The Dauntless Youths Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Dauntless Youths Synopsis
The King of Shangshan, gravely ill and obsessed with finding the legendary “Elixir of Immortality,” commands the vassal states to send their sons to court and form a Crown Prince Battalion tasked with seeking the medicine.
At its core are four very different youths: Jiang Wenhuan, the unruly “troublemaker”; Kunwu, a downtrodden slave with a hidden past; Chong Yibiao, a warrior from the grasslands; and Xin Jia, a charming and carefree noble.
Together, they embark on a perilous journey, beset by enemies on all sides. Through countless trials, they evolve from rivals into loyal brothers-in-arms, eventually uncovering the massive conspiracy behind the so-called “Elixir of Immortality.” Fighting bravely to thwart the plot and protect the common people, they grow into true “young heroes” who defend their homeland.
The Dauntless Youths Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Several millennia ago, the Shangshan Kingdom held supreme power. When the King of Shangshan fell gravely ill, he summoned his trusted diviners and ministers to secure his dynasty's future. The divination revealed a dire omen, indicating that the elixir of immortality could only be found by a destined individual among the princely heirs.
A minister suggested using the upcoming triennial War God's Beast-fighting Festival as a pretext to gather the princes in Donglu, thereby subtly seeking the fated one to find the elixir. However, a figure in the shadows, Yuan Yang, believed the King's desire for immortality would ultimately bring about the downfall of Shangshan. Meanwhile, news of the imperial edict for the War God's Beast-fighting Festival approaching Donglu City reached Jiang Wenfeng, the General of Dongwu Marquisate.
He was exasperated by the absence of his younger brother, Jiang Wenhuan, the heir, who was nowhere to be found. Wenfeng's exasperation was so great that he declared he would "make him pay" upon finding him, calling him a "little brat" who was "always causing trouble" and "disappears when it matters." Unbeknownst to Wenfeng, Jiang Wenhuan was hidden nearby, mimicking his brother's exact words, showing a deep understanding of Wenfeng's predictable complaints about him.
Giving up on waiting for his brother, Jiang Wenfeng went to receive the imperial edict himself. As Jiang Wenfeng respectfully knelt to accept the decree, a sudden attack plunged the ceremony into chaos. Assassins murdered the messenger, stealing the imperial edict. Jiang Wenhuan, witnessing the brazen act, immediately gave chase, urging his men to split up and pursue the culprits, determined to retrieve the edict. During the pursuit, Jiang Wenhuan was wounded, but he pressed on.
The assassin fled through the city gates and blended into a crowd in a refugee camp, where he cleverly swapped clothes with another person to evade capture. Jiang Wenhuan initially apprehended the wrong individual, a masked slave, but with his keen eyesight, he quickly identified and subdued the true assailant. While the real thief was captured, the slave Jiang Wenhuan had mistakenly seized was now being brutally whipped by his owner.
The enraged owner, accusing the slave of causing trouble, even tossed his most prized necklace into a burning brazier. As a pot of hot water teetered precariously above the flames, threatening to fall on the helpless slave, Jiang Wenhuan, without hesitation, rushed forward and rescued him. Feeling a sense of responsibility and apology for the slave's predicament, Jiang Wenhuan purchased the slave for fifty coins.
Back at the Marquisate, Jiang Wenfeng was informed that the messenger, though severely injured, was stable. Reports soon reached him that Jiang Wenhuan had been seen chasing the thief and had even bought a slave. Wenfeng, already stressed by his parents' absence on a distant campaign and the attack on the messenger, was furious. He immediately ordered the entire city of Donglu to be sealed off and for both Jiang Wenhuan and the stolen edict to be brought back.
Meanwhile, the purchased slave proved his worth by identifying "snake ointment" left on the ground. He explained that by following the crimson color and distinctive smell of the ointment, they could trace the thief's escape route. Jiang Wenhuan was pleased, feeling his fifty coins were well spent. Following the slave’s guidance, Jiang Wenhuan located the thief, who defiantly tore the imperial edict to shreds before attempting to escape on horseback.
The slave skillfully blocked the thief’s path, leaped onto the horse, and engaged in a fierce struggle. Although the thief, a formidable fighter, ultimately escaped, he dropped a peculiar copper strip during the skirmish. Jiang Wenhuan picked it up, pondering its significance. Impressed by the slave's bravery and curious about his past, Wenhuan also inspected the slave’s prized necklace and identified it as a military card.
Returning to the city, Jiang Wenhuan offered the slave his freedom, but the slave, touched by Wenhuan's earlier words about training him to be a warrior so he wouldn't have to be a slave, expressed a desire to continue following him.
At that moment, Ding, Jiang Wenhuan’s attendant, rushed to inform him that Jiang Wenfeng was enraged and had issued an order for Wenhuan’s arrest, having also learned about the purchase of the slave – an act Wenfeng, who detested slavery, would surely condemn. Realizing he faced severe punishment, Jiang Wenhuan instructed the slave to look for further clues about the black-clad assailant and promised to return for him the next morning.
Deciding to face his punishment head-on, and in typical Jiang Wenhuan fashion, he made a public spectacle of his return to the Dongwu Marquisate, declaring his apology for his "violations." Inside, a furious Jiang Wenfeng demanded the imperial edict, only to be told by Jiang Wenhuan that the thief had destroyed it. Jiang Wenhuan expressed his suspicion that there was more to the War God's Beast-fighting Festival than met the eye and offered to investigate.
However, Jiang Wenfeng, dismissive of his brother's "meddling" and "useless" nature, forbade him from getting involved and ordered him to kneel. Jiang Wenhuan, frustrated by his brother's perceived lack of trust and his constant efforts to shield him, passionately argued that Wenfeng never truly treated him as an equal or as his brother, and that he too wished to protect Wenfeng. Despite Wenfeng's vehement warnings, Jiang Wenhuan declared his intention to investigate the potential dangers behind the festival.
Enraged, Wenfeng called for the Jiang family discipline to punish his defiant brother. Just as the punishment was about to commence, their master, Gongsun Wuyu, returned, intervening and sparing Jiang Wenhuan a beating. Later, while checking on Jiang Wenhuan's minor injuries, Wenfeng recounted his brother's antics to Gongsun Wuyu. Gongsun Wuyu gently pointed out Wenhuan's good intentions, noting his desire to help his older brother. Wenfeng acknowledged this but reaffirmed his responsibility as the elder brother to bear the burdens.
Wenfeng then inquired about Anashi, a long-unconscious individual for whom he prepared a birthday gift annually, hoping that if Anashi ever awoke, he would know he had never been forgotten. Gongsun Wuyu then revealed the true purpose of his return: a direct handwritten imperial decree from the King, explicitly ordering that the War God's Beast-fighting Festival "must" proceed as scheduled, regardless of the attack or the destroyed edict.
The next day, Jiang Wenhuan, still recovering, anxiously thought of the slave he left behind and rushed out to find him. Meanwhile, the slave discovered another copper strip, which he realized was the other half of the one Wenhuan had found. While searching for clues, he encountered his old master again, who attempted to humiliate him once more.
Recalling Jiang Wenhuan's powerful words, "No one is born to be a slave," the slave courageously fought back, removing his mask to reveal his face and declare his name: Kunwu. Soon after, while Wenhuan was also searching for him, Kunwu was ambushed, knocked unconscious, and taken away in a carriage. He awoke in an unfamiliar place to find a man who looked exactly like him, albeit appearing weak and sickly. This man, who seemed to know Kunwu's name, indicated their striking resemblance and proposed a transaction.
Episode 2 Recap
Ten days later, Kunwu's carriage arrived at the boundary of Donglu City. He ordered a stop and stared blankly at the boundary marker. A servant reminded him that once they crossed it, he would be E Shun, the heir of the South Bohr State. Kunwu held a wooden token, recalling his deal with the real E Shun. Gravely ill and unable to participate in the upcoming War God's Beast-fighting, E Shun had proposed an identity swap.
Initially, Kunwu was reluctant, asking why he should help. E Shun revealed that Kunwu's long-lost sister was still alive, promising to help him find her—his only surviving family—and return to his homeland. With this promise made, Kunwu, now disguised as E Shun, ordered the carriage to proceed into Donglu City. Meanwhile, Ning Ziyu, visibly nervous, stood outside a screen tent, profusely apologizing to Chong Yibiao for a carriage collision. There was no response from inside.
Xin Jia, passing by, smirked and told Ning Ziyu to stop wasting his effort, jokingly suggesting that Chong Yibiao might be deaf. At that moment, the screen was violently thrown open, and Chong Yibiao, the short-tempered second son of the Duke of Beibo, stormed out, enraged. He raised his fist, intending to strike Xin Jia. Realizing his mistake, Xin Jia quickly put on a fawning smile, bowed, and repeatedly apologized.
Despite their unusual first encounter, Xin Jia and Ning Ziyu felt a kinship. Xin Jia expressed his disdain for arrogant individuals. Ning Ziyu offered to treat Xin Jia to a meal as a thank you, but Xin Jia insisted on paying, and they decided to go to a restaurant. At the restaurant, as Xin Jia and Ning Ziyu settled down for a drink, a nimble woman snatched Ning Ziyu's purse and fled. Both men, shocked and enraged, immediately gave chase.
Jiang Wenhuan happened to be passing by and, with his keen eyesight, recognized the woman and joined the pursuit. The agile woman skillfully weaved through the crowd. Spotting a carriage, she leaped inside, quickly taking Kunwu (still in disguise as E Shun) hostage and covering his mouth to silence him. By the time Jiang Wenhuan reached the carriage, the female thief, A Si, had vanished. He approached cautiously, his brow furrowed.
Kunwu recognized Jiang Wenhuan as the person who had saved him previously but knew he couldn't reveal his true identity. Keeping his composure, Kunwu alighted from the carriage and formally introduced himself as E Shun, the heir of the South Bohr State. Jiang Wenhuan, about to leave, heard a faint sound from inside the carriage and, feeling a surge of suspicion, demanded to inspect it. Kunwu, flustered, tried to stop him, leading to a brief struggle.
At that moment, A Si swiftly emerged from the carriage, tossed the money bag to Jiang Wenhuan, and fled. In his haste, Jiang Wenhuan mistakenly threw a bag of dye at A Si. She couldn't dodge in time and was covered in red dye, causing her to turn around in furious indignation before storming away. Jiang Wenhuan then resumed a brief, questioning conversation with Kunwu, who maintained his E Shun persona, before they both went their separate ways.
Later, Jiang Wenhuan checked his money bag and realized the copper strip he had found earlier was missing, likely stolen by A Si. Meanwhile, A Si arrived at her father's pawn shop to pawn the peculiar copper strip. The shopkeeper, wary of its strange design, was hesitant to accept it. A Si, with an arrogant demeanor, revealed her identity, instantly changing the shopkeeper's attitude to one of profound reverence.
He then informed her that the copper strip was a smuggling certificate, and a black box with a similar pattern was secretly transported into Qiankun Alley every night. A Si's eyes hardened with determination; she resolved to investigate, suspecting the seemingly upright heir, Jiang Wenhuan, was involved in illicit dealings with the Kui State. That evening, princes from various states gathered for a banquet that served as a warm-up for the upcoming duels.
Jiang Wenhuan, having deliberately soiled his court robes, avoided hosting, leaving the duty to General Pan Chi. E Shun (Kunwu in disguise) arrived late, prompting whispers among the guests. Upon seeing E Shun, Chong Yibiao glared with hostility and immediately challenged him to a duel. Kunwu, having been briefed by the real E Shun about his past grievances with Chong Yibiao, knew he couldn't avoid the fight.
Chong Yibiao fought fiercely, clearly intending to inflict serious harm, but Kunwu displayed remarkable agility, dodging every blow without retaliating. Seeing Kunwu in peril, Jiang Wenhuan decisively stepped onto the stage, shielded Kunwu, and ended the duel. He then took "E Shun" back to a room to tend to his injuries. As Jiang Wenhuan meticulously applied medicine to "E Shun," he mused aloud that "E Shun" reminded him of his childhood dog, Dahuang, who had died saving him.
He explained that he had only seen that unique, stubborn look three times in his life: in Dahuang, in a young slave, and now in "E Shun," which was why he felt compelled to help. Kunwu, noticing a drawing of the copper strip on the table, learned that Jiang Wenhuan had found and then lost it to the female thief.
Recognizing the pattern, Kunwu explained that the object was a specialized key used in the Southern Capital to lock up fierce beasts for fighting competitions. Shortly after, a servant informed Jiang Wenhuan that the pattern on the copper strip originated from the Kui State, a nation frequently at war with Donglu. Realizing the key's connection to tomorrow's beast-fighting event and the Kui State, Jiang Wenhuan deduced a sinister plot and immediately began preparing countermeasures.
Elsewhere, A Si's subordinates located the large black box in Qiankun Alley. Their curiosity quickly turned to terror as strange, unsettling sounds emanated from within. Based on this intelligence, Jiang Wenhuan secretly set up iron chains in the beast-fighting arena the night before. The next day, the beast-fighting competition began, with princes from various states, including Xichuan and the Southern Capital, making grand entrances. Unbeknownst to many, the box containing the monstrous creature had been placed in the stable.
A Si had a subordinate distract the stable guard while she stealthily infiltrated, determined to uncover Jiang Wenhuan's alleged dark dealings. Suddenly, one of the arena pillars cracked open, and a gigantic, demonic creature crawled out. Panic erupted as spectators screamed and scattered, but the exits were sealed shut. To save the panicked populace, Jiang Wenhuan bravely used himself as bait to lure the monster towards the trap he had laid. However, the giant's immense strength proved too much for the mechanisms, which failed to restrain it.
Episode 3 Recap
A colossal monster charged towards Jiang Wenhuan, who, despite being outmatched, faced it without fear. As people panicked and fled the city, Chong Yibiao and Kunwu joined the fray. Although scared, Xin Jia courageously entered the battle, calling out, "Brother Jiang, I'm coming!" and taunting the creature. Together, the four heroes successfully defeated the monster. Meanwhile, Ning Ziyu was urgently summoned by his father, Prince Ning, who cautioned his son not to get involved.
A servant rushed in to report that the giant monster had been defeated, much to Prince Ning's shock at the swiftness of its demise. He then led Ning Ziyu away. In the stables, A Si discovered a bronze plate. Examining its unique crest, she recognized it as the emblem of Prince Ning's carriage, immediately suspecting a connection to the evil creature. She decided to discreetly follow.
As she rode past, Jiang Wenhuan, having just helped defeat the monster and en route to assist his brother, spotted her, wondering, "A female thief? Why is she here?" Jiang Wenfeng, overseeing the chaotic aftermath, ordered that the deceased prince be given a proper burial and that the civilian casualties be either returned to their families or buried with military honors.
One of the princes confronted Jiang Wenfeng, demanding an explanation for the monster's appearance and calling the beast fight "suspicious." Jiang Wenhuan secretly followed A Si, who had lost track of Prince Ning. Prince Ning, however, noticed A Si and confronted her, demanding to know who she was and why she was following them. A Si boldly accused him of disturbing Donglu by releasing evil creatures. Prince Ning immediately ordered his men to kill her.
Just then, Jiang Wenhuan intervened, stating that a lord should not openly bully a young woman. Prince Ning attempted to establish a false kinship with Jiang Wenhuan, but Jiang Wenhuan rebuffed him, reminding him that disrupting the beast fight was "a crime of deceiving the emperor" and "punishable by death." Recognizing one of Prince Ning's men as the thief who had stolen the imperial edict, Jiang Wenhuan realized Prince Ning's full involvement.
When the henchman threatened A Si, Jiang Wenhuan feigned indifference, claiming he wouldn't care if a "thief" died. A furious A Si lashed out at Jiang Wenhuan, vowing revenge. As they bickered, Jiang Wenhuan seized the opportunity to swiftly rescue A Si, then urged her, "Let's go." Jiang Wenfeng addressed the assembled princes, acknowledging the "heartbreaking" incident and promising a thorough investigation and explanation. While some princes called for justice from the king, Jiang Wenhuan interrupted, urging calm.
He then presented Prince Ning and revealed that the monster originated from Prince Ning's manor, showing the bronze plate with the Ning family crest found in the monster's transport box as proof. Under pressure, Prince Ning confessed, "What if it was me?" He tearfully explained his actions were driven by the king's desire to leave him "childless." He revealed that ten days prior, he received a secret report that the "Hostage Camp" would be re-opened.
Having already lost one son, he declared, "We can't let the Ning family have no descendants," and admitted to accepting "secret arts" from the West to create the monster, hoping to deter the princes. He concluded by accusing Shangshan of being "unkind" and the emperor "unrighteous." The princes questioned Gongsun Wuyu about the alleged "hostage camp." Gongsun Wuyu clarified that the king intended to open a "Prince Camp" in Donglu, not a hostage camp.
He explained that the camp's true purpose was to find an ancient elixir of life, a national treasure, which a divine guide revealed to be among the princes. He presented an imperial edict, assuring them that their lives would be safe and that finding the elixir would bring immense honor to their nations. Prince Ning, however, scoffed at this, calling it "Yuan Yang's" trick and accusing the other princes of being "hypocrites" with grievances against Shangshan.
He proclaimed his willingness to sacrifice himself against the "tyrannical king." Jiang Wenhuan retorted, criticizing Prince Ning for harming innocents and calling him a fool who, despite his eloquent words, "caused such chaos" and acted no differently from the "tyrant" he condemned. Jiang Wenfeng then ordered Jiang Wenhuan to step back and declared to Prince Ning that "no excuse justifies murder." Prince Ning, with desperate resolve, urged Ning Ziyu to "Go now!"
, bravely fighting against the soldiers to cover his son's escape. Despite his father's sacrifice, Ning Ziyu was tragically shot while fleeing and collapsed, dying. Witnessing his only son's death, Prince Ning was overcome with grief and also perished. Jiang Wenhuan expressed profound regret and self-blame, lamenting that if he had discovered the truth earlier and acted differently, the outcome might have been less tragic. He then ordered everyone back to the city.
Jiang Wenfeng, accepting responsibility for the arena incident, declared, "I failed in my duty, disgracing Your Majesty's grace and the legacy of the Jiang family. I accept my punishment." As he prepared to receive his punishment, Jiang Wenhuan intervened, asserting, "I'm the heir of the Dongwu Marquisate. I'm the one who should be punished." Jiang Wenhuan struggled with the guards who held him back, while Jiang Wenfeng ordered him to leave.
An officer then announced the King's decree: while Prince Ning was the primary instigator, the Dongwu Marquisate was also at fault for poor oversight. Jiang Wenfeng would be punished, and an imperial plaque would be revoked as a warning, though his ducal title was spared due to his ancestors' military achievements. Later, kneeling in the ancestral hall, Jiang Wenhuan blamed himself for his helplessness and inability to take his brother's punishment.
His master reminded him that he had always been his brother's "pride." Jiang Wenhuan resolved to find the elixir, promising his master, "I won't let him down." Meanwhile, Gongsun Wuyu applied medicine to Jiang Wenfeng's wounds, and they discussed the tragic annihilation of the Ning family. Gongsun Wuyu gave Jiang Wenfeng the bronze plate Jiang Wenhuan had found, explaining it was from the West and linked to the mysterious person who stole the imperial edict.
He identified the arena monster as a "Kui Ba Shi," likely created by the West's secret arts. Jiang Wenfeng reflected on the West's history of conflict with Donglu and their renewed activity, concluding that the impending "Prince Camp" could bring more trouble. He ended by stating his determination to "Protect Donglu. Protect the children." On the eve of the Prince Camp's opening, Kunwu had a solemn conversation with a steward.
The steward reminded him of their agreement: Kunwu must remain in the Prince Camp, and in return, his master would help find his sister. The steward stressed the irreversible nature of their plan, warning that exposure would mean a "death sentence." Kunwu anxiously inquired about his sister, learning she was alive but that "sometimes being alive is more painful than death." The steward reassured him that the master would help rescue her once the agreement was fulfilled.
Kunwu then recalled his own father's words, "My son, live on, and protect Qingqing," and ultimately agreed to the terms. Elsewhere, A Si returned home to an angry father who scolded her for previously eloping and now "provok[ing] the Dongwu Marquisate." He threatened to beat her, but when she defiantly offered herself for punishment, he dismissed the servants, revealing his true concern for her safety.
He firmly dismissed her desire to work in Qiankun Alley and warned her to stay out of Dongwu Marquisate affairs, saying, "Those princes aren't as simple as they seem." Meanwhile, Jiang Wenhuan and Kunwu (posing as Ezhun) were drinking. Jiang Wenhuan expressed deep regret over the arena incident, lamenting his inability to save his dog Dahuang, prevent Prince Ning's schemes, and how his brother had to take his punishment.
He declared his intention to bid farewell to his "incompetent" past self. Kunwu (as Ezhun) explained the tradition of river lanterns in the Southern Capital for mourning, and they released two, "one for the living, one for the dead." Jiang Wenhuan then shared his ambition to restore the Jiang family's honor and secure his brother's rightful place as master of the Dongwu Marquisate through the Prince Camp's mission. Kunwu (as Ezhun) simply stated his desire "to live."
They toasted to their survival. Jiang Wenhuan playfully teased Kunwu about his drinking prowess and jokingly called him "Huang." Kunwu expressed gratitude for Jiang Wenhuan saving him in the arena, noting that he felt like an old friend. Jiang Wenhuan, continuing the joke, proposed they become sworn brothers to "take Huang's place." Kunwu feigned reluctance to leave, but Jiang Wenhuan pleaded with him to stay, again calling him "Huang."
In a covert operation, a group of black-clad men secretly exhumed Ning Ziyu's body, discovering to their surprise that he was still alive. They took him away, pleased that "Our master will be satisfied."
Episode 4 Recap
A Si, reflecting on being saved by Jiang Wenhuan, initially dismissed her burgeoning feelings as mere gratitude. She internally cautioned herself, proclaiming, "Li Asisi, wake up. You have no feelings for him. Even if you did, it's just to repay his life-saving kindness. Yes, that's it. That's all." Resolved, she decided to "repay him properly" and went to seek him out. Meanwhile, Jiang Wenhuan returned to his residence intoxicated.
An arrow carrying a pendant and a note from "the little thief" struck his doorframe. The note expressed immense gratitude, stating, "Great kindness needs no thanks. Here's a reward for you. . . Finally, we owe each other nothing." Jiang Wenhuan interpreted this as the "thief's" way of showing appreciation, unaware of the pendant's true worth and remarking, "It doesn't look valuable at all." A Si, watching from a distance, realized his ignorance, muttering, "Jiang Wenhuan, that idiot.
Can it be he doesn't know how valuable that pendant is? He shouldn't." Jiang Wenfeng, concerned for Gongsun Wuyu, frequently sought opportunities to care for her, but she maintained a cautious distance, often rejecting his advances. The two discussed the impending Prince's Camp, with Jiang Wenfeng questioning if the Emperor would abandon the search for the elixir. Gongsun Wuyu reminded him that "A king's word is his bond.
He won't change his mind so easily" and reflected on the "tragedy sixteen years ago" associated with the elixir hunt. Jiang Wenfeng agreed, asserting he had "more reason to hate that tragedy" and explained he explicitly chose Donglu for the camp so that his brother, Jiang Wenhuan, would be safe, telling her, "With you in Donglu. . . Huan'er will be safe."
He urged her to be careful, but Gongsun Wuyu politely declined his help, stating, "Shi and I have been together for so many years. We are used to it." She then bid him goodnight, asking him to "Have a good rest." The next day, by imperial decree, the Dongwu Marquisate established the Prince's Camp. An announcement declared that the princes were to "forge their bodies" and eventually "wear armor, tame fierce horses, and capture the enemy's king."
Gongsun Wuyu and Jiang Wenfeng were appointed as joint supervisors, and the princes were ordered to "listen to the training in the field. No mistakes allowed." On the first day, Jiang Wenfeng was surprised to find only two princes present, questioning, "Why are there only two of you? Where are the others?" Meanwhile, the other princes were gathered inside, gambling with dice. Jiang Wenhuan, confident in his abilities, declared, "If I win, you all go back to class with me."
However, his opponent, Xin Jia, quickly detected Jiang Wenhuan cheating. " You are the dignified Prince of Donglu. Why do you cheat?" he questioned, exposing Jiang Wenhuan. A chaotic argument ensued, and in the confusion, Jiang Wenhuan stumbled into Jiang Wenfeng, who had just entered the room. Jiang Wenfeng's face darkened with anger and disappointment. All the princes were severely punished. One prince grumbled, "Wen Huan and Xin Jia are gambling. Why are we punished for joining in? . .
. He didn't even go. Why punish him?" Jiang Wenfeng explained the severe consequences, stating, "The punishment today is the first lesson of the Prince's Camp. It's to make you know the Prince's Camp is a team. All are honored together, and all are damaged together. If one person makes a mistake, all will be punished. No one can be free of blame. Just like on the battlefield. Do you understand?"
After the stern lecture, he ordered them to practice horse stance before reporting to General Chen. After the punishment, an officer announced five positions within the camp: Equipment Chief, Cook Chief, Dorm Chief, Camp Chief, and Stable Chief, emphasizing that "If there is any mistake, the whole camp will be punished." Jiang Wenhuan jokingly declined any leadership role, admitting that as a child, he "almost burned down the camp." The princes eagerly volunteered for the more appealing positions.
Wang Yuanji, confident in his culinary knowledge, stepped forward as Cook Chief. Tao Yingzhong, citing his diligent habits, volunteered for Dorm Chief. Tai Dian offered his sewing skills for Equipment Chief. Xin Jia volunteered for Camp Chief, promising alcohol, only to be sternly reminded by Jiang Wenfeng, "No drinking in the army." The final position, Stable Chief, remained vacant. Yao Shuliang, despite his timid nature and lack of riding expertise, volunteered, explaining, "My name is Yao Shuliang. . .
I'm a bit timid. But I'm good at dealing with animals." He was accepted. The princes were then told they would be sharing rooms, much to their dismay. Xin Jia loudly complained, "We are all princes. . . Why do we have to share a tent? If they have any bad habits, like teeth grinding, hiccupping, flatulence, or body odor, what should I do? Will I still be alive?"
He expressed a desperate wish not to be roomed with "that always grumpy Chong Yibiao and that silent E Shun." Fate, however, had a cruel sense of humor. Chong Yibiao and E Shun found themselves assigned to the same room. Their initial meeting was tense, with Chong Yibiao immediately challenging E Shun, "You live here too? Change it. You're trying to make me mad." E Shun responded calmly, "I didn't mean it." Chong Yibiao then taunted him, "Stuttering boy.
Aren't you afraid I'll kill you again?" E Shun simply asked, "You. . . Will you?" Xin Jia soon arrived at the room, horrified to find himself with them, but found some comfort when Jiang Wenhuan also appeared, exclaiming, "Brother Jiang. You live here too? Great. Finally, we have someone interesting." In the middle of the night, a loud banging at the door jolted Xin Jia awake. Terrified, he nudged Jiang Wenhuan, asking, "Brother Jiang, did you hear anything?"
Jiang Wenhuan dismissed it, telling him to "Go to sleep." When the banging persisted, Xin Jia, still frightened, urged Jiang Wenhuan to open the door. Jiang Wenhuan retorted, "Why should I? It's your place. . . What if it's a woman?" The idea of a "beauty" piqued Xin Jia's interest. Annoyed by the noise, Chong Yibiao abruptly opened the door, only to find no one outside. He declared, "There is neither a male ghost nor a female ghost.
Can we sleep now?" and tried to settle back down. Soon after, more strange sounds were heard. The roommates cautiously opened the door again and witnessed Tao Yingzhong, in a sleepwalking state, relieving himself outside before quietly returning to his bed. Jiang Wenhuan deduced, "This might be the so-called sleepwalking. . . his consciousness is in a dream. People with this disease cannot be awakened." The next morning, in class, the princes were disheveled and drowsy.
Jiang Wenfeng, noting their poor state, scolded them, "Are you here for class or for traveling in Donglu? You all look so listless, dejected, and lazy. Take your seats." During the lecture, Tao Yingzhong passed Jiang Wenhuan a folded note, relaying a message from Yao Shuliang. Upon opening it, Jiang Wenhuan's expression drastically changed as the note revealed that all the Jin Yu horses from the stable had been stolen.
A distraught Yao Shuliang confessed, "I just arrived outside and found that the Jin Yu horses in the stable were all gone." He added that these horses were "the King's gift" and their loss meant "the whole camp will be punished." Apologizing profusely, he cried, "It's all my fault. I'm the one who got everyone in trouble." Jiang Wenhuan reassured him, "We rise and fall together. You're the head groom, but losing the horse isn't just your fault."
Realizing the urgency, Jiang Wenhuan proposed a solution, noting that "the two supervisors are seeing off the Shangshan courier" and "won't be back before nightfall." He deduced that the thief was no ordinary person and that "ordinary methods won't work." He suggested they go to Quanqin Alley, "the most cunning market in Donglu," where he believed they would find information.
He explained that Quanqin Alley, run by the mysterious merchant Li, "can accommodate people and goods that are hard to find in the world." He assured his worried companions that he had a backup plan for leaving the camp, having already arranged for Tai Dian to assist them via the waterway, surprising Xin Jia, who remarked, "Since when did you two become so in sync?"
Upon reaching Quanqin Alley, Xin Jia marveled at the "luxurious place" before Jiang Wenhuan pointed them towards Xuankong Pavilion, the auction house where stolen goods are sold. Realizing that entry was restricted to "regular customers," Jiang Wenhuan devised a plan. They disguised the timid Yao Shuliang as an attractive woman, allowing him to successfully gain entry. When Jiang Wenhuan and E Shun arrived at the entrance, a guard stopped them. Jiang Wenhuan presented a bronze plaque.
To their confusion, the guard's demeanor instantly shifted from suspicion to reverence, apologizing for "not recognizing you" and welcoming them as "guests invited by the Young Lady." The Young Lady was revealed to be A Si, implying her connection to the powerful merchant Li. Inside Xuankong Pavilion, the auctioneer presented the day's main event: "a purebred horse from the Golden Domain," with a starting bid of 100 qian.
E Shun participated in the bidding, consistently increasing the price by a single qian each time, much to the exasperation of others. The bidding escalated rapidly, reaching 5,000 qian. At this critical moment, Jiang Wenhuan intervened, loudly questioning the horse's authenticity. He asserted, "5,000 qian is not a small sum. If you can find a purebred horse from Jin Yu, that would be great. But what if you can't? . . .
no one has ever seen a pure-blooded Jin Yu horse. How do we know how to verify it?" He challenged the auction house to "bring the horse out and show us where it came from. Only then can we be assured." The crowd echoed his demand. The auctioneer protested, citing rules, but a woman from Jin Yu stepped forward, swearing on her clan's blood that the horse was genuine, though she could not disclose its origin.
Jiang Wenhuan countered, "The Virtual Pavilion has its own rules. But our money isn't just given to us." Another man, defending the auction, accused Jiang Wenhuan of "making a fuss" and having "other intentions." Jiang Wenhuan retorted, "Who knows if you will turn on me and run away with the money? Show the horse to everyone if you are confident."
When asked who he was, Jiang Wenhuan declared, "I'm the one to take you away," prompting the man to summon guards. Just as a brawl was about to erupt, A Si rushed in, shouting "Stop!" The auctioneer acknowledged her presence, exclaiming, "My Lady!"
Episode 5 Recap
Jiang Wenhuan found himself ambushed in a bustling night market when a voice commanded, "Arrest them all!" Suddenly, A Si intervened, shouting, "Stop!" Someone present recognized her as "Miss." Kunwu looked at her intently and asked, "You. . . You are not. . ." A Si, teasing, asked, "What? You forgot me so soon?" Kunwu replied, "The bride," clearly recognizing her as the female thief he had previously saved, who was in a bride's disguise.
After the commotion, Yao Shuliang approached Jiang Wenhuan, surprised. " Jiang, you know the Miss of Qiankun Alley? Why didn't you tell me earlier? We're all family. Why the fuss?" Jiang Wenhuan quickly dismissed him, saying, "Enough. I have nothing to do with her." Yao Shuliang, unconvinced, insisted, "Nothing? Come on. I can tell there's something between you two." Kunwu then steered the conversation back to their mission, telling A Si, "I didn't come here to cause trouble.
I have something important to discuss." A Si, acknowledging his previous kindness, invited him to speak, saying, "I've always remembered your kindness. Just say what you need. Sit down." Kunwu explained they were there to find the stolen Jin Yu horses belonging to the Virtual Pavilion. A Si confidently stated, "Actually, it's not hard to find the thief. I'm the owner of Qiankun Alley. I can find any information in Donglu City.
A group of horse thieves trying to sneak out of my alley? Impossible!" She then confirmed the direction the thieves went. Jiang Wenhuan added that Xin Jia was with Chong Yibiao checking entry and exit records, but Chong Yibiao insisted on working alone and hadn't reported back. Kunwu thanked A Si for her help in the arena, and she returned something to him, claiming she hadn't realized its value, but Kunwu refused to take back a gift once given.
Following A Si's direction, Kunwu noticed blood on the ground, exclaiming, "Wait. There's blood ahead." He followed the trail, which led them to "the back door of my house," A Si revealed. Inside the house, Mr. Li instructed Li Laowu to kill a suspicious person at the back door, but it turned out to be A Si, who playfully chastised Li Laowu. Mr. Li greeted his daughter, A Si, saying he'd kill anyone who dared to hurt her.
Meanwhile, Kunwu and Jiang Wenhuan, exploring the back, noted the horse thief's blood trail led directly through the Li's Mansion back door. Kunwu pointed out a suspicious warehouse. Before they could investigate further, A Si's cry of "Father!" drew them back. They found Mr. Li injured, claiming a horse thief had wounded him. Jiang Wenhuan, suspicious, questioned how a renowned martial artist like Mr. Li could be easily injured by a mere thief.
A Si, enraged, accused Jiang Wenhuan of implying her father colluded with the thieves and vehemently ordered him to leave, insisting she witnessed the attack. Kunwu, seeing the tension, quickly apologized for the disturbance and promised to return another day. Outside the mansion, Kunwu expressed his unease to Jiang Wenhuan, who echoed his thoughts about the thief's familiarity with the Li residence.
Kunwu speculated that a horse theft from the army would require inside help, wondering if someone from the Prince's Camp was involved, though he found it hard to believe. Jiang Wenhuan, ever the pragmatist, commented on the unpredictability of human hearts. They also learned that checks on city entry/exit records for the past six months had yielded no suspicious individuals.
Upon returning to the Prince's Camp, they were informed that the horse had been found in a nearby forest, unharmed, much to Jiang Wenhuan's surprise. He then asked if Yao Shuliang had been in the camp the entire time. Concurrently, a report reached the Prince's Camp: the military defense department had been robbed, and the city defense map of Donglu City was stolen.
Meanwhile, A Si, retrieving clothes from her father's room, noticed a bowl of fish soup on the table. Knowing her father disliked fish, she found it strange but didn't dwell on it before leaving. After she departed, a figure quietly emerged from the inner room and took the bowl of fish soup.
Jiang Wenhuan quickly deduced that Yao Shuliang, whom he affectionately called "crybaby," had orchestrated the horse theft as a diversion to allow him to steal the city defense map while the camp was empty. He recalled Yao's sudden stomachache as they left camp. Jiang Wenhuan worriedly realized that the true target was the map, not the horses, and that Kui Fang intended to attack Donglu City.
He remembered General Jiang's lesson about Donglu's unique city defense, based on the River and Luo Diagram, and Xin Jia immediately recognized it as similar to his He-Lo Roulette gambling board. Jiang Wenhuan explained that Kui Fang, despite its usual recklessness, was now meticulously planning an invasion, aiming to use the map to break Donglu's defenses.
When another prince suggested the situation was beyond their concern, Jiang Wenhuan insisted that reporting it would condemn Yao Shuliang, but not reporting it would endanger all of Donglu, his homeland. He defended Yao, believing he wouldn't betray them, and declared that they must find Yao Shuliang that very night to resolve the crisis. As they set out, Xin Jia and Chong Yibiao bickered. They followed horse tracks but soon lost the trail in the forest.
With their trail lost, Kunwu ingeniously pointed the way, observing that while the night dew covered most vegetation, a particular path was dry, indicating recent passage. Xin Jia scoffed, "Pretending," but Chong Yibiao praised Kunwu for being "good at both literature and martial arts, wise and resourceful." Jiang Wenhuan then told Kunwu, "Fine, lead the way." Kunwu led them to a secluded spot where they found a horse.
Further on, they discovered Yao Shuliang, bound and gagged in a remote hut. As Jiang Wenhuan began to untie him, promising to "settle this" with the "crybaby," they noticed a strange smell. Xin Jia cried out, "Oh no," as the group was overcome by a sleeping gas and fell unconscious. A Si's father warned her to stay away from Jiang Wenhuan, calling him trouble. However, A Si insisted she was merely trying to help.
A servant then rushed in to report that Jiang Wenhuan and his group had disappeared in Fengshan Forest, suggesting they were "in trouble." Simultaneously, Jiang Wenfeng received news that his brother, Jiang Wenhuan, and the other princes were missing. As a border invasion by Kui Fang was also reported, Jiang Wenfeng, despite the dual crisis, ordered some of his men to defend the city while instructing others to search for Jiang Wenhuan in Fengshan Forest and report any abnormalities.
A second, more frantic messenger arrived, urgently informing Jiang Wenfeng that Jiang Wenhuan was in mortal danger, further fueling his anxiety. Jiang Wenhuan regained consciousness, finding himself interrogated by Kui Fang's General Bo Gu. Bo Gu confirmed Jiang Wenhuan's theory that the horse theft was a diversion to enable Yao Shuliang to steal the city defense map. Bo Gu admitted that while he had a map from Yao, he considered it unreliable, suspecting it might be a decoy.
He revealed his true plan: to capture Jiang Wenhuan and his companions, hold them separately, and force them to each draw the city defense map. If any drawing differed, that person would be executed, ensuring they all drew the authentic map. In his separate cell, Xin Jia despaired, confessing that he had slept through class and couldn't possibly draw the map.
Meanwhile, in another cell, Chong Yibiao challenged Bo Gu, asking how he would differentiate between a true map drawn by him and false ones drawn by the others, highlighting the impossible choice they faced. The princes were then brought together, and Bo Gu, surprised that all five drawn maps were identical, mocked them as "cowards" and "greedy for life," believing he had secured the true city defense map for Kui Fang's imminent invasion.
Jiang Wenhuan, defiant, told Bo Gu he was dreaming. Suddenly, Yao Shuliang fell to his knees, pleading with Bo Gu to spare him and kill the others, even offering to guide Kui Fang's forces. Jiang Wenhuan, enraged by Yao's betrayal, called him a "crybaby" and a "cruel" coward. Amidst the chaos, Yao Shuliang, in a surprising turn, grabbed one of Bo Gu's arrows and cut Jiang Wenhuan's ropes.
With the unexpected assistance, the princes fought back and managed to escape into an adjacent secret room. It was revealed that the five identical "city defense maps" they had all drawn were actually a fake map Xin Jia had used in a gambling game with them days earlier. However, their escape led them into a water prison, where water rapidly began to flood the chamber. Meanwhile, A Si, having learned of Jiang Wenhuan's predicament, led a rescue party.
They arrived at the abandoned temple, noting the unusually wet ground, and realized the princes might be trapped below. In the water prison, as water rapidly filled the chamber, Xin Jia panicked, bemoaning his lack of worldly experience. Chong Yibiao urged him to conserve energy. Kunwu, struggling severely due to his childhood trauma, began to drown, incoherently muttering about being a "lowly slave" and not wanting to "owe" Jiang Wenhuan. Jiang Wenhuan desperately encouraged him to "Live on."
Just as despair set in, A Si's team broke through, pulling everyone from the water. As Xin Jia attempted to give Kunwu artificial respiration, Kunwu suddenly opened his eyes, startled. Kunwu thanked Xin Jia, saying he was fine. Xin Jia, offended, asked if he thought he was going to do something to him. Jiang Wenhuan then asked Kunwu about his unconscious ramblings, to which Kunwu dismissed them as mere "nightmares" and "talking in his sleep."
Yao Shuliang knelt before them, offering a heartfelt apology. He revealed that Kui Fang had threatened his family, sending a letter with his mother's blood handprint, demanding he steal the city defense map or they would be harmed. Desperate, he had no choice but to comply. He explained how he had used another prince's sleepwalking to create a diversion, then released the warhorses, making it appear they were stolen, to draw Jiang Wenhuan and others away from the camp.
After sending word to Kui Fang, he had drugged the unsuspecting guards with poisoned water, taken their keys, and stolen the map. However, knowing the map's importance to Donglu, he had cleverly used Xin Jia's He-Lo Roulette to draw a fake map, which he then delivered to Kui Fang. Yao Shuliang, believing he had redeemed himself, wished to return to his homeland to face his fate.
But Chong Yibiao firmly stated that they were now "one body" and that if Yao were to leave, they would all suffer the same punishment, insisting he return with them to face the consequences like a man. Yao Shuliang hesitated, reluctant to go back. Just then, Jiang Wenhuan spotted a smoke signal.
General Bo Gu, unaware of the deception, was already giving orders, believing the fake map showed a key watchtower, "one of the nine key points," that, once captured, would allow Kui Fang to "march straight in and take over Donglu within a day." He commanded the signal to be sent. Jiang Wenhuan immediately recognized it as Kui Fang's wolf smoke signal, realizing that Kui Fang had begun their invasion of Donglu, acting on Yao Shuliang's false map.
Episode 6 Recap
As the Kui faction launched their attack signal, Jiang Wenhuan calmly suggested waiting a moment. Soon after, smoke signals also rose from various parts of Donglu. The Kui faction quickly realized they had been tricked and attempted to retreat, only to be ambushed and surrounded by soldiers led by Jiang Wenfeng. General Bo Gu defiantly claimed that his main reinforcements were on their way, unaware that Jiang Wenfeng had already intercepted and decimated them.
Bo Gu admitted his carelessness, having been defeated by a few young men, but insisted it was too early to surrender, still believing his remaining troops could turn the tide. Jiang Wenfeng revealed to Bo Gu that his 5,000 elite soldiers had been ambushed from behind, suffering heavy losses. Jiang Wenfeng then remarked that a true general should be flexible in using his troops.
Jiang Wenhuan remained steadfast in his desire to release Yao Shuliang, while Chong Yibiao insisted on taking him back to the Prince Camp. A Si, seeing their deadlock, suggested they let fate decide by drawing lots. When a white result appeared, indicating Yao Shuliang's freedom, Xin Jia subtly acknowledged A Si's "skills," implying he saw through the trick.
Yao Shuliang, grateful for his release, promised to repay their kindness with his life and was given a pass by Jiang Wenhuan, urging him to return safely. Jiang Wenhuan declared that he would bear full responsibility for his decision to release Yao Shuliang. Bo Gu, now captured, accused the Donglu people of being cunning, using a fake city defense map to lure his forces into a trap, leading to their self-inflicted defeat.
Jiang Wenfeng responded that their predicament was their own doing and asserted that Donglu's strength lay not just in its defensive layout, based on the River Luo Map, but in the unity and bravery of its people. He then questioned Bo Gu, noting that the Kui faction's elaborate traps and attempts to disrupt the Prince Camp were uncharacteristic of their usual tactics, suggesting a more cunning mastermind behind him.
Before Bo Gu could answer, a hidden arrow struck him down, confirming Jiang Wenfeng's suspicions and immediately raising concerns for Jiang Wenhuan's safety. Meanwhile, Jiang Wenhuan and his companions were walking through the forest, attempting to return to the camp, but found themselves repeatedly circling back to the same spot. Xin Jia spotted a strange stone statue, and upon touching it, unknowingly triggered a hidden arrow mechanism. A barrage of arrows rained down, causing casualties among their group.
Jiang Wenhuan quickly deduced they were trapped in a Qi Men Dun Jia formation, an ancient military art. He explained that the stone statue was merely one of eight gates, and they needed to find the "Life Gate" to escape. Despite having "no confidence at all" according to his own words, Jiang Wenhuan, using the time of day and the positions of other statues, identified the "Injury Gate" and "Rest Gate." He then pinpointed the "Life Gate" between them.
As they collectively pushed towards the Life Gate, the arrows intensified. Jiang Wenhuan realized they couldn't break the formation from the inside and theorized an external force might be able to help. Simultaneously, Yao Shuliang, on his journey back to his homeland, heard a series of whistles—a distinct signal used by the Donglu Army.
A single whistle meant alarm, two meant hide, and three meant "Through fire and water, I won't fail you," indicating a dire situation and a call for aid. Torn between returning to his endangered homeland and rescuing his comrades, Yao Shuliang chose to turn back. He correctly interpreted Jiang Wenhuan's whistle signals: one long and two short meant to head north, and two long and three short meant to charge and break through the formation. With a determined "Kill!"
he rode towards the Life Gate. Yao Shuliang successfully reached the Life Gate and chopped down the stone statue, instantly stopping the barrage of arrows and causing the fog to dissipate. His friends rejoiced, thanking him, but their relief turned to despair when they discovered he had been struck by a hidden arrow. Yao Shuliang had bravely endured his injury to complete the task, knowing that stopping would have meant failure.
In his final moments, a dying Yao Shuliang asked Jiang Wenhuan to take him back to his motherland, where his parents were trapped. Jiang Wenhuan promised to fulfill his friend's wish, repeating Yao Shuliang's last words, "Through fire and water, I won't fail my brothers." Jiang Wenhuan carried Yao Shuliang's body back to the Prince Camp.
Overcome with grief and rage, his comrades, including E Shun, Xin Jia, Tao Yingzhong, Wang Yuanji, Su Yuanxiao, and Tai Dian, pleaded with Jiang Wenfeng for permission to avenge Yao Shuliang. Jiang Wenfeng, though solemn, acknowledged the royal decree forbidding unauthorized military action. However, he declared that today, they were not merely soldiers of the Prince Camp, but brothers to Yao Shuliang.
He sanctioned their personal mission to avenge their fallen friend, stating that the East Lu Army would bear no responsibility for their actions and that their fate in this battle was their own. Emboldened, they stormed the Kui faction's camp, broke through the city gates, and fought their way to the city center, successfully rescuing Yao Shuliang's family.
Later that night, while reflecting on E Shun's complex character, Jiang Wenhuan found something familiar about him, reminiscent of the day he rescued the little slave. He asked Ding to investigate the little slave's whereabouts. Meanwhile, Jiang Wenfeng's subordinate confirmed that the arrow that killed Bo Gu, a special Kui-made tiger-tooth barbed arrow coated with poison, was the same type used in the attack on Jiang Wenhuan in the forest.
This led them to believe the two incidents were orchestrated by the same group. Jiang Wenfeng surmised that they had been unwitting pawns in an internal power struggle within the Kui faction, where a noble faction used Donglu to dismantle the military force behind General Bo Gu. The mastermind behind these intricate plots, who could orchestrate such events and simultaneously target the Prince Camp, was clearly a formidable and cunning individual.
When asked about any rising stars in the Kui State, his subordinate reported none. In a separate, covert conversation, a mysterious figure learned that the military power of the Kui faction had taken the blame, and the eastern side would not investigate further. The figure confidently stated that soon, the Prince Camp would become "lively" again, hinting at more schemes to come.
Episode 7 Recap
Jiang Wenhuan, eager to confirm if E Shun was the little slave he had rescued, accompanied him to the slave market. Unbeknownst to Jiang Wenhuan, the E Shun by his side was actually Kunwu, impersonating the real E Shun. Kunwu was deeply moved by the sight of numerous slaves being brutally beaten by their owners, yearning to intervene.
However, he remembered the real E Shun's stern warning against exposing his identity, which could lead to dire consequences for both of them. He forced himself to maintain a cold demeanor, appearing indifferent to the distressing scene, all while sensing Jiang Wenhuan’s probing gaze and meticulously avoiding any actions that might betray his connection to the little slave.
As they walked through the market, the same cruel slaver who had previously whipped Kunwu (when he was the little slave) was once again abusing a slave. The slaver glanced at E Shun (Kunwu), finding his face strangely familiar. Kunwu, noticing the slaver's suspicious look, quickly asked if he had ever visited the slave market in the Southern Capital. The slaver, claiming to have "been everywhere," confirmed he had, successfully diverting his attention and resolving the immediate tension.
Jiang Wenhuan also remarked that E Shun looked familiar to him. Meanwhile, in a nearby area, A Si, vehemently opposed to her father's repeated attempts to force her into marriage, fled and threatened to jump from a cliff. Spotting Jiang Wenhuan and E Shun (Kunwu) nearby, A Si dramatically declared her intention to marry both of them, hoping this audacious claim would finally deter her father. Kunwu, stepping forward as E Shun, respectfully addressed Mr. Li, A Si's father.
He diplomatically praised A Si's noble character, martial prowess, intelligence, beauty, and heroic spirit, asserting that she was not an ordinary woman to be confined. He suggested that Mr. Li should consider finding her a suitable partner from the upcoming Prince Camp assessment, where many exceptional young men would showcase their talents. Mr. Li, appeased by this suggestion, agreed, finding the idea of a prince for a son-in-law acceptable. A Si expressed her gratitude to E Shun.
Later that evening, Jiang Wenhuan located the slaver and pressed him further about E Shun. The slaver admitted he had lied earlier to appease E Shun (Kunwu), but genuinely felt he had seen E Shun before, though he couldn't recall where. Concurrently, Mr. Li visited the Prince Camp to speak with E Shun (Kunwu), inquiring about his age and marital status, and expressing his belief that E Shun would be a perfect match for A Si.
Kunwu politely declined, explaining his commitments and the dangers of military life in the Prince Camp made it unsuitable for marriage at that time. Misinterpreting Kunwu's refusal, Mr. Li assumed E Shun’s parents needed to approve the match and stated his intention to discuss it with the Nanbo Marquis when he visited the Southern Capital. Kunwu, seizing the opportunity, quickly asked Mr. Li about his timber dealings with the Marquisate.
Mr. Li clarified that his business with the Nanbo Marquisate involved cloth and spices, not timber, which was an "official road" trade managed by the Dongwu Marquisate. This revelation confirmed Kunwu's suspicion that Jiang Wenhuan had been deliberately testing his knowledge to verify his identity. The following day marked the first round of the Prince Camp assessment: a horsemanship competition. The princes gathered at the stables to select their mounts.
Xin Jia, an expert in assessing horses, observed the small, somewhat inferior horse chosen by E Shun (Kunwu). When asked, Kunwu (as E Shun) claimed to be unskilled in horsemanship and simply chose a random horse. Jiang Wenhuan, recalling the little slave’s exceptional riding skills, began to question his initial assumption, wondering if E Shun truly wasn't the little slave. He decided the truth would be revealed on the racetrack.
The horsemanship competition began with the princes divided into two groups. E Shun (Kunwu) competed in the first race but rode slowly, leading to a win for Chong Yibiao’s team. In a subsequent race, Xin Jia won, but the overall team scores remained tied. The final deciding round pitted Jiang Wenhuan against Chong Yibiao. Both were highly skilled, making it a close contest. However, members of Chong Yibiao's team interfered, causing Jiang Wenhuan to fall from his horse.
Severely injured, Jiang Wenhuan insisted on continuing, but Kunwu, torn, remembered the real E Shun’s strict command not to surpass Chong Yibiao in horsemanship to protect his identity. Yet, seeing Jiang Wenhuan's determination despite his injuries, Kunwu rushed forward, took Jiang Wenhuan's place in the race, and, against the earlier instruction, rode with astounding skill, ultimately winning the competition. This unexpected display of horsemanship once again intensified Jiang Wenhuan's suspicions about E Shun's true identity.
After the race, E Shun's butler, Uncle Bing, reprimanded Kunwu for his reckless actions, fearing that his identity had been compromised, as the real E Shun was known for his poor horsemanship. Indeed, Chong Yibiao was already suspicious, openly challenging Kunwu and stating that "that guy" couldn't have genuinely won the race. Chong Yibiao decided to conduct another test.
The next day, during the stake fighting competition, Chong Yibiao aggressively confronted Kunwu (as E Shun), employing a vicious style seemingly intent on harming him. Kunwu, unwilling to endure the assault any longer, chose not to use E Shun's known fighting style. Instead, he unleashed his own unique combat skills and easily won the match. Furious and certain of his suspicions, Chong Yibiao confronted him, declaring, "You are not him! Who are you? !" He then raised his knife, preparing to strike.
Episode 8 Recap
Chong Yibiao’s blade cut through Kunwu’s clothes, revealing a deep scar on his chest. Seeing this, Chong Yibiao’s eyes widened in disbelief, realizing that the man before him was not E Shun, yet the identical scar left him utterly confounded. Jiang Wenhuan, annoyed by Chong Yibiao’s reckless act, quickly intervened. He asked if E Shun was hurt and pulled Kunwu away, telling him he would take him back to change his clothes.
Later, in their room, Jiang Wenhuan handed Kunwu some medicine, his gaze lingering on the scar on Kunwu’s chest. He asked why the scar was so deep. Kunwu understood Jiang Wenhuan’s unspoken questions. He explained that to make the impersonation perfect, E Shun had gone through a procedure to replicate the scar on his own body.
Sensing Jiang Wenhuan’s continued probing, Kunwu openly addressed it, stating that while he and Chong Yibiao were once close friends, they also carried deep-seated grudges. Kunwu then recounted a memory from years ago, before the "Bravest Warrior of the Grassland" competition. He, as the real E Shun, had heard much about Chong Yibiao, the second son of the Duke of Beibo, praising him as a skilled and intelligent young hero.
E Shun had sought to befriend him, engaging in a sparring match where he acknowledged Chong Yibiao's superior martial arts. Subsequently, E Shun had appointed Chong Yibiao as the reception envoy for the Southern Capital caravan. However, Chong Yibiao’s older half-brother, resentful of this, falsely accused him before their father, the Duke of Beibo, of using underhanded tactics to secure the position and called him a "bastard." The older brother then physically assaulted Chong Yibiao.
The Duke of Beibo intervened, not to defend Chong Yibiao, but to reprimand him, telling him to always remember his "place." Just then, a younger E Shun arrived, respectfully greeting the Duke. He then publicly declared that while he may have been rash in appointing Chong Yibiao without permission, Chong Yibiao was undeniably the only suitable candidate for the Southern Capital's reception envoy, regardless of his status.
Chong Yibiao, however, defiantly refused the position, stating that he only needed to remember he was Chong Yibiao of the Libei Grassland, not a mere envoy. He stormed out, earning further insults from his older brother, who called him a "wild seed." That night, Chong Yibiao woke up tied in E Shun’s tent, immediately accusing E Shun of kidnapping him in retaliation for his refusal. E Shun clarified that he merely sought friendship.
He then explained that he had found Chong Yibiao unconscious in the stable after his brother had knocked him out and was now pretending to search for "thieves" to justify his interference. E Shun dismissed the older brother and untied Chong Yibiao, explaining his actions were to prevent Chong Yibiao from acting rashly. Chong Yibiao apologized for the misunderstanding but firmly told E Shun not to meddle in his family affairs.
E Shun, in turn, challenged Chong Yibiao’s submissive attitude toward his family, calling him a "weakling" and a "tamed wolf" who was tough with outsiders but yielded to his own. He provoked Chong Yibiao, asking if he truly wanted to remain subservient and goaded him into participating in the "First Warrior" competition. The next day, Chong Yibiao competed in the "Bravest Warrior of the Grassland" competition.
As expected, he emerged victorious and was presented with the "Blade of the Brave" by the Duke of Nanbo. Chong Yibiao’s older brother attempted to minimize the achievement, claiming that frugality prevented a proper celebration. However, E Shun countered this by providing a rare, bronze jade-faced dagger as a gift and hosting a lavish banquet with abundant food and wine. This display of generosity and support further angered the Duke of Beibo and Chong Yibiao’s brother.
The older brother abruptly stopped the music and dismissed the dancers, declaring the king's tent no place for such revelry. The Duke of Beibo then instructed Chong Yibiao to send E Shun and his gifts away, stating that while their kindness was appreciated, Libei valued frugality. Chong Yibiao defended E Shun’s celebration, arguing it was a friend's gesture and that such treatment was not the proper way to host guests.
E Shun then intervened, suggesting that their deep friendship transcended the confines of a "small tent" and proposing they move the celebration to the vast expanse of the open grassland. On the prairie, Chong Yibiao confessed his sadness, lamenting that despite his fame and fortune, no one in Libei truly celebrated his success. E Shun then dramatically poured strong Libei liquor into a fire, explaining that such a potent spirit, if it desired, could consume the entire grassland.
He told Chong Yibiao that he was "the strongest liquor on the Libei Grassland," and his strength as the first warrior was his own achievement, unchangeable by anyone, including his family. E Shun affirmed their unique bond, declaring Chong Yibiao his only true friend in the world. Moved, Chong Yibiao embraced E Shun, acknowledging their friendship. They drank deeply until E Shun became drunk and began to stutter, prompting Chong Yibiao to playfully dub him "Little Stutterer."
Kunwu’s narration revealed that from then on, they became close friends, riding horses freely across the grassland. E Shun’s horsemanship greatly improved under Chong Yibiao's tutelage, though he never quite surpassed him. E Shun often expressed his preference for the boundless freedom of Libei over the "exquisite birdcage" that was Nan Capital, urging Chong Yibiao not to limit himself. They frequently engaged in friendly races across the open plains.
E Shun returned to Nan Capital, and three years passed before they met again. During this period, Chong Yibiao continued to ride the grasslands, out-hunting his older brother and further cementing his popularity among the people, intensifying his brother’s jealousy. E Shun and Chong Yibiao maintained their friendship through correspondence, with E Shun once writing to praise Chong Yibiao’s success and promise a rematch upon his return.
E Shun then made a sudden visit to Libei for Chong Yibiao’s impending wedding to the "most beautiful woman of the grassland," He Lianxin, congratulating him and expressing ambitious hopes for them to become powerful lords. However, events soon took a cruel turn. Chong Yibiao was coerced into relinquishing his position as heir, and his fiancée was given to his older brother.
Enraged, Chong Yibiao confronted his father, demanding to know why he had to surrender both his rightful place and his chosen woman. The Duke of Beibo coldly reminded him of his "lowly" birth, declaring that the position of Duke of Beibo would "never be passed on to a lowly son." Accepting this harsh reality, Chong Yibiao turned to leave, his defiant gaze catching his older brother's eye.
His brother, in turn, complained to their father about Chong Yibiao's insolence, warning of rebellion, and pressed for his own marriage to He Lianxin. The Duke of Beibo rebuked his older son for his weakness and inability to manage a woman, warning that he might not be able to protect him if he didn't improve, especially with Chong Yibiao gaining influence.
Meanwhile, whispers spread among the tribe, questioning the Duke of Beibo’s decision to defy tradition and marry the "first beauty" to the heir instead of the "first warrior." Later, Chong Yibiao led E Shun to a small, isolated grave. Kneeling before it, Chong Yibiao revealed it was his mother’s resting place.
He explained that his mother, a "lowly slave" never officially recognized by the family, became pregnant after an encounter with a drunken Duke of Beibo, who was then the heir. She was hidden away, living in constant fear, and eventually died during childbirth. Chong Yibiao recounted how no one in the Duke’s household had tried to save her, and in fact, they had rejoiced in her death as a means to cleanse the family’s noble name.
His own existence, he bitterly stated, served as a constant reminder of the "humble stain" on the Chong family's prestigious lineage. E Shun gently urged him to let go of the past, but Chong Yibiao fiercely responded that he wished to, but "they won't let me," declaring his very existence a "sin." With a hardened resolve, he stated that if he was destined to gain nothing, he would "give up everything and want nothing."
E Shun watched helplessly as Chong Yibiao walked away, leaving him alone beside the desolate grave. Back in the present, Chong Yibiao sat drinking, a heavy mood hanging over him. His companions, having learned of his difficult past, reflected on the complicated relationship between him and E Shun, noting how they now seemed more like "enemies."
One companion specifically asked about the deep scar on E Shun's chest, wondering if Chong Yibiao truly inflicted it and how much hatred could drive such an act. Chong Yibiao, after a moment of thought, simply responded, "It's hatred, I guess."
Episode 9 Recap
Chong Yibiao vividly recalled inflicting the striking scar on E Shun's chest. He remembered waking up to find his mother's grave adorned with beautiful Gesang flowers, which the tribe believed was a divine manifestation. E Shun later confessed to planting them overnight, working diligently to create the beautiful display and stating that such a wonderful place could not be evil or sinful.
On the day of Chong's older brother's wedding, E Shun confronted the older brother, warning him that by openly taking Chong Yibiao's woman, he had made himself an enemy of the Southern Capital. E Shun declared he would help Chong Yibiao reclaim what was lost and vowed that the Southern Bohr State would be his family's eternal enemy.
A subordinate of Chong's older brother then reported completing the task of destroying the Gesang flowers, admitting that a child who tried to protect the field had been accidentally killed. Chong's older brother callously dismissed the death as a "small matter." Meanwhile, news spread that Chong Yibiao was going crazy. Chong Yibiao furiously confronted his father, the Prince of Beibo, who accused him of rebellion.
Chong Yibiao lashed out, detailing how his older brother had taken his woman, stolen his throne, and tried to kill him. His greatest anger stemmed from his brother trampling on his mother's resting place and killing an innocent child who had promised to shoot a black eagle for him someday. Chong Yibiao confirmed his intent to rebel, vowing to make his father experience the "pain of losing a child."
As Chong Yibiao moved to attack his brother, E Shun bravely stepped in, blocking the fatal blow. When Chong Yibiao questioned E Shun's allegiance, E Shun said nothing. After that incident, E Shun was severely wounded and fell into a coma. He was sent back to the Southern Capital for treatment, barely surviving but left with a chronic illness. He had not been in contact with Chong Yibiao since, until their reunion at the Prince's Camp.
Kunwu (as E Shun) explained to Jiang Wenhuan that he had intervened to prevent Chong Yibiao from bearing the eternal guilt of fratricide, and despite his current weakened state, he had no regrets. He lamented that their relationship could never return to what it once was. Jiang Wenhuan, who had been harboring suspicions about E Shun's identity, probed him about his sudden mastery of riding and his unfamiliarity with Chong Yibiao's fighting techniques.
Kunwu revealed that his martial arts had deteriorated after his illness, making it difficult to use his previous fighting style. Seeing his frailty, his father had hired the best teachers to teach him riding and archery, so he could defend himself in critical moments. Kunwu told Jiang Wenhuan he knew of his suspicions, questioning when they began, whether during their camaraderie or shared trials. Jiang Wenhuan insisted he had always considered E Shun a friend.
Kunwu then revealed his poor health and exhaustion, stating he no longer wished for deep connections, preferring a life free from desires to avoid the pain of loss. Jiang Wenhuan, refusing to listen further, told E Shun to focus on his recovery and left. After Jiang Wenhuan's departure, Kunwu reflected that temporarily easing suspicion was not a long-term solution and that he needed to maintain distance from Jiang Wenhuan for both their sakes.
He was reminded of his personal mission to find his sister, which prevented him from revealing his true identity. Kunwu mused that had it not been for Jiang Wenhuan saving his life multiple times, he would surely be dead. He also felt that if not for his own unfortunate fate, they might have been lifelong friends, acknowledging a debt to Jiang Wenhuan. Chong Yibiao, still suspicious, confronted E Shun's steward, accusing him of sending messages.
The steward feigned ignorance, claiming the true E Shun was in the Southern Capital and questioning why a pigeon letter was needed. Chong Yibiao asserted that the person in the camp was a fake, citing inconsistencies like the scar being forgeable, the imposter's superior horsemanship, and a distinct lack of the real E Shun's cunning nature. The steward, admitting Chong Yibiao knew E Shun best, then revealed the truth.
He explained that the real E Shun's health had steadily declined since the incident three years prior. He had been bedridden and only recently showed slight improvement. The steward emphasized that E Shun's fragile condition meant he could not endure the journey to Donglu, let alone the rigorous training. He warned that if the Southern Bohr State revealed E Shun's critical health, it would expose the Southern Capital's vulnerability, potentially leading to its invasion by rival lords and the king.
Appealing to their past friendship, the steward implored Chong Yibiao not to report the secret. Chong Yibiao, recalling E Shun's past fearlessness of cold and his current debilitating condition, replied, "It has nothing to do with me," which the steward understood as an agreement to keep the secret and thanked him. E Shun, through a letter delivered by pigeon, decided to inform Chong Yibiao of the truth, hoping for his help.
His steward handed Chong Yibiao a Gesang flower, a gift from E Shun, with a message: "A flower from the north to comfort you." The steward conveyed that E Shun had no specific requests, only hoping that Chong Yibiao, now free from past constraints, would achieve great success. He reiterated his personal plea for Chong Yibiao to keep the secret. Later, at the training camp, A Si arrived.
Other trainees teased her about coming to find Jiang Wenhuan, but A Si, to hide her true feelings, insisted she was looking for E Shun. After Jiang Wenhuan dismissed the others, A Si cautiously proposed a fake marriage to E Shun to escape her father's incessant pressure to marry. Before E Shun could respond, Jiang Wenhuan enthusiastically agreed on his behalf, eager to expedite the plan. A Si, surprised and grateful, thanked E Shun, promising to repay his kindness.
The following day, Jiang Wenhuan and Kunwu (as E Shun) arrived at Mr. Li's mansion for the mock marriage proposal. Jiang Wenhuan brought two large geese, claiming they were wild geese, a traditional wedding gift in Donglu. A Si was annoyed by his antics, but Jiang Wenhuan insisted that with the handsome Kunwu, Mr. Li would be impressed.
A Si introduced Kunwu to her father, who, upon meeting "E Shun," was delighted, praising his demeanor and agreeing that A Si's choice finally aligned with his own. Mr. Li quickly dismissed all other matchmakers, but then surprisingly produced a wedding invitation, intent on setting a wedding date immediately. A Si and Kunwu protested, saying it was too soon.
In a moment of inspiration, Jiang Wenhuan knelt before Mr. Li and dramatically confessed his deep love for A Si, vowing to die without peace if he could not marry her. A bewildered and angry Mr. Li ordered Jiang Wenhuan to be thrown out, putting a stop to the immediate marriage plans. Afterward, A Si, Kunwu, and Jiang Wenhuan went to Chanting Pavilion for drinks.
A Si remarked that Mr. Li must have seen through their act, but Kunwu assured her that the commotion would at least keep her father from bothering her for a while. Jiang Wenhuan also lightheartedly suggested that if not for his intervention, A Si and "E Shun" would be in the bridal chamber. A Si, Jiang Wenhuan, and Kunwu drank heavily.
A Si explained that her father's urgency for her marriage stemmed from his fear of her being bullied by "villains in Kunquan Alley" after his death. Jiang Wenhuan, now quite drunk, openly wondered why Kunwu, who had earlier seemed distant, was so willing to help A Si. He then started questioning A Si directly, asking why she kept coming to the Prince's Camp if she had no feelings for anyone there.
A Si denied frequent visits and retorted, "Then aren't you and I also a good match?" Jiang Wenhuan, momentarily stunned by her drunken confession, quickly tried to dismiss it, urging everyone to drink and forget what was said. Seeing A Si was completely drunk, Kunwu suggested taking her home. Kunwu decided to take her home first while Jiang Wenhuan stayed to finish his drink.
Episode 10 Recap
Kunwu found A Si and Jiang Wenhuan in a drunken stupor. Reluctantly, he helped A Si back to her residence. Concerned that Jiang Wenhuan remained at the tavern drinking alone, Kunwu returned to find him sitting disconsolately on the ground, refusing to go home. Jiang Wenhuan lamented that E Shun had shown warmth to A Si but was cold towards him, despite their past friendship and promises.
An elderly man at the tavern offered Jiang Wenhuan wine and advised him that friends should cherish their bond and resolve misunderstandings by talking them through. He emphasized the preciousness of childhood friendships. Jiang Wenhuan expressed his earnest desire to remain friends with E Shun. The following day, Jiang Wenhuan visited the armory, unsure how to approach E Shun.
When Xin Jia informed him that E Shun had been the one to bring him home last night, a wave of gratitude washed over Jiang Wenhuan. He sincerely thanked E Shun for his help. E Shun, however, maintained his aloof demeanor, stating that he acted for the common good, not wanting anyone to be punished due to Jiang Wenhuan's actions.
Later, as everyone was practicing archery, news spread that Chong Yiwu, the Prince of Libei, and his wife would attend the Gaomei Ceremony the next day. This announcement drew everyone's attention to Chong Yibiao. Gongsun Wuyu and Jiang Wenfeng, noting that the ceremony was a minor affair usually attended by envoys, grew suspicious of Chong Yiwu's personal attendance, especially given Donglu's current precarious position. They decided to greet him at the city gates.
Upon their arrival, Chong Yiwu claimed he was there to congratulate them on the ceremony and, more importantly, to visit his brother, Chong Yibiao, subtly questioning if he was unwelcome. Jiang Wenfeng reassured him of a warm welcome and invited him to a welcoming banquet. That evening, A Si, elegantly dressed, arrived at the Prince's camp for the banquet.
Kunwu complimented her radiant appearance, leading to a playful exchange with Jiang Wenhuan, who was teased by A Si about E Shun's indifference towards him. The Princess of the Northern Bohou State captivated the attendees with a performance of the Andai Dance, Libei's most revered dance. Everyone praised her beauty and the mesmerizing dance, with Gongsun Wuyu declaring it an honor for their residence. Only Chong Yibiao sat quietly, clearly troubled.
Chong Yiwu deliberately provoked his brother, asking if he missed his sister-in-law’s dance. Xin Jia attempted to divert the tension by toasting Chong Yiwu, praising his good fortune. Jiang Wenfeng then intervened, suggesting the Princess take her seat as the banquet was underway. E Shun and Jiang Wenfeng, observing Chong Yiwu's behavior, discussed their strategy, with E Shun confident that Chong Yiwu’s deep-seated hatred for his brother would make him predictable.
Chong Yiwu then initiated a toast to E Shun, whom he called "the man who saved my life," recounting how E Shun had saved him when Chong Yibiao had attacked him on his wedding day. E Shun, following prior instructions to be unapologetic, reminded Chong Yiwu of a past warning: if Chong Yiwu were to oppose Chong Yibiao, the South Boh Marquisate would be his enemy forever. E Shun then pointedly asked if Libei's trade route was still open.
Chong Yiwu realized that E Shun had been behind the obstruction of their trade route for years. He taunted E Shun, suggesting his efforts to protect Chong Yibiao were unappreciated and that his kindness was seen as malice. E Shun calmly stated that he only acted according to his own will and promises, regardless of others' opinions, and asserted that as long as the trade route remained closed, Chong Yiwu would struggle to command respect in Libei.
Jiang Wenhuan quickly intervened, urging Chong Yiwu to return to his seat. Unrelenting, Chong Yiwu invoked Libei's highest guest etiquette, demanding E Shun drink three cups from the massive Dragon and Tiger Wine Jue. Guests murmured about the clear attempt to challenge E Shun, knowing his weak constitution. Chong Yiwu taunted E Shun, suggesting his injury had left him unable to drink. E Shun endured two cups, much to Jiang Wenhuan’s worry.
As Chong Yiwu pressured him for the third, Chong Yibiao stepped forward, declaring that Libei's rules allowed for a substitute, and drank the wine himself. He then told Chong Yiwu that his gratitude had been sufficiently expressed. However, Chong Yiwu was not done. He commanded his wife, Xin'er, to toast Chong Yibiao, making insinuations about her affections.
After Xin'er reluctantly offered the cup, Chong Yiwu poured wine on Chong Yibiao, then snatched a handkerchief from Xin'er with Chong Yibiao’s name embroidered on it. He flaunted it to the crowd, accusing his wife and brother of scandalous behavior, calling Xin'er a "bitch" and physically assaulting her. Jiang Wenfeng intervened, reminding Chong Yiwu that such public violence against his wife at a Donglu banquet was inappropriate and disrespectful.
Chong Yiwu dismissed Jiang Wenfeng's concerns, claiming it was a family matter, and continued to verbally abuse Xin'er, disparaging her origins as a mere dancer from the Libei Grassland and calling her and Chong Yibiao "despicable and foul." He then directly insulted Chong Yibiao's mother, calling her a "shameful horse keeper" who used "dirty tricks" to seduce his father, making Chong Yibiao a "bastard" and a "stain" on the Northern Bohou Mansion.
Enraged by the insults to his mother, Chong Yibiao drew his sword. Chong Yiwu further provoked him, asserting that Chong Yibiao had always wanted to kill him for power. Recalling E Shun's selfless act years ago, when he took a blow meant for Chong Yiwu to prevent Chong Yibiao from becoming a fratricide, Chong Yibiao stifled his rage. He cast his sword aside, his gaze firm, stating that Chong Yiwu was not worthy of being killed by him.
Afterwards, Chong Yibiao reflected on E Shun’s letter, which conveyed that E Shun understood Chong Yibiao's youthful frustrations and aspirations. The letter urged Chong Yibiao to break free from the north's constraints, embrace the vast world, and fully realize his ambitions. Chong Yibiao finally understood E Shun's profound intentions, realizing he needed to become powerful to establish his rightful place.
Episode 11 Recap
The mastermind expressed fury that Chong Yibiao did not carry out the planned murder of Chong Yiwu, deeming Chong Yiwu utterly useless. The next day, the Princess went to Chong Yiwu’s room, bringing calming soup that a general had specially prepared. She found Chong Yiwu dead, screaming that he had been killed, and saw Chong Yibiao holding a bloody knife. The incident caused a stir, with many believing Chong Yibiao was the culprit.
However, Jiang Wenhuan appeared in court, firmly asserting Chong Yibiao's innocence. He logically presented several inconsistencies, asking who had actually witnessed Chong Yibiao wielding the sword. He pointed out that while the "Blade of Valor" was unique, its mark could be imitated. He challenged the officials, stating that everyone present in the residence was a potential suspect, and even highlighted their own reasons for disliking Chong Yiwu.
Jiang Wenfeng, acknowledging that insufficient evidence could not lead to a conclusion, and recognizing the incident as a provocation to Donglu, appointed Jiang Wenhuan with full authority to investigate the case and uncover the true killer before the High Sacrifice. He also requested the officials to remain in the Marquis’s residence for a few more days to assist with the investigation, while Chong Yibiao was taken to the dungeon.
Later, Gongsun Wuyu discussed the matter with Jiang Wenfeng, agreeing that the incident was not only linked to Donglu but also targeted the Princes Guard. Meanwhile, a black-clad man reported to the mastermind that he had killed Chong Yiwu and successfully framed Chong Yibiao. He then reminded the mastermind to honor the agreement made with the old Marquis, asking for his freedom as he was too weak for the upcoming High Sacrifice.
The mastermind assured him that the promise would be kept. In the dungeon, Jiang Wenhuan, Xin Jia, and E Shun visited Chong Yibiao, all convinced of his innocence. Xin Jia expressed concern, asking if he was harmed or tortured, and affirmed Chong Yibiao’s honorable nature, stating he would never resort to fratricide.
Chong Yibiao, initially dismissive of their help, eventually shared his account: he had received a message about his father's serious illness and Chong Yiwu’s intention to kill him to prevent his return to Libei. Anxious, he rushed to confront Chong Yiwu, still carrying his sword. He found his brother already dead and was then discovered by the Princess. He believed the message was a trap set by the real killer to frame him.
When asked about the unique features of the "Blade of Valor," Chong Yibiao explained that it was made of cold Xuantong from the North Pole, causing blood to freeze and burst upon impact, resulting in minimal immediate bleeding but severe tissue damage hours later. Jiang Wenhuan deduced from Chong Yiwu’s clean wounds that the real weapon was a forged replica. This suggested the killer was someone familiar with Donglu.
Following this lead, Jiang Wenhuan, Xin Jia, and E Shun headed to Kunquan Alley. A Si, who had previously offered help, was waiting there and led them to Uncle Guishou, the most renowned smith in the alley. Jiang Wenhuan showed Uncle Guishou a drawing of the sword. Despite A Si’s insistence and a threat about implicating Kunquan Alley, Uncle Guishou swore on his reputation that he had never seen such a weapon.
However, after they left, Uncle Guishou secretly instructed a worker to deliver a message to someone. Jiang Wenhuan, suspecting a trick after seeing the worker’s nervous reaction to the drawing, observed them. As the worker sneaked into a back alley, Jiang Wenhuan, Xin Jia, and E Shun intercepted him.
The worker confessed that a few days prior, a person wearing a hooded cloak with an injured left foot (a cripple) had commissioned a strange knife and that he was now going to deliver a message to that same lame person as per his master's instruction. Jiang Wenhuan discovered the note was blank, realizing it was a diversion. When they returned to the smithy, Uncle Guishou was gone.
Jiang Wenhuan deduced that the killer must still be within Kunquan Alley and tasked A Si with finding any suspicious lame individuals. Returning home, A Si asked her father if there had been any limping people in their household recently. Her father mentioned the backyard steward had sprained his right foot, making him limp. A Si, however, had specifically been told the culprit had a left foot injury, confirming her father's lie.
The mastermind, speaking with A Si’s father, revealed his plan to have Chong Yibiao commit suicide, thereby eliminating evidence and leaving the Duke of Beibo without heirs. Later, the Princess came to the dungeon with horse milk wine and mutton, asking Jiang Wenhuan to deliver them to Chong Yibiao, as it was his birthday. She passionately declared her belief in Chong Yibiao's innocence. Inside, Chong Yibiao remembered seeing a glowing night pearl under Chong Yiwu’s bed.
He knew Chong Yiwu hated such items, considering them evil, and wondered why it would be there. The group quickly deduced the significance: a night pearl was a valuable item in Donglu, meaning the killer must be rich or noble. Jiang Wenhuan reassured Chong Yibiao to rest, promising to handle the investigation. Meanwhile, E Shun, taking daily medicine for his ailing health, made a decision.
Believing the Duke of Beibo would never let Chong Yibiao inherit, even after Chong Yiwu’s death, E Shun instructed his subordinate to send a message to Libei, proposing to open trade routes at Xichuan and Beshan to the Duke of Beibo if he would delay any action against Chong Yibiao until the truth was found.
His servant questioned the gravity of opening trade routes for Chong Yibiao, but E Shun explained that despite his own physical state, he and Chong Yibiao shared a profound pact. He admitted to once hating Chong Yibiao but also remembered a past conversation where he encouraged Chong Yibiao to explore the world beyond their small tent, asserting that Chong Yibiao's strength as the bravest warrior on the grasslands could not be diminished by his father or brother.
On Chong Yibiao’s birthday, E Shun, drinking mare’s milk wine, privately toasted Chong Yibiao, wishing him well and expressing that after this drink, their complex relationship would be settled. In his drunken state, he stuttered, revealing his desire to be friends with Chong Yibiao.
Episode 12 Recap
Jiang Wenhuan instructed Xin Jia to meticulously search for evidence with a night candle. Xin Jia initially procrastinated, but Jiang Wenhuan motivated him by suggesting the immense gratitude and loyalty Chong Yibiao would show his savior. Xin Jia, inspired by the chance to gain Chong Yibiao as a devoted follower, then diligently continued his search, proclaiming Jiang Wenhuan a "good guy." To his surprise, he discovered a glowing bead under the bed.
Jiang Wenhuan commended Xin Jia, noting he was "quite something." Xin Jia, dreaming of making the "stubborn donkey" Chong Yibiao treat him to drinks and call him "brother" in front of beauties, pointed out the bead. Jiang Wenhuan then noticed a distinct mark on it, which Xin Jia identified as "the mark of Quanqin Alley." Meanwhile, A Si grew suspicious of her father, Mr. Li, observing his secretive behavior.
She overheard him discussing that the monthly accounts were ready and telling his steward to wait for him. A Si followed him to a familiar black market. Noting that the footprints in their backyard indicated a lame left foot, while their steward had injured his right foot, she felt something was amiss. She eventually discovered a hidden room, which she had never known about, and wondered if its contents were related to the murder case.
Inside, she found a box filled with books and various other items, realizing her father had been secretly preparing for her future, including financial assets and even a wedding trousseau. Deeply moved and filled with remorse, A Si resolved to protect her father from his predicament. Elsewhere, Mr. Li presented a contract to Ning Ziyu.
Stating he had already "taken down Chong Yiwu" as per the agreement with the "late marquis," Mr. Li pressed Ning Ziyu on what more he wanted. Ning Ziyu then burned the contract, presenting it as a gesture of "sincerity." However, he sternly reminded Mr. Li of "what happened 16 years ago" and threatened that if his current plan failed, both Mr. Li and A Si would be in danger.
Ning Ziyu revealed that Chong Yiwu's death was merely a "trigger" and that "the real show still needs Mr. Li to help me." The following day, Mr. Li gave A Si a beautiful piece of jewelry crafted from a night pearl. When A Si asked about the beads she had given him earlier, he confirmed he "naturally carried" them with him and advised her to choose jewelry for herself, hoping she would "find a good match."
Noticing A Si's reluctance towards marriage, Mr. Li revealed his awareness that she only didn't want to marry anyone but Jiang Wenhuan. He vehemently warned her against associating with the Jiang family or the East Wu Marquis's Mansion. Confused and frustrated, A Si demanded an explanation, questioning if Quanqin Alley had "done something wrong to the Duke's family" or if "something shady" was happening behind the scenes, especially since her father prevented her from getting "involved in the business."
Mr. Li angrily rebuked her for questioning him, forbidding her from seeing Jiang Wenhuan and from interfering with Quanqin Alley's affairs. Still, A Si voiced her deep concern for her father. Later, Jiang Wenhuan and E Shun, who had "looked everywhere for the lame man" but found nothing, discussed the lack of clues with A Si, suspecting that the person was "deliberately hidden." Jiang Wenhuan showed A Si the glowing bead found in Chong Yiwu's room.
A Si immediately identified it as belonging to the Li family but declared it a "crude imitation," lacking the "exquisite" craftsmanship of their genuine items. She concluded that someone had "imitated" their night pearl to "frame" the Li family for the murder, much like they had forged the "Sword of Valor." E Shun agreed with her reasoning. A Si, determined to clear her family's name, vowed to help them "find the truth."
Observing A Si's sharp insight, E Shun noted that something was amiss, and agreed with Jiang Wenhuan that they needed to visit the Li Mansion in person. They noticed the Li family's heavily guarded warehouse, confirming their suspicion that "something fishy" was going on. Jiang Wenhuan devised a plan to "blend in with the guards and act secretly" to investigate the warehouse. During their infiltration, an urgent letter arrived for Mr. Li, who then passed it to Ning Ziyu.
Ning Ziyu read that the Duke of Beibo had allied with Jiang Wenfeng. Enraged, Ning Ziyu declared that Jiang Wenhuan had "miscalculated" and swore to act faster. He ordered Mr. Li to proceed with the High Sacrifice, stating he would make "all of you accompany my father in death." Meanwhile, a servant offered poisoned wine to Chong Yibiao. Chong Yibiao, detecting the poison, confronted the servant, who promptly bit his tongue and died by suicide.
With Xin Jia present, Chong Yibiao remarked that Jiang Wenhuan was "like a prophet" for predicting this, and relayed Jiang Wenhuan's next instruction: "to assist at the ceremony." As Jiang Wenhuan and E Shun tried to return to the camp, they were intercepted by Ning Ziyu. Ning Ziyu, gloating, asked if Jiang Wenhuan was in a hurry to leave, then revealed himself as the mastermind.
He accused Jiang Wenhuan of underestimating him and declared he was no longer an "indecisive coward." Ning Ziyu vowed that Jiang Wenhuan and his cohorts, whom he labeled "murderers who killed my father," would "die by my hand, and be buried with my father." Jiang Wenhuan, in turn, called Ning Ziyu "both bad and stupid." Ning Ziyu then ordered Mr. Li to "kill them."
Just as the executioners moved in, A Si burst onto the scene, threatening to take her own life if they were not released. Ning Ziyu reminded Mr. Li of their agreement, warning that showing mercy would "destroy everything in the Alley." Jiang Wenhuan further cautioned Mr. Li that if he were to die in the Li family mansion, Jiang Wenfeng would launch a thorough investigation, ensuring Mr. Li and Quanqin Alley would not escape accountability.
Enraged, Mr. Li silenced Jiang Wenhuan, asserting he never intended to kill him in his mansion, and ordered his guards to "take them away." Later, Ning Ziyu met with an envoy from Division K. The envoy questioned if Ning Ziyu truly believed Mr. Li would "take such drastic measures." Ning Ziyu boasted he "saw the person being burned" and challenged the envoy, asking if he doubted his competence.
He accused the envoy, and by extension, the "people from Division K," of looking down on him, much like Jiang Wenhuan did. Ning Ziyu asserted that they were not "on the same boat" but merely "both have our own goals": the envoy sought "the elixir," while he sought only revenge for his father. He warned that if he failed to avenge his father, the envoy "won't get that elixir either."
The envoy silently concluded that "the Ning family has no future." Jiang Wenfeng and Gongsun Wuyu prepared to attend the High Sacrifice. Jiang Wenfeng inquired about Jiang Wenhuan's whereabouts, and his subordinate confirmed orders were issued to report immediately if he was seen, with precautions taken at the camp. Gongsun Wuyu urged Jiang Wenfeng to depart, emphasizing that Chong Yiwu's incident had caused public unrest and the ceremony "must not go wrong again."
At the High Sacrifice, the attendees, including Jiang Wenfeng and Gongsun Wuyu, drank wine laced with a drug. Mr. Li, addressing Ning Ziyu, questioned why he didn't simply poison them to death. Ning Ziyu explained his cruel intention: the drug would only temporarily incapacitate them, allowing them to awaken and "watch the people they care about die in the fire before themselves." As the ceremony erupted into chaos, Jiang Wenhuan and A Si arrived to rescue the fallen attendees.
Ning Ziyu, furious at Jiang Wenhuan's unexpected survival, questioned how he was "still alive." Jiang Wenhuan revealed A Si's help in his escape. As the rescue unfolded, Ning Ziyu, in a fit of rage, triggered a cave mechanism, intending to "die with you all." The cave began to collapse around them. A Si desperately warned her father that "the statue is about to fall," and he urged her to "be careful."
Mr. Li then intercepted Ning Ziyu, pulling him back from A Si, declaring that she was his "only daughter" and he "won't let anything happen to her." He urged Jiang Wenhuan to evacuate everyone else. Mr. Li confronted Ning Ziyu, stating he had "repaid the favor" he owed to the Duke of Ning and would not permit him to harm A Si. Ning Ziyu accused him of breaking his word.
Amidst the collapsing cave, Mr. Li's leg was struck by falling debris. A Si refused to leave him, trying to pull him out with a whip. Realizing his end was near, Mr. Li told A Si to "live on" no matter what and implored Jiang Wenhuan to "take care of her." With his final breath, Mr. Li sacrificed himself, telling Jiang Wenhuan, "You must let her live well," as he was crushed by falling rocks. A Si, heartbroken, desperately cried out for him, but it was too late.
Episode 13 Recap
As the cave collapsed, Jiang Wenhuan and his allies rescued Jiang Wenfeng and other trapped soldiers. After personally bringing A Si to safety, Jiang Wenhuan rushed back inside for E Shun upon learning he had returned to the cave. However, he was intercepted by Ning Ziyu. In a critical moment, E Shun appeared and saved Jiang Wenhuan. Ning Ziyu, realizing he could no longer avenge his father and was utterly alone, succumbed to despair and took his own life.
Overwhelmed with guilt for previously doubting E Shun, Jiang Wenhuan sincerely apologized, admitting he had unfairly suspected him. The two opened up to each other and reconciled. Meanwhile, the Princess and her tribal members prepared to depart. Jiang Wenfeng bid them farewell, confirming that with the murderer of Chongyiwu identified and the tribe informed, relations between their nations would remain unaffected.
Jiang Wenfeng added that they had suffered a great disaster, but his efforts had protected the envoys, whose safety was paramount. The Princess expressed gratitude to General Jiang for uncovering the truth behind her husband's death and clearing the names of the two young masters. She reassured him that her father-in-law, Marquis Bei Bo, was aware of the situation and had instructed her to continue working with Donglu to protect Shangshan.
Gongsun Wuyu suspected that Ning Ziyu was not the true mastermind behind the schemes, believing his strategy lacked such depth. He found Kui Fang to be the most suspicious. A Si, upon waking, saw her household servants in mourning attire kneeling by the window. At first, she thought her father's death was a dream, but upon entering the main hall, she faced the grim reality of her Dad's passing.
An imperial decree arrived, stating that Mr. Li had colluded with rebels and conspired against their army. Considering his past merits, the decree ordered the confiscation of the Li family's assets and the reclamation of Kunqian Alley, but spared the family from full execution, citing Mr. Li's sacrifice. Jiang Wenhuan rushed to A Si's side, concerned for her, but she did not accept the decree. Instead, she ran to the mountain cave, hoping to find her Dad's body.
Outside the stone, she only found the beads her father had carefully crafted for her. Inside the cave, Jiang Wenhuan discovered sword-shaped stones entangled with red threads emerging from the ground. Jiang Wenfeng and Gongsun Wuyu soon arrived, identifying them as blood crystals. Gongsun Wuyu explained that these crystals, long thought extinct, were legendary in Donglu, growing in tombs and requiring the blood and bones of corpses to form. While harmless to the living, they could severely disfigure corpses.
To protect their ancestors, Donglu's people had burned the crystals a century ago. Jiang Wenfeng lamented their reappearance during their current ceremony, suspecting a major conspiracy. Gongsun Wuyu theorized that the deaths from the previous night had nourished dormant blood crystal seeds, causing them to emerge. They decided to excavate the unusual site to investigate further, also finding a half-torn ancestral edict from the Sheng'an ancestor. The fragment stated that the immortal elixir would appear when blood crystals resurfaced.
However, the missing second half left them uncertain of the full truth. Jiang Wenhuan wondered why, if Donglu was meant to guard the blood crystals, they had burned them, and Gongsun Wuyu suggested they might have merely buried some powder under the sacred statue, thus upholding the royal command while protecting the crystals in a place where no one would commit murder. However, the connection between the immortal elixir and the blood crystals remained unclear.
Gongsun Wuyu noted that the edict's material was a special leather from Zhongli, a state in Dongyi that had only joined Shangshan a decade prior. Lost in thought while holding her father's handmade ornament, A Si accidentally dropped it, revealing a hidden note. The letter detailed A Si's true identity: sixteen years ago, Ning Bohou, learning of the immortal elixir in Tu Village, led soldiers to search for it.
Mr. Li, then a bandit fleeing government soldiers, sought refuge in Tu Village by posing as a local. He had been out that fateful day, escaping the massacre of Tu Village. As he was leaving, he heard a baby crying from a box. Unable to abandon her, he carried the village's sole survivor, an infant girl (A Si), away and raised her as his own daughter.
When A Si fell gravely ill with a high fever, a fortune teller advised crafting a golden lock for blessings. While attempting to steal money for the lock, Mr. Li was caught and beaten. It was then that Ning Bohou found him, threatening him with a forgotten pouch from Tu Village and A Si's life, forcing Mr. Li to work for him.
From then on, Mr. Li became a pawn in Ning Bohou's schemes, managing the Kunqian Alley to smuggle weapons and intelligence. Mr. Li concluded his letter by revealing that all the strange events in Shangshan seemed to trace back to the Tu Village massacre and encouraged A Si to either investigate the truth or live a quiet life, affirming his love regardless of her choice. A Si, heartbroken but resolute, declared she knew what she had to do.
Meanwhile, Ning Bohou was alive, imprisoned in a mountain cave after being rescued by Kui Fang. A masked figure from Kui Fang revealed that the "giant" seen at the competition was Ning Bohou's eldest son. Ning Bohou was devastated that Kui Fang had transformed his son into a monster. The Kui Fang figure then told Ning Bohou that the immortal elixir he had been researching was, in fact, successful, a fact Ning Bohou was unaware of.
The masked figure then removed their mask, revealing their true face, terrifying Ning Bohou before brutally killing him. Elsewhere, a Taoist priest by the Shangshan King's side sensed the reappearance of the immortal elixir. The King was overjoyed, considering it the most important matter after years of searching. Although Lord Gongsun had reported trouble with Kui Fang, the King prioritized the elixir.
He immediately ordered the Prince's Camp to set out and find the medicine, appointing Jiang Wenhuan as the leader, a centurion of the Prince's Camp. A minister expressed bewilderment, wondering why such a crucial mission was entrusted to young princes like Jiang Wenhuan without senior officials accompanying them.
Another official explained that the King, having been wary of Ning Bohou's ambition to hoard the elixir and amass power, which led to the death of Ningzhou's heir, now trusted only the princes, who, as hostages, would be constrained by their home nations and thus less likely to keep the elixir for themselves. He assured the other minister that Jiang Wenhuan would be safe. Jiang Wenhuan was given a list of those who would accompany him.
Gongsun Wuyu and Jiang Wenfeng discussed that while the edict didn't explicitly state the elixir's location, its material—a special leather from Zhongli, a state in Dongyi that had recently submitted to Shangshan—was the reason for their mission. Gongsun Wuyu cautioned Jiang Wenhuan to be extremely careful on his journey to Zhongli, to which Jiang Wenhuan affirmed his commitment to his master's expectations.
Episode 14 Recap
Jiang Wenhuan and the other princes prepared for their journey to Zhongli in search of the immortal elixir. Jiang Wenhuan found the notion of the elixir being in Zhongli suspicious and discussed it with E Shun. E Shun, concealing his past visit to Zhongli, echoed Jiang Wenhuan's doubt, questioning why an ancient holy relic from the Sheng'an era would be hidden in Zhongli, a region that had only recently become part of the Shangshan Sect.
Jiang Wenhuan observed E Shun's habit of staring intently when feeling guilty but assured him of his trust and unwavering support, warning him against hiding anything from his brother. E Shun agreed, and Jiang Wenhuan affirmed his protection. Before departing, Jiang Wenhuan reminded E Shun to return A Si's whip, which E Shun promised to do the next day, intending to apologize to her. A Si thanked Jiang Wenhuan for repairing her father's whip, expressing her fondness for his work.
She then apologized for her family's past misdeeds and their connections to Ningzhou through Quanqin Alley, stating that old grievances should not fall upon her. A Si revealed her decision to return to Ningzhou to uncover the truth of her origins, as detailed in a letter left by her father before his death. Jiang Wenhuan inquired if she was from Tushan Village in Ningzhou, the very place the King had searched for the Holy Relic sixteen years prior.
A Si confirmed that Ningzhou was believed to have the immortal elixir, but Jiang Wenhuan countered that they had received an imperial order to search for it in Zhongli, leaving him perplexed about the elixir's true location. A Si, fearing the bloodshed and chaos that always followed the elixir's appearance, expressed her determination to confront the past that had shadowed her since she barely survived a disaster sixteen years ago, hoping to repay East Lu for its care.
Jiang Wenhuan was impressed by her newfound resolve as she declared her intent to accomplish something significant. As numerous beautiful lanterns floated into the sky, A Si marveled at them. Noticing her delight, Jiang Wenhuan quickly ran to the market to buy a lantern for her. However, by the time he returned, A Si had already left, leaving him with a quiet "Take care." The following day, the princes embarked on their quest.
At the ruined ancestral temple, Jiang Wenhuan reflected on his guilt over the events caused by Ziyu, apologizing to his family and his brother, Jiang Wenfeng. Jiang Wenfeng reminded him of their father's teachings: the Jiang family's duty to protect the world, not for power or wealth, but with unwavering loyalty and courage, even unto death. Jiang Wenfeng recalled his father’s words, emphasizing that the ancestral spirits would continue to guard East Lu.
Jiang Wenfeng referred to Jiang Wenhuan as the sole heir of the Jiang family, a sentiment Jiang Wenhuan humbly corrected, stating that Jiang Wenfeng was the true successor. Jiang Wenhuan playfully suggested postponing a promised "beating" until their reunion, then vowed to find the immortal elixir, earn merits for Shangshan, and restore their ancestral temple.
Jiang Wenfeng then shared more of their father's wisdom about the family's halberd, emphasizing that true strength lay not just in its technique but in the ancestors' courage and loyalty. He presented Jiang Wenhuan with a scarred halberd, symbolizing his acceptance as a true warrior of the Jiang family, and instructed him to discern right from wrong, uphold his principles, and above all, to return safely.
Gongsun Wuyu addressed the elite soldiers of the Prince Camp, stressing that they represented East Lu and must remain united to overcome any obstacles. Jiang Wenhuan, as their leader, pledged to bring every single man back safely. Gongsun Wuyu then pulled Jiang Wenhuan aside for a private warning.
He spoke of the perilous journey ahead and advised him to know when to stop and not become too entangled, reminding him of the Marquis of Ning's downfall and the formidable wrath of the imperial court. He underscored that the entire East Lu stood behind Jiang Wenhuan. Shortly after, the princes passed through the East Lu Pass.
Jiang Wenhuan saw a solitary lantern floating high in the sky and, believing it to be A Si's, called out a promise to meet again, as their paths diverged. The next day, Gongsun Wuyu also prepared to depart, sharing herbal tea with A Si. He promised to ask the King to deploy the Taotie Army to protect the children and offered A Si a coat for the damp capital.
He noted how A Na Shi had grown, reminiscing about their first meeting. A Si stated her departure, and when Gongsun Wuyu inquired about her return to East Lu, clarifying he was concerned about A Na Shi’s medicine supply, A Si simply replied, "When the hibiscus blooms, we'll meet again." Separately, Jiang Wenfeng, observing the early budding hibiscus, chased after A Si as she was leaving and professed his love.
He recounted a near-fatal battle two years prior, during which his only concern was whether she would grieve, forget him, or marry another, which fueled his will to survive. He solemnly reintroduced himself, now thirty-two, an adopted son of the Duke of Dongwu, still unmarried as he awaited her. He passionately declared his desire to marry her grandly, love her, protect her, and care for her child with her, sharing a lifetime together.
He told her she didn't need to answer immediately, but vowed never to give up on her, no matter what she chose to do or where she went. Despite his heartfelt declaration, A Si continued on her journey. E Shun received urgent news that the princes were headed to Zhongli, which he suspected would not be a simple mission.
He instructed Uncle Bing to have Kunwu's sister notified of his return, intending to arrange a meeting as a token of gratitude for Kunwu's past assistance. Uncle Bing voiced concern that a reunion could expose E Shun's identity and his need for a substitute, potentially leaving the Southern Capital vulnerable to opportunistic surrounding states. E Shun acknowledged the risk but felt he owed Kunwu, and since fate had brought Kunwu back to Zhongli, he would not intervene.
Instead, he preferred to facilitate the reunion with his only family, thereby fulfilling a promise. E Shun then inquired about the Kui Fang forces mentioned in Uncle Bing's previous report, but Uncle Bing had found no further clues, noting the individual's secretive movements and their agents' disappearances. The person seemed to be operating between Kui Fang, Ningzhou, and East Lu, indicating a dangerous scheme. E Shun ordered a deeper investigation into Kui Fang, anticipating a difficult journey to Zhongli.
Meanwhile, Gu Xi observed peculiar celestial phenomena, interpreting them as divine warnings. She learned that the Shangshan Prince Camp was coming to Zhongli to seek the immortal elixir. She commented that what was meant to come would indeed come. However, Xian Xuan Ji gravely completed the divination, adding a dire prediction that it was uncertain whether the princes would even reach Zhongli alive. After days of travel, the princes finally encamped by a lake, preparing for rest.
Jiang Wenhuan, E Shun, and others gathered to discuss their next moves. Xin Jia explained Zhongli's prosperity was due to a powerful State Preceptor with immense magical abilities. E Shun, appearing uneasy, then shared what he knew, describing the Shili Lanshan river and recalling a poignant memory of fishing with his father before abruptly stopping. Xin Jia interjected, pointing out that E Shun had missed the main attraction: Zhongli's countless beauties. This sparked excitement and playful banter among the princes.
However, their lighthearted mood was shattered when a thick miasma suddenly filled the forest, causing everyone to collapse, unconscious. Jiang Wenhuan urgently instructed them to cover their mouths and noses, warning of the miasma's toxicity, but it was too late.
Episode 15 Recap
The princes, including Jiang Wenhuan, were overcome by the miasma that enveloped the forest. Jiang Wenhuan regained consciousness to find his sister, Jiang Yiyao, by his side. She was busy administering antidotes to everyone, explaining that they would be able to move freely after two hours. Xin Jia expressed his gratitude, praising Jiang Wenhuan for having such a kind and skilled sister, a witch doctor from Donglu City.
When asked why she had left her master to travel, Jiang Yiyao, who communicates through lip-reading due to a childhood accident that left her unable to hear or speak, conveyed that their elder brother had sent her to act as the military doctor.
Jiang Wenhuan, concerned for her safety on such a perilous journey, initially tried to dissuade her, but Jiang Yiyao argued that her presence was even more necessary precisely because of the danger, and returning alone would be even riskier. Reluctantly, Jiang Wenhuan agreed to let her stay, instructing everyone to look out for her. The other princes, including Xin Jia, assured him they would pamper her.
Xin Jia, ever playful, tried to flirt with Jiang Yiyao, asking her age and if she had a crush, then jokingly asked for her opinion of him. Jiang Yiyao, however, "read" his lips and pointed out the dark clouds on his forehead, a sign of "kidney deficiency," much to Xin Jia’s embarrassment. Later, a poisonous snake suddenly lunged. Without hesitation, Chong Yibiao shielded Jiang Yiyao, taking the bite himself.
Xin Jia urged for immediate treatment, warning that Chong Yibiao could lose an arm. Jiang Yiyao quickly stepped in, treating the wound by extracting the venom, offering Chong Yibiao a piece of cloth to bite down on to manage the pain. Chong Yibiao, unaccustomed to such close contact with a woman, felt a sense of awkwardness after she finished. That night, E Shun couldn't shake the feeling that the miasma's sudden appearance was suspicious.
Jiang Wenhuan, also sleepless, joined him outside their tents, agreeing that the miasma and the venomous snake attack were unusual, especially given that snakes fear fire. He concluded that they were being watched and that trouble had begun with the mention of the elixir. E Shun, trying to lighten the mood, jokingly compared Jiang Wenhuan’s gloomy expression to his dog fighting for food. He then suggested they both stay awake and keep watch together for the night.
The group eventually reached Zhongli City. As they entered, Kunwu experienced a vivid flashback of his childhood, recalling the tragic massacre of his family and how he had hidden his younger sister, Qingqing, in a cage, promising to return for her. He remembered his father telling him, a descendant of the Kun family, that the Kun family army would never surrender. His father then collapsed, seemingly dying, with Qingqing by his side.
Upon entering the city, they found a bustling crowd gathered for the "day of the Holy Girl's appearance." Xin Jia, excited by the prospect, dragged everyone to witness the event. On a raised platform, a veiled girl performed a graceful dance. E Shun, lost in thought, involuntarily uttered "Qingqing," seemingly reminded of his own missing sister. After the ceremony, the princes proceeded to the Zhongli Palace, but were kept waiting for a prolonged period, which irritated them.
Xin Jia, frustrated, kicked over a flowerpot. A man, who turned out to be the frivolous King of Zhongli, emerged, furious that they had harmed his precious Purple Allionora. He ordered his guards to kill them. Fortunately, the State Preceptor intervened, identifying them as envoys from Shangshan and asking the King to be merciful. The State Preceptor then subtly urged the King to return to his chambers to change and discuss matters, effectively de-escalating the situation.
Later, the princes formally apologized to the King. However, the King remained aloof and left the entire diplomatic exchange to the State Preceptor, who then arranged for the princes' accommodation at the inn. During this interaction, the State Preceptor seemed to recognize E Shun, inquiring if he had visited Zhongli before and suggesting he take a tour, all while maintaining a polite demeanor. After the princes departed, the State Preceptor's eyes betrayed a chilling, murderous intent.
As the princes left the palace, the Holy Girl passed by. Xin Jia, ever mischievous, stealthily stole her handkerchief but was quickly noticed. He hastily hid the handkerchief on E Shun. Realizing the Holy Girl deeply cherished the embroidered item, E Shun returned it to her. Back in her chambers, the Holy Girl took out a small toy, a gift from her brother. Overwhelmed with emotion, she began to cry, sensing that her brother was finally close.
The news from the South, she mused, seemed to be true. Later, at the inn, Jiang Wenhuan observed E Shun’s reaction to the Holy Girl and teased him, jokingly suggesting that the usually aloof Prince of the South Capital had fallen for a beauty, and offering to help him pursue her if he was interested. While discussing the strange occurrences, Xin Jia noted that the State Preceptor had deployed guards around their inn, disguising surveillance as protection.
Jiang Wenhuan questioned the State Preceptor's true intentions, noting that the minister, despite being from Shangshan, was hindering their search for the elixir. He warned everyone to be vigilant in the increasingly bizarre city of Zhongli. That same night, the Holy Girl performed a ritual by a pool, biting her finger and chanting prayers, asking the spirits if her brother was safe.
As she observed something in the water, a maid named Ling'er, startled by an unexpected noise, fell into the pool and was instantly consumed. Gu Xi, a male Zhenren and a master of divination, arrived and declared that once someone enters the divination platform (the pool) and offers their life to the spirits, they cannot be saved. He revealed that he had foreseen the Holy Girl's arrival and Ling'er's death, emphasizing that it was Ling'er's destiny.
The Holy Girl, questioning this unwavering belief in fate, then asked Zhenren about her own destiny, as she, who was meant to die, had survived. Zhenren cryptically responded, "Soon." Reporting to the State Preceptor, Zhenren confirmed that the divination platform had been cleared and the Holy Girl had returned to her chambers. The State Preceptor, interpreting the Holy Girl's divination, asserted that "he" had returned, and what was destined would come to pass.
He then inquired about the selection for the next Holy Girl, to which Zhenren replied that Su Qingqing was the last remaining of her lineage, and her death would leave no successors. The State Preceptor, declaring that the one living under the Holy Girl's name had lived too long, ordered preparations for a Sacred Wedding. Zhenren expressed concern about needing a credible reason for such a significant event to appease the populace.
The State Preceptor cunningly suggested using the King's recent poor health as justification. He revealed his true motive: Su Qingqing knew too much, and her death would draw out "that person," allowing them to eliminate him once and for all. To ensure Zhenren's cooperation, the State Preceptor flattered him, calling him his "trusted right hand" in divination, and promised him the position of State Preceptor upon his own success.
The next day, Jiang Wenhuan, E Shun, and Xin Jia were out in the city, but they noticed they were being followed by the same trackers. They decided to toy with them, leading them on a chase through the busy streets. During the chase, Chong Yibiao, mistaking Jiang Yiyao for one of the trackers, accidentally severed her bracelet.
He then tried to force a shop owner to fix the intricate piece, but the shop owner, intimidated by Chong Yibiao's imposing presence, fainted. Chong Yibiao, left with no choice, began to repair it himself, telling Jiang Yiyao not to follow him or it wouldn't just be the bell that broke. Meanwhile, rumors of the Sacred Wedding had spread throughout Zhongli City. Xin Jia, having successfully evaded his trackers, returned to the inn to report.
He confirmed that the Sacred Wedding was indeed a human sacrifice, a tradition from the Holy Girl's Clan that had been abolished decades ago. He explained that it involved the Holy Girl consuming mercury to preserve her body, a chilling ritual described by the phrase "pure water reflects the heart, the sun and moon can be seen clearly." With the ritual now being revived, the entire city was abuzz, wondering if it would proceed smoothly. Jiang Wenhuan, taking in the gravity of the situation, asked if anyone had seen E Shun.
Episode 16 Recap
Jiang Wenhuan keenly noticed Kunwu, disguised as E Shun, acting suspiciously and quietly followed him to the palace, where Kunwu managed to get the Saint Girl's attention. Meanwhile, the Saint Girl was being pressured by a maid to drink medicine prepared by the State Preceptor. She initially refused, stating, "I'm dying, yet you bother to have the State Preceptor watch me day and night."
When the maid threatened to punish the other servants, the Saint Girl reluctantly agreed, saying, "I'll drink it." After consuming the medicine, she pretended to feel worse and dramatically declared it was poisoned, accusing a maid and demanding to confront the State Preceptor. She then changed her mind, claiming, "I don't feel that much pain," but added, "I'm tired. I want to go back and rest. You can guard outside."
A senior maid objected, but the Saint Girl used the upcoming sacred wedding to assert her authority, warning, "The wedding ceremony is three days away. If something happens to me, can you bear the responsibility?" The maids then agreed to guard outside. Once the Saint Girl, whose real name is Qingqing, confirmed no one was around, she called out, "Come out!" Kunwu emerged, and the siblings reunited with emotional cries of "Brother!"
Qingqing rushed to him, and Kunwu apologized for the years of hardship she had endured. Qingqing noted how much he had changed over seven years, yet affirmed, "But last time in the palace, I recognized you at a glance." She then handed him the Kun family copper plate, explaining, "this is the only thing my father left. Keep it well."
Kunwu asked about the medicine she had consumed, and Qingqing explained it was "just to suppress my illusion," assuring him, "I'm not the helpless Qingqing from my childhood." She recounted how she believed he was dead until a man from the South Capital told her to wait for him. Kunwu promised, "I know everything about the royal wedding. No matter what, I won't let you die."
However, Qingqing urged him to leave alone, reasoning, "it's already hard for you to go in and out alone. If you take me with you, I'm afraid neither of us can get out. Our family can't be wiped out." Their reunion was cut short when the State Preceptor, Xian Xuanji, arrived. Qingqing feigned surprise, asking, "What brings you here at this hour?" Xian Xuanji, pretending concern, inquired about her sudden discomfort.
She replied it was "just a minor issue," then subtly jabbed at him, remarking, "You have people watching over me day and night. I'll be fine." Xian Xuanji, still suspicious, asked if she had "any guests." Qingqing denied it, insisting, "It's just me here." Not convinced, Xian Xuanji ordered his guards to search the room. Kunwu swiftly escaped through a window, pursued by guards. Jiang Wenhuan arrived in time to help Kunwu evade capture.
During the escape, Kunwu's unique copper plate fell, reminding Jiang Wenhuan of the small slave he had once rescued who bore an identical plate. This sparked deep suspicion in Jiang Wenhuan. After they successfully escaped, Kunwu knew he could no longer conceal his identity. He initiated the confession by asking Jiang Wenhuan if he had questions, then revealed, "I'm not the Prince of South Boh, E Shun. I'm the slave you saved in the street of East Lu."
He explained he was taken by South Boh's people and forced to impersonate E Shun, a role that led him back to Jiang Wenhuan at the East Lu Colosseum. Kunwu admitted he had wanted to confess countless times but couldn't because he "had to fulfill my mission," which was to return to his homeland and find his only family, the Saint Girl of Zhongli, Su Qingqing. He apologized to Jiang Wenhuan for lying. Jiang Wenhuan was furious.
He sarcastically asked Kunwu why he confessed now, after maintaining his deception for so long. Kunwu explained that Jiang Wenhuan had always regarded him as a confidant and treated him like a brother, and he no longer wanted to lie. Jiang Wenhuan bitterly retorted, "You don't deserve it. How dare you call me brother?" He reminded Kunwu, "you're no longer the heir of the Southern Bohou Mansion. You're just a lowly slave I picked up from the streets.
You're not worthy of being my brother." Kunwu, acknowledging his debt, knelt and offered his life, stating, "If I can save Qingqing and return safely, I will do as you please with me." Jiang Wenhuan, however, remained enraged, accusing Kunwu of implicating them all. Kunwu tried to reassure him that he wouldn't expose their involvement, but Jiang Wenhuan retorted, "how can I trust you?" Kunwu then offered his life again, saying, "If you don't believe me, just kill me.
After all, you saved my life." Jiang Wenhuan then acknowledged Kunwu's true name. He expressed his disappointment, saying he had always treated Kunwu with sincerity, hoping for honesty in return, and lamented, "I regard you as a friend I trust with my life. But I don't even know your real name. How ridiculous!" Kunwu explained he kept the truth hidden because their worlds were too different and he was a man living for revenge.
He felt he should face the "fire and water" alone, not involve "the promising heir of the East Lu State." Jiang Wenhuan, in a powerful outburst, declared, "I don't care about your revenge. Stop living in a lie. I'll decide who you live and die for. Slave, I bought your life. I'll decide how you live and for whom." Then, with a shift in tone, he commanded, "Now, I want you to live for yourself."
At that moment, Chong Yibiao burst in, having overheard their conversation. He was surprised to learn of Kunwu's other identity. Xin Jia followed, asking what happened. Jiang Wenhuan downplayed the situation, but Chong Yibiao, demanding answers, threatened to prevent Kunwu from leaving until he explained himself, stating Kunwu's solo actions would only endanger them all. When Kunwu tried to leave, Chong Yibiao drew his sword.
Xin Jia intervened, convincing Kunwu to speak, emphasizing that they were "in the same boat" and secrecy would only leave them vulnerable. Kunwu then took a deep breath and began to recount his past. He revealed his true name, Kunwu, and his origins in Zhongli State. He was the only son of General Kunze, a loyal military leader of the Kun Army, whose insignia was the copper plate Kunwu carried.
His mother, Su Ying, was the revered Divine Maiden of the Sus. He was destined to inherit his father's command, while his sister, Su Qingqing, was to become the new Imperial Virgin. Seven years prior, the Zhongli King visited Shangshan and returned months later, escorted by the Shangshan Iron Cavalry—a sign of trouble. On New Year's Eve, Kunwu’s father was ordered to welcome the monarch but was met instead by Xian Xuanji, the envoy from Mt. Shang.
Xian Xuanji announced a decree from the Shang King: the Zhongli King had been executed for treason during his visit, and Zhongli would now become a vassal state. Xian Xuanji was appointed State Preceptor, assisting the young king Zhongli Yuan, and General Kunze was ordered to surrender his military power and pledge eternal loyalty to Shangshan. Before leaving to find her husband, Kunwu’s mother sent a message via carrier pigeon to her family.
She instructed Kunwu to care for Qingqing and reminded Qingqing of her sacred duty as a Divine Maiden: to protect Zhongli with her illusory powers, and if she failed, to be "burned alive and sacrifice my body to heaven and earth." Kunwu objected to such an ominous oath, but his mother insisted it was their family's destiny. Tragedy struck when Kunwu’s mother was ambushed and captured on her way to the palace.
His father went to rescue her, but soldiers who later escaped the palace reported a horrifying sight: his mother’s body, with her head severed, lying in his father's arms. Kunwu believed his deeply loving parents could not have committed such an act, sensing something profoundly wrong. He recalled his father in distress, lamenting, "It was me who sent your mother away," and then, "I'm sorry. I can't do it," implying he was either forced or framed for the horrific act.
Soon after, their own Kun Army soldiers seemingly went mad, attacking everyone in the family mansion. In his last moments of clarity, his father managed to hide Kunwu and Qingqing in an iron box, instructing Kunwu to "stay inside" and remember that "the Kun family army never surrenders." His final words to Kunwu were to "survive" and "protect Qingqing."
Xian Xuanji then arrived at the Kun mansion, declaring that the Kun family had rebelled, assassinated the Divine Maiden, and committed treachery, ordering their complete annihilation. Kunwu's father was cruelly killed shortly after, amidst the massacre of their family. The next day, as Xian Xuanji's men searched the ravaged mansion, Kunwu, remembering his father's dying wish, decided to draw the pursuers away to protect Qingqing. He ran toward the forest, eventually finding himself at a river, and with no other option, he jumped in to escape.
Episode 17 Recap
The young Kunwu, echoing his father’s parting words—"You are the descendant of the Kun family. You must remember, the Kun family army never surrenders!" —made a desperate decision. He would use himself as a decoy to draw away the pursuers, hoping to secure his sister's survival. He ran until he reached a river, and with no other options, he plunged into the water, crying out to his father. Miraculously, he survived, washed ashore by the currents.
Meanwhile, a soldier reported to the State Preceptor that the Kun family had been annihilated, and the boy who jumped into the river was "definitely dead." Shortly after, another soldier discovered a little girl. The State Preceptor recognized her as Su Ying’s daughter, the "little saint of the Sus," and declared it "truly a blessing from heaven." After his escape, Kunwu concealed his identity and lived as a slave.
He recounted how, upon leaving Zhongli, an envoy proclaimed his father a rebel who killed his mother in Zhongli Palace, then went mad and slaughtered their entire family. These alleged crimes brought divine punishment, transforming the family into monsters, leading to the Kun clan's decline and the Kun family army becoming "a disgrace to Zhongli." Kunwu explained that the You Su clan, from which the Imperial Lady's lineage descended, practiced illusionary arts.
While most contemporary You Su people performed mere tricks, the Imperial Lady's true bloodline, once awakened, could mesmerize people and create illusions. Jiang Wenhuan questioned why his sister, Qingqing, with such power, hadn't escaped. Kunwu revealed that Qingqing had been under Xian Xuanji's control with drugs for years, suppressing her illusionary abilities. He asserted, "I'm the only one who can save her." Jiang Wenhuan acknowledged, "It seems you have to take the risk."
Kunwu responded with a resolute "Yes," adding, "Even if it means death, I must go." Jiang Wenhuan then warned Kunwu that failure could implicate Prince Nanbo, the real E Shun, and the entire Princes Guard, stressing, "Have you ever thought about whether your actions will affect the Princes Guard?" Kunwu responded with deep sorrow, "I've thought about all of these. I'm sorry to all of you."
He described how he had lost all hope as a slave, viewing merely living as a luxury, until he met Jiang Wenhuan in the slave market. Jiang Wenhuan saved him and promised to train him to be a brave warrior, freeing him from slavery. Kunwu realized he had "been kneeling for too long, and had forgotten how to be a proud Kun family member." Jiang Wenhuan accused him of lying, but Kunwu insisted he hadn't.
Jiang Wenhuan countered that Kunwu still "chose to go to Zhongli Palace alone," reminding him, "Qingqing is my last relative. I promised my father to protect her." Jiang Wenhuan challenged his identity, saying, "The one who promised my father is Kunwu. But who are you now? You're E Shun of the Princes Guard, the one I saved, a slave I picked up. Who are you?" Kunwu, torn, pondered, "You are right. Who am I? Kunwu. E Shun.
I can no longer tell if my feelings are true or false, or who I really am." Jiang Wenfeng intervened, suggesting Kunwu had apologized and had done nothing to harm the Princes Guard, attributing his actions to circumstances. Jiang Wenhuan retorted that if Kunwu had wronged the camp, he wouldn't be alive. Jiang Wenfeng then asked what they should call him: "E Shun or Kunwu?" Kunwu replied, "You can call me Kunwu. E Shun."
Jiang Wenhuan firmly declared, "From now on, in the Princes Guard, there is only the heir of the South Bohai Marquis, E Shun, not Kunwu." Meanwhile, the State Preceptor received a secret letter about a former subordinate of Prince Nanbo being in the Princes Guard. He considered the possibility that the Prince Nanbo was related to the Kun Army. Despite his aide's skepticism about any historical connection, the State Preceptor dismissed it, stating the information "It's impossible to be wrong."
He then questioned if the Prince Nanbo was a former Kun family member or "Kunze's son, Kunwu," and if E Shun had ever been to Zhongli. Upon learning he had not, the State Preceptor deemed the situation "suspicious" and "must be vigilant," ordering an immediate change to their plans. He vowed to "kill this time" the person who "should have died seven years ago," to "cut the grass and pull out the roots."
Later that night, soldiers arrived at the Princes Guard, announcing that the Sacred Wedding ceremony would be held the following day. Jiang Wenfeng worried they had discovered E Shun's real identity. Kunwu, preparing for the worst, stated that if his identity was known, it had "nothing to do with you" and he wouldn't "drag you down." Jiang Wenhuan calmly observed that if the soldiers knew E Shun's identity, they would have stormed in already.
The official delivering the message explained that a thief had broken into the palace, frightening the King and worsening his illness, necessitating the early ceremony to prevent complications. He insisted all young masters attend. The official reported back to the State Preceptor that E Shun had a "bloody smell" and concluded he was the palace intruder. The State Preceptor confirmed his suspicion, realizing that "the remnants of the Kun family have made it.
They have become the Prince of the South Bohai State." He vowed to "tear off your mask," and ordered ambushes and archers to be set up around the ceremony. He decided against acting immediately due to insufficient evidence, stating that if E Shun didn't show up, the wedding would proceed, and they would "get rid of that annoying Imperial Lady first."
However, if E Shun dared to save her, the State Preceptor would "expose him and kill him on the spot," vowing to "wipe out the Kun family." Kunwu was later seen trying to send a message via pigeon to Jiang Wenfeng, but Jiang Wenhuan appeared, intercepting it. Jiang Wenhuan revealed he had caught the "stupid pigeon," adding, "To send a letter to East Lu, without asking me, the heir of Donglu, if I agree."
Kunwu tried to assert his will, but Jiang Wenhuan challenged him to "try to get out of this room." Kunwu then offered Jiang Wenhuan a pot of wine, thanking him for repeatedly saving him, treating him as a brother, and trusting, understanding, and protecting him after seven years as a slave.
He then stated he had sent a letter to Donglu explaining his true identity and that his actions were solely for personal revenge, ensuring the Princes Guard would not be implicated. He promised to repay Jiang Wenhuan if he returned the next day, but said nothing if he didn't. As Kunwu finished speaking, he suddenly collapsed, having been drugged by Jiang Wenhuan, who intended to prevent him from risking his life to save Qingqing, stating, "I'm sorry.
No matter what, I cannot let you take the risk." From a rooftop, Jiang Wenhuan carefully tossed a bottle to Qingqing. He explained it was an antidote, synthesized from her "medicinal dregs" by his sister Jiang Yiyao, which would allow her to use her illusionary powers for "half an incense stick's time." He detailed his plan: he would create chaos among the crowd to distract the priest, buying her time to retreat to the alley entrance.
There, someone would take her away once her illusion made everyone confused. Meanwhile, Chong Yibiao was tasked with guarding Kunwu, who was tied up, to ensure he didn't disrupt Jiang Wenhuan's carefully laid plans. Kunwu, awake but restrained, tried to persuade Chong Yibiao to release him, arguing that while Chong might not care about his life, his identity's exposure would bring disaster to Nandu and implicate Jiang Wenhuan, so helping him was helping Jiang Wenhuan.
Chong Yibiao remained resolute, stating that Jiang Wenhuan had strictly instructed him to keep Kunwu contained for their safety, and even warned Kunwu that if he died, Jiang Wenhuan would not live either. Despite Chong Yibiao's efforts, Kunwu managed to break free, frantically calling out for Jiang Wenhuan. As the Sacred Wedding ceremony officially began, the State Preceptor ordered his soldiers to monitor for E Shun, commanding them to capture him.
Not seeing E Shun, the State Preceptor abruptly ordered the ceremony to begin earlier. Kunwu, having broken free, burst onto the scene. He was surprised to see Jiang Wenhuan already amidst the crowd, actively creating a diversion. Jiang Wenhuan confronted Kunwu, asking why he had come, and a brief struggle ensued as Jiang Wenhuan reiterated his vow as leader to protect the Princes Guard and ensure their safe return.
Qingqing, seeing Kunwu and Jiang Wenhuan, immediately unleashed her illusionary powers, causing everyone present to faint. When Jiang Wenhuan and Kunwu regained consciousness, Qingqing was nowhere to be found. The bewildered populace, seeing the Imperial Lady gone, mistakenly believed she had ascended to heaven and began to prostrate themselves, chanting "The Imperial Princess ascended! May the heavens bless Zhongli!" The commotion roused the State Preceptor, who, despite his earlier certainty, was now enraged, commanding his guards to "Wake up!"
and launch a "city-wide arrest: fake prince & Imperial Princess," demanding they be found "dead or alive." He declared, "Disguise as the prince and kidnap the Imperial Lady. Kunwu, you can't escape this time." Elsewhere, the Zhenren, monitoring the situation, sensed that "Su Qingqing's fate has changed," and pondered, "Can fate really be changed?" In the streets, a white-clad woman, Jiang Yiyao, frantically ran, attracting the pursuing soldiers. The soldiers realized she was not the Imperial Lady.
Chong Yibiao arrived just in time to rescue her, confirming that she had indeed "saved the Imperial Lady" using a 'golden cicada shedding its skin' ruse to help Qingqing escape. Qingqing was discovered trembling in a back alley by Kunwu and Jiang Wenhuan. Acting decisively, Jiang Wenhuan told Kunwu to take Qingqing and leave, saying, "You go first. I'll draw them away. It's easier for me to get rid of them than three of us."
He instructed them to "meet outside the city," stressing to Kunwu, "you must protect her no matter what, right?" As Jiang Wenhuan diverted the pursuers, he encountered the Zhenren. The Zhenren, seemingly seeing her own future in him, declared, "You are my destined one." Despite Jiang Wenhuan’s confusion, she then stabbed him. Jiang Wenhuan later awoke to the State Preceptor inquiring about his injuries.
Jiang Wenhuan fabricated a story, claiming he saw the Imperial Lady being kidnapped at the ceremony, tried to intervene, but was wounded and knocked unconscious by the assailants. He added that the Zhenren appeared just in time, scaring the culprits away and saving him. The Zhenren corroborated his account, effectively clearing Jiang Wenhuan of suspicion. Meanwhile, Kunwu and Qingqing reached the outskirts of the city, where they found a waiting carriage—a testament to Jiang Wenhuan's meticulous foresight.
Qingqing, now sensing the deeper plan, confessed to Kunwu that she had been hiding something. She handed Kunwu a letter from Jiang Wenhuan, which read: "By the time you read this, you should have achieved your goal and saved the Imperial Lady. If that's the case, please leave Zhongli quickly to avoid any further trouble. Between you and me, there is no debt. The road ahead is long. Take care. I'm lucky to have met you in this life."
A brief flashback showed Jiang Wenhuan purchasing Kunwu as a slave for fifty coins. Kunwu, now understanding Jiang Wenhuan’s ultimate intent, silently acknowledged, "It turns out that he never planned to let me stay. That's right. Staying here will only drag everyone down." Qingqing then asked, "So, are we still leaving?" Kunwu firmly replied, "Yes," and they departed.
Episode 18 Recap
Upon returning to the Prince's Camp after his transfer, Jiang Wenhuan was met by Xin Jia, who had been waiting for him all day. Xin Jia expressed concern, stating that E Shun and the imperial princess were missing and he couldn't find them anywhere. Jiang Wenhuan calmly revealed that E Shun and the imperial princess had already left the city, implying it was for the best.
Xin Jia worried about how to explain this disappearance to the King, but Jiang Wenhuan assured him he would handle it. He then stated that since they were getting no help, they would have to find the elixir of immortality themselves. Later that night, Jiang Wenhuan secretly entered the palace library. He discovered a heavily worn scroll detailing Mt. Qingluan, the legendary ascension site of the Nine-tailed Fox and the guardian of Zhongli's immortal aura.
The scroll mentioned that the ancient Su Tomb, where the fox's traces ended, was located there. Suddenly, Zhenren appeared, stating she had been waiting for him. She led him to the Black Water Pool to divine his fate. Jiang Wenhuan dropped his blood into the murky water, and the pool revealed "North" and "Mt. Qingluan." He confirmed he already knew about Mt.
Qingluan and asked about the Su Tomb, which Zhenren identified as the ancestral burial ground of the Zhongli Su clan. Jiang Wenhuan questioned why Zhenren, a subordinate of the State Preceptor, would help him find clues to the elixir. Zhenren simply asked if her allegiance mattered since he had found his answers, then reminded him that she had once called him her "destined one" and hoped he would explain what that meant to her in the future.
After Jiang Wenhuan departed, a black-clad figure emerged, questioning Zhenren about revealing too much. Zhenren explained that while fate cannot be changed, Jiang Wenhuan must still embark on this journey. The next day, the State Preceptor was furious upon learning that Jiang Wenhuan had discovered Mt. Qingluan. His anger escalated when he realized Jiang Wenhuan also knew about the Su Tomb, suspecting someone had deliberately guided him there.
Despite the Su family's current inability to cause trouble, the State Preceptor saw an opportunity. He decided to send the princes to Mt. Qingluan, feigning a search for the elixir, but secretly intending to eliminate Jiang Wenhuan and a few other princes. He planned to blame Jiang Wenhuan for rash actions. He respectfully requested the King's permission, arranging for Gu Xi to accompany them as a guide.
Gu Xi expressed her skepticism about their safe return, but Jiang Wenhuan asserted that they would all return, "not a single one less." Meanwhile, Kunwu and Qingqing (his sister) were making their way out of Zhongli territory. Qingqing felt a mixture of reluctance to leave and joy at being with her brother. They overheard villagers discussing the Prince's Camp heading to Mt. Qingluan in search of medicine, specifically mentioning an ancient tomb.
Qingqing immediately recognized this as the Su Tomb, their ancestral burial ground, a place their mother had warned was "one-way." Worried for Jiang Wenhuan, Kunwu initially intended for Qingqing to hide safely at the foot of the mountain while he went to join Jiang Wenhuan. However, Qingqing insisted on going with him, reminding him that Jiang Wenhuan had saved her life and expressing her suspicion of the State Preceptor's motives in sending them to a place so secretly known.
Kunwu, realizing his own concern for Jiang Wenhuan (due to his earlier deception), eventually agreed to let her accompany him for her safety. As the Prince's Camp traveled, the princes grew weary. Jiang Wenhuan sought a suitable camping spot, noting the risk of miasma in lower, damp areas. Zhenren (Gu Xi) suggested he scout ahead. Jiang Wenhuan, Chong Yibiao, and Gu Xi ventured deeper, leaving Xin Jia and the rest of the camp to rest.
Jiang Wenhuan questioned Gu Xi's unexpected familiarity with the mountainous terrain, hinting that she might have grown up in the mountains. Gu Xi denied this, claiming she had never been there and was merely following the path. While the main group rested, a "poison smoke" was covertly released, causing everyone to faint. Jiang Wenhuan, Chong Yibiao, and Gu Xi found a flat, high ground, but quickly discovered a thick, toxic miasma encroaching from behind them, effectively cutting off any retreat.
Gu Xi confirmed its lethal properties, and Jiang Wenhuan realized their only option was to press forward. Coincidentally, Kunwu and Qingqing arrived, encountering several black-clad assassins poised to attack the fainted princes. Kunwu swiftly dealt with some of the attackers, but the remaining assassins continued to pursue Jiang Wenhuan's group. Kunwu quickly located Jiang Yiyao among the fainted princes and roused her with smelling salts. Jiang Yiyao, still disoriented, recalled encountering "miasma" and fainting.
Kunwu corrected her, explaining it was poison smoke. Concerned for Jiang Wenhuan's safety, Kunwu instructed Qingqing to care for the other fainted princes while he went to rescue Jiang Wenhuan. Jiang Wenhuan, Chong Yibiao, and Gu Xi eventually found the entrance to the Su Tomb. Jiang Wenhuan sensed they were being followed. Gu Xi then revealed they had no path backward, only forward. Forced to proceed, they entered the tomb.
Inside, Gu Xi spoke cryptically about a hexagram she had cast for them, foreshadowing to die first and then revive. She then challenged Jiang Wenhuan to prove if he could truly defy fate. Following their entry, Gu Xi reported to the State Preceptor that Jiang Wenhuan and two others had been lured into the Underworld. She further confirmed that the remaining members of the Prince's Camp were being surrounded and targeted for elimination.
The State Preceptor questioned if she believed the ancient saying, "Su Tomb, once you enter, you can't come back," eagerly anticipating the unfolding events. Jiang Wenhuan, Chong Yibiao, and Gu Xi fell into an underground mechanism. Chong Yibiao heard a terrifying, deep sound. They discovered numerous soldiers standing dead, wearing military badges of the Kun Army. These soldiers, now mindless monsters, attacked them fiercely. Guided by Xin Jia's lingering scent, Kunwu arrived just in time.
He recognized one of the attacking figures as "Uncle Lin." Calling out "Uncle Lin," Kunwu managed to awaken the old soldier's consciousness. A flashback showed a young Kunwu practicing archery with Uncle Lin, who praised him as the future master of the Kun Army and taught him the Kun Family Wall Array, a formation symbolizing their unwavering commitment to protect Zhongli and their clan.
Upon hearing Kunwu's voice, Uncle Lin and the other Kun Army soldiers (who were monsters) bowed, recognizing him as their "Young Master," their consciousness seemingly restored. Kunwu affirmed that they were his old subordinates of the Kun family.
Episode 19 Recap
The loyal subordinates of the Kun family, upon seeing their young lord Kunwu alive after so many years, prostrated themselves before him. Kunwu acknowledged them, noting they were his old subordinates. Xin Jia, however, couldn't shake off the memory of their recent encounter, where these same people had behaved like bloodthirsty monsters. He asked Jiang Wenhuan if he had heard correctly, expressing his apprehension about when these "monsters" might go crazy again.
Kunwu, addressing the kneeling figures, asked, "You're E Shun?" to which one man replied, "No, I'm a former subordinate of Kun Wu." This subordinate, General Lin, visibly moved, expressed his joy at seeing Kunwu again, believing that Kunwu's father, General Kun, would now rest in peace. Kunwu asked General Lin to explain the strange events that just occurred. General Lin revealed that seeing strangers enter the cave made him want to scare them away.
After confirming Princess Qingqing's safety, General Lin, acting on General Kun's dying wish, urged Kunwu to take the Princess and leave Zhongli immediately, change their names, and never attempt to overturn the Kun family's case. Kunwu, distressed, questioned why they couldn't seek justice for his family and the fallen Kun Army, asking if they were destined to remain wronged souls forever. Begging for the truth, Kunwu pressed General Lin for details about what truly happened.
General Lin admitted the events were "terrible and strange" and recalled that General Kun was summoned to the palace on New Year's Eve. Kunwu confirmed remembering this. General Lin continued, explaining that General Kun, after being summoned to the palace on New Year's Eve, guarded Zhongli Palace all night but never saw the Prince. In desperation, he led his men into the palace, only to find Kunwu's mother, Holy Maiden Su Ying, not the Prince, locked inside and appearing deranged.
General Kun tried to rouse her, calling her "Ying," reminding her he was her husband. In a brief moment of clarity, Holy Maiden Su Ying spoke of "someone found the thing," warning that "the world will be in chaos" and "divine punishment is coming." She frantically urged General Kun to "kill Qingqing," saying the "Imperial Princess is the medium."
General Lin recounted how General Kun, unable to bear her suffering, had to kill her, an act that the State Preceptor later used to accuse him of murdering the Saintess. Kunwu, heartbroken, wondered why his loving mother would make such a request. General Lin revealed that the cause of their transformation was that everyone present had drunk from the well water, and those who consumed it became bloodthirsty, violent, and "neither alive nor dead," just like himself.
He speculated that something had been put into the well water. Kunwu was shocked to discover that General Lin had no heartbeat, a condition General Lin confirmed was shared by all who had been infected. General Lin reiterated the extreme danger and complexity of the situation, urging Kunwu and Princess Qingqing to leave, as they were General Kun's last hope. Jiang Wenhuan then intervened, asking if General Lin had ever heard of an immortal elixir in the tomb.
General Lin replied he had not. General Lin then led them deeper into the cave, revealing an incorruptible corpse covered in strange crystals. Xin Jia, curious, reached out to touch a crystal but was stopped by General Lin, who realized the crystal was harmless to Xin Jia. General Lin deduced that the crystals only affected those poisoned, suggesting they were specifically designed to suppress the "zombie-people." He explained that many of their brothers had died because of these crystals.
Xin Jia pointed out that the monster was missing its scalp. Kunwu recalled his mother's words about the Holy Maiden needing to be "burned by fire" and her "skin sacrificed to heaven." He concluded that the skin of the Imperial Lady must have another, ominous purpose. General Lin urged them to leave the strange tomb quickly. Elsewhere, the State Preceptor dispatched a secret letter to Mount Shangshan, expressing his confidence in intercepting the princes at Qingluan Mountain.
His generals were ordered to swiftly proceed to Qingluan Mountain to eliminate Jiang Wenhuan and his companions. Meanwhile, the Princes' Guard found themselves lost and trapped within the complicated terrain of Qingluan Mountain, realizing the State Preceptor had tricked them into a death trap. With all roads blocked, Yi Yao, a trusted friend who was with them, suggested hiding in an abandoned old house belonging to the Su family at the back of the mountain, a remote location rarely visited.
Back in the tomb, General Lin pointed out a steep stone wall leading to a courtyard, which served as their exit. He noted it would be easy for the Kun Army to climb but difficult for others. Kunwu, insisting they must try, instructed E Shun to lead the others out first, using a rope, and warned everyone to be careful of the crystals on the ground.
As they climbed, General Lin nearly slipped onto the crystals, but Jiang Wenhuan swiftly caught him, sustaining a scratch from a crystal himself. Initially, Jiang Wenhuan dismissed it as a minor injury. However, when it was his turn to climb, he suddenly felt weak and unable to move. Kunwu immediately noticed Jiang Wenhuan's crystal-covered wound and recognized its significance, recalling that only those poisoned by corpse poison were affected by crystals.
He realized Jiang Wenhuan must have been wounded during their earlier fight with the Kun Army. Despite Jiang Wenhuan's insistence to stay away, Kunwu bravely went back down to save him, tying them tightly together. As they ascended, State Preceptor's archers launched a barrage of arrows from above. Although Kunwu was shot, he still gritted his teeth and persevered. Jiang Wenhuan, seeing the overwhelming number of arrows, urged Kunwu to let him go, believing Kunwu couldn't escape with him.
Kunwu defiantly refused, saying he was happy for Jiang Wenhuan to owe him and to remember his "great kindness forever." Jiang Wenhuan, in a moment of emotional vulnerability, confessed that if Kunwu died, he wouldn't know how to live. Kunwu, with unwavering resolve, declared that if they were to live, they would live together. Jiang Wenhuan, now encouraged, agreed that living together was indeed more interesting.
They successfully climbed out, joining the Kun Army to collectively repel the State Preceptor's forces. After the battle, General Lin, recognizing Kunwu's bravery and leadership, declared that Kunwu was no longer a child needing protection but a man of iron will, embodying the true spirit of the Kun Family Army. He solemnly removed General Kun's token and presented it to Kunwu, pledging his and the Kun Army's unwavering loyalty.
He vowed that whether Kunwu chose a life of seclusion or sought to avenge his family, they would follow him to the ends of the earth and share his fate. The entire Kun Army then knelt, pledging their lives to Kunwu. Upon learning of his men's defeat and the escape of the princes, the State Preceptor was enraged. He furiously rebuked his subordinates for their incompetence and ordered them punished with a hundred military whips.
Despite his memorial already being sent to the capital, accusing King Zhongli of causing the princes' deaths, the State Preceptor refused to recall it, stating, "Once the arrow is drawn, there's no turning back." He was determined that King Zhongli Yuan, whom he called a "fool," would not escape his grasp. He instructed his subordinate to reinforce Qingluan Mountain's defenses, ensuring that the princes would not leave alive.
Soon after, the State Preceptor publicly accused King Zhongli of neglecting state affairs, disloyalty to Mount Shangshan, and having "wolfish ambitions," specifically blaming him for luring the Princes' Guard into Qingluan Mountain and causing the deaths of the envoys. Despite King Zhongli's desperate pleas and denial, the State Preceptor had him confined to the harem and then, proclaiming himself appointed by His Majesty to supervise the state, usurped the throne, declaring himself the new King of Zhongli.
Meanwhile, Jiang Wenhuan, weakened by his injury, woke up in the abandoned Su's old house on Qingluan Mountain, where the other princes and Yi Yao were hiding. He learned from E Shun that the entire mountain was under the control of Zhongli's army, who had orders to kill the Princes' Guard on sight. The group realized Xian Xuanji intended to eliminate them within Qingluan Mountain, a brazen act that clearly pointed to rebellion.
Jiang Wenhuan, discussing the implications with Kunwu, questioned how the State Preceptor planned to explain the princes' deaths to Mount Shangshan and whether he feared retaliation. Kunwu acknowledged that his identity as a Kun family member would eventually be exposed, but affirmed he had no regrets and would take responsibility when that day came. Jiang Wenhuan, in turn, pledged his full support to Kunwu.
E Shun assured Kunwu that he had carefully concealed the true nature of General Lin and the Kun Army's condition from the other princes, merely explaining their injustice and stating that Kunwu had saved them in the Underworld, so no one suspected their monstrous aspect, and they accepted the Kun Army as their new followers.
Episode 20 Recap
Gu Xi congratulated the State Preceptor, Xian Xuanji, on his ascension to the throne of Zhongli, praising his clever tactic of using others to achieve his goals and fulfill his ambition to become the ruler. However, Xian Xuanji expressed dissatisfaction, stating it was too early to celebrate because Jiang Wenhuan and his companions were still alive. He declared that his position as ruler would not be stable until they were eliminated.
Gu Xi, looking surprised, explained that she had followed his orders and led them into the Su Tomb, which was known for having no exit, but they had unexpectedly escaped. Xian Xuanji then revealed his foresight, explaining that he had crossbowmen waiting outside the tomb entrance. If she had shown any leniency and failed to lead them in, everyone, including her, would have been shot.
He wanted the blame for harming the envoys to fall squarely on Zhongli Yuan, solidifying the charge of treason. Gu Xi asked if he would have killed her too if she hadn't succeeded, to which he affirmed, "According to the law, you should be executed." However, he quickly reassured her, saying he would never mistreat those loyal to him. He then confidently stated that Mt.
Qingluan was now entirely under his control, packed with his elite forces, making escape for the Prince's Camp impossible. He asked Gu Xi for her divination on whether he would win this impending battle. After a moment, Gu Xi replied, "Beneath the black water, the undercurrents are surging. Your wish will surely succeed." Pleased, Xian Xuanji instructed her to rest at the Divination Platform for a few days.
Meanwhile, Jiang Wenhuan had deduced that Xian Xuanji had framed Zhongli Yuan to legitimately seize the throne. He was also suffering from a blood crystal poison that had spread throughout his body. Jiang Yiyao was researching the blood crystal and the corpse poison to find a cure, cautioning Jiang Wenhuan against using his internal force, as it would accelerate the poison's spread. Jiang Wenhuan asked if there was any method that would allow him to use his internal force.
Jiang Yiyao revealed a medicine that could forcibly suppress the poison for ten days, but if the antidote wasn't administered within that time, the poison would backfire, enter his organs, and become incurable. Jiang Wenhuan declared that ten days was sufficient. He decided that instead of being trapped on Mt. Qingluan awaiting death, they should attack Zhongli Palace, capture Xian Xuanji, and rescue Zhongli Yuan. Xin Jia, however, worried about their small numbers and limited strength.
At this moment, General Lin stepped forward, declaring that the Kun's Army shared an irreconcilable hatred with Xian Xuanji and offered their full cooperation. He emphasized that trust was paramount in battle, and only by uniting would they prevail. With their plan set, they divided their tasks: Qing Qing set out to find a hidden path to escape Mt. Qingluan, while Jiang Yiyao focused on developing the antidote.
During her research, Jiang Yiyao made a critical discovery: healthy human blood would nourish the blood crystal, causing it to grow, but for a person already infected with corpse poison, the blood crystal would treat them as a host, eroding their bones and leading to death. Qing Qing later returned, disheartened, having failed to find any new path out of Mt. Qingluan, noting that the area had been a forbidden zone for seven years.
Suddenly, an arrow flew in, carrying a map of Zhongli Palace. Everyone was surprised, speculating about a mysterious benefactor. Jiang Wenhuan wondered if it could be Gu Xi, recalling her previous ambiguous actions. Jiang Yiyao was nearly struck by another arrow, but Chong Yibiao quickly pulled her to safety, accidentally dislocating her arm. To distract her from the pain, Chong Yibiao pointed out a distant butterfly while skillfully resetting her arm and bandaging it.
Jiang Wenhuan later pondered Gu Xi's contradictory actions, leading them into a trap then providing a map. He concluded that Gu Xi must be serving a different master, making the map more trustworthy as "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." Meanwhile, the Shangshan King received a secret letter from Jiang Wenhuan, accusing Xian Xuanji of luring the Prince's Camp into danger, framing Zhongli Yuan, and deceiving the emperor.
The letter further reported that the princes had broken through the siege on Mt. Qingluan and were preparing to launch a night raid on Zhongli Palace to rescue King Zhongli Yuan. The letter also revealed that Xian Xuanji had soft-imprisoned Zhongli Yuan, intending to use the Shangshan King to eliminate Zhongli Yuan and seize his position.
Enraged by Xian Xuanji's ambition and deception, the Shangshan King appointed Gongsun Wuyu, who had a teacher-student bond with the princes, to lead the Taotie Army to Zhongli and quell the rebellion. Jiang Wenhuan, Kunwu, and their combined forces launched their attack on Zhongli Palace. They breached the city gates with surprising ease, which immediately raised Xin Jia's suspicions. Indeed, they quickly realized it was a trap as Xian Xuanji and his Zhongli forces surrounded them.
Xian Xuanji emerged, mocking Jiang Wenhuan and General Lin, calling them "monsters" who should have remained hidden. He was confident that he would crush them and claim all of Zhongli. Just as the battle seemed lost, a zither melody echoed through the palace, and Xian Xuanji's soldiers began to fall. Gongsun Wuyu, with the Taotie Army, appeared, revealing that their infiltration was a deliberate part of a larger plan.
Jiang Wenhuan explained that he had anticipated Xian Xuanji's arrogance and hatred towards the Prince's Camp, using it to draw him out. Gongsun Wuyu then formally announced the Shangshan King's edict, declaring Xian Xuanji a traitor guilty of high treason for harming envoys, framing the King, and being rebellious, and therefore worthy of execution. Cornered, Xian Xuanji made a desperate move, seizing Zhongli Yuan and holding him hostage. Zhongli Yuan, feigning terror, begged Xian Xuanji to spare him.
As Xian Xuanji retreated, he stumbled. With his back to the others, Zhongli Yuan's face contorted into a menacing grin. He subtly plunged a dagger into Xian Xuanji's heart, whispering that he had waited for this moment for many years. Once Xian Xuanji was dead, Zhongli Yuan quickly reverted to his terrified demeanor, scrambling away and pretending to be a helpless, weak monarch.
After the chaos subsided, Gongsun Wuyu noticed Jiang Wenhuan's injury and drew a Fire Yang Talisman on him, hoping its potent yang energy would counteract the yin-based blood crystal poison. She then suggested that Jiang Wenhuan and the others return to Donglu, citing the strange and unpredictable events unfolding in Zhongli. However, Jiang Wenhuan, believing they were close to uncovering the full truth about the immortal elixir, refused to leave.
Meanwhile, at the Divination Platform, Gu Xi consulted her oracle, perplexed to find that Zhongli's fate, despite Xian Xuanji's death, was continuing to decline even faster, showing ominous signs of "Heaven rises, earth sinks, Yin and Yang are out of balance, the wicked gain power, and all is in chaos." Shortly after, Zhongli Yuan, now officially reinstated, visited Gu Xi, inviting her to a celebratory banquet.
Gu Xi, citing her role as a Zhenren, politely declined, stating that the occasion was unsuitable for her. Zhongli Yuan, respecting her decision, promised not to force her. Left alone, Gu Xi performed another divination, the same dire omens reappearing, deepening her confusion about Zhongli's destiny.
Episode 21 Recap
Zhong Liyuan hosted a grand banquet for Gongsun Wuyu and the various princes. During the feast, Zhong Liyuan raised his cup, toasting everyone and expressing his gratitude to Lord Gongsun and the Princes Guard for their assistance in quelling the rebellion, eliminating the villains, and restoring order in Zhongli. Gongsun Wuyu, however, humbly replied that the Taurus Army and the Princes Guard had no intention of interfering in Zhongli's internal politics.
He added that the former Grand Tutor, who had usurped the throne, was executed by Zhong Liyuan himself, and thus, they had not directly assisted. Zhong Liyuan acknowledged this, assuring them he would explain the situation to His Majesty to ensure they would not be implicated. Jiang Wenhuan then spoke up, stating that the Prince's Camp was under His Majesty's orders to seek the elixir of immortality.
Now that the immediate threat was gone, they would continue their mission and hoped Zhong Liyuan would assist them. Zhong Liyuan promised Jiang Wenhuan he had already dispatched men to the Treasurership to scour ancient texts for any mention of the elixir, assuring them he would inform them immediately if anything was found.
Jiang Wenhuan then made another request, hoping Zhong Liyuan would clear the names of the Kun Army and the You Su clan, who had suffered under Xian Xuanji, including the surviving You Holy Maiden. Zhong Liyuan, feigning forgetfulness, quickly ordered an official to read an edict.
The edict proclaimed the Kun and Su clans' loyalty to the nation, lifted the ban on Su Village, posthumously honored General Kunze as the Loyal General, and conferred the title of brave and virtuous lady upon the late Holy Maiden Su Ying. The You Holy Maiden, Su Qingqing, stepped forward, expressing gratitude for the Monarch's benevolence and bravely requesting to personally deliver the good news to her people in Su Village.
Zhong Liyuan readily agreed, stating it was only proper for her, as the Holy Maiden, to do so. Later, Kunwu, along with his sister Su Qingqing and General Lin, visited their parents' cenotaph. Kunwu lamented that their parents' bodies were never recovered, hoping the cenotaph would bring peace to their souls. Addressing his parents, he vowed that he had not let them down and that their revenge had been exacted.
He expressed regret for not yet being able to reveal his true identity, but promised that one day, he, Kunwu, would revive the Kun family as their true descendant, ensuring the spirit of the Kun Army lived on. Su Qingqing, overjoyed, told Kunwu that everything was arranged for her return to Su Village, with the Monarch providing a squad to escort her.
She excitedly anticipated sharing the news of the village's unsealing with her family and seeing her beloved Grandma Su, wondering if she was still alive and if their childhood flower sea remained. Kunwu appeared solemn, regretting that he couldn't accompany her, but Su Qingqing understood, explaining that his presence would only invite suspicion as he couldn't yet reveal his true identity.
She reassured him that thanks to him and the Princes Guard, the village was unsealed, and there would be ample opportunities for them to visit together in the future. After their farewell, Jiang Wenhuan approached them, confirming they had finished their respects. He then "borrowed" Kunwu, insisting it was time to relax after all the hard work. Jiang Wenhuan led Kunwu to the Kun family's old residence.
Upon seeing the familiar courtyard, Kunwu was transported back to his childhood, recalling his father coaching him on the "Copper Wall Formation" technique and his mother affectionately bringing him water and snacks during his training. Tears welled up as he whispered, "Father, Mother, I'm finally back." Jiang Wenhuan comforted him, acknowledging Kunwu's long-held desire to revisit his home but his inability to do so due to his hidden identity.
He assured Kunwu that with him present, he could safely relax and look around. Jiang Wenhuan then solemnly poured wine as an offering to Kunwu's parents. He spoke to their spirits, commending their son as Zhongli's bravest warrior, who had not only cleared their name but also repeatedly saved Jiang Wenhuan's life. He lightheartedly mused that if they were alive, they might scold Kunwu for befriending a Donglu heir.
Kunwu quickly interjected, asserting that their brotherhood transcended status and that his parents would not be so unreasonable. Jiang Wenhuan raised his cup, thanking them for raising such a fine son and allowing him to find a true confidant. Kunwu, deeply moved, told his parents that with a devoted friend like Jiang Wenhuan by his side, he no longer felt alone. Jiang Wenhuan, however, cut him off, questioning, "Just a friend?"
He argued that after enduring so much together, they should be considered sworn brothers. Jiang Wenhuan, seizing the moment, proposed they become sworn brothers immediately. Kunwu reminded him that they had already sworn brotherhood in Donglu, but Jiang Wenhuan playfully retorted that it was with E Shun, not him.
Thus, at the Kun family's ancestral home, Jiang Wenhuan, son of the Donglu Jiang family, and Kunwu, descendant of the Zhongli Kun family, formally swore their brotherhood, vowing to support each other through life and death, assist in times of danger, and share both fortune and misfortune, with heaven and earth as their witnesses and mountains and rivers as their oath, to uphold their bond for life.
Jiang Wenhuan then mischievously asked Kunwu his age, before quickly declaring himself older and instructing Kunwu to call him "Brother." Jiang Wenhuan then spoke of their future, envisioning a life of world travel after they found the elixir and left Zhongli. He dreamed of visiting Chong's grasslands to gaze at the stars and exploring Xin Jia's territory to witness the beauties Xin Jia often spoke of.
Meanwhile, Gu Xi, alone, accessed a secret chamber, still perplexed by the ominous divination from the black water pool. She mused that the ancient chamber shouldn't hide any anomalies. While searching, she overheard Zhong Liyuan's voice instructing someone that Su Qingqing had already entered Qinglun Mountain, giving the order to "make your move." The recipient affirmed the command. The following day, as soldiers escorted Su Qingqing back to her village, their path became engulfed in a thick, sudden miasma.
The soldiers quickly succumbed, fainting one by one. Su Qingqing herself was quietly carried away by a mysterious figure clad in black, vanishing into the dense fog. That evening, Gu Xi arrived at the Princes Guard camp, her expression grave. Jiang Wenhuan questioned her presence, accusing her of trying to deceive them again. Gu Xi confessed that she was the one who provided the palace map, not an enemy, and pleaded with him to trust her on this crucial matter.
She then starkly warned him that Su Qingqing was in grave danger. The next day, Gu Xi, Jiang Wenhuan, E Shun, Xin Jia, and Chong arrived at Su Village, where soldiers stood guard. When challenged, Gu Xi presented the Monarch's decree, demanding entry. She questioned why they hadn't investigated Su Qingqing's failure to return after delivering the edict.
The soldier explained they were under strict orders not to enter Su Village, citing fears of the You clan's illusion abilities leading them to release "criminals." Jiang Wenhuan corrected him, emphasizing that the You clan were no longer criminals, and inquired if any villagers had ever tried to leave. The soldier recounted that six or seven years prior, some villagers had attempted to escape, but they were mute, only able to pound on the gate.
The guards, in the line of duty, had shot them, and upon inspecting the bodies, discovered their tongues had been cut out, a detail Jiang Wenhuan found deeply disturbing. Kunwu remarked that someone clearly intended to silence the Su villagers. He then ordered the soldiers to prepare to enter the village with them. Inside, the village appeared desolate and abandoned. Kunwu, shocked, asked where the You Su people were, and the soldier admitted ignorance, offering to lead a search.
Kunwu quickly organized the search party. As they looked around, Kunwu noticed numerous drums hanging from trees, recalling his mother's vague explanation that they were for ancestral worship. Shortly after, a soldier reported discovering women's bodies. Gu Xi immediately went to investigate and was informed that the deceased were indeed from Su Village, all killed by a single stab. Gruesomely, their scalps had been peeled off, and their tongues removed.
Kunwu and Xin Jia remarked on the chilling similarity of the scalping to a corpse they had found earlier. Gu Xi pointed out the chilling detail that while the scalping was a recent injury, the tongue removal was an old, healed wound, indicating a prolonged period of torment. Suddenly, a terrified old woman stumbled out of the woods, screaming, "Don't catch me! Demons who peel skin and eat flesh!"
She frantically gestured towards the forest, claiming it was full of such creatures, all while clutching a drum and reciting fragments of a cryptic song about "beautiful women, a mournful journey to Qinglun, offering skin for ritual, and beating drums." One of the men remarked that she seemed mad. Gu Xi, however, took the drum from her, sternly telling her to stop pretending, as she was not crazy.
Once exposed, Gu Xi pressed her on where she learned the ancient song, implying that those who knew it should be long dead. The old woman, undeterred, simply replied she had her ways, then turned to Kunwu, asking his name. E Shun quickly interjected, stating Kunwu was the noble heir of the South Boh Marquisate and would not reveal his name so casually. Upon hearing "South Boh," the old woman was startled, remarking on Kunwu's striking resemblance to "that person."
E Shun aggressively demanded her identity and whether she was involved in the murders. The old woman defiantly declared that the victims were all her kin, implying her deep connection to the tragedy. Kunwu then asked what exactly had transpired in the village. The old woman identified herself as Su Zhen, a resident of Su Village. Kunwu asked for the whereabouts of the You Su clan. Su Zhen, with profound sadness, declared that they were all dead.
She explained that years ago, after the fall of the Kun family, the entire You Su clan was confined to the village. Shortly thereafter, foreign invaders arrived, systematically slaughtering all the men. They then cut out the women's tongues, forcing them to focus solely on raising young girls. Once these girls reached the age of sixteen, they were taken to the mountains and never returned. Just that day, the last group of young girls had been taken to Qinglun Mountain.
Kunwu anxiously inquired if Su Zhen had seen a young lady, Su Qingqing, explaining she was the Monarch's envoy sent to clear the Su family's name but had not returned. Upon hearing "Monarch," Su Zhen's demeanor changed; she cursed Zhong Liyuan, calling him a "hypocritical beast." A soldier immediately threatened her with death for insulting the Monarch, but Jiang Wenhuan quickly intervened.
Su Zhen then offered to guide them, stating that if the young lady had disappeared from Su Village, she would undoubtedly be found in the Yin-Yang Cave behind Qinglun Mountain. Meanwhile, Su Qingqing slowly regained consciousness, finding herself amidst a group of other young girls. She then noticed a peculiar red glow and, drawn by it, walked towards it. There, she discovered a bizarre formation, chillingly adorned with dripping scalps. Su Zhen began leading the group towards Qinglun Mountain.
As they traversed a reed bed, Kunwu inquired how much further, and Su Zhen indicated the Yin-Yang Cave was just beyond. E Shun then asked Kunwu why Gu Xi hadn't accompanied them, to which Kunwu explained she had stayed behind to cover their tracks. E Shun expressed strong suspicion towards Su Zhen, questioning her survival when the entire village was massacred by foreigners, implying she might be complicit or leading them into a trap.
Kunwu, however, defended Su Zhen, recalling her kindness to him and Qingqing in their childhood, noting they even called her "aunt." Both conceded that the events of the past seven years in the village were shrouded in mystery. Suddenly, Su Zhen vanished without a trace, prompting Kunwu and the others to frantically call out her name. One of the men, suspecting a trick, wondered if Su Zhen had deliberately misled them.
Jiang Wenhuan quickly ordered the group to split up and search. Jiang Wenhuan, while searching, heard the faint sound of a drum and called out for Su Zhen. Instead, he stumbled upon A Si, who told him she had come specifically to find him. A Si confronted Jiang Wenhuan, bitterly blaming his Donglu people for killing her father and destroying her family, demanding to know why he didn't just die.
Jiang Wenhuan, in profound anguish, could only repeat, "It's my fault." As Jiang Wenhuan faced A Si, the other members of the group simultaneously fell into a powerful illusion. Xin Jia chased after a phantom "beauty," begging her not to run. Kunwu was plunged into a nightmare, screaming for his father not to kill his mother and Su Qingqing. E Shun relived a painful memory, hearing a voice accuse him, "Chong, E Shun, that stab hurt so much," and desperately cried out, "No, I didn't mean to!"
Episode 22 Recap
Chong Yibiao, Jiang Wenhuan, E Shun, and others found themselves trapped in a powerful illusion. Inside their minds, Chong Yibiao was haunted by E Shun's knife, while E Shun repeatedly apologized. Jiang Wenhuan saw a mysterious "Beauty" and apologized profusely, while others like Xin Jia called out to familiar figures. Gu Xi and her guards arrived, observing the men trying to strangle themselves.
Gu Xi swiftly splashed water on them, and they slowly regained consciousness, confused by what had just happened. Jiang Wenhuan remarked on how real it felt. Gu Xi, noticing that she and her guards were unaffected, deduced that the drumming they heard while under the spell must have been from Su Popo's hand drum, concluding that Su Popo was a descendant of the Holy Maiden lineage.
Jiang Wenhuan felt an unsettling connection between the divine drum, the Yousu Clan, and their quest for the immortal elixir, believing everything from Donglu to Zhongli was intertwined. Meanwhile, Su Qingqing was at the foot of Qingluan Mountain, trying to rouse unconscious girls. Suddenly, a black-clad figure appeared, and Su Qingqing feigned unconsciousness. The figure began to beat a drum, and the girls, as if controlled by an unseen force, started walking towards the sound.
Su Qingqing secretly woke up and tried to stop them. The black-clad figure then approached her, asking if she remembered the destiny of the Yousu Holy Maiden. Su Qingqing recited the vow: the Yousu clan possessed illusionary power, and the Holy Maiden, blessed with an illusory form, was destined to protect Zhongli's peace. If she failed, she was to be burned alive, sacrificing her body to the heavens.
She realized with horror that the drum surface might be made of human skin. The figure declared that divine punishment had arrived and the Holy Maiden was the medium, attempting to seize her. He proclaimed that with the Holy Maiden becoming the "eye of the Drum," great achievements could be made. Fortunately, Kunwu arrived with his men, rescuing Su Qingqing. She quickly informed Kunwu that the drum was problematic and her clan members were under its spell.
The black-clad figure was prevented from beating the drum again. After ensuring the safety of Su Qingqing, who expressed concern that the rescued girls might be the last of her clan, Gu Xi instructed soldiers to escort her and the girls to the garrison for medical attention. Gu Xi, Jiang Wenhuan, and the others then decided to thoroughly investigate the mysterious cave. During their investigation, they discovered the black-clad figure was from the Gui faction.
Gu Xi revealed that the drum was indeed made of human scalps, all from females, and it had a missing piece the exact size of a scalp, indicating it was unfinished. She noted the scalp size was eerily similar to that of the Yousu ancestors found in the underground city, suggesting a deep, unknown connection. Jiang Wenhuan concluded that the matter was linked to the Yousu ancestors. Other members of the group expressed frustration at the Gui faction's persistent interference.
Jiang Wenhuan speculated that the Gui faction's motive for making the drum was connected to their mission in Zhongli: the search for the immortal elixir. Following Gu Xi, they discovered a hidden copper mechanism. Jiang Wenhuan suggested this secret chamber likely held secrets about the immortal elixir, given its connection to the Yousu ancestors. Inside, ancient murals depicted scenes, including a figure in a Shangshan State crown, identified as Sheng'an ancestor, and another figure bearing the Yousu family crest.
From these murals, Jiang Wenhuan dramatically realized that the immortal elixir was what transformed General Lin and others into their current monstrous state. He explained that the Nine-tailed fox had bestowed the elixir upon Sheng'an, who then passed it to the mysterious Holy Maiden Yousu Clan. Therefore, the Gui faction's actions of harvesting Yousu scalps to create the drum were all part of a larger scheme to activate the elixir.
While some were skeptical, Jiang Wenhuan argued that the elixir's true purpose was not benevolent immortality, but to create an army of "immortal" living dead—a ruthless force needing no supplies and unafraid of death, a "pretext for war" that would make them truly invincible, yet suffering a fate "worse than death." Their path forward was blocked, trapping them in the inner chamber.
Jiang Wenhuan, however, remained confident, asserting that the Yousu ancestors wouldn't build a chamber with no exit, implying the sealed entrance was to prevent something from being taken out. He noticed a solitary oil lamp on the wall and suggested lighting it. Upon doing so, a shadow cast on the wall pointed towards a symbol resembling a drum, which was actually a hidden mechanism. Activating it opened another secret passage, revealing a map of the complex and a clear exit.
Within the chamber, Jiang Wenhuan discovered Sheng'an's imperial edict. The edict detailed how Sheng'an had relied on the elixir and the Drum of Illusion to unify the land, but as these powers turned against him, he returned them to the heavens. The Nine-Tailed Fox clan was then split into two branches: the Yousu, tasked with guarding the illusory power of the Divine Drum in a faraway land, and the Tushan, entrusted with protecting the immortal elixir in Ningzhou.
The edict warned that if the elixir and the divine drum were ever reunited, it would herald great chaos throughout the world. Reflecting on this, Jiang Wenhuan noted the Tushan clan's shared lineage. He deduced that if the elixir was indeed guarded by Tushan, then the Ningzhou incident years ago should have revealed something, implying someone had already acquired the elixir.
He posited that the elixir, capable of turning people into monsters, might have entered Zhongli years prior, possibly causing the downfall of the Kun family. He realized that the reunion of the Drum and the Elixir prophesied in the edict meant chaos was truly imminent. At this point, Su Qingqing reappeared and handed Jiang Wenhuan a blood letter she received from Su Popo.
She recounted her recent encounter with Su Popo, who was being held by guards on suspicion of witchcraft. Su Popo had recognized Su Qingqing as Xiaoying's daughter, ecstatic that the Yousu clan had not been completely wiped out. She revealed how foreign invaders had cruelly massacred her people, and how she had later learned that the Zhongli King intended to sacrifice Qingqing and use her skin to create a divine drum, which was how she knew Qingqing was still alive.
Su Popo had given Su Qingqing the blood letter, which documented the horrors endured by Su Village, including the scalp-cutting. As they spoke, ominous sounds approached, and Su Popo urged Qingqing and the girls to flee, telling them to cover their ears, while she remained to face the new threat alone. Reading Su Popo's letter, Jiang Wenhuan connected the Yousu clan's suffering to Sheng'an's legacy, realizing the illusory power was more of a curse than a blessing.
Su Popo's words echoed in his mind, revealing she too possessed the Holy Maiden's bloodline and had feigned madness for years to survive. She recounted her efforts to destroy the Yousu divine drum to protect her ancestors' promise, only for the Gui faction to invade, slaughter her clan, and attempt to recreate it, knowing its completion would spell the clan's utter destruction.
A new realization struck Jiang Wenhuan: if Su Popo, a local familiar with Qingluan Mountain, couldn't evade Zhongli's guards, how had the Gui faction managed to infiltrate the mountain and operate there for years undetected? He concluded they either knew a secret passage or had powerful backing from within Zhongli itself. All eyes then turned to Gu Xi.
Gu Xi challenged Jiang Wenhuan, who dismissed the idea that State Preceptor Xian Xuanji could be involved, as it offered him no advantage. Gu Xi abruptly told them to cease their speculation and return, stating that Zhongli's affairs were for them to handle. Jiang Wenhuan, however, issued a chilling warning to Gu Xi: "Don't trust the people around you." Unbeknownst to them, a Gui faction member reported to their leader that Jiang Wenhuan had discovered the divine drum.
The leader, unimpressed, confirmed that they had successfully moved the drum and captured the "Old Holy Maiden" (Su Popo), noting the unexpected presence of other Holy Maidens. He ordered preparations, declaring it was time to activate his "two long-set pieces." Meanwhile, E Shun, receiving news of the Gui faction's presence in Zhongli and Su Popo's capture, deduced a larger conspiracy. He realized the Gui faction's target was not the princes themselves, but the immortal elixir they sought.
Despite his recovering health, E Shun, convinced of the magnitude of the threat, decided to journey to Tushan himself, believing crucial clues had been overlooked there. Back with the Gui faction, Su Popo was brought before their leader. Her time was up. She quietly apologized to the "Holy Girl" before the leader brutally took her skin. As the Gui faction leader began to fill the missing piece of the drum with Su Popo's skin, Zhong Liyuan arrived and coolly remarked, "You look happy today."
Episode 23 Recap
Sun Qingqing returned to her hometown, clutching the imperial decree from Zhong Liyuan. The decree officially unsealed her hometown and restored the honor of the Kun and Su clans, bestowing the titles of Loyal and Valiant General upon the late General Kunze and Heroine of Valor upon the late Holy Virgin Su Ying.
With life finally settling into peace, Qingqing expressed to Kunwu that she planned to search for a new place for the You-Su people to live, as their fate had long been burdened by their illusionary powers. Kunwu offered to arrange guards to escort them away from Zhongli for their safety, promising to bring them back once the current troubles subsided.
He also revealed his intention to remain with the Princes Guard to help them deal with the immortal elixir, which had turned out to be a source of evil, and to ensure their safe return to Donglu. Qingqing, while understanding his loyalty, urged him to be cautious. She shared her growing suspicions about the secrets of the Yousu Clan, believing that her mother's dying wish to have her body burned was meant to destroy her Holy Virgin bloodline skin.
Qingqing suspected that the Kuifang people had been making human skin drums for years, specifically waiting for the skin of a Holy Virgin descendant. Given this, she feared that Old Woman Su, being the last Holy Virgin descendant besides herself, might have been targeted to fulfill this purpose.
Later, as the You-Su people began packing, Qingqing wondered if their troubles were truly over, to which Kunwu replied that it might just be the beginning, hinting at hidden secrets within the Zhongli Palace. Meanwhile, Zhong Liyuan met with a masked Kuifang person, who declared that after seven years, the sacred drum was finally complete, bringing them closer to their goal.
Zhong Liyuan questioned if the drum could truly control thousands of troops with its illusionary power, remarking that the masked Kuifang person still seemed to be holding back despite their years of cooperation. The masked Kuifang person, sensing Zhong Liyuan's mistrust, assured him that the drum's full magical capabilities would be revealed once it had conquered the capital.
Until then, the masked Kuifang person needed to borrow the drum to deal with the Princes Guard, as their presence hindered their plans. Zhong Liyuan then inquired how he would ensure immunity from the drum's influence, and the masked Kuifang person offered him an antidote, promising it would allow him to remain temporarily sober while using the drum. Zhong Liyuan also laid down a strict condition: the princes must be eliminated quickly to prevent future trouble.
Gu Xi, unsettled by an ominous divination predicting calamities for Zhongli, was approached by Jiang Wenhuan. Jiang Wenhuan remarked that the world was about to change, a sign often indicated by the behavior of fish and swallows before a storm. He asked Gu Xi to divine Zhongli's fate and challenged her, asking if she had foreseen who would bring Zhongli to ruin, especially in light of the suspicious sacred drum of the You-Su clan.
Jiang Wenhuan confessed that Gu Xi was the only person in Zhongli he couldn't comprehend, as she had alternately hurt, helped, and saved him, yet he believed her nature was not bad because she never avoided his gaze. He contrasted this with Zhong Liyuan, whose innocent facade hid an inscrutable depth. Jiang Wenhuan sought Gu Xi's help in uncovering the truth behind Zhong Liyuan's enigmatic nature, assuming she shared his curiosity. Gu Xi then recounted a story.
Seven years prior, her extraordinary talent to see the past and future had revealed a vision: her entire village would be destroyed by an outsider. Determined to alter this fate, she guarded the village entrance. One day, she encountered Zhong Liyuan, who was lost and fleeing from the murder of his parents. Despite her prophecy, she offered him water and directed him away from the village, pointing him deeper into the mountains.
However, her father, a hunter, later found and rescued Zhong Liyuan, bringing him back to their village. Gu Xi, distraught, warned her father that this boy could not stay, as he posed a great risk to the entire village based on her prophecy. Her father, however, believed it was wrong to abandon someone in despair for their own safety, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing right from wrong and having the courage to act even when facing insurmountable odds.
The tragic prophecy soon came true. The people pursuing Zhong Liyuan launched a brutal attack on the village. Gu Xi's father urged her to run through the back door and protect herself, calling her by her given name as he sacrificed his life to save her. Gu Xi found her parents' bodies amidst the devastation. Consumed by grief and rage, she confronted Zhong Liyuan, accusing him of causing the massacre.
When he offered a dagger for her to take his life, she stabbed him, but the act offered no solace. Overwhelmed, Gu Xi begged him to kill her, wishing to join her parents. Zhong Liyuan then shared his own harrowing ordeal: for a month, he was confined in a carriage with his parents' decomposing bodies, witnessing their decay and realizing how desperately he wanted to live to avenge them.
He promised Gu Xi that within ten years, they would personally kill those responsible for their families' tragedies. From that day, they formed an alliance. Zhong Liyuan returned to Zhongli to act subserviently and lower the State Preceptor's guard, while Gu Xi, using her abilities, joined the Divination Platform to work alongside the State Preceptor. They operated both openly and covertly, supporting each other with the belief that they would one day achieve their revenge and restore peace to Zhongli.
Jiang Wenhuan noted Zhong Liyuan's ruthless character, to which Gu Xi firmly stated that Zhong Liyuan was the only person she trusted and the destined ruler to bring prosperity to Zhongli. Jiang Wenhuan scoffed at her unwavering faith in "destiny," but before leaving, he revealed that while he didn't trust Zhong Liyuan, he trusted Gu Xi. That night, Jiang Wenhuan consulted Gongsun Wuyu about the immortal elixir.
He proposed they cease the search, given its true nature as a poisonous substance. Gongsun Wuyu explained the complexity, noting that the elixir was a source of pride for the Shangshan royal family and that past failures had incurred the Emperor's wrath. She worried that revealing the elixir was poison would not only affect Zhongli but also incur the Emperor's fury upon the Princes Guard and Donglu.
Jiang Wenhuan suggested finding the elixir and presenting evidence to dissuade the Emperor, but Gongsun Wuyu countered that it had vanished without a trace from Zhongli, and she suspected a deeper conspiracy than just Xian Xuanji, potentially involving Zhong Liyuan and the secretive Kuifang people of Su Village. Soon after, an official delivered an invitation from Zhong Liyuan for the princes to attend a banquet in the palace three days later.
The following day, Zhong Liyuan presented Gu Xi with lavish jewelry and new clothes, but she expressed disinterest, stating she only wished for him to be a good ruler who protected the people of Zhongli. Zhong Liyuan then tried to express his feelings for her. Gu Xi seized the moment to ask directly if he was involved in the creation of the human skin drums from the Su clan.
Zhong Liyuan, somewhat defensively, responded that he was surprised she lacked trust after so many years, but affirmed that no matter what transpired, he would never harm her, emphasizing her importance to him. That evening, Gu Xi secretly followed Zhong Liyuan to an underground chamber, only to discover he had deliberately led her there. He then rendered her unconscious, speaking to her slumped form, acknowledging that he had lured her.
He expressed a desire for her not to have come, revealing that after dealing with the Princes Guard, he planned to attack Mt. Shang, after which they would stand together at the peak of the world, their great revenge finally avenged.
Episode 24 Recap
The princes, confined to the Prince's Guard camp, were restless and bored. Xin Jia openly complained, expressing his strong desire to go out and have some fun, questioning why they still needed to be cautious when the State Preceptor was already dead. Another prince reminded him of Jiang Wenhuan's instructions to remain at the inn before the Zhongli banquet unless it was urgent, and pointed out that Chong Yibiao's strict watch meant no one could leave.
Undeterred, Xin Jia attempted to sneak past Chong Yibiao, who was guarding the doorway. After a playful dash out and back to tease Chong Yibiao, he was firmly sent back, with Chong Yibiao calling him a "stubborn ass." Meanwhile, Jiang Yiyao diligently sought an antidote. After extensive experimentation, she successfully refined blood crystal into a fine powder. This antidote, mixed with her special herbs and General Lin Ying's blood, could suppress the "corpse poison," effectively using "poison to treat poison."
Jiang Wenhuan recalled an ancient prophecy linking the immortal elixir's reappearance with that of blood crystal, confirming its potency against the poison. He then questioned the purpose of the skin drums from Su Village. Jiang Yiyao explained that these drums, made from the skin of the Su clan, functioned like an illusion, capable of controlling people's minds and confusing their senses.
She assured her brother that her newly concocted antidote would calm their minds and keep them clear-headed during the upcoming banquet. Jiang Wenhuan praised her, confident in their preparations. Later, a guard delivered a message to Chong Yibiao from Jiang Wenhuan, instructing him to prepare for the palace banquet. While Chong Yibiao was distracted, Xin Jia, having observed his surroundings, managed to slip out through a hidden passage.
As he wandered through Zhongli, contemplating visiting a brothel and buying some treats, Chong Yibiao's stern warnings echoed in his mind: "All food must be tested with a silver needle. . . You can't get close to strangers. . . Don't provoke trouble." Feeling stifled, Xin Jia then witnessed a man publicly harassing a young woman, claiming her father owed him gambling debts and had stolen from him.
Initially, Xin Jia hesitated, remembering the warnings against meddling, but when the man's cruelty escalated, he intervened. He challenged the man to a gamble, proposing that if he won, the woman would be free, and if he lost, both he and the woman would go with the gambler. Xin Jia won multiple rounds, compelling the gambler to release the woman. He gave her the winnings to help her start anew.
In gratitude, the woman presented Xin Jia with a sachet containing herbs said to ward off insects and plagues, promising immunity to poisons. Xin Jia accepted the sachet but respectfully bid her farewell. Attempting to sneak back into the camp through the same hidden passage late at night, Xin Jia was once again caught by Chong Yibiao. Xin Jia tried to make light of his absence, claiming he only went out for fresh air and met no one.
However, Chong Yibiao detected the unusual scent of the sachet and, finding it on him, summarily discarded it, citing the strict rule against foreign objects during such critical times. Xin Jia, frustrated, vowed to get even with the "heartless, stubborn mule." Meanwhile, Zhong Liyuan met with Fourth (the masked person of Gui Fang). Fourth reassured him that the Prince's Guard was no longer a threat and that Zhong Liyuan would soon reclaim the capital.
Zhong Liyuan expressed surprise at Fourth's true identity and pointed out the many secrets Fourth still kept, especially regarding the so-called "immortal elixir." Fourth dismissed his concerns, emphasizing that with the elixir and the "divine drum," their goal of retaking the capital would soon be realized. Zhong Liyuan declared that he cared little for how Fourth used the monsters, stating his sole desire was to exact revenge on Yuan Yang for the massacre of his family.
The next day, as the princes prepared to depart for the palace, Jiang Wenhuan reiterated the potential dangers ahead and distributed the antidotes and earplugs. He explained that Jiang Yiyao's antidote would protect them from poison and keep them clear-headed, while General Lin Ying's forces were already on standby. At the banquet, Zhong Liyuan extended a seemingly gracious welcome to the princes, toasting their efforts in eliminating the State Preceptor and wishing Zhongli an eternal and prosperous future.
Discreetly, the princes took their antidotes, clearly suspecting Zhong Liyuan's intentions. Jiang Wenhuan, suspicious, asked about Gu Xi's absence, wishing to bid her goodbye, but Zhong Liyuan deflected, saying there was no rush. Jiang Wenhuan then pressed him about the missing skin drums of Su Village and Granny Su, reminding Zhong Liyuan of his promise to assist in the search. Zhong Liyuan, attempting to dismiss the matter, suggested it was closed since the "demon master" was gone.
Jiang Wenhuan countered, emphasizing that the people of Zhongli were also subjects of Shangshan, and with the drum and Granny Su still missing, the matter was far from resolved. Zhong Liyuan, dropping his pretense, mockingly offered his "delicacy," implying they were his "helpless prey." Jiang Wenhuan retorted that indeed, as helpless prey, they found it hard to swallow, and openly branded Zhong Liyuan a "hypocrite."
Zhong Liyuan challenged Jiang Wenhuan's belief that mere words could secure their safe departure, to which Jiang Wenhuan calmly affirmed their preparedness. Zhong Liyuan, now fully revealed, summoned his guards, only to find them intercepted by Lin Ying and the Kun family's old guard. Kunwu declared that while the Kun family served the Zhongli royal house, Zhong Liyuan's self-serving ambition made him unworthy of the throne.
Zhong Liyuan feigned a panicked surrender, promising to reveal all, and then mocked Jiang Wenhuan's "cleverness." Suddenly, Xin Jia and Chong Yibiao collapsed, poisoned. Zhong Liyuan gloated, revealing that the sachet Xin Jia received was poisoned, part of his elaborate trap. He then pulled back a curtain, unveiling the hidden skin drums of Su Village, stating that the princes' meddling had forced his hand.
As he frantically beat the drum, its eerie power began to affect many present, including Lin Ying and his men, despite Jiang Wenhuan's desperate call for everyone to concentrate with their antidotes. Amidst the chaos, Jiang Wenhuan urged everyone to flee. Zhong Liyuan's guards seized Gongsun Wuyu, who was attempting to send a distress signal to the Taurus Army outside the city.
Gongsun Wuyu offered himself as a hostage, appealing to Zhong Liyuan not to make enemies of the dukes by harming the princes, but Zhong Liyuan dismissed it as a bad trade. He ordered his men to kill all but the "important ones," coldly declaring that after them, the King himself would be his next target. As the princes retreated, Lin Ying, under the drum's hypnotic control, attacked Kunwu.
Kunwu desperately tried to rouse Lin Ying by reminding him of his identity as General Lin Ying, the fiercely loyal ninth deputy general of the Kun family army, who had fought alongside General Kun Ze. Lin Ying showed signs of breaking free, asserting that the Kun Army never retreated. Kunwu then produced a Kun family bronze token, which caused Lin Ying to pause, his eyes clearing as he recalled his true mission.
Lin Ying immediately commanded the Kun family soldiers to form a "Kun's Wall" defensive array to cover the escape of Kunwu and the surviving princes. However, their pursuers' weapons were smeared with blood crystal, the bane of the corpse monsters, which would be fatal to the Kun Army. Realizing the gravity, Kunwu urged Lin Ying to escape and live to preserve the Kun Army's hope, but Lin Ying steadfastly refused, sacrificing himself to ensure their safe retreat.
As the remaining princes fled the palace, they were intercepted by another ambush. Jiang Wenhuan bravely stayed behind to cover their escape, accepting his capture so the others could get away. Kunwu and the other survivors eventually reached the outskirts, where Kunwu solemnly buried the Kun family bronze token as a tribute to General Lin Ying's heroic sacrifice. Back with the surviving group, Xin Jia was overcome with guilt, blaming himself for their plight.
Chong Yibiao tried to console him, urging him to remain strong for Jiang Wenhuan. Xin Jia, in despair, wished he had died instead. Meanwhile, Jiang Wenhuan endured brutal torture at Zhong Liyuan's command. Defiant, Jiang Wenhuan scoffed at Zhong Liyuan's methods, daring him to kill him swiftly. Zhong Liyuan, however, revealed his intention to keep Jiang Wenhuan alive, to use him as bait to lure the other princes into a final trap.
Jiang Wenhuan boldly asserted that Zhong Liyuan wouldn't dare kill him, not only for tactical reasons but also out of fear that Gu Xi would abandon him. He scornfully called Zhong Liyuan a "sneaky rat" for his despicable tactics. Zhong Liyuan, infuriated by Jiang Wenhuan's "cleverness," ordered him to be lowered, ominously reminding him that these torture methods were learned from Shangshan, implying Jiang Wenhuan and Gongsun Wuyu would be familiar with them.
Jiang Wenhuan then demanded to know Gongsun Wuyu's whereabouts. Zhong Liyuan replied that Gongsun Wuyu was "well treated" but added that he was unsure if she would survive. Zhong Liyuan further elaborated that his strategy was to break a person's will by targeting their weaknesses, unlike Shangshan's direct torture.
He revealed that he often heard Gu Xi mention Jiang Wenhuan's name and intended to crush Jiang Wenhuan's rebellious spirit, promising to spare his life only to kill his friends one by one, making Jiang Wenhuan suffer a fate worse than death. Jiang Wenhuan, despite his pain, laughed, stating that Zhong Liyuan's hatred wasn't merely due to him being from Shangshan, but rather because of Gu Xi's affection for him.
Episode 25 Recap
Jiang Wenhuan confronted Zhong Liyuan, asserting that Zhong Liyuan's intense hatred stemmed not merely from Jiang Wenhuan being from Shangshan, but from Gu Xi's apparent affection for him. This exchange fully exposed Zhong Liyuan's sinister nature. Enraged, Zhong Liyuan furiously forbade any mention of Gu Xi's name.
Jiang Wenhuan retorted that Gu Xi had undoubtedly seen Zhong Liyuan's true colors, labeling it as karma for his cruel and heartless disposition, and questioning how the diviner could willingly remain by his side. Overwhelmed by anger, Zhong Liyuan initially intended to strike Jiang Wenhuan dead with his sword, but a sudden change of heart led him to believe that a quick death would be too merciful.
Instead, he opted to inflict prolonged torment, slashing Jiang Wenhuan's leg with his sword, declaring that while the wound wouldn't kill him, it would ensure he suffered a fate worse than death. Meanwhile, Gu Xi awoke from a terrifying dream in which Jiang Wenhuan and others were brutally tortured. Disturbed, she immediately went to the Black Water Pool, the mystical device used for fate divination, and decisively destroyed it before departing.
Zhong Liyuan soon arrived, furious at the destruction of the Black Water Pool. In his uncontrollable rage, he murdered an innocent maid. Elsewhere, Xin Jia was consumed by self-reproach, believing he was responsible for plunging everyone into peril and causing their suffering. That evening, he sought solace in drink, wishing he had been the one captured instead. He was told that moping around was pointless and that he should prioritize saving Jiang Wenhuan before contemplating his own death.
Xin Jia resolved that even as a perceived failure, he must rescue his comrade. He determined to save Jiang Wenhuan. Gu Xi appeared before Chong Yibiao, who was discussing the daunting challenge of rescuing Jiang Wenhuan from the heavily fortified Zhongli Palace. She proposed an alliance, stating that they must cooperate with her if they wished to save Jiang Wenhuan. Chong Yibiao, skeptical, demanded proof of her intentions. In response, Gu Xi presented a marriage invitation.
Upon receiving Gu Xi's marriage proposal, Zhong Liyuan surmised her true motive was to save Jiang Wenhuan. Nevertheless, he decided to play along, intending to exploit the news to further torment Jiang Wenhuan. He dispatched a guard to inform Jiang Wenhuan of the impending wedding and the accompanying general amnesty, knowing the message would be a cruel mockery of his prisoner's plight. Gu Xi and E Shun meticulously planned Jiang Wenhuan's rescue for the wedding day.
Gu Xi cautioned them against any rash actions and instructed them to follow her lead. She subtly revealed her awareness that E Shun was not who he seemed, without directly confronting him. Instead, she pointed to the stars, speaking of the sun's journey through Yang Valley and the water of Xianchi, and describing Jiang Wenhuan as a person born to bring light.
She praised Jiang Wenhuan as a sincere individual who consistently stepped forward in times of crisis, turning danger into safety, and never gave up even in desperate situations, always turning the tide. She noted that being around Jiang Wenhuan often made her ponder if she could be as fearless.
She then spoke of the interconnectedness of all things and people, and referenced Yao Guang, the Poh Jung Star in the Big Dipper, signifying breaking through obstacles to establish a new order, and the principle of placing oneself in a desperate situation to find a way to survive. She confessed that she once believed she had deciphered fate, but now understood she had merely been avoiding another possible destiny, one that might truly be different.
She declared that from that moment, she would believe only in herself, not in heaven or earth. Before their departure, she gave Chong Yibiao a safety rope, expressing her hope for the princes' safe return, and instructed him to rendezvous with the Taotie Army outside the city after they set off. On the day of the wedding, the princes escorted Gu Xi towards the palace.
Jiang Wenhuan was brought to the ceremony, compelled to witness the woman he loved marrying Zhong Liyuan. Zhong Liyuan, in a rare display of tenderness, escorted Gu Xi, resplendent in a wedding dress, into the palace. He remarked that she alone deserved to wear such a magnificent garment. Jiang Wenhuan watched, bewildered, unable to comprehend Gu Xi's true intentions. During the wedding ceremony, Gu Xi faltered.
Zhong Liyuan, having anticipated her plot to use the wedding as a trap to rescue Jiang Wenhuan and leverage the princes to intimidate him, ordered his soldiers to encircle the princes. Trapped, Gu Xi was left with no choice but to complete the wedding rituals. Following the ceremony, Gu Xi approached Jiang Wenhuan and pressed her forehead against his, silently conveying a vision of Zhongli's dire future: a prolonged and devastating war that would plunge its people into profound suffering.
Distraught, Jiang Wenhuan questioned how such a fate could befall them, reminding her of her earlier declaration to defy destiny. Gu Xi made him promise to protect Zhongli no matter what happened in the future. Jiang Wenhuan agreed, then asked about her role. Gu Xi responded that Zhong Liyuan would be her responsibility, and the people of Zhongli would be his. She declared that they would defy fate together that day.
With that, Gu Xi tragically ended her own life, believing that only her and Zhong Liyuan's demise could alter the future. Zhong Liyuan rushed to Gu Xi's dying body, holding her close. Gu Xi quietly asked if he remembered her true name, reminding him of his promise to call her by it after Xian Xuanji's death. Zhong Liyuan could only utter "Gu Xi," confirming he had forgotten. With a determined resolve, Gu Xi drew a dagger and stabbed Zhong Liyuan.
As he lay dying, Zhong Liyuan struggled to whisper her real name, "Yao Guang." Gu Xi wept, lamenting how Zhong Liyuan had forgotten Zhongli, its people, and their shared promises, allowing ambition and desire to consume him. She wondered if things would have been different had they never met. Dying, Zhong Liyuan pleaded with "Yao Guang" not to leave him, expressing his fear and stating she was the only one he cared about and trusted in the world.
Gu Xi held him, reassuring him that they would face the journey to the netherworld together, and reiterated her final wish for him to protect the people of Zhongli. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Xin Jia burst in with reinforcements, boldly declaring that no one would harm his brothers again. Later, Jiang Wenhuan had recovered significantly from his wounds.
While tending to Jiang Wenhuan's injuries, his helper discussed a plan to remove the poison from Anashi's arm, proposing to use "corpse's blood as a catalyst" to combat the poison, acknowledging the inherent risks of treating poison with poison. Jiang Wenhuan then discovered a peculiar mark on Anashi's arm, realizing it wasn't the expected corpse poison. He questioned if his sleeve might have been stained with bloodstone powder during the medicine preparation, and how Anashi could have been affected by it.
Episode 26 Recap
Jiang Yiyao discovered that Anashi was severely afflicted by corpse poison, which had spread throughout his body. She was full of self-blame, fearing it was residue from her work with the blood crystal. When Gongsun Wuyu inquired what she had done, Jiang Yiyao explained that Anashi had touched the blood crystal. Gongsun Wuyu questioned why Anashi was affected if he hadn't been poisoned by the corpse poison before.
He theorized that Anashi's prolonged coma made his body resemble a living corpse, and the blood crystal might have had a suppressing effect on him. Gongsun Wuyu pleaded with Jiang Yiyao to keep Anashi's condition a secret from others, including her injured second brother, Jiang Wenhuan, and the untrustworthy Princes' Camp, as he feared for Anashi's safety. Jiang Yiyao agreed to prioritize Anashi's recovery.
She realized that while the treatment would be similar to Jiang Wenhuan's, Anashi's weakened state from years of slumber meant he couldn't withstand potent medicine. Therefore, she decided to use Shanlingzi, a herb known for its gentle effects, believing it could awaken Anashi. She resolved to go into the mountains immediately to find it.
The next day, as Jiang Yiyao prepared to go into the mountains to collect the Shanlingzi, Chong Yibiao stopped her, warning that Zhong Liyuan's followers were still at large outside the station. Jiang Yiyao convinced him to come along, explaining that Shanlingzi grows on the unique "young bamboo" in the forest, which is visually hard to distinguish. She taught him that one must listen carefully to the "breathing" sound of the leaves when the wind blows to locate it.
Initially, Chong Yibiao found all bamboo sounds alike. Jiang Yiyao, recalling her master's teachings, advised him to close his eyes, calm his mind, and feel with his heart, suggesting his mind was too cluttered. Chong Yibiao then recalled painful memories of being called a "despicable mare's son" and a "disgrace to Libei." After composing himself, he successfully located the distinct sound, leading Jiang Yiyao to the young bamboo.
As Chong Yibiao prepared to cut the bamboo, Jiang Yiyao noticed fine down on its body, which could be life-threatening if inhaled. She quickly hugged his head, covering his face. Chong Yibiao, shaken, scolded her for putting herself in danger and for risking harm to her neck. He spoke so rapidly that Jiang Yiyao had to cover his mouth, asking him to slow down so she could understand his lip movements.
He then told her she didn't need to risk herself to save him, declaring that this act repaid his life-saving favor. Before these events, Chong Yibiao discussed ""Gu Xi"" with another prince, noting she was a pitiful yet respectable person. Chong Yibiao reaffirmed his promise to ""Gu Xi"" to protect Zhongli Kingdom and its people, regardless of his return to Donglu.
Meanwhile, the masked leader of the Fourth faction, lamenting Zhong Liyuan's death, instructed his subordinate to proceed with their plan without any further failures. At the station, Jiang Wenhuan informed Jiang Yiyao of a summons from Zhongli Palace for the princes to attend a banquet, instructing her to stay put as Gongsun Wuyu was out buying medicine for Anashi. After Jiang Wenhuan left, Jiang Yiyao discovered Anashi was missing.
Chong Yibiao, intercepting the other princes on their way to the palace, suspected a "divide and conquer" tactic, finding the palace summons unusual given that Zhongli's affairs were managed by ministers. He immediately rushed back to the station, worried about Jiang Yiyao. His fears were confirmed: neither Jiang Yiyao nor Anashi could be found. Jiang Wenhuan discovered Jiang Yiyao's bell, leading him to believe she was in trouble.
With Jiang Wenhuan's old wound flaring up, he and another prince stayed behind for treatment. He tasked Chong Yibiao with finding Jiang Yiyao and Anashi, and sent Xin Jia to inform Gongsun Wuyu of the situation. In the forest, Jiang Yiyao, seeing a distant shadow she mistook for Anashi, followed it, diligently marking her path on the complex terrain. Meanwhile, Chong Yibiao and others were also searching for her, calling her name.
Eventually, Jiang Yiyao discovered Anashi tangled in numerous red threads in an area also marked by these strange lines. Just then, the masked leader of the Fourth faction appeared, coldly informing her that since she had uncovered Anashi's secret, she could not be allowed to live. She was then pushed into a pile of grass, where a lifeless hand emerged and choked her.
Though Chong Yibiao was nearby, still calling her name, he was suddenly drawn away by a distant sound. Helpless, Jiang Yiyao could only watch him leave before closing her eyes in despair. A Si and her guards arrived in Zhongli, searching for the princes. On their way, they discovered Jiang Yiyao's body in the forest. A Si recognized the distinctive Panlong totem on Jiang Yiyao's handkerchief and ordered her guards to respectfully take the body with them.
At the Zhongli station, Gongsun Wuyu was consumed by guilt, blaming himself for leaving to buy medicine for Anashi. Chong Yibiao soon returned, carrying Anashi, whom he had found in the suburban woods after chasing away a Fourth faction member. He noted strange needle marks on Anashi's arm, suggesting bloodletting by his captors. Gongsun Wuyu was perplexed as to why the Fourth faction would bleed Anashi. Chong Yibiao then declared his urgent need to find Jiang Yiyao.
Meanwhile, A Si arrived at the Zhongli station and encountered Jiang Wenhuan. She inquired if he knew a girl with a Panlong totem handkerchief, explaining they had found her body. Jiang Wenhuan, initially hopeful that she had found his sister, was shattered when he realized it was indeed Jiang Yiyao. Overwhelmed with grief, he vomited blood upon seeing her lifeless form. A companion observed that Jiang Yiyao's eyes remained open, as if she had an unfulfilled wish.
Chong Yibiao, returning to the station, found Jiang Yiyao's body. Heartbroken, he carried her to a lake outside the city. He remembered her past longing to see the sunset on the grassland and how he had promised to take her. As the sun set, he noted its beauty was the most similar to the grasslands, a poignant fulfillment of his promise.
A flashback showed Jiang Yiyao making a "safety rope" for her brothers, hoping for their safe return, and expressing that she would wait for Chong Yibiao. That night, Jiang Wenhuan personally buried his sister, vowing to avenge her death.
Episode 27 Recap
Chong Yibiao, curious, questioned Xin Jia about where he found Anashi. Xin Jia revealed Anashi was found in the dense forest near Zhongli's North Gate, a fact that greatly surprised Chong Yibiao. Meanwhile, Jiang Wenhuan was in turmoil, struggling to compose a letter to his brother informing him of Jiang Yiyao's tragic death. He lamented, "Yi Yao died in vain. How can I explain to my brother?
If I can't find out the truth, how can I face him and go back to Donglu?" A Si rushed in, full of self-reproach, wishing she had arrived sooner to prevent Jiang Yiyao's demise. " If only I could come here earlier. Yi Yao, it's my fault," she confessed. Jiang Wenhuan, blaming himself, added, "I'm ashamed to be your brother."
A Si inquired about his injuries, to which Jiang Wenhuan replied that he felt much better after taking the medicine Jiang Yiyao had left for him, realizing that his sister had been diligently preparing an antidote for him before she died. A Si comforted him, promising, "Don't worry. We will find the real killer and give Yi Yao the truth."
Jiang Wenhuan then pondered the deeper mystery: "What kind of undisclosed secret is hidden in this place that makes so many innocent people die? Was Yi Yao's death also related to the fake elixir?" A Si then revealed that her visit to Zhongli was also connected to the elixir. Chong Yibiao, analyzing the medicine residue from Anashi, was perplexed to find it contained the same corpse poison treatment given to Jiang Wenhuan. This deepened his suspicion.
He returned to the site of Jiang Yiyao's death and, while searching through a haystack, discovered Anashi's bracelet. He had also learned from Xin Jia that Anashi was found in a nearby forest, carried by a Gui faction member, leading Chong Yibiao to suspect Gongsun Wuyu. A Si explained to Jiang Wenhuan that after parting ways in Donglu, she had searched for other Tushan descendants in Ningzhou and encountered E Shun, the heir of the Southern Bohou State.
E Shun, who was also investigating the Tushan mystery, knew of a hidden Tushan cave. Together, they explored an abandoned cave, discovering several bronze artifacts and a mummified body, known as a "puppet corpse," wrapped in ropes. Inside its mouth was a half-severed little finger, suggesting its owner might have taken the immortal elixir. E Shun's findings indicated that after the Ningzhou incident, a talented and musically inclined Tushan descendant had fled to Donglu.
Jiang Wenhuan, recalling his master’s words about protecting the people and reflecting on the severed finger, began to suspect Gongsun Wuyu. He was unwilling to believe his beloved master could be the culprit. He visited her, presenting her with the "Qishan Orchid Tune," an ancient lost melody. When Gongsun Wuyu asked where he obtained it, he mentioned A Si brought it from Ningzhou.
He then subtly pressed her, asking why, as someone from Ningzhou, she had never spoken of the Tushan Village tragedy that transformed the region. He also inquired about her missing finger—how and where it was injured, and by whom. Gongsun Wuyu, sensing his persistence, finally conceded, "It seems that if I don't give you an answer today, you won't let it go."
She admitted that she knew more than just hearing about the Tushan Village incident; she had "seen it with her own eyes." Gongsun Wuyu then recounted her harrowing past. Years ago, she and the other Tushan villagers, regardless of age or gender, were captured and forced into a cave to be experimented on for the immortal elixir. All 307 villagers were brutally massacred, except for her.
On that fateful day, she managed to crawl out of a pile of corpses with her newborn child and fled to Donglu. Along the way, she was attacked by bandits, losing her little finger in the struggle. She was eventually rescued by Jiang Wenhuan’s elder brother, the eldest son of the Dongwu Marquis’s Mansion, who took her in and made her a musician.
Her sole driving force to survive was her hope of reviving her child, who had been in a coma since birth. Jiang Wenhuan, deeply apologetic for his suspicions, questioned why she had kept such a painful history secret. Gongsun Wuyu explained that as a Tushan survivor, her identity was shameful, and his brother concealed the truth to protect him when he was young.
She also expressed her deep regret for not wanting to implicate the Dongwu Marquis’s Mansion or Jiang Wenhuan's brother. Jiang Wenhuan retorted that the King, who used people for experiments in his quest for immortality, was the true tyrant, not her. Gongsun Wuyu defended the King, blaming the Ningbo Marquis for the tragedy and the elixir for bringing chaos.
She then declared her intention to return to the capital to reveal the truth about the elixir to the King and clear the Tushan clan's name. When Jiang Wenhuan asked if any other Tushan descendants had escaped, she replied that it was possible. He then revealed that A Si was also a Tushan orphan.
Feigning surprise and warmth, Gongsun Wuyu exclaimed that it was a blessing the Tushan people had not all perished, and eagerly expressed her desire to speak with A Si about their shared past. Later that night, Chong Yibiao confronted Gongsun Wuyu. He questioned the suspicious coincidence of finding Anashi near Jiang Yiyao’s body and the presence of corpse poison medicine in Anashi's dregs. He demanded to know how Jiang Yiyao truly died.
Gongsun Wuyu calmly acknowledged Jiang Yiyao’s unfortunate death but insisted that she died due to an unjust world, not because of a specific killer. When Chong Yibiao threatened to kill her, she asserted, "No matter how much you hate me, you can't kill me now. Because only I can revive Yi Yao." She revealed she possessed the immortal elixir and its crafting method, requiring "blood crystal as a guide, nine tails as a medium."
As a descendant of Tushan, she claimed only she could make it. Chong Yibiao was horrified at the prospect of turning Jiang Yiyao into an undead monster, but Gongsun Wuyu countered, "So what? At least she can be with you forever, isn't it?" She played on his grief, reminding him of Jiang Yiyao's youth and how he couldn't bear to see her become mere bones in a foreign land.
She then cynically recounted Chong Yibiao's own tragic past—his mother's death, his father's hatred, his brother's betrayal, and the loss of his friends—all while he was powerless. She painted Jiang Yiyao as the only one who genuinely cared for him, presenting this as his only chance to bring her back. " Don't you want to try for her?" she pressed. Overwhelmed, Chong Yibiao declared, "Yi Yao, no matter what, I'll bring you back."
Soon after, A Si and her guards were ambushed by assassins, whom A Si quickly dispatched. Jiang Wenhuan arrived and, inspecting a dead assassin's neck, recognized a distinctive mark that was also etched on Gongsun Wuyu's "Haozhong" qin. Jiang Wenhuan, recalling how he had deliberately revealed A Si's identity to Gongsun Wuyu the day before, realized his master had orchestrated the assassination attempt.
The next day, Gongsun Wuyu, accompanied by the Taotie Vanguard Army, grandly announced a royal decree at Zhongli Palace, ordering the immediate massacre of the entire city due to "Zhongli's rebellion." The citizens panicked. E Shun bravely intervened, declaring that while King Zhongli had been tyrannical and executed, the innocent people should not suffer. He asserted that Southern Capital would stand with the people of Zhongli.
However, Chong Yibiao, now allied with Gongsun Wuyu, sided with her, stating, "The king is the Heaven. It's hard to defy the Heaven. If you don't obey, it's disloyalty. Your Royal Highness, please step aside." The other princes present were furious, accusing Chong Yibiao of abandoning his principles and calling him a "despicable man who forgets his duty for profit," declaring their brotherhood with him irrevocably severed.
Just as the Taotie Army was ordered to arrest the "rebel princes," Jiang Wenhuan and A Si arrived. Jiang Wenhuan loudly proclaimed that Zhongli's people were Shangshan's people, and protecting them was loyalty to Shangshan. He ordered the Prince's Camp to form a defensive formation, vowing to protect the citizens and not retreat a single step. Gongsun Wuyu angrily ordered him to stand aside, but Jiang Wenhuan firmly refused, stating, "Master, I'm afraid I can't comply this time."
Gongsun Wuyu, acknowledging their master-apprentice bond, gave him one last chance to reconsider his defiance by morning, or she would show no mercy. Jiang Wenhuan, however, ignored her ultimatum and led the citizens to retreat and fortify their defenses. After this confrontation, Jiang Wenhuan, along with E Shun, connected the dots. The assassin lured out by A Si, whose mark mirrored the "Haozhong qin," confirmed Gongsun Wuyu's involvement.
They deduced that Gongsun Wuyu was indeed a descendant of the Tushan Village, the ancient tribe depicted in the murals. After the Tushan clan was slaughtered for the elixir, she hid her identity and plotted her revenge, aided by the Gui faction. Jiang Wenhuan explained that Gongsun Wuyu, whose birth name was Xuan Yin, had a husband named Haozhong, a Gui Clan noble.
They were a loving couple until the Tushan Village was ravaged, and Haozhong sacrificed himself to save the villagers, leaving Xuan Yin and their child alone. Xuan Yin, carrying Anashi, was saved by Jiang Wenhuan's brother and became a qin teacher at the Dongwu Marquis’s Mansion. Discovering the King’s love for music, she used her exceptional qin skills to rise through the ranks, becoming the Crown Prince Tutor and gaining the King’s trust.
E Shun questioned why, if Gongsun Wuyu sought revenge against the King, she would order the massacre of Zhongli. Jiang Wenhuan speculated it was tied to the immortal elixir. He recalled that A Si had found a severed little finger at the Tushan sacred site in Ningzhou, strongly suggesting it belonged to Gongsun Wuyu. In a moment of solitude, Gongsun Wuyu clutched a mask, mournfully uttering "Haozhong," reflecting on sixteen years of waiting.
She then fell into a memory: pregnant Xuan Yin was cooking while Haozhong meticulously carved the very mask she now held. He told her it was a symbol of his Gui faction noble lineage and that if she or their child ever faced hardship, they should present it to the Gui faction for protection and respect. Xuan Yin, content, told him that with him, they feared nothing.
Their idyllic life was shattered when Shangshan envoys arrived, demanding the immortal elixir, claiming it was a sacred relic bestowed upon the Shangshan ancestors by a Nine-tailed Fox. Haozhong fiercely defended his clan’s ancient oath to keep the elixir from the mortal world, triggering a brutal attack. He sacrificed himself to save the villagers, while Xuan Yin and her child were captured and taken to the Tushan secret cave for elixir experiments.
Xuan Yin managed to escape, eventually learning of the King's passion for music, which she shrewdly exploited to climb to power. Jiang Wenhuan continued his deductions, explaining that the former Ningbo Marquis's failed quest for the elixir and subsequent punishment led him to rebellion, implying the elixir remained in someone else's hands, likely Gongsun Wuyu.
The later control of Zhongli's Su Family Village by the Gui faction, their killings and attempts to recreate the Yousu Divine Drum, pointed to a larger scheme. He noted that the Sheng'an will warned against the reunion of the immortal elixir and the divine drum, prophesying chaos. With Gongsun Wuyu now possessing both, that prophecy was poised to come true. E Shun, grasping the gravity of the situation, asked what purpose such powerful items would serve.
Jiang Wenhuan gravely answered, "Corpse refinement." He explained that the Kun family soldiers who became "Ba beasts" were driven mad by the drum, and the "puppet corpse" in the arena was Gongsun Wuyu's first "Ba monster" created in Tushan, which, without the drum's full power, went berserk and bit off her finger. E Shun expressed shock, realizing that the seemingly kind and gentle Gongsun Wuyu was behind all these atrocities, and asked Jiang Wenhuan how he intended to confront his former master.
Episode 28 Recap
Jiang Wenhuan deduced that Gongsun Wuyu had obtained both the elixir of immortality and the human-skin drum. Knowing these dangerous artifacts would bring widespread chaos and destruction according to ancient prophecies, he urged the Zhongli people to seek shelter. However, the people, including officials, were resolute in their refusal to leave, expressing profound gratitude for the Princes' past efforts in saving them and wishing to contribute their meager strength to protect their home.
An official stated that without the Princes stepping up, the city would have been destroyed. They, as scholars with no strength to protect the city, were ashamed but pledged to follow Jiang Wenhuan's lead. Jiang Wenhuan assured them that he and the Prince's Escort would protect them at all costs, and the people repeatedly thanked him. Gongsun Wuyu, in her fury, ordered a city-wide massacre.
She confronted Chong Yibiao, instructing him to assist her in achieving her goals, and in return, she would bring the living Jiang Yiyao back to him. Chong Yibiao threatened to kill Gongsun Wuyu after Yi Yao's return, but Gongsun Wuyu retorted that if he truly sought revenge, he should pursue supreme power to reshape the unjust world, adding that she merely wanted him to comprehend the ease of death.
Meanwhile, Jiang Wenhuan convened an urgent meeting with the other princes to devise a strategy. They acknowledged the difficulty in resisting Gongsun Wuyu's powerful forces, with many enemy generals and their own scarce, inexperienced troops. They discussed how help from Donglu was sought but its arrival uncertain. Scouts confirmed that the Taotie Army completely surrounded Zhongli City. A significant portion of Zhongli's forces had been eliminated, leaving only a small, ill-equipped, and untrained contingent of newly conscripted men.
Outnumbered, they predicted the city would fall within three days under a strong assault. One suggested that while leading the populace to escape was impossible, the Prince's Escort might break through at night. Xin Jia, despite admitting his fear of death, asserted that having pledged to protect the Zhongli people, he would stand firm. Jiang Wenhuan, seeing their unwavering resolve, made the decision to fight to the death.
He instructed the various groups: Xin Jia was to lead able-bodied civilians in reinforcing the palace gates, E Shun was to lead the Prince's Escort in repairing defense mechanisms and preparing ambushes at the palace gates, and Miss Asu was to comfort and hide the elderly, children, and women within the palace. He also instructed all citizens to retreat into Zhongli Palace, noting that those in the north of the city would need more time to arrive.
Gongsun Wuyu's generals assured her that no city could withstand the Taotie Army for more than a day. Following her orders, her soldiers began setting fires outside the city, intending to force out and kill anyone within. Inside, the terrified citizens speculated about the unfolding events, lamenting the probable loss of those in the north of the city.
Watching the inferno from the city wall, Kunwu was overcome with grief, recalling the traumatic massacre of his own family, Uncle Lin, and the Kun Army, and questioned why he was still alive when he had been powerless to stop any of it. Jiang Wenhuan joined him, acknowledging that they, too, had been unable to prevent the tragedies. An old man then approached them, offering warm Dried Cabbage Pies. The familiar scent brought back memories of Kunwu's childhood.
The old man shared that his family had been making these pies in Zhongli for three generations, and the taste had never changed. He asserted that as long as people and their spirit remained, homes could be rebuilt, and cities restored, for the people were the very roots of Zhongli, saved by the Princes' sacrifices. He thanked Jiang Wenhuan on behalf of the people, who were then urged by Jiang Wenhuan to return to shelter from the cold.
Jiang Wenhuan commented on Kunwu polishing his bow, reminiscing about a competition where Kunwu had bested Chong Yibiao with a single arrow. Kunwu then spoke, saying that if he did not return, an item should be given to his brother, but Jiang Wenhuan insisted he keep it himself. Kunwu remarked on the unexpected cold of the southern winter.
Jiang Wenhuan playfully dismissed Kunwu's notion of what constituted real snow, asserting that Zhongli's beautiful, cold snow was truly remarkable, and if Kunwu ever saw it, he would understand. Kunwu agreed to see it. Jiang Wenhuan, in a gesture of deep trust and camaraderie, handed Kunwu an accessory, presenting it as a memento, but Kunwu recognized it as a personal gift. In return, Kunwu gratefully presented Jiang Wenhuan with his Kun family copper token.
The following day, Gongsun Wuyu and Chong Yibiao launched a full-scale assault on the city. Jiang Wenhuan and the Princes divided their forces to meet the enemy, engaging in a fierce battle. During the intense fighting, Chong Yibiao suddenly turned his sword on Xin Jia, who fiercely condemned Chong Yibiao for his heartless and ungrateful nature, regretting ever considering him a brother. Xin Jia questioned if slaughtering civilians and bullying the weak was the "righteous path" of Lilibei's bravest warrior.
An enemy general then used the Taotie banner, a symbol of the King's personal expedition, to warn the princes that their refusal to surrender constituted treason, threatening their entire clans with annihilation and the destruction of their homelands. Inside the city, as their forces were pushed back, the princes debated their options. Some feared the consequences of defying the royal banner, arguing that protecting Zhongli's people shouldn't lead to the ruin of their own countries.
Xin Jia, in a fit of rage, offered to cut down the "ragged banner," but was cautioned that such an act would be considered high treason. Observing the dire situation and the princes' hesitation, Kunwu stepped forward. He introduced himself not as E Shun, the Nambo Marquis' heir, but as Kunwu, the son of the loyal and valiant General Kunze of Zhongli State, having impersonated E Shun to seek revenge.
He confessed to deceiving the emperor and everyone, stating he was beyond redemption and, unlike the others, had nothing left to lose. He declared it was most fitting for him to retrieve the flag. Jiang Wenhuan, refusing to let Kunwu face certain death alone, insisted on joining him.
However, Kunwu reiterated that from that moment, he was no longer E Shun of the Princes' Escort but solely Kunwu of Zhongli, stating his actions were purely for national and family vengeance and bore no relation to the Princes' Escort. He dramatically severed ties, declaring they would all serve their own masters, concluding with a solemn "We'll never meet again."
Despite his earlier severing of ties, Jiang Wenhuan, filled with apprehension, returned the Kun family copper token to Kunwu, hoping it would safeguard him and ensure his return. As Kunwu prepared to charge, Jiang Wenhuan called out "I'll wait for you to come home."
Kunwu, in a resolute voiceover, declared his unwavering commitment to his homeland, stating that as a son of the Kun family, protecting Zhongli was his destiny, and that the river which nurtured him would one day embrace him again. He then galloped like lightning towards the enemy, prepared to fight for his country even "through fire and water."
From the city walls, Jiang Wenhuan ordered the other Princes and archers to provide covering fire, shouting for them to "shoot arrows to cover E Shun." Gongsun Wuyu observed their efforts, remarking that a momentary act of bravery would not lead to a good outcome. Despite the valiant efforts, the enemy's overwhelming numbers soon surrounded Kunwu, who sustained multiple sword wounds, his battle robe soaked in blood.
Witnessing Kunwu's peril, Jiang Wenhuan, unable to bear it, leaped from the city wall and charged into the enemy ranks to protect him, while also warning Kunwu to watch out for Chong Yibiao. Chong Yibiao, seeing Jiang Wenhuan, raised his bow and arrow, but a flicker of hesitation crossed his face, preventing him from firing immediately.
Simultaneously, Xin Jia rallied the remaining Princes, declaring that the Princes' Escort brothers would "live or die together" and shouting, "Kunwu Army will never retreat! Charge!" The other princes echoed, "Kunwu, we're coming!" With his remaining strength, Kunwu fought his way to Gongsun Wuyu, aiming to cut down the Shang King's banner, which could have turned the tide of battle. However, before he could achieve his objective, he was brutally struck down by a sword and fatally killed.
Jiang Wenhuan's voiceover lamented, "Even a small ant can shake the sky," reflecting on their shared experiences and camaraderie, asking, "If you need help, can't we trust you and assist you?"
Episode 29 Recap
The city's people, after days of siege, had run out of food. The Princes went their separate ways to reassure the populace, organizing young men to fortify defenses and sending others to search for edible roots and bark in the ruins. Suddenly, a thunderous crash erupted from a section of the city wall, as several hulking undead creatures burst through a breach, instantly filling the air with a putrid stench.
The leading Prince quickly ordered the pre-prepared fire oil to be ignited, and flames spread along the wall, temporarily halting the creatures' advance. However, more creatures gathered from all directions, and the guards on the wall grew weary. As the defense line teetered on the brink of collapse, the Princes exchanged resolute glances. Chong Yibiao slowly raised his bow, steadily aiming a sharp arrow at Jiang Wenhuan.
Yet, his mind was flooded with memories of his time with Jiang Wenhuan, conversations echoing in his mind: "We've shared drinks, punishments, and life and death. If you need help, can't we trust and assist you?" He then thought of Jiang Wenhuan promising, "Whatever trouble Zhongli is in, we'll face it together. What's there to fear?" These recollections overwhelmed him. With a gritted jaw, he abruptly shifted his aim towards Gongsun Wuyu instead.
The arrow struck, severely wounding Gongsun Wuyu, who was forced to make a hasty and ragged retreat with her soldiers. " Lord Gongsun! Quick! Medic, stop the bleeding. Everyone, fall back! My Lord, go!" her soldiers urged as they fled. Jiang Wenhuan, in anguish, rushed to Kunwu, trying desperately to lift him. " Kunwu, get up! Don't talk, save your strength! We'll talk about it later, okay? We're home, get up!" he pleaded.
But Kunwu, knowing his end was near, weakly opened his eyes. " I can't go back," he whispered, then added, "Jiang, this. . ." trying to offer something. Jiang Wenhuan gently returned Kunwu's bronze plaque, saying, "Here you go." Kunwu's gaze drifted upwards as snow began to fall, fulfilling a long-held wish. " See? I told you. The snow in Zhongli is so beautiful. Don't cry. I've wandered for so long, and now I'm finally home. I. . .
have no regrets," Kunwu said, a sense of peace washing over him before he slowly closed his eyes, bidding farewell to the world. Jiang Wenhuan was heartbroken. " Kunwu, I saw Zhongli's snow. It's beautiful. Let's go home," he choked out, before carrying Kunwu's body back into the city. Along the way, their shared past replayed in his mind: a promise, "Slave, wait for me here.
I'll take you home tomorrow," and the solemn oath of brotherhood they took: "I am Jiang Wenhuan, from the Jiang family of Donglu. I am Kunwu, from the Zhongli family. We are sworn brothers. We trust each other with our lives, help each other in times of need, and share both fortune and misfortune. Heaven and earth are our witnesses, and the mountains and rivers are our oaths. We will uphold this bond for life and never break it."
He recalled Kunwu's simple desire: "I want to live." With a heavy heart, Jiang Wenhuan arrived at Kunwu's old house, where Kunwu's presence still seemed to linger. He slowly knelt and picked up a worn toy, a relic of Kunwu's childhood. Jiang Wenhuan lamented Kunwu's tragic fate, having finally returned home after a lifetime of wandering, only to meet such an end.
He closed his eyes, imagining the life Kunwu should have had: a loving family, a glorious career, and a true love with children. All these dreams, however, had dissolved into nothingness with Kunwu's death. Meanwhile, Gongsun Wuyu, though severely wounded, dragged herself to her son, Anashi. Clasping his hand tightly, her eyes burned with fierce determination. " They think they've defeated me, Tushan, and Kuifang.
But they don't know that you, my son, are Kuifang's strongest King of the Ten Realms. Anashi, as long as you're here, I'll never be defeated," she declared, drawing strength from his presence. Elsewhere, Chong Yibiao solemnly presented Jiang Wenhuan with Anashi's bracelet, which he had found where Yi Yao died and where he had met Anashi. He revealed his disturbing discovery: the medicine Anashi consumed was identical to the one used to treat Jiang Wenhuan's own corpse poison.
This led Chong Yibiao to conclude that Anashi was also infected and perhaps "never lived," merely a controlled creature. " Gongsun Wuyu lured me to rebel with Yi Yao's revival. She told me the method of making immortal elixir, saying that she could make Yi Yao an undead "Bashi"," Chong Yibiao confessed, explaining his own motivations. As Gongsun Wuyu's behavior grew increasingly erratic, her own soldiers began to question her actions. "
How do you plan to explain to the king?" some asked, pointing out the unprecedented casualties in the Taotie Army and asserting, "The Taotie Army is not your personal soldiers. We will take charge of the war afterwards. You should rest and recover." Unperturbed, Gongsun Wuyu scoffed, "The real war has just begun." She then revealed the human-skin drum hidden behind her and struck it fiercely. The demonic sound resonated, seizing control of the soldiers, rendering them helpless.
Then, Anashi, with vacant eyes, miraculously walked among them, biting soldiers and causing blood to spray in a horrifying spectacle. Gongsun Wuyu then used Anashi's blood to form a dark array. To the horror of all, the corpses of the fallen soldiers below began to stir and rise, their eyes blank, moving like the living dead. Gongsun Wuyu had successfully forged her own immortal army, signaling an even greater catastrophe. " Yuan Yang, do you see it?
The elixir of immortality you've sought for years, do you see how powerful it is?" she taunted, addressing a ghost of the past. Jiang Wenhuan and the others, grim-faced, convened to reorganize their battle plan. They surmised that Anashi had likely been transformed into a monster by Gongsun Wuyu, meaning they faced an even more intense and brutal war. " The Donglu Army will reach Zhongli City at dawn.
Tonight, if we hold the Taotie Army, it is victory," a soldier stated. Jiang Wenhuan, however, cautioned against complacency: "The Taotie Army left suddenly. It was too easy. I know Gongsun Wuyu. She will be fully prepared. I'm worried." He confirmed that Anashi, long dead, was now intrinsically linked to an immortal elixir and the powerful Divine Drum of Su Village. " The drumbeat can control those who have become "Boguai".
If the Taotie Army are "Boguai", we will definitely lose," he warned. Despite the bleak outlook, Jiang Wenhuan declared, "Even if we lose, we must fight to the end." He entrusted A Si and the old troops of Li with holding the last line of defense within Zhongli Palace, protecting the innocent civilians. " The people in the palace, the palace gate, I will protect it for you no matter what," he promised.
The Princes, in turn, vowed to fight Gongsun Wuyu outside the city gates. " Tonight, we will fight with our backs to the water. We may die and be buried in a foreign land. But a man must be upright and have a clear conscience. No matter what, we must keep our promise and protect the people we need to protect.
Only then will our life be worthwhile," one Prince declared, rallying his comrades, who roared in unison, "Protect the people! Never retreat!" A Si watched Jiang Wenhuan leave, whispering, "Jiang Wenhuan, you must come back." Gongsun Wuyu, with a triumphant smirk, summoned hundreds of undead warriors using her human-skin drum. These ghostly figures poured out of the darkness, obeying her every drumbeat.
As the battle began, the Princes quickly identified the enemy as ""Boguai"" and realized Gongsun Wuyu's intent to create an immortal army of dead warriors. Jiang Wenhuan reminded them, "Blood crystal is fed with blood. It can kill the "Boguai". With the crystal as a blade, we can kill the "Boguai"." He instructed them to wear earplugs to counter the drum's influence, concluding, "In this battle, we will fight the immortal with an immortal heart. . . Brothers are united.
We won't let each other down! Kill!" The Princes, with blood crystal coated on their weapons, charged into battle. The blood crystal temporarily repelled the terrifying undead creatures, but Gongsun Wuyu merely scoffed, "Do you really think you're invincible with blood crystal?" More creatures surged forward, overwhelming the defenders. One Prince, Wang Yuanji, falling in battle, looked to Chong Yibiao and gasped, "Chong, I didn't let you down this time, did I?"
As more Princes fell, their blood staining the ground, Chong Yibiao, filled with rage and sorrow, once again wielded his blade, fighting fiercely. Inside the city, the ordinary people, refusing to remain passive, ignited with defiance. " Zhongli City is our home. Protecting our home is what we should do," they declared to A Si.
Ignoring her warnings that they were "just ordinary people" who would "die for nothing," they joined her in charging out of the city, unafraid of facing "mountains of swords and seas of fire," ready to protect their home. Jiang Wenhuan, seeing the tide turning, shouted, "To turn the tide, we must destroy the drum first. Anashi is protecting the drum. Once we get close to him, the "Boguai" will attack. This is the only way.
To break the drum array, we must kill Anashi first." As Gongsun Wuyu intervened to protect her son, "You want to kill my son? It's not that easy," Jiang Wenhuan decisively told his comrades, "Anashi is for me. You go destroy the drum."
Episode 30 (Ending) Recap
Chong Yibiao finally realized that the key to defeating the monsters was to eliminate Anashi. He turned to Jiang Wenhuan and told him, "Leave Anashi to me. You go break the human skin drum." Jiang Wenhuan responded, "Okay." With his eyes wide in fury, Chong Yibiao fought relentlessly, covered in blood, until he reached Gongsun Wuyu. She mocked Jiang Wenhuan, declaring, "Huan'er, you can't beat me." Ignoring her, Chong Yibiao engaged Anashi.
He remembered his solemn promise to Yiyao that he would save Jiang Wenhuan for her, and that he would wait for her. In a critical moment, recalling his vow, Chong Yibiao, muttering, "What I promised. . . I've done it," bravely sacrificed himself, taking Anashi with him in a final, decisive act. At the same instant, Jiang Wenhuan seized the opportunity and destroyed the eerie human skin drum. Immediately, the monsters collapsed as if their very essence had vanished.
Seeing her forces defeated, Gongsun Wuyu fled in disarray back to a hidden cave. At this moment, Jiang Wenfeng was imprisoned there, suffering from corpse poison and in great pain. Jiang Wenhuan confronted Gongsun Wuyu, believing his years of sincere devotion would touch her heart. However, she had cruelly poisoned and severely wounded him. He reproached her, saying, "Gongsun Wuyu, His Majesty knows the whole story. You'd better confess now. Master, good triumphs over evil. You've lost."
Gongsun Wuyu retorted, "Huan'er, didn't I teach you not to know the outcome until the last moment? Don't you find it strange? You asked for help from Donglu. Why hasn't your elder brother's figure shown up yet?" Xin Jia, who had accompanied Jiang Wenhuan, demanded, "Let him go. Brother Jiang. Let him go." Gongsun Wuyu then rode away, taunting, "Follow me, and you'll see your elder brother." Later, Jiang Wenhuan located Gongsun Wuyu's hiding place in a cave.
She asked him, "Why are you alone? Where's Anashi?" Jiang Wenhuan replied grimly, "He'll never come back." Gongsun Wuyu, initially calling Anashi a "poor child," then asserted, "My child is not pitiful. My Anashi was chosen by the Nine-tailed Fox Immortal. His flesh and blood can resurrect the dead. His command can lead millions of monsters. Do you know what his name means? Anashi, in Kuifang language, means the King of the Ten Realms. My child is a king.
He is the only light in this chaotic world." Jiang Wenhuan corrected her, "You learned the Kuifang language from your husband, right? Do you know what Anashi truly means in Kuifang language? It means the bravest warrior of heaven and earth. That's what your husband expected of his child. Do you think he would be happy in the afterlife to see you and your son in such a state?"
Gongsun Wuyu angrily blamed Jiang Wenhuan's family, "Do you people of Shangshan have the right to mention him? He died at the hands of old Yuan Yang. He was killed by your Shangshan." She then blamed Jiang Wenfeng, saying, "It's all his fault. If he didn't bring the men of the Prince's Camp to oppose me, I wouldn't have lost. My Anashi wouldn't have died." She then taunted Jiang Wenhuan, saying, "Huan'er?
I really want to see what expression he will show when he sees you now." Jiang Wenhuan, still suffering from the poison she administered, accused her of being heartless, saying, "You wrote to me for help, and I came immediately. You let me drink poison, and I had no doubt. I trusted you so much. Tell me, why are you so devoid of conscience? Why did you do this? Didn't you say you would marry me?
Didn't you say you'd wait for my answer? I can tell you the answer now. I want to be with you." Gongsun Wuyu coldly responded, "You don't understand now. One day, you will," adding ominously, "He should be here soon." Gongsun Wuyu, with a wicked plan, used Granny Su's mysterious drum to manipulate Jiang Wenfeng, intending to turn him against his brother. Jiang Wenhuan desperately called out, "Brother!" while Gongsun Wuyu mocked the drum's power.
Jiang Wenfeng, though controlled by the drum, struggled painfully. In a brief moment of clarity, he recognized Jiang Wenhuan, saying, "Huan'er, you are Huan'er. Let's go home together. Go home!" He then yelled "Go quickly!" to his brother. To ensure his brother's safety and refuse to be a puppet, Jiang Wenfeng, with a defiant cry, "I, Jiang Wenfeng, would rather die in battle than be anyone's puppet!" took his own life before Jiang Wenhuan.
Gongsun Wuyu stared blankly at Jiang Wenfeng's lifeless body, tears streaming down her face. She murmured that now they could be together forever. Jiang Wenhuan, distraught, condemned her, "Gongsun Wuyu, my elder brother treated you with such sincerity, but you've harmed him to this extent. You're truly devoid of conscience. I, Jiang Wenhuan, was truly blind to call you Master for so many years." Gongsun Wuyu then turned to Jiang Wenhuan and began to narrate her tragic past.
She said, "Huan'er, don't you want to know what the immortal elixir is? I'll tell you now." She revealed her original name was Tu Shan Xuanyin, and her entire clan, from the elderly to children, had been exterminated by Ning Bohou's elixir experiments. Though she was ten months pregnant and forced to take the medicine, she remained unharmed, yet gave birth to a dead infant. Devastated, she wished to die with her clansmen.
But then, her child miraculously came back to life, and his blood could transform dead people into immortal monsters. She then understood the true nature of Sheng'an's immortal elixir, recalling the prophecy: "Nine-tailed born, immortal elixir approaches. The mother is the medicine, the child is the cauldron." The method involved marrying a Tushan woman, making her pregnant, and when full term, letting her drink a nine-tailed fox poison concoction refined for three days and nights.
The child born would be the living cauldron for the immortal elixir. Jiang Wenhuan, repulsed, interrupted, "Enough. I don't want to hear this filth." But Gongsun Wuyu insisted, "You must listen. This is the sin your Sheng'an ancestors committed. It's the crime committed by your Shangshan. Your Shangshan owes my Tushan clan a blood debt which can never be repaid, generation after generation."
Jiang Wenhuan called her claims "absurd," and countered, "The sin of Sheng'an, the injustice of Tushan, and the King's greed have caused so many innocent people to suffer. How can the blood of the Shangshan people wash away the fresh blood of Su You of Tushan? It's just revenge for revenge, endless and unending. You resort to any means, with blood on your hands, and stepping on the souls of the wronged all the way.
What's the difference between you and the tyrant you speak of? You taught me 'public good for all' and 'people first'. But in your eyes, they're all lies. Are you insane?" Gongsun Wuyu replied, "If I weren't, how else could I have survived until today?" She recounted how she first experimented with Ning Bohou's son, who became a Puppet Monster and bit off her little finger. She found it worthwhile to see Ning Bohou's suffering.
To obtain human skin drums, she used Xian Xuanji to destroy Kunwu's family, using the saintesses to make human skin drums, but Saintess Su Ying was alert and cleverly destroyed all the drums. So, she manipulated Zhong Liyuan, who was consumed by revenge, to secretly create drums for her. She concluded, "And then, you already know the rest." Jiang Wenhuan questioned, "You've been scheming every step of the way. What about us? What wrong did Yiyao do?
What wrong did my elder brother do? Our Jiang family treated you as family." Gongsun Wuyu claimed, "I've warned you many times. Whether you believe it or not, I really don't want to hurt you." Jiang Wenhuan dismissed it as an "excuse," asserting, "You always had a choice. But the path you chose is despicable and shameless, a path of no return." Gongsun Wuyu responded, "Maybe.
Now you already know the origin of the immortal elixir's sin, and also the method to refine the immortal elixir." When Jiang Wenhuan asked, "So what?" she replied, "Foolish child, when you know all this, you will never return to that carefree Donglu youth of the past. In this world, as long as someone knows that the immortal elixir exists, there will always be people caught in that endless vortex of desire.
Greed and death, suspicion and killing coexist as one." Overcome by grief and regret, Gongsun Wuyu saw Jiang Wenfeng's past image, recalling his declaration of love and commitment: "I am Jiang Wenfeng, 32 years old, from Donglu, the adopted son of the Duke of Dongwu. I am now serving Donglu in the army. I am not married yet, only because I am waiting for someone.
I want to use an eight-bearer sedan chair to marry her formally and bring her home. Love her, protect her, and take care of her children with her. We'll enjoy spring flowers and autumn moons, and endure summer heat and winter cold, until we grow old, and our love lasts forever." She heard her own voice asking him, "Who taught you such beautiful words?" Looking at his body, she softly said, "Stubborn mule.
Didn't expect in the end, you're still so stubborn. Let go. Let go." Her heart seemed to be pierced by something, and she ultimately chose to jump into the lake, ending her life filled with hatred and madness. Xin Jia and the other princes, heavy-hearted, mourned Chong Yibiao and the other fallen princes. Xin Jia remembered their early days in Zhongli, full of laughter and carefree spirits, contrasting it with their present sorrow.
He spoke to the fallen, recalling, "Didn't anyone come to the Marquis of Bohou? Didn't anyone come to Xichuan either? It seems we are both unlucky people. In the future, in the Prince's Camp, we can only warm each other. You left. Who will drink with me? I'm still waiting to take you to find a beauty." Xin Jia proclaimed, "Gongsun Wuyu is dead. Everything is over. Brothers, you can rest assured now. I've avenged you all."
He then recalled the hopeful introductions of the new recruits, including Tao Yingzhong, Tai Dian, Wang Yuanji, and Su Yuanxiao, who had sworn, "We go together today. We'll surely return together tomorrow." Jiang Wenhuan, in a desolate mood, visited Kunwu's memorial, pouring plum wine as an offering. In a wistful vision, he seemed to see Kunwu alive, and they sat opposite each other, drinking joyfully. Jiang Wenhuan boasted about the plum wine, saying, "How is it?
I told you, my Zhongli's plum wine is unmatched in the world, didn't I lie to you?" Kunwu admitted, "This wine is indeed good wine. But I say, you're not that great of a person. We agreed to live until the end together, how come you died first? Really boring." Jiang Wenhuan shrugged, "Anyway, it's not the first time I've lied to you. Brother Jiang, why bother?" Kunwu retorted, "That's true.
The one who can fool me, Jiang Wenhuan, twice in heaven and on earth, it's only you, kid." Kunwu then added with a smile, "However, just consider it a debt I owe you from my past life. This life, you owe me. In the next life, I'll get it all back, one by one." Jiang Wenhuan then bid farewell to the vision, saying, "Alright. Not talking to you anymore. I'm going to send elder brother and brothers home.
I still have my new mission to complete and a new road to go." The next day, A Si, with a resolute expression, prepared to leave the sorrowful land. She told Jiang Wenhuan, "I'm leaving. Go ahead. Don't look back." Jiang Wenhuan hurried to see her off, his eyes filled with reluctance. A Si noted, "I knew you would definitely come to see me off." He replied, "You are leaving again." She asked about his plans, "What about you?
I heard His Majesty summoned you to the capital for commendation." Jiang Wenhuan stated, "I have submitted a petition to decline it. I'm not going." He insisted on seeing her off further, saying, "This time, you should let me see you off, right? Let's go." A Si eventually stopped him, saying, "Even a thousand miles apart, a parting is inevitable. Let's stop here." Jiang Wenhuan expressed his deep sorrow, "In this world, there are few people I care about left.
You must take care." As A Si left, she paused and asked what he had said when she last departed Donglu. Jiang Wenhuan asked if she had heard him, then feigned indifference, saying, "Nothing. Wish you a safe journey." A Si then revealed, "I lied to you. I heard it all. The King's imperial edict is coming soon. Go back quickly. We'll meet again."
Jiang Wenhuan replied, "I'll be there, don't leave without me," and A Si added, "We'll meet again." Following these events, the King, deeply moved by the disaster caused by the immortal elixir, issued an imperial edict. An official declared that the King expressed deep regret for the past, acknowledging that the battle of Zhongli, which left weapons broken and bones exposed, was entirely due to the calamity of the immortal elixir.
Taking full responsibility and daring not to pardon himself, the King proclaimed a general amnesty, decreeing that from that day forward, there would be no more witchcraft or strange arts in the land of Shangshan, and no more unjust deaths under heaven. As Jiang Wenhuan and Xin Jia surveyed the land, once bustling Zhongli was now dilapidated and desolate, filling Jiang Wenhuan with mixed emotions.
Local vendors sold simple buns, like "pickled mustard greens buns," as people began rebuilding, picking through debris. Xin Jia lamented how a single war could destroy centuries of Zhongli's heritage. Jiang Wenhuan observed Xin Jia's missing hand, to which Xin Jia remarked, "If it's gone, it's gone, right? At least I saved my life. I think this is also quite good. At least I quit my gambling addiction." Xin Jia also noted, "This fog of Zhongli should also gradually lift."
Jiang Wenhuan added, "As long as someone is still here, Zhongli is not truly destroyed. Perhaps what everyone fights to protect to the death is this unremarkable human life." An old man selling buns approached them, calling them "Heroes," and gratefully offered them buns on behalf of his family, thanking them for saving Zhongli from dire peril. Xin Jia thanked him and accepted. Xin Jia then remembered Kunwu, saying, "I remember E Shun. . . No, it should be Kunwu.
His favorite should be this bite," referring to the buns. Just then, as Jiang Wenhuan and Xin Jia looked out, they were stunned to see Kunwu galloping towards them on horseback. Xin Jia exclaimed, "Brother Jiang, look!"
