The Rise of Phoenixes Recap, Plot, Synopsis, Total Episodes

The Rise of Phoenixes Synopsis

Feng Zhiwei, the daughter of the Phoenix Marshal, was ostracized in the Qiu family because she was an illegitimate daughter, and was later framed and expelled from her family.

In order to survive, Feng Zhiwei disguised herself as a man and entered the Qingming Academy, where she became a whiz with her amazing talent.

With a heart to serve the country, she supported the ruler, and clarified justice, and achieved a great career. Meanwhile, she discovered the secret that she was the orphan of the previous dynasty.

With the pressure of national enmity and family hatred, Feng Zhiwei once turned against his beloved Sixth Prince Ning Yi, and his friends and relatives were also in danger.

When the truth of the shocking conspiracy was revealed, Feng Zhiwei finally put aside her obsession with revenge and chose to save the people of the world, and chose to let those who love her no longer be burdened by her and be able to pursue their own happiness.

For the sake of her family, her relatives, and her lover, Feng Zhiwei sacrificed herself and lived in seclusion.

But with the help of her best friend, she also eventually harvested her own happiness and lived an ordinary and peaceful life with her lover from then on!

The Rise of Phoenixes Recap

Episode 1 Recap

In the twilight years of the Great Cheng Dynasty, Emperor Ai Zhangsun Mingde ruled with tyranny, causing widespread suffering. To save the populace, Ning Shizheng, the Duke of Minhai, rallied support from General Chang Yuan and his allies, toppling the Great Cheng Dynasty and establishing the Tiansheng Dynasty.

Shortly after, the newly enthroned Emperor Tiansheng dispatched his eldest son, Ning Chuan, and his sixth son, Ning Yi, to hunt down the remnants of Great Cheng's secret guards, the Bloody Buddha, and Emperor Ai's infant ninth son. During the confrontation, a young Ning Yi attempted to save the child, but Ning Chuan's forces attacked, compelling the guard to drop the infant from a cliff. For his role in the child's demise, Ning Chuan was named Crown Prince.

Ning Yi, however, was left with deep psychological scars, haunted by flashbacks of a maternal figure lamenting that "they all died for you" and a man's voice vowing to kill him. Eighteen years later, an epidemic devastates Yanzhou. The Duke of Min's policy of closing a pass only accelerates the spread of the disease toward the imperial capital.

At a court session, it is reported that an area in the capital has the epidemic under control thanks to the "Melancholy Infirmary," funded by Prince Ning Yi. It is revealed that Ning Yi, imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Temple for eight years, financed the infirmary by selling brocades he had woven. Moved by his son's compassion, Emperor Tiansheng grants a general amnesty, releasing Ning Yi.

Upon his release, a drunken Ning Yi arrives at the palace but becomes ill and postpones his audience with the Emperor. Unbothered, the Emperor remarks that this is the "beginning of a breeze" that foretells a "coming storm." Alarmed by Ning Yi's return, Crown Prince Ning Chuan convenes a late-night meeting with his maternal uncle, Duke Chang Hai, the Second Prince Ning Sheng, and the Fifth Prince Ning Yan.

The Second and Fifth Princes dismiss Ning Yi as a powerless weaver, with Ning Yan pointing out that Ning Yi's protector, their Third Brother Ning Qiao, is dead. The mention of Ning Qiao silences the room. As the princes leave, Duke Chang Hai warns Ning Yan about corruption in his canal project and reminds him that he played a key role in Ning Yi's imprisonment years ago, suggesting he is now vulnerable.

The next morning, Ning Yi kneels outside the court while ministers praise Ning Yan. When summoned, Ning Yi tearfully remains silent, claiming a guilty subject like him should not speak recklessly. The Emperor rebukes the fawning ministers, declaring Chengming Hall is for state matters, not flattery, and pardons Ning Yi. When offered a reward, Ning Yi humbly requests only a jailer skilled in weaving, pleasing the Emperor with his lack of ambition.

The Emperor then appoints Ning Yi to Qingming Academy to learn court affairs under Minister Xin Ziyan. The court, led by Duke Chang Hai and Xin Ziyan himself, objects. Xin Ziyan cites Ning Yi's past transgression: eight years ago, he violated curfew to secretly meet a general, an act deemed disloyal and unfilial. Overwhelmed, Ning Yi pleads to be allowed to just weave for the rest of his life.

In private, the Emperor and Xin Ziyan discuss how to protect Ning Yi, whom the Emperor calls a "nail" that could cause injury if not placed carefully. The Emperor acknowledges that Duke Chang Hai and the Crown Prince are a threat. To counter their influence and protect his son, the Emperor arranges a marriage between Ning Yi and Qiu Yuluo, the daughter of Imperial Army Commander Qiu Shangqi, a subordinate of Duke Chang Hai, hoping to shift the commander's allegiance.

At a silk shop, Ning Yi encounters Xin Ziyan and his wife. After playfully measuring Xin Ziyan for new clothes, Ning Yi firmly states that the marriage to Qiu Yuluo will not happen. At the Qiu Mansion, Commander Qiu Shangqi panics, fearing that an alliance with the unstable Ning Yi will infuriate the powerful Chang family and lead to his ruin.

His wife then reveals a stunning twist: the imperial official took the engagement letter not for their daughter, but for Feng Zhiwei. Xin Ziyan warns Ning Yi to be cautious, but Ning Yi is consumed by a desire for revenge, stating that sacrificing himself to take down his enemies is a worthy trade. Xin Ziyan reminds Ning Yi of his late Third Brother Ning Qiao's final wish: for Xin Ziyan to help Ning Yi become a wise ruler.

Ning Yi scoffs, declaring that the just and righteous Ning Qiao was the one who deserved the throne before being framed for rebellion by the Crown Prince and killed eight years prior. He questions how he can be a wise ruler while the "vermin" who framed his brother remain in power. Meanwhile, Feng Zhiwei, dressed in male attire, argues with her mother, Qiu Mingying, refusing to stop attending a private school.

Soon, her Fifth Aunt arrives with lavish gifts, informing them they have been summoned by the Madam. Feng Zhiwei jokingly suggests they flee with the treasures, but her mother is somber. Feng Zhiwei declares she does not want to be a substitute for Qiu Yuluo or marry Prince Chu, prompting a stern warning from her mother about the life-and-death stakes of their situation. Elsewhere in the mansion, the entertainer Zhuyin is berated by Fifth Aunt, leading to a physical fight.

Feng Zhiwei intervenes, defending Zhuyin and intimidating Fifth Aunt with her new, albeit misunderstood, status. The two women find common ground and share a laugh. At the Gold Feather Guard headquarters, a man is found dead, killed with a hand halberd, the signature weapon of the Bloody Buddha. The discovery triggers a memory for Guard Gu Yan, who was spared years ago by the Emperor and tasked with managing the Bloody Buddha remnants.

This murder, secretly orchestrated by Ning Yi and Xin Ziyan to sow chaos, creates a political opening. Xin Ziyan notes that with the Crown Prince's position shaken by Ning Yi's return, the ambitious Second and Fifth Princes see a chance to make their move. For Ning Yi and Xin Ziyan, this instability is the perfect opportunity to advance their own plans.

Episode 2 Recap

Prince Yan Ning Sheng summoned Ning Cheng, Prince Chu Ning Yi's attendant, bestowing gold and silver upon him while expressing feigned concern for Ning Yi after his eight years in the Imperial Clan Temple. Ning Cheng, outwardly grateful, remained loyal to Ning Yi.

After his departure, Prince Yan remarked to his aide that he needn't worry about Ning Yi; if the past eight years hadn't softened his tough younger brother, Crown Prince Ning Chuan and Prince Zhao Ning Yan would surely keep him in check. Prince Yan planned to let them vie for power in the capital while he feigned retreat.

Once news of the Great Cheng royal orphan's appearance in Yanzhou became public, he would request an imperial decree to quell the matter in his fiefdom. Meanwhile, Prince Zhao Ning Yan complained to Minister Ge about being rebuked by the Emperor for advancing his own salary to aid disaster victims, while Ning Yi received lavish rewards for simply weaving cloth.

He lamented that he did all the hard work while the Crown Prince took the credit, leaving him with the blame. The capital was abuzz with news that the Bloody Buddha Sect had assassinated a Golden Feather Guard. Xin Ziyan, already part of the scheme, met with Crown Prince Ning Chuan. He confessed to planting the unique hand dart—a design of his master, Tianjizi—to make the sect's reappearance more convincing.

He reasoned that the entire conspiracy was aimed at destabilizing the Crown Prince's position. The Crown Prince, however, was far more panicked by a report from his own men: the Ninth Prince of Great Cheng, whom he supposedly killed years ago to secure his title, had been found in Yanzhou. If this Ninth Prince were real, he feared being accused of deceiving the Emperor.

Although Xin Ziyan advised calm, Ning Chuan worried his father was only feigning ignorance to test him. An invitation then arrived from Ning Yi, inviting all the princes to a banquet at his mansion. Xin Ziyan deduced that Ning Yi was the key to this conspiracy and urged the Crown Prince to attend, while he himself would investigate secretly.

At the Qiu Mansion, Feng Hao attempted to steal some of the betrothal gifts, arguing that his sister Feng Zhiwei's marriage into wealth should benefit him. Feng Zhiwei angrily kicked him, causing a hairpin to fall from his clothes. Though he claimed he found it, she recognized it as belonging to Zhuyin, a courtesan she had recently befriended. Ning Cheng delivered a letter from Xin Ziyan to Ning Yi and reported on his meeting with Prince Yan.

Ning Yi wryly commented that the Crown Prince seemed to have had a harder eight years than they did. He instructed Ning Cheng to use the gifted money well and to prepare a "generous gift" in return for Prince Yan, one so significant it would prevent him from leaving the capital. At the Lanxiang Court, Zhuyin reported to Ning Yi about her time at the Qiu residence, mentioning she had met an "interesting person" with a strange connection to him.

Just then, Feng Zhiwei burst in looking for Zhuyin. Startled, Ning Yi hid behind a screen, only to knock it over. Seeing him holding scissors, Feng Zhiwei protectively shielded Zhuyin. To cover his identity, Ning Yi awkwardly snipped a loose thread from Feng Zhiwei's clothing, claimed to be a tailor, and quickly fled. A curious Feng Zhiwei followed him, asking about Prince Chu.

Playing along, Ning Yi described the prince as an odd man who would rather weave than engage in princely pastimes. Amused by her persistence, he teased that she must be infatuated with the prince. Later, Zhuyin privately told Ning Yi that Feng Zhiwei is likely the real Qiu Yuluo, recalling that someone had called her "princess," a revelation Ning Yi found highly entertaining.

In the Qiu Mansion, Fifth Madam falsely complained to Madam Xu that Feng Zhiwei, arrogant about her impending marriage to a prince, had bullied her. To prove Zhiwei’s cunning, she recounted how years ago, a young Feng Zhiwei had forced the Qiu family to take in her destitute mother and brother by kneeling in the street and creating a public spectacle. Fifth Madam warned that Zhiwei was not to be trusted.

Elsewhere, Zhiwei's mother, Qiu Mingying, consulted Master Zong, torn by a difficult decision. When Feng Zhiwei found her mother in tears, she offered to go through with the marriage to please her. Qiu Mingying, filled with guilt, tearfully refused her daughter’s sacrifice. Ning Cheng confirmed to Ning Yi that the real Qiu Yuluo was spoiled and cruel, entirely different from Feng Zhiwei. That evening, Zhiwei, disguised as an entertainer, snuck into Prince Chu's banquet.

Ning Yi met her, playing along with her calling him "tailor." Knowing the real Qiu Yuluo's father would never agree to the match, Ning Yi planned to substitute Feng Zhiwei. On the pretext of testing her courage, he blindfolded her and locked her in a lakeside pavilion, determined not to let this "unruly cat" disrupt his plans for the evening. As the banquet began, Crown Prince Ning Chuan, Prince Zhao, and Prince Yan gathered, each with their own agenda.

Ning Yi, acting the part of a disheveled idler, rebuffed the Crown Prince's invitation to his palace, claiming he only wanted to weave. Trapped in the pavilion, Feng Zhiwei realized she had been tricked and jumped into the lake. As the princes were about to leave, Ning Yi shouted that an assassin was in the water.

The Crown Prince rushed to the lake, but Ning Yi, realizing it was Zhiwei, signaled Ning Cheng to handle the rescue while he steered the Crown Prince back inside. Back in the hall, Ning Chuan pressed his brothers about the Bloody Buddha Sect. Ning Yi, feigning extreme drunkenness, loudly declared that he had personally seen Ning Chuan shoot the Great Cheng orphan. He slurred that if the orphan were alive, Ning Chuan's claim as Crown Prince would be void.

Though furious, Ning Chuan dismissed him as a drunkard and left. The moment they were gone, Ning Yi's drunken demeanor vanished. Upon learning Feng Zhiwei was safe, he went to see her. He brought her a change of clothes, and she, still wary, hid behind a screen, only changing after he blew out the candle.

Episode 3 Recap

Under the soft moonlight, Ning Yi gave orders for the lanterns to be lit after Feng Zhiwei, hidden behind a screen, shed her wet clothes and put on new ones. Feng Zhiwei emerged, modestly dressed in fine attire, only to look up with a hopeful smile, believing she was meeting the "little tailor" again. However, Ning Yi, his face stern, demanded to know why she didn't kneel before him.

Feng Zhiwei finally realized his true identity, knelt, and cursed him under her breath for deceiving her. Ning Yi, feigning curiosity, asked why she was so stupid. Feng Zhiwei retorted, agreeing to her perceived stupidity but arguing that Ning Yi was far from useless, in fact, he was so capable that he had to feign incompetence. Her astute observations amused Ning Yi greatly, prompting him to promise that he would have the Emperor rescind the marriage decree between them.

Overjoyed, Feng Zhiwei turned to leave, revealing her name to him as Feng Zhiwei. Ning Yi dismissed her name as irrelevant. Meanwhile, in a secluded chamber, Qiu Mingying confronted Qiu Shangqi, revealing that Feng Zhiwei's father was none other than Gu Heng, the Commander of the Bloody Buddha Sect, who, eighteen years prior, had jumped off a cliff while attempting to protect the last orphan of Great Cheng.

Qiu Mingying accused Ning Yi, who was only eight years old at the time, of being the one who had forced Gu Heng to his death. She threatened Qiu Shangqi, vowing that if he insisted on Feng Zhiwei marrying Ning Yi, the wedding day would mark her revenge on her father's killer, leading to the complete annihilation of the Qiu family.

She also declared that if Feng Hao, the only remaining male descendant of the Gu family, suffered any harm, she would ensure the entire Qiu family perished with him. After Feng Zhiwei departed, Ning Yi took a pill before returning to his hall. Simultaneously, the Emperor suddenly suffered a nosebleed. Years ago, Ning Yi's birth mother, Ya Le, had fed both him and his father the same blood, intertwining their fates.

The Emperor immediately dispatched Zhao Yuan to Prince Chu's mansion to check on Ning Yi. Upon arrival, Zhao Yuan and the imperial physicians found Ning Yi gravely ill and pale. Zhao Yuan was astonished to learn that Ning Yi had fallen ill right after seeing off the Crown Prince, Prince Yan, and Prince Zhao.

Later that night, Feng Zhiwei returned to the Qiu residence, her heart heavy with worry over Ning Yi's sudden collapse that she had witnessed at the Prince's mansion. Qiu Mingying immediately confronted her about her late return. Feng Zhiwei, avoiding her mother's gaze, quickly shifted the conversation to Feng Hao. She learned that Feng Hao was being "supervised" by Madam Qiu, a move Feng Zhiwei understood as an attempt to coerce her. Infuriated, she declared her intention to confront them.

Qiu Mingying intervened, informing her that Qiu Shangqi had already punished Madam Qiu, and Feng Hao would return the following day. Holding a piece of lavish silk, Qiu Mingying then compelled Feng Zhiwei to kneel. She made her daughter swear a solemn oath: "I, Feng Zhiwei, swear by my father's spirit in heaven that all of this life, no matter what situation I'm in, I will never marry Ning Yi.

If I break this oath, my mother, Qiu Mingying, will die a terrible death, and never be reincarnated forever." Feng Zhiwei, tears welling in her eyes, uttered the words through gritted teeth, falling silent afterward. Ning Yi eventually awoke the next day, after remaining in a coma through the night.

The Emperor learned from the imperial physician that Ning Yi's illness was peculiar, and noted the presence of the Crown Prince, Prince Zhao, and Prince Yan at the banquet the previous night. Angered, the Emperor suspected someone was attempting to eliminate Ning Yi, whom he considered a crucial "nail." Ning Yi, upon hearing the report, mistakenly believed the Emperor had placed spies in his mansion, causing his heart to chill slightly.

However, Ning Cheng hesitantly suggested that the Emperor might genuinely be concerned about Ning Yi's well-being, remarking on Official Zhao's visible worry the previous night. In the Qiu residence, Fifth Aunt subtly tried to sow discord by implying that Feng Zhiwei, who was no longer to marry Ning Yi, was acting arrogantly. Feng Hao did return home, seemingly unharmed. Feng Zhiwei privately advised him to keep his distance from Fifth Aunt. Later, Feng Zhiwei walked alone in the garden.

Fifth Aunt approached her, mockingly calling her "princess" despite knowing she was no longer to be the Prince's consort. Feng Zhiwei, surprisingly, acknowledged the address. Fifth Aunt then changed her demeanor, insulting Feng Zhiwei's humble origins, which deeply angered Feng Zhiwei. Ning Yi was summoned to the palace by the Emperor, who inquired about the previous day's banquet. Ning Yi assured him that all had been well.

The Emperor, after a moment of contemplation, challenged Ning Yi to a game of chess. Ning Yi won the match, and the Emperor, rising suddenly, murmured, implying a long passage of time since an important past event. Ning Yi then candidly revealed his understanding of the Emperor's true intentions in releasing him: to use him as a "nail" to expose and undermine the Crown Prince, Prince Yan, and Prince Zhao.

The Emperor then questioned if Ning Yi had considered that his release was simply for the sake of his freedom. Ning Yi paused, not daring to ponder such a thought. When asked about his health, Ning Yi claimed that his condition had worsened since the marriage decree, and he suggested that their incompatible horoscopes could serve as a reason to annul the engagement.

On his journey back to the mansion, Ning Yi pondered, concluding that perhaps he had overthought the Emperor's words. Back at his residence, Ning Yi watched Huo Lao San weaving while he happily drank wine. He reflected on his past assumptions, realizing he had misjudged someone crucial, only to find his efforts futile.

Soon after, the Emperor urgently summoned the Crown Prince, Ning Yi, Prince Yan, and Prince Zhao to the palace, furious, having learned that the Great Cheng remnants had been sighted in Yanzhou days earlier. Gu Yan stepped forward, admitting his carelessness in relaying this information to the Crown Prince. Prince Yan and Prince Zhao quickly deflected blame onto the Crown Prince. The Emperor declared his intention to demote Gu Yan as a warning.

Unexpectedly, Ning Yi intervened, claiming responsibility for informing his three royal brothers about the Great Cheng remnants and requesting punishment for himself. Prince Yan then seized the opportunity to deliberately bring up Ning Yi's "joke" from the previous night's banquet, where Ning Yi had feigned idiocy, remarking, "If that Great Cheng Remnant is true, then Tiansheng would not have a Crown Prince!" Upon hearing this, Qiu Shangqi immediately interjected, accusing Ning Yi of destabilizing the nation's foundation. To everyone's astonishment, the Emperor suddenly burst into hearty laughter, leaving all present bewildered.

Episode 4 Recap

As Ning Yi left the main hall coughing, the Crown Prince approached with feigned concern. Soon after, an imperial decree announced that Prince Chu Ning Yi and Qiu Yuluo had incompatible horoscopes, and their engagement was nullified. This led to widespread rumors that Qiu Yuluo was a jinx, destined to bring ill fortune to her family. A distraught Madam Qiu blamed Feng Zhiwei for her daughter’s ruined reputation.

Meanwhile, Fifth Aunt recalled a conversation she had overheard between Qiu Shangqi and Qiu Mingying. After learning from Madam Qiu that Qiu Mingying’s husband had opposed her father in court during the previous dynasty, Fifth Aunt began to suspect he was a powerful minister connected to the Bloody Buddha Sect and the lost orphan of the Great Cheng.

Frustrated by recent events, the Crown Prince viciously whipped his servants before adopting a pleasant demeanor to greet Prince Yan and Prince Zhao. The two princes, also humiliated by Ning Yi’s theatrics, wanted to strategize against him. However, the Crown Prince refused, citing his fear of forming factions, which the Emperor would detest. As they departed, Prince Yan’s remark, "Even if you weren't the one who shot the orphan of Great Cheng eighteen years ago," enraged the Crown Prince.

He accused them of implying he had falsely taken credit for the deed. After leaving, Prince Yan and Prince Zhao discussed the Crown Prince's strange behavior, noting his forced cordiality towards Ning Yi, and agreed they needed to stick together. Later, the Crown Prince spoke with Chang Hai, whom he called "Uncle." He inquired about the soldiers from the Chang Family Army who had once served him, learning that none had survived various border conflicts.

He also asked about the Golden Feather Guards who had protected Ning Yi, only to be told they too had perished. The Crown Prince then asserted that the baby Gu Heng held eighteen years ago was long dead. He concluded the "Great Cheng orphan" was a ruse by the Bloody Buddha Sect to deceive the public and resolved to eliminate the group entirely.

Elsewhere, Prince Zhao, tasked with overseeing canal repairs, was confronted by a woman whose husband, a man with a large mole on his face, had gone missing while working. Prince Zhao callously dismissed her pleas. Gu Yan, still searching for traces of the Bloody Buddha Sect, had found no leads. Junior Guardian Xin Ziyan then arrived with an order from the Crown Prince, stating that sect members had been discovered outside the city.

The order instructed Gu Yan to lead the Golden Feather Guards to rendezvous with the Crown Prince’s garrison. As they traveled, Xin Ziyan expressed unease, noting the valley ahead was perfectly suited for an ambush. Despite the warning, Gu Yan insisted on following the Crown Prince’s orders without detour. As anticipated, they were ambushed in the forest. The Crown Prince then arrived with his forces, seemingly rescuing them and quelling the attack.

In the aftermath, Gu Yan was injured, but Xin Ziyan was unharmed. That night, a despondent Xin Ziyan visited Ning Yi at the Prince Chu Mansion. He questioned whether the sacrifices made to pave Ning Yi's path to becoming a wise ruler were worth it. Ning Yi countered that his primary goal was to avenge his third brother; the ambition for the throne was Xin Ziyan's alone.

Sensing his friend's deep distress, Ning Yi pressed for an explanation, but Xin Ziyan remained silent. Just then, Ning Cheng rushed in, announcing that the Crown Prince had successfully eliminated the Bloody Buddha Sect and that the Emperor had urgently summoned Ning Yi to the palace. Outside the palace, the bodies of the supposed sect members lay covered by black cloths. Prince Zhao, Prince Yan, and other ministers praised the Crown Prince’s achievement.

Ning Yi, however, was unsettled by Xin Ziyan’s unspoken warning. The Emperor, upon hearing the news, questioned why the Bloody Buddha Sect, last reported in Yan Province, had appeared in the capital. The Crown Prince vaguely claimed Yan Province was a diversion. Eager to share the credit, Prince Zhao pulled the cloth off a body, revealing a man with a prominent mole. He was stunned, instantly recognizing the face from the distraught wife's description earlier that day.

The Crown Prince quickly covered the body, citing the need to not disturb the Emperor. Though he praised the Crown Prince, the Emperor assigned Ning Yi to investigate the matter further, leaving the Crown Prince baffled and dismayed. The Crown Prince remained perplexed by the Emperor’s decision, fearing it was a prelude to his dethronement.

Chang Hai advised that he must definitively resolve the Great Cheng orphan case, as the Emperor was not easily deceived by the Crown Prince’s evasive answers. Ning Yi, meanwhile, declared his intention to uncover the truth. Gu Yan advised him to proceed only with solid evidence. Prince Zhao, terrified of what Ning Yi might uncover, tried to lead him away, but Ning Yi pivoted, ordering Gu Yan to use the bodies to locate the victims' families.

Prince Zhao frantically objected, uncharacteristically stammering that displaying the corpses would be cruel and cause public resentment. To everyone’s surprise, Ning Yi agreed, and at the princes' joint behest, Gu Yan posted a public announcement instead. The confrontation dredged up the past. Years ago, Gu Yan and Ning Yi had pursued the Great Cheng orphan together.

But after Ning Yi was severely injured, he awoke to find Gu Yan had sided with the Crown Prince, and he himself had been abandoned by the Emperor. Gu Yan dismissed Ning Yi’s words as an attempt to make him switch allegiance again. Ning Yi then produced an exquisite pouch, revealing he had been secretly searching for Gu Yan’s lost wife and child. Seeing it, Gu Yan was moved to tears, not of gratitude, but of rage.

He accused Ning Yi of cruelly leveraging his family to force him to kill his own brother, Gu Heng, when Ning Yi was just eight years old, asserting that Ning Yi was no different from the Crown Prince. Ning Yi denied wanting the child dead, explaining the Emperor had promised to spare them if they surrendered. He reflected on his youthful naivety, having grown up in a ruthless court believing he understood everything.

Ning Yi then ordered Gu Yan to discreetly monitor Prince Zhao, but Gu Yan refused, calling it an act of insubordination. Closing his eyes, Ning Yi slammed his hand on the table and fiercely demanded to know if Gu Yan truly felt no desire to avenge their fallen Golden Feather Guard comrades.

Episode 5 Recap

The Crown Prince, who takes credit for exterminating the Bloody Buddha Sect. Xin Ziyan is deeply unsettled, confiding in Ning Yi that he was the only one who escaped unscathed, a detail he finds highly suspicious. Ning Yi is then summoned to the palace where the Crown Prince presents thirteen bodies to the Emperor, claiming them to be the sect's remnants. The Emperor, however, questions why the Blood Buddha Sect's lair suddenly shifted from Yanzhou to the capital.

Prince Zhao, eager to claim credit, uncovers the bodies and is startled when he sees a man with a distinct mole, a detail matching a missing farmer, which the Crown Prince quickly covers up. Doubting the Crown Prince's prepared answers, the Emperor assigns Ning Yi to investigate the Great Cheng orphan case and the Bloody Buddha Sect, undermining the Crown Prince.

Later, the Crown Prince and Chang Hai scheme to resolve the Great Cheng orphan case permanently, fearing Ning Yi's investigation could expose them. Gu Yan, recovering from injuries sustained in the ambush, reports his lack of progress in finding the Bloody Buddha Sect to Ning Yi and Prince Zhao. Ning Yi suggests that while the sect's appearance seems sudden, the deceased must have connections. Gu Yan proposes to publicly display the bodies with a reward notice for identification.

Prince Zhao objects, arguing it would be too cruel. Ning Yi cleverly frames this objection as aligning with the Emperor's benevolent rule, which Prince Zhao agrees with to save face. They decide to post a notice for clues without displaying the bodies. In a private meeting, Ning Yi presses Gu Yan about the Great Cheng orphan case, bringing up their shared past.

Ning Yi produces a scented sachet belonging to Gu Yan's long-lost wife, revealing he has been searching for Gu Yan's family for eighteen years. This deeply affects Gu Yan. However, he remains cautious, accusing Ning Yi of being as ruthless as the Crown Prince, citing how Ning Yi, as an eight-year-old, used Gu Yan's wife and child as leverage, leading to his brother's death. Ning Yi admits his youthful naivete, asserting he has grown since.

He then orders Gu Yan to secretly monitor Prince Zhao (Ning Yan). Gu Yan initially refuses, but Ning Yi appeals to his desire for truth and revenge for the Golden Feather Guard soldiers who died in the ambush, convincing him. At Lanxiang Courtyard, Zhu Yin facilitates a discreet meeting between Xin Ziyan and Ning Yi. Zhu Yin reports that she was dismissed from an event at Qiu Shangqi's residence because Chang Hai had summoned Qiu Shangqi to his own mansion.

Xin Ziyan is anxious, revealing the Crown Prince had also summoned Gu Yan, fearing he might expose their plans. Ning Yi remains calm, trusting Gu Yan. Xin Ziyan then explains his theory: the Crown Prince maintains a secret force of real Blood Buddha Sect members, whom he uses for staged ambushes before replacing their bodies with commoners, like the missing farmers, to consolidate power and deceive the Emperor. At the Qiu residence, Fifth Aunt hosts a moon-appreciation banquet.

During a private gathering before the banquet, Chang Hai forces Qiu Shangqi into a duel and blackmails him, revealing he knows Qiu Shangqi is harboring Qiu Mingying and her children. When a shaken Qiu Shangqi later joins the banquet, Fifth Aunt, already suspicious about Feng Zhiwei's origins, probes the family about their deceased father. When Madam Xu suggests matching the handsome siblings with a pair of twins, Fifth Aunt pointedly remarks that Feng Zhiwei and Feng Hao look nothing alike.

Unable to endure the provocations, Feng Zhiwei retorts. Enraged by Fifth Aunt's persistence, Qiu Shangqi humiliates her and has her removed. The woman searching for her husband is arrested on false charges of spousal murder, an act orchestrated by Prince Zhao. In prison, she is seemingly poisoned, but this is a ruse by Gu Yan, who has her smuggled out disguised as a corpse.

She is taken to a mass grave where she finds her husband's body among many others and collapses in grief. She begs Gu Yan for justice, but he gives her money and urges her to flee, explaining that seeking revenge would be a death sentence. Gu Yan, disgusted by the Crown Prince's cruelty, reflects on his own powerlessness. The next morning, Qiu Mingying leaves the mansion, tailed by a suspicious Fifth Aunt, but manages to lose her in the crowd.

She meets with her former teacher, expressing her fear over Fifth Aunt's growing suspicions. Meanwhile, at a teahouse, Fifth Aunt overhears a discussion about the Great Cheng orphan, learning the man holding the child was named Gu Heng and that the orphan would now be eighteen. This solidifies her theory that Feng Zhiwei and Feng Hao are not real siblings.

Later, she tries to get their birth dates from Feng Hao under the guise of making amends, but Feng Zhiwei sees through the act. Qiu Mingying confronts Fifth Aunt, who is startled by her sudden appearance. Soon after, Feng Zhiwei rushes to Fifth Aunt's room and is horrified to find her strangled to death by Qiu Mingying. As the three frantically pack to flee, they discover imperial soldiers have surrounded the mansion. Concurrently, the Crown Prince questions Gu Yan about Qiu Shangqi's sister and her children, asking if he knows their true origins.

Episode 6 Recap

Ten years ago, only the Crown Prince, Gu Yan, and Ning Yi knew about the matter. The Crown Prince feared that Ning Yi would use this investigation as an excuse to uncover events from eighteen years ago, so he implicitly and explicitly threatened Gu Yan not to speak of it. To resolve the matter of the Great Cheng remnants, the Crown Prince could only pin the blame on Qiu Mingying.

Even though he knew the mother and her two children were the wife and children of Gu Yan's deceased elder brother, he still had to act. One who does not act for himself will be destroyed by heaven and earth. At Lanxiang Garden, Qiu Shangqi burst out laughing, exclaiming, "What a great 'one who does not act for himself will be destroyed by heaven and earth'!"

The Crown Prince had already prepared his narrative: Qiu Mingying, the widow of the Blood Blades commander, was stirring up trouble in the court to avenge her husband, bringing up the Blood Blades and the Great Cheng orphans, but ultimately it was all baseless. At Lanxiang Courtyard, Zhu Yin rushed in, panicked. Qiu Shangqi claimed that Feng Zhiwei would not survive the night.

Qiu Mingying fled with Feng Zhiwei and Feng Hao, fearing that Qiu Shangqi had long known that the mother and her two children would be unjustly killed that night. The three were eventually surrounded by soldiers on the street. Qiu Mingying and Feng Zhiwei could still manage a bit, but Feng Hao was no match for these soldiers. To save Feng Hao, they put down the swords they had seized.

Just as they were about to be captured, a person in black burst in and rescued the three. A good show unfolded on the dark, deserted street. Meanwhile, Ning Yi was hiding by the street, having picked up a letter dropped by Qiu Mingying. The soldiers' swords were pointed directly at Qiu Mingying. Ning Yi quickly appeared and blocked the sword for her. In the end, Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao were taken away by the soldiers.

Feng Zhiwei wanted to rescue them but was stopped by the injured Ning Yi. She didn't notice Ning Yi's injury and continued to cry and scold him. In the carriage, Feng Zhiwei was flustered and bandaged Ning Yi's wound out of self-reproach. She thought her mother had killed the Fifth Concubine, which was why the soldiers were pursuing them. Feeling extremely guilty, she cried heartbrokenly in the carriage.

Seeing her like this, Ning Yi could only promise to save Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao. Zhao Yuan was waiting for Ning Yi at the Chu Prince's Manor. The Tiansheng Emperor had urgently summoned him for unknown reasons. Ning Yi, stroking his wound, claimed he had encountered Blood Blades remnants at Lanxiang Courtyard and was severely injured. Feng Zhiwei waited until everyone around Ning Yi had left before daring to go in and see him.

She wiped his face, her gaze focused. Love and affection overflowed, impossible to conceal, but the scene of swearing an oath with her mother that day was vivid in her mind, so Feng Zhiwei could only turn her head away. Ning Cheng, after seeing Zhao Yuan off, witnessed this scene and secretly hid. The next day, Ning Yi woke up. Feng Zhiwei cautiously asked the question buried in her heart.

But when asked why he came to save her, Ning Yi couldn't speak and pretended to be asleep. The Crown Prince had ordered an assassination but the target was rescued. Ning Yi was also attacked by the Blood Blades. The Crown Prince truly didn't know what had happened last night. Prince Zhao arrived at the Eastern Palace at this time. As expected, he came to claim reward for killing that woman.

The Crown Prince appeared amiable, but after Prince Zhao left, he became furious and embarrassed. He could only temporarily detain Qiu Mingying, as they were at the center of a storm and could not afford any more trouble. Feng Zhiwei continued to pursue Ning Yi with questions, but Ning Yi avoided her all day, though he eventually came to see her. Ning Yi claimed he saved her because he liked Feng Zhiwei, which left her stunned.

After careful thought over the past few days, Feng Zhiwei realized something was off. She had placed her mother and brother's last hope on Ning Yi, and upon learning that Qiu Shangqi had known all along that the mother and her two children were destined to die, her heart instantly felt half-cold. Ning Yi promised to rescue Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao. Watching Feng Zhiwei leave, Ning Yi raised an eyebrow, finding it amusing. Xin Ziyan overheard their conversation.

The personal guards of Chang Hai were the ones who pursued Feng Zhiwei that day. Xin Ziyan sighed, lamenting that although their love ran deep, it could not come to fruition, because Qiu Mingying was Gu Heng's widow, and Feng Zhiwei was Gu Heng's orphan, meaning she had a vendetta against him for her father's death. Ning Yi said it was not necessarily true.

He then took out the letter found on Qiu Mingying, learning that either Feng Zhiwei or Feng Hao was a Great Cheng orphan, but he did not believe it. Xin Ziyan, however, wanted to use this letter as a trap and report the Crown Prince to the Tiansheng Emperor. Ning Yi, considering Feng Zhiwei, did not agree. What Gu Yan asked him that day indeed struck him to the heart.

He did not wish to stain his path to power with the blood of innocent people. Feng Zhiwei left a farewell letter and departed. Ning Yi immediately became furious and ordered his men to search for her, then told Ning Cheng to accompany him to the Qiu Manor. Feng Zhiwei secretly returned to the Qiu Manor.

It turned out that Qiu Shangqi's explanation to outsiders was that Qiu Mingying, her two children, and the Fifth Concubine had gone to offer incense and pray. Madam Xu was crying and making a scene with Qiu Shangqi again. Four people had disappeared for no reason, so it was inevitable that someone would grow suspicious. But Qiu Shangqi could not give her an explanation. For the Qiu Manor to survive, they had to appear to have gone to pray.

Qiu Yuluo unexpectedly met Ning Yi at the Qiu Manor. The moment she saw Ning Yi, she rushed towards him with tears in her eyes. Seeing her disrespectful behavior, Qiu Shangqi quickly scolded her to leave, and inadvertently caught a glimpse of Feng Zhiwei, who was trying to escape. Feng Zhiwei walked disconsolately down the street with her package. Ning Cheng secretly followed, scattering money to create a chaotic scene, hoping to use the opportunity to take Feng Zhiwei away.

Those who were tracking Feng Zhiwei also included Qiu Shangqi's men. They also wanted to take Feng Zhiwei, but were blocked by a carriage across the road. At the Qiu Manor, someone came and spoke to Qiu Shangqi, and then Ning Cheng also reported some matters to Ning Yi. After exchanging some perfunctory remarks, the two began to drink. Feng Zhiwei arrived at the Jin Yuwei, claiming that someone had impersonated soldiers to apprehend people at the Qiu Manor.

Gu Yan chuckled lightly, not expecting Feng Zhiwei to come to him on her own initiative. At night, Feng Zhiwei walked alone on the road. She suddenly sensed someone following her. Just as she was about to escape, she was knocked unconscious by that person.

Episode 7 Recap

Ning Yi looked at the drizzling rain with some worry, wondering where the homeless little civet cat could hide. He returned to the hall feeling dejected, but was finally relieved to find Feng Zhiwei sleeping soundly on his couch. Gu Yan suddenly appeared; it turned out he had been waiting there for Ning Yi all along. Besides him, no one could take in Feng Zhiwei.

Gu Yan and Ning Yi's first encounter was also on such a rainy night, when the eight-year-old Ning Yi was aggressive, forcing Gu Yan to betray Dacheng and Gu Heng. Ning Yi knew he felt guilty, but then Gu Yan suddenly knelt down, saying that if Ning Yi could ensure the safety of Gu Heng's widow and children, all past grievances between them would be cleared. Ning Yi agreed.

Gu Yan then continued to express his loyalty, but Ning Yi helped him up. " What will you use to show your loyalty? Join him, and overthrow the Crown Prince." Gu Yan's kneeling ultimately worked. Ning Yi murmured, "Good. . ." Ning Yi stayed by Feng Zhiwei's bed all night, wondering what she would do if she one day learned about the hatred between them. Feng Zhiwei woke up, muttering to herself, "Didn't I already leave Prince Chu's Residence?"

Ning Yi, however, tricked her, claiming she had never left Prince Chu's Residence, that she was just too tired and fell asleep. Feng Zhiwei was half-skeptical, but suddenly smelled the lingering scent of Qiu Yuluo incense on Ning Yi. Exposed, Ning Yi immediately left. Feng Zhiwei chased him out but was stopped. Before leaving, Ning Yi asked her for a personal item; it was the bracelet Qiu Shangqi gave Feng Zhiwei when she first entered the Qiu Residence.

Zhu Yin brought the bracelet to invite Qiu Shangqi, who reluctantly followed her to Lanxiang Garden, where he saw Ning Yi and Gu Yan. Although the three of them had their own agendas, their desire to save Qiu Mingying was genuine. They had to make the Crown Prince and Chang Hai aware of Qiu Mingying's true identity, but without explicitly stating it. Therefore, Ning Yi took out the letter found on Qiu Mingying, which was written by the Fifth Concubine.

Qiu Shangqi was greatly surprised and could only ask Gu Yan to testify. Gu Yan also stated that he was present when Qiu Mingying gave birth, and she undoubtedly delivered twins, a boy and a girl. To protect the lives of Qiu Mingying and her two children, Gu Yan asked Ning Yi to destroy the letter. Unexpectedly, Ning Yi claimed that he intended to use this letter precisely to save the lives of Qiu Mingying and her two children.

Trapped in Ning Yi's room all day, Feng Zhiwei thought of every possible escape method, but none were successfully executed. That night, Gu Yan falsely claimed there was a fire to distract the people from the Eastern Palace, then went alone to see the Crown Prince, frantically claiming that Ning Yi had found the Dacheng orphan. The Crown Prince, as if in a frenzy, kicked him down the stairs.

However, Gu Yan climbed back up, putting on the appearance of a loyal minister, and requested to persuade Qiu Mingying himself, asking her to testify that the Dacheng orphan was dead. Eighteen years had passed, and Gu Yan finally met his only relative, his elder sister-in-law, Qiu Mingying. Qiu Mingying remained silent; she could not utter a single word to such a despicable person. Gu Yan earnestly pleaded, asking Qiu Mingying to comply with the Crown Prince's wishes.

Qiu Mingying still remained silent. Gu Yan could only get up and leave, leading the guards to the door, but then he suddenly turned around, bowed deeply to Qiu Mingying, and then unfolded a small piece of paper he had been holding in his hand. On it was written, "Safe and sound." There were many guards watching Feng Zhiwei outside her door. No matter how she tried to talk to them, they ignored her.

She forcefully tried to rush out but was surrounded. She used threats, enticements, and coaxing, but the guards remained unmoved. Ning Cheng appeared at this moment. It turned out these guards were all deaf. Feng Zhiwei was furious and threatened to go on a hunger strike out of anger. The Crown Prince's carriage was moving smoothly on the road when it suddenly caused a great disturbance.

Upon learning that Xue Futu had set an ambush ahead, the Crown Prince immediately ordered his men to turn back to the palace. Xin Ziyan advised the Crown Prince that it was better to remain still than to act at this moment, and to firmly hold onto Ning Yi's weakness. At this point, Gu Yan came to report that he had persuaded Qiu Mingying. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince arranged for him to kill Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao.

Gu Yan and Xin Ziyan, working together, then convinced the Crown Prince to change his mind. The Fifth Concubine of the Qiu Residence might have been killed by Feng Zhiwei. If her mother was indeed killed, who knows what great waves that would stir up. The Crown Prince went to the Qiu Residence to inquire about the Fifth Concubine's cause of death and found that Prince Zhao was also there.

Qiu Shangqi claimed the Fifth Concubine died of a sudden illness. Unexpectedly, the next second, Ning Yi also arrived at the Qiu Residence, stating he had something to discuss with Qiu Shangqi and Prince Zhao. The Crown Prince was somewhat confused, so he left the Qiu Residence with Ning Yi. Ning Yi timidly expressed his worries, revealing that Gu Heng's widow was actually Qiu Shangqi's biological younger sister.

After learning this news, he had ordered people to watch her closely all day, but somehow, she still went missing. He was pondering whether he should report this to the Tiansheng Emperor. The Crown Prince left Ning Yi behind, intending to find Xin Ziyan. Within the screen, Prince Zhao presented Xin Ziyan with a piece of calligraphy.

Episode 8 Recap

Inside the barrier, Prince Zhao had thought that the Crown Prince would greatly value him for knowing this big secret, but who knew. . . Xin Ziyan quickly told him to shut up, and only began to speak openly after dismissing the servants. The Crown Prince also quietly left and returned to Ning Yi. Ning Cheng was reporting about the little civet cat's hunger strike.

The Crown Prince thought it was really a cat, so he advised Ning Yi not to reveal the disappearance of Qiu Mingying and her son, as it's better to have one less trouble. Ning Yi then asked if he should find Qiu Mingying. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince's tone became heavier as if he was about to get angry, and he repeated what he had just said, then tried hard to suppress his emotions, claiming it was a joke, and left.

The Crown Prince was at Xin Ziyan's place. He waited for Xin Ziyan, who was even thinking of seeking new patrons! Xin Ziyan feigned grievance, saying that he heard his subordinates discussing Prince Zhao's discovery of an astonishing secret, which was why he had to attend the banquet. Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince quickly lowered his stance to inquire.

It turned out that Prince Zhao had uncovered the secret about the Dacheng orphan and was about to report it to His Majesty. So late at night, the Crown Prince ordered someone to secretly infiltrate Prince Zhao's residence and, as expected, obtained a letter from under Prince Zhao's pillow. That letter was precisely about Fifth Mistress revealing the Dacheng orphan. The Crown Prince and Chang Hai were in a dilemma and ultimately could only burn the letter.

Feng Zhiwei was confined by Ning Yi in the mansion. Upon seeing Ning Yi, she rushed up to him, demanding to be released, and the two began to bicker again. At a critical moment, Ning Yi brought up Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao. He told Feng Zhiwei to disappear, which would allow them both to be rescued. At this moment, Qiu Shangqi came to invite Ning Yi, stating that Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao had returned home.

Upon hearing this, Feng Zhiwei looked eagerly at Ning Yi, asking him to take her along. Qiu Manor. Qiu Mingying and Feng Zhiwei were speaking in riddles in front of Qiu Shangqi. Ning Yi raised his hand and summoned Feng Hao, asking him about his elder sister's whereabouts. Feng Hao was greatly alarmed and quickly retreated back to Qiu Mingying's side. At this moment, Feng Zhiwei, disguised as a servant boy, brought in tea.

Qiu Mingying spoke, saying that their family was unfortunate, and that the mother-daughter relationship between her and Feng Zhiwei was over. Feng Zhiwei was stunned, her hand trembled, and she dropped the teacup she was holding. Ning Yi immediately ordered someone to take her away. Qiu Mingying then loudly rebuked her, placing the blame for murder on Feng Zhiwei, declaring that from then on, Feng Zhiwei would no longer be her daughter!

Feng Zhiwei and Feng Hao did not understand the deep meaning in her words; one was extremely calm, the other extremely panicked. Gu Yan said that he had placed spies in Qiu Manor. Once Feng Zhiwei left Qiu Manor, and the three women, mother and daughters, reunited, he would send them on their way. The Crown Prince then casually grabbed a nearby palace maid and whipped her repeatedly. Prince Chu's Residence.

Feng Zhiwei claimed she had no regrets, but her heart was in immense pain; the feeling of being abandoned by her family was truly unbearable. Ning Yi wanted to keep her in the residence, believing that one day he could help her achieve her wish of soaring freely like a bird in the vast sky. But Feng Zhiwei would never be a slave in this life, and so she left Prince Chu's Residence.

At the tavern, Feng Zhiwei, disguised as a young master under the alias Wei Zhi, was so drunk she didn't know what was what, pursued by a servant boy for money for the alcohol, yet she collapsed on the ground, murmuring, "Alone, how truly free." Ning Cheng reported Feng Zhiwei's situation to Ning Yi, Zhuyin, and Xin Ziyan, stating that this pawn was truly troublesome.

Zhuyin then brought up the Crown Prince's raising of the Bloodblade Guards, saying this might be related to the deaths of her father and the Third Prince. Ning Yi recalled the cases he and Gu Yan investigated regarding the Bloodblade Guards' killings; in those years, all of the people killed by the Bloodblade Guards were stumbling blocks for the Crown Prince. And that year, before the Third Prince Ning Qiao's incident, he had also reviewed these materials.

Now it seemed everything made sense: the Crown Prince used the Bloodblade Guards to eliminate dissidents, and Ning Qiao was one of them. But now, Ning Yi also walked this path, but this time, the one to die would definitely not be himself, but him. Feng Zhiwei was washing dishes at the tavern. Zhuyin paid her tab and took her away, but poor Feng Zhiwei still thought it was Qiu Mingying who came to redeem her.

As the two were about to leave, they were entangled by two old men who seemed to recognize Zhuyin's mother, Lan Yin, and mocked Lan Yin for recklessly marrying a rebellious criminal. Feng Zhiwei was indignant, picked up a dish, and splashed it onto the lecher's face, then led Zhuyin back to Lanxiang Courtyard. Feng Zhiwei changed into women's clothing.

Zhuyin's purpose finally became clear: in this imperial court, she had to avenge her parents and clear their names using her own methods. The Crown Prince was now quite wary of Prince Zhao, so he sought out Chang Hai and Xin Ziyan. However, Chang Hai felt there was something fishy, that someone was trying to incite discord between the Crown Prince and Prince Zhao. Xin Ziyan brought up the witchcraft case from eight years ago, implying to repeat the trick.

The Crown Prince highly praised it, but Chang Hai stopped him, saying the two were absurd and foolish. After all, Prince Zhao lacked courage and strategy. If he originally had no disloyal intentions towards the Crown Prince, such a move by the Crown Prince would force Prince Zhao to rebel. Xin Ziyan spoke again, and with just a few words, made the Crown Prince suspicious of Chang Hai.

Chang Hai, however, brought up Ning Yi, who had only been out for half a year but had already turned the imperial court upside down, which was detestable. The Crown Prince then realized and instructed Xin Ziyan not to mention this matter again. At Lanxiang Courtyard, Xin Ziyan saw Feng Zhiwei walk by and quickly called out to her, intending to flirt a bit. Feng Zhiwei raised her hand to stop him.

Upon learning that he was Xin Ziyan, the head of Qingming Academy, she reprimanded him, saying how could a person who reads sagely books be so narrow-minded. Both were eloquent speakers. Finally, Xin Ziyan led Feng Zhiwei into the hall, posed a riddle, and asked her to present what she liked most. Meanwhile, Zhuyin and Ning Yi observed everything from upstairs; what Xin Ziyan wanted was water. Feng Zhiwei understood.

After leaving for a while, she brought in a cup of extremely peculiar-tasting tea. Feng Zhiwei dismantled Xin Ziyan's riddle piece by piece, then added each solution into the tea, even adding a touch of boy's urine to tease him. Xin Ziyan was speechless with discomfort, yet he still had to stand up and bow to her, finding it incredibly difficult. Private Room. Xin Ziyan gargled again and again.

Ning Yi then pointed out, "Where would Lanxiang Courtyard get boy's urine?" Meanwhile, Feng Zhiwei and Zhuyin were smug, revealing that what they had given him to drink was merely firewood ash water. Zhuyin found it incredibly amusing, noting that Ning Yi and Feng Zhiwei were truly a match. Zhuyin asked Feng Zhiwei to stay at Lanxiang Courtyard and help the girls deal with such lechers in the future. However, Feng Zhiwei showed a troubled expression, and finally cautiously asked about Zhuyin's relationship with Ning Yi.

Episode 9 Recap

Zhuyin claimed that her and Ning Yi's lives were changed by the witchcraft case. One went from a high-ranking young lady to a courtesan, and the other from a prince second only to the emperor to a prisoner. Their dearest and most loved ones all lost their lives because of it. At the same time, she also stated that Ning Yi was different from other princes, someone truly worthy of trust, implying that Feng Zhiwei should see her true feelings.

But Feng Zhiwei turned her head away. Zhuyin was puzzled, why did Ning Yi help her everywhere, but she avoided him everywhere? The Crown Prince sealed all exits of Lanxiangyuan. Xin Ziyan and Ning Yi were greatly surprised. Ning Yi quickly told Ning Cheng to inform Dahua that Xin Ziyan was currently in Lanxiangyuan. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince, disguised, was heading towards Lanxiangyuan.

Dahua arrived at Lanxiangyuan with her people, seemingly ready to cause a scene, while Xin Ziyan was timidly hiding inside Lanxiangyuan. Feng Zhiwei, disguised in men's clothing, was entangled by Xin Ziyan, who begged her to save him, even using Prince Chu's token as a threat. With a furious roar from Dahua, everyone in Lanxiangyuan was stunned, and Feng Zhiwei could only take Xin Ziyan into a private room.

He thought he had escaped his 'tigress' wife's pursuit at home, but to his surprise, Dahua brought people upstairs. Feng Zhiwei could only hide Xin Ziyan in a box. When Dahua entered the room, she only saw Feng Zhiwei alone. She, in the guise of a young servant, teased Dahua, and finally managed to anger Dahua away. Xin Ziyan took out the token, and only then did Feng Zhiwei agree to let him out of the box.

Xin Ziyan stated that if she took this token, she could come to him in the future and he would grant her one request. Feng Zhiwei gladly accepted and suggested to Xin Ziyan that he jump out of the window. However, as soon as Xin Ziyan jumped down, he was apprehended as an assassin. Luckily, he ran into the Crown Prince, and his disheveled appearance amused the Crown Prince.

Afterwards, the Crown Prince ordered Xin Ziyan to fabricate the witchcraft case. The Crown Prince was indeed uneasy about Chang Hai and also worried that Prince Yan would seize his position as Crown Prince. Feng Zhiwei arrived at the private school; this time she came to bid farewell to the Master. The Master understood, saying, "Go if you must."

The Master spoke of Emperor Tiansheng releasing Ning Yi to suppress the Crown Prince and Chang Hai, and even bet that within half a year, either the Crown Prince or Ning Yi would be decapitated. In the imperial court, Emperor Tiansheng inquired about the investigation into the Bloody Butcher case. Ning Yi seemed distracted and did not answer. Emperor Tiansheng asked again, but received only the reply, "Your son is incompetent."

Emperor Tiansheng, awe-inspiring without anger, ordered Ning Yi to be escorted outside Chenming Palace to kneel for a long time in self-reflection. The Crown Prince took this opportunity to request that Ge Hongying, the meticulous strategist behind Prince Zhao, be dispatched to the border. After the court session, the Crown Prince again managed to draw Prince Zhao into a scheme, arranging for him to book Lanxiangyuan that evening to entertain several princes.

After leaving the private school, Feng Zhiwei returned to Lanxiangyuan. She wanted to stay there to repay Ning Yi's kindness for helping her. Under the name Wei Zhi, she asked Zhuyin for a job as a handyman. After the Master saw Feng Zhiwei off, he welcomed Qiu Mingying, who had driven Feng Zhiwei away precisely to protect her.

At Lanxiangyuan, Wei Zhi served wine while listening to the various princes criticize and backstab Ning Yi, secretly thinking, "Royal families truly have deep brotherly bonds, indeed." Zhuyin, fearing that Feng Zhiwei might cause trouble, instructed her not to serve inside the hall. Outside Chenming Palace, Ning Yi knelt under the scorching sun for hour after hour, his mind filled with childhood memories of playing and laughing with his mother.

At this moment, Zhuyin entered the hall, seemingly feigning resistance to the Crown Prince's teasing. However, seeing her like this, Feng Zhiwei felt very displeased, yet dared not say anything. Just then, a parrot flew into the hall and landed on Prince Zhao's shoulder, chirping, "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince." The Crown Prince immediately became annoyed.

With Zhuyin fanning the flames from the side, Prince Zhao, startled, hurried to catch the bird, his comical appearance making Feng Zhiwei outside the hall cover her mouth and burst into laughter. Finally, Prince Zhao followed the parrot outside the hall. Feng Zhiwei, seeing the opportune moment, brought the bird to meet Prince Zhao. Wishing to use Prince Zhao to achieve her grand ambitions, she gave the bird to Prince Zhao to gain familiarity.

The bird stood on Prince Zhao's shoulder, shouting, "Crown Prince, spare my life!" Prince Zhao was very pleased and pretentiously declared, "Then I shall spare you." Unexpectedly, the bird flew down and landed on the hand of a mysterious person, beside whom stood Xin Ziyan. Xin Ziyan claimed this person was the Great Sorcerer and that the bird was a divine bird.

Prince Zhao laughed loudly, saying it was just an animal, and just now it had been staring only at him, calling him "Your Highness the Crown Prince." Upon hearing this, Xin Ziyan cryptically stated that the divine bird had glimpsed heavenly secrets, then hastily excused himself, leaving Prince Zhao behind, bewildered. Zhuyin pursued Feng Zhiwei, asking her why she had come to Lanxiangyuan. At this moment, Feng Hao, drunk, arrived at Lanxiangyuan, noisily demanding to find girls.

It turned out that the usually heartless and ungrateful Feng Hao was drunk this time for Feng Zhiwei's sake. After sobering up, Feng Hao saw Feng Zhiwei and bombarded her with questions. Feng Zhiwei simply took all the blame upon herself, then handed a piece of broken silver to Feng Hao, telling him to study diligently and then expand the Feng family's lineage. Seeing his elder sister staying so aggrievedly at Lanxiangyuan, Feng Hao felt utterly helpless.

Feng Zhiwei had to comfort him, saying she stayed there to repay someone's kindness. Emperor Tiansheng was angry at Ning Yi's incompetence but was too lazy to bother with him anymore, so he allowed Ning Yi to return to his residence. At this time, the Crown Prince felt that since Ning Yi had complied with his wishes, he prepared a generous gift for Ning Yi: an archer's ring.

Afterwards, Zhao Yuan came to help Ning Yi return to his residence and also presented a bottle of ointment to Ning Yi. Seeing the archer's ring in his hand, Zhao Yuan was greatly surprised, realizing it was a Buddhist sacred object. Seeing Zhao Yuan's fondness for it, Ning Yi, 'borrowing flowers to offer to Buddha', gave the archer's ring to him. For no other reason than that whenever Ning Yi was sick in the past, Zhao Yuan had always come to visit.

Episode 10 Recap

Zhao Yuan accepted the thumb ring, treating it as a precious treasure. Ning Yi, on the other hand, limped away with his injured leg. Gu Yan was troubled by the Blood Slaughter matter. The Prince of Zhao then spoke, saying that there were no markings on the Blood Slaughter's face. Ning Yi understood, exclaiming how clever it was. Since there were no words written on the Blood Slaughter's face, didn't that mean whoever Gu Yan said he was, he was?

But Gu Yan said this plan wouldn't work, as the Blood Slaughter must have a hand halberd on him to prove his identity. The Prince of Zhao had never known about the hand halberd. Ning Yi and Gu Yan then collaborated to prove that it was indeed the Blood Slaughter who had attacked him that day. Facing Ning Yi's deliberate mention of Ning Qiao's death, the Prince of Zhao fell into suspicion.

The Prince of Zhao came to Qingming Academy to find Xin Ziyan. The Divine Bird once again called him His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and Xin Ziyan expressed his loyalty to this "Crown Prince". Next, Xin Ziyan took the Prince of Zhao to see the Grand Sorcerer. The Divine Bird, however, called him a liar.

The Prince of Zhao was furious, and Xin Ziyan even ordered people to seize the Grand Sorcerer, but the Prince of Zhao suddenly told Xin Ziyan to step down. Xin Ziyan left, laughing loudly, "Idiot!" The Grand Sorcerer wrote two lines of text, stating that although he possessed the majestic aura of a dragon, he was overshadowed by a haze of clouds. The Prince of Zhao wanted to continue asking, but the Grand Sorcerer got up and left.

The Crown Prince learned that the Prince of Zhao had indeed gone to Qingming Academy, which further confirmed his suspicions. The Prince of Zhao had taken the bait, and he would surely not be allowed to remain. At the same time, Xin Ziyan, fearing that Chang Hai might harm him, sought the Crown Prince's protection. The Crown Prince naturally knew that none of the civil and military officials in the court were loyal to him, but rather to Chang Hai!

Feng Zhiwei learned that the Crown Prince was hosting a banquet for the princes again, and this time even Ning Yi was to attend. Just as she left Lanxiang Courtyard, Feng Zhiwei was invited into a carriage by the Prince of Zhao.

He handed Feng Zhiwei the paulownia wood figure that the Grand Sorcerer had given him, claiming that the world would soon fall into chaos and that this item must be secretly buried under the East Palace pavilion to save the Crown Prince. Feng Zhiwei gladly accepted. Tomorrow's banquet was crucial for Ning Yi.

Xin Ziyan was just reminding Zhu Yin about important matters for the next day, but Feng Zhiwei came to Zhu Yin with the paulownia wood figure, seeking advice. There were characters for birth dates on the paulownia wood figure, and she feared that the Prince of Zhao intended harm to Ning Yi. Xin Ziyan, who had been hiding, then appeared. Since Feng Zhiwei had taken this hot potato, she had no choice.

After dismissing Zhu Yin, Xin Ziyan claimed to know the Prince of Zhao's plan, which was very disadvantageous to Ning Yi. Feng Zhiwei immediately humbly requested him to tell her. To her surprise, Xin Ziyan's expression changed again, and he said that if she helped the Prince of Zhao succeed in this matter, it would be beneficial to Ning Yi.

So the next day, Feng Zhiwei, dressed as a young page, blended in with the girls from Lanxiang Courtyard and secretly buried the wooden figure in the East Palace. To avoid the guards, Feng Zhiwei secretly slipped into a grand hall. She was marveling at the luxury within when the Crown Prince and Chang Hai entered. Chang Hai was displeased with the Crown Prince's relentless persecution of the Prince of Zhao.

The Crown Prince personally admitted that he had framed Ning Qiao back then and now intended to poison Ning Yi, questioning how there could be any fraternal affection in the royal family. Only after the two had left did Feng Zhiwei dare to disguise herself as a serving eunuch and leave. Feng Zhiwei secretly met with Zhu Yin and told her everything she had heard.

At the banquet, amidst singing and dancing, the girls around Ning Yi vied to eat his food. Feng Zhiwei then secretly hid behind a pillar to tell Ning Yi not to eat anything, and then took over from the page who was fanning him. Seeing this, Ning Yi deliberately found an excuse to approach her. Feng Zhiwei told him about the matter.

But Ning Yi was not foolish; if he were to die on the Crown Prince's territory, the Crown Prince would also be hard-pressed to escape blame. However, Ning Yi deliberately staged a scene in front of the Crown Prince where he almost fainted, and the Crown Prince then also claimed to feel unwell. It turned out that the thumb ring the Crown Prince had given Ning Yi that day could kill invisibly. Emperor Tiansheng also felt unwell.

After taking his pulse, the imperial physician said there was no serious problem. Upon learning that Ning Yi was fine, Emperor Tiansheng realized he was getting old. East Palace. Chang Hai, unwilling for the Crown Prince to go astray, knelt down and reasoned with him. His loyalty to the Crown Prince was as clear as the sun and moon; he even spilled his blood in the East Palace to affirm his resolve.

The Crown Prince, helpless, helped Chang Hai up and said he was merely jealous that Chang Hai favored the Prince of Zhao and Prince of Yan. However, since the Prince of Zhao had developed disloyal intentions, Chang Hai knew that the Crown Prince had no choice but to drink the bowl of medicine he held. After watching the Crown Prince drink the medicine, Chang Hai immediately ordered someone to summon the imperial physician. Chu King's Residence.

Feng Zhiwei was ordered by Ning Yi to kneel. She stated that her purpose in staying at Lanxiang Courtyard was merely to repay his kindness. She then recounted the Crown Prince's words that she had personally heard. Ning Yi's expression became solemn; he was determined to make the Crown Prince personally admit to the words "framed Ning Qiao." However, Ning Yi then became suspicious of how Feng Zhiwei had heard the Crown Prince's words.

Her recent movements naturally could not escape his keen observation. Feng Zhiwei knew the Prince of Zhao and had helped him bury the wooden figure. Ning Yi angrily rebuked her, saying she had brought mortal danger upon herself! Emperor Tiansheng, upon learning of the Crown Prince's sudden illness, summoned the Grand Imperial Physician. After taking his pulse, Xin Ziyan found no signs of poisoning in Ning Yi. The two designed a plan to draw the Crown Prince into their scheme.

Ning Yi, however, was displeased that Xin Ziyan had persuaded Feng Zhiwei to help the Prince of Zhao bury the wooden figure, so he told Xin Ziyan to take Feng Zhiwei to Qingming Academy. At this moment, Feng Zhiwei came to find Ning Yi again, and Xin Ziyan hid once more. Ning Yi asked Feng Zhiwei to go to Qingming Academy. Feng Zhiwei looked troubled; she felt that Xin Ziyan behaved strangely and was not a good person.

At this point, Xin Ziyan grumbled, making some noise. Ning Yi claimed he had raised a fox. Hearing Feng Zhiwei's comments about Xin Ziyan, Ning Yi feigned shock. Feng Zhiwei then added, "Could it be that Ning Yi wants me to go undercover at Qingming Academy to monitor Xin Ziyan?"

Episode 11 Recap

Ning Yi also followed her lead and had Feng Zhiwei monitor Xin Ziyan. Xin Ziyan, who was behind the scenes, was displeased and deliberately made some noise. However, Feng Zhiwei was not foolish; she knew Ning Yi was protecting her. Ning Yi tsundere-ly denied it, but then instructed Feng Zhiwei to keep a close eye on Xin Ziyan. King Zhao learned that the Crown Prince was inexplicably ill, so he ordered someone to dispose of Feng Zhiwei.

King Yan arrived at the Eastern Palace early in the morning to check on the Crown Prince. Seeing the scheming King Zhao before him, the Crown Prince was speechless and sent him away. King Yan was about to leave but suddenly turned around and told the Crown Prince to be more cautious, also requesting to handle some trivial court matters himself. The Crown Prince was annoyed and asked King Yan to investigate the suspicious nature of his illness.

After King Yan left, he went to Chang Hai with a tearful voice, expressing his unwavering loyalty to the Crown Prince. Ning Yi had been feeling unwell recently. Zhao Yuan then described Emperor Tiansheng's physical condition, asking if he had similar symptoms. Just then, Ning Cheng rushed in, saying the little civet cat had run away. Zhao Yuan quickly left, and Ning Yi instructed him to take good care of Emperor Tiansheng.

He knew that his imperial father was also ill, and his symptoms were the same as his own. The Crown Prince was furious when he learned that Chang Hai had gone to King Yan's residence. He would never tolerate disloyalty; since this was the case, he couldn't be blamed for being ruthless. Then, the Crown Prince ordered Gu Yan to report to Emperor Tiansheng that he was performing rituals in the palace.

Gu Yan's expression changed; performing rituals in the palace was a major taboo for Emperor Tiansheng. However, the Crown Prince only told him to exaggerate it as much as possible; all he wanted was Emperor Tiansheng's great wrath. Emperor Tiansheng was tired and fell asleep sitting once again. Upon waking, he heard Zhao Yuan say that Ning Yi was like him, unsure who exactly had a problem. Emperor Tiansheng only felt that he was getting old.

Feng Zhiwei was walking on the street when, as expected, she encountered King Zhao's guards who ordered her to be silent. At a crucial moment, Feng Zhiwei was fortunately rescued by a man in green robes. Feng Zhiwei could only flee in a hurry, while that man was highly skilled in martial arts, eliminating King Zhao's men in mere moments. However, Xin Ziyan, hidden in the shadows, saw everything. On her escape route, Feng Zhiwei encountered that man, Gu Nanyi.

He always wore a bamboo hat and a veil, only revealing his stunning, captivating eyes. Feng Zhiwei wanted to leave but found that Gu Nanyi instantly blocked her path again. This man was taciturn, only saying that someone wanted to protect Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei used some small tricks to shake off Gu Nanyi and left alone. But Gu Nanyi consistently followed behind Feng Zhiwei and was even forced to hunt for him.

Feng Zhiwei was so tormented that she couldn't speak, and could only let him follow. After Xin Ziyan took Ning Yi's pulse, he told him about the bodyguard by Feng Zhiwei's side. He suspected that Qiu Mingying had other intentions. At this moment, Gu Yan sent someone to deliver a letter reporting the Crown Prince's actions; it seemed the Crown Prince was determined to eliminate King Zhao.

Ning Yi appeared calm, but as Xin Ziyan was leaving, he asked him, 'Where is Feng Zhiwei?' Feng Zhiwei caught a rabbit, while Gu Nanyi sat idly by like a lord. Learning that Feng Zhiwei had been rescued by a highly skilled martial artist, King Zhao grew suspicious and immediately ordered an investigation. Feng Zhiwei walked towards Gu Nanyi with the rabbit, but saw Ning Yi instead; it turned out he had lured Gu Nanyi away.

Ning Yi told Feng Zhiwei to repay his favor, saying that once the task was done, they would owe each other nothing and could forget each other in the martial world. Feng Zhiwei naturally accepted. He told her to go to the Eastern Palace and replace another Paulownia wood figurine. Night. Feng Zhiwei disguised herself as a soldier and infiltrated the Jinwu Guard, working with Gu Yan from inside and out to switch the Paulownia wood figurine.

Inside the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince was having a ritual performed. Emperor Tiansheng arrived and, seeing the Crown Prince's sickly appearance, did not make things difficult for him. He even asked the Zen master what he had to say. The Zen master claimed there were evil sorcerous objects in the palace. Emperor Tiansheng, hearing this, dismissed it with disdain and summoned the Director of the Astronomical Bureau, also sending for King Yan.

King Zhao didn't expect that a random servant he used would turn out to be someone of significant background. Afterwards, he went to Qingming Academy. Feng Zhiwei, bringing Gu Nanyi along, also went to Qingming Academy, and they happened to encounter each other on the way. King Zhao hadn't initially noticed the two, but Gu Nanyi was so startled by the group that he insisted King Zhao stop and apologize.

King Zhao's subordinates immediately rushed towards the two with swords, forcing Feng Zhiwei to hide behind Gu Nanyi. Fortunately, Ning Yi and his entourage passed by and rescued "Zhu Yin's brother." But King Zhao refused to let it go, and the two nearly clashed swords. At this point, King Yan's people arrived, and only then did King Zhao agree to release Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi. The Crown Prince held the Paulownia wood figurine in his hand, his mind troubled.

King Yan brought King Zhao to the Eastern Palace. As soon as the Crown Prince saw King Zhao, he threw the Paulownia wood figurine at him, scolding him for being so audacious! The Paulownia wood figurine had the Crown Prince's name and birth characters on it, but inside, it surprisingly contained Emperor Tiansheng's name. King Zhao hastily denied it, but the Crown Prince kicked him out. Today, the Crown Prince unearthed this Paulownia wood figurine in front of Emperor Tiansheng.

In his great rage, Emperor Tiansheng threw it away, almost breaking the wooden figure inside. Both the Crown Prince and King Yan saw it, but King Yan deliberately closed the outer wooden figure again. Now, King Zhao admitted to suppressing the Crown Prince but denied plotting against Emperor Tiansheng. The Crown Prince could only order his men to escort King Zhao back to his residence and guard him closely.

Episode 12 Recap

After the Crown Prince left, Prince Zhao dared to tremble and stand up to leave. Qingming Academy. Yan Huaishi knocked on the academy's door, but to his surprise, the servant told him they didn't need a noble young master like him. At this moment, Feng Zhiwei also brought Gu Nanyi to knock on the academy's main gate. The servant, seeing the token in Feng Zhiwei's hand, immediately respectfully let them in. Yan Huaishi became immediately unhappy when he saw this.

He took out a heavy bag of silver to bribe the servant, but to his surprise, he was stopped again. Xin Ziyan saw Feng Zhiwei requesting entry to Qingming Academy, but mocked how someone from a place of pleasure could enter. Gu Nanyi, who had been silent, spoke up at this moment: "Bad guy." Xin Ziyan found it quite amusing and insisted he explain how he was bad.

Feng Zhiwei quickly spoke up, recounting how he frequented places of pleasure daily, her eloquence leaving Xin Ziyan stunned for a moment. Feng Zhiwei then cleverly explained Xin Ziyan's good intentions in having students wear uniforms. Xin Ziyan was pleased and began to speak voluminously. Before he could finish, Feng Zhiwei pulled Gu Nanyi and knelt before Xin Ziyan as students. Xin Ziyan held the Paulownia wood figurine and feigned surprise.

This figurine was personally given to Prince Zhao by the Grand Sorcerer. This setup was originally intended for Prince Zhao to show loyalty to the Crown Prince, but unexpectedly, others turned the tables on him. The two naturally associated the "mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind" with Chang Hai. However, the Crown Prince thought it wasn't worth it. Could it be that Prince Zhao turned the tables on the two of them?

Xin Ziyan had no choice but to volunteer again, intending to extract something from Prince Zhao's mouth. When the imprisoned Prince Zhao saw Xin Ziyan, he immediately rebuked him. Just as he was about to go to the Crown Prince to tell him everything in detail, Prince Zhao suddenly stopped. Turning around, Prince Zhao humbly pleaded with Xin Ziyan.

The latter played coy, and only after Prince Zhao served him tea and water did Xin Ziyan reveal what the Grand Sorcerer had said when he left. If this calamity was to be resolved, it all depended on his second brother, Prince Yan. Prince Zhao then remembered Feng Zhiwei; she would surely be able to testify for him. So he entrusted Xin Ziyan to find "Wei Zhi." Xin Ziyan feigned difficulty, saying he didn't know this servant.

Prince Zhao then told him to find Ning Yi, as he knew Wei Zhi, offering the cause of Ning Qiao's death in exchange. Prince Zhao was already a turtle in a jar. Zhu Yin's family and Ning Qiao were about to have their grievances redressed, but Zhu Yin seemed somewhat sad. When Zhu Yin asked what his plans were after the grievances were redressed, Ning Yi couldn't answer; he didn't know. Qingming Academy.

Gu Nanyi refused to wear the uniform, and no matter how Feng Zhiwei pleaded, it was useless. Yan Huaishi, having changed into tattered clothes, also entered the academy. As soon as he entered, he wanted to get acquainted with Feng Zhiwei. It turned out that Yan Huaishi was from the Yan family of Minhai, one of the four great aristocratic families.

Feng Zhiwei wanted to leave, but to her surprise, Yan Huaishi revealed the fact that she was disguised as a man. Feng Zhiwei had no choice but to say that her name was Wei Zhi, and she also learned the name of the annoying person behind her for the first time—Gu Nanyi. Feng Zhiwei felt that this was not a strictly regulated academy but rather like an old farmhouse far from the imperial capital. She grumbled while serving the meal.

Feng Zhiwei found Gu Nanyi's bamboo hat an eyesore, so she stepped forward and took it off. Under the hat was a face of breathtaking beauty, with eyes that sparkled. Feng Zhiwei was momentarily stunned. Gu Nanyi counted the pieces of meat on the plate and insisted he would only eat eight. Feng Zhiwei had no choice but to indulge him. Prince Zhao was drowning his sorrows in wine in his residence when Ning Yi stealthily entered.

Ning Yi spoke to himself about his days in the residence. Prince Zhao suddenly stood up and angrily rebuked him, saying he would never become a prisoner! Ning Yi then said, how could he be a prisoner? He committed a capital crime of treason. Prince Zhao then said that as long as he found Wei Zhi, he was innocent! Ning Yi chuckled lightly, asking if Ning Qiao had said the same words back then.

He woke him up with a single sentence: back then, the Crown Prince framed Ning Qiao using the sorcery case, and this time, he was using the same old trick again. Prince Zhao was immediately stunned. Prince Yan felt that there must be a third party who knew about this and had tampered with the Paulownia wood figurine. Chang Hai suspected Ning Yi, and Prince Yan also said that he was indeed not an easy person to deal with.

At this moment, Emperor Tiansheng summoned Prince Yan. Ning Yi asked why the Crown Prince had to frame Ning Qiao. Because he knew too much. Back then, Ning Qiao was ordered to investigate the Blood Butcher case and inadvertently discovered the Crown Prince's secret. Now, Prince Zhao was also investigating the Blood Butcher, so the Crown Prince was repeating his old trick. Therefore, Ning Yi advised Prince Zhao to meet the Emperor and reveal everything.

Only then could Prince Zhao rest easy and ascend to power. Although Prince Zhao was an accomplice in that matter back then, at this point, he couldn't afford not to go. Ning Yi even guaranteed that if he revealed everything, he would ensure Prince Zhao's safe departure. But Prince Zhao had not yet made up his mind; he wanted to meet the Grand Sorcerer. Ning Yi told this to Xin Ziyan, who secretly thought, "The masked Grand Sorcerer? Found him!"

Emperor Tiansheng learned that Prince Yan was also ill. Zhao Yuan felt that this illness was peculiar. Emperor Tiansheng immediately understood that Prince Yan was telling him that there was something strange about the sorcery case.

Episode 13 Recap

Xin Ziyan was summoned to the palace. Emperor Tiansheng asked about Prince Zhao's imprisoned state. Immediately after, Xin Ziyan brought up the scandalous matter concerning the Eastern Palace, stating that there was something suspicious about it. Emperor Tiansheng then said that according to rumors, although Qingming belonged to him, everyone said that the students of Qingming were disciples of the Crown Prince.

Xin Ziyan quickly distanced himself from the matter and boldly requested Emperor Tiansheng to impersonate the Great Sorcerer once to hear Prince Zhao's true feelings. Emperor Tiansheng agreed. The Crown Prince looked at the paulownia wood figure in his hand, his expression grave. Xin Ziyan had arranged the matter perfectly; he naturally wanted Prince Zhao to reveal all the secrets in his heart.

Seeing that Ning Qiao was about to have his grievances redressed, Ning Yi raised a cup of wine and toasted his third brother in heaven. Meanwhile, Emperor Tiansheng, alone in the highest position in the world, recalled the scene when the Crown Prince was enfeoffed, and he couldn't help but feel desolate. How could the secrets within the deep palace ever be fully told? Turning to look at the imperial throne, he felt desolate, lonely, and melancholic.

Gu Nanyi insisted on taking Feng Zhiwei's bed, so Feng Zhiwei had to make a makeshift bed on the side. Seeing the beautiful moonlight outside the window, she sat by the window and sighed, feeling that being alive was already good. Gu Nanyi, on the other hand, turned to look at her, lost in thought. Ning Yi also gazed at the bright moon in the sky, his expression sorrowful.

The next day, Prince Zhao appeared dejected, sitting alone on the ground playing with the wine bottle. Xin Ziyan arrived with the Great Sorcerer. Under Xin Ziyan's guidance, Prince Zhao was about to start talking about the events from eight years ago, but the Great Sorcerer waved his hand, telling Xin Ziyan to leave. Only then did Prince Zhao feel at ease and began to recount the full story. Xin Ziyan lingered alone in the courtyard.

Emperor Tiansheng suddenly told him to come in, but what he saw upon entering was Prince Zhao's corpse, and the Great Sorcerer had transformed from Emperor Tiansheng into the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince had come to see Prince Zhao on Emperor Tiansheng's orders. How could he not have seen Xin Ziyan's inducement of Prince Zhao?

It turned out that the Crown Prince had long ago told Emperor Tiansheng about the small wooden figure inside the paulownia wood figure and was then sent by Emperor Tiansheng to watch the show. Back in the palace, the Crown Prince admitted everything on Prince Zhao's behalf, even claiming that Prince Zhao knelt down upon seeing the Great Sorcerer, declaring him to be the true dragon.

The Crown Prince tested Prince Zhao, saying that there was a spell under the poisoned wine, and if he drank it, both the Crown Prince and Emperor Tiansheng would die, fabricating quite a bit. After the Crown Prince left, Emperor Tiansheng immediately collapsed onto the ground, unable to support himself. Who would have thought he was heartbroken for the Crown Prince and felt Ning Qiao was wronged?

Emperor Tiansheng was not foolish; he deliberately used this matter to test the Crown Prince, and the result was clear: both the witchcraft case eight years ago and the current paulownia wood figure case were likely orchestrated by the Crown Prince himself. With Prince Zhao's death, unless the Crown Prince and Chang Hai spoke up, Ning Qiao's injustice from back then would certainly never be overturned.

Xin Ziyan and Ning Yi never expected that the Crown Prince would act before them, nor did they expect that Emperor Tiansheng had already seen through everything. Emperor Tiansheng bestowed three eunuchs upon Ning Yi, Prince Yan, and the Crown Prince. Faced with this imperial favor, the three could only accept. Ning Yi felt that Prince Zhao's death was somewhat suspicious, and Prince Yan also found it suspicious, wanting to question the Crown Prince.

However, the Crown Prince's furious roar startled Ning Yi, causing him to fall to the ground. The Crown Prince and Prince Zhao quickly helped him up. Qingming Academy. The Master posed a question in class. Shao Ning frankly stated that she would kill the horse given by the Fourth Prince, at which Feng Zhiwei chuckled. Seeing this, the Master then asked Feng Zhiwei, who had no choice but to articulate her views.

The Master's anger then turned to delight, and he asked her to come down and explain to everyone. Following this, Feng Zhiwei disparaged Shao Ning's remarks. Shao Ning immediately became unhappy, and the two began to contend fiercely in the classroom, making the Master puff his beard and glare in anger. After class, Feng Zhiwei had to avoid Shao Ning, who was searching for her everywhere.

However, when a coachman accidentally bumped into Shao Ning and was furiously beaten by her, Feng Zhiwei immediately appeared. Shao Ning chased Feng Zhiwei, playfully scuffling, when the servant suddenly held Feng Zhiwei, asking her to show mercy, as Shao Ning was Her Royal Highness the Princess.

But Feng Zhiwei, undeterred, turned around and pinned Shao Ning to the ground, then delivered a speech full of righteous indignation that stunned Shao Ning, who finally even took the initiative to apologize to the servant. Prince Chu's Residence. Ning Yi was often tired and would fall asleep with a book in his hand. The eunuch Wu Geishi also claimed that Emperor Tiansheng was similar to Ning Yi.

Ning Cheng then asked him if he knew when it started, but Wu Geishi suddenly dodged the question. After Ning Yi woke up, he looked at the tea sent by the Crown Prince on the table, lost in thought. Feng Zhiwei helped the coachman-servant pack his things, and he sincerely thanked Feng Zhiwei, saying it was the first time he had heard an apology from a princess.

Gu Nanyi had been watching from the side; he could tell that the coachman was a master. Emperor Tiansheng suddenly cried out "Assassin!" , then stabbed a guard and fell back asleep. Zhao Yuan was terrified and immediately summoned the imperial physician. Ning Yi woke up to find himself sleeping outside the hall. He told Ning Cheng to hand the tea sent by the Crown Prince to Xin Ziyan for investigation.

Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi secretly observed the coachmen, discovering that they were all masters with extraordinary skills. Shao Ning appeared sneakily and was given a beating by Gu Nanyi. She immediately pulled the two out, and Feng Zhiwei had to awkwardly smooth things over. Shao Ning was about to blurt out that Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi were peeking at the coachmen, but Feng Zhiwei cleverly retorted with a sarcastic remark and then left. Shao Ning was left to sulk alone; no one had ever dared to treat her like that!

Episode 14 Recap

Night. Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi stealthily came again to peek at the stablemen practicing martial arts. Morning. Ning Yi woke up to find himself not in bed, but sleeping in the embroidery room. Ning Cheng and Wu Ying were frantically searching. After Ning Yi appeared, he instructed the two to tie him up once he fell asleep.

The Tiansheng Emperor had the same symptoms as him, and Ning Yi had already noticed that his father and he would be unwell at the same time. Imperial Palace. The Crown Prince and Chang Hai were somewhat puzzled as to why Ning Yi had not shown symptoms of madness, but instead the Tiansheng Emperor had. . . At this moment, Shao Ning appeared and said that the Tiansheng Emperor would not see him.

She then flirted with the Crown Prince, asking him to go to Qingming Academy to vex Wei Zhi. It was strange, why did that person spend all day around the servants? Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince and Chang Hai's expressions changed. Meanwhile, Ning Yi and Xin Ziyan were troubled by the recent strange occurrences. Recalling Zhao Yuan's concern for Ning Yi's health, the two suddenly understood something. Qingming Academy.

Feng Zhiwei stealthily followed the stablemen, when suddenly she was discovered by the young stableman. After joking with him, Feng Zhiwei intentionally probed him, asking why he was a stableman despite having such good martial arts. The stableman flatly denied it and, before leaving, warned her not to reveal the truth, or she would die. Ning Yi found Imperial Physician Quan from the Imperial Physician Department and wanted to see the Tiansheng Emperor's medical records, but Imperial Physician Quan refused.

Ning Yi could only come to the Imperial Hospital in the middle of the night, bringing up how Imperial Physician Quan had intentionally caused the Imperial Concubine to fall ill seven years ago, and then intentionally cured her. Imperial Physician Quan's expression immediately changed. Faced with Ning Yi's repeated threats, he had no choice but to compromise.

After reviewing the medical records, Ning Yi discovered that starting eighteen years ago, he and Emperor Tianhui had fallen ill at the same time, as if father and son shared the same fate. Feng Zhiwei wanted to eavesdrop on the stablemen's conversation, but the young stableman's father, the old stableman, suddenly appeared behind her. Ning Yi was fast asleep.

Feng Zhiwei suddenly arrived at the Chu Prince's Residence, untied his ropes, and urgently woke him up, claiming she had discovered Xue Futu. But Ning Yi was dazed, seemingly in a frenzy, and actually grabbed her by the throat. The next day, Ning Yi woke up in a different place again. He said he had a dream, and suddenly noticed that the ropes that had tied him were gone. Ning Yi immediately panicked, wondering if Feng Zhiwei had actually come.

Ning Yi could only drown his sorrows in alcohol, saying aloud that he shouldn't care about Feng Zhiwei, but his heart was still worried. The Tiansheng Emperor's illness could not be traced to any cause, so Lingtai Cheng was instructed to set up an altar for blessings, while Ning Yi claimed illness and did not attend. Qingming Academy. Ning Yi brought Old Huo San's wine to see Xin Ziyan, and learned that he had been poisoned with something called Wumei.

Those poisoned by it would eventually die suddenly. But how did the Crown Prince make Ning Yi take it daily? At this moment, Yan Huaishi suddenly came to report that Wei Zhi was missing. Only after he left did Ning Yi emerge from his hiding place. Feng Zhiwei was truly gone. Ning Cheng found the ropes at Qingming Academy, but Feng Zhiwei was not found at Qiu Residence, Qingming Academy, or Lan Xiang Courtyard.

Ning Yi was completely distraught, blaming himself for harming her, and collapsed onto a chair in self-reproach. After Lingtai Cheng set up the rituals, Zhao Yuan came to serve tea to the Tiansheng Emperor. The Crown Prince accidentally discovered that the thumb ring was on his hand! The Tiansheng Emperor was about to drink the tea when the Crown Prince suddenly spoke up to stop him. The Tiansheng Emperor, Prince Yan, and Ning Yi were immediately bewildered.

The Crown Prince had to claim that he had learned some tea-making skills and wanted to brew tea for the Tiansheng Emperor. Afterwards, the Crown Prince looked for an opportunity to buy Zhao Yuan's thumb ring, but Zhao Yuan said it was a gift from someone else, and it would not be appropriate to sell it to him. Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince was completely flustered.

If the Tiansheng Emperor took this poison again, he would surely go mad and die within ten days. Upon hearing this, Chang Hai asked, "Wouldn't that be even better?" But the Crown Prince exclaimed, "No! He is my father, after all. If I were to truly commit regicide, it would be against human decency."

Chang Hai then said, "Could it be that Ning Yi already knew about this poison, and so he used the opportunity to give the thumb ring to Zhao Yuan?" Besides this explanation, there was no other way. For now, the Crown Prince had no choice but to strike first. The Tiansheng Emperor and Ning Yi were both confined to bed at the same time.

On one side was the Crown Prince, while on the other, Ning Cheng and Zhao Yuan were guarding. As Zhao Yuan brewed tea, his gaze flickered to the thumb ring, and he seemed to suddenly understand something. At this moment, Ning Yi suddenly woke up and wanted tea, but Zhao Yuan told him to drink his medicine first, then turned and poured out the cup of tea. Ning Yi recalled everything and also understood.

The Crown Prince told him that the Wumei poison was very similar to the Tiansheng Emperor's symptoms, implying that someone intended to assassinate the Tiansheng Emperor. Zhao Yuan, returning to the palace, accidentally overheard and then interrupted the two, also reporting Ning Yi's recent symptoms. The Crown Prince heard this and was incredulous.

At this moment, Zhao Yuan offered a cup of tea he had personally brewed, and the Crown Prince immediately swallowed the words he had originally intended to say. The stableman confined Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi in one place. Feng Zhiwei woke up feeling surprised, while Gu Nanyi remained dazed and refused to wake up. Due to his advanced age, the Tiansheng Emperor ordered the Crown Prince to oversee the state.

The Crown Prince also requested that Ning Yi take over Qingming Academy, so Qingming fell into Ning Yi's hands. Zhao Yuan stopped the two and intentionally dangled the thumb ring in front of them. In the carriage, upon hearing that Feng Zhiwei had been paying attention to the servants of Qingming Academy before her disappearance, Ning Yi found it strange. Her disappearance must be related to the Crown Prince.

Ning Yi recalled Feng Zhiwei saying that those servants at Qingming Academy were all Xue Futu, who had been raised by the Crown Prince at Qingming over the years, and that Gu Nanyi was captured trying to save her. That night, Feng Zhiwei had asked Ning Yi to save him. . .

Episode 15 Recap

Xin Ziyan wanted to turn the tables, but Ning Yi could not just stand by and watch Feng Zhiwei die. He no longer regarded the little civet cat as a pawn. The Crown Prince wanted to send those Blood Blade Guards to Minhai and ordered them to dispose of Wei Zhi. Ning Yi did not listen to Xin Ziyan. He ordered his guards to go to Qingming and bring Feng Zhiwei back alive.

At this time, Ning Cheng pulled out Wu Ying who had been secretly listening from behind. He did not punish Wu Ying but let him consider whether to report this to the Tiansheng Emperor. The young stable hand overheard his father was going to execute Feng Zhiwei and the other person, so he wanted to save them. After covering the unconscious Gu Nanyi with miscellaneous items, the old stable hand also arrived with his men.

The young stable hand told Feng Zhiwei to quickly get the horses, while he himself stepped out to stop his father. The young stable hand did not want to live a life of ignoble existence like his father, but his father was unrepentant and ordered men to push open the large door where Feng Zhiwei was getting the horses. When the old stable hand saw Feng Zhiwei, he picked up a hidden weapon and fired it.

However, the young stable hand bravely blocked it for Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei immediately teared up, but the young stable hand, even as he was dying, closed the door and put her on the horse. The startled horse galloped away, leaving the old stable hand holding the young stable hand's body.

After the Crown Prince learned that Wei Zhi had escaped, he believed that the Blood Blade Guards harbored rebellious intentions, so he ordered Chang Hai to find the escaped Wei Zhi. When Ning Yi learned that Chang Hai was rushing to Lanxiang Courtyard, he immediately ordered his men to prepare. At Lanxiang Courtyard, Feng Zhiwei and Zhu Yin were hiding in a room. Chang Hai arrived with his men to search.

In a moment of urgency, Zhu Yin slapped Feng Zhiwei unconscious, locked her in a cabinet, and then adopted a dignified demeanor to await Chang Hai. Chang Hai directly and bluntly asked where the person was. Zhu Yin pretended not to understand but inadvertently removed her hairpin. Feng Zhiwei woke up at this moment and accidentally made some noise. Zhu Yin quickly and secretly whispered for her to stay put. For some reason, Zhu Yin calmly revealed her true identity.

Upon hearing this, Chang Hai's expression changed, and he wanted to kill Zhu Yin. At this moment, the old stable hand came to report that Ning Yi had arrived with his men. Chang Hai was afraid but refused to let go of Zhu Yin, stabbing her with a sword, leaving a pool of blood. Feng Zhiwei secretly hid in the cabinet and witnessed Zhu Yin dying for her… After Chang Hai left, the old stable hand took Feng Zhiwei away.

When Gu Nanyi woke up, he found Xin Ziyan and Ning Yi's men surrounding him. He felt some resistance towards these people. Feng Zhiwei knelt before the young stable hand's body, overwhelmed with grief. The old stable hand still believed that she had caused his son's death and insisted that Feng Zhiwei must die. Feng Zhiwei did not resist; she only begged him to send her home after her death and spoke her mother's name, Qiu Mingying.

The old stable hand's expression changed upon hearing this. Afterwards, Feng Zhiwei also requested the old stable hand to go to the private school and tell Master Zong about her death. The old stable hand's expression changed again upon hearing Zong Chen's name. However, the old stable hand fulfilled Feng Zhiwei's wish and took off the hairpin from her head, which was a hairpin only students of Qingming possessed.

Ning Yi properly placed Zhu Yin's body and told her that he would soon send Chang Hai to her to apologize. Afterward, Ning Yi came to Qingming Academy, cautioning Xin Ziyan to act carefully. After this night, the game of chess between Ning Yi and the Crown Prince no longer had its cover. The old stable hand cremated Feng Zhiwei's body at Qingming Academy. When Ning Yi arrived, only her hairpin remained.

He looked at the covered body and was speechless for a moment. He refused to believe that Feng Zhiwei had died and mumbled that cats have nine lives. Ning Yi returned to the Prince's residence and surprisingly saw Feng Zhiwei, covered in grime. Feng Zhiwei refused to let him approach. She didn't know why she came to Ning Yi when he didn't help her, and even wanted to kill her.

At the same time, she regretted why she had listened to him and gone to Qingming Academy, and why she had discovered the Blood Blade Guards! Ning Yi, however, excitedly embraced Feng Zhiwei. After explaining that he suffered from nightmares, Ning Yi only felt incredibly lucky that she was still alive. Feng Zhiwei and Ning Yi both cried, blaming themselves for causing Zhu Yin's death and the young stable hand's death.

It turned out that after the old stable hand took off the hairpin, he put it on the young stable hand's body, then let Feng Zhiwei go. The body he cremated was also the young stable hand's. Feng Zhiwei had just hidden nearby, watching, and in one night, two people died for her… Ning Yi wiped Feng Zhiwei's hands.

She mumbled that she had to do something for them, and then asked about Ning Yi's plan to deal with the Crown Prince. Ning Yi flatly denied it. Feng Zhiwei then excitedly stood up, wanting to find Gu Nanyi to kill Xin Ziyan, calling him the Crown Prince's lackey. Left with no choice, Ning Yi told her that Xin Ziyan was the only person he had trusted since Ning Qiao passed away.

Feng Zhiwei said, "So you never trusted me…" East Palace. The Crown Prince, although having doubts, could not voice them after learning that the old stable hand had killed Wei Zhi. Chang Hai accidentally discovered an eunuch eavesdropping outside the door, so he gave the Crown Prince a look. The three's conversation then shifted to Ning Yi, stating that Ning Yi had replaced many of the Qingming Academy's servants, seemingly with ulterior motives.

Zhu Yin's final journey followed her wishes; she departed with the rivers and streams to see how vast the world truly was. While grieving, Ning Yi noticed Wu Ying's presence. He knew the purpose of the eunuchs bestowed upon them by the Tiansheng Emperor—nothing more than to have these people investigate the schemes of the various princes. "

Alright," Ning Yi then stated his own scheme: he merely wanted to clear Ning Qiao's name, to ensure that good people in this world have a good end, and evil people receive their just punishment… Wu Ying was silent. After a long moment, tears welled up slowly as he turned around: "Wu Ying is willing to follow Your Highness." The eunuch in the Crown Prince's residence reported everything he had heard to Zhao Yuan.

Upon hearing the Crown Prince claim that Ning Yi had ulterior motives, Wu Ying immediately defended his master. Zhao Yuan witnessed all of this. The Crown Prince wanted to go to Qingming Academy to select talents, and he also invited the Tiansheng Emperor to oversee it. The Tiansheng Emperor asked Ning Yi for his opinion. The two of them subtly provoked each other in front of their imperial father.

Afterward, the two knelt together, requesting the Tiansheng Emperor to personally visit Qingming and bring out the Scroll of Talent Selection. Xin Ziyan stopped Gu Yan on the street, stating that there were several old acquaintances of his at Qingming Academy. Gu Yan understood and went with him. East Palace. The Crown Prince, Chang Hai, and the old stable hand rehearsed the grand plan they intended for tomorrow.

Tomorrow, the Blood Blade Guards, instigated by Ning Yi, would assassinate the Crown Prince and then be captured. Leaving the East Palace, the old stable hand met Gu Yan, but called him a traitor and immediately moved to kill him. Gu Yan did not resist; after all, he was also a traitor. Years ago, Gu Yan betrayed the Blood Blade Guards simply to preserve the Gu family lineage.

Today, he risked his life to meet the old stable hand to protect Gu Heng's bloodline. Gu Yan instructed the old stable hand to feign an assassination attempt on Ning Yi tomorrow, exposing the Crown Prince's harboring of Blood Blade Guard remnants, and then be arrested on the spot… The next day, at Qingming Academy, the Tiansheng Emperor used the Scroll of Talent Selection to select unparalleled national scholars.

Episode 16 Recap

The Crown Prince and Ning Yi were at loggerheads in Qingming Academy. Emperor Tiansheng, tired of listening, ordered Zhao Yuan to issue an imperial decree: whoever broke the Zhuoying Scroll would be bestowed the title of Peerless National Scholar. Subsequently, the Qingming students went to prepare. At this time, the old stableman wanted to offer tea but was stopped outside by the Golden Feather Guards. Chunyu Meng took the lead but came back covered in dust.

Immediately after, several rich young masters entered the hall one after another to answer the questions, but none succeeded. Meanwhile, Chang Hai and Chancellor Yao were openly and secretly suspicious of each other outside the hall. Chancellor Yao's son, Yao Yangyu, had studied diligently in Qingming for ten years but only managed to answer one question. Emperor Tiansheng and the others were very disappointed.

Xin Ziyan could only step forward at this moment to recommend someone, but this person's appearance was ugly. The Crown Prince advocated for him to be summoned, while Ning Yi argued against it. Xin Ziyan then suggested that this person cover their face with a veil, and Emperor Tiansheng agreed. Inside the hall, the veiled person answered two questions correctly in a row. Outside the hall, students and ministers were very curious as to who was behind the veil.

Emperor Tiansheng then posed another question to the veiled person, who, after some thought, answered fluently. Emperor Tiansheng praised him greatly and ordered him to remove the veil. The face beneath the veil was, surprisingly, Feng Zhiwei's. Seeing this, the Crown Prince's expression changed dramatically. Emperor Tiansheng looked at her clean face and asked why she claimed it was ugly and unbearable.

Feng Zhiwei, however, claimed that she had discovered a shocking secret and was willing to die to expose the Xue Futu. Before she could finish speaking, the old stableman rushed in with others, heading straight for Emperor Tiansheng. Ning Yi and the Crown Prince each stepped forward to block him but were both knocked down, until Gu Nanyi appeared and defeated the old stableman.

Feng Zhiwei rushed up to persuade him to surrender, but the old stableman was stabbed to death by Ning Yi's sword. Feng Zhiwei was startled; he had promised her he wouldn't kill him! Gu Yan reported that the rebel accomplices had confessed, but before he could finish, he was kicked down by the Crown Prince, who shouted "Slander!"

Emperor Tiansheng was furious, so Gu Yan had no choice but to continue, revealing that the Crown Prince was harboring the Xue Futu. The Crown Prince was thrown into disarray and even bit back, claiming Ning Yi had set him up, while Ning Yi, clutching his wound, cried out his innocence. Emperor Tiansheng immediately felt unsteady and ordered the Crown Prince and Ning Yi to be temporarily confined to their respective mansions.

Master Zong recalled that night the old stableman came to him to confirm what Gu Yan had said. That night, he knew the old stableman would surely die, so he devised a win-win strategy for him: assassinate Emperor Tiansheng. Gu Nanyi stood by, calling him master. Master Zong told Gu Nanyi to protect Feng Zhiwei well and report to him regularly.

Emperor Tiansheng wanted to bestow the title of Peerless National Scholar upon Feng Zhiwei, but Chancellor Yao found her suspicious, seemingly involved with both the Crown Prince and Ning Yi. Emperor Tiansheng, however, believed she was a talent and decided to make use of her while the Crown Prince and Ning Yi were incapacitated. Subsequently, Emperor Tiansheng ordered Zhao Yuan to reveal today's events to the Crown Prince and Ning Yi. Gu Yan entered the palace by imperial decree.

Emperor Tiansheng ordered him to re-investigate Ning Qiao's rebellion from eight years ago. After Chancellor Yao announced the decree, Feng Zhiwei, from then on, adopted the alias Wei Zhi and embarked on her official career. Qiu Shangqi was ordered by Emperor Tiansheng to investigate yesterday's assassination case. He now stepped forward to ask Chancellor Yao for some guidance. Feng Zhiwei quickly turned around, but in the end, she couldn't avoid it. Feng Zhiwei spoke first, calling Qiu Shangqi "uncle."

After Chancellor Yao left, Qiu Shangqi was eager to take Feng Zhiwei home, but Feng Zhiwei feigned madness and stupidity, leaving Qiu Shangqi speechless. Emperor Tiansheng had already bestowed a residence upon Feng Zhiwei. She persuaded Yan Huaishi to go with her. Gu Nanyi also wanted to follow, but Feng Zhiwei said it would be very dangerous to follow her. Gu Nanyi, however, smiled and ultimately followed her.

The next day, Feng Zhiwei was carefully escorted into the imperial palace, summoned by Emperor Tiansheng to accompany him for tea. Feng Zhiwei was eloquent, and Zhao Yuan and Emperor Tiansheng greatly admired her. Feng Zhiwei mentioned Ning Yi's kindness towards her, yet her words also contained subtle criticisms of him. It turned out Feng Zhiwei harbored deep resentment over Ning Yi killing the old stableman.

Emperor Tiansheng listened without speaking, instead asking her to play a game of chess with him. Feng Zhiwei was outspoken on the chessboard, even claiming that she had discovered true freedom only comes with power and influence. Emperor Tiansheng sighed, saying she was indeed still a young lad, and that the higher one's position and power, the less freedom one had. Upon leaving the imperial palace, Feng Zhiwei saw Ning Yi and Xin Ziyan.

She now considered them neither foes nor friends, still holding deep resentment over the old stableman's death. Xin Ziyan was exasperated and advised her to truly examine her own heart. After Xin Ziyan left, Feng Zhiwei stepped forward to question Ning Yi. It turned out that he had never intended to spare the old stableman's life from the beginning. Feng Zhiwei's heart ached; she had only now truly seen Ning Yi for who he was.

Episode 17 Recap

Ning Yi looked at Feng Zhiwei's departing figure, unable to turn away for a long time. The Crown Prince was imprisoned in the Eastern Palace and could not leave until the Blood Slaughter case was thoroughly investigated. Feng Zhiwei delivered dishes to Ning Yi on the Tiansheng Emperor's orders. Ning Cheng wanted to try the dishes first, but Ning Yi joked that he might be poisoned.

Subsequently, Ning Yi awarded the dishes bestowed by the Tiansheng Emperor to Ning Cheng and insisted on playing chess with Feng Zhiwei. Ning Yi secretly told Feng Zhiwei on the chessboard that he was helpless, but she only said "understood" before excusing herself. Ning Yi wanted to sow suspicion in the Tiansheng Emperor's mind to facilitate his subsequent plans, which was why he played this game of chess with Feng Zhiwei.

The next day, Feng Zhiwei showed Ning Yi's chess moves to the Tiansheng Emperor, who then ordered Zhao Yuan to withdraw the Golden Feather Guards from the Chu Prince's Estate and replace them with covert protection. It turned out that the Tiansheng Emperor deliberately lowered his guard to let those who harmed the Chu Prince reveal themselves. The Crown Prince was drunk all day.

When Shaoning came to the Eastern Palace and saw this scene, she was heartbroken and immediately scolded the servants to remove the alcohol. Then, the Crown Prince kicked Chen Ming, the eunuch bestowed by the Tiansheng Emperor. Shaoning quickly stopped him and also mentioned that the Tiansheng Emperor had withdrawn the Golden Feather Guards from the Chu Prince's Estate. The Crown Prince cried out, "It's over!" saying he had truly become a sinner now.

He cried loudly in Shaoning's arms and cursed Ning Yi vehemently. Shaoning blamed herself, as her brother had always protected her since they lost their mother, but now she could not protect him. The Crown Prince was flustered, and they wiped each other's tears like children. At this moment, Chang Hai appeared, claiming he had a plan to help the Crown Prince. Meanwhile, Chen Ming hesitated outside the palace gate.

Wu Ying saw his indecision and urged him to report quickly, so the eunuch had no choice but to relay the Crown Prince's disrespectful words to Wu Ying. Feng Zhiwei led Gu Nanyi, preparing to have a big meal to repay a favor. Suddenly, a young lad was beaten on the street, and Feng Zhiwei immediately intervened.

It turned out that the lad had blocked Chang Hai's path, leading to a verbal confrontation between Feng Zhiwei and Chang Hai on the street. Finally, Feng Zhiwei recognized the young lad, Changji, as her attendant, simply because she felt regret about the little stable boy. However, Feng Zhiwei did not know that Changji was arranged by Chang Hai.

Feng Zhiwei once again came to the Chu Prince's Estate on imperial command to deliver food, only to find Ning Yi fiddling with some Shu brocade. After Ning Cheng complained for a bit, Ning Yi finally agreed to eat, and he also shared some of the wine and dishes with Huo Laosan. Feng Zhiwei jokingly said that she would definitely make a luxurious dress for her mother (A-niang) once she received her salary.

Ning Yi, gossiping, inquired if Qiu Mingying really liked such things. As they were joking, Huo Laosan suddenly collapsed on the ground, holding the unfinished wine in his hand. It turned out that when Feng Zhiwei delivered the wine, Changji accidentally knocked over the wine pot, and this pot of wine was the one he had just replaced. After the doctor gave Huo Laosan acupuncture, he could only report to Ning Yi that there was no hope for him.

In a fit of rage, Ning Yi picked up a silver needle, intending to stab Feng Zhiwei, but ultimately restrained himself. He then immediately prepared to enter the palace. Feng Zhiwei quickly stopped Ning Yi, stating that he was still under house arrest and could not leave the estate, and requested to investigate herself. Ning Yi knew that someone was trying to eliminate him using Feng Zhiwei.

At this moment, Ning Cheng reported that Changji, Feng Zhiwei's attendant, was very suspicious and seemed to have been seen with Shaoning. Ning Yi was furious and ordered Feng Zhiwei to uncover the truth within a day. Before leaving, Ning Yi gritted his teeth and reiterated their agreement from that day — to eliminate all evil. Gu Yan and Chancellor Yao found out that the Crown Prince had ordered the Blood Slaughter to assassinate First Secretary Hua Wenlian.

Subsequently, Ning Qiao was ordered to investigate the matter. Fearing exposure, the Crown Prince fabricated a witchcraft case, framing Ning Qiao for treason. Upon hearing this, the Tiansheng Emperor was deeply pained, regretting that he should not have been so credulous and should not have forgotten Ning Qiao's character. Ning Qiao, who treated Ning Yi, a powerless prince, with brotherly affection, how could he harbor rebellious intentions?

Subsequently, the Tiansheng Emperor secretly ordered Gu Yan and Chancellor Yao to conduct a thorough investigation, so that the Crown Prince and Chang Hai would have nothing to say. Feng Zhiwei invited Shaoning, who, upon seeing her, scolded her for tying up Ning Yi and framing the Crown Prince, and even physically attacked her. Finally, Shaoning calmed down, and Feng Zhiwei ordered Yan Huaishi to serve wine.

Yan Huaishi then hid behind a screen, holding Changji, and watched Shaoning drink the pot of wine. Feng Zhiwei probed Shaoning, asking if she recognized the wine pot. Shaoning showed no particular expression. Then Feng Zhiwei asked about Changji, and Shaoning replied that Chang Hai had borrowed him. Zhao Yuan arrived at the Eastern Palace, and the Crown Prince greeted him very warmly.

Zhao Yuan claimed that Chen Ming, the eunuch bestowed upon the Crown Prince by the Tiansheng Emperor, was his fellow townsman. Due to a family emergency, he requested the Crown Prince to allow Chen Ming to accompany him for a while. The Crown Prince realized, "So there was an emergency, no wonder he left without saying goodbye." However, after Zhao Yuan left, the Crown Prince ordered people to dispose of the body thoroughly.

After Feng Zhiwei investigated thoroughly, she reported the poisoning incident to the Tiansheng Emperor, who became furious upon hearing it. The Crown Prince's guards were carrying Chen Ming's body at midnight, intending to take it to the mass grave. A Golden Feather Guard saw them, knocked the two unconscious, and ordered people to remove the body.

Gu Yan informed the Tiansheng Emperor of Chen Ming's cause of death, stating that there was poison in Chen Ming's palms and between his fingers, and this poison was consistent with the poison in the wine and the poison that the Tiansheng Emperor himself had ingested. Inside the Eastern Palace, Chang Hai revealed the exposure of the poisoning to the Crown Prince.

When the two guards who transported the body returned to report, the Crown Prince, in a fit of rage, hacked them to death. Chang Hai, leaving a word of caution, wanted to depart, but the Crown Prince thought he was returning to Minhai. In fact, Chang Hai intended to enter the palace to surrender and take all the blame.

For many years, he had regarded the Crown Prince as his own son, and how could he bear to see him fail? The Crown Prince finally believed Chang Hai. At this moment, Gu Yan arrived with the Golden Feather Guards to search the palace.

Episode 18 Recap

Gu Yan was determined to depose the Crown Prince, even at the cost of his own life, to avenge his wife and children. Ge Hongying exposed that the Crown Prince used laborers for repairing water channels to impersonate the Blood Floating Corps, just to do justice to Prince Zhao. Emperor Tiansheng imprisoned the Crown Prince and ordered Feng Zhiwei to assist Chancellor Yao in investigating the matter. After everyone left, Emperor Tiansheng specifically called out to Xin Ziyan.

As a father, he didn't understand why Ning Chuan, already the Crown Prince, would still do such a thing. Xin Ziyan replied that he could not feel at ease with a stolen position of Crown Prince. Emperor Tiansheng looked doubtful. Xin Ziyan then revealed the truth of that night eighteen years ago. Emperor Tiansheng was filled with remorse, but even more so with anger.

Xin Ziyan once again brought the Minhai Chang family into the conversation, stating that if another heir apparent were to be established, they must be wary of the danger posed by imperial relatives. Emperor Tiansheng was enraged, displeased that Xin Ziyan was presumptuously discussing the choice of heir apparent. Feng Zhiwei left the palace carrying a pile of imperial edicts, accidentally dropping a few scrolls on the way. Someone stepped on them, preventing Feng Zhiwei from retrieving them.

Feng Zhiwei looked up and saw that it was Ning Yi. The imperial edict was the decree to punish the Crown Prince, but Ning Yi was not satisfied, because the death of Old Third Huo had not yet been accounted for. Feng Zhiwei only replied that she had reported truthfully, unaware that Ning Yi was worried about her, because even Emperor Tiansheng had to give way to the Minhai Chang family.

And Feng Zhiwei was very likely to die from the Chang clan's hidden attacks. Ning Yi entered the main hall. Emperor Tiansheng asked him if his wishes had been fulfilled. Ning Yi only said that he only hoped Ning Qiao and Prince Zhao were still alive, with brotherly friendship and respect. Emperor Tiansheng didn't believe him. Ning Yi had meticulously plotted for eight years; was it really just for Ning Qiao?

Ning Yi gently stepped forward and enumerated Ning Qiao's importance to him, stating that in the days without a father and mother, Ning Qiao was his only family. Emperor Tiansheng knew that he was blaming himself. That's right, Ning Yi blamed his father. When his imperial consort mother died of illness that year, his father remained indifferent; he hated him for it. Emperor Tiansheng was shocked. " Are you still going to investigate your imperial consort mother's death?

I forbid it!" But Ning Yi was very humble at this moment. He only hoped his father would allow him to perform his last act of filial piety. Emperor Tiansheng saw Noble Consort Chang kneeling before her elder sister's memorial tablet, regretting not having taken good care of her son, the Crown Prince. He did not get angry. Emperor Tiansheng merely said that he felt ashamed before Duke Min for not managing the Crown Prince and Chang Hai properly.

Noble Consort Chang then took out a letter from Duke Min, stating that Duke Min hoped Emperor Tiansheng would administer justice impartially. Emperor Tiansheng's heart was filled with mixed feelings. He ignored Noble Consort Chang's attempt at closeness and left her residence. Noble Consort Chang ordered someone to give the letter to her son, Prince Yan, and then she coldly looked at her elder sister's memorial tablet and smiled.

Zhao Yuan held a whip and repeatedly struck his own back, leaving it covered in blood. In the imperial court, Chancellor Yao proposed to clear Ning Qiao's name regarding his death.

Episode 19 Recap

The Tiansheng Emperor posthumously enfeoffed Ning Qiao as Crown Prince Zhuangyi at the imperial court, restoring him to the imperial ancestral temple. Ning Yi was extremely agitated. He had finally avenged his third elder brother. Xin Ziyan jumped out, claiming that as the Crown Prince's Junior Guardian, he had failed in his supervisory duty, and thus asked the Tiansheng Emperor to likewise punish him. But the Tiansheng Emperor stated that it was all his own fault.

Afterwards, the Tiansheng Emperor ordered Feng Zhiwei to declare the imperial edict, listing the Crown Prince's crimes one by one, stripping him of his Crown Prince title, demoting him to a commoner, and imprisoning him in the Imperial Clan Court with no possibility of pardon forever. Imperial Clan Court. The Prince of Yan and Noble Consort Chang came to the Imperial Clan Court on the pretext of delivering food to the deposed Crown Prince.

The deposed Crown Prince still believed he was wronged, and even spoke harshly to the Prince of Yan and Noble Consort Chang. The wanted Chang Hai reprimanded the deposed Crown Prince for being deluded and told him to quickly thank the Prince of Yan. At this moment, the Prince of Yan also feigned loyalty to the deposed Crown Prince.

Afterwards, Chang Hai took out a sharp blade and placed it against the Prince of Yan's neck, claiming he would rescue the deposed Crown Prince. The deposed Crown Prince initially didn't believe it, until Chang Hai said it was the intention of Duke Ming Chang Yuan; only then did he comply with their wishes.

But when the Prince of Yan and Chang Hai went out to threaten the Jinwu Guards, they didn't realize that the deposed Crown Prince had seen a letter that fell from his person. It was a letter from Duke Ming, stating that the deposed Crown Prince was to blame for his own predicament. The deposed Crown Prince was utterly disheartened.

Without any attachments, like a beast trapped in a cage, in his desperation, he would have to use all his strength to break free from his prison. Chang Hai and the deposed Crown Prince gathered all their forces, intending to force the Tiansheng Emperor to abdicate. Ning Yi informed the Tiansheng Emperor of this matter. He came to the Huwei Barracks in the imperial outskirts and had Gu Yan bring the unsuspecting Shaoning.

Yan Huaishi hurriedly informed Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi of this. Feng Zhiwei was worried about the Tiansheng Emperor and Ning Yi. Disregarding their attempts to stop her, she ordered horses to be prepared and made ready to depart. The Tiansheng Emperor told Ning Yi to find a way to make the deposed Crown Prince commit suicide. Ning Yi chuckled softly. Among all the civil and military officials, His Imperial Father throws this hot potato to him?

Yes, it is most fitting for him, Ning Yi, the Prince of Chu who has accomplished nothing, to bear this historical burden. The Tiansheng Emperor was speechless; he hadn't meant that. Shaoning outside the tent heard their conversation, became extremely sad, and immediately ran towards the imperial city. The Tiansheng Emperor could only order Zhao Yuan to tell Feng Zhiwei to protect Shaoning well.

In the imperial city, Shaoning tearfully questioned the deposed Crown Prince why he was attacking the palace. The Tiansheng Emperor had already known his plan; he was now at the Huwei Barracks in the imperial outskirts and had even dispatched Ning Yi to suppress the rebellion. Upon learning this, the deposed Crown Prince was utterly disheartened, and at this moment, Ning Yi had already led his troops to break through.

The deposed Crown Prince was unwilling and intended to break out, but Chang Hai forcibly made Shaoning pull the deposed Crown Prince away, while he himself led his soldiers to fight a great battle against Ning Yi for this disloyal, unfilial, and inhumane deposed Crown Prince. After repeated clashes, Chang Hai was covered in blood and surrounded by Gu Yan.

Chang Hai reprimanded Gu Yan for his betrayal, but Gu Yan took out the purse Ning Yi had given him, which belonged to his wife and children. Gu Yan hated; he hated himself for not seeing through the Crown Prince's true colors, as they were the murderers of his wife and children! Eighteen years ago, Gu Yan was forced to surrender, but now he only wished to act according to his own conscience. Shaoning and Ning Yi supported each other and arrived outside Chenming Palace. Before they could leave, their path was blocked by arrows.

Episode 20 Recap

Immediately after, a large number of soldiers surrounded the deposed crown prince and Shaoning, and Ning Yi slowly walked out from among them. Shaoning urged the deposed crown prince to surrender, but Ning Yi demanded that he kneel and apologize to the innocent souls who died unjustly before he would let him live. The deposed crown prince became agitated and cursed loudly. Ning Yi, without further ado, ordered the archers to prepare.

At this moment, Feng Zhiwei rode a horse to have Ning Yi receive the imperial edict, in which the Emperor Tiansheng ordered the two of them to ensure Shaoning's safety. Afterwards, Feng Zhiwei also advised Ning Yi to spare the deposed crown prince and bring him before Emperor Tiansheng so that he could receive justice. But Ning Yi was still resentful about Ning Qiao's death and refused to let go.

At this point, the deposed crown prince and Shaoning entered Chenming Hall. Seeing the deposed crown prince walk straight towards the dragon throne, Shaoning completely panicked and, in desperation, slapped him. But the deposed crown prince remained unrepentant, claiming that even if he were to die today, he would die on that dragon throne. Subsequently, the deposed crown prince sat upon the imperial throne, the symbol of ultimate power, with a look of rapture. Shaoning could only kneel.

Then, in the deposed crown prince's ears, the scene of courtiers kneeling and kowtowing echoed, followed immediately by a mad, demonic laugh. Ning Yi did not care if Emperor Tiansheng would be displeased with him; he only wanted to avenge Ning Qiao and Zhuyin. But Feng Zhiwei did not want him to become like the deposed crown prince; she was saving him! Ning Yi smiled, saying, "How can someone in an abyss be saved?"

If Feng Zhiwei remained unrepentant, Ning Yi would kill her as well. After Feng Zhiwei's earnest and persistent persuasion, Ning Yi finally allowed her to enter Chenming Hall to make Shaoning leave, only then agreeing to spare her. Upon learning that the deposed crown prince had taken Shaoning into the inner palace, Emperor Tiansheng immediately ordered preparations for his return to the palace.

Night slowly fell, and the deposed crown prince also held Feng Zhiwei hostage as he exited Chenming Hall. Ning Yi had no intention of letting the deposed crown prince escape, so he still ordered the archers to draw their bows. Ning Yi's first arrow struck Feng Zhiwei's leg, and she fell down. Ning Yi gave another command, and Feng Zhiwei had no choice but to hold Shaoning and fall to the side.

Subsequently, ten thousand arrows were unleashed, and the deposed crown prince thus fell. Zhao Yuan, dressed in white, was offering incense to the deposed crown prince when Ning Yi entered. Zhao Yuan presented the thumb ring. Ning Yi murmured, "You poisoned Emperor Tiansheng unknowingly; what an injustice." Ning Yi threw the thumb ring into the water and was about to drink it. Zhao Yuan hastily stopped him, and learning that Ning Yi was unaware, felt even more indebted to him.

After Zhao Yuan left, Ning Yi caressed the coffin and said that he had previously had to contend with him for self-preservation, but from now on, he would abandon self-preservation and step onto the court, solely to ensure the long-term peace and stability of Tiansheng. Gu Yan erected memorial tablets for his wife and children. His great vengeance avenged, they could finally rest in peace.

Feng Zhiwei burned paper money for Zhuyin, saying that in her next life, she would still be sisters with her. Feng Zhiwei looked up, saw Ning Yi, and then got up and limped away. Ning Yi let out a strange laugh, and Ning Cheng also blocked Feng Zhiwei's path. Today was the Cold Clothing Festival, and the two sat down, ready to have a drink with them.

Ning Yi offered the first cup of wine to his third brother, Ning Qiao. He spoke of his joy in taking revenge, but there was not a trace of happiness on his face; they could never truly return. Outside the hall, the courtiers gathered, discussing the handling of Chang Hai. Many courtiers advocated for protecting Chang Hai. Prime Minister Yao angrily rebuked them, "You dare to protect someone guilty of treason? Is there any sense of right and wrong left?"

Qiu Shangqi hastily hid the memorial in his hand. Ning Yi wanted to clear his birth mother's name, and the obstacle to this was the Chang clan. Xin Ziyan, however, believed that Empress Yan's treason years ago was personally decreed by Emperor Tiansheng, making it extremely difficult to reverse the case. Therefore, he advised Ning Yi to endure this injustice for now and make use of the Chang clan.

Dissatisfied that all the courtiers advocated for protecting Chang Hai, Emperor Tiansheng first dismissed the officials outside the hall, and then had Zhao Yuan summon Ning Yi to the palace. Chang Hai was kneeling outside the hall, shackled. Seeing this, Ning Yi quietly mocked him in his ear, saying that Chang Hai's fate was well-deserved. Emperor Tiansheng claimed he had no appetite and greatly missed the tea brewed by Ning Yi.

Ning Yi consciously walked to the side to brew tea for him, while Emperor Tiansheng also walked alongside him, mentioning Ning Yi's birth mother. Ning Yi's hand paused, and he said nothing. Emperor Tiansheng asked Ning Yi for his opinion on Chang Hai's matter. Ning Yi timidly replied, "Kill him; that would settle everything." Emperor Tiansheng seemed displeased, saying, "Chang Hai did teach you martial arts when you were young. Are you so heartless now?"

Ning Yi seemed to have discerned Emperor Tiansheng's true thoughts: he wanted to protect Chang Hai but was constrained by the national law, which was why he asked. Ning Yi said that he had a solution that would satisfy both parties.

Episode 21 Recap

Emperor Tiansheng appointed Ning Yi as the chief judge of the Chang Hai case and presented him with the Imperial Sword to back him up. Gu Yan escorted Chang Hai into the hall. Ning Yi forced him to reveal the mastermind behind it, but Chang Hai claimed there was no mastermind. Ning Yi then took out a piece of paper and made him read it out, which stated that everything was instigated by Duke Min.

Chang Hai, unable to bear it, stood up with the intention to harm. Ning Yi, however, drew the Imperial Sword and slit his throat. Emperor Tiansheng appeared at this moment, reprimanding Ning Yi for arbitrarily executing someone. Ning Yi, however, claimed, "By killing Chang Hai, won't he finally believe that I am merely frivolous?" Shao Ning asked Qiu Shangqi if Feng Zhiwei's parents were still alive and if she had a family.

Qiu Shangqi could only say that he was a distant relative of hers and would need to inquire to find out. Qiu Shangqi immediately went to Feng Zhiwei's residence, reprimanding her for dressing as a man and serving as an official in court. He also ordered Feng Zhiwei to resign within three days, otherwise, he would set up an ancestral hall and expel Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao from the Qiu family.

But Feng Zhiwei said that she was no longer the Feng Zhiwei who had to beg for food at his residence. Qiu Shangqi, however, claimed that Feng Zhiwei, by dressing as a man, seduced the princess and made a mockery of the royal family, a crime for which she could not escape punishment! Feng Zhiwei looked bewildered, "Seduce the princess?"

Yan Huaishi advised Feng Zhiwei to understand the art of checks and balances, and in this imperial court, only Ning Yi could keep him in check. After much deliberation, Feng Zhiwei finally came to the Prince of Chu's residence and asked Ning Yi for his help. Ning Yi wanted her to serve him. Upon hearing this, Feng Zhiwei immediately bid farewell and left. Afterward, Ning Yi had Ning Cheng look up information on the deposed crown prince's faction.

Ning Cheng understood that he would ultimately still help Feng Zhiwei. Later, someone submitted a memorial impeaching the deposed crown prince. Emperor Tiansheng immediately warned the deposed crown prince's faction in court to hand over the properties they had embezzled. Subsequently, with Chang Hai's position vacant, various court officials began recommending suitable candidates. Emperor Tiansheng saw Ning Yi standing by silently and asked him.

Ning Yi merely said to let Feng Zhiwei speak, and Feng Zhiwei then recommended the Seventh Prince Ning Qi. It turned out that Feng Zhiwei and Emperor Tiansheng had an earlier agreement. Emperor Tiansheng was concerned that recalling Ning Qi, who was guarding the border, would be seen by others as him favoring Ning Qi heavily, so he had Feng Zhiwei propose it.

Prince Yan's expression changed, and he did not advocate recalling Ning Qi, while Ning Yi acted in accordance with Emperor Tiansheng's wishes. Finally, Emperor Tiansheng ordered Ning Qi to return to the capital swiftly. Lady Wang was an embroiderer in Consort Chang's palace. Emperor Tiansheng had favored her, and she gave birth to the Seventh Prince as a result. At this moment, Emperor Tiansheng was on his way to Lady Wang's humble and remote palace.

Outside the hall, Emperor Tiansheng heard Consort Chang's people making things difficult for Lady Wang, and immediately felt displeased. After the young eunuchs left, Emperor Tiansheng entered the hall. Lady Wang was overjoyed to see him. Afterward, Emperor Tiansheng ordered Zhao Yuan to select a clean and bright sleeping palace for Lady Wang the next day, and to invite imperial physicians to tend to her health.

Ning Yi had Ning Cheng send the evidence of the deposed crown prince's crimes to Feng Zhiwei. Ning Cheng then found Yan Huaishi. Yan Huaishi was startled when he opened it, and handed it to Feng Zhiwei. Afterward, Feng Zhiwei invited Qiu Shangqi and produced the property deed of the Blood Butchery from back then; Qiu Shangqi's name was on it.

Qiu Shangqi had no choice but to drop the idea of making her resign and temporarily took in Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao. Shao Ning was drinking wine, but her mind was on Feng Zhiwei saving her. At this moment, Feng Zhiwei and Ning Yi approached her, conversing as they walked.

Episode 22 Recap

Shaoning questioned Feng Zhiwei as soon as she saw her. She was unhappy that Feng Zhiwei had been avoiding her. Feng Zhiwei only replied that there was a difference between men and women. Shaoning then asked why Ning Yi shot Feng Zhiwei outside Chenming Hall that day. Ning Yi claimed that the deposed crown prince had committed monstrous crimes. Shaoning then eagerly begged Feng Zhiwei to accompany her for a drink.

Ning Yi had no choice but to send Shaoning back to the palace first. But Shaoning accused Ning Yi of being shameless, and even brought up the incident of Consort Yan colluding with the enemy, betraying the country, and secretly releasing her lover to humiliate Ning Yi. Ning Yi couldn't help but slap Shaoning. Feng Zhiwei could only have the servants help Shaoning back. Shaoning found Feng Zhiwei again, wanting to talk with her.

The deposed crown prince was her only relative. Since that day at Chenming Hall, every time she closed her eyes, there was blood everywhere, and she was filled with rage. Feng Zhiwei was sad that the formerly lively and happy princess had become like this, so she asked Shaoning to be happy and let go of the deposed crown prince's death. Afterward, Ning Yi received Shaoning's challenge letter, which also threatened Feng Zhiwei's life.

Ning Yi remained calm, showing no intention of accepting the challenge. He knew Shaoning would not kill Feng Zhiwei. With tears in her eyes, Shaoning told Feng Zhiwei how the deposed crown prince used to dote on her. Feng Zhiwei was unconsciously moved. Shaoning claimed that she had sent a challenge letter to Ning Yi, even intending to kill him. Feng Zhiwei's expression changed. Kill Ning Yi at her residence?

But when she pressed Shaoning again, the other party only said she wanted to drink. So, Feng Zhiwei, under the pretense of having Yan Huaishi get wine, had him inform Ning Yi not to come there. When Ning Cheng looked for Ning Yi, he was told by Wu Ying that Ning Yi had already secretly ordered a carriage to be prepared and left the residence alone.

Gu Nanyi saw the bushes filled with hidden weapons, immediately felt suspicious, and went to investigate but was caught in a net. Yan Huaishi came to Prince Chu's Residence and relayed Feng Zhiwei's words to Ning Yi. It turned out that Ning Yi had not left; he had ordered Wu Ying to tell Ning Cheng that. Feng Zhiwei's repeated attempts to dissuade Shaoning failed to stop her.

She could only claim that she and Ning Yi had always been at odds and requested to help Shaoning kill Ning Yi. Then, Feng Zhiwei took Shaoning to a bedroom and had her hide opposite. But Shaoning suddenly ordered her men to seize Feng Zhiwei. As soon as Ning Cheng entered the residence, he was surrounded by men in black. Gu Nanyi was also in danger.

Late at night, Ning Yi brought people to the residence, only to find the hairpin left by Ning Cheng. Prince Yan was also hiding in the dark, ready to assist Shaoning. Ning Yi saw Feng Zhiwei tied up in the attic, so he quickly lit a candle and went up to the attic. Feng Zhiwei noticed and promptly warned him that there was gunpowder in the room. Afterward, Ning Yi helped Feng Zhiwei cut the ropes.

The two were enveloped in a cloak. Sensing gunpowder inside, they quickly threw it out. Shaoning appeared at this moment, wanting to ignite it, but was scared away by Ning Cheng's voice. In the dim attic, only Ning Yi's figure, pressing down on Feng Zhiwei, remained. He then gently left a kiss on her face.

By the riverside, Shaoning changed into men's clothing and told Feng Zhiwei that Ning Yi had framed the deposed crown prince, and she was also very disappointed in Feng Zhiwei. Shaoning also stated that she would never give up, and Ning Yi would always be her enemy. Facing Shaoning's indiscriminate revenge, Feng Zhiwei felt very helpless. Gu Nanyi handed her a weed, saying eating this would make her feel better.

Meanwhile, Ning Yi and Ning Cheng watched Feng Zhiwei from the cliff, feeling desolate in their hearts. Seeing Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi playfully bickering, Ning Yi only wished that she could continue to smile for a long time in this officialdom. Ning Qi finally returned to Chenming Hall. The Tiansheng Emperor had not seen him for a long time. After the imperial court session, Ning Qi specifically stopped Feng Zhiwei, wanting to repay her.

Feng Zhiwei just used some high-sounding words to fob him off. Prince Yan and Ning Yi watched from behind the two, lamenting Ning Qi's ambition. Ning Qi met Ms. Wang, whom he hadn't seen in over ten years. The mother and son embraced and wept. But Ms. Wang was also afraid that Ning Qi getting involved in the struggle for the throne would bring about a fatal disaster, so she gave him countless warnings and admonitions.

Ning Qi's wife, Yijun, was also uneasy in her heart. The couple had a harmonious relationship. Ning Qi was eager to ascertain the Tiansheng Emperor's intentions and deliberately tried to test Feng Zhiwei. The next day at the imperial court. Qiu Shangqi claimed that the horse market he supervised had effectively resolved border issues. However, Ning Qi said that the horse market brought trouble to the common people. The Tiansheng Emperor was immediately displeased and wanted to punish Qiu Shangqi.

Feng Zhiwei then stepped forward, stating that closing the horse market was not a solution. Subsequently, Feng Zhiwei took out a wool sachet, suggesting convenient intermarriage between women from the Central Plains and Dayue. Secondly, Feng Zhiwei suggested that the Tiansheng Emperor change the horse market to a sheep market.

Episode 23 Recap

Feng Zhiwei then requested to persuade the Yan family to contribute sheep herself, and the Tiansheng Emperor agreed. At this time, Duke Min sent someone to deliver a memorial. The Tiansheng Emperor saw that the person delivering the memorial was the imperial guard he had given to Duke Min, and it turned out that the imperial guard had not received preferential treatment but had become a servant.

Feng Zhiwei asked Yan Huaishi to write a letter to his clan leader to discuss the matter of offering long-haired sheep. Yan Huaishi deeply felt Feng Zhiwei's great kindness and immediately kowtowed several times to express his gratitude. Prime Minister Yao spoke to Ning Yi about Feng Zhiwei's bravery in court today, and also about Duke Min's forming factions for personal gain.

Ning Yi believed that they should arrange for someone to collect evidence and then find someone to impeach Duke Min. So Prime Minister Yao recommended his friend Lin Renqi. Ning Yi assented, and Prime Minister Yao immediately took his leave to handle the matter. Xin Ziyan then asked how Ning Yi's personal item, the wool sachet, ended up with Feng Zhiwei. Ning Yi smiled and brushed off the question.

Ning Qi, grateful for Concubine Chang's support, expressed his allegiance to Prince Yan, stating he would follow his lead. Afterwards, Ning Qi wished to meet Feng Zhiwei and asked Prince Yan to accompany him. Prince Yan and Ning Qi stepped out of the carriage and saw Gu Nanyi's figure upstairs, indicating that Feng Zhiwei had arrived. Ning Qi asked Prince Yan to meet Feng Zhiwei first, while he went to see "that simpleton."

Ning Qi tested Gu Nanyi repeatedly, but Gu Nanyi remained silent, and even called Ning Yi ugly in front of him. After Prince Yan exchanged pleasantries with Feng Zhiwei, Prince Yan claimed that Feng Zhiwei's backer was the Yan family. Feng Zhiwei immediately panicked and wanted to drag him to see the Tiansheng Emperor. Prince Yan could only say that he was joking.

Prime Minister Yao and Minister Peng hurriedly appeared before the Emperor, claiming that Lin Renqi had been assassinated by pirates. The Tiansheng Emperor was immediately displeased, asking what good Duke Min's bandit suppression was. Subsequently, the Tiansheng Emperor ordered people to apprehend the pirate Chen Shao and also instructed all officials in Minhai to attend Lin Renqi's funeral. After the two left, the Tiansheng Emperor entrusted the matter of Chen Shao to Feng Zhiwei.

Prince Yan also received a portrait sent by Duke Min. It turned out that Lin Renqi had secretly collected evidence of Duke Min's disrespect, and Duke Min had no choice but to order his elimination. Unexpectedly, Chen Shao took that evidence and escaped. Prime Minister Yao felt that Lin Renqi's death was suspicious, realizing that his collection of criminal evidence in Minhai had been effective. This made Lin Renqi's death even more problematic.

Chen Shao, along with some pirates, had already entered the Imperial City. The group acted cautiously, but their tracks were still discovered by the authorities. So Ning Yi asked Ning Cheng to lead men to seize Chen Shao. Chen Shao and his companions seemed discontent with Duke Min and wanted to use this evidence to bring him down. While they were eating, they were surrounded by soldiers. Subsequently, Ning Cheng arrived with his men.

After a fierce battle, Chen Shao and his group hurriedly threw letters into the officials' residences. The letters stated that Lin Renqi was killed by Duke Min and demanded that officials wear red clothes and bring imperial decrees of pardon before they would hand over the evidence.

Prince Yan had no choice but to order his men to lie in ambush in the West Market, while Ning Yi also prepared to send people to the West Market to protect Chen Shao. In the imperial court, Prime Minister Yao advised the Tiansheng Emperor to find Chen Shao and clarify Lin Renqi's death. Ning Yi naturally agreed, while Prince Yan and Minister Peng held opposing views.

The Tiansheng Emperor found it difficult to decide, so he asked for Ning Qi's opinion. Unexpectedly, Ning Qi feigned illness and fainted. The Tiansheng Emperor then ordered Feng Zhiwei to assist Minister Peng in investigating the matter. After the court session, he only kept Prime Minister Yao. The Tiansheng Emperor asked Prime Minister Yao to recount Lin Renqi's affairs one by one, stating he wanted to see what unspeakable things Duke Min had done.

Meanwhile, Feng Zhiwei stopped Prince Yan and Minister Peng, pretending to be submissive in front of them, saying she only needed an explanation. Prince Yan asked Feng Zhiwei to wear red clothes to draw out Chen Shao and act as the leader. Ning Yi could see that the Tiansheng Emperor wanted to use this case to bring down the Chang clan, but the vacant position of the Censorate allowed Minister Peng to dominate.

It turned out that Ning Yi wanted to be appointed to the Censorate. His ambition was certainly different from those princes who only desired the throne; what he wanted was to unify the world. Xin Ziyan, Prince Yan, and Ning Qi gathered in a tea house. Ning Yi, pretending it was a chance encounter, also arrived at this gathering. Meanwhile, the West Market was not peaceful.

Minister Peng wanted to capture Chen Shao, so he ordered his men to shoot anyone communicating with the person in red. At this moment, Feng Zhiwei, dressed in red, walked swaggeringly down the street, intending to put herself in danger. Ning Yi, seeing her from upstairs, immediately panicked, fearing she might be in danger. Chen Shao, from the shadows, approached Feng Zhiwei step by step. However, another pirate, worried about his safety, stepped forward first.

In an instant, various forces moved, killing that pirate, and the street descended into chaos. As Chen Shao was fleeing, he happened to encounter Prince Chu, and he quickly ran away again. Prince Yan and Minister Peng realized after seeing the portrait that the dead person was not Chen Shao, and secretly knew something was wrong. Late at night, Feng Zhiwei, with an injured arm, was eager to finish drawing the arrow, but Gu Nanyi was worried about her injury. At this moment, Prince Chu arrived.

Episode 24 Recap

Ning Yi saw Feng Zhiwei's wound, and quickly told her to bandage it first before drawing the picture. Gu Nanyi then led Feng Zhiwei behind the screen and carefully bandaged her wound. After Ning Yi saw the arrow diagram, he knew that the culprit was definitely not someone from the Five Armies. Then the two changed the subject, stating that the Tian Sheng imperial court was not what they had imagined.

Feng Zhiwei had seen many talented and virtuous people who were unable to enter the imperial court; she wondered when the court would truly be upright and honorable. Subsequently, Ning Yi called Feng Zhiwei to his side and spoke of the day he was assassinated and the ambiguous interaction he had with Feng Zhiwei. Such things could only happen in the dark.

The next day, Ning Yi volunteered to take on a post in the Censorate to the Tian Sheng Emperor. The Tian Sheng Emperor agreed to his request and had Feng Zhiwei draft the imperial edict. Qiu Mingying arrived alone at Feng Zhiwei's residence, but was stopped by the guards when she tried to enter. Yan Huaishi informed her that Feng Zhiwei was not in the residence, so Qiu Mingying asked him to tell Feng Zhiwei that she had visited.

Facing Yan Huaishi's attempt to make her stay, Qiu Mingying scoffed, saying she was there to pick up Feng Zhiwei, not Wei Zhi. Later, Qiu Mingying went to Zong Fuzi's home. Zong Fuzi believed that Feng Zhiwei becoming an imperial official might not be a bad thing, as it could help achieve the great task of restoring their kingdom sooner.

However, Qiu Mingying feared that the Tian Sheng Emperor would discover her identity and was reluctant to let her go to her death. Feng Zhiwei sat alone by the window, her brows furrowed with worry. Gu Nanyi sat beside her, peeling walnuts for her. Neither Yan Huaishi nor he knew why Feng Zhiwei was so troubled. Feng Zhiwei suddenly spoke, saying she missed her mother.

The next day, Feng Zhiwei brought Gu Nanyi back to her home, unexpectedly learning that Gu Nanyi had never had a home. Feng Hao was playing Cuju in Feng Zhiwei's room, speaking disrespectfully. Afterwards, Feng Zhiwei met Qiu Mingying. Qiu Mingying had many complaints for her, and tears slowly welled up in Feng Zhiwei's eyes; she would not resign from this official position! But Qiu Mingying still only had one thing to say to her: resign from the post.

Seeing that persuasion was futile, Feng Zhiwei could only utter harsh words, stating that she absolutely would not resign from this position, because it was her only chance to change her fate. Qiu Mingying, furious, turned and entered the house. Feng Zhiwei had no choice but to kowtow outside the house, then turned and left with Gu Nanyi.

Gu Nanyi, who never easily touched people, saw Feng Zhiwei so sad and had no choice but to lend her his shoulder to lean on. Gu Nanyi discovered that he had unconsciously shed tears. Upon taking office in the Censorate, Ning Yi immediately made strong remarks to Minister Peng, but the latter, relying on Prince Yan's backing, targeted him everywhere. Then Ning Yi instructed Ning Cheng to copy a public notice for body identification.

The Tian Sheng Emperor had not summoned Consort Chang for a long time, so Consort Chang came to him herself, claiming that Duke Min, to prove the Chang family's innocence, had already removed Chang Hai from the family tree, and Consort Chang herself voluntarily wished to move to the abandoned palace. The Tian Sheng Emperor felt some remorse, thinking he should not have vented his anger on Consort Chang.

Consort Chang, hearing this, immediately offered the soup she had brought to the Tian Sheng Emperor, very pleased. Xin Ziyan furiously arrived at Ning Yi's residence, questioning him why he didn't deliberate carefully and just directly took the position in the Censorate. Ning Yi stated that only by becoming part of the Censorate could he overthrow the Chang clan. Xin Ziyan grew even angrier upon hearing this, asking if a mere Chen Shao could really overthrow the Chang clan.

Moreover, once he entered the Censorate, it meant Ning Yi lost his qualification to compete for the crown prince position! Ning Yi ignored him and instead took out the drawing Feng Zhiwei had made, hoping he could help him. Xin Ziyan, still fuming, turned to leave. Back then, Xin Ziyan had personally promised Ning Qiao to help him ascend to the crown prince position, but now Ning Yi had moved away from the princes without consulting him.

Xin Ziyan, with no outlet for his anger, could only blurt out that the arrow came from a small tribe on the border of Dayue, then left. Ning Yi already knew the answer, Dayue border. . . The Tian Sheng Emperor walked through the palace with his servants, sighing that although he had won the empire, he could not be a husband in an ordinary household. Afterwards, the Tian Sheng Emperor went to Wang Shi's residence without allowing any announcement.

Wang Shi was warming the bed at that moment; she worried about the Tian Sheng Emperor's back ailment, so for years she had warmed his bed every night without interruption, even if he had never come. The Tian Sheng Emperor was greatly moved. Consort Chang was extremely enraged upon learning that the Tian Sheng Emperor had stayed with Wang Shi. Ning Yi summoned Ning Qi.

Ning Qi knew it was about the murder in the West Market, so he presented a note Wang Shi had given him, instructing him to definitely eliminate Chen Shao. This note was given to him by Prince Yan. After listening, Ning Yi said that the arrow Ning Qi had shot had truly made him Prince Yan's scapegoat.

Ning Qi stated that he had absolutely no intention of colluding with the Chang clan, but it concerned Wang Shi's safety, so he had to do it. Subsequently, Ning Qi hoped that Ning Yi would find Chen Shao, and he would then personally plead guilty to the Tian Sheng Emperor. Yan Huaishi quietly helped Gu Nanyi change into a set of women's clothes.

As long as the fabric was light and thin, he wouldn't care if it was men's or women's clothing; however, Feng Zhiwei had to personally put the bamboo hat on him. Feng Zhiwei, feigning to have Gu Nanyi peel walnuts, put the bamboo hat on him, and she herself also changed into a set of women's clothes. Next, they just waited for the Qiu family to pick her up and take her back to the residence. Prince Yan ordered Minister Peng to find Chen Shao, and also to keep Ning Yi's attention occupied.

Episode 25 Recap

At this time, someone reported that Helian Zheng, the prince of Jinshi Kingdom, had arrived in the imperial capital. The envoy accompanying him was Zhan Bi, who had connections with Concubine Yan Yale back then. Prince Yan ordered this matter to be suppressed and sent people to monitor Zhan Bi. Helian Zheng led his people into Tiansheng, revealing himself to be a frog in a well.

Not only did he despise Tiansheng women for being frail, but he also disliked Tiansheng for being a remote and backward place. Zhan Bi told Helian Zheng to first go for an audience with the Tiansheng Emperor, but Helian Zheng insisted on finding some fun first. Helian Zheng rode his horse, whip in hand, scaring the citizens and common people everywhere, and even startled Feng Zhiwei's carriage. Helian Zheng dismounted and mocked Tiansheng women for being frail.

Feng Zhiwei couldn't be bothered to waste words with him and directly had Gu Nanyi kick him five meters away. Feng Zhiwei then ordered her people to drive the carriage away, not forgetting a taunt, while Helian Zheng looked interested. Wei Zhi, now Feng Zhiwei, returned to Qiu Mansion with Gu Nanyi disguised as a maid. Feng Zhiwei was determined to stay well in this Qiu Mansion so that Wei Zhi could be safe.

As soon as she got home, Feng Zhiwei heard Qiu Yuluo scolding someone. It turned out that she was like a shrew demanding a hairpin from Feng Hao. While Qiu Yuluo relentlessly pestered Feng Hao and insulted Qiu Mingying and Feng Zhiwei, Feng Zhiwei heard it and did not hold back, directly stepping forward and using her clever tongue to make Qiu Yuluo feel defeated.

Afterward, Feng Hao pulled out Qiu Yuluo's hairpin, and he and Feng Zhiwei went back and forth, simply not letting her get the hairpin, creating a very comical scene. Noble Consort Chang and Prince Yan seemed to hold high positions and power in the imperial harem, but their favor was actually decreasing day by day.

Although Duke Min did not have much familial affection with the mother and son, with their relationship based more on mutual interests, he was, after all, a founding hero. For now, Noble Consort Chang and Prince Yan could only stabilize their status by protecting Duke Min. Shaoning burst into the palace at this moment, hoping Prince Yan would use Zhan Bi to properly humiliate Ning Yi.

Shaoning claimed that Ning Yi had privately set up a memorial tablet for Concubine Yan Yale at Qinglong Temple and invited monks to perform rites. Shaoning stated her plan, but it was rejected by Prince Yan, who said such childish actions could not harm Ning Yi. They were determined to put Ning Yi to death, so the plan could not be simple; it had to be a series of interconnected schemes.

Noble Consort Chang then took out a hairpin and gave it to Prince Yan. Shaoning wanted to see it, but Prince Yan quickly covered it. Ning Yi ordered someone to put an arrow in a box and send it to Prince Yan. Then he also told Ning Cheng to remove the guards at the gate, saying he had a premonition that a distinguished guest would visit soon.

Ning Qi repeatedly requested to enter the palace but was always held back by Prince Yan and his mother until he was finally granted permission today. Ning Qi and Lady Wang only dared to speak openly after sending the servants away. Ning Qi asked who forced her to write that note that day.

It turned out that when Lady Wang went to Noble Consort Chang's palace to pay respects, Noble Consort Chang threatened Ning Qi's life to make her write the note's content. Ning Qi was extremely resentful after hearing this, vowing to repay all the humiliation he and Lady Wang had suffered in the future. Prince Yan received the gift from Ning Yi and could not hide his anger, calling for the hidden guards.

Ning Yi repeatedly replayed scenes of playing with his mother in his dream and suddenly woke up startled. A blood-stained sword was stuck in his headboard. At this moment, Chen Shao arrived at Prince Chu's Mansion. Chen Shao claimed to be guilty and knelt down, telling Ning Yi the truth of his escape. Chen Shao was originally an ordinary fisherman in Minhai.

Eighteen years ago, Duke Min took office in Minhai and successively issued sea bans and fishing bans, leaving the fishermen without a livelihood. Subsequently, Duke Min also increased taxes, imposing heavy levies. One year, Minhai suffered a severe drought, crops failed, and they could not go to sea. The people not only had no food but also had to bear heavy taxes.

Ning Yi knew that the silver meant for disaster relief during that drought year was probably swallowed by Duke Min. Chen Shao's father had no choice but to go to the yamen to seek justice but was beaten to death by the unreasonable county magistrate. It was under these circumstances that Chen Shao became a pirate. Later, Duke Min sent people to contact Chen Shao, and Chen Shao became Duke Min's mercenary, continuing to fiercely attack Minhai.

Duke Min's purpose for this trip was nothing else but the funds allocated by the imperial court for suppressing bandits. A month ago, Duke Min ordered Chen Shao to kill Lin Renqi's entire family and also to obtain the letters and memorials from his study. After killing the people, Chen Shao took those memorials and came to the imperial capital. Chen Shao sobbed after finishing his story, seemingly repenting for the killings.

Prince Yan invited Imperial Physician Quan and asked a question. Is it true that Dayue Sunset Tribe men develop blood-colored tribal crest patterns on their skin after turning eighteen? Indeed, it is said that this is to ensure the purity of the Sunset Tribe's bloodline. Prince Yan seemed to have a request, and Imperial Physician Quan readily agreed, as his entry into the Imperial Medical Institute was entirely due to Duke Min.

Prince Yan then instructed him that he and Shaoning would go to the Imperial Medical Institute in a few days. At this time, someone reported that Ning Yi had sent a team of men to Shunping Gate, and Prince Yan also quickly sent people there. The next day, the Tiansheng Emperor received the ten major crimes of Duke Min, written by Lin Renqi before his death. He immediately summoned Duke Min to the palace for a report.

Ning Yi believed that the House of Chang would collapse because of this, but Xin Ziyan thought he was too optimistic. Xin Ziyan immediately proposed a bet concerning Feng Zhiwei: if Ning Yi won, he would marry her as his princess consort. Ning Yi refused the bet, saying how could Feng Zhiwei be a woman to be manipulated by others. After Attendant Xu met Zhan Bi, he extended an invitation on behalf of Ning Yi.

Zhan Bi knew that Ning Yi was Concubine Yan's son but was dissatisfied that he did not clear his mother's name. Attendant Xu then added that Ning Yi had set up a memorial tablet for Concubine Yan, which could be considered filial piety. Seeing Xin Ziyan washing Da Hua's hair, Ning Yi recalled the intimate night with Feng Zhiwei. Ning Yi and Xin Ziyan's forces to impeach Duke Min were ready.

Prime Minister Yao also wrote a letter informing Ning Yi about Zhan Bi, and Ning Yi decided to send Ning Cheng to the post station to investigate. Zhan Bi arrived at Qinglong Temple and saw that what Attendant Xu said was true, but Zhan Bi mistook Prince Yan inside the tent for Ning Yi. Prince Yan also took out the hairpin given by Noble Consort Chang, which Zhan Bi had personally put on Yale.

Zhan Bi then revealed his identity to Prince Yan. Unexpectedly, Prince Yan suddenly discovered that the inner attendant bestowed upon him by the Tiansheng Emperor was eavesdropping. He feigned panic, saying he would definitely report it to the Tiansheng Emperor. Zhan Bi put the hairpin back in his hand, saying he would be back soon. Zhan Bi followed the inner attendant and killed him, but unexpectedly, he was suddenly apprehended by the appearing guards. Upon learning this, Ning Yi ordered someone to bring Zhan Bi to see him.

Episode 26 Recap

Zhan Bi smiled when he saw Ning Yi, "Another Prince Chu?" And Ning Yi realized that someone had plotted against him after learning that Zhan Bi had seen an imposter. But when Zhan Bi carefully saw Ning Yi's appearance, he found that he greatly resembled Concubine Yan Yale from back then. But Ning Yi was full of malice towards Zhan Bi. His mother had died to let him go, yet he lived on with a clear conscience!

But what was most important now was to uncover the truth of that year. He demanded Zhan Bi kneel and reveal the truth. Zhan Bi had no choice but to kneel. He hoped Ning Yi could clear Concubine Yan Yale's name. Prince Yan learned that Ning Yi had gone to the Ministry of Justice's prison, secretly thinking it was just as he expected. And now, Shaoning should use Feng Zhiwei to frame Ning Yi.

Prince Yan also gave Shaoning his token, so she could seek help at Qiu Shangqi's residence when necessary. In the Ministry of Justice's prison, Ning Yi knew someone wanted to kill him. Zhan Bi, however, did not want Ning Yi to be harmed because of him. He pleaded with Ning Yi to leave quickly. But Ning Yi squatted down, asking Zhan Bi to talk about his mother.

Concubine Yan Yale was the most beautiful and best woman in the world, and also the love of Zhan Bi's life. When Ning Yi was a child, he thought his mother was unhappy because she disliked the women around Emperor Tiansheng. Now he knew, how could one be happy when love was unrequited? That year, Concubine Yan Yale died for Zhan Bi, and also abandoned the eight-year-old Ning Yi for him.

Ning Yi harbored hatred in his heart, feeling immense sadness. Prince Yan feigned an apology to Ning Qi, saying he shouldn't have used him to deal with Chen Shao. Afterwards, Prince Yan persuaded Ning Qi to invite Ning Yi out for a talk among the three of them. Ning Qi looked touched and drank a cup of wine. This banquet needed Feng Zhiwei to host.

In a blink of an eye, Ning Qi arrived at Prince Chu's residence to invite Ning Yi. Ning Yi saw through it, so Ning Qi had no choice but to repeat everything Prince Yan had said without missing a word, and secretly reminded Ning Yi that this matter was not simple. Feng Zhiwei left Qiu's residence with Gu Nanyi. In the carriage, Feng Zhiwei began to change clothes.

The still naive Gu Nanyi seemed unaware of the difference between men and women, only turning his back under Feng Zhiwei's threat. Feng Zhiwei, dressed in men's clothing, returned to Wei's residence. Upon learning that Prince Yan was waiting in the flower hall, she had Yan Huaishi go to meet him first. At this time, Ning Yi and Ning Qi had also arrived at the residence, and the few of them exchanged pleasantries.

Feng Zhiwei knew that their visit this time would not be peaceful, so she instructed Yan Huaishi to order that no one else should appear except for a few servants, especially Gu Nanyi. At the banquet, after several probes, Ning Yi asked Ning Qi for a few skilled crossbowmen. Ning Qi immediately paused. Feng Zhiwei then stepped forward to ease the awkwardness, proposing a drinking game.

And at this playful gathering, naturally, things were constantly changing, with everyone harboring their own thoughts. Feng Zhiwei helped the drunken Ning Yi into a room. Ning Yi murmured, "It's rare to get drunk once. In the prison, Zhan Bi is still waiting for me." After speaking, Ning Yi slumped onto the table as if asleep, and Feng Zhiwei got up and left. In another room, Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao were unexpectedly there.

At this moment, Shaoning came out, claiming she had taken it upon herself to entertain the two on Feng Zhiwei's behalf. Qiu Mingying also saw the clues and secretly gave Feng Zhiwei a look, while Feng Hao was completely unaware of the danger. Shaoning led Feng Zhiwei out. She gave a bottle of medicine to Feng Zhiwei, asking her to give it to Ning Yi, and claimed it wouldn't kill him.

But Feng Zhiwei absolutely refused, even threatening to return home. Shaoning took a pill from the bottle and swallowed it, only then did Feng Zhiwei agree. Returning to Ning Yi's room, Feng Zhiwei was reluctant to leave. Ning Yi said her eyes reminded him of a scene where he was injured. Ning Yi knew that Feng Zhiwei must have met someone outside, so he asked her to make a bowl of hangover soup.

Ning Yi ultimately refused to believe that Feng Zhiwei would act against him. Feng Zhiwei brought the hangover soup and, under Shaoning's gaze, put the medicine into it, her expression unwavering. Ning Yi drank the hangover soup and then left. Tears welled up in Feng Zhiwei's eyes. Emperor Tiansheng had Zhao Yuan bring up Zhan Bi, wanting him to reveal the method to cure the gu, but unwilling to admit he himself was afflicted with the Twin Gu.

He could only claim that Concubine Yan Yale, out of jealousy, had poisoned Consort Chang with the Twin Gu, and then used Ning Yi to threaten him. Ning Yi learned that the Golden Feather Guard had been there, so he went to the Ministry of Justice's prison. Zhan Bi asked Ning Yi if he knew about the Twin Gu, and then spoke of its origin. Goddesses of the Sunset Clan throughout generations would cultivate gu as magic tools.

Concubine Yan Yale also cultivated the Twin Gu after becoming the Goddess. Once planted, they live and die together. He also revealed what Zhao Yuan had said today. Ning Yi recalled everything from the past and instantly understood, then asked about the method to cure the gu. Zhan Bi, however, said it was a secret method of the Goddess, not to be passed on.

Ning Yi had no choice but to go back and investigate himself, also stating that since his mother considered him family, he would do everything in his power to save him. After Ning Yi left, Zhan Bi gave the food he brought to the envious prisoner next door, unaware that the jailer had secretly put something in it after taking it away. Afterwards, the jailer reported to Minister Peng. In the blink of an eye, that prisoner died.

Minister Peng used the pretext of an investigation to dismiss the Prince Chu's guards who were watching Zhan Bi. Prince Yan then came to the Ministry of Justice, and Zhan Bi recognized his identity. Whether eighteen years ago or now, Zhan Bi was merely a tool for Prince Yan and Consort Chang to eliminate Ning Yi and his mother. Zhan Bi was furious and extremely worried about Ning Yi.

Prince Yan precisely hoped Ning Yi would rescue Zhan Bi regardless of the consequences, because he knew Ning Yi valued loyalty and righteousness. And Emperor Tiansheng held a grudge against Zhan Bi. Once Ning Yi rescued Zhan Bi, he would certainly not have an easy time either.

Episode 27 Recap

Zhan Bi felt intense guilt towards Ning Yi and his mother, so he would certainly not let the Prince of Yan have his way. Thus, he committed suicide; this was the only thing Zhan Bi could do to help Ning Yi. But Zhan Bi did not know that all of this was within the Prince of Yan's plan.

In the imperial court, Helian Zheng made a big fuss with the Emperor Tiansheng over this matter, but Emperor Tiansheng merely instructed Ning Yi to properly arrange Zhan Bi's funeral. Afterwards, Ning Yi asked about the reason Zhan Bi killed the Prince of Yan's attendant. The Prince of Yan stepped forward, claiming it concerned internal royal family matters, and asked Helian Zheng to withdraw.

Feng Zhiwei also claimed that she was quite exhausted today and asked Emperor Tiansheng to bestow tea upon the ministers. Feng Zhiwei then brought the tea and gave it to Ning Yi, the Prince of Yan, Chancellor Yao, and a few others to drink. The tea for the rest was served by eunuchs.

The Prince of Yan then claimed that everything Zhan Bi did was to keep a secret: he wanted to conceal the father-son relationship between himself and Prince Chu Ning Yi! The ministers immediately started discussing amongst themselves, and Ning Yi was even more flustered. The Prince of Yan continued, stating that after Sunset Clan men came of age, crimson flame patterns would appear on their skin.

Ning Yi was forced to undress in front of everyone, and the crimson flame pattern was clearly visible on his arm. Emperor Tiansheng was furious and ordered Gu Yan to go to the Ministry of Justice to verify the patterns on Zhan Bi's hand. The answer was affirmative, and the atmosphere in the imperial court suddenly changed.

Feng Zhiwei then rolled up her sleeve, stating that she also had the same patterns on her arm, as did Chancellor Yao and Minister Peng. Ning Yi stood up and rolled up the Prince of Yan's sleeve; he also had them. Emperor Tiansheng had no choice but to ask Ning Yi, the Prince of Yan, Ning Qi, and Feng Zhiwei to have an audience later.

Meanwhile, Consort Chang was wearing a veil and glanced at the note Ning Yi had given her; it was a threat. At this moment, Ning Qi, the Prince of Yan, and Feng Zhiwei were already waiting in the hall. Ning Yi was about to enter but was called by Consort Chang. Consort Chang had barely said a few harsh words before Ning Yi choked her up.

Ning Yi entered the hall and whispered to the Prince of Yan, implying he remembered everything he had done. When Emperor Tiansheng arrived, Ning Yi again put on a weeping face, begging Emperor Tiansheng to clear his name, claiming that the Prince of Yan had calculated that his hangover soup would be tampered with, and also calculated that Zhan Bi would commit suicide.

The Prince of Yan frantically sought Feng Zhiwei to prove his innocence, then casually accused her, claiming all the tea in the great hall today came from her hands. Feng Zhiwei also stated that she knew nothing. Emperor Tiansheng pondered and concluded that the Prince of Yan had framed Ning Yi. Consort Chang requested an audience outside the hall. After she removed her veil, crimson flame patterns were surprisingly also on her forehead.

Consort Chang claimed she had mistakenly consumed ingredients, which led to such a grave error. The Prince of Yan also claimed he had associated Zhan Bi with Ning Yi after hearing Assistant Minister Xu mention the strange pattern on Ning Yi's hand. Feng Zhiwei requested that Assistant Minister Xu be severely punished. Emperor Tiansheng agreed, also instructing Feng Zhiwei to learn court affairs from Chancellor Yao, and ordered the Prince of Yan to reflect upon himself behind closed doors.

Emperor Tiansheng had intended to keep Ning Yi, but he, feeling wronged, tearfully insisted on returning to his residence quickly to remove the patterns. Shaoning had been waiting outside the hall. She hadn't expected Ning Yi to escape even with such irrefutable evidence. The Prince of Yan ignored her and turned to leave. Only Ning Qi was willing to offer Shaoning a word of comfort.

Ning Yi questioned Feng Zhiwei for daring to give him poisoned soup, yet there was no trace of anger on his face. Helian Zheng then walked out, saying he definitely needed an explanation from Ning Yi, to which Ning Yi agreed. Afterwards, Helian Zheng asked Ning Yi to tell him the marriage customs of Tiansheng. He had taken a liking to Qiu Shangqi's niece, Feng Zhiwei, and wanted to ask Emperor Tiansheng to bestow her upon him as a concubine.

Ning Yi's expression changed, and Feng Zhiwei behind him even choked audibly. Ning Yi scoffed at him, but Helian Zheng not only didn't understand but also misinterpreted it, mocking Tiansheng men and women, and even saying that Feng Zhiwei would be proud to marry him. Feng Zhiwei tried to sneak away at this moment but was called back by Ning Yi and Helian Zheng. Helian Zheng seemed to recognize her and intended to test her.

It turned out that Helian Zheng harbored resentment about Feng Zhiwei attacking him that day and was determined to marry her to severely torment her, making her wash his feet, massage his legs, and also planning to marry ten wives to serve him one by one. Such crude behavior was truly uncivilized. Feng Zhiwei was speechless, and Ning Yi secretly chuckled. Ning Yi jumped in, saying he was acquainted with Qiu Shangqi and could help him.

Feng Zhiwei secretly groaned and quickly pulled his hand. Helian Zheng laughed loudly and left. Ning Yi also left as if watching a joke, leaving Feng Zhiwei alone, silently cursing in her heart. Emperor Tiansheng saw through everything. Consort Chang, fearing Ning Yi's investigation into Chen Shao, wanted to use the crimson flame patterns to eliminate Ning Yi. Who would have thought he was prepared and had Feng Zhiwei offer tea to resolve the crisis?

It seemed Consort Chang truly had something to hide. Zhao Yuan reported that Duke Min had entered the capital with a large contingent of people and had delayed, claiming illness, which was truly arrogant. Emperor Tiansheng saw through Duke Min's intentions; he was reminding him that he was old and infirm, playing a trick to gain sympathy. Ning Cheng was displeased with Feng Zhiwei poisoning, so he advised Ning Yi to act cautiously.

Who would have thought Ning Yi would arrange for Ning Cheng to keep an eye on the Qiu residence, as Helian Zheng would surely go there? Ning Cheng deliberately teased, "Could it be that Ning Yi is jealous?" Ning Yi remained calm, ordering twenty catties of vinegar to be bought for Ning Cheng to drink. Jealous? Ning Yi chuckled, saying he would never be jealous. Helian Zheng arrived at Qiu Shangqi's residence, wanting to tour the Qiu manor.

Lady Qiu could only accompany him. Who would have thought Qiu Yuluo burst out like a shrew, claiming Feng Zhiwei had malicious intentions and wanted to harm her, but was reprimanded by Lady Qiu. Helian Zheng glanced at her, disdain in his heart, but still complimented Qiu Yuluo verbally. Afterwards, he expressed a desire to meet Feng Zhiwei, claiming he wanted to avenge Qiu Yuluo. After Lady Qiu left, Qiu Yuluo approached eagerly, asking Helian Zheng about his plan.

Helian Zheng replied that he wanted her to guess an object, and if she lost, he would marry her and take her back to Jinshi as a concubine. Qiu Yuluo, with an excited face, wanted to see the object, but Helian Zheng provoked her, and Qiu Yuluo, feeling challenged, naturally wanted to try.

Helian Zheng took out a Jinshi holy relic, claiming it could nourish and beautify, making the whole body fragrant, and even said he would reward Qiu Yuluo with a taste. Qiu Yuluo scooped some from it and put it in her mouth; the holy relic was actually salt. Feng Zhiwei was indignant seeing this scene. Qiu Yuluo even wanted her to teach Helian Zheng a lesson, but in the end, she was so angered by him that she cried.

Then Helian Zheng started testing Feng Zhiwei again. She guessed it was a Jinshi betrothal gift, and Helian Zheng immediately raised his hand to pull her back to Jinshi as a concubine, but was stopped by Gu Nanyi. How could Feng Zhiwei comply? She also posed a question to test Helian Zheng, who was stumped. Feng Zhiwei, with a regretful expression, turned to leave, but Helian Zheng stopped her, still pestering her. Gu Nanyi cursed inwardly, "Asking for a beating."

Afterwards, Feng Zhiwei arranged for Gu Nanyi and Helian Zheng to spar. If the loser not only had to eat salt but also had to acknowledge her as their aunt. Gu Nanyi and Helian Zheng agreed not to use their hands, otherwise, they would lose. Then they went back and forth demonstrating their footwork. Helian Zheng indeed lost and called Feng Zhiwei "Aunt."

Episode 28 Recap

Helian Zheng not only called Feng Zhiwei his auntie, but also ate all the salt before slinking away from the Qiu Residence. Gu Yan informed the Tiansheng Emperor that the entire Sunset Tribe had been annihilated and there was no longer a Divine Maiden, which meant no one could cure the gu poison in his body. The former Consort Yan Yuele's every smile and frown echoed in the Tiansheng Emperor's heart.

He summoned Ning Yi, dismissed his attendants, and wanted to speak to him frankly. Zhao Yuan said that the scene between the two was just like when Ning Yi was a child, falling asleep under the Tiansheng Emperor's couch after playing, a picture of fatherly love and filial piety. But Ning Yi only wanted to know why the Tiansheng Emperor had never been close to him since Consort Yan Yuele's death.

The Tiansheng Emperor only replied that he was too much like his mother. Shaoning sent for Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei completely denied any collusion with Ning Yi and feigned sorrow, claiming she treated Shaoning with sincerity, but Shaoning did not appreciate it. Shaoning quickly believed her and asked Feng Zhiwei for help. Feng Zhiwei advised Shaoning to conceal her strengths and bide her time, waiting for the right moment.

Duke Min sent another letter, stating that his leg ailment had recurred and he needed two days to recuperate. The Tiansheng Emperor knew that he was still reminding him of how many ailments Duke Min had acquired while fighting for the throne for him. The Tiansheng Emperor simply gave him a grand reception, not only bestowing imperial horse guards and ceremonial procession, but also holding a large welcoming banquet.

At the same time, the Tiansheng Emperor ordered Gu Yan to deploy the Golden Feather Guards, instructing him to directly arrest Duke Min if any treasonous intentions were discovered. After paying respects to his imperial concubine mother, Ning Yi went to the imperial palace to confront Duke Min Chang Yuan. Ning Yi was determined to strike directly at the Chang clan until he tore them to shreds.

At the welcoming banquet, Ning Yi, in his capacity as a Censorate official, impeached Duke Min with the ten major crimes meticulously listed by Lin Renqi. Prince Yan immediately panicked and claimed it was slander. Afterwards, Ning Yi produced Duke Min's letter to Chen Shao, which bore his initial seal. After reading it, the Tiansheng Emperor lightly admonished Duke Min a few words, saying that he should not have used the imperial bestowed initial seal to collude with pirates.

Duke Min claimed that it had been taken by petty criminals, and instantly shifted all blame for the evidence. Ning Yi refused to let Duke Min off; he brought the witness Chen Shao forward. Duke Min deliberately revealed Chen Shao's mother's bracelet to threaten him. Chen Shao could only claim he did not know Duke Min, saying that he had lied to Ning Yi to save his own life.

Prince Yan immediately looked triumphant, and Ning Yi requested a thorough investigation. But the Tiansheng Emperor, instead, vented his anger on him for deceiving him and scolded him. Shaoning also stepped forward, claiming that someone had instigated Chen Shao to frame Duke Min. Chen Shao had no choice but to take all the blame upon himself and begged for death. Feng Zhiwei, however, hoped to spare Chen Shao's life and investigate the matter thoroughly.

Both Ning Yi and Duke Min wanted Chen Shao dealt with. Finally, the Tiansheng Emperor handed Chen Shao over to Ning Qi for disposal. Duke Min flicked his sleeves and left. Ning Yi suffered a major defeat, kneeling on the ground, utterly dejected. Outside the palace walls, Feng Zhiwei watched Ning Yi walk away, seething with bitterness, but did not know how to comfort him.

Duke Min handed an item to Noble Consort Chang, stating that she should not examine it privately, and if it was ever needed, he would send her a message, and no third person should know. Prince Yan arrived at Noble Consort Chang's palace at this time. All three were paving the way for Prince Yan to become the Crown Prince. Xin Ziyan accompanied Ning Yi in his drunkenness.

He knew Ning Yi was unhappy and that drinking was the best way to vent. Imperial hegemony, the empire and its altars of soil and grain, to hell with all of it! Yijun said she had visited Lady Wang in the palace and saw Ning Yi. He said a few words to Lady Wang, and she cried, also mentioning a sachet. Ning Qi immediately understood and went to Ning Yi's rendezvous.

Ning Yi brought Li Cai, tied in a sack, to Ning Qi, who immediately panicked. The Tiansheng Emperor intended to use Ning Qi's hand to kill Chen Shao, so Ning Yi came to add more fuel to the fire. Chen Shao was brought before Ning Yi. It turned out that Ning Yi knew Duke Min was threatening Chen Shao with his mother, and he would certainly help him out of his dilemma.

Although Chen Shao felt he had let Ning Yi down, he had no choice but to leave today. He hoped Ning Yi would take care of himself, and that he would surely be able to eradicate the Chang clan in the future. Ning Yi wrote a letter to his friend for Chen Shao and let him go. Ning Qi, in turn, reported to the Tiansheng Emperor that Chen Shao had been brought to justice.

The Tiansheng Emperor bestowed the posthumous title of 'Min' upon Lin Renqi and summoned Duke Min and Ning Yi. The Tiansheng Emperor knew that Duke Min's visit today surely portended trouble. He wanted Feng Zhiwei to play the tough role in today's performance. Ning Yi watched Duke Min enter the imperial palace majestically in his imperial palanquin bestowed by the Emperor, truly audacious.

Inside the hall, Duke Min once again expressed regret over the matter concerning Chang Hai and knelt for a long time, refusing to get up. The Tiansheng Emperor had no choice but to personally come down and help Duke Min up. Subsequently, Duke Min expressed his hope that the Tiansheng Emperor would send Prince Yan to the Tiger Might Camp, where he would personally teach him the art of repelling enemies.

Feng Zhiwei recalled the Tiansheng Emperor's words and immediately stepped forward, stating that Duke Min's action was unjust. She spoke at length about his teaching of imperial princes, claiming he was overstepping his authority. At this moment, Ning Yi and Ning Qi arrived. Ning Yi and Duke Min engaged in another round of verbal sparring, and the Tiansheng Emperor then spoke.

The Tiansheng Emperor conferred upon Ning Qi the title of Prince Wei, and then announced that he would no longer designate a Crown Prince, and that the imperial edict of succession would be placed in the Golden Coffer Strategem.

Episode 29 Recap

Peng Shangshu felt that the person chosen by Emperor Tiansheng must be Prince Yan, but Prince Yan said that Emperor Tiansheng's move was to depose Duke Min. The urgent matter was that Prince Yan wanted to first find out whose name was in the Golden Coffer; if it was his, then the world would definitely be surnamed Ning, not Chang. Xin Ziyan brought up Ning Yi's marriage.

Back then, Emperor Tiansheng had bestowed Yuluo of the Qiu family, and the two had gone to great lengths to make Emperor Tiansheng retract his decree, which now seemed to be a mistake. Ning Yi, however, said that unfortunately, Yuluo was not Yuluo at that time, and Ning Yi was not Ning Yi either. In fact, Xin Ziyan had always felt that Feng Zhiwei was not worthy of Ning Yi. Deeply rooted affection was destined not to bear fruit.

Thus, Xin Ziyan, with a troubled expression, went to see Emperor Tiansheng, claiming he wished to remain by his side to serve, but was in fact asking for an official position. Emperor Tiansheng simply granted him the post of Grand Master of Ceremonies. Xin Ziyan turned to leave but then returned, stating that compiling the Tiansheng Records was busy, and he wished to ask Emperor Tiansheng to grant Feng Zhiwei to assist him in managing Qingming Academy.

After that, Emperor Tiansheng summoned Feng Zhiwei and told her to assume her post at Qingming Academy tomorrow. However, Feng Zhiwei felt it was improper, saying how could she, a humble commoner, discipline those students who were either rich or noble, not to mention that she had only recently left and now returned to Qingming Academy, which would inevitably lead to much speculation among the students. Feng Zhiwei's implication was also asking for an official position.

Emperor Tiansheng simply appointed her Director of Studies, promoting her by two ranks, and also bestowed an Imperial Seal Token. Back in her residence, Feng Zhiwei thought it over and felt increasingly uneasy. She was clearly asking for an official position, yet Emperor Tiansheng had agreed to all of it, which clearly seemed suspicious. Gu Nanyi spoke up, telling her to go find Xin Ziyan.

But Feng Zhiwei seemed to be afraid of Xin Ziyan, always feeling that he was paying attention to her. However, one does not hit a smiling person, so Feng Zhiwei, knowing his preference, gave a book to Xin Ziyan. Xin Ziyan had quite a few complaints about Feng Zhiwei, making her hit a wall and return to Wei Mansion. But Feng Zhiwei also knew that she could live peacefully at Qingming Academy from now on.

Xin Ziyan's words today were merely to make her stay away from Ning Yi, with no ulterior motives. Ning Yi learned of this and saw through Xin Ziyan's intentions; he merely wanted Ning Yi to sever his affections. Xin Ziyan seemed angry, saying if he felt he was being meddlesome, then he would request Emperor Tiansheng to let Feng Zhiwei return to that treacherous imperial court. Qingming Academy.

After Xin Ziyan left, a group of students started playing gambling freely, not caring about Feng Zhiwei at all. Seeing this, Feng Zhiwei went up to them and blended in. Yao Yangyu, who had always been unrestrained, repeatedly lost to Feng Zhiwei. Unwilling to accept defeat, Yao Yangyu came up with a new way to play. On the ball court, Feng Zhiwei, Gu Nanyi, and Yan Huaishi cooperated seamlessly, overwhelmingly defeating Yao Yangyu.

Yao Yangyu had no choice but to abide by the wager and asked Feng Zhiwei for instructions. Unexpectedly, Feng Zhiwei did not ask him to do anything, only asking Yao Yangyu to follow his heart in all matters. Yao Yangyu immediately knelt down and bowed to her, the Director of Studies, and the students behind him did the same.

Emperor Tiansheng instructed Song Jie, the guard previously bestowed upon Duke Min, to continue serving him, but Song Jie refused, claiming he had suffered great grievances in Minhai. Emperor Tiansheng ordered Zhao Yuan to take Song Jie away for detailed interrogation. Duke Min immediately knelt down and completely distanced himself from the matter. Emperor Tiansheng simply handed over the judicial governance of Minhai to the relevant departments for trial, allowing Duke Min to exclusively manage the prefectural army.

At this time, a report from the Minhai army arrived, hoping Duke Min would quickly return to Minhai, so Emperor Tiansheng allowed him to return to Minhai to defend against bandits. Emperor Tiansheng summoned Ning Yi to the palace. Father and son played chess, each with different thoughts. Emperor Tiansheng spoke first, saying he had already sent Duke Min back to Minhai.

Ning Yi, however, had a questioning tone: "Do you truly believe that all the evidence provided by Lin Renqi in his impeachment of Duke Min is false?" Emperor Tiansheng immediately became angry. Zhao Yuan pleaded for Ning Yi and was also punished. Fortunately, Ning Yi spoke up, which spared Zhao Yuan's punishment. Afterwards, Zhao Yuan read out the memorials recommending Prince Yan to inherit the throne.

Emperor Tiansheng told Ning Yi to see how powerful the Chang Clan was, and that a mere Chen Shao would not be enough to eliminate the Chang Clan. Ning Yi stood up and said that Duke Min did not believe there was an heir apparent's name in the Golden Coffer. Once this name appeared, this person would not only become a target for all but also become Emperor Tiansheng's sharpest blade.

Hearing this, Emperor Tiansheng raised his hand and summoned Ning Yi. Emperor Tiansheng told Ning Yi, "In the Golden Coffer, it is you." Ning Yi immediately understood and withdrew. Prince Chu's Residence. Xin Ziyan wanted to make a wager with Ning Yi using Lanxiang Courtyard, and Ning Yi readily agreed, seemingly in a good mood. But Ning Yi said, "It's just a swift blade, where is the heart?"

After hearing Emperor Tiansheng's words, Xin Ziyan wanted to use his master's words to advise Ning Yi. " Even a blade has a heart." But Ning Yi dismissed it, "What if it has a heart? The wielder of the blade has none." Ning Yi had once sworn to sever his thoughts of Emperor Tiansheng, but upon seeing this so-called imperial father, Ning Yi ultimately lost.

He could not be as resolute as Emperor Tiansheng, so resolute as to use his own biological son to eliminate dissidents, regardless of his safety. Xin Ziyan was silent for a long time, pondering deeply: "Emperors are inherently unrelated to affection; why should Ning Yi torment himself?" But Ning Yi was ultimately heartbroken. He questioned Xin Ziyan, "If one day he also treated you as a swift blade, would you still think it was worth it?"

Xin Ziyan replied, "Just do good deeds, don't ask about the future." Ning Yi shed tears, letting out a soft laugh. Chancellor Yao came to Qingming Academy and was extremely displeased to see that Yao Yangyu had changed the names of his attendants to Ding San and Er Si, sighing that his son was becoming increasingly neglectful of proper work. Walking further in, Yao Yangyu was gambling with Feng Zhiwei.

Chancellor Yao roared, questioning Feng Zhiwei why she was leading the students in gambling. Feng Zhiwei replied that she was teaching the students the method of intercalary months. Shaoning developed crimson flame blood marks on her arm. She felt it was related to Ning Yi because Emperor Tiansheng had allowed Ning Yi to reopen the old case of Consort Yan's Ya Le, so he was plotting against her. Feng Zhiwei had once reminded Shaoning to deal with those around her.

Only then did Shaoning remember, raising her voice and deliberately saying it for the servants nearby to hear. Afterwards, Shaoning ordered a carriage to be prepared; she wanted to leave the palace to find Feng Zhiwei. At this moment, the eunuch serving nearby looked flustered. Ning Cheng had previously arranged for him to tamper with Shaoning's food. And Ning Yi, learning that Shaoning had gone to Qingming Academy, immediately set off as well.

At Qingming Academy, after Chancellor Yao dismissed the students, he asked Feng Zhiwei if she had read Dacheng Yaolue. Feng Zhiwei had indeed seen this forbidden book at Master Zong's place, but only half of it. However, Feng Zhiwei denied it in front of Chancellor Yao. After hearing this, Chancellor Yao did not delve deeper, merely stating that he did not wish to see a literary inquisition arise in Tiansheng.

Shaoning, at this moment, hurriedly wanted to pull Feng Zhiwei away to discuss something, but Chancellor Yao said he also had important imperial matters and told her to wait aside. Ning Yi also arrived at Qingming Academy shortly after, and Chancellor Yao discreetly withdrew. Ning Yi then, under the pretense of inviting Feng Zhiwei for a drink, pulled her away from the main hall and brought her to Feng Zhiwei's temporary residence.

Episode 30 Recap

Shao Ning secretly came to the door of the room. Ning Yi, who was inside, noticed her, and his tone immediately became serious. He deliberately brought up how Qingming Academy had followed the lead of the deposed Crown Prince in the past. At this moment, Ning Cheng passed by and saw Shao Ning, who then fled in a hurry. Yan Huaishi came in again, saying that he saw Shao Ning leaving hastily with a disturbed expression.

Feng Zhiwei instantly understood that she had become a pawn in Ning Yi's game. After Shao Ning left Qingming Academy, she went to Prince Yan's Mansion. Ning Yi instructed his men to keep a close watch on her. Xin Ziyan said, "His move of luring the snake out of its hole is truly brilliant." The death of Consort Yan Yuele back then was orchestrated by Duke Min Changshi, who framed Consort Yan for treason and secretly letting her lover escape.

Ning Yi believed that Prince Yan would definitely make a move this time, so he ordered his men to release the news. Shao Ning worried that Ning Yi would follow the clues and discover that Noble Consort Chang had instructed Wang Shi to send false messages to Consort Yan Yuele. Therefore, she discussed with Noble Consort Chang how to make Wang Shi keep silent. The Tian Sheng Emperor summoned Lingtai Cheng.

Lingtai Cheng claimed that recently there was an auspicious sign of five planets aligning, which was related to the Crown Prince. Subsequently, the Tian Sheng Emperor ordered Gu Yan to discreetly investigate the matter. Helian Zheng came to Qingming Academy, saying he wanted to visit Wei Zhi. Yan Huaishi quickly stopped him, stating that Feng Zhiwei had set a rule that unauthorized personnel were not allowed inside.

Helian Zheng had no choice but to climb over the wall, but unexpectedly, he was thrown out by Gu Nanyi again. At this moment, Feng Zhiwei was playing chess with Yan Huaishi, mentioning that she had read the Dacheng Yaolue. Yan Huaishi quickly closed the doors and windows, telling her that she must stop there and not spread the information. Feng Zhiwei felt puzzled.

It turned out that the author of the Dacheng Yaolue had predicted that the Tian Sheng Dynasty would not last long. At this moment, Helian Zheng made a ruckus outside again. Upon seeing him, Feng Zhiwei mocked him. Feng Zhiwei told Helian Zheng that he must pass the entrance exam into Qingming Academy by his own ability, and those wearing luxurious clothes would need an additional test. Upon hearing this, Helian Zheng took off his clothes.

Prince Yan learned that the Tian Sheng Emperor had already ordered an investigation into the auspicious sign, so he thought of adding more fuel to the fire, otherwise it would be difficult to sway the Tian Sheng Emperor's mind. Noble Consort Chang summoned Wang Shi and gave her a piece of Yunjin brocade, saying that she regretted not helping her gain the Tian Sheng Emperor's favor back then.

The Tian Sheng Emperor ordered Prince Yan to preside over the Tianchang Festival banquet. Gu Yan claimed that the heavenly auspicious sign was fabricated. The Tian Sheng Emperor then told him to continue the investigation. Unexpectedly, the ministers presented more evidence of the auspicious sign. The Vice Chancellor stated that the reason the ministers acted this way was because the succession was unclear, and he requested to send someone to supervise.

The Tian Sheng Emperor then ordered Feng Zhiwei and Chancellor Yao to oversee the imperial will, and also commanded Ning Yi to immediately escort the Golden Casket with the Golden Feather Token to Qingming Academy.

Episode 31 Recap

Helian Zheng could not answer the question, so he insisted Feng Zhiwei find someone to answer it for him. At this moment, Ning Yi happened to arrive at Qingming Academy and answered Feng Zhiwei's question. Helian Zheng became annoyed and simply sat down stubbornly, refusing to leave. Gu Nanyi then picked up Helian Zheng and threw him out of Qingming Academy.

Ning Yi handed the Jin Kui to Feng Zhiwei and announced the Tiansheng Emperor's decree, instructing her to guard it well. Consort Chang warned Lady Wang, but Prince Yan was deeply worried, thinking that the Jin Kui most likely contained Ning Yi's name. Moreover, from the situation at court today, the Tiansheng Emperor already intended to guard against the Chang clan.

Therefore, Prince Yan instructed Consort Chang to definitely eliminate Lady Wang and to investigate the Jin Kui at the Tiansheng Emperor's birthday banquet. Feng Zhiwei was very uneasy after receiving the Jin Kui, so she went to Xin Ziyan for advice. After some pointers from Xin Ziyan, Feng Zhiwei finally remembered the reason why the Tiansheng Emperor released Ning Yi from the Imperial Clan Court; ultimately, he was nothing more than a pawn.

Returning to her room, Feng Zhiwei handed the real Jin Kui to Gu Nanyi and kept the fake one in her own room, ordering people to guard her room. The palace maid beside Lady Wang ruined the silk bestowed by Consort Chang, so Lady Wang had to go apologize. While Lady Wang was away from her palace, the maid then accepted a reward from Consort Chang intended for Lady Wang.

Attendant Xu delivered the invitation to the Tiansheng Emperor's birthday banquet to Helian Zheng, but Helian Zheng was in a bad mood and ungraciously drove Attendant Xu away. Helian Zheng immediately conceived a plan. Ning Yi obtained Consort Yan Ya Yue's handwritten order from that year, which privately allowed Zhan Bi to leave.

He also learned from Wu Ying that Lady Wang had secretly met with Consort Yan Ya Yue before the incident, which immediately made Ning Yi suspicious of Lady Wang. Consort Chang dismissed her servants and had Shaoning invite Feng Zhiwei into the palace to offer birthday wishes. At that time, someone would naturally enter her bedchamber to investigate the Jin Kui Yao Lüe. Helian Zheng came to find Feng Zhiwei again. Gu Nanyi could only say she was not present.

However, Helian Zheng claimed that the Tiansheng Emperor ordered him to find Feng Zhiwei, so Gu Nanyi had to let her into the room. Feng Zhiwei hid inside the hall. Yan Huaishi then reported that Shaoning was also coming to Qingming Academy. Feng Zhiwei had no choice but to first meet with Helian Zheng.

Helian Zheng stated that the Tiansheng Emperor had sent people to Qiu Manor to deliver a decree, inviting Qiu Shangqi's niece, Feng Zhiwei, to the Tianchang Festival banquet. Feng Zhiwei immediately grew anxious. Unexpectedly, Shaoning had already arrived at Qingming Academy. Shaoning had requested a favor from the Tiansheng Emperor, allowing Wei Zhi to attend the Tianchang Festival banquet and even permitting him to enter the inner court.

While Feng Zhiwei was feeling helpless, Helian Zheng and Gu Nanyi started fighting. She quickly told Yan Huaishi to watch Shaoning. Feng Zhiwei wanted to discuss with Helian Zheng about canceling the Tianchang Festival appointment, but Helian Zheng refused. He even made a harsh threat, saying that if she didn't go, he would tell the Tiansheng Emperor that Feng Zhiwei was Wei Zhi. Feng Zhiwei was annoyed but could do nothing about him.

Wu Ying informed Ning Yi of this matter. Ning Yi was very displeased that Helian Zheng had invited Feng Zhiwei. Ning Cheng added fuel to the fire, claiming that Helian Zheng intended to win the beauty's heart. Now that Feng Zhiwei was besieged on all sides and unable to cope with everything, Ning Yi was both jealous and worried, yet he feigned an appearance of merely watching the show.

After court, when Feng Zhiwei was feeling helpless, Ning Yi came running to watch the commotion. Feng Zhiwei was provoked. At this moment, Shaoning approached the two with her attendants. So, Ning Yi swept out a leg, and Feng Zhiwei fell to the ground, feigning illness to Shaoning, stating she could not accompany her to the banquet. Shaoning watched, heartbroken. All of this was observed by Zhao Yuan from the shadows.

Zhao Yuan deliberately told the Tiansheng Emperor that Ning Yi was mischievous, but the Tiansheng Emperor instead asked about Shaoning. Shaoning had recently been frequently visiting Consort Chang and Prince Yan's manor, which immediately displeased the Tiansheng Emperor, and he ordered that Shaoning be closely watched. Ning Yi ordered Wu Ying to send the scriptures he had copied to Qinglong Temple. He had fasted for a day to commemorate Ya Yue.

Ning Yi directly called himself unfilial, lamenting that tomorrow was Ya Yue's death anniversary, yet he would have to celebrate the Tiansheng Emperor's birthday in the palace with all the officials.

Episode 32 Recap

Feng Zhiwei changed into women's clothing and came before Helian Zheng holding an umbrella. However, the woman under the umbrella had a face full of pockmarks and dirt. Helian Zheng was stunned for a moment, then immediately called her the most beautiful woman, which truly disgusted Feng Zhiwei. After Yao Yangci, daughter of Chancellor Yao, and Qiu Yuluo met Consort Chang, Feng Zhiwei came to Consort Chang for an audience. Everyone found Feng Zhiwei's face amusing.

Consort Chang found her interesting and even rewarded her with some things. When Shao Ning saw Qiu Yuluo and Feng Zhiwei, she asked them separately if they knew Wei Zhi. The former denied knowing Wei Zhi, but Feng Zhiwei claimed he was her cousin. Shao Ning looked interested and pestered Feng Zhiwei to tell her about Wei Zhi. Ning Qi and Empress Wang received a secret letter from Ning Yi, which was filled with warnings.

Empress Wang had no choice but to open a box, inside which was the memorial tablet of Consort Ya Le. Eighteen years ago, she personally took Ya Le's life. Immediately after, Empress Wang took out the generous gift she had prepared, which inexplicably turned into the golden casket containing a secret. Ning Qi advised Empress Wang to turn a blind eye to save herself.

Hua Gongmei bribed a palace maid near Consort Chang, wanting her to reveal Ning Yi's location at the birthday banquet, seemingly out of admiration. Ning Yi saw Feng Zhiwei's ugly appearance and directly called her hideous. The two engaged in a round of bickering. Qiu Yuluo and Hua Gongmei arrived at their location at this moment, and Feng Zhiwei used this to provoke Ning Yi into leaving.

Qiu Yuluo seized the opportunity to fan the flames, claiming that Feng Zhiwei deliberately disguised herself as ugly and also seduced Ning Yi, which immediately displeased Hua Gongmei. Ning Yi somehow arrived at Yilan Palace, the former residence of Consort Ya Le. Memories flooded back, and looking at the familiar yet dilapidated palace, Ning Yi felt a little breathless. A blind old nanny suddenly appeared. Ning Yi recognized her; she was Aunt Ling Ying.

Ning Yi couldn't believe it; she was still alive. However, Ling Ying didn't believe he was Ning Yi, thinking he was another person coming to question her, so she repeatedly claimed she knew nothing. Ning Yi wanted Ling Ying to believe he was Ning Yi. He spoke of old events, and Ling Ying touched his face before she believed he was Ning Yi. Ning Yi only wanted to know the truth about Ya Le's death.

Ling Ying seemed to have made a great decision before she spoke, saying that Ya Le died because of Ning Yi! Ling Ying left, and Ning Yi could only curl up on the ground, crying out. A heavy rain began to fall in the palace. Feng Zhiwei somehow arrived at Yilan Palace and, hearing Ning Yi's cries, she boldly entered the forbidden palace. In the shadows, Hua Gongmei watched it all with satisfaction.

Ning Qi came before the Tiansheng Emperor to express his loyalty, claiming that he had always been Ning Qi who listened to him, and Empress Wang had always regarded him as her heaven. After Ning Qi left, the Tiansheng Emperor decided to add fuel to the fire for these princes. The makeup on Feng Zhiwei's face was washed clean by the rain. She and Ning Yi sat in the dilapidated palace, warming themselves.

Ning Yi said that this was the palace where he had lived for eight years, but he had never been back since waking up from his coma. Hua Gongmei was currently complaining about Feng Zhiwei to Consort Chang, saying that someone had trespassed into the forbidden palace. And Shao Ning, learning that Ning Yi had secretly entered the palace, also came to add fuel to the fire, hoping Consort Chang could seize a handle on Ning Yi.

Upon hearing this, Consort Chang immediately led people to the forbidden palace. Ning Yi sensed that Feng Zhiwei's presence in the forbidden palace had been discovered. At this moment, Consort Chang happened to arrive with her people, so the two had to hide first. Because the Tiansheng Emperor had decreed that no one should enter without permission, Consort Chang ordered someone to request an imperial decree to search the palace.

Upon learning this, the Tiansheng Emperor was displeased, stating that he needed to rest and would not see the person requesting the decree. Consort Chang and Shao Ning heard a female voice outside the palace shouting for justice in Sunset tribal language. Consort Chang immediately opened the door to investigate. Feng Zhiwei, behind Consort Chang's back, used Sunset tribal language to ask Ning Yi to avenge her, while Ning Yi swore to personally kill the Chang clan.

Consort Chang suddenly felt weak. Just then, someone reported that the Tiansheng Emperor was unavailable, so she ordered her people back to the palace and forbade anyone from mentioning today's events. Prince Yan knew this was Ning Yi's deliberate act, but Consort Chang was fearful in her heart and almost revealed a clue. After Prince Yan's persuasion, Consort Chang temporarily forgot her fear.

Prince Yan also instructed Consort Chang to ensure her marriage arrangements were settled during the Tiansheng Emperor's birthday banquet to expand his influence. The Tiansheng Emperor's birthday banquet. The Tiansheng Emperor looked at the people seated and knew that one by one, they were eager to make their grand entrance and put on a show. Consort Chang then spoke, wanting the Tiansheng Emperor to bestow Yao Yangci, daughter of Chancellor Yao, upon Prince Yan.

The Tiansheng Emperor neither agreed nor denied it. Shao Ning performed a song and dance to wish the Tiansheng Emperor a happy birthday, and used this to try and embarrass Ning Yi. However, Ning Yi said he had prepared a zither once used by Ya Le to wish the Tiansheng Emperor a happy birthday. The Tiansheng Emperor quickly praised his thoughtfulness but did not let him perform. Consort Chang pressed again about the marriage bestowal.

The Tiansheng Emperor simply decided to choose a consort for the princes from among the female guests present today. Consort Chang smiled broadly and agreed. Prince Yan and Ning Qi also hastily expressed their gratitude. However, Ning Yi was unwilling to choose a consort today. Helian Zheng then stepped forward to make up the numbers, claiming he wanted to marry Feng Zhiwei as his consort.

Feng Zhiwei quickly revealed her face, saying she had neither talent nor virtue and was unworthy of Helian Zheng. Ning Yi naturally did not want this marriage to happen, so he suggested that the Tiansheng Emperor pose a question to select the consorts.

Episode 33 Recap

The Emperor Tiansheng approved Ning Yi's suggestion. He posed a question, asking each prince to write a character on paper, with the theme being "the foundation of human existence." Daughters of officials also wrote a character, and each official's daughter randomly chose a character written by a prince; if they matched, it meant their hearts were in sync. Hua Gongmei drew Ning Yi's character. But upon opening it, there was no character on Ning Yi's paper.

Consort Chang and Shaoning seized the opportunity to claim that Ning Yi was humiliating Emperor Tiansheng. Feng Zhiwei suddenly coughed, making a sound. Then she stood up and said Ning Yi's solution was brilliant, and Ning Ji also agreed. As Feng Zhiwei was about to leave, Consort Chang suddenly wanted to betroth Feng Zhiwei to Ning Yi. Ning Yi had to say she had an unusual appearance to avoid this trouble.

Afterwards, Yao Yangci also came out to draw, and naturally drew Prince Yan. Yao Yangci was exceptionally talented and flattered Emperor Tiansheng with the character 'love' written by Prince Yan. Prince Yan seized the opportunity to ask Emperor Tiansheng to fulfill their union, but Yao Yangci requested Emperor Tiansheng to allow her to choose another card. Consort Chang immediately became displeased. Yao Yangci only said that choosing again wouldn't change anything; she was just curious.

Yao Yangci received Emperor Tiansheng's permission and drew another card, which also had the character 'love' on it. This fraudulent act made Emperor Tiansheng very displeased. Consort Chang could only say that perhaps another prince had also written the character 'love', and then looked at Ning Qi, her eyes full of menace. Ning Qi, helpless, had to say that he had also written the character 'love'.

Yao Yangci originally did not want to fall into Consort Chang's trap, so this move conveniently pushed away the marriage. Zhao Yuan immediately stepped in to mediate, asking the princes to present their congratulatory gifts. Outside the hall, Madam Wang looked at the congratulatory gift carried by the maid, feeling extremely uneasy, wanting to persuade Ning Qi not to take risks.

Ning Qi refused, saying that if they didn't do this, where else in this vast imperial palace would there be a place for him and his mother to stay? Ning Yi also instructed Feng Zhiwei outside the hall that if the sound of a woman crying was heard inside the main hall, she should start playing. Ning Yi presented a Minhai Tongbao coin, which Duke Min had privately minted. Consort Chang's people immediately panicked.

Emperor Tiansheng was displeased and ordered Zhao Yuan to put it away carefully. The birthday gift presented by Madam Wang and Ning Qi, when uncovered, turned out to be the Golden Coffer. Ning Qi claimed this was not the congratulatory gift Madam Wang had prepared. The maid immediately knelt down, saying it might have been taken by mistake. Madam Wang and Ning Qi cooperated, pushing away responsibility for the Golden Coffer incident.

Consort Chang was relentless, believing that the mother and son had forged the Golden Coffer. Ning Qi merely said that his and Madam Wang's loyalty to Emperor Tiansheng had never changed, a statement identical to what he had said when he met Emperor Tiansheng earlier that day.

Emperor Tiansheng knew his thoughts, but Prince Yan failed to see Ning Qi's deliberate act, claiming that Ning Qi wanted to seize the throne and usurp power, attempting to have Emperor Tiansheng punish him. Madam Wang panicked, crying and shouting that she had done nothing. At this moment, Ning Yi spoke, "Madam Wang, have you truly done nothing?" Madam Wang's face changed drastically. She knew Ning Yi was referring to the death of Consort Yan eighteen years ago.

She was about to speak but was interrupted by Ning Qi. Ning Yi pressed her repeatedly. Madam Wang completely broke down, but outside the hall, Feng Zhiwei's ethereal zither music suddenly echoed. Madam Wang calmed down, but in a brief moment, she was driven mad by the guilt in her heart, exclaiming that "she" had returned, and then revealed the truth from eighteen years ago: it was she who, at Consort Chang's instigation, framed Consort Yan and poisoned her!

Emperor Tiansheng immediately fainted at his desk, and everyone panicked. Shaoning burst into Emperor Tiansheng's bedchamber, saw him gravely ill, knelt beside him, and then withdrew after crying. After Shaoning left, Emperor Tiansheng sat up, showing no signs of illness. Eighteen years ago, Consort Yan, to ensure Ning Yi's safety, transfused blood to both father and son. In a fit of rage, Emperor Tiansheng picked up a bow and strangled Consort Yan with the string.

With his young son and a major upheaval in his household, Emperor Tiansheng's heart was filled with mixed emotions. Ning Yi shared a similar fate with Emperor Tiansheng as father and son, naturally knowing that he was not truly gravely ill. When he came to visit Emperor Tiansheng, Emperor Tiansheng childishly complained about the bitter medicine and said he was tired of feigning illness, wanting to pull Ning Yi to play chess.

Ning Yi simply said he had something to do and left first. Prince Yan sent for Imperial Physician Zhang, and after coercion and inducements, he made him serve his purpose and had him obtain Emperor Tiansheng's medical records. The next day, Prince Yan and Shaoning were in a carriage heading to Qingming Academy. Shaoning's purpose in going there was to get close to Feng Zhiwei and find out whose name was truly inside the Golden Coffer.

Feng Zhiwei dreamt that she had become a prisoner, and as the executioner's blade fell, she suddenly woke up. The Yan Clan leader sent a letter, requesting the court to issue an imperial decree for transportation. Prince Yan brought Shaoning to Qingming Academy, using Shaoning's naughtiness as an excuse to have Feng Zhiwei discipline her. When Feng Zhiwei knelt to greet them, she claimed her leg ailment had flared up. Prince Yan then took Shaoning to settle in first.

Feng Zhiwei said, "The visitors mean no good." Ning Yi felt disheartened by Emperor Tiansheng's calculations regarding their father-son relationship. He suddenly remembered Feng Zhiwei once asking him why he always schemed against her. Ning Yi had originally thought he wouldn't scheme against Feng Zhiwei, but now it seemed the Ning family's bloodline was predisposed to such. Xin Ziyan saw his expression and repeatedly exclaimed that Ning Yi had developed true feelings for Feng Zhiwei.

Episode 34 Recap

Xin Ziyan teased Ning Yi. Ning Yi only requested that he must consult with him regarding future actions concerning Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei pretended to have a leg ailment. At this time, Prince Yan brought Imperial Physician Zhang to examine her. Feng Zhiwei truly couldn't refuse. Just then, a person reported that something had happened at Qingming Academy, so Prince Yan accompanied Feng Zhiwei to investigate.

Prince Yan supported Feng Zhiwei, while also instructing her to guard the Jin Kui well. Feng Zhiwei simply told Prince Yan about her habit of sleeping with the Jin Kui, intending to lure the snake out of its hole. Everyone arrived in the hall and found Shaoning and Yao Yangyu causing a commotion. It turned out that Shaoning had lost a bet with Yao Yangyu but didn't have any money with her for the wager.

In a fit of anger, Shaoning took out the tiger tally given to her by the Tiansheng Emperor. Prince Yan only calmed down after reprimanding several people. In Feng Zhiwei's room, Imperial Physician Zhang tried to take Yan Huaishi by surprise and give him an injection to investigate the Jin Kui, but he was discovered by Gu Nanyi, who pushed open the door and entered. Imperial Physician Zhang was flustered.

Gu Nanyi quickly chased him away, saying there was an important item in the room. In the middle of the night, Yan Huaishi, holding the tiger tally Feng Zhiwei had given him, arrived at Prince Chu's residence. Ning Yi understood that Feng Zhiwei wanted him to help her out of a predicament. The next day, Minister Peng of the Ministry of Justice brought people to surround Qingming Academy.

Upon learning this, Feng Zhiwei told Gu Nanyi to stay in her room and went to see for herself. It turned out that Shaoning's tiger tally, which allowed her to enter and exit the palace and mobilize personal guards, was lost. Minister Peng wanted to search Qingming Academy, unaware that all the students of Qingming Academy had been confined by Feng Zhiwei due to last night's incident.

Minister Peng then wanted to search the rooms of Feng Zhiwei, Gu Nanyi, and Yan Huaishi. Feng Zhiwei naturally refused. After a confrontation between the two, Minister Peng ultimately took his people to Feng Zhiwei's courtyard. At this moment, Prince Yan whispered something into Ni Wenyu's ear. Ni Wenyu then entered the confinement room and told Yao Yangyu that the Ministry of Justice was going to arrest Feng Zhiwei.

Yao Yangyu was indignant and immediately led the students to the scene. Ning Yi sent Wu Ying to deliver a letter to the Tiansheng Emperor. After reading it, the Tiansheng Emperor was greatly pleased and had Zhao Yuan convey an oral decree, saying that Ning Yi was truly filial and the excellent remedy he offered had stabilized his condition. The people from the Ministry of Justice wanted to enter Feng Zhiwei's courtyard. Yan Huaishi and Feng Zhiwei blocked them.

The students of Qingming Academy also arrived at this time, and the scene became chaotic. Prince Yan took advantage of the chaos to enter Feng Zhiwei's room, but he saw Ning Yi there. He could only say that he was there to look for the tiger tally. And by Feng Zhiwei's bed, Shaoning's tiger tally was indeed found. After Ning Yi's somewhat nonchalant judgment, he ordered Feng Zhiwei to be temporarily detained.

Feng Zhiwei was furious and bit Ning Yi's arm to vent her anger. Although Prince Yan didn't see the Jin Kui, he had figured out the Tiansheng Emperor's intentions. Most likely, Ning Yi was inside the Jin Kui. Especially after learning that Ning Yi had offered an excellent remedy, Prince Yan could no longer sit still. Today, he had to act. After arranging his people to proceed according to plan, Prince Yan called out to Imperial Physician Zhang. . .

Qinglong Temple. After Ning Yi and Xin Ziyan paid their respects to Consort Yan, Ning Yi stated that he had rescued that person and hidden him here, and had also arranged for someone to impersonate him, so he would not be discovered by Prince Yan for now. Immediately after, Xin Ziyan called for Assistant Minister Xu and revealed the reason he had been following Prince Yan.

It turned out that Prince Yan had a Chanshi, who happened to be Assistant Minister Xu's elder brother who had become a monk in his early years, and who had written a book that made the Tiansheng Emperor quite wary, the "Essentials of Great Achievement". The Chanshi immediately appeared before Assistant Minister Xu, but he had not spoken for many years.

Seeing that he was in Prince Chu's hands, Assistant Minister Xu wasted no time and directly asked Xin Ziyan what he wanted him to do. Xin Ziyan merely said that today was simply about finding a proper way to send the Chanshi to live out his remaining years in peace. In the confinement room, Feng Zhiwei wrote a few sentences on paper.

She remembered what Ning Yi had said and would certainly cooperate, only hoping that Ning Yi could realize his ambitions. At this moment, Shaoning diverted the guards and took Feng Zhiwei to Prince Yan's residence. In the hall, Duke Min's subordinate was threatening Prince Yan, telling him to assist them, or else he would personally lead troops to support the emperor. Shaoning and Feng Zhiwei were very worried upon hearing this.

Prince Yan also came out at this time to cooperate with Shaoning's act, and he handed an item to Feng Zhiwei. Prince Yan and Shaoning believed they were in control of the whole situation, unaware that Ning Yi had already sent Xin Ziyan to stabilize the Tiansheng Emperor, and Feng Zhiwei was acting according to his instructions. When Prince Yan learned that the Chanshi had disappeared, he knew that Assistant Minister Xu had betrayed him.

At this time, Assistant Minister Xu was at Prince Chu's residence, fully disclosing Prince Yan's plan to stage a forced abdication. He also pointed out that Duke Min's subordinate was Yuan Chong from the Tiger Might Camp years ago, who had now changed his identity to Liu Guang. Prince Yan would persuade Feng Zhiwei to take out the imperial edict from the Jin Kui, and once it was taken out, Feng Zhiwei would be shot dead by Liu Guang.

Ning Yi immediately became agitated, ordering Ning Cheng to gather guards and personally apprehend Yuan Chong. He also told Assistant Minister Xu to stay in his residence to avoid trouble. Gu Nanyi overheard this and reported it to Master Zong. Master Zong, upon learning that Feng Zhiwei was in danger, immediately ordered him to save her, and also to kill Ning Yi amidst the chaos.

Outside Shunping Gate, Ning Yi successfully apprehended Yuan Chong as he wished, and Gu Nanyi's arrow was stirring in the dark. Ning Yi was too disdainful to kill the scoundrel Yuan Chong himself, so he ordered his men to escort him back to the Ministry of Justice and turned to leave. Yuan Chong, unwilling to give up, tried to lunge forward but was shot dead by an arrow from Gu Nanyi.

Gu Nanyi knew that if Ning Yi died, Feng Zhiwei would be sad. The Tiansheng Emperor summoned the princes and ministers into the palace. Feng Zhiwei and Shaoning stealthily evaded the guards of Qingming Academy and obtained the Jin Kui. At this moment, Ning Yi also came for the Jin Kui. Feng Zhiwei simply showed herself and followed him into the palace. Shaoning, fearing that the Tiansheng Emperor did not have long to live, also returned to the imperial palace.

In the carriage, Feng Zhiwei was suddenly called out by Ning Yi, while Shaoning remained in the carriage with the Jin Kui and the fake imperial edict Prince Yan had given Feng Zhiwei. Prince Yan had given Feng Zhiwei a fake imperial edict, claiming it was to let Duke Min's former subordinates know that his name was in the edict, thereby dispelling their doubts. However, Shaoning had secretly swapped this fake imperial edict with the real one.

Ning Yi had Feng Zhiwei take the Jin Kui, and they rode horses together into the palace. The Imperial Palace. The ministers were uneasy. Shaoning secretly slipped the imperial edict to Prince Yan. At this moment, the Tiansheng Emperor decreed that Feng Zhiwei should read the imperial edict. The Tiansheng Emperor listened from inside the hall, then had Ning Yi take a small box, preparing to go out and personally end this play.

Episode 35 Recap

Feng Zhiwei was reading the imperial edict when Prince Yan suddenly interrupted, shouting for Emperor Tiansheng to appear. Emperor Tiansheng appeared, and Feng Zhiwei continued reading. The imperial edict naturally bore Prince Yan's name. Emperor Tiansheng stated that he had written two imperial edicts: one given to Feng Zhiwei and Chancellor Yao, and the other in a box Ning Yi took from the couch.

Ning Yi then read that imperial edict, which contained words of admonition for his children, full of warnings. Prince Yan quickly cried out that he was wronged, but Zhao Yuan searched him and found the real imperial edict. Emperor Tiansheng knew Prince Yan had played a trick of deceptive substitution, and that he had instructed Imperial Physician Zhang to poison him.

Then, Secretary Xu also appeared, revealing his collusion with the former Chang clan members, adding another layer to his crimes. Emperor Tiansheng was furious and demoted Prince Yan to a commoner. Only after Shaoning and Ning Qi jointly pleaded for him was his life spared. Prince Yan was naturally unwilling. He personally removed the golden crown from his head and decided to speak frankly with his imperial father.

Emperor Tiansheng was wary of Duke Min but dared not do anything to him, so he used Prince Yan, a son with the Chang clan's bloodline, as a scapegoat, manipulating him with father-son affection, which would dishearten anyone. Emperor Tiansheng, however, replied, "Those who are willing will be caught." He gently stroked Prince Yan's head and told him to go.

Prince Yan knew that from then on, father and son would never meet again, so he knelt down and bowed three times heavily, but then suddenly drew a sword from a nearby Golden Feather Guard, pointing it directly at Ning Yi. The Golden Feather Guards dragged the deranged Prince Yan to Zongzheng Temple. From then on, there was no longer a Prince Yan in Tiansheng.

Consort Chang removed her hairpin to confess her crime, requesting Emperor Tiansheng to grant her death. However, Emperor Tiansheng only wanted to demote her to a Cai Nü. To his surprise, Consort Chang had already consumed poison wine. She wished to return to the palace to await death in exchange for the life of Ning Sheng, who had been demoted to a commoner. Emperor Tiansheng was displeased, but Consort Chang asked him why she could no longer bear children.

It turned out that when Emperor Tiansheng was assassinated years ago, Consort Chang, pregnant with Ning Sheng, had blocked a sword for him, not only causing her to give birth prematurely but also injuring her body. Emperor Tiansheng knew he owed her and her son, so he remained silent, thus sparing Ning Sheng's life and allowing him to live on. Yan Huaishi left Feng Zhiwei's residence. Gu Nanyi and Feng Zhiwei thought he had probably returned to Minhai.

With the current undercurrents in the court, Feng Zhiwei was quite relieved that Yan Huaishi had left this troubled place. At this moment, Yan Huaishi rushed back and gave the distribution map of Minhai pirates to Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei felt both ashamed and joyful; now she had a reason to leave the imperial capital. Lady Wang was promoted from Cairen to Shunyi. Ning Qi presented Lady Wang with a hairpin imitating Consort Chang's.

Lady Wang was initially pleased but then took the hairpin off. Lady Wang did not want Ning Qi to be involved in the imperial struggle any further, so she tried to persuade him to return to the frontier, become a carefree prince, and preserve his life. Ning Qi was unwilling. Since the day he returned to the imperial capital, his ambition to seize the throne had never changed. At worst, he would die.

Emperor Tiansheng wanted Ning Yi to step down from his position in the Censorate. Ning Yi did not object. Emperor Tiansheng said he was quite obedient now. Unexpectedly, Ning Yi revealed Emperor Tiansheng's true intentions: by stepping down from the Censorate, he could contend with Ning Qi, creating a balanced situation in the court. Emperor Tiansheng understood his hidden meaning and was immediately displeased.

At this moment, Feng Zhiwei arrived for an audience, bringing Yan Huaishi and the distribution map of Minhai pirates. Yan Huaishi fully explained the source of the map. Emperor Tiansheng was furious, exclaiming, "What a Duke Min!" Feng Zhiwei took the opportunity to persuade Emperor Tiansheng to send a special envoy to Minhai. Emperor Tiansheng said he needed to consider it. Before Ning Yi withdrew, he suddenly said that the position in the Censorate was his by right.

Ning Yi knew Feng Zhiwei was afraid. She feared that the turbulent undercurrents of the court would completely swallow her, and he also knew that Feng Zhiwei wanted to leave. Ning Yi also wanted to protect Feng Zhiwei, so he did not reject her plan. Ning Yi merely took Feng Zhiwei's arm and bit it hard, but his eyes were filled with tears. She was going on a long journey, and he was just leaving a little memory.

Feng Zhiwei changed into a woman's attire and danced gracefully before Ning Yi. She suddenly awoke to find that it was merely a dancing girl before her eyes. Xin Ziyan and Ning Yi were planning to reduce the power of the feudal lords. Since Emperor Tiansheng had decided to overthrow the Chang clan, only one person was needed to present this strategy.

Xin Ziyan naturally wanted to go, but how could Chang Zhongyi, Duke Min's most trusted eldest son, return to the capital? Ning Yi smiled. Emperor Tiansheng was going to select a consort for Shaoning, so it was logical for someone from the Chang clan to return to the capital. Emperor Tiansheng tested Ning Qi, then allowed him to go to the Central Secretariat to review copies of memorials.

Feng Zhiwei always avoided Shaoning, so Shaoning had to find someone to block her. Shaoning took the hand-beads given to her by the deposed Crown Prince, wanting to exchange them for a personal item from Feng Zhiwei. Ning Qi suddenly appeared, sending Feng Zhiwei away to talk with Shaoning alone. Shaoning handed the hand-beads to Ning Qi, willing to exchange them for Feng Zhiwei's sincere heart.

Xin Ziyan entered the palace to present his strategy for reducing the power of the feudal lords, but he wanted to make a bet with Emperor Tiansheng: if he won, he would designate the executor of the plan. Xin Ziyan won, and the person he recommended was Prince Wei, Ning Qi. At this moment, Ning Qi happened to request an audience. The list of potential consorts for Shaoning had already been drafted, and Ning Qi had come specifically to present this list.

Episode 36 Recap

The list included Yao Yangyu, Chunyu Meng, and Feng Zhiwei. Afterwards, the Tiansheng Emperor asked about Shaoning's feelings, and Ning Qi truthfully revealed that Shaoning was infatuated with Feng Zhiwei. Xin Ziyan said it was a pity that Feng Zhiwei was a beloved official of the Tiansheng Emperor; if she became a royal son-in-law, she would have to stay away from court, which would be truly regrettable.

Ning Qi, however, thought it did not matter, as Feng Zhiwei had no family background. The Tiansheng Emperor could only let Ning Qi first sound out Feng Zhiwei's thoughts, lest things backfire. At the same time, the Tiansheng Emperor tacitly approved the idea of using Shaoning's marriage to recall Chang Zhongyi to the capital. Ning Qi immediately invited Feng Zhiwei, saying he only wanted to get closer to her, and then summoned several pleasure women.

One courtesan greatly admired Feng Zhiwei and lunged towards her upon seeing her. Another courtesan, however, said that Feng Zhiwei looked quite like Zhu Yin. Feng Zhiwei quickly pulled the woman beside her into her arms, pretending to be a frequent visitor of such establishments. The woman then continued, saying Zhu Yin's sister looked exactly like Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei was displeased, pretending to be drunk, and quickly had Yan Huaishi take her back to her residence.

As for Ning Qi, he naturally let the woman continue speaking. Ning Qi advised Shaoning to consider more carefully. He already knew Feng Zhiwei's true identity, but Shaoning insisted on marrying no one but Feng Zhiwei. Ning Qi had no choice but to say he would host a banquet for Feng Zhiwei at Lanxiangyuan, and urged Shaoning to come along to avoid future regrets.

Xin Ziyan told Ning Yi about this, and Ning Yi was very displeased, refusing to do so. But Xin Ziyan hoped to use this matter to recall Chang Zhongyi to the capital. While the two were arguing, Ning Qi requested an audience. Ning Qi asked Ning Yi to personally invite Feng Zhiwei for a gathering at Lanxiangyuan. Feng Zhiwei was writing a memorial, requesting an imperial decree to go to Minhai.

Yan Huaishi couldn't help but worry, as the journey would be extremely dangerous. Ning Yi invited Feng Zhiwei. Since Zhu Yin left, Lanxiangyuan had long since changed beyond recognition. At this moment, Ning Qi arrived, while Shaoning hid in the shadows. Just then, a man was trying to force a courtesan named Qian Mo into the bridal chamber. Seeing Feng Zhiwei, Qian Mo immediately lunged towards her.

Ning Yi was displeased, revealed his identity, and took Feng Zhiwei away from Lanxiangyuan. Ning Yi didn't believe that what happened tonight was a coincidence. What was Ning Qi planning? Ning Yi couldn't help but worry about Feng Zhiwei, as he had been instrumental in her becoming Wei Zhi. Therefore, Ning Yi advised Xin Ziyan to enter the palace and ask the Tiansheng Emperor to send Feng Zhiwei to Minhai. Shaoning again blocked Feng Zhiwei, pressing her about her intentions.

Feng Zhiwei stated directly that it was difficult to obey. Shaoning became angry and ordered her men to tie Feng Zhiwei up and take her to see the Tiansheng Emperor. Thus, Feng Zhiwei was carried into the imperial palace, where Helian Zheng happened to be as well. Several people came before the Tiansheng Emperor.

Feng Zhiwei claimed that as she came from a humble background, she only wished to serve Tiansheng faithfully and did not want to stay away from court. The Tiansheng Emperor seemed to have the resolve to break the rule of royal sons-in-law staying away from court for Feng Zhiwei, but Feng Zhiwei still refused. The Tiansheng Emperor walked up to Feng Zhiwei and asked if she had someone in mind, saying he would bestow a marriage upon her that day.

Feng Zhiwei seemed to have made up her mind, requesting the Tiansheng Emperor to grant her death. Seeing Feng Zhiwei about to reveal her true identity, Helian Zheng quickly proposed marriage to Shaoning, but the Tiansheng Emperor ignored him. Feng Zhiwei removed her hairpin, letting her beautiful hair fall loose. She was not Wei Zhi, but Feng Zhiwei, a woman who had changed her appearance to enter court!

Ning Yi rushed over and saw Feng Zhiwei with her hair down, and a greatly shocked Shaoning. The Tiansheng Emperor was furious that such an absurd matter had occurred in his court! Ning Yi pretended not to know that Feng Zhiwei was a woman and recounted her achievements, hoping the Tiansheng Emperor would spare her life. Shaoning, having no outlet for her anger, was taken back to the palace by the Tiansheng Emperor's order.

Helian Zheng, being impetuous, asked the Tiansheng Emperor to bestow Feng Zhiwei upon him. Ning Yi did not want him to spoil things and quickly asked him to leave the hall. Then, Ning Yi requested that Feng Zhiwei be imprisoned first, and the matter be judged later. Ning Qi secretly gloated in his residence.

Beheading Feng Zhiwei was equivalent to severing one of Ning Yi's left arms and right legs, and now he only needed to add fuel to the Tiansheng Emperor's fire. Qiu Mingying was very flustered upon learning that Feng Zhiwei was imprisoned. Master Zong asked her to rest assured, stating that he would definitely use the Blood Futu to save Feng Zhiwei. The prison. Feng Zhiwei became a prisoner, confined in this dark, small, freedom-less cell.

Ning Yi came to Feng Zhiwei. He seemed to have complaints against her, yet could not bear for her to be executed. The Prison Law offered two ways to escape: one was for pregnant women. Ning Yi could bribe the imperial physician for her, and he would act as her husband. Feng Zhiwei panicked and quickly pushed Ning Yi away.

Ning Yi knew Feng Zhiwei was unwilling, so he had already prepared a note, telling her to take it to the Tiansheng Emperor and claim injustice, saying that Ning Yi had instructed Feng Zhiwei to disguise herself as a man and infiltrate Qingming Academy. Feng Zhiwei refused; she absolutely could not harm Ning Yi! Ning Yi said that Feng Zhiwei was his little civet cat, and cats have nine lives.

He put the note back into Feng Zhiwei's hand and then left. While the Tiansheng Emperor was playing chess with Ning Qi, Helian Zheng came to plead for Feng Zhiwei, even kneeling outside the hall. The Tiansheng Emperor was very displeased to see both Ning Yi and Helian Zheng pleading for Feng Zhiwei. He ordered Ning Qi to tell Helian Zheng that he had decided to execute Feng Zhiwei seven days later.

Qiu Mingying came into the prison, bringing some food. Tears welled up in Feng Zhiwei's eyes. She drank the wine and ate some of the food, but did not see the tears at the corners of Qiu Mingying's eyes. Feng Zhiwei lay in Qiu Mingying's arms, feeling a long-lost warmth. Qiu Mingying regretted it, regretting that she shouldn't have brought Feng Zhiwei back to the capital, and even more, shouldn't have harbored the fantasy of letting her restore Dacheng. Minhai. Duke Min received the news of Consort Chang's death and was overcome with grief.

Episode 37 Recap

Duke Min said that the Chang family was in danger. Therefore, he decided to petition Emperor Tiansheng to request his demotion to General Minhai, in order to save the King of Yan's life. Chang Zhongyi immediately dissuaded him, saying that if he truly demoted himself, then the Chang family would be in danger! Feng Zhiwei was to be beheaded tomorrow. Ning Yi appeared calm on the surface, but his heart could not bear it.

At this time, inside the prison, Emperor Tiansheng sent someone to read out the imperial edict for tomorrow's execution. Feng Zhiwei knelt down heavily, then washed her face clean, and drew her eyebrows for herself, just as she did in the Qiu residence. Meanwhile, Master Zong and Qiu Mingying were planning with the Blood Vultures to raid the execution ground. Emperor Tiansheng would always unintentionally think of Feng Zhiwei.

Zhao Yuan saw that he was reluctant, and advised him that it would be fine to pardon her. But when Xin Ziyan arrived, Emperor Tiansheng ordered Zhao Yuan to check, and if he was there to plead for Feng Zhiwei, to drive him away. Emperor Tiansheng couldn't help but get angry when he saw the small table Feng Zhiwei used to use, and as he ordered someone to remove it, Xin Ziyan rushed in.

He not only pleased Emperor Tiansheng but also saved the table. Afterwards, Xin Ziyan also advised Emperor Tiansheng to employ more humble scholars, implicitly asking him to release Feng Zhiwei. Emperor Tiansheng pondered for a long time and said nothing. Xin Ziyan feigned sadness and left the imperial palace. Ning Yi was anxiously waiting outside, and only then did he take out the imperial edict given by Emperor Tiansheng.

Ning Yi immediately rushed away with the imperial edict, as the time for execution was fast approaching. On the way to the execution ground, Feng Zhiwei was being escorted. Qiu Mingying intercepted the prisoner's cart, reprimanded Feng Zhiwei, and declared that she wanted to sever ties with her. Meanwhile, on the city wall, Gu Nanyi, Master Zong, and the Blood Vultures lay in ambush in the shadows, their hand halberds ready to move.

Qiu Mingying also slowly rolled up her sleeves, intending to use a hand halberd to rescue Feng Zhiwei. Just as everyone was about to act, Ning Yi arrived with Emperor Tiansheng's imperial decree, ordering Feng Zhiwei to accompany him into the palace. Inside the imperial palace, the two did not see Emperor Tiansheng.

He merely ordered Zhao Yuan to convey an oral decree, stating that Feng Zhiwei's death penalty could be waived, but she could not escape punishment, and the punishment would be decided by Ning Yi. After Ning Yi entered the hall, Zhao Yuan placed a cushion for Feng Zhiwei, who was kneeling. Emperor Tiansheng was furious when he saw the punishment method proposed by Ning Yi.

He actually proposed that Emperor Tiansheng should confer a title upon Feng Zhiwei and then send her to another place to atone for her sins by rendering meritorious service, only being able to return upon completing her mission. At this moment, Feng Zhiwei shouted loudly outside the hall, requesting punishment. After entering the hall, Emperor Tiansheng took Feng Zhiwei's hand and asked Zhao Yuan to open her handcuffs. Feng Zhiwei unconsciously shed two streams of clear tears.

Emperor Tiansheng and Ning Yi were indeed father and son; both cared deeply for Feng Zhiwei in their hearts but refused to look at her. Finally, Emperor Tiansheng followed Ning Yi's method, conferring upon her the title of Imperial Inspector of Minhai, and ordered her to depart for Minhai with Ning Yi on a chosen day. Feng Zhiwei took off her prisoner's uniform and changed into a magnificent women's dress. Ning Yi found himself staring.

Feng Zhiwei knew Ning Yi had feelings for her, but Ning Yi stubbornly refused to admit it, claiming she was merely a pawn of his. Feng Zhiwei felt helpless; there was probably no one more awkward than Ning Yi in this world. The two arrived at a bustling market, where Feng Zhiwei gently took Ning Yi's hand and enjoyed some leisure time with him.

Someone bumped into Feng Zhiwei, and the expressions on Ning Yi's and her faces immediately changed, simply because this person had appeared on Feng Zhiwei's way to the execution ground. . . Feng Zhiwei averted her gaze, handed a black doll to Ning Yi, and then swept her sleeves and departed. Late at night, Gu Yan arrived at the Prince Chu's residence. He was stunned when he saw the hand halberd in Ning Yi's hand.

Ning Yi asked Gu Yan if there were still Blood Vultures hidden around Qiu Mingying. Gu Yan didn't know, but he thought it would be reasonable if there were Blood Vultures loyal to Qiu Mingying. Ning Yi was displeased; he could pretend that Qiu Mingying and the remnants of Da Cheng did not exist, but he could not allow anyone to cause chaos in Tiansheng. Gu Yan understood and prepared to investigate immediately.

However, Ning Yi told Gu Yan to inform Qiu Mingying not to let Feng Zhiwei know about those ghostly figures hidden in the shadows. After returning from the brink of death, Feng Zhiwei finally understood Qiu Mingying's painstaking efforts. She kowtowed deeply to her. Afterwards, Feng Zhiwei asked who the people who saved her were. Master Zong quickly forced a smile and said that they were merely his former jianghu brothers.

Feng Zhiwei didn't believe him and then asked about the Da Cheng Essentials. Qiu Mingying quickly stopped her; although she didn't dispel Feng Zhiwei's doubts, she also didn't let her ask anything untoward. Upon learning that Feng Zhiwei was to depart for Minhai soon, Qiu Mingying was extremely flustered. She wondered what kind of person Duke Min was; if Feng Zhiwei went, she would surely face extreme danger.

After some persuasion from Feng Zhiwei, Qiu Mingying finally assented to the matter. But she brought up the vow Feng Zhiwei had once made: a vow not to fall in love with Ning Yi in this lifetime. Ning Yi was worried about Qiu Mingying, so he ordered Ning Cheng to keep a close eye on her. Xin Ziyan was displeased that Ning Yi had disrupted his plan.

He had originally intended to send Ning Qi to Minhai, forcing Duke Min to rebel and kill Ning Qi, allowing Ning Yi to reap the benefits. But Ning Yi refused, because he did not want Duke Min to rebel, nor did he want the people of Tiansheng to suffer terribly! Upon hearing this, Xin Ziyan had nothing more to say.

Episode 38 Recap

Late at night, Gu Yan came to Qiu Mingying, wanting to know if any Blood Slaughterers were following her. Qiu Mingying had many grievances against Gu Yan, and even struck him, injuring him. She, Qiu Mingying, had already died on the day the Great Cheng Nation fell. Gu Yan simply cut to the chase and asked her if she had appeared with the Blood Slaughterers on the day Feng Zhiwei was to be beheaded.

At this moment, Feng Hao burst in clumsily. Qiu Mingying quickly wiped away her tears, claiming Gu Yan was just an old acquaintance from her hometown. Gu Yan quickly found an excuse to leave. Feng Hao looked curious, as he had no idea where their hometown was. Ning Yi arranged for Ning Cheng to stay in the imperial capital. Ning Cheng was very reluctant, as he had never left Ning Yi since he was little.

But since Ning Yi wanted Ning Cheng to stay at the Chu King's manor and be his informant, he reluctantly agreed with tears in his eyes. Feng Zhiwei once again changed into men's attire, packing luggage with Gu Nanyi and Yan Huaishi, preparing to go to Minhai. Yao Yangyu and a group of students from Qingming Academy also carried packages, stating that the Tiansheng Emperor had ordered them to accompany Feng Zhiwei.

Helian Zheng also arrived just in time, wanting to follow Feng Zhiwei to Minhai. Feng Zhiwei originally did not want this, but to her surprise, even the Tiansheng Emperor approved, so she had nothing more to say. The Tiansheng Emperor ordered Ning Qi to issue a document to Yanzhou, instructing them to be on standby for Ning Yi's deployment. Minhai.

Chang Zhongyi learned that the Tiansheng Emperor intended to suppress the regional lords, and immediately summoned the younger members of the Chang clan to discuss countermeasures. Unexpectedly, the Duke of Min had already made up his mind and ordered his people to prepare to welcome the imperial envoy. Chang Zhongyi and Chang Zhongxin certainly would not allow Ning Yi to reach Minhai, so they decided to intercept him halfway. On the way to Minhai.

Feng Zhiwei always felt that Qiu Mingying and Master Zong were hiding secrets, so she questioned Gu Nanyi, who had been following Master Zong, but he knew nothing. The group arrived at a post station. Ning Yi and Feng Zhiwei had a private conversation. They found it strange that they had reached this point with no intelligence reports. Gu Nanyi saw Helian Zheng eavesdropping outside their room and immediately went to expose him.

To his surprise, Ning Qing and Ning Zhuo were also listening in. Inside the room, Ning Yi said he already had a countermeasure. Feng Zhiwei was displeased that he never consulted her, so she simply poured a mouthful of wine down his throat to vent her anger, leaving Ning Yi speechless. Feng Zhiwei left the room and ordered the group to follow her, leaving the Chu King behind.

Xin Ziyan, before the others left, called Chunyumeng and told him to follow Ning Yi daily to protect his safety, so he stayed behind to look after Ning Yi. As Feng Zhiwei and her group walked on the road, a group of black-clad figures suddenly rushed out and fiercely battled with them. Feng Zhiwei took advantage of the chaos to get on her horse and rushed back to the post station. Yan Huaishi recognized these as weapons unique to Minhai.

Helian Zheng then split into two groups with him: he and Gu Nanyi returned to the post station, while Yan Huaishi took his people to Jiyang Prefecture. Feng Zhiwei changed into the black-clad figures' attire and returned to the post station, where she saw a disheveled Ning Yi and Chunyumeng. It turned out that the strategy of splitting into two groups was devised by Ning Yi, but it now seemed unworkable.

The black-clad figures continued their relentless pursuit, forcing the three to the edge of a cliff. Ning Yi instructed Feng Zhiwei that she must reach Minhai to complete the plan of suppressing the regional lords, while he went alone to resist the bandits. The night finally faded away, and Feng Zhiwei at last found the injured Ning Yi. The two entered a cave together, finally able to rest properly.

Helian Zheng and his group found Chunyumeng and also recovered Ning Yi's sword, but they couldn't find Feng Zhiwei and Ning Yi. Feng Zhiwei woke up to find Ning Yi not beside her, immediately becoming flustered. She searched everywhere but then saw Ning Yi appreciating the scenery. Ning Yi put his arm around Feng Zhiwei's shoulder, and the two stood together amidst the mountains, admiring the magnificent scenery.

Late at night, Ning Yi built a bonfire, preparing to eat a rabbit. Feng Zhiwei refused, saying that being hungry and cold was better than taking the rabbit's life. She turned her head and saw that Ning Yi had injured the rabbit, then blamed him for being cruel. Feng Zhiwei pleaded with Ning Yi not to be so cruel in the future, and he acknowledged her.

After letting the rabbit go, Ning Yi and Feng Zhiwei embraced each other for warmth. In that moment, even though their bodies were cold, their hearts were always warm. The two slept embraced like this until dawn, until Helian Zheng and Gu Nanyi found them, carrying the rabbit from last night. Chang Zhongxin learned that Chang Zhongyi's plan had failed and inwardly cursed him as useless. At this time, Chang Zhongyi came to him for ideas.

The two decided to go all out and intercept Ning Yi at Jiyang Prefecture. However, Liang Shiyou, the Prefect of Jiyang Prefecture, happened to be Ning Yi's friend, so Chang Zhongyi immediately set off to deal with him. Unexpectedly, after Chang Zhongyi left, Chang Zhongxin ordered someone to send a letter to Ning Yi in Jiyang Prefecture, planning to eliminate Chang Zhongyi. When Ning Yi received this letter, he knew that Liang Shiyou must have met with misfortune.

Yan Huaishi and Gu Nanyi brought a conch shell they found in Ning Yi's room to show Ning Yi and Feng Zhiwei, explaining that it was a luminous shell used by Minhai pirates as a marker when scouting before committing murder and robbery. Feng Zhiwei quickly ordered Gu Nanyi to put it back in its original place and also told Yan Huaishi to invite Chang Zhongyi.

Episode 39 Recap

Feng Zhiwei asked Yan Huaishi to invite Chang Zhongyi, telling him that King Chu Ning Yi was missing. Imperial Capital. Feng Hao once saw Qiu Mingying fiddling with something by the cabinet in the middle of the night, so he took advantage of her absence to search the well-covered spot. Deep inside, there was a blank tablet, with a gold nugget and some other items wrapped beneath it.

Feng Hao's eyes lit up, and he quickly put the gold nugget into his pocket and took it away. Feng Zhiwei asked Chang Zhongyi to help her look at a map to find King Chu. Helian Zheng and Gu Nanyi, wearing masks, led a group of black-clad men, pretending to abduct Ning Yi, forcing Chang Zhongyi to admit that he had met with the pirate leader. Ning Yi also appeared at this moment.

Seeing that he could not conceal it, Chang Zhongyi simply took out the imperial edict granting immunity from death, bestowed by Emperor Tiansheng, threatening Ning Yi to spare his life. At this time, Gu Nanyi discovered Liang Shiyou's body. Ning Yi was furious, enumerating Chang Zhongyi's crimes one by one, finally thrusting his sword into his throat, delivering a fatal blow. When Duke Min learned of Chang Zhongyi's death, he buried his head and wept bitterly, greatly saddened.

Seeing Duke Min so grieved for Chang Zhongyi, Chang Zhongxin was filled with hatred. Taking advantage of Duke Min's unpreparedness, he picked up an incense burner and bludgeoned his own father to death. His ambition was evident and terrifying. Emperor Tiansheng was inevitably angry upon learning that Ning Yi had killed Chang Zhongyi despite the imperial edict granting immunity from death, but killing him also settled a matter of concern for him, so he let it be.

Chang Zhongxin, having killed Duke Min, frantically ran to Zhou Xizhong, claiming that Duke Min intended to kill Ning Yi, and asked him to find a way to prevent Ning Yi from landing. At this time, Ning Yi and Feng Zhiwei's group were about to arrive in Minhai by boat. As night fell, Ning Yi instructed them to observe the situation before disembarking. At that moment, a group of black-clad men lit fires, preparing to shoot arrows.

Chang Zhongxin quickly rode over to stop them. A masked figure in black, seemingly Duke Min, disregarded Chang Zhongxin's pleas and vowed to avenge Chang Zhongyi. To protect Ning Yi, Chang Zhongxin swiftly drew his blade, prioritizing righteousness over family loyalty, then wept holding his father's head. Ning Yi and Feng Zhiwei, on the boat, had watched a good show for free, and suspicion inevitably arose in their minds.

The two had traveled thousands of miles to Minhai specifically to deal with Duke Min, but unexpectedly, their enemy died before they even landed, which was truly strange. Ning Yi obtained Chang Zhongxin's handwriting and, after comparing it with the previously sent secret letter, confirmed it was Chang Zhongxin's script. The two instantly understood his ambition. Chang Zhongxin, hearing that Ning Yi liked civet cats, sent one over, unaware that Ning Yi's "civet cat" was Feng Zhiwei.

After receiving it, Ning Yi gave the civet cat to Feng Zhiwei, who was behind a screen. To return the courtesy, Ning Yi, from in front of the screen, asked Chang Zhongxin if he had any wishes. Chang Zhongxin said there was another hidden reason for his patricide. Ning Yi naturally knew this, as he had heard from the coroner that Duke Min had been dead for several days.

According to Chang Zhongxin's current explanation, he committed patricide to let Ning Yi know that the Chang clan still had loyal and righteous people, and also to demonstrate his loyalty to Ning Yi, asking him to entrust the Minhai General position to him. Ning Yi spoke a few meaningful words, stating that he would discuss it with Feng Zhiwei before making a decision.

After Chang Zhongxin left, Feng Zhiwei slowly walked out, holding the small civet cat, and asked Ning Yi why he gave salt as a gift. Ning Yi replied that raising a cat was like taking a concubine; a betrothal gift was required. Feng Zhiwei immediately became displeased, questioning how many concubines he intended to take. Ning Yi said he would take as many as he wished. Feng Zhiwei instantly turned into a tigress, threatening him.

Chang Sen came to see Ning Yi under the pretext of seeking advice on military affairs, but Ning Yi claimed he had no interest in handling them, telling him to discuss them with Feng Zhiwei, and then left. When Feng Zhiwei asked Commander Chang what important matter he had, Commander Chang replied that it was not something a woman could decide. At this moment, a masked female assassin broke in, intending to capture Chang Sen.

Feng Zhiwei felt she could use this situation and decided to help the woman. Feng Zhiwei was pushed forward to become the woman's hostage. The woman was determined to make Chang Zhongxin hand over Chang Sen. Feng Zhiwei accidentally learned that the woman's name was Hua Qiong. She quickly tore off the woman's mask and joyfully called Yan Huaishi, exclaiming that this was his fiancée, Hua Qiong! Hua Qiong was stunned.

Feng Zhiwei led the two back to her room to talk. Ning Yi had no news for twenty consecutive days, so Xin Ziyan was very worried. He sent Ning Cheng to Minhai and also instructed him to deliver a letter to Zuo Huailiang, the Prefect of Yanzhou. Before Ning Yi left, he had asked Ning Cheng to investigate the Blood Slaughterers and also to monitor Qiu Mingying, but no discoveries were made.

Xin Ziyan was somewhat puzzled, wondering what Ning Yi's intentions were in doing this. Because Feng Hao was incorrigibly prone to gambling, Feng Zhiwei was utterly frustrated with his lack of progress and imprisoned him. She instructed Ning Cheng to keep a close eye on him, so Ning Cheng handed Feng Hao's belongings to Xin Ziyan, asking him to return them to Feng Hao after his release.

When Ning Cheng arrived in Minhai, Ning Yi coldly told him to return quickly, but in the end, still kept him there. Meanwhile, Feng Zhiwei was concerned about her younger brother Feng Hao. She only ordered that he be served good food and drink, but strictly forbade him from leaving the prison. Several guards at the Chang manor contracted the plague. This was naturally arranged by Chang Zhongxin, who wanted to trap Ning Yi.

Afterwards, Chang Zhongxin arranged for Chang Sen to contact the Minhai Prefectural Army, intending to rebel. Four of Ning Yi's personal guards had died. Feng Zhiwei rushed towards him at this moment. Ning Yi quickly ordered the door shut, telling Feng Zhiwei to find a cure, otherwise, both of them would be considered criminals. Feng Zhiwei returned to the Yan manor and wrote furiously. To reassure her, Helian Zheng had no choice but to go door-to-door looking for doctors.

Hua Qiong tried to escape but was brought back by Gu Nanyi to Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei ordered Gu Nanyi to deliver a letter to Xin Ziyan, and then asked Hua Qiong if she was truly Hua Qiong, or Chen Manman, who was wanted by the authorities. Hua Qiong remained silent. Feng Zhiwei asked again, "If you are Hua Qiong, why is the Hua manor in ruins?

If you are Chen Manman, are the crimes listed on the wanted poster true or false?" It turned out that Hua Qiong had been forcibly taken as a concubine by Chang Sen. When the Hua family refused, the Chang clan massacred her entire family. Afterwards, Hua Qiong was forced to change her name to Chen Manman but was then framed and arrested by the Chang clan.

Feng Zhiwei knew she had a deep-seated hatred for the Chang clan, so she declared that she was not an enemy. Yan Huaishi further stated that the Yan family was Hua Qiong's home. Tears welled up in Hua Qiong's eyes, and she introduced a doctor to Feng Zhiwei. A servant furtively served tea to Ning Yi. After drinking it, Ning Yi felt unwell. In the evening, as Ning Yi was about to eat, Chunyu Meng stopped him.

He brought a person with him, claiming to have been instructed to give Ning Yi a bowl used by a plague patient. Ning Yi let that person go. Meanwhile, Feng Zhiwei happened to arrive outside the manor with a doctor. Ning Yi refused to let Feng Zhiwei know that he was unwell, so he had someone bring some ice to hide his fever and ordered Chunyu Meng to go outside the manor, allowing only the doctor to enter.

Seeing Chunyu Meng's flustered expression, Feng Zhiwei immediately understood that Ning Yi might be infected. She was burning with anxiety but was stopped by Chunyu Meng. Hua Qiong told Feng Zhiwei to calm down and took the doctor into the Chang manor herself to investigate on her behalf.

Episode 40 Recap

After Hua Qiong and the healer entered the Chang Manor, Ning Yi pretended to be fine and urged them to quickly treat the patients. However, Hua Qiong remembered Feng Zhiwei's instructions and asked the healer to check Ning Yi's health. Unable to refuse, Ning Yi kept an ice pack on him and only allowed the healer to check if he had a fever, not letting him take his pulse.

After the diagnosis, the healer stated that it was a contagious disease unique to remote areas. Ning Yi urged him to quickly prepare the medicine. Afterward, Ning Yi also asked Hua Qiong to give a box to Feng Zhiwei, telling her that he was doing well. Feng Zhiwei received the box, took out the letter inside, and said that Zhou Xizhong was a crucial task.

Hua Qiong naturally noticed that Ning Yi was acting strangely, and Feng Zhiwei was absolutely unable to feel at ease, wanting to go to the Chang Manor. However, Hua Qiong stopped her, telling her to think carefully about how to make Ning Yi take good care of himself. Ning Yi curled up, enduring the pain, and read Feng Zhiwei's letter, then took the medicine brewed by Ning Cheng.

Ning Yi understood the meaning in Feng Zhiwei's letter; she was telling him that she knew the truth about his illness. Feng Zhiwei also asked Ning Yi to make a hairpin for her, so he would have something to focus on. After hearing this, Ning Cheng cut a piece of wood for Ning Yi, telling him to take his time making the hairpin.

Afterward, Ning Yi asked Ning Cheng to find the Chang family nephews and Chunyu Meng, and give them the enfeoffment order, also telling them that Chang Zhongxin was delaying the enfeoffment under the pretext of his illness. Ning Yi told them to take the enfeoffment order and go to their respective territories. Chang Zhongxin came to probe Zhou Xizhong, claiming he wanted to clear out sea bandits, his words full of ambition. After he left, Yan Huaishi slowly walked out.

He had naturally come on behalf of Feng Zhiwei and successfully persuaded Zhou Xizhong to eliminate Chang Zhongxin, this traitorous minister and villain. Feng Zhiwei was very worried about Ning Yi, so she drank the epidemic water to test the danger herself. Helian Zheng was displeased, wondering how she could value Ning Yi so much, disregarding herself. Feng Zhiwei simply said that if Ning Yi died, she would not wish to live alone.

A few days later, the healer's prescription took effect, and Feng Zhiwei immediately wanted to go to the Chang Manor. And Helian Zheng apologized for his impulsiveness a few days prior. He said that from now on, Feng Zhiwei could like Ning Yi, while he would faithfully guard her with his deep affection. Chang Manor. Feng Zhiwei was brewing medicine for Ning Yi, while Ning Yi sat wrapped in clothes nearby, feigning a cough to get her attention.

Late at night, Feng Zhiwei put a coat over Ning Yi, who was enjoying the scenery, and then fed him the medicine. Ning Yi obediently leaned his head forward, his eyes fixed on the person he had been longing for. The next day, Feng Zhiwei woke up and was very flustered when she didn't see Ning Yi, but then turned to find him standing beside her.

After this severe illness, Ning Yi finally understood his true feelings; he loved Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei chuckled, and just as she was about to lean closer, Ning Cheng's voice interrupted them, so Ning Yi had to go out first. It turned out that Chang Zhongxin had plundered the grain and grass supplies and raised an army to revolt.

Gu Yan, following the Tiansheng Emperor's decree, uncovered the Chang clan's remnants planted in the army, and the Tiansheng Emperor ordered him to deal with them one by one. At this moment, Assistant Minister Peng, who was kneeling below, panicked and quickly begged for his life. The Tiansheng Emperor said that seeing Assistant Minister Peng's efforts to break free from the Chang clan, he demoted him to warden, to guard the sunless cells all day long.

Dahua was rummaging through Xin Ziyan's belongings when she unexpectedly found Feng Hao's clothes, which Ning Cheng had left for Xin Ziyan before he departed. Xin Ziyan accidentally saw a betrothal card inside, with Changsun Hao written on it. In prison, Feng Hao was served good food and drink all day, and had already become close with the jailers. At this time, Dahua's younger sister Erhua pretended to be a prisoner's wife and entered the cell.

It turned out that the prisoner had been sentenced to execution, but unfortunately, he had no sons at home, so the Dali Temple allowed his wife to visit him in prison. Ning Yi was about to go to Xiayang to encircle and suppress Chang Zhongxin, while Yan Huaishi and Zhou Xizhong guarded Minzhou, and Feng Zhiwei took Gu Nanyi to guard Jiyang Prefecture. Feng Zhiwei repeatedly urged Ning Yi to take care of his health.

The two were deeply affectionate and very reluctant to part. Ning Yi decided that after capturing Chang Zhongxin, he would take Feng Zhiwei back to the capital to meet the Tiansheng Emperor. The two were determined to stay together for a lifetime and grow old together. As soon as Warden Peng took office, he learned that someone had escaped from prison. It turned out that Erhua had drugged the jailers and fled with Feng Hao.

Assistant Minister Peng learned that Feng Hao was sent by Ning Cheng and was also Feng Zhiwei's younger brother, so he quickly ordered people to search for him. At this time, Qiu Mingying came to deliver the prisoners' food, and Assistant Minister Peng, wanting to inquire about Feng Hao's background, let her in. Qiu Mingying wanted to take Feng Hao away, so she deliberately mentioned her relationship with Feng Zhiwei and Qiu Shangqi.

Unexpectedly, Ning Sheng had once mentioned to Warden Peng that Qiu Shangqi's younger sister had some connection to the former dynasty. He immediately became suspicious and claimed that Feng Hao had been taken away by Ning Qi. Qiu Mingying hurried to Master Zong's place and truthfully informed him. Master Zong was greatly alarmed. That night, Qiu Mingying opened the cabinet to worship again, but found that the item hidden at the bottom of the spirit tablet was missing.

She immediately guessed that Feng Hao had taken it. At this time, Feng Hao was in Xin Ziyan's residence, being well taken care of with good food and drink. He took a liking to Erhua and intended to propose marriage, but Xin Ziyan asked, "What virtue or ability do you possess to seek to marry my younger sister?"

Feng Hao quickly claimed that he had discovered a treasure in Qiu Mingying's cabinet and speculated that it was related to the former dynasty's treasure. Warden Peng felt that Feng Hao must harbor a secret, so he decided to seek allegiance with Ning Qi, who was currently in the Imperial Capital assisting with state affairs. Unexpectedly, Qiu Shangqi arrived at this moment with gifts, requesting an audience. Qiu Shangqi wanted to beg Ning Qi to spare Feng Hao.

Ning Qi intentionally probed him, first saying that Feng Hao's identity was special, then revealing that he was acting under an imperial decree. Upon hearing this, Qiu Shangqi uttered, "Everything is fate," and departed. At Qiu Manor, Qiu Shangqi wanted Qiu Mingying to leave the Imperial Capital, but she was insistent on seeing Feng Hao. Qiu Shangqi, with no other option, could only think of another way. Chang Zhongxin came to Ning Yi for peace talks.

Ning Yi naturally knew that his purpose for this visit was not truly peace talks. After they probed each other, Chang Zhongxin left. The reason Ning Yi didn't seize this opportunity to capture him was naturally his concern that the Chang clan's private army would harm the common people. Qiu Shangqi sought out Xin Ziyan again, and the two decided to speak openly.

Xin Ziyan asked Qiu Shangqi to give him Feng Hao's Eight Characters of Birth, so he could use celestial phenomena as an excuse through the Lingtai Cheng to test Ning Qi's true intentions. Ning Qi was currently in the large prison. After questioning the jailers, he discovered that a jailer had given in to greed and taken a gold nugget from Feng Hao. Ning Qi recognized it as the token of the Commander-in-Chief of the Dacheng Blood Flotilla.

Ning Qi was overjoyed, having never imagined that Feng Hao harbored such a shocking secret! Xin Ziyan examined Feng Hao's body and found a bluish birthmark on his shoulder, which was unique to the Changsun clan of the Dacheng imperial family. Now it seemed, Feng Hao was actually an orphaned descendant of Dacheng, Changsun Hao. Warden Peng arrived at Xin Ziyan's place, wounded and holding the Blood Flotilla leader's token.

Episode 41 Recap

Warden Peng claimed that this Blood Butcher Token was from Feng Hao and had fallen into Ning Qi's hands. He threatened him to use it to frame Ning Yi. Warden Peng said that he dared not commit further evil deeds, so he came to find Xin Ziyan. Xin Ziyan kept the token with himself, saying that he needed to carefully consider how to mediate the situation.

Xin Ziyan summoned Qiu Mingying, stating that he had seen the birthmark on Feng Hao's body. He believed that Feng Zhiwei approaching Ning Yi was at her instigation. Qiu Mingying only stated that Feng Zhiwei and Feng Hao knew nothing, and she herself had no intention of restoring the kingdom. Xin Ziyan did not believe her, as Qiu Mingying still kept Changsun Hao's birth details record and the Blood Butcher Token.

Qiu Mingying feigned sadness, saying she only wished to keep them as mementos. Afterward, Qiu Mingying knelt down and bowed to Xin Ziyan, hoping that he could destroy the birth details record after her death, erase the birthmark on Feng Hao's body, ensuring that the Great Cheng dynasty would never return, and that Feng Zhiwei and Feng Hao could live a peaceful life.

Xin Ziyan's heart softened, and he spared Qiu Mingying's life, instructing her never to harm Ning Yi in the future. He also told her to meet Feng Hao outside Shunping Gate tonight. Warden Peng relayed Xin Ziyan's words to Ning Qi. Ning Qi believed that Xin Ziyan must know Feng Hao's whereabouts, so he ordered him to keep a close eye on Xin Ziyan. Xin Ziyan pondered the recent events and nearly sat alone until dawn.

Dahua saw him so worried and sat down to accompany him. At this time, outside Shunping Gate, Qiu Mingying and Master Zong waited anxiously but did not see Feng Hao. She knew Feng Hao could not come. Master Zong urged Qiu Mingying to hurry to Minhai and seek refuge with Feng Zhiwei, but Qiu Mingying refused, saying there was no escaping now. After twenty years of hiding, Qiu Mingying was weary.

Now she only hoped that Feng Zhiwei would never know her true identity, so that she could live a peaceful life. Eighteen years ago, to protect the last orphan of Great Cheng, Gu Heng swapped the Great Cheng orphan with his own newborn child. Many years had passed, and Feng Zhiwei had long become her daughter. Erha, with Feng Hao, was surrounded and attacked by the Ministry of Punishment on the road.

To protect Erha, Feng Hao allowed himself to be captured by the Ministry of Punishment. Xin Ziyan was helpless; he had no choice but to enter the palace overnight for an audience with the Emperor. Dahua was flustered and asked him when he would return. Xin Ziyan turned back to reassure her, but both of them knew that he might not return from this trip.

Gu Nanyi found the letter that Chang Zhongxin had given to the old subordinates of the Chang clan in Yanzhou. Feng Zhiwei worried that the Yanzhou army had not arrived in Xiayang to support Ning Yi, so she quickly told Gu Nanyi to take the imperial envoy's fish tally and make the trip.

Episode 42 Recap

Xin Ziyan asked Prime Minister Yao to go to the Ministry of Justice prison to foil Ning Qi's plot and protect Ning Yi, while he himself went into the palace alone. At this moment in the Ministry of Justice prison, Ning Qi interrogated Feng Hao about his name, and Feng Hao, without any vigilance, implicated Feng Zhiwei. Inside the Imperial Palace.

Xin Ziyan presented the Blood Slaughtering Order token and Changsun Hao's birth details to Emperor Tiansheng, explaining that Ning Yi had previously instructed him to monitor a certain household. Upon learning that there was a dissolute young master in this family, he designed a plan to get him into prison, then feigned a prison break to gain his trust, and investigated the Great Chen royal birthmark on his body.

Emperor Tiansheng said that he was a meritorious minister, but unexpectedly Ning Qi had already entered the palace and divulged this matter, slandering Ning Yi with every word. Emperor Tiansheng naturally grew suspicious when facing Xin Ziyan's words. He asked Xin Ziyan where this person was hiding. Xin Ziyan confessed truthfully, but also revealed that Qiu Shangqi was unaware of Feng Hao's identity.

Emperor Tiansheng naturally did not believe him, because that day Ning Qi had already revealed Feng Hao's background, and implicitly suggested that Feng Zhiwei was an accomplice. Ning Qi also claimed that Ning Yi's guards wanted to take Feng Hao away, and he only captured Feng Hao in a moment of urgency. Emperor Tiansheng and Xin Ziyan sat down. Emperor Tiansheng stated that Ning Qi had been there and had captured the Great Chen orphan. Xin Ziyan feigned ignorance.

Emperor Tiansheng also said that Ning Qi had already gone to the Qiu Residence to arrest Qiu Mingying. Qiu Residence. Qiu Mingying remained very calm when facing Ning Qi, taking all the blame upon herself, but Qiu Shangqi demanded to share the same crime as Qiu Mingying. Ning Qi was naturally pleased and had them both taken away. Inside the palace, Emperor Tiansheng asked Xin Ziyan if he knew about Ning Yi's guards protecting Feng Hao.

Xin Ziyan countered, saying that this was an inside agent he had arranged. Emperor Tiansheng was immediately displeased, realizing that Xin Ziyan and Ning Yi had an unusual relationship. Emperor Tiansheng wanted to find a flaw in Xin Ziyan's story, so he ordered him to listen to the guard's confession together with him. Xin Ziyan claimed he was starving and requested to return to his residence.

Emperor Tiansheng did not permit it, so Xin Ziyan had no choice but to obey the imperial decree. Ning Qi claimed that a guard from Prince Chu's manor committed suicide while being escorted for interrogation, and a Blood Slaughtering Order token was also found. Emperor Tiansheng then decided to test both of them: how should this case be concluded? Ning Qi believed there were some irregularities and requested a thorough investigation.

Xin Ziyan likewise stated that the remnants of the previous dynasty should be eradicated, and requested the interrogation of Qiu Mingying. Emperor Tiansheng, under the pretext of protecting Dahua, placed Dahua in the palace to threaten Xin Ziyan. He also ordered Ning Qi to follow Xin Ziyan.

To make Emperor Tiansheng believe that all remnants of the former dynasty had been wiped out, Zong Fuzi had the other Blood Slaughtering Order members leave the imperial capital, while he himself stayed behind. The Blood Slaughtering Order members naturally refused. Zong Fuzi had no choice but to take out a token and order the Blood Slaughtering Order members to recuperate their strength to restore Great Chen.

Unexpectedly, the next second, Zong Fuzi collapsed to the ground, and the Blood Slaughtering Order members carried him away. Xin Ziyan was frowning. Dahua teased him for a while, but in the end, both of them shed two lines of clear tears. Dahua was taken away, leaving only a single "take care". Ministry of Justice Prison. Ning Qi remained outside, while Xin Ziyan entered the cell alone, forcing Qiu Mingying to reveal Feng Hao's identity as the Great Chen orphan.

Qiu Mingying was stunned. Meanwhile, Feng Hao was brought outside the cell by Ning Qi to listen to his own background. Qiu Mingying finally revealed Feng Hao's identity truthfully: the Ninth Imperial Prince of Great Chen, Changsun Hao. Feng Hao, at the gate, almost cried out, but Ning Qi grabbed and held him back. Feng Hao was tied up. Ning Qi did not hesitate to use torture to make him reveal with whom Qiu Mingying had associated in the past.

Feng Hao was extremely frightened and finally confessed to Zong Fuzi, Zong Chen. The Golden Feather Guards rushed to Zong Fuzi's location. A Blood Slaughtering Order member, disguised as Zong Fuzi, was taken away. Emperor Tiansheng then ordered Feng Zhiwei and the Deputy Commander of the Golden Feather Guards to return to the capital. Minhai. Feng Zhiwei wanted to go to Xiayang to meet Ning Yi, so she hoped Hua Qiong would keep it from others, especially Gu Nanyi.

Hua Qiong had no choice but to agree. Unexpectedly, Feng Zhiwei turned around and returned to the imperial capital. When the Deputy Commander arrived in Minhai, Hua Qiong had no choice but to put on a veil, claiming to be suffering from an epidemic, and impersonate Feng Zhiwei.

Episode 43 Recap

Gu Nanyi came to Xiayang to take Feng Zhiwei back to Jiyang Mansion, but was told she was not there at all. Helian Zheng rushed over at this moment, saying that Feng Zhiwei must not return to Jiyang Mansion.

Learning that Emperor Tiansheng ordered Lu Ming, the Deputy Commander of the Jin Yu Guard, to come to Minhai, Ning Yi commanded Ning Cheng to take a token and bring him to see Ning Yi; if Lu Ming refused, he was to be tied up and brought back. Imperial Capital. Emperor Tiansheng believed Qiu Mingying and Xin Ziyan had other intentions.

Xin Ziyan could only say that even if they had other motives, they wouldn't dare to challenge a formidable foe. Ning Qi expressed agreement, but then changed the subject, exaggerating Qiu Mingying's desire to restore Dacheng. Ning Qi suggested that Emperor Tiansheng issue a decree to execute Feng Hao and Master Zong in fifteen days, to lure out the remaining Blood Pact members.

Xin Ziyan said it was inappropriate, stating that someone would take the opportunity to cause chaos in Tiansheng, so he advised Emperor Tiansheng to use Feng Hao's life to gain the reputation of a benevolent ruler. Emperor Tiansheng simply ordered Xin Ziyan to go to the prison and persuade Qiu Mingying to submit with Feng Hao, and to command all remaining Dacheng forces to surrender. Xin Ziyan could only obey the imperial decree and stood up to leave.

Dahua was melancholic and restless all day, but Emperor Tiansheng ordered his people not to pay attention; he was quite displeased with Xin Ziyan. Lu Ming told Ning Yi everything that had happened in the Imperial Capital and hoped to bring Feng Zhiwei back. Ning Yi, however, wanted to take on the crime of defying the imperial decree by himself. He knew Feng Zhiwei had returned to the Imperial Capital.

Ning Yi ordered Ning Cheng to assemble the three armies and retreat back to the capital. Ning Cheng said it was absolutely impossible; returning to the capital without an imperial decree while the war was not yet settled was a grave crime! Ning Yi simply said that he naturally had a plan in mind.

Chang Zhongxin, learning of Ning Yi's retreat, ordered someone to leave the city and investigate his movements, and also commanded Chang Sen to lead troops away from Xiayang. Night was approaching, and Ning Yi had also assembled his soldiers. After this night, he could return to the capital. Later, Chang Zhongxin received Ning Yi's letter of surrender. He sneered three times, and a soldier said that they were now surrounded and likely unable to escape.

Chang Zhongxin, furious, drew his sword and killed that soldier. He told the messenger soldier that he would rather die than surrender! The soldier turned and rode away. Chang Zhongxin then drew his bow and arrow and shot fiercely. The soldier was carried back to Ning Yi's location by the horse. Ning Yi absolutely could not tolerate this and immediately led his troops to Chang Zhongxin's camp. In the darkness of night, swords clashed, and blood spilled in Xiayang.

During the battle, Ning Yi cut off Chang Zhongxin's head, picked up the head, and rode away. Prison. Xin Ziyan hoped Qiu Mingying would cooperate with him, because the person she wanted to protect was also the person Ning Yi wanted to protect. Qiu Mingying said that to save Feng Zhiwei, she and Feng Hao must sacrifice their lives. Ning Qi arrived at this moment, wanting to speak with Qiu Mingying privately.

Xin Ziyan's attempts to stop him were unsuccessful, so he had to let him ask. Ning Qi brought Master Zong, who was actually Xing Yi of the Blood Pact in disguise, before Qiu Mingying. Qiu Mingying said she didn't know this person. Xin Ziyan, unable to watch further, quickly said that Emperor Tiansheng had only ordered the two of them to persuade Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao to submit, and they should not create further complications.

Ning Qi refused, insisting on eradicating the Blood Pact. Xing Yi suddenly stood up and strangled Xin Ziyan with handcuffs. Ning Qi had no intention of helping him. Unexpectedly, Xing Yi suddenly turned towards Ning Qi but was stabbed to death by a guard. Ning Qi again threatened Qiu Mingying, stating that he had the ability to destroy the Blood Pact.

After Ning Qi left, Qiu Mingying said that her and Feng Hao's demise was the only path to survival for Xin Ziyan and Feng Zhiwei and others. Xin Ziyan could only again advise Emperor Tiansheng to publicly execute Feng Hao. However, Emperor Tiansheng insisted on keeping him alive and having him accept titles, as only this could sever the hopes of the Dacheng remnants.

Moreover, Feng Zhiwei was almost in Tiansheng, and Qiu Mingying would surely be reluctant to let her own daughter go, so she wouldn't easily sacrifice herself. Emperor Tiansheng also ordered Xin Ziyan and Dahua to rest in the palace. Feng Zhiwei galloped back to the Imperial Capital but encountered Master Zong and a group of Blood Pact members who wanted to escort Feng Zhiwei away from the Imperial Capital.

Feng Zhiwei naturally refused, especially after learning Feng Hao's identity; she would rather sacrifice herself to save her mother than live ignominiously. Master Zong, helpless, knelt down and begged Feng Zhiwei to leave. Feng Zhiwei pulled out a small knife and threatened to die, so Master Zong had no choice but to let her pass. In prison, Qiu Mingying was brought before Emperor Tiansheng. She unleashed a torrent of abuse at him, but he did not get angry.

Emperor Tiansheng told Qiu Mingying that Feng Zhiwei was about to return and wanted her to carefully consider the conditions he offered. Qiu Mingying laughed loudly, saying that even if he became the monarch, he was still a scoundrel. Feng Hao immediately knelt down and begged for mercy upon seeing Emperor Tiansheng, but Qiu Mingying stopped him and even ordered him not to spare Emperor Tiansheng even if he became a ghost.

Emperor Tiansheng, instead, asked Qiu Mingying, "If the empire truly falls into the hands of a useless person like Feng Hao, would that be fair to the people?" After Emperor Tiansheng left, Feng Hao asked if he was truly the orphan of Dacheng. Qiu Mingying admitted it. The two were taken back to their respective cells, but Feng Hao still struggled to make Qiu Mingying accept Emperor Tiansheng's conditions.

Feng Zhiwei returned to the Imperial Capital, covered in dust from her journey, and requested an audience with Emperor Tiansheng. Emperor Tiansheng, hearing that she had returned to the capital alone, refused to see her. He wanted to gamble on whether Feng Zhiwei was still his loyal minister. When Zhao Yuan went to see Feng Zhiwei, Emperor Tiansheng also instructed him not to harm Feng Zhiwei.

Feng Zhiwei, hearing the words "will not see," had no choice but to bow three times towards the main hall, remove her hairpin, untie her robe, and with the Jin Yu Guards pointing their swords at her, stepped towards the main hall one by one. When Feng Zhiwei saw Emperor Tiansheng, she claimed that someone was trying to deceive him. However, Emperor Tiansheng asked Xin Ziyan to speak. Xin Ziyan stated that the evidence was conclusive.

Ning Yi, wearing his battle robe and carrying a head, returned to the Imperial Capital covered in dust. After a loud shout, no one dared to stop him anymore. Inside the hall, Feng Zhiwei was still fighting for a glimmer of hope for Qiu Mingying, even claiming that she herself was the orphan of Dacheng. Emperor Tiansheng asked, "Does Feng Zhiwei have a blue birthmark on her shoulder?" Feng Zhiwei certainly did not, but she continued to plead. At this moment, Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao were brought into the hall.

Episode 44 Recap

Feng Zhiwei wished to die for Qiu Mingying. The Tian Sheng Emperor, however, asked if Feng Zhiwei's claim of being a survivor of Da Cheng was true. To protect Feng Zhiwei, Qiu Mingying said that she was merely filial and thus spoke nonsense. Feng Hao also changed his expression, mocking Feng Zhiwei for being foolish.

Ning Qi said that Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao could save their lives as long as they submitted to Tian Sheng, but Qiu Mingying had made up her mind. At this moment, the Tian Sheng Emperor ordered Zhao Yuan to bestow poisonous wine upon Feng Zhiwei. Zhao Yuan, holding the poisonous wine, came to Feng Zhiwei's side. At the same time, he also urged Qiu Mingying to comply. Feng Zhiwei, Qiu Mingying, and Feng Hao all had different expressions.

Outside the hall, the voice of Ning Yi requesting an audience was heard. The Tian Sheng Emperor rose and left, granting Ning Yi a private audience. Ning Yi wanted to exchange Chang Zhongxin's head for Feng Zhiwei's life, but the Tian Sheng Emperor refused. Ning Yi shed a clear tear, asking, "What if the Min Hai army supports me and disobeys the Tian Sheng Emperor?" The Tian Sheng Emperor was furious, "Ning Yi, are you actually threatening me?"

The Tian Sheng Emperor said, "You exterminated Chang Yuan and incorporated the Min Hai Prefectural Army; Ning Yi, you are very much like my younger self." Ning Yi's expression remained firm, and he refused to leave. Inside the hall, Feng Zhiwei was about to drink the poisonous wine, but Feng Hao snatched the wine before her, poured it into his own stomach, and died on the spot.

In a rage, the Tian Sheng Emperor ordered the Jin Yu Guards to execute Feng Zhiwei and Qiu Mingying. Xin Ziyan quickly intervened, dismissing the Jin Yu Guards and Zhao Yuan. He advised the Tian Sheng Emperor to let Feng Zhiwei assume the identity of a Da Cheng survivor and then grant her a title; everything would then be resolved.

Unexpectedly, Qiu Mingying also suddenly bled from her seven orifices, instructed Feng Zhiwei to live well, and then died on the spot. No matter how Feng Zhiwei cried out, she could not save this life. However, the Tian Sheng Emperor softened and summoned imperial physicians. Feng Zhiwei changed into a plain robe and caressed Qiu Mingying's coffin. Her death told Feng Zhiwei that she herself was the true survivor of Da Cheng.

After paying respects to Qiu Mingying, Ning Yi found Feng Zhiwei. He told her to live well. Feng Zhiwei remembered that she had sworn an oath: in this life and the next, she would never marry Ning Yi; if she broke it, Qiu Mingying would never find peace. Feng Zhiwei's eyes were vacant as she slowly walked towards Ning Yi. Now that this oath had come true, how was she to live on!

Ning Yi embraced her; he only wished for her to be alive, as long as she was alive, it was good. Feng Zhiwei enjoyed a moment of peace on Ning Yi's shoulder, but then she suddenly pulled away and swore before Qiu Mingying's memorial hall that she would never marry Ning Yi; if she broke this oath, Feng Zhiwei would be torn to pieces. Ning Yi was silent, leaving with a tear-streaked face.

Qiu Mingying's funeral procession was on a gloomy, rainy day. Feng Zhiwei held an umbrella from behind, not caring that she was getting wet. Ning Yi stood by the roadside waiting, draped his robe over the coffin, and then held up an umbrella for Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei knew that if Qiu Mingying were alive, she would certainly not accept his shelter from the rain, but she herself was not like her.

Feng Zhiwei, Gu Nanyi, and Zong Fuzi jointly paid respects before the memorial tablets of Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao. Zong Fuzi also revealed Feng Zhiwei's true identity, which she had already guessed: she was the daughter of the Da Cheng Emperor Ai and Consort Shu, the last descendant of the Changsun clan. Zong Fuzi was the leader of the Blood Futu, commissioned by the late emperor's last will to lead his subordinates in protecting Feng Zhiwei.

Then, the one who was taken by Gu Heng and fell off the cliff that year was naturally Feng Hao's biological brother. Feng Zhiwei was on the verge of collapse after hearing this; she was not worth so many people losing their lives for her.

Zong Fuzi stated that Ning Yi had forced Gu Heng and the Feng Hao brothers to their deaths back then, and now forced Qiu Mingying and Feng Hao to their deaths; he was a mortal enemy to Zong Fuzi, Feng Zhiwei, and himself. Feng Zhiwei could not bear Zong Fuzi's address of "Your Royal Highness, Princess," because these few words carried too many blood debts.

Facing Zong Fuzi's idea of restoring the kingdom was even more ludicrous; she could not possibly let the common people suffer and be plunged into misery for this slim hope. Zong Fuzi still wanted to persuade her further, but Gu Nanyi spoke up to stop him. He remembered that Qiu Mingying had asked him before her death not to force Feng Zhiwei, so he remained silent.

Qiu Shangqi did not regret protecting Qiu Mingying, simply because he was her elder brother. The Tian Sheng Emperor pardoned the Qiu family's death sentence, commuting it to exile three thousand li away. The Tian Sheng Emperor wanted to follow Xin Ziyan's method: grant the Da Cheng's Changsun Zhiwei the surname Feng, and let her submit to Tian Sheng, so that Da Cheng would cease to exist from then on. He also ordered Xin Ziyan to draft the imperial decree.

Unexpectedly, the Tian Sheng Emperor's tone suddenly shifted again; he ultimately remained uneasy about Feng Zhiwei. Zong Zheng Temple. The deposed Yan King Ning Sheng was confined in this dim room. He was speaking to his deceased mother and still placed his hopes on Duke Min. Ning Qi went alone and casually mentioned the deaths of Duke Min, Chang Zhongyi, and Chang Zhongxin. Ning Sheng immediately lost his last hope. Chu Wang Manor. Ning Yi refused to see Xin Ziyan.

Xin Ziyan had no choice but to take the blame upon himself. " But everything was for Ning Yi!" Ning Yi was furious and told him to find another enlightened lord. In a fit of anger, Xin Ziyan prepared to leave, also saying that he should have obeyed the Tian Sheng Emperor's decree to let Feng Zhiwei die as a Da Cheng survivor. Imperial Palace, Ning Yi and the Tian Sheng Emperor played a game of Go.

Episode 45 Recap

Ning Yi pleaded with the Tiansheng Emperor to spare Feng Zhiwei. Otherwise, he would not hesitate to self-harm and perish with the Tiansheng Emperor to save Feng Zhiwei. Ning Yi was gambling that the Tiansheng Emperor would not sacrifice his own life for Feng Zhiwei's. The Tiansheng Emperor was not angered, and even said he was greatly relieved.

He then agreed to temporarily spare Feng Zhiwei, but if she ever harbored intentions to conspire with the Blood Reformation for rebellion, he would surely execute her. Helian Zheng rushed into the residence to visit Feng Zhiwei. Gu Nanyi did not stop him, but he hoped Helian Zheng would clearly think about what he could do for Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei stood on the pavilion looking up.

Helian Zheng suddenly had an epiphany: he could find a way to make Feng Zhiwei happy, even if she had changed. Helian Zheng, along with two subordinates and Gu Nanyi, began to dance strangely. Feng Zhiwei should have laughed, but her eyes were full of tears. Finally, she let out a chuckle. For many days, Feng Zhiwei had no appetite for tea or food. This time, she finally agreed to eat.

As Feng Zhiwei was wolfing down her food, a minister from Jinshi suddenly arrived to report that the Jinshi King had passed away. Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi left. The minister handed the imperial edict to Helian Zheng, asking him to return to Jinshi and inherit the throne. With the heavy burden of his nation and the revenge for his father's death, Helian Zheng had no choice but to act. He had to fight his way back to Jinshi.

Imperial Palace. Helian Zheng came to the Tiansheng Emperor to request troops, but the latter was hesitant. After Feng Zhiwei wrote two lines of text behind the screen, Zhao Yuan went to persuade the Tiansheng Emperor. The Tiansheng Emperor immediately understood, but hoped Helian Zheng would become his in-law. Upon hearing this, Feng Zhiwei picked up her brush again, wiped away the tears on her face, and handed the writing to Zhao Yuan.

The Tiansheng Emperor bestowed upon Feng Zhiwei the title of Princess Shengying, to return to Jinshi with Helian Zheng and become his queen. Helian Zheng was naturally overjoyed and departed. Only then did Feng Zhiwei emerge from behind the screen. What was written on the paper was her willingness to marry into Jinshi. Feng Zhiwei did not complain. Under the name of Shengying, she kowtowed in gratitude for the imperial favor.

As Feng Zhiwei was leaving, the Tiansheng Emperor called out to her, addressing her as Weizhi. At the same time, he also told her to clarify things with Ning Yi. By the bridge, Ning Yi waited quietly, and Feng Zhiwei arrived for their appointment. Feng Zhiwei was born and grew up in this land, and it was here that she met Ning Yi.

After informing Ning Yi of her impending departure for Jinshi, he only asked Feng Zhiwei one question: "Are you content?" Feng Zhiwei replied that she was calm about leaving this place soon. After their parting today, they might never meet again. Helian Zheng began to doubt himself. With Jinshi currently fraught with danger, would bringing Feng Zhiwei back recklessly harm her? After much thought, Helian Zheng wanted to call off the marriage, but he was stopped by a guard.

If he did so, the Tiansheng Emperor would surely refuse to lend troops, and how then could he seek revenge? Helian Zheng, however, knew clearly that he was unwilling to use Feng Zhiwei. Gu Nanyi wanted to take Feng Zhiwei away. The three met face to face. Feng Zhiwei said, "How does Helian Zheng know that I am not using him?" Feng Zhiwei changed the topic, asking Helian Zheng if he minded that she already had someone in her heart.

Helian Zheng certainly minded, but he would also use all his efforts to make her forget. Feng Zhiwei said nothing, and told Gu Nanyi to pack their bags, preparing to set off. Helian Zheng no longer objected. As long as he was alive, he would surely ensure Feng Zhiwei's safety. The Tiansheng Emperor ordered Ning Yi to go to Jinshi to escort the bride, and to eliminate potential threats for Tiansheng by getting rid of Helian Zheng.

Ning Yi replied, "What if I fail to do so?" Auntie Ling Ying was brought out. After a hurried glance between the two, she was taken away again. Ning Yi naturally understood the Tiansheng Emperor's intention and had no choice but to obey the decree. Master Zong removed Gu Nanyi from the Blood Reformation. Though he symbolically severed ties, their bond remained.

He pleaded with Gu Nanyi to follow Feng Zhiwei for the rest of his life and protect her forever. Gu Nanyi swore that from then on, he would prioritize Feng Zhiwei, and would have no regrets even if it meant facing countless dangers. A few days later, Feng Zhiwei, accompanied by Helian Zheng, grandly departed from Tiansheng, leaving her homeland.

Ning Qi requested the Tiansheng Emperor to control Jinshi's cabinet, so that he could then coordinate with Ning Yi from inside and out. The Tiansheng Emperor agreed. Ning Qi ordered Warden Peng, a master calligrapher, to forge a decree. Warden Peng hesitated repeatedly but finally put pen to paper. This fake imperial edict was a letter to Helian Lie of Jinshi, stating: "If there is no Chu Prince, We shall assist you in becoming king."

Ning Qi truly played a good trick of profiting from others' conflict. While drinking, Warden Peng revealed that the Tiansheng Emperor's decree had been issued, implying Ning Yi's life would soon be in danger. Assistant Minister Xu immediately panicked and came to Xin Ziyan to discuss. Xin Ziyan had no choice but to personally intervene and intercept the secret decree. On the road to Jinshi, Ning Yi suddenly fell from his horse.

Feng Zhiwei had no choice but to go check his injuries. Feng Zhiwei felt pained and resentful, and started crying. Only when Xin Ziyan was on his way to intercept the secret decree did he realize he was too late. Feng Zhiwei knew that this departure meant she would certainly not be able to return. Ultimately, she left Tiansheng with nothing. Ning Yi rested due to his leg injury, while Helian Zheng and Feng Zhiwei went ahead.

In the carriage, Hua Qiong noticed Feng Zhiwei's concern for Ning Yi, but Feng Zhiwei always felt that Ning Yi was plotting something. Dayue. Ning Yi requested an audience with Prince An Jin Siyu. The latter, feeling suspicious, first had his people claim he was not in the city, planning to meet him later. Then he ordered guard Guo Jun to impersonate him and meet Ning Yi, while he himself would pose as a guard.

Episode 46 Recap

At the banquet, Ning Yi naturally saw through the two of them and even asked Jin Siyu to play a tune to please him and Guo Jun. Guo Jun's expression immediately changed. Jin Siyu angrily rebuked, "How can he, a military general, play the zither?" Ning Yi simply revealed Jin Siyu's identity, and the latter immediately felt awkward. Tiansheng.

Gu Yan said that Warden Peng and Ning Qi were in close contact, so the Tiansheng Emperor ordered him to investigate his actions. Xin Ziyan stopped Zhao Yuan outside the hall and told him to pay more attention to the people around him. Zhao Yuan suddenly realized and noticed the eunuch standing next to him.

Xin Ziyan entered the hall to meet the Tiansheng Emperor, saying that there was another hidden reason behind Ning Yi's horse fall incident, so he requested him to send a troop to protect Ning Yi. The Tiansheng Emperor then ordered Yao Yangyu to lead five thousand imperial guards to depart tomorrow.

Xin Ziyan asked Gu Yan to use this opportunity to investigate Ning Qi and trap him, while Xin Ziyan would naturally persuade the Tiansheng Emperor to release Ning Sheng to restrain Ning Qi. Dayue. Ning Yi said he went to Jinshi to subdue Helian Lie and advised Jin Siyu not to agree to Helian Lie's alliance and not to be an enemy of Tiansheng.

Little did he know, Ning Yi had already ordered someone to kill the envoy sent by Helian Lie. Jin Siyu was displeased and wanted his men to capture Ning Yi, but was persuaded by Ning Yi's few words to agree to the alliance. The Tiansheng Emperor ordered Ning Qi to strengthen border defenses. Once Jinshi was in turmoil, Tiansheng would reap the benefits of the conflict. At the same time, the Tiansheng Emperor also appeased Ning Qi.

However, when Ning Qi asked what the incense box the Tiansheng Emperor often pondered over was, the Tiansheng Emperor suddenly became furious. After Ning Qi withdrew, he couldn't understand, so he asked Zhao Yuan but did not get an answer. Jinshi. Helian Zheng returned to the imperial court. Helian Lie and Liu Mudan enthroned Helian Tu, who was still a young child, as king, Liu Mudan as the Queen Dowager, and Helian Lie as the Regent King.

Helian Zheng took out the true imperial edict. After Li Shihe examined it, he confirmed the authenticity of this imperial edict. The imperial court immediately fell into chaos. All the officials swore to defend Helian Zheng with their lives. Regent King Helian Lie was immediately displeased but was stopped by Liu Mudan, who told Helian Zheng to investigate the truth of the late king's death within one month, otherwise, he would be charged with treason.

After Ning Yi arrived in Jinshi, he investigated the two major aristocratic families of Jinshi, the Si family and the Liu family. Si Xian, the head of the Si family, was imprisoned in death row by the late King of Jinshi. His only legitimate son, Si Yinlun, and Liu Meiduo from the Liu family, were childhood sweethearts and had already arranged a marriage. Unexpectedly, Si Yinlun suddenly went mad a few years ago and attempted to defile Liu Meiduo.

Later, he was tattooed on the face and confined to the ancestral temple. Ning Yi decided to meet Si Yinlun. Ning Yi, holding the accessory given by Zhan Bi, successfully met Si Yinlun. He was indeed mad and agreed to help Ning Yi fulfill his wish. But Si Yinlun kept asking various questions, and Ning Yi was immediately displeased and threatened him. Si Yinlun also hoped to use Ning Yi's power to rescue his father, Si Xian.

Feng Zhiwei waited a long time for Liu Mudan but did not see her. Instead, she saw Liu Meiduo. Intelligent as Feng Zhiwei was, she naturally saw that Liu Meiduo had feelings for Helian Zheng. Liu Mudan appeared at this moment and hastily told Liu Meiduo to withdraw. Feng Zhiwei quickly grabbed Liu Meiduo, but Liu Mudan still managed to reprimand her into leaving. Feng Zhiwei then tested Liu Mudan, saying that she had a pleasant conversation with Liu Meiduo.

However, Liu Mudan was quite distant. Back at the residence, Feng Zhiwei asked Helian Zheng. He quickly distanced himself from Liu Meiduo's relationship. Feng Zhiwei told Helian Zheng to find an opportunity to approach Liu Meiduo because Liu Mudan treated her very strangely. Ning Yi came to the prison to see Si Xian and took out the Zhan Bi accessory he had obtained from the Tiansheng Emperor.

Upon seeing this jade talisman, Si Xian said he had once promised that the Si family would fully assist anyone holding the talisman. Ning Yi, however, claimed he sought nothing else and had an antidote sent to Si Xian. At this moment, the prison guards all fell down. Ning Yi even fainted, and Si Xian also escaped. Feng Zhiwei was very flustered upon learning that Ning Yi was poisoned.

Helian Zheng, however, saw through it, remarking that only Ning Yi himself could poison him. Feng Zhiwei asked if Zhan Bi had any connection with the Si family. Helian Zheng replied that there was indeed a connection. Feng Zhiwei then guessed that Ning Yi was trying to help Helian Zheng and herself, but Helian Zheng did not accept this kindness.

To find out the connection between Ning Yi and the Si family, Feng Zhiwei had no choice but to ask Gu Nanyi for help again. Liu Meiduo rushed towards Helian Zheng upon seeing him. Helian Zheng quickly pulled back. Liu Meiduo threatened Helian Zheng that if he got close to her, he would know the cause of the late king's death. Helian Zheng, however, refused to do anything that would betray Feng Zhiwei and left. Tiansheng.

After Ning Qi met the Tiansheng Emperor, his incense box disappeared. This was naturally secretly taken by Ning Qi. He had Yue Ling examine it and then asked her to reproduce the incense. Ning Yi obtained the list of the Si family's secret guards, but Si Yinlun did not know why he was willing to be poisoned. The Tiansheng Emperor became somewhat disoriented without the incense box. He even ordered the execution of the on-duty personnel.

Zhao Yuan's persuasion, however, angered the Tiansheng Emperor, who ordered him to be dragged away for execution. Ning Qi quickly pleaded for mercy and voluntarily offered to investigate the truth with Zhao Yuan. After the two withdrew, Zhao Yuan thanked Ning Qi and also revealed the maker of the incense box. It was made by the Divine Maiden of Dayue.

Ning Qi said that he knew a woman who could make incense and asked Zhao Yuan to visit his residence another day to meet her. Ning Yi found Si Yinlun's informant in Helian Lie's residence and also obtained the Jinshi army's tiger tally. Yue Ling made an incense that was ninety percent similar to the incense box. Ning Qi intended to have her enter the palace, where she would surely gain great favor.

And he invited Zhao Yuan to visit his residence tomorrow for a talk. Liu Meiduo wanted to kill Feng Zhiwei. Helian Lie also received a fake secret imperial edict sent by Tiansheng to eliminate Ning Yi. The two reached an agreement for cooperation. Liu Meiduo also threatened Helian Lie not to harm Helian Zheng, otherwise she would expose his act of killing the late emperor.

Episode 47 Recap

Tian Shengdi was restless. Zhao Yuan brought him incense made by Yue Ling. After smelling it, Tian Shengdi found that it truly smelled the same as his incense box. So, he asked Zhao Yuan to summon the perfumer. Zhao Yuan said she was unwilling to enter the palace. The more she didn't want to come, the more Tian Shengdi desired to have her.

Yue Ling was to enter the palace the next day, so Ning Qi gave her a kind of medicine. On the full moon day each month, she could get the antidote by going to the Wang family palace. The next day, Yue Ling put on an innocent demeanor when she met Tian Shengdi and handed him a letter. Tian Shengdi saw that her handwriting was identical to Feng Zhiwei's. Tian Shengdi wanted Yue Ling to stay by his side.

Yue Ling deliberately asked, "What official position can a woman hold?" Tian Shengdi simply let her stay in the palace as a female official. Yue Ling tilted her head and asked, "Will there be a salary?" Tian Shengdi burst into laughter. . . Golden Lion. Ning Yi gathered Helian Zheng, Helian Lie, Feng Zhiwei, Liu Mudan, and Helian Tu in the hunting ground.

Feng Zhiwei noticed that Helian Tu was closer to his wet nurse, thinking he hadn't seen Liu Mudan for a long time. Therefore, Feng Zhiwei and Helian Zheng concluded that Helian Lie was using Helian Tu to threaten Liu Mudan. Helian Lie suddenly ordered his men to assemble troops to pursue Si Xian. Liu Meiduo realized he wanted to pin the blame for killing Ning Yi and Feng Zhiwei on her.

Helian Lie, however, said it was a rare opportunity and took out poison. Liu Meiduo finally took it, preparing to act. Helian Zheng received news that Si Xian appeared in the Si family ancestral hall and found something wrong. He questioned Ning Yi but got no results. Ning Yi told him that only if he defeated him, would he tell Helian Zheng his plan. Liu Meiduo poisoned the tent.

Feng Zhiwei came in and offered to mediate between her and Helian Zheng. Liu Meiduo took this opportunity to ask her to drink the wine. Feng Zhiwei pretended to be flustered and spilled the wine on her, also taking the opportunity to take out the poison Liu Meiduo had hidden in her sleeve. She had long seen that Helian Lie was instigating her to plot against herself and Ning Yi.

Si Yinlun led the Si family's death squad to kill the hunting ground guards and abducted Helian Tu and Liu Mudan. Ning Sheng asked Ning Qi to intercede with Tian Shengdi for him, to allow him to enter Concubine Chang's palace to pay respects. Helian Zheng blamed himself incessantly because his brother was abducted and impulsively went to see Ning Yi. Feng Zhiwei quickly stopped him.

It turned out that Feng Zhiwei had told Liu Meiduo that she and Helian Zheng were a fake couple, and persuaded her to reveal the true cause of the Golden Lion's former king's death. Yue Ling was appointed Yue Shanggong, but Ning Qi was dissatisfied. He hoped Yue Ling would persuade Tian Shengdi to allow Ning Sheng to enter Zhaoging Hall, as he believed Zhaoging Hall contained what Ning Sheng desired.

Yue Ling agreed readily and decided to accompany Ning Sheng to investigate. After Ning Qi left, a person resembling a monk with a scarred face slowly walked out, claiming that Min Guogong had forced him to write a confession and taken his fish tally. What Ning Sheng wanted should be this. Yue Ling smiled faintly and reassured him that she would certainly not let anyone else obtain this item and threaten him.

Ning Yi hoped Si Yinlun would release Liu Mudan and Helian Tu, and also let himself go. He would then mediate to make Liu Meiduo tell the truth. However, Si Yinlun was extremely crazed. He was framed by Liu Meiduo and became a laughingstock, so how could he easily let it go? Ning Cheng reported at this time that he had rescued Liu Mudan and her son. Enraged, Si Yinlun actually tried to kill Ning Yi.

Helian Lie claimed that the instability in the Golden Lion court was all due to Helian Zheng. Now that the one-month deadline had arrived, if he couldn't produce the truth about the former king's death, Helian Lie would apprehend him. Liu Meiduo stepped forward at this point, claiming that Helian Lie had bribed imperial physicians to poison the former king and then usurped the throne. The officials were in an uproar.

Helian Lie, desperate, blurted out that Liu Meiduo framing Si Yinlun for defiling her was her own act. Helian Zheng was instantly disgusted, but Liu Meiduo still earnestly declared her true feelings. In the imperial court, Helian Lie and Liu Meiduo attacked each other, and the ministers unanimously requested Helian Zheng to ascend the throne. Helian Zheng agreed. Helian Lie seized this moment to draw his sword and stab at him. At the critical moment, Liu Meiduo blocked the blow.

Liu Mudan was filled with sorrow; she had repaid her sins with her life. Ning Sheng entered Zhaoging Hall as desired to mourn his mother concubine. Yue Ling then withdrew, instructing a palace maid to attend him. After Ning Sheng dismissed the palace maid, he took out a box, which Min Guogong had given to Concubine Chang. Before Ning Sheng could be happy, he was knocked unconscious by a mesmerizing incense.

Yue Ling emerged at this moment, took the fish tally from the box, and handed the remaining handwritten letters to Ning Qi. The awakened Ning Sheng overheard this. When the two noticed, Ning Sheng was already gone. Ning Qi ordered Yue Ling to make him keep quiet and to obtain the item mentioned in the letter. From then on, Ning Sheng gradually became seriously ill, nearing his end. Ning Yi prepared to return to the capital.

Helian Zheng told him not to regret his choice, now that he had made it. Ning Yi also threatened Helian Zheng to treat Feng Zhiwei well, or he would kill him. Feng Zhiwei still had lingering feelings for Ning Yi, but Ning Yi seemed to be complaining about her marrying Helian Zheng. Feng Zhiwei angrily retorted that when she was most heartbroken, Helian Zheng was with her, so where was Ning Yi then? Ning Yi was silent. He gave her the hairpin Feng Zhiwei had asked him to make in Minhai, and told her to take care.

Episode 48 Recap

Ning Yi returned to Tian Sheng to report to the Tian Sheng Emperor, but the Emperor was displeased that he had not killed Helian Zheng. Ning Yi twisted the Tian Sheng Emperor's decree by acting first and reporting later, leaving the Emperor speechless, but the Emperor did not give Aunt Ling Ying to Ning Yi. The Tian Sheng Emperor also ordered Ning Yi to reflect on himself in his residence and not leave without a decree.

On the way back to his residence, Sun Hong, a disabled person from Ning Qi's residence, was being pursued for escaping privately. Upon seeing this, Ning Yi ordered Ning Cheng to settle him in another courtyard. Jin Shi. Today was the wedding day of Feng Zhiwei and Helian Zheng. When the servants brought out the jewelry Helian Zheng had carefully selected for her to choose from, Feng Zhiwei only chose the hairpin Ning Yi had made for her.

Ning Yi made Jin Siyu lose to Jin Shi. Jin Siyu then led his soldiers to the Bai Tou Ya cliff-guarding palace in Jin Shi, shouting provocations. Unfortunately, there was no movement from the other side, so Jin Siyu ordered his men to check nearby small paths, and at night, shaved the beards and hair of the cliff dwellers as a provocation. At this time, Helian Lie was brought in under escort.

He was willing to help Jin Siyu take Jin Shi and also produced the defense map of Jin Shi's stronghold. Feng Zhiwei, elegant and noble, was welcomed to the supreme position in Jin Shi and worshipped by all the officials. Helian Zheng was overjoyed in his heart; from then on, the two would be husband and wife – this was his lifelong wish. At this moment, news of Jin Siyu's attack on Bai Tou Ya arrived.

The ministers all thought that seeking peace was the most appropriate course of action. But Helian Zheng was not born with a weak disposition, and seeking peace was absolutely out of the question. Feng Zhiwei then volunteered to fight on behalf of her husband, to face Jin Siyu. Hua Qiong changed into her battle robes and followed Feng Zhiwei to the front.

Feng Zhiwei initially did not want to involve Hua Qiong, but the other party insisted, so she had no choice but to compromise. Helian Zheng bowed deeply to Feng Zhiwei, wishing her to take care of herself. Helian Lie offered a plan to Jin Siyu, allowing them to enter Bai Tou Ya unnoticed. Thus, Helian Lie was escorted into Bai Tou Ya, and Jin Siyu's forces also secretly entered.

When the time was right, Helian Lie broke free from his ropes, and Jin Siyu led his army to attack Bai Tou Ya. Feng Zhiwei immediately met the challenge, engaging Jin Siyu in a sword fight, but she was hit by his strike and fell to the ground unconscious. Gu Nanyi was hit by a hidden weapon, and Hua Qiong was also captured.

Wu Ying made many inquiries in the palace but could not find any trace of Aunt Ling Ying. Ning Yi suddenly remembered that when he saw the Tian Sheng Emperor, Zhao Yuan was not by his side. Ning Yi knew that threatening the Tian Sheng Emperor with the twin-life Gu to release Feng Zhiwei had violated his biggest taboo. Ning Ji requested an audience at this time; it turned out Ning Sheng had died.

Ning Ji claimed that although the Tian Sheng Emperor had released Ning Sheng, he neither pardoned him nor granted him an audience, and Ning Sheng had been depressed because of this, and thus passed away. Ning Yi wrote to the Tian Sheng Emperor, requesting to meet Aunt Ling Ying, perhaps to resolve the twin-life Gu. After reading it, the Tian Sheng Emperor met Ling Ying and warned her not to speak carelessly.

All of this was overheard by Yue Ling, who was hidden in the dark. Ning Qi ordered someone to deliver a letter to Shao Ning, and then sent people to the private slave market, intending to take action. The Tian Sheng Emperor agreed to let Ning Yi see Aunt Ling Ying. Ning Yi was very happy and ordered people to prepare Aunt Ling Ying's favorite foods. Unexpectedly, Aunt Ling Ying was abducted by men in black halfway.

Ning Yi angrily threatened Gu Yan, stating that if Aunt Ling Ying suffered any harm, he would surely break Gu Yan's bones. Master Zong requested the monk to rescue Feng Zhiwei but was refused. Master Zong was helpless and had no choice but to give up. Feng Zhiwei woke up to find herself imprisoned, with a very panicked woman next to her.

Jin Siyu's defeat in the Bai Tou Ya battle was reported back to the Da Yue King for him to account. He believed that one of the two captured female prisoners must be Feng Zhiwei, so he ordered his men to go to Tian Sheng to gather all information about Feng Zhiwei.

Jin Siyu then had Guo Jun submit a report to the Da Yue King, claiming to be severely wounded and unable to return to the capital for fifteen days. He intended to use himself as bait to catch a bigger fish. Immediately after, he pulled out a small knife and stabbed himself in the abdomen. Aunt Ling Ying was indeed kidnapped by Ning Qi.

He exploited Shao Ning's eagerness to seek revenge on Ning Yi, intending to force Aunt Ling Ying to reveal secrets. Ning Qi whispered something into Shao Ning's ear and handed her a sword. Shao Ning then threatened Aunt Ling Ying, demanding she reveal her secrets with Ning Yi. Afterward, Ning Qi pretended to be Ning Yi, attempting to rescue Aunt Ling Ying, and the two feigned a struggle.

Ning Qi picked up a crossbow in front of the blind Aunt Ling Ying, but then suddenly turned and shot Shao Ning. Shao Ning died without knowing she had been used, while the culprit confidently vowed to use her to bring down Ning Yi. Ning Qi received news of Ning Yi's escape from the Chu Wang Fu while in his carriage on the way to the Imperial Palace.

He then handed a handkerchief to a subordinate and ordered someone to go to Qing Long Temple to pray for Shao Ning's soul. At the same time, Ning Qi ordered his men to inform the Huofeng Gang Leader to prepare to eliminate Ning Yi. When Ning Yi found Aunt Ling Ying, she was clearly terrified, and he also discovered Shao Ning's body. Ning Yi realized that Ning Qi was framing him, and it was already too late to leave.

Gu Yan received a report and came to the scene, finding a servant still clinging to a breath of life, who claimed Ning Yi had poisoned him. In the next moment, Gu Yan saw Ning Yi kneeling beside Shao Ning's body.

Gu Yan did not want Ning Yi to be too involved, so he intended to take Aunt Ling Ying back to the palace, but Ning Yi vehemently refused, having someone take Aunt Ling Ying back to the Chu Wang Fu. Imperial Palace. Ning Yi was accused of killing Shao Ning, and the Tian Sheng Emperor was deeply grieved by Shao Ning's death, but Ning Yi refused to defend himself.

Zhao Yuan was anxious by his side but ultimately could not prevent Ning Yi from being escorted to the Zong Zheng Temple. After Ning Yi left, Zhao Yuan urged the Tian Sheng Emperor to investigate further, but the Emperor brought up a line from the Da Cheng Yao Lue. " When one son emerges, all sons perish."

Ever since Ning Yi returned to the court, the Tian Sheng Emperor had lost one heir after another; perhaps the prophecy from that year was true. Zong Zheng Temple. Ning Yi returned here again, only to learn that something had happened to Feng Zhiwei, and her whereabouts were unknown. Ning Yi secretly pounded his chest in frustration; he had calculated everything but had not accounted for Jin Siyu's selfish desires. Ning Yi decided to settle this grudge himself. Feng Zhiwei felt very miserable alone and wanted to talk to the female prisoner next to her, but the female prisoner asked her who she really was.

Episode 49 Recap

The female prisoner beside Feng Zhiwei was Jia Rong from the Sunset Tribe. She guessed that Feng Zhiwei was from the Jinshi Kingdom. Jin Siyu sent people to Tiansheng to investigate the Queen of Jinshi. As long as Feng Zhiwei's identity was confirmed, the other prisoners would be released. Feng Zhiwei did not believe him. At this moment, the jailer came in and took Jia Rong away.

Jia Rong was indeed sent by Jin Siyu to investigate Feng Zhiwei's identity, but he did not find out anything. Guo Jun gathered the Jinshi war prisoners and publicly stated that if they did not reveal who the Queen of Jinshi was, he would kill one prisoner every two hours. Feng Zhiwei and Hua Qiong quickly pushed open the door, simultaneously shouting that they were the Queen of Jinshi.

Ning Yi pushed open the gate of Zongzheng Temple and followed Yue'er, with guards trailing behind him. A familiar prisoner came to ask King Chu, "Where is Old Third Huo?" Ning Yi looked at the sky. He had brewed the wine up there and was waiting for him. The prisoner suddenly pulled out a hairpin and lunged at Ning Yi, but was stopped in time by the guards.

Ning Yi looked at his body and ordered someone to bury him properly. Jin Siyu allowed Feng Zhiwei and Hua Qiong to move freely within Pu Garden. If they could leave within five days, he would release the Jinshi captives. If they could not, he would still release the prisoners, but the Queen of Jinshi must reveal herself. Feng Zhiwei and Hua Qiong agreed to this wager.

In the carriage, Ning Yi asked Auntie Lingying to stay by his side, but Auntie Lingying said she could not accompany him. Realizing the carriage had left the city, Auntie Lingying panicked and claimed she could not leave the Imperial Capital. Ning Yi could only tell Ning Cheng to stop the carriage.

Ning Yi repeatedly questioned her, but Auntie Lingying only said one thing: as long as Emperor Tiansheng was alive, neither she nor Ning Yi could leave the Imperial Capital. Auntie Lingying burst into tears, "Yale has been wronged too much!" Emperor Tiansheng was furious when he learned that Ning Yi had escaped by seizing the opportunity to transport corpses. He ordered Gu Yan to immediately bring him back.

If he couldn't bring him back, then Gu Yan should report to the Ministry of Punishment and accept his punishment. If Ning Yi resisted the imperial decree, Gu Yan was to kill him on sight! No matter how Zhao Yuan tried to stop him, it was useless. Emperor Tiansheng overturned the table, declaring he no longer wanted to be threatened by Ning Yi! Gu Yan caught up with Ning Yi, who absolutely refused to return to the Capital.

Gu Yan believed that his current actions no longer upheld the principles of loyalty and righteousness. Ning Yi still used the same set of excuses. Gu Yan had no choice but to pull out his dagger, hoping Ning Yi would give him a reason to report back. Xin Ziyan received a letter from Ning Yi, entrusting him to investigate the truth behind Shaoning's death. At Dayue's Pu Garden, the five-day limit had arrived.

Neither Feng Zhiwei nor Hua Qiong had left Pu Garden. Jin Siyu asked them to reveal their identities, but they insisted on using their lives to honor the wager. In a fit of anger, Jin Siyu drew his sword. At this moment, someone reported that Ning Yi had come to request an audience. The person also reported that he was wanted by Emperor Tiansheng for killing Shaoning.

Jin Siyu told Ning Yi to wait in the study, then he got up and went to the study. Feng Zhiwei became very worried upon hearing this news. Jin Siyu couldn't help but mock Ning Yi upon seeing him, but Ning Yi said their situations were remarkably similar, leaving Jin Siyu speechless.

Ning Yi wanted to use Pu Garden to escape danger, but Jin Siyu asked him to move to the flower hall to see who the real Feng Zhiwei was. Guo Jun received the message and ordered his men to force Feng Zhiwei and Hua Qiong to kneel. Ning Yi and Jin Siyu arrived simultaneously. Jin Siyu stated that he would keep the Queen of Jinshi, but kill the other.

Jin Siyu was betting on Ning Yi's lingering affection for Feng Zhiwei, knowing that he wouldn't bear to see Feng Zhiwei die. If he did not speak, Jin Siyu would kill both of them. Jin Siyu then began to count. When he reached the third count, Feng Zhiwei was suddenly wounded by an arrow. Ning Yi, suppressing his rage, shouted at her, "How dare you, Hua Qiong!" Jin Siyu walked in front of Feng Zhiwei.

Ning Yi drew his sword and pointed it at him, but only cut the arrow on Feng Zhiwei's shoulder. Ning Yi claimed that Feng Zhiwei was a maid he had placed beside Hua Qiong. He then took out a handkerchief and stopped the bleeding for Feng Zhiwei. Jin Siyu did not believe him, because he knew that Feng Zhiwei was the Ninth Princess of Dacheng and should have a blue birthmark on her shoulder. Tiansheng.

Gu Yan requested Emperor Tiansheng to allow him to investigate the truth behind Shaoning's death, but Emperor Tiansheng felt that even if he investigated thoroughly, it would only cause him to lose more offspring. Emperor Tiansheng asked Xin Ziyan where Ning Yi was. He did not know. Emperor Tiansheng asked Xin Ziyan to support Ning Qi as the next emperor, only leaving a remark that he did not have much time left.

Jin Siyu ordered someone to check Hua Qiong's birthmark. Who knew that she indeed had the mark of the Changsun family on her body. It turned out that before Feng Zhiwei went to Jinshi, Ning Yi had summoned Hua Qiong and ordered someone to create a birthmark for her. At this moment, Helian Zheng led a large army to the outskirts of Pucheng.

Jin Siyu said, "You've come at just the right time," and ordered his men to take Hua Qiong downstairs for a bath and change of clothes. As for Feng Zhiwei, Jin Siyu asked her to invite Hua Qiong to personally go up the city tower to meet Helian Zheng. Feng Zhiwei, unable to bear it, threatened Jin Siyu, saying that if anything happened to Ning Yi, his position as Prince An of Dayue would likely be lost.

Ning Yi pulled Feng Zhiwei away and told her to go downstairs to get her wound bandaged. After much deliberation, Auntie Lingying finally revealed the truth to Ning Yi: Yale had always been imprisoned by Emperor Tiansheng in a dark, sunless dungeon and had not died! Ning Yi was filled with self-reproach, he was the one who had harmed Yale! Auntie Lingying took out a note given by Yale.

It was written in Yale's own hand and was full of words of concern. After reading it, Ning Yi told Ning Cheng to assassinate Jin Siyu tonight, then return to the Imperial Capital to rescue his imperial concubine! Auntie Lingying quickly stopped him. Hua Qiong saw that Ning Yi's posture today indicated he was there to rescue them both, so she discussed with Feng Zhiwei finding an opportunity to listen to his plan.

When Feng Zhiwei saw Ning Yi, she recalled all their past experiences. She feared that Ning Yi would die because of her, even asking Hua Qiong to kill her to save Ning Yi. Hua Qiong couldn't bear it; she would absolutely not let Feng Zhiwei go to her death. The two brushed away each other's tears, waiting for tomorrow. Yale gave the method to cure the Twin Gu to Auntie Lingying and ordered her to memorize it.

The items needed to cure the Gu were all mentioned in the four lines of poetry in the letter. The other few items were easy to find, except for the Jiajianxiang, the Dharma artifact of the Sunset Tribe Goddess. . . Ning Yi suddenly remembered that he had seen Jia Rong, and she had the scent of Jiajianxiang on her. Yue Ling handed the plea of guilt and the fish tally to the monk.

It turned out he was Changsun Hong, the Fourth Son of Emperor Ai of Dacheng! Yue Ling burned the letter, then gently took Changsun Hong's hand. Jin Siyu's people had refined Zhizhu Powder. After the Jinshi war prisoners consumed it, they became remarkably obedient. Taking Zhizhu Powder for nine consecutive days would take effect.

Jin Siyu then ordered the imperial physician to collect the main ingredient, Lianhua Azalea, and also told Guo Jun to find a few people to bury gunpowder in secret locations. Ning Yi gave the Crown Prince of Dayue half of the list of Jin Siyu's spies planted in the imperial court, hoping to obtain a map of Pu Garden's secret passages. A maid rushed over.

Ning Yi immediately pretended to beg Feng Zhiwei to return to the Imperial Capital with her. Meanwhile, Jin Siyu was preparing to have Feng Zhiwei start taking Zhizhu Powder. Emperor Tiansheng dispatched Xin Ziyan to serve as Grand Tutor beside Ning Qi, to verify if he could bear the heavy responsibility of being the Crown Prince.

Episode 50 Recap

Chancellor Yao learned that Ning Yi was trapped in Pucheng, so he ordered someone to notify Yao Yangyu to go to Pucheng to rescue Ning Yi, and also ordered someone to deliver a letter to Gu Yan. Dayue. Jin Siyu's imperial physician was looking for Lianhua Zhizhu. Gu Nanyi, disguised as a miracle doctor, claimed that this lotus flower was rare. The imperial physician invited Gu Nanyi to go to Puyuan together to discuss a bit.

Hua Qiong was seriously ill, but the imperial physician said he could not make a definitive diagnosis. Feng Zhiwei and Jin Siyu had another dispute, so the imperial physician could only let Gu Nanyi try. After Gu Nanyi entered the room, Jin Siyu and the imperial physician left. The imperial physician said that Hua Qiong's pulse was not that serious.

Jin Siyu knew that Ning Yi was playing tricks, so he ordered the imperial physician to have a physician prescribe a formula. Jin Siyu tested Ning Yi, but Ning Yi brought up Jiarong, saying that she had the scent of his mother on her. He suspected Jiarong was a Xiruo tribeswoman, so he requested to meet Jiarong. Jin Siyu readily agreed. The items lost by Ling Ying when she was robbed were taken by a Zongzheng Temple jailer to pawn.

Gu Yan recognized that the jailer had also killed someone who was trying to assassinate Ning Yi; he saw that this person was not simple. The jailer claimed that Xuan Chen, Ning Qi's guard, had given this to him, and also said that he wanted him and the prisoner to kill Ning Yi together. However, the assassination failed, so the jailer could only draw his knife first and kill the prisoner.

Changsun Hong had already ordered this jailer to expose himself; he was loyal to Dacheng. Xin Ziyan saw the strangeness of this matter, and Gu Yan also felt that there was something suspicious behind this person. Xin Ziyan told Gu Yan to simply handle this case, but not to report it to Emperor Tiansheng, but to arrest Xuan Chen and investigate in secret. Jin Siyu made Feng Zhiwei test the medicine for Hua Qiong.

Feng Zhiwei had no choice but to drink it all. It turned out that when Feng Zhiwei was talking with Ning Yi, a prisoner of war who had taken Zhizhu San revealed that she was the true Golden Lion Queen, Feng Zhiwei. Gu Nanyi said that the medicine he prescribed was just some tonics, and Hua Qiong was only temporarily unconscious to cooperate with Ning Yi to buy time and was not in serious danger.

Feng Zhiwei told Gu Nanyi to go see Helian Zheng under the guise of buying medicine and warned him not to act rashly. Yalue was Jiarong's aunt. After Jiarong met Aunt Ling Ying, they hugged and cried, both thinking they would never see their people again in this life. Ning Yi let her meet the secret envoy of the Dayue Crown Prince. Feng Zhiwei was feeling unwell but still endured, handing half of the secret passage map to Gu Nanyi.

As soon as the latter half of the map arrived, the escape plan would begin. Gu Nanyi quickly took out the three pills Zong Fuzi had given her, saying they could be used to detoxify in times of crisis. Xin Ziyan and Ning Qi agreed to go to Qinglong Temple together to make a vow, never to betray each other.

Unexpectedly, Ning Qi's carriage was hit by a pillar on the way, and Xin Ziyan also had his foot injured by a stone. They asked a master to take a look. The master said that they needed to choose someone whose Bazi aligned with theirs to act as a substitute at Qinglong Temple for a hundred days. Xin Ziyan chose Dahua, while Ning Qi put forward Xuan Chen.

The materials for resolving the twin Gu were ready, but Ning Yi firmly cut his wrist and dripped his blood into the vessel. . . Ning Cheng was guarding outside the room. Feng Zhiwei was about to leave when she suddenly heard Ning Yi's painful scream. Without thinking, she rushed in and found Ning Yi lying on the couch, his face pale. Feng Zhiwei could not stop crying.

No matter how Ning Yi comforted her when he woke up, it was useless. Feng Zhiwei suddenly fainted on the ground. After Aunt Ling Ying checked Feng Zhiwei's pulse, she found that Feng Zhiwei had taken some medicine. When she woke up, Ning Yi warned her not to try any more medicine. Xuan Chen was forced by the jailer to reveal the fact that Ning Qi had plotted to harm Ning Yi.

Helplessly, he bit his tongue and committed suicide, leaving no proof. Xin Ziyan felt that the owner of the private slave market who cooperated with Ning Qi must have a significant background, so he arranged for Erhua and guard Achou to stage a play at the private slave market where a gambler sold his sister. Someone at the private slave market took a liking to Erhua and made a bet with Achou.

Ning Yi had already obtained the latter half of the map. Jiarong brought Helian Zheng to Ning Yi. He told Ning Yi about Jin Siyu transporting gunpowder, so Ning Yi instructed him to go to the secret passage exit to contact Chunyu Meng and receive him, Feng Zhiwei, and the others. Ning Cheng and Ning Yi found the secret passage exit in Jin Siyu's room, but it was unfortunately blocked.

Ning Yi realized that Jin Siyu's goal was to kill the Dayue Crown Prince. He had seen a map of Jin Siyu's before, which should be the layout of Pucheng, so he and Ning Cheng began searching together. The two frantically searched together and finally found it, but Jin Siyu also returned to the room, and they hurriedly hid.

The meticulous Jin Siyu naturally noticed the abnormality in the room and was about to search for the people hiding there when a maid came to report that Feng Zhiwei had woken up. Ning Yi asked Ning Cheng to draw a map and went to check on Feng Zhiwei himself. Feng Zhiwei's mind was a bit confused. She was curled up in a corner and no longer remembered the past.

Jin Siyu worried that she was deceiving him, so he said Feng Zhiwei's name was Wang Shaoyao, and she was his concubine. At this moment, Ning Yi entered. Feng Zhiwei, with a panicked expression, told him to leave, calling him a bad person! Ning Yi could only withdraw from the room. It turned out that this plan was orchestrated by him and Feng Zhiwei together. Ning Yi ordered Ning Cheng to contact Helian Zheng.

Gu Nanyi wrote down all the medical knowledge Zong Fuzi had made him memorize and earnestly requested Ning Yi to save Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei woke up to find Jin Siyu guarding her. In her confused state, she smelled gunpowder and frantically blew out the candle, wanting to take Jin Siyu and escape. It turned out that Feng Zhiwei had mistaken Jin Siyu for Ning Yi from her hazy memories.

The scene in the attic was vivid in her mind, and Feng Zhiwei even imitated Ning Yi, rubbing her face against Jin Siyu's to get close to him. Feng Zhiwei heard the sound of music in the garden. She remembered the tune and followed it. Unexpectedly, the originally joyful Feng Zhiwei became very flustered upon seeing Ning Yi. Coffins, eternal damnation—fragmented memories rushed through Feng Zhiwei's mind.

Jin Siyu quickly arrived, claiming he wanted to make up for Feng Zhiwei's bridal night. After Jin Siyu left with Feng Zhiwei, Gu Nanyi came out to comfort Ning Yi. Ning Yi naturally knew, but what Feng Zhiwei said was not wrong at all; as soon as she saw him, she would be in extreme pain. At night, Gu Nanyi quietly sneaked into Feng Zhiwei's room and treated her according to the acupoint map drawn by Ning Yi.

When Feng Zhiwei woke up, Gu Nanyi's hands trembled slightly. He asked her if she recognized him. Feng Zhiwei replied that she did, and Gu Nanyi was overjoyed. Who knew that Feng Zhiwei's next words, calling him "Physician Gu," would pour cold water on him. Erhua secretly entered Changsun Hong's room and, following Xin Ziyan's instructions, found evidence of Fire Phoenix Gang's collusion with Ning Qi. Footsteps sounded outside the door, and Erhua hurriedly left.

All of this was seen by Changsun Hong, but he decided to keep Erhua, as she might be of great use. The Tiansheng envoy did not know that Ning Yi was in Puyuan. He stated that even if Ning Yi was guilty, he still had to be dealt with by Emperor Tiansheng. Jin Siyu had no intention of returning Ning Yi and simply pretended to know nothing. Walking into Ning Yi's room, Jin Siyu found him taking medicine.

Episode 51 Recap

Ning Yi was in a panic, and Jin Siyu pursued him relentlessly. Ning Yi seemed to be in a daze, speaking his true feelings: he must rescue Feng Zhiwei safely. After Jin Siyu left, Ning Yi stared blankly, "Will you be the second Ning Yi?" Feng Zhiwei, dressed in splendid attire, with a cloud fan covering her face, gently walked towards Jin Siyu. This was the wedding Jin Siyu held for them in name only.

Jin Siyu provoked Ning Yi, asking him to offer congratulations. Ning Yi picked up the xun, and a familiar melody floated into Feng Zhiwei's ears, but her expression remained unchanged. While crossing the saddle, Feng Zhiwei suddenly fell, hitting her head hard. After getting up, Feng Zhiwei had already recalled past events. Facing Jin Siyu's claim that she was Princess Wang Shaoyao, Ning Yi resolutely pulled her hand.

Helian Zheng and Gu Nanyi were about to make a move when suddenly the river embankment collapsed, Pucheng was flooded, and everyone found themselves in a water city. Ning Yi, Jin Siyu, Helian Zheng, and Gu Nanyi were all looking for one person: Feng Zhiwei. Ning Yi, underwater, was one step ahead of the others and found Feng Zhiwei in the deep water. He was overjoyed and embraced Feng Zhiwei.

Jin Siyu appeared at this moment and pulled Feng Zhiwei away. Guo Jun also didn't hesitate to assassinate Ning Yi. Fortunately, Ning Yi was agile and dodged the pursuit of the two. Helian Zheng said that if Feng Zhiwei decided to return with Ning Yi, he would let go. Unexpectedly, Ning Yi hoped Feng Zhiwei would follow Helian Zheng back to Jinshi, believing only he could keep Feng Zhiwei safe. Feng Zhiwei was reluctant, asking "Why?"

In the end, they still said goodbye forever, never to meet again. Yalê's magnificent black hair had turned white, looking incredibly eerie in this sunless dark room. Emperor Tiansheng came to see her, talking about the weather outside. For many years, he had grown accustomed to visiting Yalê every day, speaking to her about things he couldn't share with others, though he feared it wouldn't last much longer.

Yalê knew her death was approaching, so her only wish was to see Ning Yi. Emperor Tiansheng was angered and sent someone to escort her back to Yilan Palace. Before leaving, Yalê, filled with resentment, left a message: "Never meet him again for all eternity." Emperor Tiansheng handed the imperial edict to Prime Minister Yao. Prime Minister Yao opened it and was panic-stricken, as the name was Prince Wei Ning Qi!

Xin Ziyan and Prime Minister Yao quickly knelt down, pleading with Emperor Tiansheng to retract his command. However, Emperor Tiansheng only gave them two choices: either accept this heavy responsibility and assist Ning Qi, or retire to their hometowns and stay away from the court. Emperor Tiansheng was displeased, and the two could only withdraw. Emperor Tiansheng stated that if Ning Yi did not relinquish his armor, he would eliminate him.

He even instructed Zhao Yuan to assist Ning Qi in becoming a diligent and benevolent emperor who cared for his people. Emperor Tiansheng, wary of Gu Yan, had Lu Ming deploy the Golden Feather Guards to ambush at the city's edge. Gu Yan quickly discussed with Xin Ziyan, Prime Minister Yao, and others. Emperor Tiansheng's move was clearly a desperate measure to deal with Ning Yi.

Chunyu Meng and his father Chunyu Hong, along with Yao Yangyu, also risked their lives to help Ning Yi. Ning Qi naturally received the news and decided to seize the opportunity to further harm Ning Yi. However, Yue Ling and Changsun Hong were not his loyal subjects. Yue Ling would find a way to let Emperor Tiansheng know of Ning Qi's actions.

Once Ning Qi died, Ning Yi would also be secretly killed by Changsun Hong, and by then, Emperor Tiansheng would be left with the tragic fate of losing all his descendants. Er Hua, accused of secretly entering the prince's manor to steal, was escorted by Ning Qi's men to Xin Ziyan's residence. Xin Ziyan ordered his men to untie him, preparing to speak with Ning Qi in person, but unexpectedly, those men immediately killed Er Hua.

Ning Yi led his army into the palace. Emperor Tiansheng asked, "Is he staging a palace coup?" Ning Yi ordered others to retreat ten zhang, then revealed that the twin Gu poison between them had been resolved, stating that Emperor Tiansheng no longer needed to protect himself. Emperor Tiansheng held his sword against Ning Yi's chest, already highly wary of him. No matter how Zhao Yuan tried to persuade him, it was useless.

Ning Yi simply took out his prince's jade tally, demoting himself to a commoner who would never return to the capital, only hoping that Emperor Tiansheng would return his mother, Yalê, to him! Emperor Tiansheng dropped his sword, squatted down, and looked directly at Ning Yi. Da Hua was constantly thinking of Er Hua, overwhelmed with grief. She got up and discovered that the child in her womb was also gone. Overcome with sorrow, Da Hua fainted.

Xin Ziyan quickly summoned a physician, but ultimately, nothing could be done to save her. Yalê was brought by Ning Cheng to Ning Yi. After more than twenty years, mother and son finally met. Ning Yi knelt down and kowtowed deeply, while Yalê opened her arms, and they embraced, weeping. Ning Yi was no longer Prince Chu, but Liu Lang. Xin Ziyan set aside his grief and told Ning Yi about the Fire Phoenix Gang.

However, Ning Yi was only focused on tuning the zither for Yalê, showing no intention of returning to the royal family. He was very happy with his current situation. Ning Yi played the zither for Yalê, asking for praise like a child, while Aunt Ling Ying prepared a large reunion feast. Xin Ziyan watched Ning Yi enjoy the family reunion, his heart filled with sorrow, and he turned to leave. At night, Ning Yi brought the osmanthus wine he personally brewed to Yalê. However, Yalê did not want Ning Yi to abandon his ideals for her.

Episode 52 Recap

Outside Chenming Palace, Emperor Tiansheng looked at this solemn and magnificent palace and meticulously counted his lost children: the deposed Crown Prince Ning Chuan, the deposed Prince Yan Ning Sheng, Prince Zhao Ning Yan, and his only princess, Shaoning. Emperor Tiansheng handed a newly drafted imperial edict to Chancellor Yao, stating that if Ning Yi could not live peacefully after the new monarch ascended the throne, Ning Qi would be deposed.

Ning Qi would certainly understand; he swore an oath to treat Ning Yi and Ning Ji well. Emperor Tiansheng turned and returned to the palace. The so-called Son of Heaven was merely the loneliest prisoner in this splendid imperial palace. However, Ning Qi naturally refused to lower his guard; as long as Ning Yi was still alive, he would not have a moment of peace. Ning Qi sent many gifts to Ning Yi and Ya Le.

Late at night, Zong Fuzi and the Blood Slaughter crawled out of a box and took Ya Le away. To ensure his subordinates' escape, Zong Fuzi fought with Ning Cheng, but was stabbed in the abdomen by Ning Cheng with a sword. Gu Nanyi and Changsun Hong rushed over. Zong Fuzi only left one instruction: protect Feng Zhiwei. In the Prince Wei's residence, Ning Yi collapsed. He had finally found his mother, why was she being relentlessly pursued again!

Gu Nanyi rushed back to Jinshi and told Feng Zhiwei about Zong Fuzi's death and Changsun Hong's existence. Feng Zhiwei was naturally grief-stricken and wanted to return to Tiansheng immediately. Helian Zheng was very disappointed. She had finally found a reason to leave him and return to Tiansheng. So be it, he would grant her a divorce letter; with empty sleeves, their ties would be completely severed.

Xin Ziyan heard that Ning Yi and Ning Qi had a conflict, so he explained the whole story to Emperor Tiansheng. Yue Ling waited outside the hall, eavesdropping on their conversation. Emperor Tiansheng grew suspicious of Ning Qi. Xin Ziyan seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire, intending to depose Ning Qi. Xin Ziyan hoped Ning Yi would return to court to rescue Ya Le, but Ning Yi was absolutely unwilling to gamble with his mother's life.

Xin Ziyan earnestly advised him, "If you want to protect your beloved, you must firmly hold power in your hands!" Ning Yi, however, detested this murky and chaotic court and resolved to leave far away. On the full moon day of every month, Yue Ling would come to Lady Wang's palace to get the antidote. She also took the opportunity to tell Ning Qi that Emperor Tiansheng's intentions had changed.

The latter asked her to find an opportunity to investigate if the imperial edict was still there. Ning Yi suddenly appeared beside Lady Wang. To rescue Ya Le, he took Lady Wang away. Gu Nanyi was unwilling for Feng Zhiwei to return to Tiansheng and risk herself again, because Changsun Hong said that Ning Yi wanted to wipe out everyone related to Dacheng. But Feng Zhiwei didn't believe him, so she had to return to Dijing.

Lady Wang was kidnapped, and Ning Qi had no choice but to return Ya Le to him. Ning Qi came to the private slave market. He ordered Changsun Hong to administer poison to Ya Le and pretended to send her back, but if Ning Yi ever harbored rebellious intentions, he would kill Ya Le. Unexpectedly, when the two entered the cell where Ya Le was held, they found no trace of her.

Ning Qi was furious and ordered Changsun Hong to quickly find her. Ning Yi received a secret letter, asking Ning Cheng to exchange for Ya Le. Ning Yi guessed this was related to Zong Fuzi's death, so he immediately ordered someone to go to Jinshi to check on Feng Zhiwei's situation. However, Gu Nanyi secretly overheard the conversation between Changsun Hong and Ning Qi, so he took Ya Le away.

That letter was naturally also from Gu Nanyi's hand; Feng Zhiwei did not know this. Gu Nanyi would not harm Ya Le; he only wanted to avenge his master. Many people had died on the path of avenging Dacheng. Ya Le revealed with one sentence, "Dacheng was merely a flower in the water, the moon in the mirror; it was just a fleeting obsession in their hearts."

Zhao Yuan implored Emperor Tiansheng to help Ning Yi, but Emperor Tiansheng was furious. Yue Ling advised Emperor Tiansheng to issue an edict for Ning Yi to return to court, using the opportunity to test both him and Ning Qi. Gu Nanyi met Ning Yi with Ya Le. He only wanted Ning Cheng dead. Ning Yi earnestly tried to persuade him. Ning Cheng angrily ran out and directly confronted Gu Nanyi.

Ning Yi, caught in the middle, was knocked to the ground by a punch from Gu Nanyi, and then had a fierce fight with Ning Cheng. When Ning Yi woke up, Feng Zhiwei also rushed to the scene. The carriage containing Ya Le was slowly falling down the cliff. Gu Nanyi desperately pulled on the rope, but the carriage and Ya Le were ultimately pulled down together. Ning Yi ultimately lost his mother. . .

Feng Zhiwei watched over Ning Yi until he woke up, but he only focused on questioning Feng Zhiwei why she returned to Dijing, and whether his mother's death was related to her. Feng Zhiwei only said that she was now just like Ning Yi was when he first learned that Qiu Mingying was taken hostage. Ning Yi asked Feng Zhiwei to hand over Gu Nanyi for punishment. Feng Zhiwei only pleaded with Ning Yi not to harm him.

How could Ning Yi do that? Feng Zhiwei was silent and gave Ning Yi the item clutched in Ya Le's hand when she died. Ning Yi looked at the spiritual talisman in his hand, in extreme pain. Inside the palace, Emperor Tiansheng held Ya Le's hair ornament, equally saddened. Yue Ling took off her outer robe and leaned on Emperor Tiansheng's shoulder. Her appearance was strikingly similar to Ya Le's.

Emperor Tiansheng was momentarily dazed and pulled her into his embrace. The spiritual talisman Ya Le left for Ning Yi belonged to the Goddess of the Sunset Tribe. It was engraved with the Goddess's mission. Ya Le, sitting in the carriage before her death, told Ning Yi that she only wanted her son to see his true heart. At this moment, Wu Ying reported that Lady Wang had been killed.

In the morning, Yue Ling helped Emperor Tiansheng put on his clothes. Emperor Tiansheng bestowed upon her the title of First Rank Lady and granted her residence in Zhaoging Palace. Lady Wang's death was Xin Ziyan's doing. That day, he originally intended to ask Lady Wang if she knew Ning Qi's secret, but received a negative answer. Lady Wang stubbornly believed Ning Qi was inherently kind and even pleaded with Xin Ziyan to save him.

Xin Ziyan had lost his child and Er Hua, which led to Ning Yi's resignation from official duties; naturally, he resented Ning Qi. But Lady Wang actually asked him to save Ning Qi? What a joke! For revenge, Xin Ziyan then killed Lady Wang. . .

Episode 53 Recap

Xin Ziyan pressed Ning Yi relentlessly. He wanted to tell him that withdrawing from the court would only make him a fish on a chopping block, at the mercy of others! But Ning Yi could not listen to anything else; as a son, he only wanted his mother back. Xin Ziyan was speechless and had no choice but to turn and leave. Wang Shi's body was carried into the palace, and Emperor Tiansheng was furious.

Although Xin Ziyan had been driven out by Ning Yi, he still came to the palace, just to save Ning Yi's life. Xin Ziyan even pleaded with Emperor Tiansheng to establish the Tenth Prince Ning Ji as the crown prince. Ning Qi collapsed and smashed things in his room, then lay on the ground, taking out Wang Shi's relics and weeping. Yue Ling was established as Concubine Qing.

Changsun Hong suppressed his anger, received news that Jinshi Helian Zheng was heading to Tiansheng, and then prepared to implement his next plan. Gu Nanyi knelt before Ning Yi, undergoing questioning. Ya Le was confined in the private slave market. Gu Nanyi took her to the former Wei Manor. Ning Yi stepped into this deserted manor, savoring Ya Le's last bit of vitality. Ning Yi suddenly discovered a fish tally on the ground.

Ning Qi, having lost his mother, came before Emperor Tiansheng, asking him to seek justice for Wang Shi. They all believed that Ning Yi had killed Wang Shi because he had a mental breakdown after losing his mother, unaware that Xin Ziyan was the true mastermind behind the scenes. Emperor Tiansheng, however, asked, "Whose life should pay for Ya Le's?"

Ning Qi was utterly disappointed in him; it turned out that Emperor Tiansheng had only thought of Ya Le from beginning to end. Xin Ziyan, feeling guilty on the side, simply advised Emperor Tiansheng to thoroughly investigate the deaths of Ya Le, Wang Shi, and Shao Ning, to thoroughly investigate these wrongful cases, and then have each life pay for itself. Ning Yi remained silent and could only withdraw.

Emperor Tiansheng had the idea of making these two brothers, separated by the hatred of a mother's murder, shake hands and make peace. Yue Ling then brought up soup, saying they should hold a family banquet. Seeing Emperor Tiansheng's callousness, Ning Qi resolved to rebel. He had Changsun Hong contact Vice Chancellor Hu Shengshan. Changsun Hong, holding the fish tally, recognized Feng Zhiwei as his sister.

The moment he received his mother's letter on the battlefield, saying he had a younger sister, he knew he was no longer a lonely existence in this world. Changsun Hong took out a carved peach wood sword and gave it to Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei was inevitably touched by him, but also inevitably suspicious, hesitating to accept it. Changsun Hong naturally saw this and left, wanting to give her time to react.

Feng Zhiwei called out to him, asking if he was hiding something from her. Changsun Hong replied, "Yes," but refused to say what it was, only leaving the remark that he would not harm Feng Zhiwei.

Episode 54 Recap

Helian Zheng regretted it. He still hoped to stay by Feng Zhiwei's side, which was why he came to the Tiansheng Imperial Capital, to persuade her to return to Jinshi with him, just like before. Feng Zhiwei knew it was impossible for them, so she advised him to leave the Imperial Capital quickly. Helian Zheng could only humbly plead to stay by Feng Zhiwei's side for a month, after which they would be strangers to each other.

Xin Ziyan advised Ning Ji to subdue the three tribes unwilling to submit to Ning Qi, stating that the Tiansheng Emperor intended to make him the Crown Prince. Ning Ji was greatly alarmed. He had never been interested in the struggle for the crown, and besides, Ning Qi and Ning Yi were both his elder brothers, so why would he be made the Crown Prince?

Xin Ziyan became anxious and said that Ning Qi intended to rebel and usurp the throne. Ning Ji understood, but he was absolutely unwilling to take the position of Crown Prince, so he asked Xin Ziyan to find a way to bring Ning Yi back, as he was the Tiansheng Emperor's best candidate. Yue Ling left the palace under the pretext of praying for the Tiansheng Emperor to meet Changsun Hong.

When they met again, their identities were no longer as they once were. Changsun Hong felt both guilt and gratitude towards her. No matter who Yue Ling was, she was the love of his life. Yue Ling only hoped that Changsun Hong could achieve his desires, and she would be content.

After a brief embrace with Changsun Hong, Yue Ling came before the Buddha to make a wish: that Changsun Hong would achieve his desires, and that after it was accomplished, she would dedicate her life to Buddhism. Yue Ling called over the guards who had accompanied her out of the palace. A group of people suddenly darted out and killed those guards, then disguised themselves as Yue Ling's guards and entered the palace with her.

Ning Yi entered the imperial palace and met the Tiansheng Emperor. He referred to himself as a commoner. The Tiansheng Emperor seemed angry. When he turned around, Ning Yi noticed that he was no longer as radiant as before. The Tiansheng Emperor told Ning Yi, "Your father is still alive." Ning Yi lightly chuckled, "My father is still alive? I didn't even know this father. Did he ever love me. . ." Feng Zhiwei arrived at the private slave market.

Everyone called her "Young Mistress", which made her a bit flustered and scared, so she quickly went to find Changsun Hong. Changsun Hong was secretly plotting important matters with several elders. Feng Zhiwei rushed in, thinking, "How many more things is he hiding from me?" Before the elders left, they told Feng Zhiwei that Changsun Hong did not have much time left. Family banquet. Ning Ji, Ning Yi, and Ning Qi toasted the Tiansheng Emperor.

The Tiansheng Emperor told them to voice all their grievances. Ning Yi lightly chuckled again, "Indeed, it is the imperial family. My mother consort has just died, and the Tiansheng Emperor is already favoring Yue Ling. How can one not feel disheartened?" The Tiansheng Emperor was not angered, and Yue Ling's expression remained as usual. Feng Zhiwei saw Changsun Hong's ambition.

She hoped her brother could let go of these hatreds, explaining that the world is vast, and anywhere can be home. Changsun Hong was unwilling. " Zong Fuzi, Qiu Mingying, Feng Hao, Gu Yan, and countless vengeful spirits are all waiting for us to avenge them. Where is their home?" The Tiansheng Emperor turned to ask Ning Qi. The latter had a grim expression, just like Ning Yi, as both their mothers' bodies were not yet cold.

This time, the Tiansheng Emperor was angered and asked Ning Qi what he had said that day in front of Chengmíng Hall. Ning Qi said, "I will surely treat Ning Yi and Ning Ji well, and be brothers for life." Ning Qi told Ning Yi to observe three months of mourning for Wang Shi, and he would then abide by that day's oath. Ning Yi naturally agreed, because Wang Shi should not have died.

Not to mention three months of mourning, even three years would be enough. The Tiansheng Emperor was greatly pleased. Who knew Ning Yi would change the subject and demand that Ning Qi also provide an explanation for the death of his mother consort, Yue Le. The two were at a stalemate. The Tiansheng Emperor, feeling powerless, was about to collapse.

Ning Yi and Ning Ji immediately rushed to his side, while Ning Qi acted as if nothing was wrong, telling Yue Ling to help the Tiansheng Emperor back to rest. After the three princes left, Ning Qi, using his status as Crown Prince, demanded that Ning Yi, the commoner, kneel before him. Ning Yi scoffed. Yue Ling stated that the Tiansheng Emperor had summoned Ning Yi for a private conversation at that moment. Yue Ling also chased Zhao Yuan out.

Ning Yi entered the hall only to find the Tiansheng Emperor sound asleep, so he had to wait. Unexpectedly, outside the hall, a large army approached, standing behind Ning Qi and flaunting their power. The main hall was sealed, and no one could enter, while Ning Yi single-handedly resisted the assassins inside. The Prime Minister seemed about to leave, but Ning Qi stated that it was too late to leave now.

It turned out that Ning Qi, holding the imperial edict of succession, claimed Ning Yi was rebelling, which forced the Prime Minister to reluctantly join his scheme. Outside, Ning Qi forced the Prime Minister to say that the Tiansheng Emperor was dissatisfied with Ning Yi, which was why Ning Yi was attempting to usurp power. Zhao Yuan desperately forced his way into the hall, only to find the Tiansheng Emperor being assassinated by an intruder.

Before he passed away, the Tiansheng Emperor passed the throne to Ning Yi. Feng Zhiwei caressed Feng Hao's memorial tablet, pitying that Feng Hao could not enter the Dacheng Imperial Mausoleum, nor the Gu clan's ancestral temple. Past events flashed vividly before her eyes. Feng Zhiwei's entire life's nightmare originated from the Tiansheng Emperor; she wanted to kill him! Upon hearing this, Changsun Hong couldn't help but worry.

Once the Tiansheng Emperor was killed, then she and Ning Yi would have no possibility left. Feng Zhiwei had already known this outcome. There were already multiple lives separating them; love was impossible, only hateful separation. Ning Ji blocked the front of the hall, delaying Ning Qi's large army. Inside the hall, Ning Yi summoned the imperial physicians to save the Tiansheng Emperor. Ning Qi was determined to succeed or die trying: if anyone dared to obstruct, they would be killed.

Episode 55 Recap

Warden Peng heard Ning Qi's words and was about to lead people to kill Ning Ji, but after a few steps, he was shot dead. Ning Qi turned around and saw Xin Ziyan. According to the laws of this dynasty, there are two copies of the imperial edict of succession. Now, only Zhao Yuan can produce the other one. Ning Qi claimed that Zhao Yuan had betrayed.

Upon hearing this, Xin Ziyan ordered Yao Yangyu and Chunyumeng to step forward and replace Ning Ji, protecting Emperor Tiansheng and Ning Yi. Xin Ziyan said that Emperor Tiansheng had intended to establish Ning Ji as the crown prince. These few words made Ning Qi panic. At this moment, Ning Yi's mournful cry came from inside the hall, and he walked out with Zhao Yuan.

Zhao Yuan stated that according to Emperor Tiansheng's last will, Ning Yi would inherit the throne. Ning Qi was furious, holding the imperial edict, but Xin Ziyan asked Ning Yi, "Do you really dare to falsify the imperial decree?" Ning Ji and the other officials knelt down to pay respects to the new monarch, but Ning Qi still shouted that he would kill Ning Yi. Ning Yi spoke at this time, "Who exactly forced the palace?

He will definitely find out the truth!" The cold night finally passed. Ning Yi, bearing a body full of scars, ascended to the highest throne in this world, receiving kowtows from all officials, enjoying royal courtesies, and attending to state affairs. Ning Yi did not forget his original intention, declaring a general amnesty for the world, except for those guilty of the ten heinous crimes.

Gu Yan became the Deputy Governor of the Five Armies, and Ning Cheng took over his position as Commander of the Golden Feather Guards. Ning Yi ordered the two of them to apprehend the members of the Fire Phoenix Gang, capture Ning Qi, and pacify the world. Xin Ziyan came for an audience. Ning Yi still addressed him as Brother Ziyan and asked him to take over the position of Vice Prime Minister.

Xin Ziyan, however, said he was useless and only wished to be a commoner. Ning Cheng led his troops to surround Changsun Hong, demanding that he hand over Ning Qi and Yueling. Changsun Hong refused to comply, and a fight broke out between the two sides. Changsun Hong pulled out a dagger and lunged at Ning Cheng. Ning Cheng, sensing it in time, turned around, drew his sword, and stabbed Changsun Hong.

Feng Zhiwei saw her brother being stabbed and was overcome with grief. Before his death, Changsun Hong urged Feng Zhiwei to trust Yueling, because she was the daughter of Sanhu who saved her life back then, and also the love of his life. As Changsun Hong fell, Feng Zhiwei turned around to confront Ning Cheng, accusing him of killing her last blood relative!

Feng Zhiwei drew her sword and held it against Ning Cheng's neck, but in the end, she let him go; she simply couldn't bring herself to do it. At Lanxiang Courtyard, Ning Qi, stripped of his imperial position, had gone mad, holding the posthumous edict and shouting to kill Ning Yi. Yueling, at his side, decided to help Ning Qi by setting up a trap for him, gathering all those Ning Qi hated to send them to their deaths together.

Feng Zhiwei enshrined Changsun Hong's memorial tablet. From then on, she truly had no family left. Helian Zheng still stayed by her side, advising her to return to Jinshi. He vowed to protect Feng Zhiwei, and also those she wished to protect. Helian Zheng brought gifts to congratulate Ning Yi on his ascension. He would return to Jinshi with the Jinshi delegation tomorrow.

At their farewell, Ning Yi advised him not to let emotions hinder the good relations between their two countries, as they were no longer mere princes but emperors bearing the fate of their nations. Yueling wrote down the matter of Helian Zheng mixing the Fire Phoenix Gang into the Jinshi delegation and ordered someone to find a way to give it to Ning Cheng.

Ning Yi, while taking a walk, arrived at the bridge where he parted ways with Feng Zhiwei. At this moment, Feng Zhiwei was also there. Ning Yi asked her, "What are your plans for the future? Now, no one dares to force you to leave the Imperial City, to leave me. So, can you stay and accompany me?" Feng Zhiwei said, "You and Emperor Tiansheng are truly alike; a casual remark from you seems to determine my fate."

Feng Zhiwei turned to leave, but Ning Yi quickly called out to her. He said that when he left Pu Yuan back then, he was depressed, and Ya Le advised him to clearly understand his true feelings. However, when Ning Yi went to Jinshi, he found Feng Zhiwei by Helian Zheng's side, smiling happily. From that moment on, he lost the courage to see Feng Zhiwei.

But now, Ning Yi truly wished for Feng Zhiwei to stay by his side, as he could protect her now. Feng Zhiwei, however, said that Ning Yi had never understood what she wanted. But when Ning Yi asked her, Feng Zhiwei said nothing and turned to leave. Helian Zheng returned to Jinshi with the Jinshi delegation, and Feng Zhiwei went along with the members of the Fire Phoenix Gang.

Unexpectedly, Ning Cheng had already blocked their path with the Golden Feather Guards; he was naturally there to apprehend the Fire Phoenix Gang. The members of the Fire Phoenix Gang and the Golden Feather Guards immediately started fighting. Feng Zhiwei wanted to save people but was taken away by Helian Zheng. Ning Yi rushed over, ordering his men not to act without authorization, and then led them to search for Feng Zhiwei.

Ning Yi absolutely would not give up today until he saw Feng Zhiwei; he even threatened her with the lives of the Fire Phoenix Gang members. Feng Zhiwei was about to show herself immediately. Helian Zheng was disheartened, realizing that in her heart, she still only had Ning Yi. Feng Zhiwei said that she believed Ning Yi also only had her in his heart.

As she left Helian Zheng, he told Feng Zhiwei that he, too, only had her in his heart. Feng Zhiwei came before Ning Yi. Helian Zheng stood behind him and recalled Changsun Hong's words: if he wanted to gain Feng Zhiwei, he would have to make her hate Ning Yi. So, Helian Zheng picked up a crossbow and feigned shooting Feng Zhiwei. Ning Yi naturally noticed and killed him without hesitation.

Episode 56 Recap

Feng Zhiwei was furious to the extreme, and in a fit of rage, she pulled out her hairpin, but it stopped in mid-air. Feng Zhiwei suppressed her anger and sorrow, and broke the hairpin. . . The Imperial Palace. Feng Zhiwei stated that as long as Ning Yi released the Huofeng Gang, she would let him do as he pleased with her. She was still bothered by Helian Zheng's death.

Ning Yi did not explain, only saying that what she saw was not true. Ning Yi would not kill Feng Zhiwei; he wanted her to enter the palace. Feng Zhiwei smiled, saying that if he insisted on humiliating her, she would have to submit. After washing up, Feng Zhiwei removed her elaborate headdress, let down her long hair, and went to Ning Yi's sleeping quarters.

Ning Yi no longer seemed like his former self; even if Feng Zhiwei was unwilling, he wanted to keep her by his side. Feng Zhiwei took off her outer garment, and he finally gave himself an excuse not to escape.

Ning Yi promised Feng Zhiwei that he would give her the truth in three days, hoping that by then she would be willing to be his empress, let go of everything, and lead the former Dacheng subordinates to surrender to Tiansheng. Three days later, Feng Zhiwei arrived as scheduled. Ning Yi raised his hand, and Gu Nanyi brought Yue Ling out. He originally intended to ask Yue Ling some questions, but unexpectedly discovered Helian Zheng's arrow.

Feng Zhiwei immediately understood that Helian Zheng had deliberately let Ning Yi see it, and he had never intended to kill her. Yue Ling sneered, saying that when Dacheng perished, both of them were young children; one was cared for by the former Dacheng subordinates, while the other lived a precarious existence! Ning Yi revealed Yue Ling's goal: she wanted him and Feng Zhiwei to kill each other, causing great chaos in Tiansheng.

Yue Ling, however, said that Ning Yi and Feng Zhiwei's hands were stained with blood, separated by several lives, so how could they be together! Ning Yi ordered Ning Cheng to escort Yue Ling to the Ministry of Justice, then turned to ask Feng Zhiwei if she was satisfied. Ning Ji went alone to see Ning Qi.

Ning Qi asked Ning Yi to clarify the truth about Emperor Tiansheng's death in front of everyone, providing an explanation to the world; if he did so, Ning Qi would certainly submit. Immediately after, Ning Qi was brought into the palace by Ning Ji, and he actually saw Emperor Tiansheng!

It turned out that Emperor Tiansheng had not suffered injuries to his heart or lungs that day; he had allowed Ning Yi to ascend the throne and then had him announce to the world his own demise. Ning Qi began to doubt, kneeling before Emperor Tiansheng, "Is this another trap you set? !" Emperor Tiansheng said that when he wrote the edict that day, he truly intended to pass the throne to him.

Following this, Xin Ziyan also admitted to killing Lady Wang, stating it was to avenge Er Hua and his unborn child. Ning Qi mumbled, "Child?" He suddenly pulled out a hairpin and stabbed his own palm, saying, "Father, the child is bleeding, are you worried?" Ning Qi had lost his mind. Ning Yi had no choice but to have him taken to Zongzheng Temple for treatment. Emperor Tiansheng was also helped away. Xin Ziyan then knelt to ask for forgiveness.

Ning Yi helped him up, feeling greatly comforted. Emperor Tiansheng called Feng Zhiwei "Wei Zhi," but she hated him even more, asking, "That day you forced Feng Hao and Qiu Mingying to their deaths, why did you let me go?" Emperor Tiansheng claimed it was because she was the Peerless Scholar personally conferred by him!

Feng Zhiwei smiled, saying that Emperor Tiansheng had always been a heartless and unrighteous person, but she would not kill him, because he had already lost his imperial power. Emperor Tiansheng, however, stopped Feng Zhiwei, saying, "If you become Ning Yi's queen, you will become estranged from him, just as he was with Ya Le." And then, Ning Yi would also become a heartless and emotionless emperor, just like Emperor Tiansheng.

Ning Yi saw Feng Zhiwei come out, and with a joyful heart, asked, "Does our three-day pact still stand?" Feng Zhiwei said she needed to go back and prepare, and that someone should come to pick her up in three days. Ning Yi was delighted, stating that in three days, he would personally go to pick up Feng Zhiwei.

Feng Zhiwei hoped that the former Dacheng subordinates would follow Yan Huaishi back to Minhai, lay down their family hatred, and live the rest of their lives in peace. Yan Huaishi, meanwhile, was glad that he had befriended Feng Zhiwei and gained her trust. After bidding farewell to Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi, he left with the former Dacheng subordinates. Gu Nanyi asked Feng Zhiwei, "Are you really going to marry Ning Yi?"

If so, he still had only one thing to say: "Wherever Feng Zhiwei is, Gu Nanyi will be." Heavy snow fell. Feng Zhiwei stood on the mountaintop and played that familiar tune. Ning Yi heard it and sensed it. Feng Zhiwei leaned back and fell from the mountain, saying, "If there's a next life, let's be ordinary people." Ning Yi, in the snow, walked alone towards Chen Ming Palace.

He would carry Feng Zhiwei's wish and continue on in Chen Ming Palace. He only wished for peace throughout the land; by then, Ning Yi would depart with a smile and reunite with Feng Zhiwei. . .