipe specifically to prevent the poison from ever resurfacing.
He cautioned Qi Xiu against keeping Yun Li, whom he likened to a "wolf pup," fearing betrayal. Qi Xiu insisted Yun Li was unaware of these matters and was loyal to him. He mentioned he had secretly dispatched men to track the Yun family, vowing to remove Yun Li if any collusion was discovered. His father questioned his conviction, then philosophized about the complexities of human destiny, suggesting Qi Xiu was too young to grasp such depths.
Later, Yun Li appeared before Qi Xiu, regretfully stating he had to break his promise and could no longer remain by his side, bidding him farewell. The storyteller concluded that East Li Mansion was irrevocably changed, with some residents leaving and others staying. Suddenly, Jack, having regained his true identity as a butler, was presented with a chilling message: the game world was entering a countdown to destruction.
He was reminded of his mission, which required him to eliminate Qi Yi. Jack defiantly refused, declaring he could not betray Si Yan. The system pressed him, asking if he would maintain his stance even if it meant Si Yan would never awaken from her coma in the real world, reminding him that her choice to stay in the game was for her beloved Qi Yi.
The system then dangled a "turning point," informing Jack that Si Yan was waiting at the posting station, and if he complied with the order to kill Qi Yi, he would be the only one by Si Yan's side. Meanwhile, at the posting station, Si Yan inquired about someone who had been looking for her, learning that "he" had waited for a long time before leaving.
She mused about how Jack used to appear instantly whenever she needed him and that she was once the only one who could see him. Unaware of Jack's presence, Si Yan apologized to him for not being able to say a proper goodbye, hoping he wouldn't blame her. Jack, invisibly by her side, assured her he would never blame her, resigning himself to an unknown future governed by fate, describing a world without her as mere "black and white adjectives."
The system then delivered a grim warning to Jack: disobeying its commands meant permanent recycling and that Si Yan would be forever unable to see or hear him. It asked if he was still willing to accept such a consequence. Unknowing, Si Yan thanked Jack for walking into her life from the light and quietly accompanying her.
Jack, in turn, thanked Si Yan for taking him on a "boisterous journey," acknowledging her profound love for Qi Yi and wishing only for her boundless happiness, vowing to cherish all her joyous moments. Si Yan, unknowingly, urged him to remember her, fearing that as an AI, he would outlive her and eventually forget. Jack promised to keep her in his heart "like a picture." With his decision made, Jack willingly plunged into the endless darkness.
In East Li, Si Yan was escorted to the prison to meet Lady Cui, who had been an associate of the Second Lady and stripped of her position. Lady Cui, now imprisoned, imparted her lifelong wisdom on makeup to Si Yan, detailing the principles of "cleanliness, harmony, freshness, compliance, orderliness, smoothness, and integrity." She emphasized that the highest art of makeup lies in "the heart" and entrusted the Palace Makeup Service to Si Yan.
Si Yan, surprised, questioned if she was indeed to become the Head Matron. Lady Cui affirmed it, recognizing Si Yan's genuine passion for makeup and its essence. Later, Qi Yi's mother conceded that Si Yan, by becoming the Head Matron, was "barely worthy" of her son, implying her acceptance of their union.
She expressed deep remorse for her past ambition, realizing she had prioritized her own plans over Qi Yi's true desires, and felt ashamed as a mother, though she found joy in his happiness. Qi Yi proposed to Si Yan in a picturesque setting, promising her the grandest wedding in East Li City. Si Yan, preferring a simpler celebration, suggested they visit a clothing store.
There, she excitedly drew a design for a unique white wedding dress with a long, fluffy skirt and veil. When the shop owner quoted two thousand tael, Qi Yi playfully teased her about the cost. Si Yan, joking about her financial woes since joining the mansion, asked Qi Yi for help. After a moment of feigned consideration, Qi Yi agreed, offering "a kiss for a thousand tael." They shared a sweet kiss.
Outside, Qi Yi's servant grumbled about Qi Yi personally weeding the garden for wedding decorations, a stark contrast to other masters who simply received tributes. Qi Yi explained he was removing "weeds" to ensure the lilac flowers would flourish. It was then that Qi Xiu appeared. Qi Yi, still under the impression that Qi Xiu harbored feelings for Si Yan, warned him to cease his pursuit.
Qi Xiu clarified that he had let go of Si Yan, then hinted that Qi Yi needed to be aware of imminent events. Qi Xiu then led Qi Yi to a dark, abstract space. There, he revealed himself to be Jack, the system butler. Jack exposed the illusion of Qi Yi's world, explaining that Qi Yi was merely a game character, meticulously crafted by a production team.
His initial purpose was to meet Si Yan, and his life was meant to end after falling into the water at the stone bridge. Jack detailed how every character in their world, from high-ranking individuals like Qi Xiu, Qi Da, and Qi Bao to the most humble maids, were pre-programmed entities, each with a specific mission to guide Si Yan towards becoming the Head Matron and waking up in the real world.
Qi Yi reacted with disbelief, questioning how Jack knew such things and if he was merely a task for Si Yan. Jack confirmed his fears, then showed him a glimpse of Si Yan's real world: a stark image of her comatose in a hospital bed, a consequence of a car accident that brought her into the game.
He explained that Si Yan could have easily completed her original mission and awakened, but her emotional connection with Qi Yi, who was supposed to die, disrupted the system. Si Yan had repeatedly saved Qi Yi, even sacrificing her chance to return to reality for him. Jack grimly informed Qi Yi that his continued, "bugged" existence would cause the entire system to collapse, resulting in Si Yan never waking up and the permanent deletion of everyone in the game world.
He emphasized that as a system butler and as a game character, neither of them could stop this. Only Qi Yi, by following his original fate and dying, could terminate the bug and allow Si Yan to escape. Qi Yi realized his unavoidable sacrifice. Jack observed that Si Yan's love would compel her to defy countless others to save him, musing that "this is love," and expressed envy for Qi Yi's experience. He then bid Qi Yi farewell.
Back in the physical world of the game, Qi Xiu, before his departure, instructed his guards to intercept Yun Li and recover the heartbreak grass, authorizing the use of any means necessary. Qi Yi, meeting with Qi Xiu, asked about his return, noting Qi Xiu was the only one who didn't question his leaving. He urged Qi Xiu to be cautious and return swiftly, as their father needed him.
Qi Xiu confessed his disdain for politics, preferring a life of travel. He described a place called Xiwu Paradise, east of South Jiuzhai, famed for its spring peach blossoms, and expressed his desire to find Yun Li and enjoy such serene beauty with him. Qi Yi, with a hint of melancholy, envied Qi Xiu, but was reminded by his brother that he had Si Yan. Qi Xiu encouraged Qi Yi to bring Si Yan to South Jiuzhai someday.
Qi Yi, contemplating their reality, wondered if they were merely "characters in a play," enduring hardships solely for the audience's entertainment, and if their existence was ultimately "unreal." Qi Xiu, despite not fully understanding, promised to believe Qi Yi and listen when he returned. They bid each other goodbye. Later, under the moon, Qi Yi shared a quiet moment with Si Yan. He inquired about her world, expressing his curiosity.
Si Yan described a realm where one could travel vast distances or connect with anyone across thousands of miles using a "small phone." She taught him a "finger heart" gesture, telling him it would let him know she was thinking of him. Qi Yi wished his world had such a device, longing to see her always. Meanwhile, Qi Da and Min Tongrui lived a secluded life.
Min Tongrui apologized to Qi Da for forcing him into hiding, but Qi Da reassured her, saying he had been the one hiding from himself, and she had helped him confront his true feelings. Min Tongrui tearfully expressed that she believed she was unworthy of happiness or love until she met Qi Da, declaring that wherever he was, was her home. Qi Da vowed never to disappoint her.
Qi Yi later sent a letter to Qi Da, expressing concern and mentioning their father's continued care, urging Qi Da to let go of past "misunderstandings" and return home, where his father awaited him. Qi Da, upon receiving the letter, sent a message back through the messenger, asking Qi Yi to take care of their father. Min Tongrui also penned a letter to Si Yan, making a belated confession: she was the one driving during Si Yan's car accident.
Si Yan had been drunk, so Min Tongrui took the wheel, but they crashed mere hundreds of meters later. She apologized for deceiving Si Yan, admitting that she had viewed the game world as purely virtual and focused only on her tasks. However, meeting Qi Da, who sacrificed everything to be with her, made her realize the reality of emotion and gave her the courage to face her true feelings.
She now wished Si Yan the same happiness she had found. Si Yan, upon reading the letter, was both relieved and happy for Min Tongrui. By a tranquil river, Si Yan and Qi Yi stood for their wedding. Si Yan, radiant in a white wedding gown she had designed, asked Qi Yi if brides in her world were beautiful. Qi Yi confirmed her beauty. Embracing her, Qi Yi vowed to engrave her deeply in his memory, never to forget her.
He thanked her for every experience they shared, assuring her he had no regrets about meeting her. He confessed that even if his world was an illusion, Si Yan was his "only reality." Si Yan, in turn, thanked him for helping her discover her true self. Qi Yi held Si Yan tightly, then, to her horror, collapsed. He had secretly consumed poison before the ceremony.
Si Yan watched helplessly as he died in her arms, a scene mirroring a premonition she had. She desperately pleaded for him not to die. Suddenly, Si Yan jolted awake in a hospital bed in the real world, her mother crying tears of relief that she had finally returned. In the new reality, Si Yan channeled her experiences into becoming a successful beauty blogger and the visionary founder of "The Beauty Blogger 2.
0," a company dedicated to traditional Chinese style games. During a live stream, she showcased a makeup look called "The Maid from East Li," describing makeup as a "fantasy journey from the body to the soul." She articulated her mission to promote virtual reality Chinese cultural games, aiming to blend education with entertainment, merge ancient traditions with modern technology, popularize science, preserve culture, and inspire young people to embrace and love traditional Chinese art.
Later, speaking to her assistant, Si Yan mentioned taking over the game company and extending the system's runtime indefinitely, welcoming anyone (presumably the game characters) to return whenever they wished. Finally, at the game company, Si Yan encountered a man, the real-world counterpart of Qi Yi, who was coincidentally her blind date. He jokingly offered her a drink, knowing she disliked drunk women, to celebrate their successful first meeting. Their reunion signified that their destinies were intertwined, both in the game and in real life.
