The Long Ballad Recap, Plot, Synopsis

The Long Ballad Synopsis

In the ninth year of the Tang Dynasty, there is a sudden change in the inner palace, and Li Changge, the daughter of the former prince, escapes and goes to Youzhou for help.

On the way, Changge meets A Shi Le Sun, a secret agent of a grassland tribe who uses the name Qin Zhun, and they become close to each other. Changge smashes a conspiracy in Youzhou, but at the same time, her identity is revealed. She goes to Shuozhou to escape from the disaster.

Changge hides with Gongsun Heng, the official of Shuozhou. She helps fight against the grassland forces, but she doesn’t know that the enemy general is Qin Zhun. Changge is shocked and distressed but fights against him.

However, Shuozhou, a lonely city, eventually falls. Changge becomes a prisoner of war and is taken to the grassland. She discovers that the Great Khan has other ambitions by accident. To save the country,Changge makes some efforts but failed. Changge and Sun are separated.

As Changge goes into a life of exile, she gradually learns the truth that the benevolent is invincible and finally puts aside her personal grudges. After discovering that the forces of the former Sui were the mastermind behind the trouble, Changge and Sun join together to protect the peace between the Tang Dynasty and the grasslands.

They finally realize their feelings for each other and work together to overcome the crisis.

The Long Ballad Recap

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In the woods outside the city, a valiant young woman galloped away on horseback. Determination filled her eyes, and even as she reached the edge of a cliff, there was no fear in her gaze. She was Li Changge, the former Crown Prince’s daughter. Following the recent upheaval within the palace, she had narrowly escaped and was now heading to Youzhou for reinforcements.

Even if driven to the brink, Li Changge would rather charge off the cliff on horseback than surrender without a fight. In the ninth year of Wu De during the Tang Dynasty, Li Changge was once the treasured daughter of the Eastern Palace. Yet due to a palace coup, she fled the royal palace. That same year, she met Asher Sun, forming a lifelong bond.

Back then, in the bustling city of Chang’an, Asher Sun, a special envoy from the prairie tribe, arrived with his attendants. As they took in the sights of the bustling streets, Asher Sun remarked that such prosperity might not last forever. While walking through the city, they happened upon trouble caused by people from the Crown Prince’s Mansion. A dispute broke out between them and the prince’s men.

At that moment, Li Changge, disguised as a man, rode in on horseback. She saved them but left swiftly and decisively. Back in the palace, the Crown Princess spoke with Li Changge about the prairie envoys. The former emperor had once discussed marriage alliances with the prairie tribes. Now, with few suitable young women left in the palace, the Crown Princess urged Li Changge not to venture out carelessly.

Her only wish in this life was for Li Changge to live safely and peacefully in Chang’an. When Crown Prince Li Jiancheng returned to the palace, the Crown Princess—who normally treated him coldly—uncharacteristically brought pastries to his study. Before seeing Li Jiancheng, she inadvertently overheard him plotting to move against Prince Qin. She was shocked and fearful. Li Changge visited the palace to find Princess Leyan. The two girls were of similar age and equally beautiful.

But while Leyan was gentle and obedient, Li Changge had a heroic and daring spirit. Bold and willful, Li Changge learned that there would be a cuju match at the field that day and dragged Leyan along to watch. Leyan admired a graceful young man named Wei Shuyu. She had embroidered a protective charm for Li Changge and also prepared one for Shuyu. As they headed to the field, they unexpectedly saw the ruthless Hao Dou slaughtering servants.

Li Changge hurriedly pulled Leyan away, but Leyan accidentally dropped one of the protective charms, which Hao Dou picked up. At the field, when Leyan realized the charm was missing, Li Changge gave her own to Leyan and told her to give it to Wei Shuyu. The cuju match was intense and posed a serious disadvantage to Tang. During the game, Wei Shuyu got injured.

Leyan rushed to him, while Li Changge had a clever idea—she took his uniform and went on the field wearing a mask. Li Changge joined the game. Asher Sun also led the prairie team to participate. A fiercely competitive young man, Asher Sun thought victory was in his grasp, but Li Changge's skill impressed him. The match came to a tie, with the outcome riding on the final goal.

The last round was fiercely contested, and Li Changge ultimately secured victory for Tang. The crowd erupted in cheers, and she was awarded a prized ceremonial blade from the prairie tribe. Shixin Sili of the prairie tribe brought up the marriage alliance during talks with the Tang. He had his eyes on Leyan, daughter of Prince Qin. Prince Qin was unwilling to send her to the prairie for a political marriage.

However, Li Jiancheng already had intentions of eliminating Prince Qin. Seeing Shixin Sili’s interest in the alliance, Li Jiancheng invited him to the Eastern Palace to discuss further. Little did they know, the proposed alliance was actually a test set up by Asher Sun. Observing Tang’s eagerness, he assumed their military strength was lacking. With great ambitions, he aimed to conquer Tang and was merely gauging their strength by coming here.

Li Changge visited Prince Qin’s mansion to present him with the prized blade she had won. Since childhood, she had studied military formations and swordsmanship under Prince Qin, starting at age seven. Naturally, he was the first she would give the blade to. Prince Qin accepted it and sparred with her, also teaching her techniques for combat. Afterward, he told her to return home and asked her to pass on his regards to her mother.

When Li Changge returned home, Li Jiancheng learned that she had disguised herself as a man and participated in the match. He praised her greatly and asked her to deliver the prized blade to his chambers. Li Changge, evasive, said she had already given it to Prince Qin. Li Jiancheng, who had always disliked Prince Qin, flew into a rage upon hearing this and forbade her from ever mentioning the prince again.

Just then, Wei Zheng arrived to see Li Jiancheng. He spoke a few words in defense of Li Changge before following him to the study to discuss state matters. Li Changge had always been willful. The Crown Princess had earnestly warned her the previous day, but she hadn’t taken it to heart. After learning that Li Changge had caused a stir at the cuju field, the Crown Princess, for the first time in her life, slapped her.

She made Li Changge swear before a statue of Guanyin to live a life free of hatred. Li Changge had never hated anyone before and made the vow. However, she added that if anyone harmed her mother, she would hate them completely. Hearing this, the Crown Princess was slightly reassured. She instructed Li Changge to pack her things and prepared to send her to Biyong Hall to reflect for ten days.

Asher Sun continued to monitor every move within the Eastern Palace. That night, Li Chunfeng observed an unusual celestial phenomenon, indicating a great upheaval. Worried, he decided to enter the palace to report to the emperor at once. The next day, the Crown Princess personally accompanied Li Changge to Biyong Hall. She had stayed up all night making pastries for her.

Unaware that this would be their final farewell, Li Changge, still resentful, threw the pastries and refused to call her "mother" again. Tears welled in the Crown Princess’s eyes as she watched Li Changge leave, her heart filled with sorrow but no regrets. This was the only way for Li Changge to survive. On the way, Li Changge realized the coachman wasn’t heading toward Biyong Hall.

Sensing something wrong, she recalled the Crown Princess’s strange behavior and escaped the carriage to return to the Eastern Palace. But she was too late—blood filled the Eastern Palace. Li Changge saw Prince Qin emerging from the Crown Princess’s room with bloodstained hands. Stunned, she stared blankly at her second uncle. Wei Zheng had planned to submit a memorial to the Crown Prince.

He wrote a letter to send to the Eastern Palace, but Fang Xuanling appeared at his residence and stopped him. The gates of Xuanwu were now closed, the Eastern Palace had been slaughtered, and Fang Xuanling had come for two reasons: to preserve Wei Zheng’s reputation for loyalty and to protect his life. Neither of them could step outside the residence that day. Asher Sun learned of the Xuanwu Gate coup.

The order to close the gates had come from the Crown Prince’s subordinate Chang He. He had assumed the Crown Prince controlled the palace gates, but the crossbow bolts outside the city were unique to Youzhou. Even the prince’s men were blocked from entering. Asher Sun chuckled coldly—this Prince Qin was more cunning than he had imagined. Chang He had already defected to Prince Qin.

Li Changge entered the Crown Princess’s room, but again, she was too late—the Crown Princess had stopped breathing. Crying, she wanted to know what had happened. San Niang, barely alive, crawled to her side. Hearing the commotion, Chang He arrived. He hadn’t expected Li Changge to still be alive and tried to kill her. San Niang used her life to block him. In agony, Li Changge saw the blade she had gifted to Prince Qin lying on the ground.

She finally realized that the Eastern Palace massacre had been orchestrated by Prince Qin. With San Niang’s help, she fled the mansion. Asher Sun spread news that “the Crown Prince and Prince Qi are dead, and all their men have been executed,” hoping to shake the Tang army’s morale. Meanwhile, Leyan learned of the Eastern Palace coup from Hao Dou. Deeply worried, she feared for Li Changge’s safety. The message spread by Asher Sun circulated among the troops, unsettling morale.

Prince Qin was troubled. Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui disagreed on how to proceed. After much deliberation, Prince Qin decided to hold his position and take no action. Li Changge, now in hiding, changed her clothes and unknowingly saved a young beggar. From him, she learned that her mother’s body was at Rong'en Temple. She used a ruse to get past the guards and finally saw her mother’s corpse. Overcome with grief, Li Changge wept bitterly.

She knew the Crown Princess had foreseen this end. Though she had once made Li Changge promise never to harbor hatred, with her mother and father dead, the Eastern Palace destroyed, and the court indifferent, how could she feel no hate? That day, she vowed: she would never rest until she personally avenged their deaths.

The commotion at Rong'en Temple alarmed Du Ruhui. He spent the entire night investigating Li Changge's whereabouts. Upon discovering that she was hiding in a pastry shop, a sudden and suspicious fire broke out, which saved her life but destroyed all traces of her. At this time, Fang Xuanling came to see Du Ruhui. Du Ruhui realized that Fang Xuanling intended to protect Li Changge.

Since Fang Xuanling was present, Du Ruhui did not want to act in vain and thus withdrew his troops. Although Li Changge found the fire suspicious, she did not accept this favor. Her mother had just died tragically at Rong'en Temple, and she was determined to seek revenge. While fleeing, the little beggar followed her closely. Even though he knew who Li Changge truly was, he continued to treat her as his master and stayed by her side.

To dispel the rumors in the army, Prince Qin ordered the pardon of the second prince's followers. The Xuanwu Gate Incident had not been his wish—he only hoped the turmoil would pass quickly and that the Tang Dynasty could enjoy peace. Asher Sun was surprised by Prince Qin’s resolve. Since his diplomatic mission to Chang'an had failed, he decided to travel to Youzhou, hoping to achieve something there.

On one hand, this was to fulfill his khan’s mission, and on the other, to keep his "dear brother" Asher Sheer from speaking further. Li Leyan knew that Fang Xuanling had always been fond of Li Changge, so she inquired about her whereabouts. Since Li Changge had been mentored by Fang Xuanling, she was naturally sharp and clever, and hadn’t been caught. However, this time she would have to suffer a bit.

Later, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui discussed state affairs with Prince Qin. Du Ruhui had already disagreed with pardoning the second prince’s faction. Now, with Fang Xuanling recommending Wei Zheng to Prince Qin, Du Ruhui found himself even more at odds with Fang Xuanling politically. Du Ruhui ordered strict guards at each city gate to catch anyone who might slip through. Asher Sun had intended to leave the city but accidentally bumped into Li Changge on the street.

Li Changge recognized Asher Sun. Knowing she was from the Eastern Palace, Asher Sun covered for her, which caused him to miss his chance to leave the city. He had no choice but to find another way. Du Ruhui went to the Wei Residence, but Wei Zheng avoided seeing him. Du Ruhui mentioned the current situation of the Wei family and gave some stern advice to Wei Shuyu.

Knowing that the Crown Prince’s power had waned and that Prince Qin had become the new heir apparent, Wei Shuyu accepted Du Ruhui’s fish tally as a symbol of allegiance and promised to persuade his father. After Du Ruhui left, Wei Shuyu saw Li Changge and told her about his current situation. He said that Li Shimin was kindhearted and suggested she come to the palace with him, believing Li Shimin would not harm her.

But Li Changge brushed his hand away—she not only distrusted him but also secretly stole his fish tally, planning to sneak into the palace. Li Changge entered Li Shimin’s study. Just as she was about to strike, Du Ruhui entered to deliver the Crown Prince's seal and attire. Li Shimin asked Du Ruhui to leave, knowing that Li Changge was hiding inside. He called for her to come out. Holding a dagger, Li Changge pointed it at Li Shimin.

Even though he wanted to let her go, she hated him bitterly and was determined to kill the man who caused her mother’s death. The disturbance was noticed by Du Ruhui, who led soldiers to capture her. He wanted to throw her into the death prison, but Li Shimin protected her and instead ordered her to be locked up in the side room and treated well.

Du Ruhui, unwilling to let Li Shimin raise a future threat, secretly instructed Hao Dou to keep a close watch on Li Changge and execute her immediately if she attempted to escape. Fang Xuanling came to play chess with Li Shimin at his urgent invitation. Li Shimin, deeply worried about Li Changge, hoped that Fang Xuanling would help her in secret. The next day, news of an assassination attempt on Li Shimin spread.

Asher Sun suspected the assassin was the person who had bumped into him on the street—Li Changge. He decided to meet her, believing that the enemy of his enemy was his friend. Fang Xuanling sought out Li Leyan. Knowing Li Changge would not accept his favor, he told Li Leyan how to help her escape. Li Leyan visited Li Changge, but Zhangge, always astute, quickly realized that everything Li Leyan did was orchestrated by Fang Xuanling.

Therefore, she refused to accept her help. Following Fang Xuanling’s plan, Li Leyan tried to appeal to her with sisterly affection. But Li Changge could not accept this twisted reality—she couldn’t treat the daughter of her mother’s killer as her sister. She knocked Li Leyan unconscious, disguised herself in her clothes, and snuck into the study to steal the Crown Prince’s seal and escape.

Li Shimin discovered that the Crown Prince’s seal was missing and ordered a thorough search of Chang’an to retrieve Li Changge. She escaped from Hongyi Palace with the seal but almost exposed herself. At the last moment, the little beggar, A Dou, saved her. He asked to become her disciple and work alongside her. Seeing his sincerity, Li Changge agreed to let him stay. News of her escape reached Asher Sun, who had only seen her disguised as a man.

Curious and increasingly intrigued, he still couldn’t figure out her true identity. The next day, Du Ruhui held a meeting with Fang Xuanling and Li Shimin. Fang Yi knelt and admitted guilt for failing to catch Li Changge. Li Shimin then ordered a group of elite soldiers to dress in plain clothes and investigate secretly, instructing Fang Yi to bring Li Changge back alive. As for Li Leyan, he punished her with confinement as a formality.

The capital’s officials were closely watching Li Shimin, afraid that his pardon of the second prince’s faction was just a façade. Fang Xuanling understood Li Shimin’s concerns and brought up Wei Zheng, who could help eliminate those hidden worries. After the meeting, Du Ruhui summoned his adopted son Gao Du.

Believing that the military rumors originated from Li Changge—who had been raised and trained like a prince—Du Ruhui saw her as a growing threat and entrusted Gao Du with her elimination. Gao Du investigated the source of the military rumors and, following a fishy scent on a note, found a fishmonger connected to the matter. Upon questioning, he realized that Li Changge might not have been responsible.

Asher Sun’s attendant rushed to report to him after witnessing the fishmonger being arrested. Asher Sun, ever observant, sensed something was wrong and concluded that their identities had been exposed. He prepared to leave Chang’an. Before they could depart, Chang He and his men gave chase. Asher Sun had no choice but to flee on horseback. On the road, he ran into Li Changge, who was being pursued. In desperation, she stole his horse and fled.

Asher Sun disguised himself and hid by the roadside. During her escape, Li Changge accidentally dropped the fish tally, a Wei family item. Chang He picked it up and handed it to Gao Du, who used it to threaten Wei Shuyu into helping him capture Li Changge. Li Changge escaped safely and reunited with A Dou. Together, they looked for a way out of the city. The last merchant caravan leaving the city belonged to Asher Sun.

Li Changge met him again and asked for help. They struck a deal—once she safely exited the city, she would give him her treasured dagger. Since A Dou wasn’t wanted, Li Changge hid among Asher Sun’s men. She told A Dou to wait for her at the pavilion ten miles outside the city. If she didn’t arrive in three days, he needn’t wait any longer. Gao Du stationed men at the city gate to block the exit.

He stopped Asher Sun’s caravan and searched for Li Changge. Fortunately, she was well hidden. With Asher Sun’s help, she successfully left the city. Outside the gate, Li Changge gave him her dagger. He gave her a horse in return, believing they would never meet again. After parting, she rushed toward the ten-mile pavilion, where Gao Du and Wei Shuyu were already waiting.

Shuyu had been coerced into helping, but Gao Du tried to sow discord, claiming it was Shuyu who had brought him there. They chased her relentlessly, forcing her to a dead end. Refusing to surrender, Li Changge rode toward a broken cliff bridge. Her horse fell, and she clung desperately to the hanging rope. Gao Du drew his bow to kill her. Seeing this, Shuyu shot an arrow first.

Though it didn't hit a vital spot, it caused Li Changge to fall off the cliff. Li Shimin went to the Wei Residence to ask Wei Zheng to join him. Wei Zheng, proud and unyielding, refused. Not only did he throw his smelly shoes at Li Shimin, but he also lashed out with harsh words. Hearing the commotion, Fang Xuanling rushed out to stop them. Though furious at Wei Zheng's arrogance, Li Shimin heeded Fang Xuanling’s advice and left.

Li Changge was severely wounded by an arrow. She lay on the riverbank, barely clinging to life, when Asher Sun came upon her once again. He rushed forward to save her and discovered that Li Changge was a woman. When Li Changge regained consciousness, Asher Sun concealed the fact that he had learned her true identity.

Highly alert, Li Changge refused his help, gritting her teeth as she pulled out the broken arrow herself and took a strong swig of liquor. Taking advantage of her momentary distraction, Asher Sun poured the liquor over her wound to disinfect it. Only then did Li Changge realize his good intentions. Wei Zheng angered Li Shimin and believed that Li Shimin would not spare his life, so he was ready to die.

Li Shimin was known for his kindness and virtue. If Wei Shuyu wished to follow Li Shimin after his death, Wei Zheng had no complaints. Just then, Li Shimin sent a food box. Wei Zheng thought it contained poison, a sign of his impending death, but it turned out to be his favorite dish, vinegar celery, personally prepared by the Crown Princess. This gesture reflected Li Shimin’s sincerity.

Even the stone-hearted Wei Zheng was moved and decided to follow Li Shimin. Asher Sun had clothing and medicine brought for Li Changge. After changing clothes, she came to thank him for saving her. The two shared a drink but kept their identities hidden. Asher Sun used the alias Qin Zhun, while Li Changge called herself Shisilang. They formed a bond under these false names. Li Changge was carrying the Crown Prince’s seal, which held great significance.

Although Li Shimin was generous and kind, he hardened his heart for the sake of the greater good. He secretly told Du Ruhui to retrieve the seal at any cost, even if it meant killing Li Changge. Later, Li Leyan came to plead with Li Shimin to spare Li Changge, but he told her to forget about her.

Before she could react, a marriage decree arrived at the Eastern Palace, declaring Li Leyan a princess and the object of a diplomatic marriage alliance for the Tang Dynasty. Du Ruhui, aware of the deep bond between Li Changge and Wei Shuyu, believed she would surely seek him out. So he ordered Hao Dou to keep close watch on Wei Shuyu and to seize the Crown Prince’s seal and eliminate Li Changge the moment she appeared.

Unbeknownst to them, Li Changge had already reunited with Hao Dou, who formally kowtowed to her and became her disciple, pledging to follow her to Youzhou. The Inspector of Youzhou, Li Ai, had once been close to Li Jiancheng. Li Changge planned to seek his help and persuade him to send troops and avenge her family. Li Shimin visited Wei Zheng again. This time, Wei Zheng had changed his stance and invited Li Shimin in for tea.

Seeing Li Shimin troubled over Li Leyan's marriage, he offered a plan to help her avoid the alliance. Back at the palace, Li Shimin instructed Li Leyan, as per Wei Zheng’s suggestion, to claim she had fallen ill and needed treatment in Luoyang. He had arranged everything for her departure. This fabricated illness would spare Li Leyan from the diplomatic marriage. Watching her cry, Li Shimin couldn't help but think of Li Changge’s heroic spirit.

As the journey to Luoyang was long, he arranged for Wei Shuyu to accompany her. As he watched her leave, he understood that one day, she would understand his decisions. In Youzhou, Asher Sun deliberately ordered his men to smuggle coal to attract the gate guards’ attention and investigate the city’s defenses. Li Changge and Hao Dou also arrived in Youzhou with little money and stayed in a dilapidated woodshed, while Asher Sun’s group stayed in a luxurious room.

Wei Shuyu was escorting Li Leyan to the Luoyang Palace. He originally intended to return to Chang’an, but Hao Dou brought an oral decree from the Crown Prince stating Wei Shuyu should accompany him to Youzhou to retrieve the seal and eliminate Li Changge, while summoning Li Ai to the palace. Hao Dou told his men to kill Li Changge on sight and eliminate Wei Shuyu if he interfered. Li Leyan, who overheard this, grew increasingly worried for Wei Shuyu.

While gathering information outside, Li Changge found the gates of the Inspector's Office tightly shut. She struck up conversation with the guards and learned that Li Ai had remained secluded since the incident with Li Jiancheng—proof of his loyalty and deep feelings. Meanwhile, Ya Luo, who was part of Asher Sun’s coal smuggling scheme, successfully drew the gate commander’s attention. The commander demanded two thousand shi of ore and planned to secretly kill Ya Luo once the goods were delivered.

Outside the Inspector’s Office, Li Changge encountered Asher Sun. They tacitly concealed their respective missions and returned to their inn. Coincidentally, they were headed to the same place and even staying at the same inn—only Asher Sun had a refined suite while Li Changge stayed in a shabby woodshed. Back in his room, Asher Sun couldn’t help but smile as he thought of Li Changge. Ya Luo, surprised, reported that Wang Junkuo had demanded the two thousand shi of ore.

Asher Sun decided to meet this old acquaintance. Meanwhile, Li Leyan, worried about Wei Shuyu’s safety, sneaked into the carriage but was discovered en route. Hao Dou wanted to send her back to Luoyang, but she insisted on staying with Wei Shuyu. He had no choice but to take responsibility for her safety. That night, Li Changge wrote a letter in the woodshed and stamped it with the Crown Prince’s seal, formulating a plan for self-preservation.

Asher Sun took Ya Luo to meet Wang Junkuo, who was furious that Asher Sun’s cart carried nothing. Asher Sun revealed his identity and claimed he had a way to save Wang Junkuo’s life. Youzhou was no longer what it once was—Wang Junkuo had been hoarding ore to secretly forge weapons and raise an army. To win him over, Asher Sun offered warhorses from the Western Regions.

As long as Wang Junkuo agreed to cooperate, he would have a limitless supply of horses and weapons from the grasslands. Wang Junkuo did not agree outright and instead secretly ordered his men to find out where Asher Sun was staying, unaware that Asher Sun had already taken precautions. Suyi She, under Asher Sun’s orders, returned to the grasslands to report to the Great Khan about the situation in Chang’an.

However, before he could meet the Great Khan, the Little Khan intercepted Asher Sun’s letter and prevented him from entering. In Youzhou, Li Changge sat alone on the rooftop, missing her mother. Asher Sun came to sit beside her and asked why she had visited the Inspector's Office. She concealed her identity and did not inquire about his either. Asher Sun pretended not to know she was a woman.

They chatted casually, and when Li Changge saw Asher Sun’s treasured blade, it reminded her of training under Li Shimin since childhood. Overcome by memories, she stood up to leave, but stumbled and nearly fell from the rooftop. Asher Sun caught her in time. Looking into his eyes, Li Changge felt a strange flutter in her heart. Li Shimin summoned Du Ruhui again to inquire about Li Changge’s whereabouts. Du Ruhui told him truthfully that she had gone to Youzhou.

As the gateway to the Tang Dynasty, Youzhou's importance made Li Shimin sorrowful that Li Changge would go so far as to oppose him. She was still young and could not discern good from evil, and with the Crown Prince’s seal in hand, she posed a great risk. Du Ruhui urged Li Shimin to choose between her and the nation—if someone used the seal to harm the empire, the consequences would be dire.

Meanwhile, before heading out, Li Changge entrusted the seal to Hao Dou. She told him that if she did not return by nightfall, he should leave with Asher Sun. Deep down, she believed Asher Sun was someone she could trust. The next day, Li Leyan and her group arrived in Youzhou. Wei Shuyu wanted to take her to the inn to rest, but Hao Dou, suspecting he might try to see Li Changge, intervened.

Li Leyan, seeing through him, used her status as a princess to stop Hao Dou and allowed Wei Shuyu to proceed, while Hao Dou remained by her side for protection. Though he didn’t argue, he left a personal guard with Wei Shuyu to monitor him and personally escorted Li Leyan back to rest. Elsewhere, Li Changge paid another visit to the Inspector's Office. She sensed that the Prince of Lujiang was plotting treason, so she revealed her identity. Li Ai was overjoyed that Li Changge was still alive and wanted to protect her, but she had not come seeking shelter—she had come to offer her help.

Li Changge analyzed the current situation for Li Ai. Now that Li Shimin was besieged on all sides, he would surely have to scatter his troops across the land to defend. If the Youzhou army could also split into two to attack by surprise, the two forces could join together and seize the world in less than a month. After hearing her words, Wang Junkuo couldn’t help but admire Li Changge's remarkable talents.

Li Changge then produced the military edict she had drafted, sealed with the Crown Prince’s seal. She had written it in the name of Li Jiancheng, instructing Li Ai to lead troops into Chang’an to eliminate the traitor Li Jiancheng. At that moment, an envoy from Chang’an arrived at the residence. Wang Junkuo wanted to take this opportunity to capture the envoy to boost morale.

Li Changge followed Wang Junkuo and was surprised to find that the envoy was actually Wei Shuyu. Wei Shuyu hadn’t expected Li Changge to aid Li Ai in rebellion. He hoped she would return to Chang’an and confess her crimes, believing that Li Shimin would surely spare her life. But Li Changge sneered—she would never repeat the tragedy of the Eastern Palace. Although she didn’t kill Wei Shuyu, she had him imprisoned.

Li Changge was injured in her hand during the confrontation with Wei Shuyu. As she left the governor’s residence, Li Ai secretly sent someone to follow her, which was noticed by Asher Sun in the shadows, arousing his suspicion. Not only had Li Ai sent people to tail her, he also examined the military edict and found that the seal was newly applied. The Crown Prince’s seal must be in Li Changge’s possession.

Wang Junkuo also decided to cooperate with Asher Sun and sent someone outside the city to await his arrival. Li Changge returned to the woodshed. She knew someone had been following her today, but without evidence, she could only rely on Li Ai for now. That night, Asher Sun came to the woodshed. Recalling all that had happened since meeting Li Changge, he was struck by her wisdom and fearlessness and regarded her with new respect.

Then he knocked on her door. Seeing tears at the corner of her eyes, he felt a wave of compassion. He lied, saying he was feeling down and wanted to take her out for a walk. Speaking in a roundabout way, he tried to comfort her and lift her spirits. As Youzhou was currently unstable, he hoped she would leave soon.

But Li Changge believed she could protect herself and instead advised Asher Sun to finish his business quickly and leave. Asher Sun nodded in agreement, but both continued to hide their true intentions. To stall Hao Dou, Li Leyan insisted on staying with him at all times, even though it made him uncomfortable to be alone with her late at night. She kept pulling him to talk with her.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Hao Dou blew out the lamp, carried Li Leyan to bed, and stayed beside her to keep her company. The Young Khan arrived in Youzhou, bringing a message from the Great Khan. From now on, he would handle all matters in Youzhou. The Great Khan had reassigned Asher Sun to Shuozhou. Though reluctant, Asher Sun had no choice but to obey.

Now that Li Changge had joined Li Ai, she decided to move into the governor’s residence. But because of the great importance of the Crown Prince’s seal, she had to hide it carefully. A Dou did not live with her and offered to keep the seal safe. Trusting him, Li Changge hesitated but eventually gave it to him for safekeeping. Asher Sun set out to leave Youzhou.

Just before his departure, memories flooded back, and he suspected Li Changge was carrying the Crown Prince’s seal. Concerned, he decided to return to Youzhou. In the city, Li Changge spotted Wang Junkuo at an inn and secretly followed him outside the city, only to discover he had betrayed Li Ai and was preparing to raise a private army. Fearing for Li Ai’s safety, Li Changge rushed back to the governor’s residence to warn him.

But Wang Junkuo also brought troops to the residence, planning to eliminate the uncle and nephew. Fortunately, Asher Sun helped them in secret, saving their lives. Li Changge dragged Li Ai to her residence, searching for A Dou. But Li Ai betrayed himself, trying to get her to hand over the seal. Sensing danger, she drew her sword on him.

Li Ai confessed: he had known she had the seal all along, and Wang Junkuo’s “betrayal” was part of a ruse to make her reveal it. Just then, A Dou returned and, overjoyed to see Li Changge, was about to approach, but Asher Sun quickly stopped him. Li Changge had fallen into their trap—if A Dou stepped forward now, the seal would fall into Li Ai’s hands.

The ink and silk used in the edict Li Changge had given were of inferior quality, revealing to Li Ai that the edict was fake. Wang Junkuo then arrived with soldiers and captured Li Changge, trying to get the seal from her. Asher Sun knew A Dou had the seal and told him to wait outside the city while he found a way to rescue Li Changge.

From Wang Junkuo’s words in the shadows, Asher Sun learned that Li Changge was actually Princess Yongning. Now that Wang Junkuo was closely guarding her, he couldn’t act by force and had to rescue her by wit. Wang Junkuo tortured Wei Shuyu, using his life to threaten Li Changge. She couldn’t bear to see Wei Shuyu die and was given time to think.

Locked up together, Li Changge learned from Wei Shuyu that Hao Dou was with him and they had arranged to meet at the city gate. An idea struck her—she asked to see Li Ai, dragging out time until the meeting. She claimed the seal was with her attendant and asked to go with Wei Shuyu to meet him. Hao Dou, clever as always, saw Li Changge at the gate.

Realizing she was being followed, he told Li Leyan to stay in the carriage while he went to retrieve her. Wang Junkuo was no match for Hao Dou. Li Changge used the opportunity to escape but was still captured by Hao Dou. Just then, Asher Sun arrived, holding Li Leyan hostage. He demanded Hao Dou release Li Changge. Though unwilling, Hao Dou couldn’t risk harm to Li Leyan.

At her tearful pleading, he let go of Li Changge and watched as she left with Asher Sun. Asher Sun now knew who Li Changge was, and she also guessed his connection to the grasslands. She advised him to leave Youzhou as soon as possible and not meddle in her affairs. Asher Sun mentioned the unrest in Youzhou, hoping she would leave too, but she rejected his goodwill.

This was the Tang Empire—she would never allow people of Asher’s Tribe to harm it. Hearing this, Asher Sun didn’t insist and only left his treasured sword with her for protection. Li Changge went to Hao Dou, informing him that Wang Junkuo had conspired with the Young Khan of the Asher Tribe. With Wei Shuyu imprisoned and Youzhou on the brink of collapse, she asked Hao Dou to cooperate with her to save it.

But Hao Dou’s priority was taking her and Li Leyan back to Chang’an. He refused to intervene. Angrily, Li Changge rebuked him—how could an imperial official ignore Youzhou’s safety? She declared it a disgrace that Du Ruhui had such a foster son. No matter how she scolded, Hao Dou was firm in completing his mission. He tied her up and left the city before Wang Junkuo could seal the gates.

Li Leyan couldn’t understand why capturing Li Changge mattered more than Wei Shuyu’s life or the safety of Youzhou’s people. Hao Dou explained that signaling the court with beacon fire was the most effective solution—they alone could not save Wei Shuyu. Locked in an inn, Li Changge was found by A Dou, who cleverly located her and returned the seal. She met briefly with Li Leyan, who shared that their grandfather had arranged her marriage alliance with Asher’s Tribe.

Li Changge urged her to obey Li Shimin’s order and return to Luoyang, while she would seek reinforcements to save Youzhou. At night, Li Changge disguised herself as Wei Shuyu to request reinforcements from Commander Shen, who doubted her until the beacon fires in Youzhou were lit by Hao Dou. Realizing the severity of the situation, Shen immediately mobilized troops to aid Youzhou.

The news of Tang reinforcements reached the Young Khan, who began evacuating Youzhou’s treasury and prepared to leave. Asher Sun intervened in secret, shooting an arrow at the horse to draw Commander Shen’s army toward the Young Khan. To avoid exposing himself, the Young Khan abandoned the treasure and fled. Spotting Asher Sun in the shadows, his hatred deepened. Meanwhile, Li Leyan was alone at the inn, awaiting Li Changge’s return with Wei Shuyu. Her beauty caught the eye of criminals. With Hao Dou not nearby, she was secretly drugged and lost consciousness.

Li Changge took Shen Gu to the Governor's Office. Wang Junkuo had killed his superior to save his own life, and he secretly revealed Li Changge's identity to Shen Gu, hoping Shen Gu would spare him. Shen Gu was always a righteous man. When Changge rushed overnight to get reinforcements, not only did he refuse to shield Wang Junkuo through favoritism, but he also secretly helped Changge escape the Governor’s Office when Gao Du discovered her.

Shen Gu escorted Li Changge out. She held the Crown Prince’s Seal in her hand and asked Shen Gu to leave with her. However, Shen Gu had been a subordinate of Li Jiancheng, and Du Ruhui would not easily let him go. Shen Gu saved Changge to repay the kindness Li Jiancheng had shown him back then.

A mere dead object could not command an army; though he was once Li Jiancheng’s man, he was now a general of the Great Tang. With Asher's Tribe on the move, he had to remain in Youzhou. Shen Gu’s view of the greater good benefited Li Changge. Following his advice, she rode northwest toward Jizhou. Meanwhile, Wei Shuyu and Gao Du came in pursuit.

Shen Gu stopped the two, but with Gao Du’s help, Shuyu broke free and went after Changge. On a path leading to Jizhou, the young khan tried to intercept Asher Sun, but he was no match for him and suffered a minor defeat. He could only watch helplessly as Asher Sun left. At the same time, Changge was caught up by Shuyu. He wanted her to return with him, promising her safety, but Changge no longer trusted anyone.

Shuyu brought up the Crown Prince’s Seal in her possession. In response, Changge stabbed Shuyu with a knife, fully aware that he only came for the seal. She threw it at him, declaring that such a dead object could not summon an army. From that moment on, she severed all ties with Shuyu. Hao Dou was captured by Shen Gu.

Wei Shuyu brought the Crown Prince’s Seal to rescue him, but Hao Dou insisted on continuing the search for Li Changge. Back at the inn, Gao Du and Shuyu found that Leyan had been knocked unconscious and taken away. Shuyu wanted to look for her, but Gao Du made a decisive decision—Shuyu should return to Chang'an with the Crown Prince’s Seal and report Leyan’s abduction to the Crown Prince. In Chang'an, Du Ruhui received news of the mutiny in Youzhou.

He deliberately suggested to Li Shimin that the Youzhou generals be suppressed and their military power taken back. Wei Zheng, being straightforward, believed that suppressing the generals would be unwise. Since most of the old forces in Youzhou were once under Li Yuanji, he volunteered to go north to pacify them, hoping Li Shimin would adopt a gentle policy to win hearts. Li Shimin agreed to Wei Zheng’s request. Along the way, Changge left signs for A Dou.

Late at night, she found a woodshed and unexpectedly encountered Asher Sun there again. Seeing that he was injured, she took the initiative to dress his wounds. She asked about his identity, and Asher Sun admitted he was from the grasslands but did not go into specifics. Changge did not pursue the question further. When he learned that she was heading to Jizhou, Asher Sun reminded her of the unrest along the borders and advised her to protect herself.

Changge accepted the money he gave her but did not stop moving forward—she had always been fearless in pursuing her goals. Li Shimin felt at ease after retrieving the Crown Prince’s Seal and planned to stop pursuing Changge. Du Ruhui reported Leyan’s disappearance. Though anxious, Li Shimin decided to let Wei Shuyu redeem himself by finding her. At the same time, he ordered officials across the counties to secretly search for her and kept the matter quiet.

Leyan had been kidnapped by a flower picker named Hai Lao. She was raised in luxury and could not stomach the coarse food he gave her. Tearfully, she begged him to let her go, but he refused. Leyan waited for Shuyu to come to her rescue. When she spotted him outside the carriage and was about to call out, another kidnapped girl named Susu knocked her unconscious in order to curry favor with Hai Lao.

Changge arrived in Shuozhou and saw that Jizhou was peaceful and the people lived in harmony. This was due to the upright and benevolent Governor Gongsun Heng, a famous general from the Sui Dynasty. Changge felt uneasy, unsure how to persuade him to rise up and support the Crown. Just then, A Dou also arrived in Jizhou and found Changge. Master and disciple started a new chapter in Jizhou. Asher Sun returned to the grasslands.

The leader of the Bear Division, Tugashe, came to see him with a military order from the Khan. This time, the Bear Division would take full charge of the Jizhou matter and support Asher Sun’s Eagle Division. Although Asher Sun knew Tugashe had ill intentions, he showed no fear. In the Governor’s Office, Gongsun Heng was discussing Jizhou's city defenses with Elder Qin to prepare against the army of Asher's Tribe.

Outside the city, Gongsun Heng’s wife and daughter were attacked by robbers but were saved by Changge and A Dou. The two were invited into the governor’s residence, where they met Gongsun Heng. Changge concealed her identity and asked for a reward. Having heard of Gongsun Heng’s virtue, she expressed her wish to follow him, claiming to be a descendant of Sui generals.

Gongsun Heng, highly cautious, suspected their rescue of his family was no coincidence and initially refused to accept them. However, at the plea of his wife, he reluctantly allowed them to stay for now to test them further. The next day, Changge and A Dou wandered around the residence but were guarded against by everyone. They decided to explore outside and learn about the local customs.

Coincidentally, Changge saw that Gongsun Heng was troubled by issues among the people and offered him a suggestion. Gongsun Heng, who valued talent, was delighted to see that Changge had insights into governance and began to trust her and A Dou more. In Asher's Tribe, the Eagle and Bear Divisions constantly disagreed. Asher Sun did not wish to quarrel with the Bear Division and let them act freely while he planned to secretly infiltrate Jizhou to investigate.

Meanwhile in Chang'an, on his way to Youzhou, Wei Zheng released several of Li Jiancheng’s old subordinates—capable soldiers and commanders. Du Ruhui was furious at Wei Zheng’s actions, but Li Shimin did not blame him and instead addressed his concerns. After discussing state affairs, Li Shimin asked Fang Xuanling about Leyan, who was still missing. Heartbroken, Li Shimin lamented that he had already lost Changge and could not afford to lose Leyan too.

Susu got Hai Lao drunk, went to Leyan, and woke her up, saying they could escape together. She promised to return for Leyan after getting out. Leyan, kind-hearted and innocent, believed her and let Susu climb on her shoulders to escape through a hole. But Susu abandoned her and ran off alone, leaving Leyan crouched in a corner, crying. Gongsun Heng trusted those he used and did not suspect Changge or A Dou.

But Elder Qin, the steward, secretly tested Changge. He deliberately told her about news from Chang'an, and as expected, she sneaked into the study late at night, where he confronted her. When questioned about her identity, Changge did not reveal anything. Elder Qin guessed she was from Chang'an, assuming she had been sent to take back Gongsun Heng’s military power, which Chang'an had long feared. Changge explained that she merely sought refuge in Jizhou.

Elder Qin did not care about her past or intentions—he warned her that if she left the governor’s residence alone, he would do the same. The next morning, Leyan woke up in the woodshed and found no trace of Hai Lao, realizing he must have discovered Susu’s escape. Sure enough, Hai Lao had recaptured Susu early that morning. When Leyan opened the door and saw Susu’s body hanging upside down above the entrance, she trembled in fear and cried again.

Elsewhere, Gongsun Heng decided to keep Changge and A Dou. Changge was appointed a scribe in the governor’s residence, with A Dou as her assistant. Changge expressed her gratitude to Gongsun Heng for taking them in.

When Li Changge heard that Gongsun Heng was going out to meet Sima Tu to discuss the northern defense strategy, she originally intended to go along, but Gongsun Heng refused her. Changge didn’t press the matter further, thinking there would be other chances in the future.

In the grassland tribe, upon learning that Asher Sun had entered Shuozhou City alone with Mu Jin, Tuka She decided to lead the Bear Division to capture Jizhou first, to prove who was truly the descendant of the Wolf God. Asher Sun and Mu Jin arrived in Jizhou City to scout the enemy situation. Asher Sun noticed the city's insufficient defenders and its difficult-to-attack walls.

While observing local customs in the street, he happened to run into Li Changge, who had just finished eating noodles and had no money to pay. Asher Sun once again stepped in to help her out. Changge escorted Asher Sun out of the city. He tried to persuade her to leave Jizhou, and said that if she was willing, she could go to the grasslands with him. Changge refused — the Tang Dynasty was her homeland.

During their conversation, several galloping horses passed by. Asher Sun recognized them as the vanguard of Asher's Tribe and realized they were about to launch an attack. Since he still had subordinates stationed in the north, he took his leave of Changge and rushed back to his tribe. Li Changge and A Dou also hurried to Jizhou City. Changge informed Gongsun Heng that Asher's Tribe was about to attack and urged him to light the wolf smoke signals immediately.

Seeing the army approaching, Gongsun Heng remained calm. Changge couldn’t help but criticize his poor command on the spot. Left with no choice, Gongsun Heng ordered Changge and A Dou to return to the mansion and rest. Changge was deeply disappointed in Gongsun Heng and began to doubt whether she had come to the right place. Gongsun Heng later visited her with his subordinate Xu Feng, who explained that there were three thousand archers hidden along the walls.

If Asher's cavalry charged, they would be within range of the arrows. Once the arrows rained down, the cavalry wouldn’t have time to turn back, and they would open the gates to finish the battle — a sure win. Changge, having studied military strategy, was surprised that Gongsun Heng had used the Yan Yue formation. Gongsun Heng was also intrigued by her intellect and invited her to sit and discuss the next deployment strategy.

As she laid out her plan, she realized Gongsun Heng's ambush was just a feint — the city didn’t actually have that many hidden troops. Her attitude shifted, and she praised his strategic brilliance. Though rash, Changge had risked her life climbing the city walls for the sake of the people. Gongsun Heng admired her for that, thanked her on behalf of the people, and agreed to have her defend Jizhou City alongside him.

Though the Bear Division was not annihilated, they had alerted the enemy. After the defeat, Tuka She remained arrogant. Asher Sun did not argue with him but said he would report everything truthfully to the Great Khan. The failed ambush by Asher’s Tribe heightened Gongsun Heng’s vigilance. He sent Xu Feng to request reinforcements from the chief commander, knowing Asher’s true elite forces had yet to appear. Changge was surprised that even the well-defended Jizhou City needed reinforcements.

Gongsun Heng showed her a map: a river between Shuozhou and Asher's Tribe had no guards, allowing free passage for the enemy — Jizhou’s greatest threat. Changge, smart and resourceful, suggested turning the river path into a battlefield and shared her own strategy for defeating the enemy. Her insight impressed Gongsun Heng greatly and reminded him of Prince Qin. Back then, Prince Qin had used the same tactic she suggested to carve a bloody path and win a decisive victory.

Upon hearing Li Shimin’s name, Changge gritted her teeth and kept silent about her identity. She followed Gongsun Heng’s order and delivered a letter requesting reinforcements to the imperial court. Sima Tu invited Gongsun Heng to his mansion for a talk. Although Gongsun Heng suspected his ill intent, he couldn't reject the invitation and decided to go alone.

Knowing the risks and the city’s vulnerable situation, he instructed Elder Qin that if he didn’t return, he was to hand over military command to Changge and assist her in protecting the people of Jizhou. At the Sima residence, Sima Tu accused Gongsun Heng of mobilizing troops without orders and detained him. He publicly claimed Gongsun Heng was just staying overnight to rest.

This action was influenced by his brother, who tried to persuade Sima Tu to betray the nation and join Asher’s Tribe. Sima Tu did not give a direct answer. Xu Feng returned to the mansion and urgently informed Elder Qin that Gongsun Heng had been detained at Sima’s residence. Elder Qin acted decisively — only he, Xu Feng, and Changge knew of this. He ordered Xu Feng to closely monitor the Sima residence and said he would personally visit tomorrow.

As for Changge, she was to remain quietly in the mansion. Sima Tu’s brother was Sima Jian, Tuka She’s military strategist. Asher Sun, having learned of his identity, became suspicious and assigned subordinates to monitor Sima Tu to prevent interference with the Eagle Division’s plans. Meanwhile, a scout reported that Gongsun Heng had been imprisoned by the Chief Commander’s Office. Though Asher Sun respected Gongsun Heng for guarding Jizhou for years, he sighed at how a famous general had fallen prey to treachery.

Sima Tu framed Gongsun Heng and sent men to confiscate his military seal. Elder Qin and Changge staged a scene, claiming a thief had broken in and the seal was lost, leaving Guard Wang empty-handed. Guard Wang saw through their act and gave them a three-day deadline: if he didn’t get the seal by then, the entire Gongsun household would face consequences. Sima Tu had long set his sights on Gongsun Heng’s military seal.

Elder Qin only laughed coldly and told Changge that not even the emperor’s jade seal could command Jizhou’s troops — they only followed Gongsun Heng. Now Sima Tu was planning to open the military storehouse and negotiate peace with Asher's Tribe. Changge worried about rescuing Gongsun Heng. She considered breaking into the prison, but Elder Qin stopped her — it would only fall into Sima Tu’s trap. At night, Changge came up with a plan to rescue Gongsun Heng.

Elder Qin thought it was risky but admitted it was their only option. Gongsun Heng had not misjudged her. He handed her the note Gongsun Heng left behind, allowing her to command the troops of Jizhou. Gongsun Heng had earned the people’s loyalty. With him in trouble, two city generals obeyed Changge’s orders. Only then did she understand what Shen Gu once said — the seal was just an object; true power came from the people’s hearts.

Changge’s method differed from Gongsun Heng’s. She ordered nightly raids on Asher’s camps without entering deeply, frustrating the Bear Division. Asher Sun, knowing Gongsun Heng’s style, realized another master strategist was now in command. Changge asked Elder Qin to find her a secret chamber. She went there, and Xu Feng reported the situation outside. Changge decided to use another method, one that required Xu Feng himself. Xu Feng went to Gongsun Mansion to monitor Sima Tu.

While Sima Jian was persuading Sima Tu to surrender, they discovered Xu Feng. Sima Jian tortured a confession out of him, and to save his life, Xu Feng betrayed Changge, not only capturing her for Sima Tu but also stabbing her in the chest as ordered. Sima Tu then prepared the surrender documents to present to Asher's Tribe.

Mu Jin heard that Gongsun Mansion’s registrar Li had already been dealt with and reported this to Asher Sun, who secretly worried about Changge. Knowing Tuka She would lead the Bear Division to attack the next day, he instructed Mu Jin to send a team to follow, ensuring Tuka She wouldn’t die so easily. The next day, Tuka She’s army arrived at the gates of Jizhou.

Sima Tu came out to present the surrender, feeling smug, but a long arrow suddenly exposed their collusion. Changge stood atop the wall, bow in hand, eyes sharp and fearless as she stared at the approaching Asher’s Tribe. Tuka She, shocked by the turn of events, flew into a rage and killed Sima Tu on the spot. As Asher’s troops charged, Changge gave the order to fire, catching them completely off guard.

Then, using flag signals, she ordered the army to drive them to the riverside, where she had already laid an ambush. Unable to defend, Asher’s forces were annihilated. Gongsun Heng returned safely to the mansion and thanked everyone, especially Changge — without her, Jizhou would have fallen. Changge thanked Xu Feng and herself for the “self-wounding ruse” and admitted that she had trusted Xu Feng because of his loyalty to Gongsun Heng.

After this crisis, everyone let down their guard toward her. Elder Qin respected her, and Gongsun Heng knelt to thank her on behalf of the city’s people. As a result, Changge was promoted from registrar to Cavalry Commandant. Tuka She, having suffered a devastating defeat, originally intended to kill Sima Jian. But Sima Jian quickly professed his loyalty and promised to help the Bear Division gather intel on Jizhou. Tuka She reluctantly spared him.

Hao Dou arrived in Jizhou and unexpectedly discovered that Changge was hiding in the city and had earned the full trust of Gongsun Heng. At the governor’s mansion, Changge shared a meal with Gongsun Heng’s family and felt the warmth of home. Their gathering was interrupted by urgent military news — the Eagle Division had burned Jizhou’s granary, officially challenging the city. The Eagle Division, Asher’s elite force, posed a serious threat. Now that they had reached the eastern marshes, Changge volunteered to lead troops there and confront them.

Gongsun Heng saw Li Changge’s determination to protect the people, so he led her to the east of the city to meet the enemy. At the eastern gate, Asher Sun wore a mask and led over ten thousand of the elite Eagle Warriors from Asher’s Tribe to launch an attack. Gongsun Heng knew it would be a difficult battle to win, but he still bravely faced the enemy. The two armies clashed at the city gates.

Gongsun Heng held the eastern side with his life, and the Eagle Warriors of Asher’s Tribe lived up to their reputation. In the midst of the battle, Gongsun Heng was injured. He wanted to hold out until the end, but Li Changge, worried for him, insisted that he retreat to have his wounds treated, saying she would defend the eastern gate herself. Mu Jin completed the task Asher Sun had entrusted him with and arrived with reinforcements.

Asher Sun instructed him to wear a mask. Asher Sun looked toward the city wall and spotted Li Changge’s figure. Mu Jin was surprised to see her as well. He knew the two were close, but since they were not truly friends, he decided to kill the leader first by taking Li Changge’s life. Asher Sun immediately told Mu Jin to shut up. Asher Sun then ordered an assault on the city.

Seeing the ferocity of the Eagle Warriors, Li Changge predicted that, having come on a surprise raid, their warhorses must be thirsty and hungry. She ordered her soldiers to throw fodder from the walls to disrupt Asher Sun’s plan. Mu Jin hadn't expected their plan to be thwarted by Li Changge. He urged Asher Sun to shoot her with an arrow. After some hesitation, Asher Sun did draw his crossbow. Li Changge aimed her crossbow at him as well.

The two fired arrows at each other. Asher Sun dodged Li Changge’s bolt and deliberately aimed his own shot off-target. Although Li Changge was hit, the injury was not fatal. Li Changge collapsed after being shot. Mu Jin tried to shake the soldiers’ morale, urging them to surrender since the defender of Shuozhou was now dead.

Hearing the cries from Asher’s Tribe urging surrender, Li Changge used all her strength to pull out the arrow and forced herself to stand on the city wall to rally her troops. Seeing her resilience and stubbornness, Asher Sun felt both heartache and conflict. He ordered the troops to camp outside the city, giving Li Changge a brief moment to breathe.

When Li Changge regained consciousness, she asked A Dou to change her dressing and then go discuss a way to request reinforcements with Gongsun Heng. Outside the city, Asher Sun was anxious about Li Changge and even considered sneaking into Shuozhou to see her. Mu Jin knew Asher Sun had deliberately missed his shot and advised him not to act impulsively.

Though Li Changge was safe for now, their scorched-earth tactics had already ruined the farmland, and he feared the soldiers in Shuozhou would starve. Asher Sun then moved to eliminate the threat of Tuka She, asserting that the Eagle Warriors must take control of Shuozhou. At this time, Sima Jian was still advising Tuka She to attack Junzhou to save himself. Asher Sun exposed Sima Jian’s plan, which had caused heavy losses for the Bear Warriors.

Enraged, Tuka She killed Sima Jian himself. Forced into a corner, Tuka She reported their defeat to the Great Khan under Sima Jian’s name and reluctantly handed over the right to command the siege to the Eagle Warriors. The next day, Asher Sheer's Wolf Warriors took over Daizhou.

As the citizens fled in panic, Li Leyan, who was in Daizhou, heard the cries for help from outside her room and mustered the courage to ask Hai Lao to let the people in. As Hai Lao was about to erupt in anger, Wolf Warriors stormed in. Hai Lao hurriedly hid. Li Leyan distracted the soldiers toward Hai Lao’s hiding spot and used the opportunity to escape.

Hao Dou found Li Changge and attacked her, intending to execute her on the spot. Fortunately, Old Qin intervened in time to save her. Though he didn’t know Li Changge’s true identity, he knew she was the Mounted Captain of Junzhou who resisted foreign invaders and was a hero of Shuozhou.

Li Changge came up with a plan to save Junzhou—there was a drained stone canal near the river that led outside the city, and they could use it to sneak out and send for help. Li Changge wanted to go to Daizhou herself to seek aid, but Gongsun Heng stopped her. She was gravely wounded and had no strength left.

Gongsun Heng’s guard, Xu Feng, wanted to go, but Gongsun Heng needed to stay to defend the city, and Xu Feng was too large to fit through the canal. A Dou, understanding the greater need, volunteered without hesitation. Though Li Changge didn’t want A Dou to take the risk, they had no other choice, so she urged him to be extremely careful. Asher’s Wolf Warriors occupied Daizhou and committed brutal massacres against the people.

Li Leyan refused to kneel before them, and the soldiers tried to kill her. At the critical moment, Mu Jin arrived in Daizhou on Asher Sun’s orders and inadvertently saved Li Leyan, sparing all the old, weak, women, and children. A Dou went out to seek help but heard the news that Daizhou had fallen. He had no choice but to return to Junzhou and deliver the message to Li Changge.

On the way, A Dou was captured by the Bear Warriors. Tuka She initially wanted to kill him, but A Dou claimed he knew the situation in Junzhou and was willing to negotiate on the Bear Warriors’ behalf with Gongsun Heng. Tuka She spared his life and decided to bind A Dou to a horse and take him to the battlefield.

Asher Sun sent men to Daizhou. When Tuka She heard the news, he prepared to send troops, but Asher Sun sent a message warning the Bear Warriors not to act rashly. Tuka She was unwilling to yield to Asher Sun, but A Dou sneered and used reverse psychology to provoke him into attacking without authorization, bringing A Dou along as a bargaining chip. On the battlefield, Tuka She brought A Dou forward and humiliated him.

Li Changge was shocked to see A Dou in the hands of Asher’s Tribe and cried out to leave the city to rescue him. Xu Feng and others stopped her, as the Bear Warriors were just one wall away. Opening the gate would doom Junzhou. A Dou knelt before the army. Instead of begging for rescue, he was willing to sacrifice himself in battle to become a true general.

Li Changge could not go to him, so she tearfully approached from within the city, wanting to bring him back. But A Dou remained kneeling. He was not afraid of death; becoming a general had always been his dream, and he had no regrets. Then A Dou shouted that Daizhou had fallen and there were no reinforcements. Tuka She killed A Dou, realizing his surrender was a ruse and that he had delivered real intelligence.

A Dou died on the battlefield, and soon people dressed as Tang soldiers arrived. Li Changge knew they were Asher’s Tribe in disguise and ordered ten thousand soldiers to open the gates and meet the enemy. A bloody battle broke out in front of Shuozhou’s gates. Li Changge fought fiercely, and the Tang soldiers fought to the death. Asher’s Tribe lost the advantage. Asher Sun ordered a retreat.

Though Li Changge personally killed the one who murdered A Dou, she was heartbroken—she had lost yet another person she cared about. After A Dou’s death, Gongsun Heng and Li Changge led others to honor him with a general’s funeral and brought him back to the city. From that day on, A Dou was no longer a nameless figure but General Dou of Shuozhou. As Junzhou’s provisions dwindled, Gongsun Heng devised a strategy to repel the enemy.

He wrote a letter and gave it to Xu Feng to deliver to Asher Sun. Li Changge also had a plan. She presented it to Gongsun Heng, suggesting they use the east wind to engage Asher’s Tribe in a desperate fight. Gongsun Heng acknowledged that her strategy could work, but it would cause the people to become refugees—something he couldn’t accept. He defended the city not for the Li Tang dynasty, but for the people.

At night, Gongsun Heng went to meet Asher Sun, who came alone. Gongsun Heng had heard about Asher Sun’s reputation. Unlike others in Asher’s Tribe, he was not bloodthirsty. So Gongsun Heng offered to surrender the city, hoping Asher Sun would protect its thousands of citizens. To show his sincerity, Gongsun Heng promised to give Asher’s Tribe a valuable gift. Asher Sun was not a warmonger.

Since Gongsun Heng was willing to surrender, he agreed without hesitation and promised to protect Junzhou’s people. At the Gongsun residence, Gongsun Heng held a family feast to say farewell. He had decided to offer his own head to Asher’s Tribe to ensure the safety of Junzhou’s people. Old Qin, who had served by his side for years, instantly understood what he meant. Madam Gongsun, his wife of many years, also sensed his intent to sacrifice himself.

She wanted to go with him, but Gongsun Heng mentioned their daughter Yuan Niang and asked her to live well for her sake. He then summoned Li Changge to the study, handing over all vital items: military tallies, defense maps, and more. He already knew she was Princess Yongning. With her heart for the people, he felt assured entrusting Junzhou to her.

He also told her of his plan—he was willing to sacrifice himself so the people could live in peace. His only remaining concern was his wife and daughter, whom he entrusted to Li Changge, hoping she would care for them in his stead.

Li Changge tearfully agreed to Gongsun Heng’s request—she promised she would take good care of Madam Gongsun and Yuan Niang. After giving his final instructions, Gongsun Heng asked Elder Qin and Xufeng to follow Li Changge from now on, believing that she would surely protect the people of Junzhou. His mind was made up—neither Elder Qin nor Li Changge could dissuade him. All they could do was watch helplessly as Gongsun Heng drew his sword and ended his own life.

The blood of a loyal official splattered on the delicate blossoms, and Li Changge wept uncontrollably. Madam Gongsun entered the study. Though she was heartbroken over Gongsun Heng’s passing, she also knew that this was not merely a sacrifice—this was the highest honor for a commander defending his city. Snow covered the skies over Junzhou. Madam Gongsun accompanied Gongsun Heng on his final journey.

She loved him, and since he gave his life for Junzhou, she would follow in his footsteps and accompany him to the afterlife. She would not let him walk the road to the netherworld alone. As for Yuan Niang, she admitted she was being selfish as a mother to leave her behind. The commotion in the study woke Li Changge and Elder Qin, who stood outside. Li Changge was overwhelmed with grief as she witnessed the couple’s martyrdom.

Elder Qin, however, urged her to truly consider what “home” and “nation” meant—and what her own guiding principle was. The next day, Asher Sun arrived with his troops outside Junzhou, waiting for Li Changge to surrender. He saw her alone, dressed in mourning clothes, kneeling before Gongsun Heng’s spirit tablet. As a Tang princess, she was bound to protect the safety of the Tang people with all her might.

At that moment, Hao Dou came to the governor’s manor intending to kill Li Changge. She declared bluntly that if he stood in her way, it would be tantamount to betraying Tang. She knew Hao Dou wanted her dead—everyone around her was already gone, and the land that birthed and raised her had exiled her. She felt worse than death itself. Once her mission was complete, he could kill her then.

After paying her respects to Gongsun Heng, she carried his severed head and prepared to offer the city’s surrender. Junzhou was about to fall. Fearing more chaos after the surrender, Li Changge instructed Elder Qin and Xufeng to take Yuan Niang and all of Gongsun Heng’s belongings away while Asher Sun entered the city. She would stay and defend Junzhou herself. Having lost her home, she would never lose Tang again. Alone, she brought Gongsun Heng’s head to surrender.

Though Asher Sun wore a mask, Li Changge recognized Mu Jin’s voice. Realizing his identity was exposed, Asher Sun removed his mask. Li Changge was shocked to see his real face. She held back the pain of betrayal and, after surrendering, pleaded with the Asher's Tribe to spare the people of the city. The Asher soldiers refused. Li Changge showed no fear—if they wanted the lives of the entire city, she would die with them and bring them down together.

Her words made sense, and Asher Sun agreed—but on the condition that she submit to him, serve him, and be at his command. He wanted to make her his slave, not to humiliate her, but to protect her. A traitor who had offered up a city would not survive there. Though it was a humiliation, for the sake of Junzhou’s people, Li Changge swallowed her pride and agreed. The Asher tribe entered the city.

Li Changge was tied up and paraded through the marketplace. The people of Junzhou all saw her as a traitor. She stood silently among the crowd without a single word of defense. Mu Jin publicly declared that the Asher's Tribe would not harm the citizens. A sigh of relief swept through the crowd, followed by cheers. No one remembered Li Changge’s sacrifices. She recalled Gongsun Heng’s sacrifice and felt it was all still worth it.

Asher Sun had released the people of Junzhou without authorization. Tukheshe came to settle accounts. Never before in the history of steppe warfare had soldiers and civilians been spared. Asher Sun pointed out how Tukheshe’s unauthorized actions had ruined their previous plan and forcefully suppressed his complaints. He then sent Mu Jin to put up public notices stating that Li Changge was dead, while secretly protecting her.

Asher Sun came to see Li Changge. He forbade her from seeking death—if she died, he would slaughter everyone in Junzhou. What he wanted was to make Li Changge disappear from Tang completely and become his slave. On the steppe, the law of survival was the law of the jungle. Keeping Li Changge was like harboring a future threat—it wasn’t easy. He threatened her with the lives of the people, ready to see what she was capable of.

As a slave, Li Changge left with the Asher army. Looking back at the vast land behind her, she realized she could never return to Chang'an. Though Hao Dou hadn’t killed her, he had assigned men to spy on her. If she secretly colluded with the Asher tribe, she was to be killed. Even if she didn’t, the tribe wouldn’t keep her alive. He hoped Li Changge would truly sacrifice herself for the country. Hao Dou sent word to Chang’an.

Upon learning of the northern frontier’s loss, Li Shimin mobilized troops toward Junzhou, vowing to drive out the Asher tribe. The army stayed behind to calm the northern citizens. Fang Xuanling knew Li Shimin was deeply worried about both Li Changge and Li Leyan. With Leyan missing and Hao Dou still in the north, Fang hoped Du Ruhui could ask his adoptive son Hao Dou to help find her. After all, no one in the north had seen Leyan’s face.

Du Ruhui knew what Fang meant, but he had no interest in these minor matters and told Fang to handle it himself. Xufeng found out news from Junzhou: the city was saying Li Changge was dead. Elder Qin, however, believed she was still alive—taken by Asher Sun to the steppe. With many eyes and ears there, they couldn’t act rashly. They would first ensure Yuan Niang’s safety, then use their old intelligence network to find Li Changge’s whereabouts.

Asher Sun knew Hao Dou had spies on Li Changge. He had Mu Jin stage a show: first, knock Li Changge unconscious with a hood over her head, then kill a slave of similar build to fake her death. The spies believed she was dead. Wei Shuyu came to Junzhou searching for Leyan and happened to meet Hao Dou. Hao Dou informed him of Li Changge’s supposed death. Junzhou had fallen, and a captive like her could not have survived.

With Li Changge “dead,” Wei Shuyu was grief-stricken, but Hao Dou urged him to keep searching for Leyan. If she had been in Junzhou, she would have left traces, but since there were none, she must not be there. Wei Shuyu had come to the wrong place. Li Leyan arrived in Yunzhou on foot, dirty and disheveled. She went to the local magistrate’s office, asking him to send a message to Chang’an or Luoyang.

Seeing she had no proof, the magistrate thought she was a fraud and drove her away. Wandering alone on the streets, Li Leyan cried with grievance. The next day, Li Changge woke up, still unsure why Mu Jin had knocked her out. Mu Jin himself didn’t understand Asher Sun’s motives but didn’t think highly of Li Changge’s pride—he felt it natural for her to suffer a little. Since then, Asher Sun had ignored Li Changge completely.

Mu Jin couldn’t understand why—after going to great lengths to save her, why let others mistreat her? Asher Sun knew the more he cared for her, the more pain she would feel. Rather than letting her hate herself, it was better she hated him. All he wanted was for her to live on. When he heard she had fainted, Asher Sun rushed to check on her. Upon waking, Li Changge showed him no gratitude.

Seeing her refuse food and water, he grew worried and had to provoke her—hoping to ignite her desire for revenge and reignite her will to live. Wei Shuyu and Hao Dou arrived in Yunzhou, showing Leyan’s portrait to the local authorities. The officials then realized the young woman who had come a few days ago was the real princess and quickly sent out orders to find her. Meanwhile, Leyan was buying pancakes when a boy stole her pouch.

Unaware, she even offered to share the pancake with him out of kindness. Only after a nearby woman pointed it out did she realize the pouch was gone. It was embroidered by Li Changge herself, and Leyan ran through several streets trying to get it back. She didn’t care about the money, only the pouch. The boy took the money but threw the pouch back. Holding it, she thought of Li Changge deeply.

At that moment, government officials were searching the streets with her portrait. Mistaking them for people trying to arrest her for impersonating a princess, she fled and ended up hiding in a textile shop owned by the woman from earlier. Hiding in a water vat, she begged the woman to shelter her for a day. Seeing she meant no harm, the woman agreed. In the Asher tribe, Li Changge saw the boundless steppe.

Watching Asher Sun distribute gifts to the children, she was reminded of her own childhood when she and Li Leyan once begged Li Shimin for gifts. Elsewhere, Li Leyan remained at the textile shop for the day, thanking the kind woman and promising to repay her one day. When Hao Dou and Wei Shuyu heard that the officials had lost track of Leyan, they flew into a rage and decided to go find her themselves the next day.

Li Shimin received a letter from Gaodu and learned that Changge had died at the hands of Asher's Tribe. He couldn't help but weep in sorrow. He had treated Changge like a daughter since she was young—how could he be heartless? In Yunzhou City, the mistress of the embroidery workshop asked Leyan to leave after finishing her meal. Leyan begged to stay for a few more days, asking for no wages, only shelter.

She promised to repay the mistress once she returned to Chang’an. The mistress, being kind-hearted, saw that Leyan truly had nowhere else to go and agreed to take her in, allowing her to work and learn at the embroidery workshop. Changge's fighting spirit was completely reignited by Asher Sun. She chose to live and came to negotiate with him. After the battle at Junzhou City, Changge understood that Asher Sun’s status on the grasslands wasn’t as glorious as it seemed.

She was willing to serve as his military advisor and help him devise strategies. However, she demanded that he never commit immoral acts or do anything harmful to the Tang Empire. After fulfilling three tasks for him, Asher Sun must let her go. Asher Sun was overjoyed to see the light return to Changge’s eyes and agreed without hesitation—Changge would be his advisor from now on. Whether she could survive on the grasslands depended on her own ability.

The Great Khan brought the young Khan, Sheer, to the Eagle Division camp. The Great Khan rarely appeared in person, which meant this visit likely bore ill intentions. Changge sensed the subtle tension and questioned Mu Jin. That’s when she learned that sparing Junzhou City was entirely Asher Sun’s decision—he had paid a heavy price for it. Even the arrow shot from the city wall had been intentionally misfired by Asher Sun. His feelings for her ran deep.

Asher Sun welcomed the Great Khan respectfully. Sheer also came into the Eagle Division’s tent. He was Asher Sun’s sworn enemy, and his every word was meant to stir suspicion in the Great Khan’s heart. Asher Sun presented all the battle records, Gongsun Heng’s head, and the letter Gongsun Heng had written to defect. He was gambling on the Great Khan’s trust. After much hesitation, the Great Khan chose to believe him.

However, the Great Khan hadn’t come just for this issue. He came because Sheer accused Asher Sun of colluding with the Tang army and causing the failure of the Wolf Army’s plan. Sheer had even brought a witness—Wang Junkuo. The Great Khan wanted to know if Asher Sun had truly done such a thing. Asher Sun hadn’t expected this move from Sheer, but he remained calm and denied the accusation.

Changge knew that the Great Khan’s personal visit couldn’t be so simple. Unexpectedly, she saw Wang Junkuo among Sheer’s men. She turned to Nu Er for help and devised a plan. They made Wang Junkuo believe that Sheer intended to pin the embezzlement of the treasury funds on him. As a result, when Wang Junkuo saw the Great Khan, he accused Sheer. He begged for mercy but was killed by Sheer.

The Great Khan was shocked by Sheer’s private embezzlement and scowled at him on the spot, rewarding Asher Sun handsomely. After this incident, Nu Er fully admired Changge, and their relationship rapidly deepened. Asher Sun noticed and felt a pang of jealousy. He immediately asked Mu Jin to arrange a private tent for Changge. At the county yamen, Shuyu got drunk and clung to Gaodu. He knew Gaodu looked down on him—and so did Changge.

Otherwise, why would she remain unaware of his feelings for so many years? Now that Leyan’s life or death was uncertain, Shuyu was still thinking of Changge. Gaodu furiously rebuked him. Shuyu was in deep pain—Changge was dead, Leyan was still missing, and he was riddled with guilt and self-loathing. Shuyu mocked Gaodu, saying he was nothing more than Du Ruhui’s puppet. Gaodu didn’t argue.

Though cold on the outside, he softened upon seeing Shuyu drunk and helped him back to his room. Li Shimin ascended the throne as emperor and summoned Wei Zheng to ask about the situation in Jingzhou. Luo Yi had led the Tianji Army in rebellion there. Though Li Shimin was reluctant to act against Jingzhou, Wei Zheng feared a repeat of the chaos at the end of the Sui dynasty.

As long as Luo Yi remained, he would be a threat. Wei Zheng advised the emperor to act decisively. Li Shimin accepted his counsel and inquired about Shuyu. Though Shuyu hadn’t found Leyan, Li Shimin didn’t blame him. Instead, he asked Wei Zheng to recall Shuyu and appointed him as Censorate Inspector. At the embroidery workshop, Leyan was working on her embroidery, but she was slow and unskilled.

She begged the other embroiderers to give her more time, explaining that she had never done this kind of work in the palace. Hearing this, the embroiderers mocked her, thinking her palace dreams were nothing but fantasies. At Asher’s Tribe, the Great Khan rewarded Asher Sun with many slaves. One of the women was exceptionally beautiful and drew the attention of some soldiers. She struggled fiercely, and the noise woke Changge from a nightmare.

Changge rescued Mimi from the hands of two soldiers. Mimi was a slave sent to Asher’s Tribe. She mistook Changge for a man and looked at her with admiration. Changge, understanding Mimi’s plight, brought her back to her tent and gave her clean clothes. Mimi, used to hardship, stole something and was caught by Changge. However, Changge didn’t blame her and let her stay. The next day, Changge woke up with her guard still up.

But she found that Mimi was merely tidying up for her. Mu Jin came to her tent and thought Mimi should not be allowed to stay. Mimi bit Mu Jin, which only made him more determined to kick her out. Mimi hid behind Changge, pleading to stay. Just then, Asher Sun arrived. Changge asked him to let Mimi stay, and Asher Sun agreed, asking only that Changge keep her in check. Changge was coughing nonstop.

Mimi brought her hot soup, but Changge told her to drink it herself. She told Mimi to rest on the smaller bed, promising not to harm her and saying there was no need to be on guard. Later, as Changge slept, she cried out for her mother. Seeing how restless she was, Mimi climbed into bed and slept beside her. The next morning, Mu Jin came to find Changge and unexpectedly saw her sleeping beside Mimi. He walked away awkwardly.

Mimi later chased after him to ask for food. Not a weak girl by any means, she kicked Mu Jin and snatched the food from him when he refused to share. Word spread across the grasslands that Mu Jin had been beaten by Mimi. He was furious and confronted her by the river, only to be splashed with cold water. When he looked into Mimi’s eyes, his heart skipped a beat—he had fallen for her without realizing it.

But Mimi still thought Changge was a man and focused all her attention on Changge. The embroidery workshop was rushing to complete a big order for a foreign client. Leyan, clumsy as ever, only made things worse. Mistress Chai threw her out in anger. Leyan stood outside all night. The next morning, she apologized and begged to be allowed to stay. Mistress Chai refused and mocked her incompetence. Leyan’s nose tingled as she held back tears and left.

After reflecting on Mistress Chai’s harsh words, she even contemplated hanging herself from a tree. But Mistress Chai appeared and apologized, realizing she had been too harsh. She told Leyan that her life should be in her own hands, not dictated by someone else’s words. Leyan understood and tearfully hugged Mistress Chai. They returned to the embroidery shop together.

When the foreign client came to inspect the goods, he initially complained about the uneven fabric, but accidentally saw Leyan’s embroidery and was overjoyed. He placed a large order, and Leyan was finally valued by Mistress Chai. Asher Sun took Changge out for roasted lamb leg. He said he had known her identity for some time, yet still saved her again and again—his feelings for her were beyond explanation. Changge sat beside him, and while eating, leaned on him.

Asher Sun thought she was trying to offer herself to him, but when he saw her pale face, he immediately brought her back to her tent. Changge was pale because of her period. Mu Jin was in her tent at the time and also discovered her true gender. Asher Sun didn’t try to hide it and simply asked Mu Jin to give Changge a lamb to help nourish her health. Mimi never expected Changge to be a woman.

She had hoped to entrust her life to Changge, but that fantasy was shattered. Changge laughed and told her to just treat her like family. Later, Mimi went with Mu Jin to fetch water by the river. Mu Jin stepped on a nail, and without hesitation, Mimi helped him back. Elsewhere, Changge and Asher Sun were inspecting the camp. Afterward, Asher Sun took Changge to see the fireflies.

Looking at the natural beauty, Changge sighed, wondering where she would be on this day next year. Asher Sun promised her that no matter where she was, he would meet her if she wanted to see the fireflies. Changge smiled bitterly. While Asher Sun might keep his promise, she feared she wouldn’t be able to. Fireflies were beautiful but fleeting—she knew she shouldn’t hold onto hope.

Mimi, in gratitude for Mu Jin’s help, brought him lamb bone soup, only to find him passed out in the tent. His feet were covered in blood—his earlier puncture wound from stepping on a nail had become inflamed and infected. Worried, Mimi hurried to apply alcohol to his body to help lower his fever. The next day, Mu Jin woke up to find his clothes had been removed.

He was flustered and irritated by Mimi's boldness, but she was only concerned about his well-being. Mimi recalled how her own mother had died from a fever after stepping on a rusty nail, and was immensely relieved that Mu Jin was safe. Touched by her concern, Mu Jin felt warmth in his heart and accepted her close care. After recovering, Mu Jin went to find Asher Sun and volunteered to go to Yunzhou with Mimi to procure supplies.

Asher Sun agreed. Upon learning Mimi was going to Yunzhou, Li Changge took the initiative to make her a pouch and even gave her pocket money. Though her needlework was clumsy, Mimi cherished it like a treasure and truly regarded Li Changge as family. Leyan was working to make a living at the embroidery workshop.

When she learned that a batch of fabric had been returned, she cleverly suggested to Madam Chai that they take the fabric to the market to sell. Hao Dou was on the road searching for Leyan. Wei Shuyu had also been tirelessly looking for her. The two met at an inn, and upon seeing that Wei Shuyu had caught a cold, Hao Dou, though outwardly aloof, reminded him to take care of himself.

He also relayed Li Shimin’s edict: Shuyu was to return to Chang’an, while Hao Dou would continue searching for Leyan. Later, Hao Dou saw a handkerchief embroidered by Leyan in the hands of Lord Hu. Upon inquiring, he learned that Leyan was still in Yunzhou and immediately turned back. At the western embroidery workshop, Leyan heard there was a caravan heading south from Yunzhou.

She planned to join them to return to Luoyang, and promised to repay Madam Chai in the future. Before she left, the embroidery workers all went out together to sell fabric. While selling, Leyan happened to run into Mimi, who was out with Mu Jin gathering supplies. Mimi had intended to buy some fabric, but upon hearing Leyan mention family, her expression darkened and she left in a sour mood—having lost her own family.

While continuing to stroll with Mu Jin, Mimi realized she had lost her pouch when she tried to pay. After thinking it through, she was certain Leyan had stolen it and stormed off to confront her. Leyan defended herself, insisting the pouch was hers, but Mimi would not relent. She described the pouch in detail and snatched it from Leyan’s hand in public.

Leyan was stunned that Mimi could recognize the pouch Li Changge had made, and felt deeply wronged to be accused of theft. Leyan returned to the workshop in tears. Madam Chai assumed she was upset about poor sales, but Leyan handed over all her earnings—which were quite substantial. Madam Chai secretly gave some money back to Leyan, telling her to take care of herself on the journey to Luoyang. Leyan hugged Madam Chai, full of heartfelt gratitude.

Madam Chai distributed wages to the departing embroiderers, advised them to be careful on the road, and personally escorted Leyan out of the city, reminding her once again to take care. Mu Jin searched along the way for the lost pouch, and when he pulled out another identical one, Mimi realized she had wrongly accused Leyan. She returned to the marketplace to find Leyan, but she was already gone. The two identical pouches were clearly both made by Li Changge.

Not knowing Leyan’s identity, Mimi decided to ask Li Changge about it. Because of this incident, she and Mu Jin were delayed in leaving the city and ended up staying in Yunzhou to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with the townspeople. Their relationship grew closer. Mu Jin shared with Mimi his past as a slave—how Asher Sun had rescued him from childhood abuse and how he’d since followed him to serve in the Eagle Division.

He hoped Mimi would consider the Eagle Division her home, but she remained silent and gave no reply. Meanwhile, on the grasslands, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Asher Sun gave Li Changge a glowing stone. His concern for her was clear—he wished for her peace and happiness on the grasslands. The next day, Mimi brought both pouches to show Li Changge.

Upon learning that Leyan had been selling fabric in Yunzhou, Li Changge immediately suspected she had run into trouble and rushed off without hesitation to find her. Meanwhile, Asher Sun received an urgent message from the Great Khan and decided to lead an expedition—something he did not plan to tell Li Changge.

Hao Dou arrived at the western weaving workshop in search of Leyan and revealed her identity as a princess. Upon learning she had already left with the southbound caravan, he hurried after her. Around the same time, Li Changge also arrived in Yunzhou and learned from Madam Chai that Leyan had gone south to Luoyang with enough money for the journey. She also saw Hao Dou searching for Leyan and, relieved, decided to return to the grasslands for now.

When Li Changge returned, she found the tent camp deserted. On Asher Sun’s desk, she saw a map of Jingzhou and learned that the prefecture had fallen and Luo Yi’s Heavenly Omen Army had been defeated. If Zezhou were to fall next, the northern frontier would be exposed, and Asher’s Tribe would flood in with a massive army, marching straight to Chang’an and into the heart of Tang territory.

Elsewhere, Li Shimin also received the front-line news and decided to station his forces at Jingyang. Though the Tang army was well prepared, he was reluctant to fight. The empire could not afford the loss, and the people even less so. Li Changge followed Asher Sun’s trail. He discovered she was tracking the Eagle Division’s route to report it to Tang. Li Changge did not deny it—though she was powerless against the entire army, she couldn’t stand idly by.

She asked why Asher Sun would lead the Eagle Division into this muddy conflict. He frankly admitted that the Great Khan had mobilized not just the Eagle Division, but another 100,000 troops. This was a battle the Great Khan was determined to win. He then ordered his men to escort Li Changge back to the Eagle Division, urging her not to cause more trouble.

Li Changge warned him: if he truly acted against Tang, she would never forgive him, and she did not want to one day stand on the battlefield against him. Su Yishe escorted Li Changge back, but she tricked him and escaped, determined to see Jingzhou with her own eyes. The Great Khan had sent Shixin Sili as an envoy to negotiate with Tang, but Li Shimin knew he was only probing for weakness and had him detained.

Such an act—arresting an envoy—was unprecedented, and it enraged Asher Sheer. He wanted to take Jingzhou by force, but Asher Sun suspected something was amiss with the Tang army and advised caution. The Great Khan heeded Asher Sun’s counsel and ordered the army to camp instead of making a move. That night, the Great Khan sent the Eagle Division to support the Wolf Army in a surprise night raid on the Tang camp.

Asher Sun, thinking of Li Changge, was suddenly interrupted by Su Yishe, who brought news of her. Asher Sun grew worried—unaware that Li Changge had already infiltrated the Tang camp. There, she ran straight into Li Shimin. Relieved to see her safe, Li Shimin brought her into his tent. When Li Changge brought up the loss of Shuozhou, she angrily rebuked Li Shimin for abandoning its people.

Li Shimin explained that Tang’s forces were stretched thin—he could only bide his time. Li Changge was skeptical, so he showed her the military defenses of Chang’an, revealing the wide power gap between the two sides. His “strategy” was merely a bluff. Li Shimin’s decision to personally station himself at Weishui was to boost morale. Li Changge was surprised by his courage. At that moment, Wei Shuyu arrived with news of the night raid.

Li Shimin ordered him to escort Li Changge to safety. As for himself, he had to reveal his identity and face Asher’s Tribe directly. The Tang army was no match for them, and even Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui advised against him going into battle. But Li Shimin, for the sake of the nation and the people, insisted—only by leading personally could he steady the troops and reduce casualties.

Watching this ruler so devoted to his people, Li Changge felt a mix of emotions. Wei Shuyu wanted to take Li Changge back to Chang’an, but she believed that ever since the Crown Prince’s Mansion was purged, there was no going back for her. She left Wei Shuyu behind, determined to follow her own path. The Tang and Asher’s armies confronted each other on opposite sides of the Weishui River.

Facing the powerful force from the grasslands, Li Shimin showed no fear. He stepped forward to rally his troops, hoping Asher’s Tribe would reconsider. The Tang never sought war, but they did not fear it either. If the Great Khan insisted on battle, the Tang army would fight to the end.

Li Shimin faced the powerful troops of Asher’s Tribe without the slightest fear. He was full of confidence and willing to give Asher's Tribe one last chance. At noon tomorrow, on both sides of the Wei River, if Asher's Tribe still intends to initiate war, he will fight back. But if Asher's Tribe wants to restore peace, he is also willing to sign an alliance. Asher's Tribe couldn't grasp the full strength of the Tang army.

Seeing the firm confidence of Li Shimin, the Great Khan hesitated, fearing that tens of thousands of prairie warriors would die in a foreign land. Asher Sun found Changge and saw that she was wearing Tang army attire. Without a word, he brought her back to the camp. Just then, the Great Khan and Sheer arrived, and Changge quickly hid. The Great Khan revealed his plan to Sheer and Asher Sun.

Knowing he could not defeat Li Shimin on the battlefield, he decided to use a cunning trick—he would pretend to negotiate peace with Li Shimin. When the alliance was signed, the Xiongnu and Eagle Divisions would hide their most elite archers in ambush, ready to shoot Li Shimin as soon as the alliance wine was finished. Although Asher Sun hadn’t expected such a tactic from the Great Khan, he had no choice but to comply.

This assassination had to be carried out. Changge was devoted to the Tang Dynasty, and Asher Sun feared she would do something reckless the next day, so he ordered her to be locked in the camp and not allowed to leave. Leyan headed south with the team. The little beggar Xiao Wu, who had previously stolen her purse, was also among them. Though he spoke harshly to Leyan, he still kindly shared his grilled mushrooms with her.

Xiao Wu was stubborn but soft-hearted—after all, he was just a child. Leyan didn’t take the past to heart and instead cared about his cold. While eating, Leyan learned about Xiao Wu's past and felt deeply sorry for him. As they chatted, a burly man Leyan had previously offended approached them. Xiao Wu quickly pulled Leyan to run, but they couldn’t outrun the man. To protect Xiao Wu, Leyan took a hit from the man's stick.

Xiao Wu immediately knelt and begged for mercy. The man kept beating Xiao Wu, and Leyan couldn’t bear to see him suffer, so she also knelt to plead. The man finally let them go, but Xiao Wu was in bad shape and developed a fever and fell unconscious the next day. Leyan was deeply worried. The next day, the Tang and Asher's troops gathered on both sides of the Wei River. Today was a critical moment for the Tang.

Li Shimin remained anxious and, before leaving, instructed Wei Zheng and the others: if something happened to him, they must do their utmost to assist the Crown Prince. In Asher’s camp, Changge woke to find the troops had already departed. Without hesitation, she broke free from her restraints and sneaked out. She disguised herself as a soldier from the Wolf Army and slipped into the archer squad.

She fired her arrow a moment earlier than the others, shooting straight into Li Shimin’s alliance wine cup, warning the Tang army. She was caught by Asher's people. Asher Sun realized what Changge had done, but he was too late and could only watch her being taken away. Asher’s Tribe had used a hidden arrow to harm, and the Tang army sternly questioned the Great Khan about his true intentions.

The Great Khan, wary of the Tang forces, first apologized to Li Shimin and then reluctantly agreed to retreat ninety miles. Although the Great Khan ordered a retreat, the Xibi Tribe refused to comply, thinking this was the best opportunity for a sneak attack. Seeing the restless Xibi and the motionless Sheer, Asher Sun acted first, shooting the Xibi leader with an arrow to boost morale among the Eagle Division.

He ordered the entire team to retreat ninety miles and set up camp to await the Great Khan’s return. Li Shimin escaped danger but knew someone had secretly helped him. For someone ten miles away to shoot his wine cup meant they had great skill. He didn’t want to believe it was Changge who took the risk, so he sent someone to investigate in Asher’s camp. There, Changge, dressed in Wolf Army attire, was brought forth.

The Wolf Army belonged to Sheer. The Great Khan became angry at Sheer. Sheer slapped Changge and demanded to know why she impersonated one of his soldiers. Changge claimed to be a subordinate of the Wolf Army and said she had acted rashly out of a desire for revenge—her whole family had died at Li Shimin’s hands. She pleaded for another chance. Sheer was focused on proving that Changge had framed him.

Changge sneered—had she succeeded in killing Li Shimin, how could Sheer still deny her affiliation with the Wolf Army? Her words aroused the Great Khan’s suspicions. The military advisor also reported that Sheer had remained idle during the Xibi rebellion, and it was Asher Sun who had calmed the army with a decisive arrow. Thus, the Great Khan trusted Asher Sun and blamed Sheer.

When he wanted to reward Asher Sun, Asher, thinking of the bigger picture, persuaded the Great Khan to spare Changge. The Great Khan ordered Sheer to take Changge away and never show up again. Xiao Wu was already weak, and now his fever wouldn’t subside. Leyan stayed by his side and even got separated from the group for him.

When Xiao Wu woke up, he blamed Leyan for being silly—if they got separated now, they might never reach Luoyang, and she couldn’t possibly handle the dangers alone. Yet Leyan refused to leave him alone. To catch up with the group, Xiao Wu forced himself to walk despite his illness. Asher Sun and the Eagle Division were clearly concerned about Changge. Sheer guessed there was something between them and threatened Asher Sun, saying he had ways to make Changge talk.

Meanwhile, Li Shimin kept thinking about the archer. Learning that Changge had visited Asher’s camp before the alliance signing made him more convinced she was the one who helped.

Hao Dou caught up with the southern team and asked about Leyan’s whereabouts. But everyone said they hadn’t seen her, and he couldn’t help but feel disappointed, wondering where she was. Elsewhere, Wei Shuyu reported to Li Shimin that he had found out who shot the arrow—it wasn’t Changge, but a minor officer under the Wolf Army. Li Shimin felt a wave of relief. Changge was captured and returned to the prairie with the troops.

The Great Khan had returned empty-handed and was in a terrible mood—he even refused to meet Sheer. Asher Sun remained anxious about Changge and eventually decided to challenge Sheer to a formal duel at the Kuri Assembly three days later, to win her back with honor. Mimi also worried about Changge. Upon learning that she had been captured by Sheer’s men, she voluntarily accompanied Asher Sun to visit her and bring her food.

Sheer tied Changge to a pillar and used her as a live target. Luckily, Asher Sun arrived in time to rescue her. Knowing Asher Sun cared for Changge, Sheer referenced their long-standing rivalry and decided to use her as a wager in a contest. He placed an apple on her head—whoever shot it would win. Three rounds would determine the outcome, and if Asher Sun won, he could take Changge. The first two rounds went to Asher Sun easily.

But then Sheer swapped the apple for a much smaller one. With the strong wind, Asher Sun warned he couldn’t hit it. Arrogant as ever, Sheer aimed directly at Changge. Fearing for her safety, Asher Sun shot quickly and blocked Sheer’s arrow, saving her life. Furious, Asher Sun struck Sheer and rushed to Changge. At that moment, the Great Khan’s men summoned Asher Sun back. Since he didn’t complete the final round, Sheer refused to let him take Changge.

Asher Sun had to go see the Great Khan first. Changge was taken back to the slave camp, where Mimi saw her and was full of concern. Sheer saw how Mimi cared for Changge and clenched his fists in anger. Meanwhile, the Great Khan praised the Eagle Division’s bravery and wanted to reward Asher Sun, who instead requested to participate in the duel at the Kuri Assembly three days later.

The Great Khan agreed and arranged for Asher Sun to stay in the same tent with him. A soldier reported that Luo Yi had been captured. The Great Khan wanted him to surrender, and if not, he planned to torment him until he wished he were dead. After speaking with Mimi, Changge asked her to return first. On her way out, Mimi encountered Sheer. They were old acquaintances. Sheer eagerly asked about her, but Mimi remained cautious and distant.

Just then, Asher Sun arrived to see Changge. He bluntly stated that Mimi was with the Eagle Division, which surprised Sheer. Mimi made one request of Sheer—not to kill Changge, who was her friend. Sheer agreed but said he would not let her off easily either. Asher Sun told Changge to take care of herself and hold on for three more days—then he would take her away.

At the royal court, Changge spotted Luo Yi and was shocked to learn of his capture. Luo Yi, badly injured, was imprisoned in the slave camp. The Great Khan visited and urged him to surrender. Though Luo Yi had served under Li Jiancheng and didn’t want to side with Li Shimin, he also refused to align with prairie wolves. Proud and unyielding, he rejected submission.

The Great Khan wasn’t in a hurry—he ordered Luo Yi to be kept alive and slowly tormented. Sheer was jealous of Mimi’s closeness to Changge, so he had someone assign nonstop tasks to Changge, not letting her rest. That night, Changge sneaked into the slave camp to see Luo Yi. A woman named Shiba was there—she was one of Luo Yi’s people, sent to rescue him. Upon learning Changge's identity, Shiba released her.

Luo Yi was relieved to know Changge was alive. With his legs seriously injured, Luo Yi knew he couldn’t escape. Since Changge was still alive, he considered taking up the Great Khan’s offer. He was familiar with Tang’s border defenses—perhaps they could lead Asher’s army to attack Chang’an and kill Li Shimin to avenge Li Jiancheng. But Changge rejected the idea, saying they should think of the Tang people, not personal revenge.

Moved by her patriotism, Luo Yi admitted he was only testing her. Hearing that she was captured for helping in the Wei River battle, he praised her bravery and affirmed that although he had betrayed Li Shimin, he remained a Tang citizen and would never surrender to Asher's Tribe. With his injuries grave, Changge gave him some medicine and told Shiba to leave first—she would find a way to rescue Luo Yi. But just as she stepped out, soldiers caught her.

Li Changge was captured by soldiers of Asher's Tribe. Just as she was about to be in danger, an old woman named Ayi'er saved her. Ayi'er served the Khatun, who was once Princess Yicheng, a princess from the Sui Dynasty sent to the grasslands in a political marriage. Ayi'er brought Li Changge to meet Yicheng. Yicheng had long seen from Changge’s appearance and attire that she was a woman.

Knowing that Changge wanted to rescue Luo Yi, Yicheng treated her openly as a fellow person from the Central Plains, hoping to lower Changge's guard. The two of them prepared to work together to rescue Luo Yi. Leyan and Xiao Wu were hurrying to Luoyang. Their relationship had grown deeper. Leyan encouraged Xiao Wu to persevere, saying that once they arrived in Luoyang, everything would be better, and they would no longer need to live a life of wandering.

During this period, she had come to understand the hardship Li Shimin endured daily. All she wished for was peace for the people and a prosperous nation. Asher Sun risked sneaking out to see Li Changge. He noticed that someone had changed her dressing, and Li Changge admitted it was Princess Yicheng who had come to treat her wounds and had also brought her some food. Asher Sun was deeply worried for Changge’s safety.

He warned her that in this royal court, she could trust no one except him. With the Kurultai approaching, Asher Sun planned to find a way to take Changge away. However, Changge refused to leave because General Luo Yi was still there. She wanted to take the risk to rescue Luo Yi and hoped Asher Sun wouldn’t stop her.

Asher Sun pulled Changge into his arms, telling her to live well—nothing in the world was more important to him than she was. The Khan’s most beloved consort, Jinse, arrived at the royal court. Her charm had long captured the Khan’s heart. For her sake, the Khan even ordered Yicheng to personally pour wine for Jinse. Yicheng endured the humiliation and stepped forward to pour the wine, but Jinse was still unsatisfied and intentionally framed Yicheng for not pouring properly.

The Khan, in anger, hurt Yicheng. Years of humiliation and a life without dignity pushed Yicheng to the brink. She summoned Li Changge and revealed the painful life she had lived being married to successive Khans. She decided to help Changge rescue Luo Yi. When Changge learned of Yicheng’s plan, she was shocked to find out that Sheer was Yicheng’s biological son. However, the Khan had once made Sheer swear an oath never to secretly meet with Yicheng.

Yicheng planned to execute the rescue during the Kurultai, when the Khan and the tribal leaders would be out hunting. As Li Changge stepped out of the tent, Sheer saw her. He seized her by the neck, demanding to know why she was getting close to Yicheng. As she struggled, Sheer realized she was a woman. Delighted that Mimi’s feelings for Changge were not romantic, he then used Asher Sun to threaten Changge, forcing her to follow his orders.

At the Kurultai feast, Changge appeared with Sheer to meet the Khan. She wore the attire of Asher’s Tribe, her face veiled. Under Sheer’s command, she poured him wine. Sheer provoked Asher Sun, ignoring his sharp gaze, and demanded Changge pour wine for Asher Sun as well. Finally, Asher Sun could not hold back. He drew his sword and requested to duel Sheer before the Khan.

If he won, Sheer would give him Changge; if Sheer won, Asher Sun would hand over Mimi to Sheer. The two were both top warriors personally trained by the Khan. The Khan watched the duel with interest. Both fought with all their might. Asher Sun gritted his teeth and won the match, successfully winning Changge back and preparing to take her to the Eagle Division.

Sheer, son of Shule Khan, was supposed to be the Wolf God of the grasslands, but now he had lost publicly to Asher Sun. The Khan rebuked Sheer for his failure at the Kurultai. As Asher Sun was leading Changge back to the Eagle Division, Changge suddenly broke free from his grasp. She begged the Khan not to make her leave the royal court. Sheer laughed mockingly, saying that even a slave now refused to follow Asher Sun. The Khan ordered that Changge be tied up and sent to the Eagle Division, but Asher Sun refused, unwilling to take her back.

Changge’s refusal to return to the Eagle Division deeply hurt Asher Sun. On the spot, he asked the Khan for century-old liquor. The strong liquor burned his throat, but not as much as Changge’s words burned his heart. The next day was the grassland hunt, but Asher Sun had no intention of participating. He requested to stay behind and recover. Sheer also didn’t want to go alone and asked to remain with Asher Sun to recover as well.

Since Changge refused to leave with Asher Sun, Sheer was suspicious and wanted to know what exactly was going on between the two. Changge only said that her staying had nothing to do with Asher Sun. That night, Asher Sun drowned his sorrows in alcohol. Changge came to apologize. Now that she had given up her chance to leave, she had trapped herself here.

Asher Sun wanted to know how she planned to rescue Luo Yi—someone not even she or Yicheng could save. He hoped she wouldn’t overestimate herself. Changge only asked that he not interfere with her plan. Even as Asher Sun begged her not to risk herself, Changge ruthlessly pushed him away, telling him to stay out of it. Although he didn’t know what Changge’s exact plan was, Asher Sun still cared deeply for her.

He decided to have people watch over her and deliberately made a scene so Sheer would believe he had returned to the Eagle Division. The next day, the Khan set off for the hunt. Right after, the Khan’s precious horse panicked and escaped, drawing everyone’s attention. Sheer found it too coincidental and took Turuk to inspect Luo Yi’s prison cell. As expected, Luo Yi and Changge were gone. He realized it was all Changge’s doing.

Meanwhile, Changge had hidden Luo Yi in the water wagon with Ayi’er’s help and was trying to get out. The guards stopped them for inspection, but Yicheng arrived just in time to help them. Yicheng had always been kind to the soldiers, so they respected her and didn’t insist on checking the wagon. Luo Yi and Changge escaped the royal court. Sheer led his men in pursuit. Asher Sun, upon learning of the situation, also mobilized his troops.

Though he could have stayed out of it, since it involved Changge, he could never stand by. Luo Shiba came to assist them, but the three had no place to hide. With Sheer’s troops closing in, Luo Yi realized his time had come. After a lifetime on the battlefield, dying in combat would be a fitting end. Changge was still young, so he had Luo Shiba bow to Changge and acknowledge her as his new master and take her away.

Changge refused to abandon him, but Luo Yi forced Luo Shiba to take her and died at the hands of Asher’s Tribe. Luo Yi couldn’t be saved, and both Changge and Luo Shiba were captured by Sheer. Before Sheer could harm Changge, Asher Sun arrived with the Eagle Division in time. Asher Sun and Sheer clashed. He was determined to protect Changge, while Sheer refused to let her go. As they argued, Sheer’s trusted aide arrived.

Knowing Sheer wasn’t Asher Sun’s match, he pulled Sheer back and apologized to Asher Sun. Asher Sun coldly told Sheer that he was just a coward who refused to grow up, and didn’t understand what it meant to fight for protection. Sheer hated Asher Sun deeply. He knew Asher Sun cared for Changge, and the more he cared, the more Sheer wanted to destroy her. Though Sheer was unwilling to concede, Asher Sun was resolute.

Sheer’s men stepped back and let Asher Sun take Changge. Now that Changge was considered a spy for Asher’s Tribe, Asher Sun rescuing her gave the Wolf Division a chance to severely damage the Eagle Division. Sheer didn’t understand the deeper meaning, but those around him, entrusted by Yicheng, were determined to weaken the Eagle Division so Sheer could gain royal power. Asher Sun rescued Changge.

Mu Jin arrived to meet him and delivered a letter received by the Eagle Division. Inside was only a single earring. Asher Sun frowned deeply but did not tell Changge about it. He only told her to return first. Changge knew she would drag him down and didn’t want to leave. She asked how he planned to eliminate his troubles, but Asher Sun coldly told her to return to the Central Plains.

He had warned her before not to overestimate herself, and now she was suffering the consequences of her arrogance. His harsh words hurt Changge deeply, and he even said he would tie her up and send her to the border. Devastated, Changge told Asher Sun that she would return to the Central Plains on her own. Fearing she would stay in the grasslands, Asher Sun ordered Mu Jin to follow her and make sure she went back.

Halfway through the journey, Changge stopped. She told Luo Shiba to go back alone and forget about the master-servant bond—they were done. From now on, Shiba would be free. But Luo Shiba refused to leave and insisted on following her. Mu Jin was following along and offered to escort Changge to the border. But Changge asked about the earring and then found out that Ayi’er was Asher Sun’s adoptive mother.

Over the years, the Khan had kept Ayi’er in the royal tent to control Asher Sun. Changge’s heart sank, and she immediately asked Mu Jin to take some of the Eagle Division and follow her back to the royal court to rescue Ayi’er and Asher Sun. Earlier, Ayi’er had followed Yicheng’s orders to help Luo Yi and Changge escape. Upon her return, the blood on her carriage was discovered, and Sheer’s men immediately arrested her.

Now Sheer was using Ayi’er to threaten Asher Sun, demanding he kneel. To Asher Sun, Ayi’er was like his mother. Despite the humiliation, he chose to kneel. But Sheer pushed further, ordering Asher Sun to kowtow and entertain him.

Ayi'er’s life was in Sheer’s hands. Asher Sun couldn’t care about his dignity anymore—he was willing to kneel to Sheer in submission. Ayi'er couldn’t bear to see Asher Sun humiliated and took her own life on Sheer’s sword. Sheer did not expect Ayi'er to do such a thing. Asher Sun, crying, rushed toward her and collapsed with grief, holding her tightly and vowing to kill Sheer. Asher Sun held a crossbow, determined to avenge Ayi'er by killing Sheer.

Yicheng stepped in front of Sheer and pleaded with Asher Sun to spare him, saying she was willing to die in his place. Sheer didn’t want his Anah to be harmed and was willing to die at Asher Sun’s hand. Seeing the two of them clinging to each other, Asher Sun ultimately couldn't bring himself to do it. He smashed the crossbow in despair.

Sheer’s guards arrived and were about to capture Asher Sun, but Li Changge arrived with the Eagle Division to bring Asher Sun back to camp. The strength of the Eagle Division deterred the Wolf Army from making a move. Asher Sun was filled with killing intent again, but Li Changge urged him not to act impulsively. Overwhelmed with pain, Asher Sun blamed Li Changge—if she hadn't acted on her own, Ayi'er wouldn’t have died.

Though full of guilt, Li Changge couldn’t let Asher Sun die here. She knocked him unconscious and ordered Mu Jin to bring him back to the Eagle Division. The Great Khan was not in the camp, and Sheer’s people ordered the Wolf Division to relentlessly pursue Asher Sun. Li Changge made a quick decision to split up.

She and the Eagle Division would lure the pursuers away, while Mu Jin would take Asher Sun and Ayi'er's body to hide, then return after the pursuers left. Though Mu Jin felt the plan was too risky, there was no other way to protect Asher Sun, so he ordered Suyishe and the Eagle Division to obey Li Changge’s command. The Wolf Division had overwhelming numbers, and Suyishe’s group could not match them.

Knowing Asher never killed tribal captives, Li Changge instructed Suyishe to surrender if captured to ensure survival. As for herself, she planned to rescue Luo Yi, knowing the Wolf Division wouldn’t spare her, but she had her own means of survival. She parted ways with the group, and the Wolf Division split up to chase them. Not a match for the Wolf Division, Li Changge was struck by an arrow.

Just as she thought she was about to die, she was saved by the skilled Situ Langlang, who fearlessly rescued her from the Wolf Division. After returning to camp, Asher Sun’s first act upon waking was to visit Ayi'er's body. She was his family. The Great Khan had always used Ayi'er to threaten him, forcing him to fight Sheer, and he had obeyed. Yet, in the end, he still couldn't protect his family.

Devastated, Asher Sun no longer wished to fight for the Great Khan—he would only fight for those he loved. He then asked about Li Changge and Suyishe’s whereabouts. Learning that Suyishe was captured but safe brought him some relief, but hearing Li Changge was missing filled him with anxiety.

He wanted to search for her personally, but Mu Jin stopped the physically weak Asher Sun and decided to search with Mimi, leaving Asher Sun to take care of himself—for surviving was the best way to honor Li Changge. Yicheng was wounded by an arrow from Asher Sun while protecting Sheer. Though not fatal, when Sheer learned Yicheng was safe, he wanted to visit her but was stopped by the tribal doctor.

Yicheng had always treated them well, so they would care for her, but if Sheer visited without permission, the Great Khan would punish her. Although Yicheng was Sheer’s birth mother, he couldn’t see her. He remembered Asher Sun kneeling in humiliation for Ayi'er and felt a deep sorrow. He didn’t understand how things had come to this, nor what he, as Little Khan, could do.

Back at camp, Sheer’s confidant presented a plan—to blame the Eagle Division for everything: Yicheng’s injury and Luo Yi’s death, and kill Asher Sun. Sheer had never wanted to kill Asher Sun, but his confidant reminded him of Yicheng’s years of humiliation—this was his best chance at seizing power. Asher Sun went to the royal court, using a childhood code to summon Sheer.

Though Sheer hadn’t meant to kill Ayi'er and felt deep remorse, Asher Sun pressed a blade to him, saying Sheer had no right to mention Ayi'er's name. The two fought fiercely. Asher Sun mocked Sheer for being childish—while they bore the future of the grasslands, Sheer only cared about winning or losing. Asher Sun demanded Sheer hand over Suyishe’s group and Li Changge. Sheer agreed to release the Eagle Division members but admitted that Li Changge was not with him.

He didn’t mention that she had been rescued. Though aware of the dangers in the grasslands, Asher Sun believed that Li Changge was still alive. Li Changge woke up in a carriage and found herself saved by two strangers—Situ Langlang and an elder named Master Sun. They had always helped the weak, and saving her was a fortunate accident.

The Wolf Division sent a message to the Great Khan, accusing the Eagle Division of aiding Luo Yi’s escape, Asher Sun of wounding Yicheng. Sheer hadn’t expected his own men to act this way. Knowing it was his fault, he didn’t want Asher Sun hurt.

When the Great Khan, furious, wanted to kill Asher Sun, Sheer spoke up for him, claiming they had both been chasing Luo Yi and that Asher had accidentally shot Yicheng, and he himself accidentally killed Ayi'er. Ayi'er had always been the Great Khan’s bargaining chip. Now that she was gone, the Great Khan tried to move Asher Sun with familial sentiment. But Asher Sun had only one request—to travel the vast world and hand over the Eagle Division to someone else.

Asher Sun requested to leave the Eagle Division. The Great Khan tried to keep him, believing him to be the best commander for the Eagle Division. But Ayi'er had been Asher Sun’s only attachment. Now that she was gone, he was determined to leave. The Great Khan had no choice but to agree, reminding him that no matter where he went, he would always care for him sincerely. After Asher Sun left, the Great Khan furiously scolded Sheer.

Because of Sheer’s actions, Asher Sun had lost all attachments. The Great Khan had hoped to keep Asher Sun, knowing his charisma could unite people. With Asher gone, the Eagle Division could no longer be his support. Li Changge lay weakly on a donkey cart, devoid of will to live. She said farewell to Master Sun and Situ Langlang, wanting to leave alone. Master Sun asked Situ to stop her, and they fought.

Her desire to survive was sparked, but she was no match for Situ and was beaten until she coughed blood and fainted. Watching her faint, Situ had an idea—he planned to take her as his disciple. Sheer sent a signal; Asher Sun came to see him. Asher knew he was spared by the Great Khan thanks to Sheer, but he felt no gratitude.

Sheer had never intended to kill Asher Sun and had always seen him as a worthy rival, hoping he would stay. But Asher Sun, now with Ayi'er gone, was determined to find Li Changge after settling the Eagle Division. Seeing his resolve, Sheer understood why he had lost to him. Just then, Mimi and Mu Jin arrived. Mimi begged Sheer for Li Changge’s whereabouts.

Sheer told them she had been rescued in the south by Central Plains people and gave Asher Sun a wooden hairpin she dropped—his only way of making amends. Yicheng missed the Central Plains while recovering in camp. The Great Khan stormed in, tearing up her Central Plains map and scolding Sheer’s incompetence. Yicheng pleaded for Sheer to have another chance. But the Great Khan told her clearly—the title of Khan belonged to the capable, and Sheer was unworthy.

As punishment, he put Yicheng in confinement for a month. Yicheng was in agony but had no choice but to endure. Asher Sun received news that a donkey cart heading toward the Central Plains carried two men and a woman. He was sure it was Li Changge. Knowing she was alive, he immediately prepared to go find her, leaving Mu Jin to care for the Eagle Division. Seeing his concern, Mu Jin asked if he had fallen for her.

Asher Sun admitted he had and believed Li Changge would come to understand his feelings in time. Elsewhere, Luo Shiba was also searching for Li Changge with a portrait in hand. She met Xu Feng, who, learning that she meant no harm to Li Changge, took her to see Elder Qin. Elder Qin gave her a secret code and agreed to help her search. Situ sparred with Li Changge daily. Though she had trained since childhood, she wasn’t his match.

Situ wanted to take her as a disciple. She was reluctant at first, but when she learned his swordsmanship could help her seek revenge, she knelt and accepted him as her master. The three of them then set off for Luoyang. Meanwhile, Luo Shiba continued her search and happened to cross paths with Asher Sun—they had both come for the same reason: to find Li Changge. Xiao Wu and Li Leyan headed for Luoyang.

Xiao Wu sincerely treated Li Leyan as his sister. On the road, they encountered refugees who had killed government officers and taken all the food. When Li Leyan condemned their behavior, the refugees turned on her. Gao Dou reported to Li Shimin that Li Leyan was heading for Luoyang. Li Shimin was relieved but also worried—refugees were everywhere in Luoyang.

He planned to send the Crown Prince to comfort the people, but knowing the prince’s immaturity, he sent Wei Shuyu along. Du Ruhui also proposed to travel to Luoyang and invite the former Sui talent Li Jing to take on an important post. Wei Shuyu accompanied the Crown Prince to Luoyang. The pampered prince couldn’t adapt to Shuyu’s humble travel attire and complained the whole way. Meanwhile, Li Leyan carried Xiao Wu on her back toward Luoyang.

As they neared the city, Xiao Wu grew weaker—he couldn’t hold on much longer. His only wish was to eat white rice. Li Leyan encouraged him, saying they would get past the checkpoint and have white rice. But before they could enter the city, Xiao Wu closed his eyes for the last time. Li Leyan, still carrying him, tried to enter the gate but was stopped by soldiers unwilling to let a corpse in. Crying, she denied Xiao Wu’s death.

Just as the soldiers were about to act, Gao Dou arrived in time to save her. Seeing her sobbing over Xiao Wu, Gao Dou was filled with pain and held the unconscious Li Leyan tightly.

Leyan kept calling Xiao Wu's name in her coma. Hao Dou woke Leyan, and as soon as she opened her eyes, she asked about Xiao Wu. Hao Dou admitted to her that he had properly buried Xiao Wu. Thinking of Xiao Wu, Leyan was overwhelmed with grief and blamed herself for his death. She asked Hao Dou to accompany her to visit Xiao Wu.

Hao Dou was surprised that Leyan, who once feared him, now looked at him without a trace of fear. After all the hardships she had endured, even death no longer frightened Leyan—how could she still fear Hao Dou? Seeing how much Leyan had grown through her suffering, Hao Dou felt deeply for her. He took out the protective charm he had picked up, hoping it would keep Leyan safe for life.

But Leyan only wished peace for the people of the world. As for the charm, she gave it back to Hao Dou, hoping it would fulfill its final purpose: to protect him. Leyan and Hao Dou visited Xiao Wu together. In front of Xiao Wu's grave, they laid out bowls of white rice. With tears in her eyes, Leyan ate a bowl on Xiao Wu’s behalf, hoping for a prosperous and peaceful world without displaced people.

After this experience, Leyan had matured greatly. She was no longer a pampered princess. When a maid offered to help her bathe, she declined and did it herself. After her bath, Hao Dou received a letter from His Majesty and rushed to deliver it to Leyan, accidentally catching a glimpse of her post-bath appearance. His heart skipped a beat. Leyan took the letter and, learning that the Crown Prince would arrive in Luoyang, decided to stay a few more days.

Hao Dou commented on how much she had changed. Leyan was no longer the naive princess she once was—she now understood the hardships of the people and recognized Hao Dou’s cold exterior masked a kind heart. Li Changge arrived at Liuyun Temple with Situ Langlang and Sun Simiao. The temple had taken in many refugees. A woman named Abi gave her a tour, and Changge chose a quiet room to live in. She trained diligently in Situ’s sword techniques.

Though he once told her that their paths were different and she would never master the Yue Maiden Sword Style, she still couldn't comprehend its essence. Luo Shiba brought Asher Sun to see Elder Qin and Xu Feng. Xu Feng reacted as if seeing an enemy. Asher Sun simply stated he and Changge were friends and that he came to Tang only to find her.

Elder Qin, always far-sighted, knew that the notice of Li Changge’s death posted by Asher Sun was to protect her. He decided to trust Asher Sun and agreed to enter the city with him to find Changge. The Crown Prince arrived in Luoyang. Upon arrival, he insisted on revealing his identity. Wei Shuyu couldn't persuade him otherwise and followed him to the government office.

The Crown Prince thought his identity would earn him the refugees' gratitude, but they only wanted food. They rushed at him madly, and Wei Shuyu had to shield him tightly. Leyan, staying in the office, heard the commotion and stepped out as Princess Yong'an to calm the people. Meanwhile, Hao Dou identified and subdued someone who was faking injury to incite unrest. Together, they resolved the refugee crisis. Wei Shuyu was overjoyed to see Leyan.

He took her hand and promised never to let her suffer again. Just then, the Crown Prince’s maid reported that he had a high fever and couldn’t offer relief to the refugees. Leyan knew he was faking and came to soothe him, hoping he would grow up quickly. The young Crown Prince eventually fell asleep in her arms, moved by her heartfelt words.

Wei Shuyu thanked Hao Dou for finding Leyan but also pointed out that had Hao Dou not been so obsessed with chasing Changge, Leyan might not have gone missing. He took the chance to advise Hao Dou against losing himself in single-minded pursuits. Meanwhile, Changge secluded herself in her room without eating or drinking. Situ Langlang wanted to visit her but was stopped by the temple master, who went in his stead.

The temple master encouraged Changge to let go of the past and help Liuyun Temple save people. Looking at the painting of “Wu Wei” on the wall, Changge poured out her regrets: if she hadn’t fought, perhaps A Dou, Gongsun Heng, and Luo Yi wouldn’t have died so tragically, and Asher Sun wouldn’t have lost his loved ones. The temple master said that the Way ultimately lies in people, and dwelling on the past only brings more sorrow. With her guidance, Changge finally accepted reality. She couldn’t return to her homeland, so she gave herself the name A Li and decided to stay at Liuyun Temple.

Hao Dou accompanied Leyan to provide aid to the disaster victims. On the way, they saw a little girl chasing after her brother’s body. He had died from a plague and had to be cremated immediately. Leyan hugged the girl tightly. Having lost Xiao Wu, she understood the girl's pain and gently told her to live on, carrying her brother’s hopes with her. In the middle of the night, Changge woke from a nightmare, calling Asher Sun’s name.

Abi, sleeping nearby, came to check on her, urging her not to shut herself away. Abi asked about the “Ah Sun” Changge kept mentioning, thinking it was a pet bird. Changge then revealed Asher Sun was a former companion, but she had wronged him. Now that Asher Sun hadn’t come looking for her, she could at least find some comfort in the fact that he hated her. Xu Feng had already found out Changge’s whereabouts.

When Asher Sun asked for details, Xu Feng refused to speak kindly to him and used harsh words. Elder Qin interjected, reminding Xu Feng that anyone could see Asher Sun's feelings for Changge, and that Xu Feng shouldn't treat him this way. Later, Asher Sun played with Yuan Niang. Xu Feng again spoke harshly and nearly told Yuan Niang that it was Asher Sun who caused Gongsun Heng and his wife’s deaths. Before he could finish, Elder Qin stopped him.

He reminded Xu Feng to mind his words—Asher Sun was not at fault. In the chaos of war, rivers of blood had flowed. Asher Sun had already done his best by promising Gongsun Heng to protect the people of Shuozhou. Though Elder Qin had forgiven him, Asher Sun still felt guilty toward Yuan Niang.

He gave her a wolf whistle, unique to the grasslands, telling her to blow it whenever she needed help, and he would protect her in place of her adoptive parents. The Crown Prince went out to explore the city. A boy named Sheng Xin, under someone’s direction, deliberately approached him. Pretending to save him during a staged refugee riot, he gained the Crown Prince’s trust. Meanwhile, at Liuyun Temple, Changge learned the Crown Prince had arrived in Luoyang.

Knowing his incompetence, she prepared to meet him. Before she could leave, Situ Langlang stopped her and asked her to help at the refugee site in Nanshan. That night, Yuan Niang went missing. Everyone was anxious. Xu Feng blamed Asher Sun. Just as Asher Sun was about to search for her, he heard the sound of the wolf whistle. Following the sound, he found Yuan Niang.

Seeing how much he cared, Xu Feng finally let go of his grudge and was willing to support Asher Sun. The Crown Prince injured his hand during the riot and threw a tantrum, refusing to comfort the refugees. Leyan had to go in his place. No sooner had she left than the Crown Prince got excited and snuck off to visit the lavish Ziwei Palace, which had been built at great cost during the Sui dynasty.

The Nanshan relief site was filled with refugees. Seeing so many displaced people stirred Changge’s heart. Now going by the name A Li, she ran into the girl Wuniang, whom Leyan had once comforted. Following the temple master’s instructions, Wuniang helped Changge familiarize herself with the area and shared her tragic past. Changge offered words of comfort and came to understand that regardless of one’s origins, everyone has their own fate in turbulent times.

She finally overcame her inner demons and decided to stay in Nanshan with Liuyun Temple to help the refugees. Leyan brought medicine to Nanshan accompanied only by her maid. Changge was there too, and the two finally met after many trials. Leyan’s eyes welled with tears upon seeing Changge. Changge had long let go of the past and no longer hated Leyan. Just as they were catching up, Hao Dou arrived.

Leyan hurriedly hid Changge and told her to meet at the marketplace the next day at Shen hour—there was so much more she wanted to say. Hao Dou grew suspicious of the departing figure. As he was about to pursue her, Leyan feigned a stomachache. Concerned, Hao Dou carried her back to the carriage. Asher Sun and Xu Feng had never seen eye to eye. Holding in their frustrations, they finally fought it out. After the bout, Xu Feng finally acknowledged Asher Sun's strength and character.

After the brawl, Asher Sun picked up a jar of wine and drank heartily. He admired Gongsun Heng as a hero and envied Xu Feng for having a band of brothers willing to risk their lives for him. Everyone drank together in high spirits. Through this fight, Xu Feng and Asher Sun completely let go of their grudges and accepted each other.

Meanwhile, the curfew in Luoyang had ended, but the Crown Prince was still burning candles through the night in the Ziwei Palace. Wei Shuyu tried to dissuade him, but the pampered Crown Prince refused to listen. Wei Shuyu could do nothing about such an arrogant and spoiled prince. Li Leyan was preparing to go to the marketplace to meet Li Changge, but her maid didn’t dare let her go alone.

The maid informed Hao Dou, who then accompanied Li Leyan all the way. Leyan had arranged to meet Changge and found an excuse to send Hao Dou away so she could meet with Changge alone. Changge saw how much Leyan had changed and was genuinely happy for her. Leyan had come to understand what she truly wanted—to be a real princess of the Tang Dynasty and help alleviate the people’s suffering.

Changge supported Leyan unconditionally and told her where she lived. After their conversation, Leyan remembered Hao Dou and worried he might not be able to find her. After a hug with Changge, she said goodbye. Hao Dou had bought Leyan’s favorite pastries but couldn’t find her, which made him panic and search frantically. As he turned around, he saw Leyan standing on the street with a sugar figurine waiting for him.

Leyan knew he was worried and apologized, offering him the sugar figurine. Hao Dou couldn’t control himself and pulled Leyan into his arms, afraid he had lost her. After letting go, he looked slightly embarrassed, took the sugar figurine from her, and escorted her back to the government office. At the gate, they ran into Du Ruhui, who was relieved to see Leyan.

Du Ruhui originally wanted Hao Dou to escort Leyan back to Chang’an, but Hao Dou hoped Leyan could stay in Luoyang to do what she wanted. Du Ruhui saw through Hao Dou’s true feelings and intentions for Leyan. He didn’t interfere with the affairs of the young and allowed Leyan to temporarily remain in Luoyang. The Crown Prince encountered Sheng Xin again in Ziwei Palace.

Before he could talk much with Sheng Xin, Wei Shuyu came to see him, prompting Sheng Xin to leave in a hurry. The Crown Prince blamed Wei Shuyu harshly. Meanwhile, the woman who had arranged for Sheng Xin to get close to the Crown Prince decided it was time to act. With Luoyang dry and parched recently, they planned to take advantage of the palace’s all-night candlelight to stir up chaos.

Li Changge and Li Leyan were distributing aid to refugees on Nanshan. People saw them as living bodhisattvas, while the never-seen Crown Prince became the target of much criticism. The two later ran into Quan Niang, who was preparing a water supply. Rumors were spreading that a massive fire would hit Luoyang within three days, so everyone remained on high alert. At that moment, Wei Shuyu arrived to see Leyan and met Changge, wishing to speak with her alone.

But Changge refused. The old Li Changge was already dead; she now went by the name Ali. The Crown Prince indulged himself in Ziwei Palace, keeping Sheng Xin and several boys with him for company. Wei Shuyu reported this to Du Ruhui, who came to see the Crown Prince and advised him to behave. Though the Crown Prince feared Du Ruhui, he still kept Sheng Xin close, who had approached him with ulterior motives. Asher Sun searched everywhere for Changge.

At Liuyun Temple, he saw her back but didn’t approach, thinking she was someone else after hearing a woman call her “Ali. ” He returned to the inn empty-handed and disappointed. From Xu Feng, he learned that Sun Simiao had once rescued a girl and brought her to Luoyang and that Sun Simiao had recently been treating many refugees. Knowing that Liuyun Temple was sheltering refugees, Asher Sun rushed back to search for Changge again.

Asher Sun didn’t find Changge at Liuyun Temple but met Situ Langlang. Situ knew the name Li Changge and realized Asher Sun was looking for her, but he didn’t reveal anything. Asher Sun left disappointed. Qin Lao noticed the look in Asher Sun’s eyes and advised him to rest, promising they would help search for Changge. Changge went out for tea and encountered a man spreading rumors about the fire.

She tried to follow him, but he vanished into the crowd. Though she couldn’t catch him, the fire rumor troubled her. Meanwhile, Du Ruhui visited Ziwei Palace and brought up the circulating rumors. Hao Dou had heard that the fire disaster would originate from the palace’s candlelight.

With rumors running rampant, Du Ruhui demanded the Crown Prince extinguish the candles, choose an auspicious day, wear ceremonial attire to offer prayers, and personally inspect refugee housing, dressed in plain robes with no ornaments—to show sincerity. Leyan saw clearly that the rumors targeted the Crown Prince. Du Ruhui was impressed by her growth and assured her he would handle the matter. In the palace of Chang’an, Li Shimin played chess with the astrologer Chunfeng.

Chunfeng told Li Shimin he had divined that a great fire would break out in Luoyang within three days, and thus informed Du Ruhui to prepare. The Crown Prince’s behavior in Luoyang had already reached Li Shimin, who planned to deal with him upon his return. Chunfeng also cast a hexagram for the trip to Luoyang, deeming it dangerous yet ultimately smooth. Wei Shuyu went to Liuyun Temple to persuade Changge to leave.

With Hao Dou still in the area, he believed it was too dangerous for her. But Changge was determined to stay and help the disaster victims. Before setting out, Du Ruhui received a brocade pouch from Li Chunfeng, who claimed it would ensure his safety. Du Ruhui opened the pouch and followed the address inside to Liuyun Temple. Upon learning that Sun Simiao was currently treating patients there, he realized that Li Chunfeng intended for him to consult the physician.

Though Du Ruhui was a high official, he still abided by the temple's rules and waited in line. While waiting, Hao Dou spotted someone who resembled Changge. Wei Shuyu had taken Changge into the medicine room. Hao Dou wanted to check, but the temple master blocked him. Wei Shuyu again tried to persuade Changge to leave, but she refused—she hadn’t found her own path yet and didn’t want to leave.

As for Hao Dou and the others, she would simply avoid them to stay out of trouble. Sun Simiao examined Du Ruhui and diagnosed that the disease had reached his bones—he didn’t have long to live. If he wanted to extend his life, he would have to immediately retire to the mountains. But Du Ruhui couldn’t abandon the troubled world and insisted on staying until his body could no longer hold out.

Moved by his conviction, Sun Simiao agreed to extend his life for three more years, though he warned that Du Ruhui would suffer great pain when his time came. Still, with the empire in turmoil and the people suffering, Du Ruhui believed three more years would be enough to help Li Shimin usher in a prosperous Tang era. Even if his end was painful, it would all be worth it. Changge came to thank the temple master for his help.

The master already knew her true identity and mentioned Du Ruhui’s sense of purpose, noting that he and Changge shared the same path, only through different methods. Inspired by the master, Changge realized her true intention: she desired a grand Tang Dynasty and was willing to eliminate anyone who threatened that goal. The arsonists behind the scenes were monitoring the fire rumors while also planning to assassinate Li Jing.

On the streets of Luoyang, Li Jing was playing chess with someone. His wife came to find him and mentioned that Du Ruhui had visited again, hoping Li Jing would take over as Minister of War—a request Li Jing kept declining. As they were about to return home, they overheard beggars spreading rumors. Asher Sun also heard them. Both followed the beggar, who turned out to be an assassin. As he tried to kill Li Jing, Asher Sun intervened.

Suspecting the beggar knew who had spread the rumors, he demanded a name, but the beggar—being a death warrior—poisoned himself and died. At this point, Asher Sun understood that the person behind the rumors couldn’t possibly be Changge. The third day arrived—the night of the rumored fire calamity. Both Changge and Leyan were uneasy. At Changge’s request, Leyan took her to Ziwei Palace.

Meanwhile, Sheng Xin and his people began to stir up trouble in the palace, pouring fire oil everywhere and setting it ablaze. As the palace caught fire, panic spread. Changge and Leyan rushed into the palace to rescue people. Li Jing had been drinking tea with Asher Sun and asked about the mysterious “old friend” of his who had ties with the Crown Prince.

Upon seeing the blaze, they too rushed to Ziwei Palace to fight the fire and rescue people. Amid the chaos, Changge discovered a scarecrow dressed in the Crown Prince’s ceremonial robes and realized it was a long-planned scheme. Since her face had just been seen, she had to leave immediately.

Asher Sun and Li Jing captured a death warrior in the Ziwei Palace. The warrior attempted to take poison and end his life, but Li Jing stopped him. Now that the fire at Ziwei Palace had been extinguished, Asher Sun and Li Jing decided to take the death warrior away first. Upon learning of the fire at Ziwei Palace, Du Ruhui hurried to the scene with Gao Du.

Traces of fire oil were found in the palace, suggesting the fire was deliberately set. While questioning the palace maids, Du Ruhui learned that a Taoist nun with a mole at the corner of her eye had entered the palace—features that matched Li Changge's perfectly. Du Ruhui immediately suspected her. Overwhelmed and powerless, he coughed up blood, and Gao Du quickly escorted him to Liuyun Temple.

Meanwhile, Li Leyan, deeply worried about Changge, prepared to go to Liuyun Temple to assist her. At Liuyun Temple, Du Ruhui and Gao Du ran into Changge. Changge quickly tried to avoid them, and Gao Du was ordered to capture her, but was stopped by Situ. Unafraid of a fight, Situ blocked Gao Du, who also didn’t want a direct confrontation, deciding instead to search for Changge outside the temple.

At the temple entrance, Gao Du encountered Leyan, who claimed to be there for Du Ruhui. She pretended to be lost and asked Gao Du to escort her into the temple, delaying him to buy time for Changge to escape. Li Jing brought the death warrior back to his residence. Lady Li interrogated the man and found out he was from former Sui's Dingxiang. Meanwhile, Du Ruhui was still deeply worried about Li Changge.

Knowing Leyan was determined to protect Changge, he devised a plan with Gao Du to capture her. Leyan, still concerned, learned about the danger Changge faced from Gao Du. She swapped identities with her maid and snuck out to find Changge, leaving a letter behind. After reading the letter, Changge decided to risk going out to find Leyan. Asher Sun and Li Jing played chess at a teahouse.

Asher Sun kept using Gongsun Heng’s tactics, trying to conceal his identity, but Li Jing still noticed. Li Jing didn’t know Asher Sun’s true identity but remarked that his playing style resembled that of a steppe warrior. Asher Sun firmly denied it, claiming to be from the Central Plains. He had come to find Changge.

Li Jing had assumed he was looking for a man, but upon learning it was someone he loved, he laughed heartily and offered to help him. At that moment, Asher Sun saw Gao Du hurrying by on the street and, sensing something was wrong, quickly excused himself to follow. Wei Shuyu and Leyan had planned to help Changge leave the city in secret, but Gao Du had already anticipated it.

He exposed and captured them at the inn, waiting for Changge to show up. As expected, Changge arrived, but when Gao Du opened the room door, it was a waiter standing there. Realizing something was off, he immediately led his men in pursuit. From upstairs, Shuyu and Leyan saw Changge, and realized Asher Sun had rescued her. Asher Sun held Changge's hand as they ran through the streets.

Leyan had once seen Asher Sun in Shuozhou and knew he meant no harm to Changge, so she was relieved. As Asher Sun pulled Changge along, she recalled his words and realized he didn’t hate her. Her lips curled into a smile—despite being on the run, she was happy. To evade pursuit, Asher Sun took her to the largest distillery in Luoyang—where the most dangerous place could also be the safest. Asher Sun tightly embraced Changge.

He had come all the way from the steppe just to find her. Aware that his previous words had been too harsh, he apologized and offered her a drink. Since he had saved her just now, Changge also wanted to toast him. But Asher Sun, following Central Plains customs, proposed a cross-cupped toast. Changge hadn’t intended to pledge herself to him, and Asher Sun didn’t force her. They clinked cups lightly, and he drank with a soft laugh.

They suddenly heard commotion outside and grew alert—only to discover it was the Crown Prince. It turned out he hadn’t been kidnapped but had sneaked out to play at the distillery. Chaos erupted outside due to the Crown Prince’s absence, yet he was oblivious to the trouble he had caused. Changge, stepping into her role as the elder sister, sent him off to a school for discipline.

She also learned from Asher Sun that Elder Qin and others were in Luoyang. She missed them dearly but didn’t know how to face them. Failing to capture Changge, Gao Du returned with his troops. Leyan was already waiting at the yamen. Upon seeing him, she slapped him.

Leyan had realized that Gao Du used her to lure out Changge. Disappointed to the core, she looked him in the eye and told him he was nothing more than a puppet, devoid of feelings, merely following orders blindly. She questioned why he couldn’t tolerate Changge, who had never done anything truly evil. Gao Du had no rebuttal and could only watch as Leyan walked away in disappointment.

Wei Shuyu also told Hao Dou that people don’t live for orders or merit, but for what they believe is worth it. He had realized this too late and lost Changge, hoping Hao Dou would come to understand it sooner. Asher Sun took Changge to see Elder Qin and Luo Shiba. Seeing Changge return safely, Elder Qin was greatly relieved and asked about her future plans. Changge hadn’t thought that far.

Asher Sun wanted to take her back to the steppe, saying she still owed him three favors, but Changge insisted they were already even. Seeing their disagreement, Elder Qin stepped in and suggested they leave the city first and talk later. Gao Du began to waver because of Leyan’s words. Du Ruhui scolded him and decided to personally capture Changge, ordering Gao Du to stay home and reflect.

Meanwhile, Lady Jinse arrived at Liuyun Temple under the pretense of offering incense, and entered the temple with the abbess. Asher Sun and Changge discussed their future. He didn’t want to be even with her—he would always remember what she owed him. Understanding his feelings, Changge reached out and hooked fingers with him, promising not to part ways like that. Before leaving, she planned to say goodbye to the abbess.

Asher Sun wanted to accompany her, but since the abbess and others were all women, it wasn’t convenient, so he agreed to wait for her outside. Du Ruhui arrived at the temple to arrest Changge. The abbess led him in, hoping Changge had already escaped far away. She took his pulse while they talked. Suddenly, Lady Jinse burst into the room—her true purpose was to kill Du Ruhui.

She had already subdued everyone in the temple and announced that the Crown Prince was dead, urging Du Ruhui to take his own life to atone. Stricken with guilt, Du Ruhui hesitated, but the abbess insisted it was all rumor and conjecture. Annoyed, Lady Jinse started attacking people in the temple. Pressured, Du Ruhui had to yield.

Just as Lady Jinse was about to kill him, Changge rushed in, pretending she had a blood feud with Du Ruhui and would end it herself. She took Lady Jinse’s knife—and used it to save him. Situ arrived to get medicine and witnessed the chaos. Changge called him “Master,” and he helped her. Lady Jinse had come well-prepared. The temple’s people were mostly defenseless. Changge did everything she could.

In saving Du Ruhui, she was stabbed in the back, but still managed to get him and the others out. Inside, only Changge, Situ, and the abbess remained. The abbess was wounded by Lady Jinse, and Changge fought alone, telling Situ to take the abbess inside to treat her wounds. Once Du Ruhui was out, he sent a signal for reinforcements in the city. Gao Du, Shuyu, and Leyan saw it and rushed to the scene.

Du Ruhui ordered Gao Du to rescue Li Changge. Asher Sun had been playing chess with Li Jing at the teahouse. Li Jing showed him the military manual of Duke Wei and asked him to finish the game to earn the book. But when Asher Sun heard the signal drums, he realized Changge was in danger and immediately abandoned the game and rushed to Liuyun Temple. The abbess and Situ tried to protect the others, but the abbess was wounded.

Changge told Situ to take her away for treatment while she stayed behind to protect everyone. She fought against Asher’s Tribe’s top warriors alone, sustaining heavy injuries. Fortunately, Asher Sun arrived just in time and saved her again. He shielded Changge, but Lady Jinse berated him for forgetting his own surname and vowed to kill both him and Changge.

Du Ruhui gathered archers to guard outside Liuyun Temple. Li Jing also arrived there, asking Du Ruhui to hand over the command, as he was more adept at deploying troops. Du Ruhui never imagined that Liuyun Temple would warrant Li Jing’s personal appearance—he had tried to seek an audience with Li Jing eighteen times without success. Li Jing merely chuckled, saying he had taken a liking to a good disciple and naturally didn’t want him to perish at Liuyun Temple.

Li Jing then took Du Ruhui’s military tally and began deploying troops and ordering arrows to be fired. Inside the temple, Asher Sun heard Li Jing’s voice. Familiar with Li Jing’s tactics, he easily dodged the incoming arrows. Soon, only Jinse remained alive inside the temple. Asher Sun and Li Changge captured her. Jinse repeatedly accused Asher Sun of betraying Asher’s Tribe and the Great Khan. However, Asher Sun stood firm—he had never betrayed his tribe.

He was merely saving someone he cared about. Jinse, in contrast, was the one truly leading the tribe into disgrace. Her actions were meant to incite war between Asher’s Tribe and the Tang Empire. Hao Du arrived at Liuyun Temple with his men. Asher Sun knocked Jinse unconscious, preparing to hand her over to the Tang Empire, then fled to the backyard with Li Changge.

Inside the temple, Du Ruhui could not find Changge, and Li Jing was also surprised that Asher Sun was not there. Situ Langlang claimed that the person who had just coordinated with Li Jing was him—only he and the temple master were inside the entire time. The people inside the temple insisted on protecting Changge. Du Ruhui relented and decided not to pursue the matter further.

He apologized to the temple master for his earlier offense, but the master took no offense and simply advised Du Ruhui to let go of his obsession. Du Ruhui, who hadn’t seen Li Jing in many days, now stood before him. He tried to provoke Li Jing to return to court in his official robes, but Li Jing didn’t fall for it.

Du Ruhui, left with no other options, brought up the Crown Prince’s disappearance and proposed a full-scale citywide search. Li Jing, however, worried it would alert the enemy. Li Leyan, meticulous in thought, came up with a perfect plan and asked Du Ruhui to hand her the military tally first. In the city, Li Leyan distributed porridge to the poor. During this, she and Hao Du spotted a strange-looking man at the relief station.

The man was leaving the city with a young girl and tried to kill her once outside. Fortunately, Hao Du rescued the child and brought her to Li Leyan. The rescue was all thanks to Li Leyan. Luoyang was also being secured according to her plans. She knelt to comfort the girl and, once she was safe, handed her over to Hao Du. Hao Du wanted to escort her back, as it wasn’t safe, but she refused and left alone.

Wei Shuyu learned from soldiers that Hao Du had deliberately let Li Changge go. He felt relieved—so long as Changge was safe, he could rest easy. Later, Du Ruhui came to see Jinse and discovered she was a descendant of the Sui royal family. Jinse was not acting alone, but she refused to reveal anything more. Du Ruhui ordered her imprisoned, wanting her to experience a fate worse than death. Li Changge woke up.

Luo Shiba brought her medicine but, not being good at caring for others, nearly scalded her. Asher Sun quickly took the bowl and fed the medicine to Changge, but she drank it all in one gulp. Then she suddenly remembered the Crown Prince and, alarmed, told Li Leyan and Wei Shuyu where he was. Upon learning the location, Wei Shuyu proposed bringing Hao Du along. The three went to a sumo arena and found the bruised and battered Crown Prince.

Still arrogant, he threatened to kill Changge and all who disrespected him. Enraged, Li Leyan struck him and told him to control himself—and never mention Changge to Du Ruhui again after returning. On the grassland, Mimi Guli saved a child who, upon waking, reminded her not to forget her mission. He had been sent by Yicheng and begged her to keep him alive, or else Yicheng would kill him. Mimi had to stay true to her duty.

At that moment, Mu Jin arrived and took Mimi to a field of flowers, where he gave her a piece of candy and confessed his feelings. Mimi felt unworthy of Mu Jin and rejected him, but Mu Jin insisted that he was the one unworthy of her. After Asher Sun left the grassland, the Great Khan drowned himself in wine, missing him and wishing things could return to the way they were.

Meanwhile, in prison, Jinse took out the poison hidden on her body and committed suicide. Before dying, she recalled her plan with Yicheng. Humiliating Yicheng before the Great Khan had been part of the plan, so that she would gain the grassland people’s sympathy. When they least expected it, she would strike. She had brought Yicheng’s plan to Luoyang, but failed. Sensing something was wrong due to the lack of updates from Jinse, Yicheng prepared to dismantle the Great Khan’s power and have Asher Sheer take his place.

Li Shimin’s people-first policy finally dispelled the hatred in Changge’s heart. Now that the Tang borders were at peace and her identity made it unsuitable for her to stay in Luoyang, she decided to journey through the desert. Upon hearing this, Asher Sun immediately volunteered to accompany her. Master Qin arranged identities for them and reminded them to refer to each other as siblings in public. Just as they left, they encountered Sun Simiao and Situ Langlang.

Sun Simiao had been summoned to the palace and was preparing to leave. He didn’t want to be tied to the Imperial Medical Bureau forever, so meeting Changge again by chance served as their farewell. Hao Du and Li Leyan began their journey back to Chang’an. Through this experience, Leyan finally understood the saying Li Shimin often repeated: “The people’s livelihood is hard—how can one stand by idly?”

As a Tang princess, she realized she had to grow up quickly. She only wished that Changge, wandering in the outside world, would be safe and well. Meanwhile, Li Jing came to the outskirts to bid farewell to Asher Sun and met Changge again. He said he would leave for Chang’an with Du Ruhui in a few days. He already knew Asher Sun was from the grasslands.

The scroll of General Wei’s military strategies had been a ruse to test him. Asher Sun, who stayed true to his heart, earned Li Jing’s respect. True military strategy lies not in scrolls but in the heart and the tactician. Li Jing passed on his knowledge to Asher Sun, who took it to heart and vowed to remember it when they next met on the battlefield.

An epidemic broke out in the Eagle Division, and even the High Priest was at a loss. Mimi realized the disease spread from the child she had rescued. Unwilling to let the whole division fall ill, she planned to take the child away. But the child begged for her help, reminding her of her younger brother, who was still in Yicheng’s hands. Overwhelmed with grief, Mimi didn’t know what to do.

Back in Chang’an, Du Ruhui reported to Li Shimin that Li Changge was still alive and had left with the people of Asher’s Tribe. Hearing about her deeds in Luoyang, Li Shimin was deeply gratified. Someone with Changge’s unyielding character would never betray her principles, no matter who she befriended. As long as she lived, that was enough. He believed she would never betray Tang. Li Leyan and her group rested at a relay station.

Still angry at Hao Du, she ignored him and refused to eat what he brought. Wei Shuyu, seeing them sulking, delivered the food to Leyan’s room and told her Hao Du had saved Changge by letting her go at Liuyun Temple. He only told her this so she wouldn’t reject Hao Du’s protection—Hao Du was a trustworthy bodyguard. Changge and her group reached the grassland’s edge, where Ya Luo informed them of the epidemic in the Eagle Division.

Asher Sun and Changge decided to go there, with Master Qin accompanying them. Sun Simiao, who had just left on a donkey cart, hadn’t gone far. Changge asked Master Qin to send someone to retrieve him, believing Sun Simiao’s exceptional medical skills could cure the disease. On the grassland, the child Mimi had saved opened his eyes, barely alive. With his final breath, he told Mimi he was glad to have an older sister before dying.

Mimi wept uncontrollably, then went to fetch water to wash his face and give him a proper farewell. But people from the Eagle Division discovered him. The High Priest accused the child of being cursed and claimed Mimi had brought the curse. Despite being in close contact, Mimi remained unharmed. The people insisted she be executed. Mu Jin tried to protect her, but the crowd grew hostile and even attempted to burn her alive.

Just in time, Asher Sun arrived and saved her with an arrow, ordering everyone to disperse and forbidding any internal killing within the Eagle Division. Asher Sun used his authority to quell the mob. Once they left, Mu Jin let go of Mimi, who clung to Changge in tears. Changge had examined the sick tribespeople and diagnosed it as a plague. After comforting Mimi, she asked about the child. Mimi called him Buzhen but refused to say more.

Changge respected her silence. The plague had taken many lives. A grieving mother blamed Mimi and tried to stab her. Mu Jin shielded Mimi, taking the blade himself—and caught the plague. Li Leyan and the Crown Prince arrived in Chang’an. Li Shimin was impressed by Leyan’s growth—both proud and heartbroken. Sun Simiao arrived at the grassland. After examining the patients, he identified a cure and wrote a prescription. One key herb, "desert gromwell," wasn’t available in the Eagle Division. Ya Luo decided to go to the Khan’s tent to request the herb in hopes of saving everyone.

Leyan mentioned Changge to Li Shimin, saying she only wished that one day Changge could let go of her inner knot and return. Seeing the table full of delicious dishes, Leyan couldn’t help but think of the hardships of the common people. She didn’t ask Li Shimin for rewards, only hoping that he would allow the people of the Tang Dynasty to live a life free of famine as soon as possible.

Seeing how different Leyan had become, Li Shimin could feel the hardships she had endured. Leyan remembered the bitterness, but also the kindness. She mentioned Madam Chai, who took her in, and pleaded for a favor on her behalf. At the same time, she asked Li Shimin for permission to leave the palace. She was preparing to go out to investigate agriculture and silk production, to show sympathy for the people’s suffering.

Yalu requested an audience with the Great Khan, but Sheer’s close aide, Raymond, killed Yalu. Raymond and Yicheng were in collusion and had already taken control of the Yurt Court. Yicheng found Asher Sun’s letter on Yalu and realized that Asher Sun had grown suspicious about the Dingxiang incident. Now that Jinse's plan had failed, Raymond was preparing to replace her and go to Luoyang on Yicheng’s behalf to carry out the grand scheme.

Later, Yicheng brought medicine to the ailing Great Khan. She drugged it, and after he passed out, she stole his seal and sent Raymond to deliver a message to the Eagle Division, claiming that Yalu had shown contempt for the Royal Court and was imprisoned. Yicheng feared Asher Sun and didn’t want him to ruin her plan.

Once her great ambition was achieved, the first person she intended to eliminate was Asher Sun, so Sheer could ascend to power without obstacles and no longer suffer under her. Leyan was preparing to leave the palace to investigate agriculture and silk production. Hao Dou was ordered to accompany her. Hao Dou kept avoiding Leyan, fearing he would upset her. Helpless, Leyan had to order Hao Dou to stay using her status as a princess.

Hao Dou had been suppressing his emotions. He stopped and couldn’t help but pour out his heart to Leyan. The reason he kept avoiding her was that he thought she didn’t like him, and he didn’t want to upset her, so he chose to protect her from afar. As long as Leyan was safe, he wanted nothing else. After speaking, Hao Dou turned to leave again, but Leyan stopped him.

She thanked him for saving Changge’s life and no longer treated him as a stranger. She asked him to protect her well. Seeing an elderly couple cuddling in the fields, Leyan was reminded of Shuyu. She knew there was someone else in Shuyu’s heart. Hao Dou encouraged Leyan to be brave and express her feelings, saying that even if she was rejected, it was okay.

Raymond arrived at the Eagle Division with a letter sealed with the Great Khan’s seal, crushing Asher Sun’s hope of obtaining the Lithospermum from the Yurt Court. The Royal Court refused to provide it, and now the priority was treating the sick soldiers of the Eagle Division. Asher Sun believed the Great Khan wouldn’t kill Yalu without reason, so he decided to temporarily endure the injustice to Yalu and focus on obtaining the Lithospermum.

Although the Northern Desert was remote, it could be reached in three days. Changge planned to lead Elder Qin’s Yanxing Sect to the north to find the medicine. Mimi learned of the plan and prepared to go with her. Hao Dou told Shuyu about Leyan’s hardship during the investigation. Shuyu made time to accompany Leyan for a day. Gathering her courage, Leyan asked Shuyu if he still liked Changge.

She confessed that she liked him and wanted to walk side by side with him. Although Shuyu knew he and Changge were not meant to be, he also didn’t have feelings for Leyan. But just as he brushed a flower petal from her hair, Leyan misunderstood and happily assumed he had accepted her. Shuyu didn’t deny it. Hao Dou, seeing Leyan get what she wished for, smiled faintly, feeling happy for her. Asher Sun was planning Changge’s route.

Sun Simiao bluntly said Asher Sun was lovesick. The next day, Changge and her group arrived in the Northern Desert. She and Mimi saw that Asher's Tribe was recruiting new soldiers but had no time to care and rushed to the pharmacy for Lithospermum. However, due to a recent royal decree banning the trade of Lithospermum, there was none available. They left empty-handed. Elder Qin planned to try another method and buy it at a high price.

While Elder Qin sought the herb, Changge informed the Tang Dynasty of Asher’s Tribe recruiting new soldiers. She, Mimi, and Xufeng stopped at an inn for a meal. There, they encountered a mischievous little girl who shamelessly dined without paying, confidently convincing the innkeeper she wasn’t dodging the bill—just paying a few days late.

Elder Qin couldn’t find any trace of Lithospermum, not even in the most hidden corners of the black market. He sensed trouble. Changge decided to stay in the Northern Desert, determined to bring the herb back to the Eagle Division no matter what. Meanwhile, the mischievous girl was dragged out of the inn for not paying. She met her uncle but refused to go with him and tried to escape. On the street, she ran into Changge and Mimi.

At first, Changge didn’t want to get involved, but the girl realized Changge was avoiding officials, so she grabbed her hand and screamed that Changge was kidnapping her. Helpless, Changge knocked the girl out and took her back. The girl woke up, wanting to know who Li Changge really was. She suspected that anyone avoiding soldiers must be a bad person. Changge tried testing her, but the girl spoke nonsense.

Changge decided not to let her go and warned her to behave or she’d be fed to wolves. Then, Changge left the room and posted someone at the door. But the clever girl slipped her ropes and tried to escape, only to overhear a conversation between Mimi and Changge. She came out to speak with them, revealing her name was Pearl and that she was from the Southern Desert.

She had snuck into the Northern Desert to see the Qihan Festival, and the people on the streets were sent by her father to bring her back. After eating her fill, Changge asked Pearl about the Lithospermum in the desert. Although trade was banned, Pearl cleverly pointed out that during the Qihan Festival, people threw Lithospermum at the Plague God to drive away disease. That would be their only chance.

During the festival, Changge’s group disguised themselves as the Plague God and accepted the people’s ritual, winning cheers from the crowd and collecting enough Lithospermum. However, their bold actions angered the original “Plague God,” the Desert King, who started investigating them. Changge and her group were preparing to leave but were stopped by the Desert King, who summoned them. He had discovered their carriage was filled with Lithospermum and wanted to know why.

Changge hid the real reason and claimed she was hoarding the herb for profit. The Desert King didn’t suspect anything else, but neither did he plan to release them easily. Knowing Pearl was from the Southern Desert, he had them all imprisoned until the Southern Desert group returned. While imprisoned, Changge learned from Pearl that the Northern and Southern Deserts were enemies.

Though the Northern Desert was under the control of Asher’s Tribe, it had always been a source of shame. Realizing that Asher’s Tribe and the Northern Desert were at odds, Changge tried to request an audience with the Desert King to propose a deal, but no one took her seriously. News of Changge’s imprisonment in the desert reached Yicheng.

She instructed Raymond to keep an eye on Changge and also ordered him to bring the wives and daughters of both the Northern and Southern Desert Kings to use as leverage. She was already recruiting ten thousand soldiers each from both regions to form a private army. To prevent interference from Changge, Yicheng sent someone to warn Mimi and reminded her of her mission.

She also dispatched a new face to the Northern Desert to monitor the Eagle Division’s movements there. The Southern Desert King came to reclaim Pearl. The two kings nearly clashed due to their temperaments. Since Pearl was in the Northern King’s hands, he used cavalry as leverage. The Southern King had no choice but to exchange a cavalry unit for Pearl. Pearl was taken out of the prison, and Changge’s group learned she was the princess of the Northern Desert.

When Pearl returned to her father, she didn’t forget Changge. She pleaded with her father to save them. Though reluctant at first, upon learning the Lithospermum was to save lives, the Southern King paused and decided to meet Changge. Before Changge entered the hall, she saw the Royal Court’s envoy, who had come with two orders: both kings must recruit another ten thousand soldiers for Dingxiang’s garrison and send their wives and daughters to the Yurt Court.

Although the Northern King had no wife or daughter, even his concubine wasn’t spared. Message delivered, the envoy prepared to leave. At the gate, he saw Changge. Though they hadn’t met, he recognized her from a portrait and gave her a scrutinizing look. Changge noticed the envoy’s expression and realized he meant trouble. She quickly revealed her identity to both kings—she was a strategist of the Eagle Division, and she came seeking Lithospermum to treat the sick.

If they let that man go, none of them would have peace. Now that the Royal Court had abandoned the Eagle Division, the Northern and Southern Deserts should form an alliance with them.

Li Changge explained that she had come to Mobei because someone in the Eagle Division had already contracted the plague, and the Khan's Court had begun targeting the Eagle Division. Next, they would move against both the northern and southern deserts. With her words and actions, Li Changge managed to persuade the King of the Desert. The King of the Northern Desert sent someone to execute the envoy sent by the Khan's Court.

With this man's death, the King of the Desert could no longer shirk responsibility. Now that the Khan's Court intended to detain the families of both leaders, they were doomed either way. The two decided to risk everything and follow Li Changge’s advice to ally with the Eagle Division. This might be the desert's only path forward.

However, Li Changge had to stay behind in the desert as a hostage, while the others would escort the zi cao back to the Eagle Division. Zhenzhu conveyed Li Changge's intentions to Mimi. She then escorted Mimi and her group out of Mobei. Li Changge remained behind and shared her strategies to resist the Asher Tribe with the King of the Desert.

As long as the northern and southern deserts could abandon old grudges and unite, they could definitely repel the Asher Tribe. In these extraordinary times, persuaded by Li Changge, the two leaders drank to settle their past enmity and pledged to resist the Khan's Court together. They now commanded fifty thousand troops, but that was far from enough. Li Changge also decided to seek more allies. If everyone could unite, their chances of victory would greatly increase.

Yi Cheng learned of the events in the desert. She had underestimated Li Changge and regretted not killing her when she had the chance. As Sheer and Tukashe were about to return, Yi Cheng decided to act first against the Great Khan, rendering him speechless and preventing him from disrupting her plans. Yi Cheng entered the Great Khan's tent and poisoned his incense, revealing her true identity. She wanted to support Sheer as the Khan of the grasslands.

But since Sheer was still young and not yet convincing enough to lead, she planned to keep the Great Khan alive, control him, and make him issue commands on her behalf. Mu Jin’s condition worsened. He had a persistent high fever. Asher Sun had no choice but to submerge him in water to bring down the temperature. He urged Mu Jin to hold on.

Mu Jin, feeling he couldn’t make it, entrusted Asher Sun with taking care of Mimi, the one he loved most and couldn’t let go of. Asher Sun regarded Mu Jin as a brother and only hoped he could hold on until the zi cao arrived. On the journey back to the Eagle Division, Mimi and her group escorted the zi cao.

On the way, Mimi received a letter from Yi Cheng, who threatened Mimi with her brother Buzhen’s life and ordered her to destroy the zi cao. Mimi was torn. Yi Cheng also sent assassins to intercept them. Elder Qin quickly decided to have Xufeng escort Mimi, Luo Shiba, and the zi cao back first. Seeing the number of assassins, Xufeng, worried about delays, let Mimi go alone to deliver the zi cao.

Mimi initially intended to destroy it in secret, but thinking of Mu Jin, who loved her, she ultimately chose him and rushed with the zi cao to the Eagle Division. Mu Jin grew weaker by the minute. He entrusted all his remaining concerns to Asher Sun. Watching Mu Jin slip into unconsciousness, Sun Simiao shook his head. Without the zi cao, Mu Jin was doomed. Just then, Mimi arrived with the zi cao, bringing him the life-saving medicine.

Seeing that Mu Jin couldn't drink the medicine on his own, Mimi fed it to him mouth-to-mouth. Yi Cheng learned the Eagle Division had received the zi cao. Knowing she couldn’t count on Mimi, she prepared other means to deal with them. With the Great Khan now unable to speak, she showed no fear as he glared at her.

On the contrary, she summoned Lei Meng and wrote an imperial edict in the Great Khan's name, calling upon the Xiong Division's Tukashe to lead troops into the desert. Always eager for war, Tukashe was thrilled by the edict and didn’t notice anything wrong with the Khan. Meanwhile, Asher Sun learned from Elder Qin that Li Changge had remained in Mobei as a hostage and was persuading the northern and southern deserts to ally with the Eagle Division.

Mu Jin gradually recovered. Asher Sun told him the court had ordered the Eagle and Xiong Divisions to conquer the desert. With pressure mounting, Asher Sun had to seriously consider Li Changge’s proposal to ally with the desert. Meanwhile, Yi Cheng secretly summoned Tukashe, claiming that the Great Khan had issued a confidential order for him to subdue Mobei and potentially benefit from the Eagle Division’s involvement.

Yi Cheng hoped to use Tukashe to eliminate the Eagle Division, but feared his recklessness might ruin everything. So, she also secretly deployed assassins. If Tukashe failed, the assassins would kill Asher Sun with a hidden arrow. Li Changge and the two desert kings were planning to win over other tribes when they received news that the Eagle and Xiong Divisions were attacking. Hearing the Eagle Division had arrived, Li Changge was overjoyed.

Mobei sent envoys with jewels to propose peace. One envoy privately gave Asher Sun a brocade box. Inside was a note from Li Changge, who had gone to great lengths to arrange a secret meeting. Asher Sun initially responded indifferently, but Mu Jin, looking at him like he was a fool, urged him to write a real reply with all his thoughts.

Though awkward, Asher Sun followed Mu Jin’s advice and wrote a heartfelt letter for Mu Jin to pass on to the envoy. When Li Changge opened the box, she found only a letter inside, with three words: “I miss you. ” That night, Li Changge met Asher Sun as promised. He held her tightly. Li Changge analyzed the Eagle Division’s situation for him. Asher Sun didn’t want to betray the court, but he also couldn’t watch the Eagle Division die.

Torn, Li Changge offered a solution: the Eagle Division must fake their deaths. That way, Asher Sun could save his people without betraying the court. Sheer returned to the Khan’s Court, wishing to see the Great Khan, but Yi Cheng blocked him. She claimed the Great Khan was gravely ill and had given her the Khan's seal, meaning she now led the Asher Tribe. She and Sheer no longer needed to be apart.

Yi Cheng planned to relocate the Khan’s Court and had seized power. Eventually, she would hand leadership to Sheer and help him unify the grasslands. Asher Sun pondered Li Changge’s fake death plan. Mimi hesitated but ultimately came to inform Asher Sun and Mu Jin that the Eagle Division should not fight alongside the Xiong Division. Her knowledge surprised them. Asher Sun didn’t press further and sent them out.

Mimi left the tent with Mu Jin and confessed she was a spy for the Khan’s Court. Her brother Buzhen was in Yi Cheng’s hands, and she had no choice. Mu Jin had seen all that Mimi did for the Eagle Division and didn’t mind her past. He held her tightly and promised to help rescue her brother. Soon after, Asher Sun resolved to move forward. He and Mu Jin met with Tukashe to discuss the expedition.

Tukashe clearly wanted to destroy the Eagle Division, so Asher Sun decided to turn the tables. He told Tukashe they would attack the city that night and asked for his help. Seeing this as his chance to eliminate the Eagle Division, Tukashe agreed without hesitation. Asher Sun sent Mimi to tell Li Changge that the desert should help the Eagle Division fake their deaths, giving the desert a major victory in return. The two armies clashed on the battlefield.

As planned, the Eagle Division launched the first strike, while Tukashe, harboring ulterior motives, held back. When the Xiong Division charged in to reap the spoils, they fell into the Northern Desert’s ambush. The Eagle Division then retreated unscathed. This battle had been directed by Li Changge. Asher Sun recognized the strategy as one from the Central Plains. Later, Asher Sun learned that Tukashe had broken out and personally intercepted and killed him with Mu Jin.

The Eagle Division successfully faked their deaths. Mimi revealed her identity to Li Changge, who understood her plight and promised to help rescue Buzhen. From then on, Mimi would be a new person, no longer controlled by anyone. Meanwhile, Asher Sun and Mu Jin finished off Tukashe. Mu Jin, carrying Asher Sun’s helmet, headed for the Khan’s Court to report his death and look for a way to save Mimi’s brother.

On the road, Mimi caught up with him, knowing Mu Jin had taken the risk for her. She embraced him tightly, wanting to go with him. Mu Jin refused to put her in danger and told her to wait. Mimi kissed him and said from now on, he was her man—he had to come back safely and take responsibility. Asher Sun came to see Li Changge. They embraced tightly.

From now on, there would be no more Eagle Division Special Forces—Asher Sun was just Asher Sun. He reminded Li Changge that she still owed him three promises. The first: he hoped she could be more like a woman, no longer risking her life so recklessly. From now on, he would face every storm for her. Before Li Changge could respond, a hidden arrow suddenly struck Asher Sun, and he collapsed.

Mu Jin returned to the Asher Tribe to report Asher Sun’s death. Sheer didn’t believe him, but the facts were in front of him. Mu Jin prepared to bury two desert cities along with Asher Sun. Yi Cheng then told Mu Jin the Great Khan was gravely ill. She stopped Mu Jin outside the tent and asked how Asher Sun had died. Learning he had been assassinated by Mimi, she finally relaxed, placed the bloodstained helmet beside the Great Khan, and told him to take a good look at his son.

Yi Cheng did not believe that Mimi would kill Asher Sun. She had her spies in the desert closely monitored and demanded that they see Asher Sun’s corpse with their own eyes. Now that Buzhen was in her hands—and Buzhen had a close relationship with Prince Sui—she planned to use Buzhen to threaten Mimi again and make her serve her. Afterward, Yi Cheng went to Sheer’s tent. Sheer was deeply saddened by Asher Sun’s death.

Even if the Wolf Division became king of the prairie, what would it matter? Hearing Sheer’s dispirited words, Yi Cheng became filled with hatred for Asher Sun. She had never expected Asher Sun to even win over her own son. Mu Jin reported the situation in the desert to Elder Qin and Xu Feng, telling them to take the brothers and leave the Eagle Division.

Now that the Yurt Court was moving to Dingxiang, he had learned that Ya Luo had already been killed the night he arrived at the Yurt Court. The Yurt Court was no longer what it used to be. It was dangerous for Elder Qin and his men to stay, but Mu Jin had decided to go to Dingxiang for Mimi’s sake.

Dingxiang was formerly under the Sui regime, and Elder Qin was surprised to find former Sui people among Asher's Tribe, but he chose not to intervene. He only instructed Xu Feng to send a letter to the northern desert while he and the brothers stayed behind to wait for Li Changge’s orders. Li Changge suspected that the person who tried to assassinate Asher Sun was sent by the Yurt Court.

Although the assassin was already dead, she still harbored hatred toward the Yurt Court. She asked the King of the Northern Desert to burn the battlefield to prevent the Yurt Court’s men from discovering anything. Asher Sun was gravely wounded, and Li Changge remained by his side. Crying, she begged him to hold on and wake up—she was willing to spend her life by his side. The next day, Asher Sun woke up. Li Changge was overjoyed.

Now that Asher Sun was conscious, the King of the Northern Desert hoped he would lead the Eagle Division to surrender, but Asher Sun refused outright. He would not lead his brothers to fight and die somewhere else. Li Changge presented the letter brought by Xu Feng and learned that the Great Khan was gravely ill, Ya Luo had been killed, and that the Yurt Court had ruthlessly targeted Asher Sun.

Both Asher Sun and Li Changge suspected that the Great Khan was not behind it all—this was most likely Yi Cheng’s doing. Her ambition was clear now. Li Changge believed that only by allying with the Tang Dynasty could they end the chaos on the prairie. She had already sent word to the Tang, and they would soon have an answer regarding the alliance. The royal court prepared to move to Dingxiang.

Sheer thought over recent events and realized they were no coincidence—this was all likely Yi Cheng’s plan. But Yi Cheng was his Ana; just being able to see her again was already rare. On the other side, Wei Shuyu arrived in the northern desert as an envoy from the Tang. Li Changge was surprised by his arrival.

It turned out that Li Shimin had received her letter sent under the name of the Princess of Linzhou and specially sent Wei Shuyu to discuss peace with the tribes. Li Changge introduced Wei Shuyu to Asher Sun. Seeing Li Changge holding Wei Shuyu’s hand, Asher Sun was filled with jealousy and didn’t want to speak to Wei Shuyu. When Wei Shuyu heard Li Changge call out Asher Sun’s name, he was surprised that Asher Sun was still alive.

The Eagle and Bear Divisions were supposedly wiped out. The story was too long to explain, so Li Changge asked Wei Shuyu to keep it discreet. Although he agreed, he still reminded Li Changge that Asher Sun was different from others and that she should stay away from him. Li Changge’s acquaintance with the Tang envoy confused the King of the Northern Desert. Li Changge honestly admitted that she used to be part of the Tang Eastern Palace.

Her intention to ally with the Tang was clear. She offered to go to Chang’an as an envoy for the northern desert, traveling as the princess of the Northern Desert and sister to the King. Pearl, Asher Sun, and Mimi would accompany her. When Yi Cheng heard of this, she also decided to head to Chang’an, leaving Raymond in Dingxiang and preparing to bring Sheer along. She met with Sheer, discussed the matter, and asked him to go with her.

She also told him to remember that everything she did was for him. Li Changge and her group arrived in Chang’an. Pearl was delighted and excited to see the city’s prosperity. Li Changge was overwhelmed with emotion—she had once risked everything to flee Chang’an, and now she returned. It was hard to believe. Asher Sun remained by her side the whole way. He promised Li Changge that he would protect her no matter what during their time in Chang’an.

Li Leyan left the palace to look for Wei Shuyu, but he hurried past without noticing her. When she asked, she learned that he had just returned from the west and had gone back to the palace to report after arranging accommodations for the Northern Desert princess. Li Leyan sympathized with his hardships and visited the Four Directions Pavilion to see the princess. Mimi happened to be leaving Li Changge’s room at that moment.

Li Leyan mistook her for the Northern Desert princess and asked how she knew there was a “rabbit” character in her sachet. Mimi, aware that Li Changge had enmity with the palace, had only concealed Changge’s identity. Disappointed, Li Leyan left. Meanwhile, Yi Cheng’s spies spotted Mimi in Chang’an. Since Mimi was still alive, Yi Cheng could still make use of her. Li Changge took Asher Sun to the tomb where her mother lay in eternal rest.

The first time she had come, it was in secret. This time, she came openly with Asher Sun to pay respects. Offerings had always been placed at her mother’s altar, and Li Changge assumed it was Wei Shuyu or Li Leyan. As they knelt before the altar, Asher Sun solemnly promised her mother that he would take care of Li Changge for the rest of his life. At that moment, Li Shimin also arrived to pay respects.

He was surprised to see Li Changge, but was relieved to see her safe and sound. Despite her attempt to stop him, Li Shimin paid his respects. Upon seeing Asher Sun, he also thought they were well-matched—if someone could protect Li Changge, he would be at ease. After the memorial, Li Shimin left first. Li Changge was shocked to realize that he had always been the one visiting the grave. It seemed she could never avenge her mother.

Wei Zheng, who accompanied Li Shimin, handed her new identity papers and household registration, hoping she could live in Tang under a new identity. Li Changge said she had a mission yet to complete. Wei Zheng cleverly deduced she was the one who sent the secret letter. She was determined to be the northern desert’s envoy. He believed that the alliance was just a formality, prompted by fear, not sincerity.

But Asher Sun and Li Changge both said it was worth a try. Wei Zheng brought up the past—how the informant during Li Shimin’s coup was not his spy, but Li Changge’s mother. Li Changge then learned that Li Shimin had once saved her mother’s life. They had fallen for each other, but while he was away on campaign, Li Jiancheng—drunk—mistook her for one of his concubines.

By the time Li Shimin returned, she was already pregnant, and it was too late. She became Li Jiancheng’s consort, and from childhood, Li Changge had been close to Li Shimin, like father and daughter. What Li Changge saw in the past was not the truth—Li Shimin had not killed her mother. Wei Zheng’s words had a great impact on Li Changge. Asher Sun stayed by her side, comforting her.

They had come to Tang on behalf of the northern desert. If the mission succeeded, peace could return to the prairie for a long time. Asher Sun promised that after it was all over, he would retire with her to live a quiet life. After returning to the palace, Li Leyan thought over everything carefully. She recalled Mimi’s clothes and hesitant speech and deduced that she wasn’t the Northern Desert princess. She must have known Li Changge.

So she left the palace again with only her maid, determined to confirm whether Li Changge was at the Four Directions Pavilion. Because of Li Changge’s special identity, she didn’t want to alert anyone. But on the street, she ran into Hao Dou. For her safety, Hao Dou agreed to follow from afar and not interrupt her reunion with Li Changge. Li Leyan met Li Changge at the pavilion, and the two were overjoyed.

Li Changge introduced Asher Sun and Mimi to her. They returned to the room to chat, but then news arrived that envoys from Asher's Tribe had come. The people of the northern desert had always feared the tribe, and upon hearing the news, they panicked and tried to flee, even after Li Leyan revealed her identity as Princess Yong’an. Hao Dou, fearing for her safety, drew his sword to quell the unrest.

Just then, Sheer arrived at the pavilion and saw Li Changge. Mimi was uneasy upon learning that Sheer and Yi Cheng had arrived in Tang. Asher Sun stepped forward to meet Sheer. Sheer hadn’t expected Asher Sun to fake his death. But Asher Sun told Sheer to stop pretending to be innocent—since the royal court and Bear Division had stabbed him in the back, there was no way Sheer didn’t know. Asher Sun no longer wished to be enemies.

From now on, they were no longer brothers. Just then, Yi Cheng also arrived at the pavilion. A banquet was held for the envoys. At the banquet, Yi Cheng brought up the Tang Emperor’s past promise of a marriage alliance with Asher's Tribe. Pearl, seated beside Li Changge, sensed something was wrong. Li Changge, wanting to protect Li Leyan, asked Hao Dou to escort her out, and she toasted Yi Cheng and Sheer as a representative of the northern desert.

Yi Cheng stopped her and insisted her guard drink the toast instead. Asher Sun understood Yi Cheng’s ploy. He remained composed, stood up, and drank from Li Changge’s cup. Yi Cheng sneered and mocked Asher Sun. In Dingxiang, Mu Jin disguised himself and snuck into the city, growing increasingly suspicious of the Great Khan’s illness. After observing Raymond’s cautious behavior, he became more certain and began secretly investigating the truth behind the Khan’s condition.

Gao Du took Leyan away, and when Leyan saw Shuyu, her emotional defenses collapsed. She wept as she threw herself into Shuyu’s arms, wanting to feign her death to break off the arranged marriage. Faking her death was the last resort, and Shuyu disagreed with Leyan’s plan. He believed there had to be another way to save her. Seeing Shuyu’s reaction, Leyan began to have doubts—whether she married into the grasslands or not, it seemed Shuyu wouldn’t care.

Shuyu confessed frankly that he had always regarded Leyan as his own younger sister. Hearing his thoughts, Leyan was deeply saddened. She asked Shuyu to leave first. Just as Shuyu stepped out, he ran into Gao Du. Gao Du, angered by Shuyu’s attitude, started a heated argument. Leyan, upset, simply drove both of them out. Changge told Mimi that Yicheng and others had come to the Tang Dynasty. Mimi had come to her senses and no longer feared threats.

Asher Sun also brought news that Mu Jin had successfully infiltrated the royal tent, but now that Yicheng knew Asher Sun was alive, Mimi became even more worried about Mu Jin’s safety. That night, Gao Du came to drape a cloak over Leyan. He knew she didn’t want the arranged marriage and that she had feelings for Shuyu. He offered to kidnap Shuyu and let him take Leyan away to live in seclusion.

Gao Du would even raise money and prepare horses for them, willing to bear everything. But Leyan was no longer the little girl she once was. She now understood her identity as Princess Yong’an. She chose to stay—not because she wanted the marriage, but because she would fight for herself. She only asked Gao Du to stand behind her as her strongest support.

Asher Sun came to meet Yicheng, wanting to know why she had come to Chang’an and why she was managing the internal affairs of Asher's Tribe. Yicheng claimed she had come on behalf of the Great Khan and that if Asher Sun were willing to lead the Eagle Division back to the grasslands, he could return to the royal tent. Asher Sun didn’t believe a word she said.

Yicheng then tried to provoke him using Li Changge’s name, but Asher Sun simply walked out of her room. Outside, he ran into Sheer. He knew Sheer would not do such things, and none of this was his fault. He just hoped Sheer would stop living like a fool. It was the arrow Yicheng shot in Mobei that nearly cost him his life.

With help from an old acquaintance in the royal tent, Mu Jin learned that the Great Khan had been poisoned and that there were no children in Dingxiang Palace—the only place with children was the Sui King’s residence. After testing Yicheng, Asher Sun came to tell Changge that Yicheng had taken power. Changge wasn’t afraid. If soldiers came, they would fight; if floods came, they would build dikes.

But she hadn’t seen any sign of Mimi and feared she might be in danger. Mimi went to see Yicheng, who broke one of Buzhen’s fingers as a threat and gave Mimi a bottle of poison to do her bidding. Mimi buried Buzhen’s finger in tears. When Sheer saw Mimi, he was overjoyed and confessed his feelings. But Mimi didn’t like Sheer.

She recalled the fear of being a slave in her childhood, trembling every day just to play with Sheer—something he could never understand. She could never go back to the royal court with him. Shuyu wanted to save Leyan. He couldn’t bear to see her married off, so he sought help from Wei Zheng. Wei Zheng laid out the current political situation plainly: only by becoming the imperial consort could Leyan avoid the arranged marriage.

He told Shuyu to consider his own feelings—if he liked her, he needed to fight for her. Shuyu began to waver. But he had no romantic feelings for Leyan, so he didn’t go to Taiji Palace. Instead, he went to see Changge. He didn’t love Leyan and didn’t want to give her false hope or push her into another pit of fire. Changge understood Shuyu’s position and believed a turning point would come.

Li Shimin couldn’t possibly just watch Leyan be married off; they just needed to wait for the right time. At Taiji Palace, the officials discussed Princess Yong’an’s marriage. Most supported the alliance, and Minister Chen was especially in favor. Leyan arrived as Princess Yong’an and spoke about duty to country and people. She argued that the Tang Dynasty need not keep compromising with Asher’s Tribe. The Tang’s prosperity existed to protect its people.

Minister Chen opposed her speech, but Leyan stood firm against the majority. Gao Du and Du Ruhui arrived, and Du Ruhui supported her view. He declared the Tang was a great nation and had no need to fear one word from Asher’s Tribe. If the tribe could take a princess away with a single demand, they would never respect the Tang again. With Du Ruhui’s support, Li Shimin could now justly refuse the marriage.

He declared the Tang would never sacrifice its women for temporary peace. Three days later, he would take Leyan to the Sifang Pavilion, where she would personally tell the tribe that the old agreement was void and the marriage refused. Three days later, at a banquet, Yicheng once again raised the issue of the marriage. Leyan rejected the alliance with Asher’s Tribe on the spot.

Yicheng and Sheer tried to stir up the tribes, saying that if the Tang refused this marriage, they would also break other alliance treaties. The crowd grew restless. To stabilize the situation, Changge directly suggested an alliance competition: only the brave were worthy of Leyan. Li Shimin should hold a martial contest to choose the best consort. Sheer, full of pride, refused to back down and immediately accepted the challenge, eager to win.

The martial contest was Changge’s idea. Her plan was for Asher Sun to first defeat Sheer on stage, then lose to Shuyu on purpose, so that Leyan wouldn’t have to marry into the grasslands. But Asher Sun not only refused to take the stage, he also wouldn’t deliberately lose to Shuyu in front of Changge. Unable to convince him, Changge left with Leyan. Leyan didn’t want them arguing because of her.

She told Changge that if Shuyu had feelings for her, he would find a way to win. If he didn’t, then it couldn’t be forced. Seeing how thoughtful Leyan had become, Changge was moved to realize she had truly grown up. To ensure the Tang would win against Sheer, Changge took Leyan to Crown Prince Li Chengqian and picked a strong man from his side to compete the next day.

Gao Du had been taking care of the ailing Du Ruhui. On the eve of the contest, Du Ruhui, already gravely ill, urged Gao Du to win. Knowing Gao Du admired Leyan, he encouraged him to act according to his heart, not bound by rules. He had spent his life for the country and family, never thinking of himself. Now, he wanted Hao Dou to act on his own will. The next day, Sheer held the stage.

Li Chengqian arrived with Changsun Jing as the contestant. Leyan disguised herself as a maid and accompanied them. Changsun Jing was quickly defeated, raising Sheer’s morale, and no one else dared step forward. At that moment, Shuyu arrived. He was prepared to fight, but clarified to Leyan that he didn’t love her. He was stepping in to protect her, not out of affection. Leyan didn’t want to force anyone.

She rejected Shuyu’s offer—if he didn’t love her, he didn’t need to fight. She would wait for someone who loved her to fight for her. After clarifying things with Shuyu, Leyan returned to the stands with teary eyes. Changge, having learned of their conversation, was just about to find Asher Sun when he appeared. She urged him to enter the arena, warning that if he didn’t, Leyan’s marriage to Sheer would be confirmed.

But Asher Sun only had feelings for Changge and didn’t want to fight for another woman. Despite her efforts to persuade him, Asher Sun reluctantly moved toward the arena—only for Gao Du to step in first. He threw down his sword, took the stage, and challenged Sheer on Leyan’s behalf. Gao Du fought Sheer with his life on the line. Though he had the upper hand early on, he was no match in stamina. Sheer attacked him brutally.

Gao Du was soon covered in blood and collapsed. Leyan ran to the edge of the stage, crying, but was blocked by two soldiers. She told Sheer she was willing to admit defeat and accept her fate. But Gao Du refused to surrender or let Leyan accept such a fate. He forced himself to stand, seized a final chance, and used all his strength to trap Sheer, winning the match bloodied and battered.

Gao Du’s victory meant Leyan wouldn’t have to marry into the grasslands. Everyone was overjoyed. Changge mentioned the day’s events to Shuyu. Shuyu admitted that if Gao Du hadn’t stepped up, he would have taken the stage himself to protect Leyan. He didn’t want things to go back to the way they were but hoped both girls could live well. He had always seen himself as their older brother.

Changge was very comforted by Shuyu’s mindset and reminded him to be cautious of Yicheng, who was not to be underestimated. Leyan went to see Gao Du. She wanted to know if he, like Shuyu, fought just for the sake of the Tang’s honor. Gao Du admired Leyan but felt unworthy of her. If she didn’t want to marry him, he would beg the Emperor for forgiveness and nullify the match. Seeing Gao Du’s humility, Leyan expressed her own feelings.

She had been terrified of losing him when he stepped onto that stage. Encouraged by her words, Gao Du found his courage—he no longer wanted to just be her guard, but her husband, someone who could protect her. He fought not because of duty but because he loved her. At that moment, they finally acknowledged their mutual feelings. Leyan had unknowingly come to rely on and love Gao Du, and Gao Du had finally fought for his love.

Later, Leyan found Changge, and the sisters had a heartfelt talk. Changge was worried for Leyan’s happiness, but Leyan had figured things out. She had always seen Shuyu as a hero, overlooking Hao Dou beside her. Just like how Changge could be her true self in front of Asher Sun, Leyan was most real and natural in front of Hao Dou. In the Sifang Pavilion, things became chaotic.

The Tiele Tribe not only refused to sign the alliance agreement with the Tang but also incited other tribes to fear Asher’s Tribe. Changge stepped forward to assure everyone that the Tang would protect them. Yet, swayed by Tiele’s rhetoric, the other tribes hesitated and delayed signing the treaty.

Mimi, under Yicheng’s orders, poisoned Zhixi, the leader of the Tiele Tribe. Zhixi’s death threw the other tribes into panic, and everyone unanimously pointed to Li Changge as the culprit, making them even more unwilling to heed the Northern Desert’s words and sign an alliance with the Tang Dynasty. Wei Shuyu was in charge of the case. He found the poison at the scene but did not hand it over to Li Changge.

Asher Sheer, watching from the shadows, saw the bottle and was shaken—he had seen this bottle before with Mimi. Other tribal leaders had seen Mimi deliver breakfast to Zhixi, and poison was found in her room by the Tang. Everyone believed that Li Changge had instructed Mimi to carry out the poisoning. Li Changge protected Mimi all along, while Mimi, feeling guilty, dared not speak.

Asher Sheer had feelings for Mimi, so he covered up the truth for her, claiming that he had given the poison to Zhixi to repel insects and had not expected it to cause his death. Since Asher Sheer had no reason to kill Zhixi and was determined to shield Mimi, the others dropped their suspicions and pinned Zhixi’s death on Asher Sheer. Li Leyan and Hao Dou went out to inspect agricultural production.

Seeing the people living in peace and prosperity, Li Leyan wished for lasting peace in the Tang Dynasty. Hao Dou believed that under Li Shimin’s benevolent rule, this wish would be fulfilled. The two came across an elderly man carrying a shoulder pole on his own. Seeing him struggle, Li Leyan immediately told Hao Dou to help him, and together they joyfully escorted the elder home. Yicheng learned that Asher Sheer took the blame for Mimi.

Disappointed, she couldn't believe that Asher Sheer was not of the same mind and didn’t understand her intentions. Meanwhile, Mimi couldn’t stop thinking about Asher Sheer. She asked Li Changge to help her meet him and personally cooked lamb noodles for him. Asher Sheer wasn’t the one who killed Zhixi. He took the blame because he wanted to protect Mimi. Though he knew there was no future between them, he sincerely considered Mimi a friend.

Mu Jin tried every way to sneak into Dingxiang Palace. Disguised as a guard, he reached the Great Khan. The once-spirited Great Khan was now unrecognizable due to torture. Although he could no longer speak, Mu Jin learned from him that the Asher’s Tribe had fallen under Yicheng’s control and that she was the one who had harmed the Khan.

Wei Shuyu advised Li Changge that Mimi harbored disloyalty and should not be kept close, even suggesting that Asher Sun should be kept at a distance. But Li Changge believed they were all comrades who had shared life and death and chose to trust them. The Crown Prince had secretly followed Sheng Xin to the Sifang Pavilion. Sheng Xin’s presence there was highly suspicious, but the young Crown Prince didn’t sense anything unusual.

Inside the pavilion, he ran into Li Changge, and the two exchanged barbs. Sheng Xin unexpectedly realized that the "Li" in her name referred to the Tang royal family and quickly reported it to Yicheng. Yicheng was overjoyed—heaven had aided her cause to revive the Sui Dynasty. She was determined to use Li Changge as a chess piece. Although Mimi had ulterior motives, Yicheng planned to use Buzhen to manipulate her further.

Later, Asher Sheer came to greet Yicheng and asked about her plan to revive the former Sui Dynasty. He claimed only to wish for peace by her side. Yicheng, however, said the world was cruel, and she had her own ways. There were things Asher Sheer should have known by now. Mu Jin snuck into the former Sui Crown Prince’s palace and saw Buzhen, but this revealed his identity. Lei Meng noticed and knocked him out.

Lei Meng wanted to see how Asher Sun would rescue Mu Jin. Meanwhile, Li Leyan’s wedding was approaching. Li Changge embroidered a fan for her by hand. Though her needlework was clumsy, Asher Sun saw the sincerity in it and said it was the most beautiful fan in the world. He looked forward to the day he could embroider one for Li Changge. With both her parents gone, no one could arrange her marriage.

Asher Sun promised to love her for a lifetime. Li Changge believed his sincerity but regretted that her mother would not witness her wedding. Asher Sun then formally proposed by placing a letter of proposal at Lady Jin’s memorial, pledging to love Li Changge with all his heart for the rest of his life. On the way back to the palace, Hao Dou and Li Leyan passed by a candy figurine vendor.

Hao Dou got off the carriage to buy one for her, but when he returned, she was gone. Frantically searching, he found her nearby—she had gone to buy him a small ornament but had sprained her ankle. Hao Dou carried her in his arms through the bustling market, the two seeing no one but each other. Sheng Xin, under Yicheng’s orders, used the Crown Prince’s name to invite Li Changge to go with him. Li Changge was suspicious, but Sheng Xin showed the Crown Prince’s jade token and insisted she come with him.

Yicheng sent someone to approach Mimi again, warning her to remember her mission and not to act recklessly just because Asher Sheer had her back. There was a hidden meaning in the messenger’s words. Unable to find Li Changge and full of fear, Mimi became flustered. Asher Sun was also looking for Li Changge. Though Mimi feared Yicheng, she still hadn't revealed what she knew.

When night came and Li Changge had not returned, she told Asher Sun in a panic that she suspected Yicheng was behind it. Asher Sun planned to search for Li Changge, and Mimi wanted to ask Asher Sheer for help. But Asher Sun believed that only if Mimi staged an assassination attempt on him could she gain Asher Sheer’s trust and get him to reveal Li Changge’s whereabouts. Mimi and Asher Sun staged the act.

She pretended to try to assassinate him in front of Yicheng to gain her trust, then went back to Asher Sheer’s quarters with him. Asher Sheer had already seen through their act. From Mimi, he learned that the poison given to Zhixi came from Yicheng and that Li Changge had also been captured by her. To save Li Changge, Mimi was willing to return to Asher Sheer’s side.

Seeing her deep concern for Li Changge, Asher Sheer agreed to help her find out where Li Changge was. He was curious how someone who seemed so delicate could come to control the royal court and what her true goal was. Asher Sheer sneaked into Yicheng’s room and learned from her that Li Changge was being held in a remote cabin by Sheng Xin.

Yicheng planned to use her to threaten Li Shimin and destroy the alliance between the Tang and the Northern Desert. Yicheng also intended to kill Sheng Xin. Upon hearing this, Mimi immediately informed Asher Sun of Li Changge’s location. Asher Sun rushed to the outskirts and rescued her, killing everyone who had tied her up. He wanted to kill Sheng Xin too, but Li Changge stopped him—Sheng Xin was officially registered under the Eastern Palace.

Killing him now would jeopardize the alliance. Just then, Wei Shuyu also arrived. Sheng Xin loudly accused the Northern Desert envoy of murder, and in a fit of rage, Asher Sun killed him with an arrow, leaving no witnesses. Asher Sun carried the injured Li Changge back to her room. Looking at her wounds, he felt heartache and guilt. Li Changge told him he shouldn’t have killed Sheng Xin out of impulse, but Asher Sun only worried about her safety.

If he hadn’t found her in time, he would have killed Yicheng too. Now that everything was tied to politics, even if he wanted to kill Yicheng, he had to be cautious. But he swore not to let her off easily. In a moment of tenderness, he kissed Li Changge’s forehead, but just then, Zhenzhu entered with medicine, interrupting the scene. Yicheng learned that Sheng Xin was dead and Li Changge had been rescued.

She was furious and questioning her servants when Asher Sheer came to confess—it was he who had leaked the information. He wanted to know Yicheng’s true goal: was it for the Asher's Tribe or for the former Sui Dynasty? Yicheng said it didn’t matter—her only goal was for her son to become king and rule over everything. Seeing this ambitious and unfamiliar side of her, Asher Sheer instinctively stepped back.

Sheng Xin’s death enraged the Crown Prince, who demanded Wei Shuyu find the murderer within an hour or everyone would be punished. To answer the Crown Prince, Wei Shuyu led a search of the Sifang Pavilion. Asher Sun stepped forward and admitted he was the killer, claiming he had acted under Yicheng and Asher Sheer’s orders. Since the matter involved the Asher’s Tribe, Wei Shuyu demanded that Asher Sheer come with him for questioning.

Yicheng refused to hand him over, but Asher Sheer volunteered to go to prove his innocence. Li Changge woke up and found that Asher Sun had been arrested. She realized that the medicine Zhenzhu brought last night had sleeping ingredients—Asher Sun hadn’t wanted her involved and tried to protect her. But Li Changge knew Asher Sun wanted to use his life as leverage to secure the alliance. She, too, would not give up any chance to rescue him.

Sheng Xin’s death deeply upset the Crown Prince. Despite Li Shimin’s fury, he insisted that the emperor investigate the cause. After calming down, Li Shimin sought the opinions of his advisors. Du Ruhui suggested they use Sheng Xin’s death as an opportunity to harshly punish the Asher’s Tribe and prevent their resurgence. Fang Xuanling agreed. Meanwhile, Yicheng escalated her scheme by spreading rumors in the city that the Asher’s Tribe had already mobilized troops against the desert.

This shocked the other tribes, sending them into panic and making them want to abandon the alliance. Li Changge, worried about the alliance, was visited by Li Leyan. She asked her to join in taking a risk to deal with the crisis. Then, Li Changge and Hao Dou brought Zhixi to meet Chihe of the Tiele Tribe. It turned out that Chihe had long been bought by the Asher’s Tribe, and Zhixi was not actually dead.

A fight broke out, and Zhixi exposed the Asher’s Tribe’s conspiracy. They had no intention of attacking the desert, and the letters in Chihe’s hand were all fake. The next day, Li Changge brought Zhixi before the envoys and revealed the full truth. She had noticed Mimi’s strange behavior early on and uncovered Yicheng’s plot. She arranged Zhixi’s fake death to protect Mimi and to see what kind of trick Yicheng was playing.

Asher Sun and Sheer had a heartfelt conversation in prison. Asher Sun regretted that Sheer had finally reunited with his mother only to end up in conflict with her again. Sheer mocked Asher Sun for his pretended sentimentality, but Asher Sun stated that he would give up anything for Li Changge. Sheer felt envious and even jealous of Changge—why could she inspire such unwavering loyalty from both Asher Sun and Mimi Guli?

Although Changge had exposed Yicheng’s conspiracy, she suspected there were still other Chini conspirators in Chang’an. Hao Dou and Changge went out to track them down. One of the Chini, a man named Yang Cheng, escaped and took Li Leyan hostage to threaten them. Changge pretended to agree to his demands, giving Hao Dou the chance to strike and capture Yang Cheng as well. Hao Dou interrogated the Chini; they confessed everything.

Changge now prepared to reveal Yicheng’s true nature and push for an alliance between the tribes and the Tang Dynasty. Li Leyan was wounded on the neck. Changge wanted to treat the wound, but Hao Dou took over, carefully tending to her injuries. Watching their tenderness, Changge couldn't help but laugh softly. After this ordeal, she believed Li Shimin would certainly grant them a marriage, and they would finally fulfill their wishes.

Hao Dou had mobilized troops on his own to eliminate the remnants of the former Sui Dynasty. Du Ruhui, far from blaming him, took him to pay respects to their ancestors and formally added Hao Dou to the Du family genealogy—he was now Du Ruhui’s legitimate son.

Du Ruhui knew Hao Dou had always been ambitious, wanting to rise through his own efforts, but now that he desired to become a prince consort, Du Ruhui, as a father, had to pave the way. Later, Du Ruhui took Hao Dou to the palace and reported everything to Li Shimin, who personally agreed to the marriage. Hao Dou solemnly promised he would cherish and protect Li Leyan. At the Four Directions Pavilion, the Tang Dynasty delivered the alliance documents.

All the tribes had learned of the Chini’s conspiracy and were prepared to sign the agreement. Unexpectedly, Mimi Guli stepped forward and revealed Changge’s true identity. Yicheng had threatened her with the lives of Mu Jin and Buzhen, forcing her to expose that Changge was the daughter of Li Jiancheng. She claimed Changge had been collaborating with the Chini for revenge and was never truly acting for the sake of the desert. Everything was a plot by Changge.

Looking at Mimi Guli’s betrayal, Changge was stunned. Yang Cheng even committed suicide to support Yicheng’s plan. Amid the commotion among the tribes, Wei Shuyu had no choice but to arrest Changge. Changge’s identity was now public. Li Shimin realized Yicheng’s move was meant to force him to release Sheer. He instructed Wei Shuyu to negotiate with Yicheng. The Tang Dynasty was willing to release Sheer, but only in exchange for the war captives held by Asher’s Tribe.

For Sheer’s sake, Yicheng agreed to the deal, but she demanded that both Sheer and Asher Sun return to Dingxiang with her in front of the tribal leaders the next day. Asher Sun and Sheer had been detained in the Ministry of Justice for four days. The Crown Prince came to take Asher Sun away, intending to avenge Shengxin. Just then, Wei Shuyu arrived to stop him and revealed Shengxin’s true nature.

The Crown Prince was shocked and couldn’t believe he had misjudged someone so badly. Wei Shuyu came on Li Shimin’s orders to summon Asher Sun. Asher Sun followed him and met with Li Shimin but refused to kneel. He said he was not only Asher Sun, but also Li Changge’s man, and she would never bow to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin didn’t mind the lack of courtesy and brought up Changge’s current situation, giving Asher Sun two choices: stay in Chang’an with new identities under protection for a peaceful life, or take a dangerous path where both he and Changge would be in peril. Changge didn’t want to live a life of anonymity in Chang’an, and Asher Sun even less so. He only wanted Changge to do what she wanted and would never abandon the grasslands.

Moved by Asher Sun’s loyalty, Li Shimin respected his choice, shared his plan, and asked him to see one more person before leaving. The Crown Prince returned to his quarters, disheartened by the Shengxin incident. Wei Shuyu stayed by his side, believing this ordeal had brought about a positive change in the Crown Prince’s character.

Asher Sun went to Sheer’s cell and asked him to leave first, but he had something to confess before he did. When they were young, they were close as brothers. The Great Khan hadn’t wanted to see their bond grow, so he had Sheer’s young wolf killed and made the pelt into a quiver for Asher Sun. Sheer had misunderstood Asher Sun for years.

He didn’t want Asher Sun to face danger alone, but Asher Sun clearly stated that someone had to sacrifice for the grasslands—and that someone was him. The next day, Sheer left the Tang Dynasty with Yicheng, and Asher Sun, in shackles, also returned to Dingxiang. At the Four Directions Pavilion, Li Shimin personally promoted the alliance. The tribes, upon seeing that the Tang had rescued their kin from Asher’s Tribe, relented.

Moved by Li Shimin’s benevolence, they swore a blood oath with him, signing the alliance. From that day forward, in both fortune and war, the Tang Dynasty and the tribes would advance and retreat together. Li Shimin summoned Changge and offered her the honor of a princess title, hoping she would remain in Chang’an and live happily. But when Changge learned that Asher Sun had gone alone into danger in Dingxiang, she refused Li Shimin’s arrangement.

Li Shimin mentioned Lady Jin and how it had been her wish for Changge to live a safe and happy life. Back then, he had wanted to send Changge away from Chang’an with Lady Jin, but she believed she had betrayed Li Jiancheng, who had always treated her kindly. She could never forgive herself. Lady Jin had written a letter to Li Shimin, admitting the Crown Prince had not mistreated her, but she still felt she had betrayed him.

Before Li Shimin, she drew her sword and ended her own life. Her dying wish was for Li Shimin to promise to keep Changge safe and happy. Li Shimin had always loved Changge like his own daughter. He couldn’t bear to see her go to Dingxiang, but Changge couldn’t sit by while the man she loved was in danger. Though Dingxiang was full of peril, she was willing to risk it all for Asher Sun. Li Shimin couldn’t stop her.

He only asked her to take care of herself, saying Chang’an would always be her home, and he would wait for her safe return. After all that had happened, Changge finally let go of her hatred. Before leaving, she called Li Shimin “Second Uncle” and returned the treasured sword she had once won. Li Shimin wept bitterly—his Changge had finally come back to him. Changge went to say goodbye to her mother.

In front of Lady Jin’s memorial tablet, she found a letter of proposal from Asher Sun and realized he had already been there. The letter was filled with his deep love for her. After everything they had gone through, Changge’s heart had already unknowingly fallen for him. Before leaving Chang’an, she poured three cups of wine before Lady Jin.

The first was her wedding wine, the second she offered on behalf of her husband Asher Sun, and the third was to ask Lady Jin to protect her son-in-law’s safety. In Dingxiang, Sheer went to see the Great Khan, who was bedridden and speechless. Seeing Sheer enraged him, and he refused to meet him. Not wanting to further upset him, Sheer left. The news reached Yicheng, who was not particularly concerned.

She summoned Mimi Guli and once again used Buzhen’s life to threaten her. Later, Mimi Guli was allowed to see Buzhen. She tightly embraced her younger brother, but the two were quickly separated again. Sheer secretly went to see Asher Sun. They drank heartily. Asher Sun learned that Sheer had already met with the Great Khan. Even Sheer now doubted that Yicheng was truly innocent. Just then, Yicheng arrived at the dungeon.

Sheer quickly left, and Asher Sun covered for him. Yicheng didn’t suspect anything. With the frontlines reporting urgent news, Li Tang and the allied tribal forces were closing in. Yicheng wanted Asher Sun to fight for the grasslands, but he refused. Yicheng then brought in the battered and bruised Mu Jin and used him as leverage.

For Mu Jin’s sake, Asher Sun agreed to help, but on two conditions: he wanted Yicheng to heal both Mu Jin and the Great Khan. Yicheng agreed to treat Mu Jin but said she would only consider helping the Great Khan once the Eagle Division returned victorious.

Yicheng personally admitted to Asher Sun that it was she who caused the death of the Great Khan. Back then, in order to help the Great Khan ascend to the throne, she stained her hands with blood—she personally killed Sheer's father, Khan Shule. These words were overheard by Sheer in the shadows. Shocked and stunned, he couldn’t help but come out to see Yicheng.

He had always believed that his father died of illness and never imagined that it was his own mother who killed him. Yicheng was a daughter of the Sui Dynasty, and her heart belonged only to the Sui. Although Sheer’s father loved her dearly, as long as he was alive, she could never revive the Sui Dynasty. In her heart, the prairie was nothing more than a prison.

Her path to restoring her homeland had already reached this point, and she would not stop. Wei Shuyu sent wedding gifts from Changge to Hao Dou and Li Leyan. Though Changge was not skilled in embroidery, she had earnestly learned from the embroidery master and rushed to make an embroidered fan for Leyan. Shuyu also gifted the couple a pair of mandarin duck jade pendants. Before leaving Chang'an for Dingxiang, Changge caused great worry for Leyan.

Hao Dou comforted her, saying that Li Shimin had sent Li Jing to Dingxiang, and Changge, being clever and wise, would surely be safe. Now that Du Ruhui was gravely ill and the wedding date for Hao Dou and Leyan hadn’t arrived, Hao Dou made an unusual request—though he feared wronging Leyan. But Leyan understood Hao Dou’s intentions: the thing Du Ruhui worried about the most was Hao Dou's marriage.

She decided to hold a small ceremony at the Du residence to let Du Ruhui witness their wedding and fulfill his wish. Li Jing led his troops to press the border. The Asher's Tribe was short on soldiers and horses. In an effort to salvage the situation, Yicheng ordered Mu Jin to be healed and arranged for Asher Sun to see the Great Khan. These were the only two people Asher Sun truly cared about now.

If she didn’t let him see them, how could she use him for her purposes? When Asher Sun met the seriously ill Great Khan, he was deeply concerned. To save him, he agreed to follow Yicheng’s command and personally wrote a military order for Mu Jin to gather the elite Eagle Division at Chengqi Gate within five days. Drunk and distraught, Sheer went to find Mimi. Having learned the whole truth, he was tormented with pain.

The Great Khan had shot his little wolf and sowed discord between him and Asher Sun, and now his own mother had killed his father and caused the Great Khan's grave illness. Everything had been lies and deceit. Seeing Sheer crying in his drunkenness, Mimi softened and let him stay the night. The elite Eagle Division assembled at Chengqi Gate, but Yicheng never intended for Asher Sun to lead the troops into battle.

She only wanted to use the Eagle Division to win this war. The only ones who could issue commands were Asher Sun and the Great Khan, and the ailing Great Khan was just another pawn she used. Yicheng waited in Asher Sun's prison cell, expecting the Eagle Division to depart. But Asher Sun had planned ahead. He had secretly instructed Mu Jin to burn the military order.

His real plan was for Mu Jin to rescue the Great Khan and defect to the Tang. Mu Jin followed the plan and successfully rescued the Great Khan. When Yicheng realized how cunning Asher Sun was, she furiously ordered the Eagle Division to be pursued and exterminated. She also summoned all the tribal chiefs of Asher's Tribe to Dingxiang to make an example. Asher Sun had never planned to return alive once he arrived in Dingxiang.

The only thing he couldn’t let go of was Changge—he feared he would break their lifelong promise. At the Du residence, Leyan and Hao Dou held a simple wedding ceremony. After all their trials and hardships, they finally became husband and wife. After the wedding, Hao Dou prepared to depart for Dingxiang to assist Li Jing in eliminating Yicheng. Changge arrived alone outside Dingxiang city, trying to figure out how to sneak in.

Xufeng, Shuyu, and Zhenzhu came to her aid—they were all there to help her. This time, they would advance and retreat with her and help her rescue the one she loved. Zhenzhu held the seal of the Prince of Mobei, allowing them to easily enter Dingxiang city. Changge used a secret code to contact Mimi, who was with Sheer. They read Changge's letter together. Sheer immediately agreed to help. Learning the layout of the palace was not difficult for him. Mu Jin handed the Great Khan over to Li Jing for care, then led the Eagle Division brothers to Dingxiang to rescue Asher Sun.

Changge revealed that Mimi had been under Yicheng’s threat all along. In fact, when Mimi exposed Changge’s identity at the assembly, it had been pre-arranged between them. Mimi had never betrayed Changge. That exposure was Changge’s idea, meant to gain Yicheng’s trust and infiltrate Dingxiang to gather intelligence. Yicheng planned to execute Asher Sun publicly to set an example.

Changge, Xufeng, and the others originally planned to infiltrate the palace and rescue Asher Sun, but Sheer came out on his own to help her, volunteering to become Changge’s hostage. With Sheer’s help, Changge changed the plan: she would take Sheer as a hostage to the main hall to rescue Asher Sun, with Xufeng and Luo Shiba assisting in secret. Meanwhile, Situ Langlang and Shuyu would go rescue Empress Xiao, her son, Mimi, and Buzhen.

In the main hall, Changge held Sheer hostage to force Yicheng to release Asher Sun. Yicheng only had one son and couldn’t afford to take the risk, so she ordered Asher Sun to be released. Asher Sun and Sheer swapped places. Asher Sun thanked Sheer in passing, already knowing Sheer had been captured on purpose to save him. Sheer couldn’t bear to watch Yicheng keep making mistakes or see Asher Sun die.

So once he was beside Yicheng, he used her life to keep the others from acting. Yicheng knew Sheer wouldn’t kill her, so she ordered Raymond to hunt down Asher Sun. But Sheer then threatened her with his own life. Only then did Yicheng realize it had all been an act by Sheer and Changge. Enraged, she ordered Raymond to pursue and kill Asher Sun without mercy.

If Sheer was no longer loyal to her, he had no place by her side. Changge and Asher Sun tried to escape the palace. Mimi covered their retreat from the shadows. Changge told Mimi that Buzhen had already been rescued and they would leave the palace together. Unexpectedly, Raymond and his men arrived just then. Mimi took an arrow for Changge and was mortally wounded. Xufeng and Mu Jin arrived too late.

Before dying, Mimi saw Mu Jin one last time and asked him to take care of Buzhen. She had no regrets dying for Changge. Changge wept bitterly over Mimi’s death, and Asher Sun held her tightly. With the situation in Dingxiang Palace settled, Mu Jin carried Mimi’s body out. Sheer stood stunned, unable to believe Mimi was dead. Mu Jin didn’t let him touch her—Mimi had been killed by Raymond.

Sheer collapsed and wanted to seek revenge on Raymond, but Asher Sun urged him to leave Dingxiang with them. Yicheng was doomed to fail. Sheer refused; he wouldn’t stop Asher Sun from doing what he needed to, but Asher Sun couldn’t control him either. Li Jing's army pressed forward, and the tribal chiefs were all uneasy. Sheer still came to the main hall, causing a scene.

He wanted to settle the score with Raymond and hoped Yicheng would wake up—the Sui Dynasty was gone. Yicheng was heartbroken that her son no longer stood with her. She had him taken away by force. She ordered the tribal chiefs to be safely escorted out, and Raymond led the Bear Division elites to face the enemy and calm the chiefs. But this was just a ruse to let Raymond cover Sheer’s escape from Dingxiang.

Yicheng planned to leave with the chiefs. With their protection, she might survive, but she couldn’t let Sheer take any risks. Raymond, loyal to Yicheng for thirty years, only wanted to stay with her until the end. Yicheng acknowledged his loyalty, but Sheer meant everything to her. Raymond had to use his life to protect him. Raymond, following Yicheng’s order, escorted Sheer away despite his resistance. Meanwhile, Asher Sun visited the Great Khan.

The poison had spread to his organs—he could no longer lead troops. Asher Sun promised to take care of the Great Khan for the rest of his life. He told him about the current situation and expressed his desire to end the war, bring peace to the world, and restore stability to the grasslands. Mimi had passed. Everyone came to bid her farewell. Mu Jin cried as he said goodbye.

He had brought her favorite candy, but she was gone forever. In the days to come, he would devote himself to fulfilling her last wishes. When all was done, he would go to be with her forever. Changge sent Luo Shiba, Xufeng, and Shuyu to escort Empress Xiao and her grandson back to Chang’an. Luo Shiba hoped that once the mission was complete, she could live freely with her friends. This comforted Changge. Situ Langlang also said his farewell. With the two armies about to clash, Changge couldn’t take care of Zhenzhu, so she decided to send her back to Mobei for now and visit her when time allowed.

On the eve of the storm, Li Changge and Asher Sun sat together in a forest outside the city. Li Changge brought up the marriage proposal letter Asher Sun had left behind—she accepted him, saying that having him in this life was enough. Then, Li Changge asked about the connection between Asher Sun and Li Jing. Asher Sun said he had met Li Jing before leaving Chang'an.

They had reached an agreement: he would take back command of the Eagle Division and help Li Jing break the situation in Dingxiang, while Li Jing would assist him in rescuing the Great Khan. The two shared a tender moment before the great battle. Asher Sun mentioned the three things Li Changge had promised him earlier. The second was that she must never again say things like "sorry" or "thank you" to him.

As for the third, he believed there would be plenty of time to talk about it in the future. Asher Sun and Li Changge returned to the camp, and Hao Dou had also arrived to join the main force. One of Li Jing’s scout teams had discovered Yicheng’s military strength, and he sent men for a surprise attack. However, another scout unit had not returned, so Asher Sun decided to lead a group of the Eagle Division to investigate.

Li Changge and Hao Dou remained at the command tent to handle emergency situations. Raymond led an elite force to escort Sheer away. Learning that there were pursuers behind them, he had Tuluk take Sheer and flee ahead. Sheer hoped Raymond would give up the fight, but Raymond was furious at Sheer’s incompetence and ordered Tuluk to forcibly take Sheer away. Mu Jin and Asher Sun arrived with the Eagle Division.

Mu Jin stayed behind with a squad to fight Raymond, while Asher Sun led the rest to chase after Sheer. Raymond killed Mimi Guli, and Mu Jin personally killed Raymond to avenge her. Mu Jin believed Raymond lived his whole life blindly obeying orders, never understanding what feelings truly meant. Before his death, Raymond denied Mu Jin’s words. He said he wasn’t obeying orders—he was keeping a promise, one that would take a lifetime to fulfill.

Asher Sun and the Eagle Division intercepted Sheer and the Bear Division. Sheer ordered the Bear soldiers to lay down their weapons and challenged Asher Sun to a duel. The two drew their swords, but Sheer dropped his blade, wanting to die at Asher Sun’s hands. He believed that only Asher Sun's blade was worthy of being stained with his blood. Asher Sun stopped in time and told Sheer not to punish himself for others' mistakes.

Since Sheer had brought the Bear soldiers out, he returned the sword to Sheer and asked him to lead them to live a free life. The two were always brothers, and Asher Sun believed that once the battle on the grasslands was over and new grass had sprouted, they would meet again and drink mare’s milk wine together, facing off in a real fight.

They parted ways, and Asher Sun ordered the Eagle Division to let the Bear Division pass, telling Sheer to head west—far away, never to get involved in these conflicts again. Li Jing moved swiftly and decisively, defeating the enemy forces at Dingxiang. Hao Dou then led troops to capture Yicheng, but she wasn’t in the carriage. Instead, all the tribal leaders had already been persuaded to surrender by Hao Dou. Yicheng hadn’t planned to flee with the army.

Li Changge realized this and suspected that Yicheng never intended to escape at all. The main force advanced toward the royal palace of Dingxiang, where Yicheng was already waiting in the grand hall. Li Changge went to meet her alone. Yicheng spoke of her difficult life. She was merely a woman of the royal family, and the greatest honor of her life had been being named Princess of Great Sui. Thus, she had dedicated her entire life to Great Sui.

Thirty years had passed—her body trapped on the grasslands, but her heart had never left Great Sui. Even though the land of Great Sui still existed, the Great Sui she knew was already gone. Li Changge wanted her to return to Chang’an, assuring her that Li Shimin would protect her. But Yicheng, who had endured a life of humiliation, no longer sought redemption or forgiveness. Still, she thanked Li Changge for accompanying her on this final journey.

With those words, Yicheng pushed over a candlestick, attempting to die together with Li Changge. Just then, Asher Sun arrived outside the palace and rushed in—because Li Changge was still trapped inside. Following the great victory at Dingxiang, Hao Dou hurried back to the mansion and delivered the good news to Du Ruhui, who was gravely ill. With his final breath, Du Ruhui met with Hao Dou and Leyan one last time, hoping they could spend their lives together.

He had given his entire life to Great Tang and had no regrets. Elsewhere, Li Shimin believed that Li Changge had perished in the fire and wept bitterly, wanting to know if she left any final words. Li Jing, unfamiliar with Li Changge, made up a few things, but Li Shimin immediately saw through it. Li Jing had no choice but to reveal that Li Changge and Asher Sun intended to live in seclusion.

She didn’t want her whereabouts known and only asked Li Shimin to erase her name from the historical records—so that there would be no more Li Changge in this world. Although she was unwilling to return to Chang’an, as long as she was alive and safe, Li Shimin was content. He also hoped that the prosperous Tang Dynasty he built would be everything Li Changge wished for. In the end, Li Changge and Asher Sun truly embraced a peaceful and happy life in the countryside, after the nation had found peace and prosperity.