The Sleepless Princess Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Sleepless Princess Synopsis
The ninth Princess Xu Chuyue and the decisive General Xue Yao have never interacted before, but they were brought together by a palace assassination.
Xue Yao blocked an arrow to save the princess, and the princess concealed his identity in return for saving her life.
They were granted a marriage by the emperor, living together. Their grudges and misunderstandings were solved.
Xue Yao thought that the princess was very strange, so he not only put her on an ankle chain but also tied her to a stake as an arrow target, in order to force her to tell him what she had seen and heard that night at the palace.
The princess was also dissatisfied with Xue Yao’s attitude. After her marriage, she repeatedly escaped, although she was also afraid of the general, she was determined to pursue freedom.
However, they fell in love because of sleeping together. Because Chuyue discovered that Xue Yao can cure nightmares, she gradually attached to him, and the general also gradually treated the lovely princess with tenderness.
The Sleepless Princess Recap
Episode 1 Recap
A group of enthusiastic children gathered around Mr. Guanshan, eager to hear the last of the three hundred and sixty-five stories he promised to tell his ailing wife, believing it would finally wake her. In the southern land of Nansang, lived Princess Chu Yue, an unfavored royal with a peculiar condition: she could not sleep at night and could only rest during the day.
One night, desperate to avoid a forced marriage to the lecherous Marquis Beize, Chu Yue attempted to hang herself. Her servants, having witnessed her theatrics for hours without the Emperor's intervention, urged her to reconsider, certain the Emperor cared little for her. Chu Yue, aware of her father’s indifference—evidenced by her living in the Cold Palace—nearly met a tragic end by accident.
To her delight, a maid arrived with a document bearing the imperial seal: the Marquis Beize had agreed to annul the engagement. Chu Yue was overjoyed, though she scorned the Marquis's right to break off the marriage, particularly after learning he had heard rumors of her sleeplessness and deemed her to have an incurable disease.
Later that night, eunuchs patrolling the Cold Palace whispered nervously about a figure resembling the deceased Concubine Yun, said to roam near Guoxi Pavilion during full moons. Their fears turned to shock when Princess Chu Yue, accompanied by her maid Tao Yao, suddenly appeared, startling them. Chu Yue calmly explained she was merely out for a walk, unable to sleep. Chu Yue, longing to travel the world like Mr. Guanshan, was reading when masked assassins suddenly burst into her chamber.
In the ensuing chaos, one assassin plunged a dagger into her. This horrific event was, in fact, merely a dream. However, Chu Yue's dreams, if she slept during forbidden hours, had a dangerous peculiarity: they would come true. Realizing the peril, she frantically tried to escape her chambers to alter the impending reality.
Chu Yue's unique affliction stemmed from her childhood, when she accidentally came into possession of a birthstone once belonging to the Great National Division—her biological father—who used it to predict the future. From that day forth, any disaster she dreamt of while sleeping at night would materialize in reality. Furthermore, if she attempted to alter a dream, she would undergo a physical transformation.
To cope, she feigned illness, spending every night wandering alone like a ghost until dawn, when she could finally catch up on sleep. Desperate to escape the assassins, Chu Yue and Tao Yao devised a plan to split up and seek help. Tao Yao instructed Chu Yue to run towards the Phoenix Palace, where more guards were stationed, while she would head west. Chu Yue fled to Guoxi Pavilion, where she detected the faint scent of blood.
Unbeknownst to her, General Xue Yao of the Nansang State was already there, hidden. Assassins soon converged on Chu Yue, intending to capture her alive. Xue Yao emerged, saving her, but Chu Yue was severely wounded by a poisoned weapon. Recognizing the urgency, Xue Yao used his mouth to extract the venomous blood.
As she drifted in and out of consciousness, Chu Yue implored him to tell her brother, Xu Xingchen, that she would care for him in their next life. Just as Xue Yao finished, the Emperor arrived with his soldiers and mistakenly shot Xue Yao with an arrow, believing him to be an assailant. Xue Yao, despite his injuries, managed to escape.
Back at the palace, the Emperor, already wary of Xue Yao's rising popularity after his victory against Xizhao, consulted his ministers. One minister suggested testing Xue Yao’s loyalty by arranging a marriage between him and Princess Chu Yue. Under law, a general who became a royal son-in-law would be stripped of his military command. If Xue Yao refused, it would expose his disloyalty, providing a pretext for his removal.
If he accepted, he would effectively become a pawn in the Emperor's court. The Emperor found this plan brilliant. Meanwhile, a wounded Xue Yao was being attended to. His strategist, Bai Liqi, advised him to be cautious and not to provoke the Emperor further by rashly investigating the palace. Xue Yao, however, was more interested in the mysterious princess, Chu Yue.
He learned she was the orphaned daughter of the Great National Division, adopted by the Emperor but always out of favor, with only Prince Shun, Xu Xingchen, showing her kindness. Xue Yao revealed that he had found a half-written letter among his deceased brother's belongings, indicating that the assassins were connected to his brother's death and that Chu Yue was a crucial clue.
Summoned by the Emperor, Xue Yao feigned a desire to return home and care for his aunt, offering to return his military tally. The Emperor, seizing the moment, proposed a "warding-off" wedding with the still-unconscious Princess Chu Yue, suggesting it would cure her illness. Xue Yao, seeing an opportunity to keep the princess close to investigate while allaying the Emperor's suspicions, shrewdly agreed.
He later confided in Bai Liqi, affirming his decision to let Chu Yue remain in his mansion, viewing her as both a possible spy from the Emperor and a valuable lead in his brother's case. On the day of the wedding, the unconscious Chu Yue lay in her sedan chair. Prince Xu Xingchen, having learned of the arranged marriage, rushed to her side, desperate to wake her.
He picked up her favorite book, "Chronicle of Guanshan," and began reading aloud from it, hoping the familiar words would rouse her, but she remained unresponsive. He argued fiercely with Xue Yao, trying to prevent the marriage, insisting that his sister was unfit to marry and that no one was worthy of her. He vowed to ask their father, the Emperor, to annul the decree.
As the argument intensified, Xue Yao decisively took Chu Yue from the sedan chair and carried her into his mansion. As he did, she briefly regained consciousness, wondering if he was the husband from her dreams. Declaring her his wife, Xue Yao entered the mansion, leaving Xu Xingchen outside. Realizing the wedding was irreversible, Xu Xingchen reluctantly accepted Bai Liqi's advice to retreat and plan a long-term strategy.
Once inside Xue Yao's mansion, as midnight approached, Chu Yue felt an unbearable itch and the unsettling sensation of her teeth growing. With a sudden sneeze, her body contorted, and she transformed into a mouse.
Episode 2 Recap
Prince Shun, Xu Xingchen, lingers at the Xue mansion late into the night, playing his flute. He confesses to Xue Yao that he feels a sense of reluctance regarding his sister, the Emperor's daughter Chu Yue's, hurried marriage, though he also acknowledges it could be a good thing. He explains that Chu Yue has been frail since childhood, and the National Division, Dong Shi, predicted she would have a solitary fate, which led Marquis Beize to break off their engagement.
Xu Xingchen expresses concern for Xue Yao, as the last remaining male of the loyal Xue family, but Xue Yao simply smiles. He suggests that he and Chu Yue are a perfect match, as he too was told in his youth that he was fated to be a widower, making them kindred spirits. When Xu Xingchen presses Xue Yao about his true intentions for marrying Chu Yue, Xue Yao claims he had heard she was virtuous and thus chose her.
Xu Xingchen immediately dismisses this as a mere excuse, also rejecting the notion that the marriage was for "chongxi" (to bring good luck and recovery). He accuses Xue Yao of using Chu Yue’s status as a princess to mend his strained relationship with the Emperor, especially after the Xue family army’s reputation grew following the pacification of Xizhao. Unfazed, Xue Yao invites Xu Xingchen to continue playing his flute anywhere in the vast Xue mansion before excusing himself.
As Xue Yao leaves, Xu Xingchen silently vows to rescue Chu Yue. Meanwhile, Chu Yue, having transformed into a giant mouse, gnaws on a wooden spinning top in Xue Yao’s room before falling asleep. This object is later discovered by Xue Yao, who recognizes it as a relic of his deceased brother, Xue Mu.
Troubled by the discovery and recalling a past encounter where an assassin mistook him for Xue Mu, Xue Yao resolves to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death, despite the Emperor's official conclusion. Elsewhere, the assassin leader berates his subordinates, perplexed as to how Chu Yue had received prior warning despite their meticulous preparations.
He suspects a traitor in their ranks and, now that Chu Yue is safely within the Xue mansion, orders them not to act rashly and to await further instructions from their master. The next morning, Chu Yue awakens in a box within Xue Yao’s room, having reverted to her human form. Xue Yao discovers her and pulls her back to the room, demanding to know what she had overheard the previous night.
Their confrontation is interrupted when the bed suddenly collapses. Xue Yao instinctively shields Chu Yue, and in the fall, their lips accidentally meet. After restraining her to the bed, Xue Yao again interrogates her. Chu Yue, bewildered and feeling deeply wronged, feigns ignorance, claiming she was happy in the palace until she suddenly woke up married to a stranger and subjected to his questioning.
Xue Yao presses her, sarcastically recounting a tale of an enormous mouse that gnawed on all the snacks, the bed, and even attempted to bite him, causing him to fall asleep in a box in his study. He implies she was this mouse, which she vehemently denies. Their conversation ends in frustration, with Xue Yao restricting her movements to the room.
Later, Chu Yue confides in her maid, still fixated on the mysterious masked man who saved her, unaware that he was Xue Yao himself. Her maid warns her about a possible tooth mark on her body, but Chu Yue dismisses it, convinced Xue Yao will never see it. Later, Xue Yao visits his brother Xue Mu’s grave. Luo Ji, a high-ranking official, also arrives to pay his respects.
Luo Ji reminds Xue Yao to conceal a recent wound, cautioning him against the Emperor's widespread search for the man who "assaulted" the princess. Luo Ji confirms that the scheduled appearance of an assassin at Guoxi Pavilion indicates Xue Mu had indeed discovered something critical before his death and was silenced. Luo Ji, feeling he had previously misjudged Xue Yao, pledges his support in uncovering the truth behind Xue Mu's unnatural death, even offering his life to help.
Xue Yao vows that he will dedicate his life to ensuring his brother’s name is cleared. Meanwhile, National Division Dong Shi reports to the Emperor that the alchemy furnace has been destroyed, injuring him in the process. He presents the Emperor with a box of pre-prepared golden elixirs, but the Emperor laments that while the elixirs are beneficial, they cannot repel assassins. He wishes Dong Shi possessed the same prophetic abilities as Chu Yue’s late father.
Dong Shi apologizes for his limited talent, explaining that with the birthstone missing, he is a "clever cook without rice." Shortly after, Dong Shi seeks out Xu Xingchen, informing him that he has sensed activity from the birthstone and fears for Chu Yue’s safety. The two decide to visit the Xue mansion together.
Upon receiving notification of the impending visit, Xue Yao instructs Chu Yue that he will not permit her to see outsiders until he understands her true purpose for being in his mansion. He sternly warns her that any actions detrimental to the Xue family would also bring harm upon her. He specifically tells her to pretend to be asleep during their visitors' inspection to avoid revealing anything unusual.
Despite her reluctance, Chu Yue agrees to cooperate in exchange for a degree of freedom, enduring his assertive declaration that, alive or dead, she is now his. When Xu Xingchen and Dong Shi arrive, Chu Yue dutifully feigns sleep. Xue Yao, observing Xu Xingchen’s concern, makes deliberate comments about caring for Chu Yue, almost provoking Xu Xingchen to touch her. Xue Yao swiftly intervenes, preventing Xu Xingchen from making physical contact, which clearly annoys the prince.
Xue Yao even suggests one of his female acquaintances as a potential match for Xu Xingchen, but the prince curtly refuses. After a tense exchange, Dong Shi and Xu Xingchen depart. Frustrated by the visit, Xu Xingchen confides in his aide, Qin Yixiao. He reveals that his childhood dream was to liberate Chu Yue from the palace and secure a stable, prosperous life for them.
He admits to deliberately spreading rumors to ensure Marquis Beize would break off his engagement with Chu Yue. He laments that Xue Yao’s unexpected marriage proposal has shattered his meticulously planned, decade-long efforts. Qin Yixiao suggests Xue Yao is not a bad match, but Xu Xingchen expresses deep concern about the birthstone’s secret.
He fears that her unusual routine will eventually expose her secret to the Xue family, potentially leading them to believe she is a monster and burn her alive. He insists that he must prioritize her safety before considering his own future. That night, Chu Yue, still confined to her room, notices the unusual quietness outside. Her maid confirms the guards are gone, leading Chu Yue to believe Xue Yao is upholding his end of their deal.
As they begin to plan an escape, Dong Shi suddenly appears, explaining that he sensed her dropped jade pendant and came to investigate. He asks if her recent transformation had occurred between 11 PM and 1 AM and exhibited symptoms of a large rat, confirming it was her tenth transformation. He gravely warns her that if she undergoes two more transformations, she will become a "living dead" and be beyond saving.
Chu Yue questions why the birthstone flew from a box into her brain. Dong Shi clarifies that the birthstone is a divine artifact used by his teacher for prophecy, and its presence within her signifies a profound bloodline connection to his teacher. He then advises her against leaving the Xue mansion, stating that the pervasive presence of assassins outside makes it the safest place for her.
A desperate Chu Yue reveals that she had feigned sleep earlier because Xue Yao had threatened to consummate their marriage if she did not cooperate, but Dong Shi simply urges her to accept her current circumstances.
Episode 3 Recap
Su Nannan, a competitive young lady from the Su mansion, was engrossed in perfecting the ninth move of "Wild Geese Alighting on Sand." She had been in seclusion for a month, diligently practicing, with the promise from her "brother" Xue Yao that if she defeated him in a match, he would grant her one wish. However, the news reached her that Xue Yao had gotten married while she was away.
Shocked and heartbroken, Nannan immediately ordered her carriage to go to the Xue mansion. Meanwhile, Chu Yue, feeling confined after being trapped in the palace for over a decade, attempted to escape the Xue mansion by climbing a ladder to get over the wall. She was determined not to be held captive again. Xue Yao, however, discovered her attempt.
He sarcastically remarked that in all his years, he had seen red apricots grow over the wall but never a person climbing out. He then instructed his aide, Mr. Bai, to deploy more guards to watch her, stating that she would not be allowed to come down until she admitted her mistake.
Back in her carriage, Nannan's maid expressed pity for Xue Yao, who had remained single for so long only to marry a "sickly princess," suggesting it was a common male weakness for frail, willowy girls. Nannan, however, was furious at the princess for stealing the man she loved. Just as she vented her frustration, Chu Yue, still perched on the wall, slipped and fell. Nannan, witnessing the fall, instinctively rushed forward and caught Chu Yue.
Chu Yue then quickly pleaded to hide in Nannan's carriage, fearing for her life. Xue Yao's men soon reported Chu Yue missing and he immediately dispatched them to search for her. Hidden in Nannan's carriage, Chu Yue profusely thanked Nannan for saving her. Nannan reassured her, mentioning her family's past close ties with the Xue mansion and her influence with Madam Xue, promising to intercede on her behalf.
Chu Yue, seizing the opportunity, fabricated a story, claiming she was a maid to the princess who had cruelly left her on the wall to die. Nannan, appalled by this tale of malice, insisted on taking Chu Yue to the Xue mansion to confront the princess. Despite her reluctance, Chu Yue had no choice but to accompany Nannan back.
Upon realizing Nannan's animosity towards the princess—and therefore towards her, as Nannan believed her to be the princess's maid—Chu Yue became fearful. She instructed her maid, Tao Yao, to barricade the door of her room with all available furniture. Soon after, Nannan found Xue Yao and joyfully announced that she had perfected her martial arts, eager to challenge him.
However, Xue Yao coldly rejected her, reminding her of her father's past accusation against the Xue family, which led to his brother Xue Mu being sent into the palace as a hostage. This act had long since eroded any affection he had for Nannan. In frustration, Nannan began wildly chopping at Xue Yao's carefully cultivated plants, distraught that he valued "worthless grass" more than her. Later, Xue Yao confronted Chu Yue, suspecting she had help escaping.
Chu Yue insisted she had simply fallen and was saved by Nannan. Unconvinced and determined to prevent further escape attempts, Xue Yao had a Xizhao prisoner's ankle bell placed on her leg, stating that from now on, he would always know her location until she confessed everything. Meanwhile, Luo Ji reported to Xue Yao that the Emperor's extensive search for the assassins had yielded no results.
Luo Ji suspected the assassins were the princess's enemies, noting that Imperial Noble Consort Su was the only one in the Imperial Harem with a significant grudge against her. Xue Yao, however, dismissed this theory. He observed that the assassins were intimately familiar with the palace layout and, crucially, had not attempted to kill Chu Yue during their confrontation.
He deduced that Chu Yue might be in league with the assassins, finding her behavior consistently unsettling, and resolved not to rest until he uncovered the truth. Determined to extract Chu Yue's secrets, Xue Yao brought her to a desolate area where his men were tending to plants. Chu Yue, misinterpreting their actions, panicked, believing they were burying bodies and that she might be next.
Xue Yao tied her to a pillar and shot arrows near her, demanding to know what the Emperor had told her and what her connection to the assassins was. Under pressure, Chu Yue tearfully confessed that she has prophetic dreams and had escaped the palace because she had foreseen danger. Xue Yao dismissed her claim as nonsense, but her genuine despair and resignation, telling him to just kill her, seemed to affect him. He untied her and led her away.
Xue Yao then explained to Chu Yue that the assassins were his only lead to finding the truth, as he was determined to ensure that evil did not go unpunished. Chu Yue, in turn, revealed that someone had indeed saved her, but that very person was wanted by her father, the Emperor. Realizing they might share a common goal of pursuing justice, they reached a fragile understanding.
Chu Yue then noticed a distinct, familiar scent of blood on Xue Yao, recalling it from the day of the assassination. She commented that it was normal for him to smell that way, given his years of battle. She found it reassuring, noting that for a soldier, this scent was a sign of life, a contrast to a cold, bloodless death on the frontier. Impressed, Xue Yao remarked that she was quite different from other sheltered ladies.
Chu Yue agreed, explaining their different roles: he travels the world, while she reads about it in books. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Xu Xingchen, Prince Shun, who sharply rebuked Xue Yao for bringing Chu Yue to such a place, especially as she was still recovering. Xu Xingchen announced his intention to take Chu Yue back to his mansion.
Xue Yao asked Chu Yue if she would go with him, and after a moment of hesitation, she agreed. Once at Prince Shun's mansion, Xu Xingchen ordered a lavish feast. Chu Yue eagerly ate, expressing her immense relief and declaring that she had been half-dead from fear and hunger during her time at the Xue mansion.
Episode 4 Recap
Relieved to be away from the Xue mansion, Chu Yue confided in her brother, Xu Xingchen, that she had felt "half dead" in recent days. She speculated that Xue Yao had not seen her transform into her nocturnal form, and complained of his unpredictable nature; one moment he would ignore her, and the next he would threaten to consummate their marriage. She denied any intimacy had occurred and declared her intention to run away.
Xu Xingchen urged her to stay, promising to handle Xue Yao and revealing he had long been making preparations to help her leave the palace for good. Xu Xingchen then showed Chu Yue the Wangyue Court, a lavish residence he had secretly prepared for her. He explained he had earned the money through business ventures, hoping to provide for her so she would never again suffer the poverty and bullying they had endured in the palace.
Chu Yue worried their father, the Emperor, would disapprove, but Xu Xingchen stated that their father only cared for Consort Su and Prince Ning, and that he and Chu Yue only had each other. When Xu Xingchen noticed a new copper bell on Chu Yue's ankle, he deemed it beneath her status and offered to have a gold one made, which she declined. Their reunion was cut short by the arrival of Xue Yao.
Realizing she would never be free as long as she was considered his wife, Chu Yue resolved that she had to appeal directly to her father. Xue Yao forced his way into the residence, confronting Xu Xingchen for taking Chu Yue without informing him. Xu Xingchen and Chu Yue feigned that she was ill, citing unhealed wounds from the assassin's attack and a cold.
Xue Yao dismissed their excuses, threatening to petition the Emperor to send imperial physicians if she did not return with him. Relenting, Chu Yue outwardly agreed to go back but secretly signaled Xu Xingchen to meet her after sunset. During the carriage ride back, Chu Yue complained about the hard cushions, prompting Xue Yao to remark that her illness must not be severe.
He then misinterpreted her earlier signal as a sign of affection and offered his lap for her to sit on. She awkwardly declined and, to placate him, insincerely praised her seat and agreed that Prince Shun's luxurious tastes were wasteful. Meanwhile, Lord Su learned from his spies that Princess Chu Yue was awake—a fact Xue Yao had concealed from the court.
Since Chu Yue was the only witness to the assassination attempt the Emperor had tasked him with investigating, Lord Su suspected foul play. He decided to use Xue Yao's deception as an opportunity to undermine his rival and went to the Xue mansion. Back at the mansion, Chu Yue drafted a letter to her father, filling it with wild, fabricated accusations against Xue Yao.
She explained to her maid, Tao Yao, that the goal was to scare her father into launching an investigation, which would create enough chaos for them to escape. As Tao Yao prepared to deliver the letter to Xu Xingchen, a guard grew suspicious. To create a diversion and give Tao Yao time to slip away, Chu Yue boldly headed towards the courtyard where Xue Yao was bathing.
Meanwhile, Tao Yao successfully reached Xu Xingchen, who promised to deliver the letter to the Emperor and gave her signal fireworks for Chu Yue to use in case of an emergency. Bai Liqi had prepared a medicated bath for Xue Yao to help heal a secret sword wound. Both knew that news of Chu Yue's awakening would soon bring official inquiries.
As they discussed their suspicions about Chu Yue's motives, she burst into the bathing area, brushing past the guards by asserting her authority as the lady of the house. She offered to scrub Xue Yao's back, but he saw through her ruse, correctly guessing she wanted to inspect his wounds. He pulled her into the tub with him, taunting her.
Her excuse that an unmarried girl would go blind from such a sight was countered by his reminder that she was, in fact, married. Their tense standoff was interrupted by a servant announcing the arrival of Lord Su and his daughter, Nannan. In a formal receiving room, Chu Yue saw Lord Su as a potential ally—the "enemy of my enemy"—and readily repeated the accusations from her letter.
When Lord Su asked if Xue Yao was connected to the assassins, she claimed he was, explaining that Xue Yao hid her recovery because he wanted to find the culprits first and claim all the credit, a revelation that left Lord Su visibly unsatisfied. During the meeting, Nannan, who had followed her father inside, tried to get Xue Yao's attention but was ignored.
She then recognized Chu Yue as the "maid" she had previously helped, and her shock quickly turned to fury as she confronted the princess. After Lord Su escorted his fuming daughter away, Xue Yao warned Chu Yue to abandon her schemes, reminding her that his mansion was full of his eyes and ears and that she could easily end up as a "wronged soul under the flowers."
Episode 5 Recap
Chu Yue expressed her fear to Tao Yao, explaining that she had openly badmouthed Xue Yao, and he had heard every word, even threatening her directly. She worried that if she couldn't escape, her life would be in danger. Tao Yao reassured her that the letter had been delivered to Prince Shun and they just needed to hold on for a few more days.
However, Chu Yue's constantly jingling ankle chain posed a major problem, as it was made of pure steel and couldn't be opened without a key. They decided to look for a hoe in the garden to try and break it. Upon entering the garden, Chu Yue and Tao Yao were startled to see Xue Yao holding what they mistook for a human head.
After a closer look, they realized it was merely a pot of flowers given to him by Su Nannan. Chu Yue accused Xue Yao of being two-faced, claiming to dislike Su Nannan but secretly planting her flowers at night. Xue Yao retorted that the flowers were innocent and asked why she was wandering the garden instead of sleeping.
When he ordered her to help with the plants, Chu Yue, claiming to be a "master of scissors" who once fought off two assassins, took a pair of scissors and deliberately mutilated the flowers. Angered by her antics, Xue Yao told her to get out. On their way from the garden, Chu Yue questioned Xue Yao about living alone in such a large house, asking if he ever felt scared and if he had any siblings.
In response, he curtly announced that her lunch for the next day was canceled. A moment later, walking in the dark, she stepped on something soft and shrieked, believing it to be a brain. Genuinely frightened, she refused to move, so Xue Yao offered her his hand. Contemplating that this might be their last night together, Chu Yue accepted his gesture.
Back in her room, Chu Yue confided in Tao Yao, admitting that while Xue Yao was not as bad as she had initially imagined, her recent behavior was merely an act forced by the circumstances, reiterating that she still did not want to become his wife. Unbeknownst to her, Xue Yao overheard her entire conversation. He and his subordinates burst into the room, and he seized her, declaring that her actions would likely get his entire family killed.
Xue Yao ordered his men to take Chu Yue to the dungeon to be interrogated. In a desperate attempt to save her, Tao Yao released a distress flare, hoping Prince Shun would come to the rescue. In the dungeon, Chu Yue was horrified by the various torture instruments. Xue Yao confronted her, accusing her of writing a confidential letter to the Emperor and expressing regret for having trusted her.
His subordinate, Bai Liqi, recounted how a spy in the Xue family army had caused thousands of deaths and was subsequently dismembered by the General with 3,500 slices. Xue Yao declared that he hated betrayal above all else. Just as he prepared to interrogate Chu Yue, Prince Shun arrived with his men, demanding they stop and threatening to kill Xue Yao for his disrespect towards the Princess, leading to a tense standoff.
At that moment, Eunuch Gao appeared, announcing that the Emperor had received the Princess's "family letter" and sent him to check on them. He revealed the letter contained no state secrets, but rather personal complaints. He read it aloud: Chu Yue had written that Xue Yao was like a demon who tormented her day and night, even forcing her to be a living target during his military drills, thus shaming the imperial family.
She pleaded with her father to revoke the marriage. Eunuch Gao conveyed the Emperor's message that their marital conflicts were minor and that he wished for them to live in harmony. Prince Shun still insisted on taking Chu Yue away, but Eunuch Gao warned him not to defy the Emperor's will, as it would ruin his promising future.
Chu Yue, realizing the gravity of the situation, stopped him, explaining she couldn't let him lose the trust he had painstakingly earned from their father. Turning to Xue Yao, she sincerely apologized and promised not to cause any more trouble. When Xue Yao questioned why she would want to be a "devil's wife" after calling him one, she claimed it was a joke and added that if he were a devil, she would willingly "fall into hell with you forever."
Hearing this, Xue Yao lifted Chu Yue into his arms and carried her out of the dungeon. Later, Xue Yao instructed an old servant, Granny Zhou, to prepare new clothes for Chu Yue using silks from the Emperor's recent rewards. Granny hesitated, explaining the silks were reserved for Old Lady Xue's winter coats. Chu Yue then learned that the Old Lady, Xue Yao's aunt who raised him and his brother Xue Mu, was away at Jifu Temple.
Tao Yao added that the Old Lady disapproved of the marriage and had left to avoid meeting Chu Yue. Chu Yue then proposed to Xue Yao that she go to Jifu Temple to personally apologize and bring his aunt back. Xue Yao eventually agreed, insisting on sending guards with her.
After he left, Chu Yue revealed her true intention to Tao Yao: she planned to use the trip to escape, as she could not rely on her father and felt her life was in constant danger due to Xue Yao's capricious nature. She stated that she, Tao Yao, and Prince Shun would need to cooperate to ensure the plan succeeded.
Episode 6 Recap
Marquis Beize, having traveled a great distance to Nansang, found himself thoroughly displeased with the selection of beauties presented at Fan House. He lamented his ill fortune, having first encountered an inauspicious princess and now being offered unremarkable women after paying handsomely. As he continued to scrutinize images of local beauties, he stumbled upon a portrait of Chu Yue from her wedding day, the very same Xu Chuyue with whom he had broken off an engagement.
He was told the portrait was drawn by a scholar who witnessed the chaotic wedding, and that the real Chu Yue was a hundred times more beautiful than the painting. Incredulous, as he recalled a deliberately ugly portrait he had been shown previously, the Marquis realized he had been part of an elaborate hoax. Meanwhile, Chu Yue approached a pensive Xue Yao, her demeanor noticeably changed.
She served him tea and tended to him with an unfamiliar diligence, explaining that her time in the dungeon had led her to a profound realization on how to be a virtuous wife. As she tidied his books, Chu Yue discovered an order from Panxiang Court.
When Xue Yao feigned ignorance, Chu Yue playfully teased that he had a sweetheart, then explained that Panxiang Court's cosmetics were highly coveted, rare, and expensive, with the renowned Liuyunfeixue skin cream requiring a half-year wait for an order. She deduced that such a precious purchase must have been for a very important woman. Xue Yao then revealed the order was found among his deceased brother Xue Mu's relics, dated the day before his fatal accident.
He recognized this could be a crucial clue; finding the recipient might unveil the truth of what happened that day. Later, Chu Yue and Tao Yao ventured out. Chu Yue bought sugar-coated haws, intending to appease Xingchen, whom she felt wouldn't speak to her otherwise. They encountered a vendor selling popular paintings depicting Prince Shun attempting to stop Princess Chu Yue's wedding.
Dismayed by the widespread circulation of the embarrassing event, Chu Yue remarked on how bad news travels fast and decided to hurry to find Xingchen. At Fan House, King Shun found Xingchen engrossed in a book, remarking on his brother's studious nature in such a place. He also expressed disappointment in Chu Yue, likening a married sister to "poured water" that disappears without a trace.
Elsewhere in the same establishment, Marquis Beize, still fuming over being deceived, spotted Chu Yue and was instantly captivated by her beauty, ordering his men to follow her. Soon after, Chu Yue found Xingchen, who was still upset, feeling betrayed by her actions in the dungeon. Chu Yue explained that her behavior was merely a performance for Xue Yao, a necessary act to avoid being imprisoned by their father, the Emperor.
She reminded Xingchen of their childhood pact to escape the palace and live freely. Understanding, Xingchen's anger subsided. After ensuring they were alone, Chu Yue confided her plan to escape the Xue mansion while on the road to pick up Xue's old lady from the temple. They agreed on a secret signal: "When the moon hangs behind the willows, those who part will feel sorrow." Unbeknownst to them, the Marquis's men, following his orders, overheard their entire conversation.
Before her departure, Xingchen applied the rare Liuyunfeixue cream to Chu Yue's anklets, explaining it would muffle any sounds as she fled. Chu Yue was surprised, noting the cream was so precious that even Imperial Noble Consort Su did not possess it, but Xingchen insisted that no expense was too great for his sister. The day came for Chu Yue to fetch Xue's old lady.
As Chu Yue prepared to leave, Xue Yao advised her to wear a veil, as a princess should not be so exposed in public. After she left, Xue Yao, feeling unusually unsettled, called off his training for the day. Meanwhile, at Jifu Temple, Xue's old lady grumbled about the coarse food and Chu Yue's tardiness.
Upon hearing that the princess was coming to pick her up, the old lady, who had not yet acknowledged Chu Yue as her nephew's wife, declared her intent to give her a hard time. On the journey, Chu Yue feigned a need to relieve herself and went into the woods, instructing Tao Yao to keep watch. There, she sought Xingchen's men using their agreed-upon secret phrase. However, the Marquis's men were lying in wait and abducted her.
When Chu Yue failed to return after a long time, Tao Yao grew anxious, noting that the princess would never abandon her books. Realizing something was gravely wrong, Tao Yao cried out for help, instructing a servant to inform the General while others began a search. Chu Yue awoke to find herself bound in an unfamiliar room. Marquis Beize entered, revealing himself as her former fiancé.
He accused her and Xue Yao of an elaborate deception, citing the ugly portrait and pointing out that she was clearly capable enough to be plotting escapes in Fan House. Realizing he had overheard her conversation with Xingchen, Chu Yue feigned victimhood. She claimed Xue Yao had tricked her into marriage and cruelly tormented her in the dungeon.
She even blamed the Marquis for her current plight, suggesting that if he hadn't broken off their engagement, she wouldn't be in such a miserable state. Flattered by her desperate pleas, particularly when she implied it would be an honor to marry him in a "next life," the Marquis decided to take her back to Beize State immediately. He ordered her untied but, despite her attempts to stall by eating, tried to lead her to a private room.
Chu Yue tried to create a diversion by shouting about assassins, but her escape attempt was quickly foiled. Back at the Xue mansion, Xue Yao was training with his master, who noted Su Nannan's recent decline in skill due to impatience. A servant delivered the shocking news of Chu Yue's abduction. Bai Liqi informed Xue Yao privately that masked assassins had taken Chu Yue, suspecting they were the same individuals from the unsolved earlier attacks.
He proposed using Chu Yue as bait to expose the mastermind, which could in turn uncover the true cause of General Xue's death. Bai Liqi offered to disclose Chu Yue's location, provided Xue Yao adhered to the plan and did not alert their captors. Xue Yao acknowledged Bai Liqi's insight, stating he understood the delicate nature of the situation.
Episode 7 Recap
Held captive by Bei Zehou, Chu Yue desperately struggles to escape, only to be caught and tormented. Nearby, Xue Yao and Bai Liqi prepare to intervene. Bai Liqi suggests waiting for the assassin's accomplice to appear so they can capture everyone at once, but Xue Yao, asserting he has his own plan, sends Bai Liqi to gather more men. Suddenly, Xu Xingchen arrives, to Chu Yue's surprise. Having endured her ordeal, she scolds him for his delay.
He reassures her and explains that confronting Bei Zehou directly would escalate the situation and risk exposing her marriage evasion to her father and Xue Yao. Instead, he instructs her to climb down from the window using a rope, promising to have a boat waiting below. Though initially daunted by the height, Chu Yue recalls her childhood ability to climb trees and prepares for the descent.
Xu Xingchen creates a diversion at Fanlou, posing as a lavish patron eager to see a famed beauty. However, Bei Zehou unexpectedly returns and orders Chu Yue to personally attend to him, demanding she serve him tea and assist with his bathing. His demeanor turns predatory as he tries to force himself upon her. Just as he lunges, Xue Yao bursts in, fighting off Bei Zehou's men.
Enraged, Bei Zehou orders his men to cut the rope Chu Yue is using to escape. Xue Yao shouts for her to hold on, asserting that as his wife, he must save her for his family's honor. He also demands to know the whereabouts of a treasured possession he entrusted to her. Unwilling to be indebted to him, Chu Yue deliberately releases her grip and falls into the water. Xue Yao immediately dives in after her.
Xu Xingchen arrives in his boat and pulls them from the water. Seeing Xue Yao unconscious, a frantic Chu Yue attempts to give him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. However, Xu Xingchen stops her, claiming that Xue Yao, a former river guard, is an excellent swimmer and is likely faking his condition to gain her sympathy. He urges her to seize the opportunity to escape, but Chu Yue refuses to leave him. As she voices her concern, she notices he is bleeding.
Xu Xingchen examines the wound on his chest and dismisses it as an old injury, not a new one. Just then, a spy's message confirms Xue Yao's forces are approaching, prompting Bei Zehou to retreat. As Xu Xingchen takes Chu Yue to safety, she remains profoundly worried about Xue Yao. Back at the Xue mansion, Chu Yue insists on personally caring for the recovering Xue Yao, dismissing Bai Liqi, who observes a notable change in her demeanor.
When Xue Yao awakens, he questions why she returned for him in the water. Chu Yue feigns a casual response, claiming she was simply worried he might drown. Later, she confides in Tao Yao, lamenting that her actions have angered Xu Xingchen while also revealing a side of Xue Yao she finds complicated. Tao Yao suggests Xue Yao has displayed genuine loyalty and affection, and that Chu Yue reciprocates these feelings despite her denial.
Chu Yue admits she is concerned that if Xue Yao were to truly fall for her, her desire for freedom and her need to transform without discovery would be greatly restricted. Meanwhile, Xu Xingchen is informed by a subordinate that spies have successfully infiltrated Bei Zehou's residence, with a plan to capture him set for three days later.
Xu Xingchen expresses regret for attempting the rescue alone, believing Xue Yao gained an advantage and earned Chu Yue's gratitude, making it less likely she will leave with him. He finds it suspicious that an injured Xue Yao came alone, suspecting it was premeditated. He notes the arrow wound on Xue Yao's shoulder is strikingly similar to the sole clue linked to an assassin who had previously alarmed the emperor.
Enraged by the princess's escape, Bei Zehou vows revenge, and his subordinate offers him a new scheme. Bai Liqi tells Xue Yao that he now believes they genuinely misunderstood Chu Yue, as the incident with Bei Zehou had no connection to the assassins, leaving Xue Mu's death an unresolved mystery. Noticing Xue Yao's distracted state, Bai Liqi playfully asks if Chu Yue should now be formally addressed as "young madam," implying a deeper connection, which Xue Yao deflects.
To test Xue Yao's feelings, Chu Yue and Tao Yao sneak to the training grounds to watch him. Xue Yao spots them and, telling his men to put their shirts on, admonishes Chu Yue for being in a men's training area. She retorts that he, her husband, once encouraged her to learn about military matters and even told his men to undress for her benefit.
Annoyed, Xue Yao is pacified only when Tao Yao explains Chu Yue was merely testing him. Tao Yao later confirms to Chu Yue that Xue Yao is clearly fond of her. Distressed, Chu Yue fears that if he truly likes her, she will lose her freedom and resolves to make him give up on her. The next day, King Shun visits, feigning concern for Xue Yao's recovery.
Xue Yao sarcastically suggests the medicine offered would be better suited for Chu Yue, given her tendency to climb walls, and subtly questions King Shun's intense interest in his wife. Soon after, a messenger arrives with a letter from Bei Zehou, outrageously claiming he has "used" Chu Yue and is "returning the used item," accompanied by a bellyband. Enraged, Xue Yao storms into Chu Yue's room and demands to know what Bei Zehou did to her.
Dismissing Bei Zehou's slander, he insists on hearing the truth from her and repeatedly asks if she was "humiliated." Chu Yue defiantly refuses a direct answer, stating that if he cares about such matters, then he can assume "it has already happened." Livid, Xue Yao reminds her that the whole world knows she is his wife, but she retorts that he should go to her father and ask for a divorce.
Episode 8 Recap
Xue Yao confronted Chu Yue with a bellyband, demanding to know if Beizehou had assaulted her. Chu Yue avoided a direct answer, stating that if he truly cared, he wouldn't need to ask, as "it has already happened." She suggested that if he could not accept her, they should inform the Emperor and arrange for a divorce. Infuriated, Xue Yao reminded her that "the whole world knows you are my wife."
Despite his anger, Chu Yue seemed indifferent, telling Tao Yao that she could finally leave the Xue mansion. Tao Yao tried to interject, revealing that the bellyband was not even Chu Yue's. Determined to avenge Chu Yue, Xue Yao intended to kill Beizehou. Bai Liqi urged him to reconsider, warning that such a rash act would implicate the Xue family and undo the painstaking efforts of Xue Yao's late father.
Xue Yao argued that if he could not protect his own family, then the Xue family, despite their high position, would be nothing more than a common, scheming clan. Seeing Xue Yao's unwavering resolve, Bai Liqi offered to undertake the task himself, taking full responsibility should anything go awry. Meanwhile, Xu Xingchen had already apprehended Beizehou and subjected him to harsh interrogation.
Beizehou explained that he had overheard Xu Xingchen and Princess Chu Yue discussing their escape plans in Fanlou and had merely intended to play along, as Chu Yue was supposedly destined to marry him. Xu Xingchen then produced a token, revealing that years ago, he was the benefactor who had saved Beizehou's family from ruin by helping them sell goods to Nansang. Recognizing Xu Xingchen, Beizehou swore that nothing improper had occurred between him and the princess.
He claimed the bellyband was a "bad idea from my servant," intended solely to provoke Xue Yao. Xu Xingchen’s subordinate noted that even if Beizehou had done nothing, the incident had successfully created a rift between Xue Yao and Chu Yue, which served Xu Xingchen's goal of helping the princess leave the Xue mansion. Convinced, Xu Xingchen decided to exile Beizehou to a desolate, disease-ridden island in the South Sea.
Beizehou protested that it was a death sentence, but Xu Xingchen threatened to plunge his family back into the ruin they faced three years prior if he refused. Terrified, Beizehou agreed to depart that very night. Xue Yao and Bai Liqi arrived at Beizehou's mansion to find it ransacked. Xue Yao immediately suspected it was the work of Xu Xingchen. Bai Liqi spotted someone observing them from outside, whom he believed to be a palace assassin.
Xue Yao, however, instructed him not to pursue, deciding to wait for the person to reveal themselves again, as he had more pressing matters to attend to. Elsewhere, a mysterious figure scrutinized a fragmented copy of the "Law of Life and Death," a text left behind by the Da Guo Shi. The figure lamented that the ancient text lacked the crucial methods for controlling the Birthstone, a divine stone believed to bring people back to life.
It was said that any alteration to the future predicted by the Birthstone would cause it to emit a colorless light, which would scatter and induce hallucinations, making people perceive others as transforming into animals. A subordinate reported Princess Chu Yue's abduction and subsequent rescue. The mysterious figure decided against immediate action, concluding that the incident would only lead to increased vigilance from the Xue family.
Instead, they planned to locate the missing half of the manuscript, believed to be with an old man surnamed Liao who had fled to Panyu County in Nansang. The figure was assured that their clan members would capture Princess Chu Yue and retrieve the book before the full moon night. Chu Yue and Tao Yao looked through a book, discussing potential destinations like the "desert scenery" or a "Jiangnan Town" for when Chu Yue would finally leave the Xue mansion.
Chu Yue was confident that once Xue Yao divorced her, she would regain her freedom, as her father, the Emperor, would surely disown a daughter with a ruined reputation, leaving her free to travel. Later, Xue Yao returned and found Chu Yue had fallen asleep. He draped a blanket over her, then gently lifted her into bed. He sat beside her as she slept peacefully and leaned down to kiss her.
The next morning, Tao Yao discovered Chu Yue had slept past the "taboo time" but was surprised to learn that Chu Yue had not dreamed at all, experiencing her first full night's sleep in years. Chu Yue wondered if it was because Xue Yao had been there. She later found Xue Yao in the courtyard planting a "Lirenhua."
Xue Yao explained that this unique flower blooms only once a year, its leaves falling as the flowers bloom, ensuring that "flowers and leaves never meet." He shared that he usually missed its blooming season due to his military duties but was finally able to witness it this year. Chu Yue found the flower "too lonely" but asked if she could watch it bloom with him.
She then pressed him about what he had done the previous night, observing that he had blushed. Meanwhile, Xue Yao continued to investigate his brother Xue Mu's death. He inquired about a gift Xue Mu had purchased, an item called "Liuyunfeixue," trying to identify its intended recipient. He learned from the Old Madam that items sold by Panxiang Court came with a blessing note containing the recipient's name.
However, these notes were held by the Master of Panxiang Pavilion and were difficult for outsiders to obtain. Determined, Xue Yao planned a visit to Panxiang Court the next day. Later, Chu Yue approached Xue Yao while he was working. She deliberately spilled some osmanthus-scented wine from Xu Xingchen, feigning dizziness to gain entry to his workspace. Once inside, she boldly asked him to "sleep with me tonight." A stunned Bai Liqi immediately excused himself.
Chu Yue explained that she believed he was the reason she had slept soundly without a single dream. Convinced he had used an acupuncture technique on her, she insisted that he teach her that very night. Xue Yao, however, remained reserved and cited his busy schedule. Hearing rumors that Princess Chu Yue had been dishonored, Su Nannan saw an opportunity. She had her father, Master Su, invite Xue Yao to their residence for "important business."
Following a cunning plan, she positioned herself in a bath, visible behind a screen, in the bedroom where Xue Yao was led. When Xue Yao arrived, Su Nannan called out and asked him to retrieve a pink bellyband from the screen. She then lectured him on the symbolism of bellyband embroidery: "ordinary women's bellybands are embroidered with mandarin ducks, while only noblewomen use phoenixes." Pointedly adding that "the princess's bellyband was seen by others," she implied her own purity.
This caused Xue Yao to recall that the bellyband he believed was Chu Yue's bore the embroidery of mandarin ducks, not a phoenix, leading him to question her true status as a princess.
Episode 9 Recap
Su Nannan explained to Xue Yao that while ordinary women embroider mandarin ducks on their bellybands, only nobles are permitted to use phoenixes. This information troubled Xue Yao, as he recalled that the bellyband Chu Yue claimed was hers during the incident with Marquis Beize was embroidered with mandarin ducks, not a phoenix.
He asked Su Nannan if Marquis Beize had truly mistreated Chu Yue, but she replied that if he was concerned about that, there was no point in asking since it had already happened. A servant announced that the Old Lady planned to return to the Xue mansion the following day. The servant noted that the Old Lady was already unhappy due to a previous incident where she was attacked while the princess was escorting her.
To avoid further trouble, Xue Yao assigned Bai Liqi to pick up his aunt. That evening, Chu Yue waited for Xue Yao, having warmed wine for him several times. Tao Yao warned her not to drink the wine, a sleeping aid from King Shun, lest she fall asleep at the wrong time. Chu Yue retorted that she wouldn't have to worry if Xue Yao were there and decided to go find him. Just then, Xue Yao entered.
Xue Yao immediately demanded to know what happened at Marquis Beize's residence. As Chu Yue deflected, she smelled the expensive scent of Panxiang Court's "daughter incense" on him, a fragrance used by women to please their husbands. She angrily accused him of seeing another woman, citing her experience in the harem with her father's concubines. Xue Yao denied it, asserting his clear conscience, and pressed her about the bellyband.
He realized she had lied about the assault to tarnish her own reputation. A fierce argument erupted. Chu Yue called him a hypocrite for trapping her in a forced marriage and treating her poorly, admitting she made up the story to get away from him. A heartbroken Xue Yao confessed he only wanted a simple, kind wife and a peaceful life. Chu Yue countered that she wanted freedom—to sleep and to love.
Xue Yao told her she was free and left for the military camp. Meanwhile, Xu Xingchen visited the Emperor and found him in poor spirits. A eunuch explained that the Emperor had been plagued by nightmares since an assassination attempt. In his latest dream, Chu Yue’s father, the Da Guo Shi, confronted him for sacrificing Chu Yue to the birthstone prophecy. The Emperor argued he had raised Chu Yue, who showed no reaction to the long-stolen stone.
Xue Yao then appeared in the dream, vowing to avenge the Da Guo Shi and Chu Yue before attacking the Emperor. Awaking in a panic, the Emperor lunged with a sword at Xu Xingchen, injuring his hands as he blocked the blade. Once lucid, the Emperor praised Xu Xingchen’s loyalty.
The Emperor then decided to test Xu Xingchen's strategic ability, stating that with Xue Yao having relinquished military power, he would choose between Xu Xingchen and Prince Ning to command the armies. Xu Xingchen expressed humility, citing his lack of military experience, but the Emperor instructed him to write a proposal on military governance.
At the military camp, soldiers saw Xue Yao practicing martial arts all night and, seeing his foul mood, arranged for a woman from Piaoxiang Court to entertain him. Xue Yao reacted with disgust and anger, punishing the two soldiers with forty lashes each. Around the same time, Chu Yue discovered a rare flower that blooms only once a year had blossomed. Disguised as a man, she and Tao Yao went to the camp to show it to Xue Yao.
However, a guard rudely blocked her, remarking that the general was busy with a "woman flower" from Piaoxiang Court. Believing Xue Yao was with another woman, a furious Chu Yue threw the flower to the ground and left. Xue Yao's aunt, the Old Lady, returned to the mansion and immediately summoned Chu Yue. The Old Lady accused Chu Yue of using an expensive cream, Liuyun Feixue.
Chu Yue explained it was a gift from King Shun, but her aunt refused to believe her, speculating it was from a premarital lover and ordered a search. She then confined Chu Yue to the ancestral hall to reflect. Feeling wronged, Chu Yue escaped by jumping out of a window. Back at the military camp, Xue Yao found the flower Chu Yue had dropped.
Remembering her wish to watch the flowers with him, he rushed back to the mansion, only to find Chu Yue lying unconscious on the ground. He carried her inside and confronted his aunt, insisting there was a misunderstanding. With the Old Lady still determined to punish her, Xue Yao offered to take Chu Yue's place and kneel in the ancestral hall to complete the punishment.
Later, while asleep in her bed, Chu Yue had a vivid dream of Xue Yao behaving intimately with her. A voice whispered, "The spring night is short, why resist?" She awoke with a start, shouting that Xue Yao was a pervert. Just then, Xue Yao entered her room and playfully asked where the pervert was. When he confirmed it was Yin shi, Chu Yue realized it had all been a dream, which left her flustered. Xue Yao then teased her, asking who had died in her dream this time.
Episode 10 Recap
Disturbed by a prophetic nightmare of being intimate with Xue Yao, Chu Yue flees to the palace to avoid him. While Bai Liqi suspects she has gone to complain to the Emperor about her treatment at the Xue mansion, Chu Yue's true intention is simply to put distance between herself and the general, a risk she feels she must take to clear her mind.
However, Xue Yao soon arrives at the Golden Bird Palace, insisting she return to the Xue mansion. Chu Yue, accusing everyone in the mansion of bullying her, refuses to go back. Xue Yao tries to reassure her, promising to smooth things over with his aunt. He then questions why she came to the military camp only to leave a Lirenhua flower and depart.
When Chu Yue confronts him about a woman in the camp, Xue Yao explains that she was brought by his subordinate without his knowledge and is irrelevant to him, declaring this his only explanation. When he attempts to physically carry her back, an infuriated Chu Yue demands a divorce and has Tao Yao begin drafting a He Lishu (divorce letter).
Their heated exchange over the letter's terms is interrupted by Gao Gonggong, a eunuch, who summons Chu Yue to the Emperor. Before the Emperor, Chu Yue is interrogated about any abnormalities concerning Xue Yao and asked if she has recalled the assassin's identity. Secretly wishing for her benefactor to remain undiscovered, Chu Yue feigns memory loss. The Emperor confesses to having disturbing dreams in which Xue Yao resembles the assassin, but Chu Yue dismisses his fears.
The Emperor expresses his deeper worry that Xue Yao might harbor resentment and abandon his military duties. As she is dismissed, the He Lishu, which she only intended to use to scare Xue Yao, slips from her sleeve and is discovered by the Emperor. Enraged, he accuses her of disloyalty in her mission to monitor Xue Yao and lectures her for attempting to divorce her husband unilaterally.
Citing Xue Yao's alleged philandering, Chu Yue bets she can gather proof within a month. The Emperor, though still displeased, orders her to return to the Xue mansion and continue her surveillance. Later, Chu Yue bluntly admits to Xue Yao that she slandered him to the Emperor and showed him the He Lishu.
Subsequently, the Emperor summons Xue Yao and tests his loyalty by asking him to evaluate two military strategies, which Xue Yao recognizes as being from King Shun and Prince Ning. Claiming to be a mere brute unskilled in literature, Xue Yao deftly avoids choosing a side. The Emperor then fondly recalls Xue Yao's elder brother, Xue Mu, praising his sacrifice in saving the imperial ancestral tablets during the Yinghua Hall fire.
A flashback reveals a young Xue Yao being bullied, only to be protected by Xue Mu, who comforted him by explaining that their parents live on in the "frontier wind," not in ancestral tablets, and promised to always protect him. Back at the Xue mansion, Xue Yao discusses his palace visit with Bai Liqi while bathing. Bai Liqi finds Xue Mu's death—saving tablets in a fire—to be peculiar and uncharacteristic of the late general.
Xue Yao remains wary, sensing the Emperor intends to replace him with King Shun, a notion Bai Liqi finds doubtful given the king's poetic, rather than military, nature. Meanwhile, Xu Xingchen searches the library for records of Chu Yue's father, the Grand National Master, but finds them suspiciously absent.
Dong Shi, the master's sole disciple, appears and explains that his master used birthstone predictions to save the Emperor multiple times, ultimately dying from exhaustion after using all twelve of his prophetic chances to protect the Nansang State. He reveals his desire to prevent Chu Yue from suffering a similar fate, as the birthstone has inadvertently entered her body. Xingchen vows to protect his imperial sister and uncover the truth behind her attempted assassination.
Xue Yao later demands that Chu Yue return the He Lishu. Unwilling to leave the mansion without having fulfilled her mission for the Emperor, Chu Yue follows Xue Yao to his bathing chamber. There, she initiates a flirtatious encounter, offering to massage his back while secretly planning to stay and gather incriminating evidence against him within the month. Annoyed by her antics, Xue Yao rebuffs her advances and leaves.
Xu Xingchen visits Chu Yue, troubled by the Emperor's command for him to draft military strategies. He confesses his aversion to official life, admitting he once planned to take Chu Yue away from the palace to protect her from her "strange illness." Seeing her seemingly settled, he feels lost. Chu Yue reassures him, encouraging him to follow his own path, promising to support him whether he chooses to serve in court or live in seclusion.
Touched, Xingchen affirms his only wish is to be wherever she is. Tao Yao informs Dong Shi that Chu Yue has now had ten prophetic dreams. Dong Shi sternly warns her to ensure Chu Yue does not interfere in any future dreams that do not directly involve her, as doing so again could be fatal. Later, Chu Yue tells Dong Shi that she has stopped having nightmares since being with Xue Yao.
Dong Shi recalls his master's teaching that individuals with a strong malevolent aura can suppress such ominous forces, speculating that Xue Yao's reputation as a fearsome general might be the cause. Chu Yue discovers from Xue Yao's aunt that he knelt for the duration of an entire incense stick as punishment on her behalf, an unprecedented act of defiance. That night, she seeks out Xue Yao to ask about it, feeling a sense of obligation.
She confesses her one-month bet with the Emperor to find evidence for their divorce. Acknowledging the unyielding nature of imperial decrees, Xue Yao agrees to "cooperate" with her plan, reasoning it is better to keep her close and monitor her actions. As Chu Yue settles to sleep on the floor beside his bed, she quietly wonders why he, unlike others, seems capable of suppressing her nightmares.
Episode 11 Recap
Chu Yue watched the sleeping Xue Yao, pondering why he, seemingly an ordinary man, could suppress her nightmares. She suspected the "baleful aura" East Shi had mentioned emanated from his hands. Revered by the people as a "Warlord," she reasoned his battle-scarred body might possess a unique power. As she quietly held his hand, she noticed his face and ears turning red. Suddenly, Xue Yao opened his eyes.
Feigning embarrassment, Chu Yue explained that her dreams were unusual and asked to hold his hand to feel his presence, which would alleviate her fear of sleep. He silently offered her his pinky finger, and they drifted off to sleep. The next morning, Chu Yue woke feeling refreshed, having experienced no nightmares for the first time. She discovered Xue Yao had already departed, leaving her to wonder why he had left without a word.
Later, Xue Yao and Bai Liqi visited Panxiang Court to continue their investigation into the special cream, Liuyunfeixue, that his brother had ordered. Using the cover story of a "friend" who had lost their gift note, they inquired about the order's records. The shopkeeper informed them that only the owner had access to the note's stub, but the owner had a strict policy of not meeting guests.
After some insistence, the shopkeeper directed them to Fan House, implying a connection between the two establishments. Their conversation was cut short when a soldier arrived to report trouble at the military camp. At the camp, soldiers confronted Xu Xingchen, their newly appointed commander. They questioned his authority, stating that they had served General Xue through countless battles and that camp rules were based on martial prowess, not title. A skirmish ensued.
Observing the chaos from a distance, Xue Yao remarked to Bai Liqi that if Prince Shun—Xu Xingchen's title—caused a riot so soon after his arrival, it could escalate into a mutiny, rendering the Emperor's "prince chess piece" useless. He decided against intervening, asserting that if Xu Xingchen wanted to take on such a difficult task, he had to prove he was capable.
Chu Yue soon arrived, having followed Xue Yao to the camp and insisting she must accompany him as per their "inseparable" arrangement. She was surprised to find Xu Xingchen at the center of the conflict. Military officer Song Yingzhang explained to Xue Yao that their intention was simply to give Xu Xingchen a show of force, hoping it would prompt the Emperor to reinstate Xue Yao. Unwilling to back down, Xu Xingchen accepted their challenge.
Before the fight, he cheekily asked Chu Yue if she would call him "brother Xingchen" should he win. Xue Yao, entering at that moment, overheard the request and curtly told them to take their flirtations back to the manor. He then explained to Chu Yue the harsh realities of growing up in the Imperial Harem, where perceived harmony could mask betrayal, making him hope Xu Xingchen could face this challenge with dignity.
During the ensuing combat, Chu Yue vocally encouraged Xu Xingchen, who surprised everyone by skillfully defeating Song Yingzhang. Xue Yao then stepped in, proposing to fight Xu Xingchen himself. He offered to let Xu Xingchen off if he called him "brother-in-law," but Xu Xingchen defiantly refused. Knowing he couldn't win, Xu Xingchen deliberately allowed Xue Yao to overpower him, believing that the more battered he appeared, the more Chu Yue would care for him.
Despite having clearly won the fight, Xue Yao declared to the assembled soldiers that Prince Shun, who "didn't give in despite so many failures," was a true warrior. He announced that Prince Shun had won and would henceforth be the commander of the three armies, demanding their obedience.
Later, Xue Yao confronted Chu Yue, forbidding her from weeping over any other man now that she was married into the Xue family and asserting that he would personally repay any debt of gratitude she owed Xu Xingchen. That evening, a subordinate informed Xue Yao that their investigation found no connection between the concubines who had purchased Liuyunfeixue and his late brother, Xue Mu.
Xue Yao felt strongly that his brother must have bought the cream for a lover, realizing the matter was far more complex than it seemed. He voiced his suspicions about the questionable relationship between Fan House and Panxiang Court, noting they were the most lucrative establishments in the capital and that no one had ever seen the true face of the influential Fan House owner.
Chu Yue, who had been listening from outside, entered and demanded to know whom he was speaking with, insisting on checking if he carried any "other smells." Annoyed, Xue Yao ordered her out. Later that night, Chu Yue returned to Xue Yao's room, again intending to sleep there to prevent nightmares. Resigned, Xue Yao allowed her to stay, with one sleeping on the bed and the other on the floor.
Chu Yue asked if he hated her, believing her status as princess had led the Emperor to strip him of his military power and give it to Xu Xingchen. She thanked him for helping Xu Xingchen stage the "sympathy-getting ploy" earlier, which prevented the camp disturbance from escalating. However, she questioned why he so easily relinquished the military authority he had earned through immense struggle and what he truly desired if not fame and power.
Xue Yao responded that he only sought justice, stating that if someone was murdered, the perpetrator must not escape punishment. As Xue Yao fell asleep, Chu Yue quietly expressed her lingering suspicions, pondering the "mystery man" he was meeting at Fan House and her unsettling dreams. The following morning, Xue Yao and Bai Liqi headed to Fan House to meet Lord Luo and search for clues.
Bai Liqi teased Xue Yao for being unusually early, suggesting he was afraid of the Princess. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a man at the entrance who was presented as the owner. However, Xue Yao quickly deduced he was merely a frontman for the true, hidden owner, indicating the depth of the establishment's mystery. Already present inside, Xu Xingchen noticed their arrival.
Episode 12 Recap
At Fan House, Xue Yao confessed to Bai Liqi that he felt a pair of eyes constantly watching them, sensing a deeper complexity to the establishment than its outward appearance suggested. Bai Liqi dismissed his concerns, attributing Xue Yao’s heightened vigilance to his years stationed at the border, arguing that a pleasure house would naturally attract attention. Unknown to them, Xue Yao's instincts were correct, as Xu Xingchen, concealed nearby, was closely observing his every move.
Surprised to see the notoriously aloof General Xue at a brothel, Xu Xingchen saw an opportunity to expose his "good brother-in-law's" true nature to Chu Yue. He instructed the courtesans that whoever served Xue Yao best would be crowned Fan House's top courtesan, revealing himself as the brothel's secret owner. Meanwhile, Chu Yue spotted Xue Yao’s horse outside Fan House and, fearing he would be "taken away by those hungry women," decided to intervene.
She instructed her attendant, Tao Yao, to cover for her with Madam Xue. Noticing a recruitment sign for footboys, Chu Yue disguised herself as a young man to gain entry. Elsewhere in Fan House, Su Nannan arrived, planning to intimidate Xue Yao with a prank inspired by her aunt, Imperial Consort Su. Her maid, Xiaodao, voiced concerns about being seen, but Su Nannan was confident in the security of their private room.
She planned to startle Xue Yao by opening the door and pretending to disrobe. However, when the door opened, it was not Xue Yao but Luo Ji who entered. Startled, Su Nannan fled through a window, inadvertently leaving her purse behind. Disguised as a footboy, Chu Yue was tasked with delivering wine. She watched as Xue Yao and his companions were enthusiastically escorted by courtesans to Liangyuan, an exclusive area of Fan House.
The grand reception made Xue Yao suspect they had attracted the attention of a significant figure within the establishment. Chu Yue followed and grew enraged seeing Xue Yao surrounded by beautiful women. Just then, Xue Yao noticed someone at the door. Thinking it was the owner, he was stunned to discover it was Chu Yue. Xue Yao pulled Chu Yue aside, chastising her for her unseemly and ambiguous disguise and accusing her of seeking grounds for a divorce.
Chu Yue retorted, questioning why he was permitted to seek pleasure while she was forbidden from "broadening her horizons," and defiantly sat down at his table. Recognizing a courtesan's hairstyle from a prophetic dream, Chu Yue suspected the wine was drugged and realized Xue Yao was being set up. She knocked the wine cup from his hand and, to deter the women, offered a legendary luminous pearl to the head courtesan on the condition that she attend only to her.
She then used gold to bribe the other women to serve her exclusively, ordering them to stay away from Xue Yao and his friends. Forced to leave, Xue Yao deduced the owner had orchestrated the events and was likely watching them. He split his group into three to search the premises.
Meanwhile, Xu Xingchen learned of the search and grew concerned that his private business might be exposed to the Emperor, which could arouse unnecessary suspicion, but he dismissed the fear, confident he was beyond the Emperor's reach. Chu Yue escaped the room and unexpectedly ran into Xu Xingchen, who pulled her into another room to hide.
He admonished her for treating the birthstone so carelessly, reminding her that its dangerous power was connected to their father's death and stressing his concern for her life. Chu Yue apologized, promising not to be so reckless again. Just as Xue Yao approached their hiding spot, Xu Xingchen concealed himself in a cupboard. To protect her brother, Chu Yue pinned a surprised Xue Yao against the wall and kissed him as a distraction.
As Xue Yao broke free, demanding to know who she was so desperately protecting, Xu Xingchen escaped. Though Xue Yao didn't see him, he found a jade pendant on the floor identical to Chu Yue’s. On the carriage ride home, Chu Yue explained the wine had been drugged, but Xue Yao demanded proof, which she couldn't provide without revealing her dreams.
He accused her of protecting the man in the cupboard, and she defiantly admitted to kissing and lying to him. Angered, Xue Yao pretended to throw the jade pendant out of the carriage. Chu Yue impulsively jumped out to find it, spraining her ankle. Though still furious, Xue Yao extended his sword to help her walk.
Chu Yue offered to reveal the pendant's owner if he promised not to tell the Emperor, but Xue Yao refused, vowing to find out himself. Acting on Chu Yue's dream, Xu Xingchen questioned the courtesan, Jie Luoshan, who swore she had not put anything in the wine. When his attendant confirmed the wine was normal, Xu Xingchen realized Chu Yue's prophecy had not been fully averted and that Xue Yao remained in danger.
That night, Chu Yue again shared a room with Xue Yao. Unable to sleep, he went to the courtyard to water flowers. She followed, claiming she couldn't sleep without him. Gazing at the recovered jade pendant, she recalled her childhood in the Cold Palace. She remembered an imperial consort's comforting voice urging her and Xu Xingchen to always support each other through hardship. The memory of their childhood promises brought tears to her eyes.
Episode 13 Recap
Following his return from Fan House, Xue Yao found Chu Yue in tears. She deflected his questions by asking who he wanted to protect. Xue Yao stated his lifelong ambition to safeguard the people of Nansang, prompting Chu Yue to confess her desire to protect the person she had hidden in the cabinet. She lamented that she lacked Su Nannan's martial arts skills but still felt compelled to prevent those she cared about from being implicated.
Xue Yao, however, had already deduced that the person Chu Yue was so determined to protect was Xu Xingchen. Chu Yue nervously denied this, asserting that a man of Xu Xingchen's integrity would never frequent a place like Fan House. Later, while bathing to wash off the "Fan House smell," Chu Yue expressed her belief that she had successfully altered her dream.
She recalled that the woman from her vision had a similar build and the same distinctive "flying bun" hairstyle as a courtesan at Fan House who had caused a significant stir by continuously plying Xue Yao with drinks. Tao Yao gravely reminded Chu Yue that she had now used up another chance, leaving her with only one last opportunity before the birthstone’s power would turn her into a "living dead."
Despite the danger, Chu Yue remained optimistic, believing she only needed to leave the Xue mansion before her final transformation. Tao Yao, however, felt a deep sense of failure, fearing she had not adequately protected the princess and would be unworthy of facing Chu Yue's guardian in the afterlife. Meanwhile, Luo Ji arrived at the Su residence to return a sachet to Su Nannan.
Angered by his audacity but warned by her servant, Xiaodao, about the potential scandal, Su Nannan reluctantly agreed to meet him. Wearing a veil, she also disguised her face with makeup to appear pockmarked, hoping her perceived ugliness would deter him. However, Luo Ji insisted on taking responsibility since he had seen her unclothed. He confessed that if she were beautiful, he would have felt unworthy, but with her "pockmarked face," he felt they were a perfect match.
Infuriated, Su Nannan declared that her heart already belonged to Nansang's God of War, Xue Yao. Recognizing the name, Luo Ji shared that Xue Yao loved to eat Qingtuan, a dish his family stopped making after his parents’ death. Su Nannan abruptly dismissed Luo Ji, threatening him with violence if he ever mentioned their encounter again.
Chu Yue later visited a bookstore, and the shopkeeper, noticing her married hairstyle, recommended a discreet book on marital intimacy, which she began to read with interest. Tao Yao soon arrived to inform Chu Yue that Old Lady Xue had gathered everyone for dinner and was waiting for her, and they promptly returned to the Xue mansion. During dinner, Old Lady Xue expressed concern that Chu Yue, having been married for some time, had not yet conceived.
Emphasizing her wish for an heir to the Xue family, she praised Su Nannan's strong constitution as a good match for Xue Yao. Xue Yao swiftly reassured his aunt that his relationship with Chu Yue was strong and they were not in a hurry to have children. Chu Yue echoed his sentiments, and they presented a united facade of affection before Chu Yue excused herself.
Believing Chu Yue would soon seek his help to leave the mansion, Xu Xingchen instructed his subordinate to monitor her. Shortly after, a messenger informed him that Xue Yao had arrived at Liangyuan with information about his jade pendant. At their meeting, Xue Yao revealed he had investigated Chu Yue's dowry and discovered her lifestyle surpassed that of an orthodox princess.
He concluded that only Xu Xingchen, with his immense wealth, could afford such lavishness by secretly operating ventures like Fan House and Panxiang Court. Xu Xingchen admitted this, explaining he was determined to ensure Chu Yue, who was never favored as a child, would never suffer again. In turn, Xue Yao assured him that as long as Chu Yue remained sincere, he would never betray her.
Xue Yao then explained he was investigating a case involving "Liuyunfeixue" purchased from Panxiang Court and needed to examine their account ledgers. Xu Xingchen agreed on one condition: that Chu Yue, who was weak and suffering from insomnia, undergo a three-day secluded treatment based on a new prescription. Xue Yao consented, promising to retrieve Chu Yue after her recovery. While they were at Panxiang Court, several mysterious assassins appeared, stole the ledgers, and fled.
The incident made Xue Yao more certain than ever that his brother's death was connected to them. He noted the assassins smelled strongly of "daughter incense," a potent fragrance from Panxiang Court, which he intended to use as a crucial clue. A subordinate later reported to Xu Xingchen that they had successfully secured the ledgers and that Xue Yao now suspected Xue Mu's death was not a simple accident.
Xu Xingchen, feigning indifference, dismissed the notion that Xue Yao could uncover the truth. Deeply concerned, Tao Yao informed Xu Xingchen that Chu Yue had only one transformation opportunity left. Fearing Chu Yue's optimism was misplaced, she investigated Fan House herself and discovered the wine from that night had not been drugged. Realizing the dream had not been broken, Tao Yao decided to ensure it came true by acquiring an aphrodisiac to use on Xue Yao.
To capture Xue Yao’s attention, Su Nannan adopted the "flying bun" hairstyle of the Fan House courtesans. When Xu Xingchen arrived at the Xue mansion, he saw her hair and instantly realized she was the woman from Chu Yue's dream, the one destined to help the princess sever her emotional ties to Xue Yao and become carefree and happy.
Tao Yao cunningly placed the aphrodisiac into two drinks: one in the plum wine for Xue Yao and Chu Yue's lunch, and another in the tea for Su Nannan. Her goal was to orchestrate a situation where Xue Yao and Su Nannan would be affected, thereby fulfilling the dream's prediction. Though initially hesitant to dine with Xue Yao, Chu Yue was persuaded by Tao Yao and agreed.
During their lunch, Chu Yue attempted to reconcile with Xue Yao, but he spoke cryptically about trust, alluding to her secrets. Chu Yue defended her right to privacy. Their tense meal was interrupted by Su Nannan, who offered Xue Yao the Qingtuan she had prepared. He gently rejected her, explaining that the dish reminded him of his deceased family and that he had only ever seen her as a sister.
Later, Chu Yue confided in Xu Xingchen, admitting her fear that Xue Yao suspected her secrets and her growing, conflicted feelings for the general. Xu Xingchen then asked if she would hate him for taking actions that might harm Xue Yao. Chu Yue advised him to follow his heart, revealing she knew of the "bitter trick" he had orchestrated in the military to gain the emperor's trust.
To toast to his ambitions, they drank the plum wine Tao Yao had prepared. Soon after, both were overcome with an intense heat, and Xu Xingchen realized with horror that they had not triggered a transformation, but had both ingested a potent aphrodisiac.
Episode 14 Recap
Following the drugged wine incident, Xingchen experiences a sudden surge of heat and mistakenly believes he is about to transform. Chu Yue, though disoriented, clarifies that it's not his transformation but an aphrodisiac affecting them both. Horrified by the inappropriate feelings he develops for his Imperial Sister, Xingchen brands himself a "beast" for such thoughts and flees in distress. Shortly after, Xue Yao arrives to find Chu Yue in a highly agitated state.
She mistakes him for her "medicine" and forcefully pulls him down, clinging to him. To sober her, Xue Yao dunks her into a nearby pond, but the drug's effects persist, causing her to embrace him and attempt to kiss him. Bai Liqi observes the chaotic scene from a distance. Just then, Old Madam Xue arrives and, witnessing the scandalous public display, is outraged by their indecorous behavior. She storms off, declaring their actions utterly disgraceful.
Left with no other recourse, Xue Yao is forced to tie Chu Yue to her bed to prevent her from harming herself. Upon regaining consciousness, Chu Yue finds herself bound. Tao Yao quickly unties her, explaining that Chu Yue had accidentally ingested an aphrodisiac and had tried to pounce on Xue Yao multiple times, though the bindings fortunately prevented anything further. Recalling that Xingchen also drank the drugged wine, Chu Yue anxiously inquires about his condition.
Tao Yao informs her that Xingchen had already returned to his mansion, appearing quite angry upon his departure, leaving Chu Yue to fear she did something regrettable to him. Meanwhile, a sober Xingchen is in Wangyue Court, grappling with immense guilt over his inappropriate thoughts. He reflects on their childhood, when they only had each other, and now feels ashamed to face her. Chu Yue, having climbed a wall and used the key he gave her, arrives to find him.
Visibly distraught, Xingchen coldly tells her to leave. When she presses him, he explains that certain thoughts, once harbored, become an unbearable obsession, comparing himself to a "sinner trapped in a pan." He asks Chu Yue to help him guide his heart back to the "right path" by immediately disappearing, then orders his attendants to escort her away. Refusing to leave, Chu Yue lingers heartbroken outside Wangyue Court as it begins to rain. Xue Yao appears with an umbrella.
Chu Yue tearfully questions why Xingchen has abandoned her. Xue Yao attempts to console her, assuring her that siblings always forgive each other. He then leads her back into Wangyue Court, determined to confront Xingchen. Inside, Xingchen pulls Xue Yao aside and meticulously describes Chu Yue's habits, such as her poor sleep, fondness for candied haws, and enjoyment of low-brow supernatural tales, describing her as inherently good but somewhat naive.
He formally entrusts Chu Yue to Xue Yao, reminding him of his promise never to abandon her. Xue Yao reaffirms his commitment but notes that these aren't the answers Chu Yue seeks. Xingchen then asserts that they have both matured and must now lead separate lives, stating their shared journey has come to an end. He coldly instructs Xue Yao to control his "wife" and prevent her from bothering him further.
Overhearing this devastating conversation, Chu Yue rushes in, reminding Xingchen that their mother gave them the Xingyue jade pendant for mutual care, not for bitterness. She even offers to buy him candied haws, a gesture that used to reconcile their past arguments. However, Xingchen cruelly reveals he never liked candied haws and only pretended to for her happiness, expressing his weariness of the pretense. Witnessing Chu Yue's profound distress, Xue Yao gently carries her back to the Xue Mansion.
Back at the Xue Mansion, Chu Yue remains deeply saddened and refuses to eat. Xue Yao comforts her, promising to take good care of her. He explains that their bond with Xingchen was destined to change as they grew up, emphasizing that with their parents gone, their individual lives now revolve around their respective partners. He points out that Consort Jing is gone, Chu Yue is married, and King Shun will eventually have his own Princess Shun.
Chu Yue vehemently rejects this, arguing that marriage shouldn't sever familial bonds and make siblings strangers. She declares her refusal to accept this fate and vows to prove them wrong. To lift Chu Yue's spirits, Xue Yao proudly presents her with a magnificent Sweaty-blood horse, confident she will adore it. However, Chu Yue remains uninterested. Undeterred, Xue Yao pulls her onto the horse for a ride, but she finds the experience extremely uncomfortable.
As they ride, Xue Yao tries to cheer her up by explaining that Xingchen has matured significantly, even managing the successful Fan House. Upon hearing this, Chu Yue suddenly devises a plan, believing that visiting Fan House will allow her to see Xingchen. Tao Yao, alarmed, warns her that since she altered the dream, her transformation is now imminent, making it dangerous to venture out.
Chu Yue, however, argues that if she were to transform, the safest place would be with Xingchen, convinced he wouldn't abandon her. Tao Yao provides her with a record of her past transformation times as a precaution, but Chu Yue's determination is firm; she promises to be careful and conceal her identity. Chu Yue arrives at Fan House and seeks out a performer named Jie Luoshan, proposing to sing on stage in her place.
Jie Luoshan, not interested in money, asks if Chu Yue brought the specific box she had requested before. Chu Yue confirms she has, revealing that the box contains a precious item from her only living relative, and she is entrusting it to Jie Luoshan for safekeeping, intending to redeem it later. Jie Luoshan agrees. Meanwhile, Xue Yao learns of Chu Yue's presence at Fan House and immediately follows.
When Old Madam Xue discovers that both Xue Yao and Chu Yue have gone to Fan House, she is enraged, believing that Chu Yue is ruining the family's reputation and corrupting Xue Yao. She promptly orders her carriage to go there as well. Despite his efforts to drown his sorrow in drink, Xingchen remains deeply concerned about Chu Yue's potential transformation.
He instructs his subordinate, Qin Yixiao, to monitor the time and send someone to the Xue Mansion to check on her when it occurs. Qin Yixiao questions this directive, pointing out that since Xingchen has decided to sever ties, if General Xue discovers her transformation and she is killed as a monster, it would simply be her fate. Angered by this cold perspective, Xingchen retorts that Qin Yixiao is practically forcing him to seek her out. Meanwhile, Chu Yue, in a performance costume, takes the stage at Fan House and immediately spots Xue Yao in the audience.
Episode 15 Recap
Determined to find Xingchen, Chu Yue disguised herself and took to the stage at Fan House, singing a cherished childhood song. Xue Yao soon spotted her among the performers. Meanwhile, the Old Lady also arrived at Fan House, looking for Xue Yao and Chu Yue. Half-drunk, Xingchen heard the familiar melody. Memories of his childhood with Chu Yue, when they relied on each other, flooded his mind, but he remained hidden.
On stage, Chu Yue worried that Xingchen had forgotten their song, just as the frustrated audience began to jeer and throw objects at her. Xue Yao quickly stepped onto the stage, shielded Chu Yue from the projectiles, and led her away. The Old Lady, having overheard the song, recalled singing it as a lullaby to Xue Yao and his brother, Xue Mu, when they were children.
Believing the singer to be a troubled woman with a sad story, she instructed her attendant to bring the woman for a private performance. Xue Yao questioned Chu Yue’s reckless behavior. She explained she only wanted to draw Xingchen out, comparing family bonds to plants that can thrive despite broken branches if given enough care and trust. Moved, Xue Yao agreed with her sentiment but insisted on taking her home, declaring he wouldn't allow anyone to criticize his woman.
As they were about to leave, they spotted the Old Lady. Startled, Chu Yue hid, realizing it was Hai Shi, the time of her transformation. Panicked, Chu Yue began to transform into a pig and fled to prevent Xue Yao from discovering her secret. Elsewhere, Xingchen also remembered it was time for her transformation and set out to find her. Qin Yixiao advised him not to interfere in the Xue family's affairs, but Xingchen refused.
He argued that Chu Yue’s ability to dream the future was inexplicable to others and would only get her branded as a monster. He noted that she had broken a dream for Xue Yao's sake, a sign of her growing affection, and since she wanted to stay in the Xue mansion, he felt he had to protect her secret. The transformed Chu Yue, now a pig, was drawn by the scent of food to the Old Lady's room.
Xue Yao arrived and tried to create a diversion, but the Old Lady caught a glimpse of Chu Yue’s pig head and fainted in fright. At that moment, Xingchen appeared and whisked Chu Yue away. The next day, a subordinate reported to Xue Yao that military dogs had followed the scent of a special incense to a dilapidated residence, the former home of the executed official Song. The house, notorious for its secret passages, was empty but contained suspicious totems.
They found an impression on the ground suggesting a heavy object had recently been moved. A sudden downpour washed away any footprints, but they retrieved a peculiar symbol for investigation. Meanwhile, the mysterious figure who orchestrated the failed assassination at Fan House fumed over his subordinates' incompetence. He noted that Chu Yue had only one transformation left before her birthstone would lose its power and that he could not afford to miss the next full moon.
His subordinate reported that the second half of a crucial book had been traced to an old man named Liao, who was now hiding in the city. The mysterious figure ordered that both Chu Yue and the book be captured by the next full moon. Xue Yao dreamed of Chu Yue turning into a pig. He then recalled her fear of nightmares and how she had asked to hold his hand to feel safe, stirring a deep longing for her.
The following morning, Chu Yue woke up in Jinque Palace, her transformation over. A maid informed her that Xingchen had brought her there, claiming she was ill, and had stayed until dawn. Chu Yue, remembering the previous night's events, worried that Xue Yao had discovered her secret. Concerned, Xue Yao visited Chu Yue at the palace. She feigned ignorance, claiming she had been too drunk to remember anything.
As they spoke, assassins attacked, and Xue Yao fought fiercely to protect her. During the fight, Chu Yue recognized the scent of blood on Xue Yao was the same as that of the mysterious benefactor who had saved her before. The realization dawned on her that Xue Yao was her savior. After the fight, Xue Yao discovered the assassins were "dead men" who had committed suicide by swallowing poison, deducing their master was after something extraordinary.
He urged Chu Yue to return to the Xue mansion for her safety, but she refused, fearing she would endanger the family. She wondered aloud what she could possess that was so valuable. Xue Yao teased her about the divorce agreement, and she admitted she cared about it. After he playfully threatened to "dismember" her for using it against him, Chu Yue thanked him for his help. He then agreed to give her the divorce agreement, saying it was likely back at the Xue mansion.
Episode 16 Recap
After the assassins, revealed to be dead men, poisoned themselves, Xue Yao concluded that their master must be seeking something extraordinary. Chu Yue insisted she did not know them, and though Xue Yao urged her to return to the safety of Xue Mansion, she refused. Believing the assassins were targeting her, she feared that returning would only endanger his family.
Xue Yao speculated that she must possess something of great value, leading Chu Yue to wonder if it was connected to her biological father. At Luo Ji’s suggestion, Xue Yao ordered additional guards to escort the princess back to the Golden Bird Palace. Following the incident, Luo Ji reported that the dead men bore a totem identical to the one found at Song Mansion.
Xue Yao immediately suspected a link between the attempts on Chu Yue's life and the death of his brother, Xue Mu, instructing Luo Ji to conceal this from the Emperor. Later, Xue Yao visited his unconscious aunt, Old Lady Xue, and spoke to her, revealing his intention to request taking over his brother's former duties.
He knew she would disapprove, as her greatest wish was for him to live a peaceful life, but he felt a duty to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Dong Shi visited Chu Yue at the palace after hearing about the assassination attempt. Chu Yue worried that her father might have had enemies who were now seeking revenge through her, but Dong Shi dismissed this, stating that both he and the Emperor were deeply indebted to his master.
He urged her to return to Xue Mansion for her safety, but Chu Yue explained she couldn't. She confessed that she had transformed into a pig the previous night, frightening Old Lady Xue into a dead faint. To solve this, Dong Shi gave her a medicine that would make her aunt forget the incident.
He then sternly warned Chu Yue not to tell Xue Yao about the birthstone, explaining that the true danger was not Xue Yao's disbelief, but the fatal consequences for everyone who had kept her secret if the Emperor discovered it. An investigation into the aphrodisiac incident identified Tao Yao as the culprit. Desperate to protect Chu Yue's secret, Tao Yao falsely confessed that she had been trying to help the couple consummate their marriage.
Taking her loyalty to Chu Yue into account, and at Luo Ji's suggestion, Xue Yao decided to let Chu Yue handle her punishment. As the newly appointed General of the Left Guard, Xue Yao asserted his authority in the harem by reprimanding palace maids for speaking disrespectfully of his wife. He later found Chu Yue and told her that Xingchen had entrusted him with her well-being, urging her to trust him as she had trusted her brother.
Chu Yue hesitated, jokingly asking if he would be scared off if she turned into a pig or a cat. Amused, Xue Yao revealed he had already dreamt of her as a cute pig and accepted her invitation to have dinner at her palace later. During their meal, he mentioned the aphrodisiac incident, expressing his understanding that Tao Yao had acted out of loyalty, surprising Chu Yue, who had been unaware.
Afterward, Chu Yue decided she could trust Xue Yao, realizing he was a man who protected fiercely and one she felt she could depend on. Xue Yao and Luo Ji visited Xue Mu's untouched former residence. Luo Ji noted that Xue Mu had personally designed the patrol routes, including for the Guoxi Pavilion area. Later, Xue Yao found palace maids burning paper money for the late Concubine Yun.
An older palace attendant informed him that Concubine Yun, once the Emperor's favorite, was executed at Guoxi Pavilion for alleged adultery with a guard. Her real name was Feixue. Recalling his brother was in charge of that area, Xue Yao began to suspect Xue Mu was the guard involved. That night, Chu Yue finally confessed her secret to Xue Yao. She revealed that her father, the Grand State Master, possessed a prophetic "birthstone" that disappeared after his death.
As a child, she had touched the stone, and it had entered her body, causing her to transform into different animals if she broke certain taboos. Jingfei had protected her by helping conceal this from the Emperor, who was hunting for the "thief." As Chu Yue expressed her desire to repay the Emperor's kindness, Xue Yao cut her off, posing a stark hypothetical question: what if the Emperor had killed his closest relative?
Chu Yue, confused, replied that his brother had honorably died in battle for the Emperor. Xue Yao's disdainful reaction to this official story revealed his deep-seated suspicion that his brother's death was not an accident of war but an execution, leaving a stunned Chu Yue as he walked out. The next day, Bai Liqi reported that Xue Mu had indeed been infatuated with Concubine Yun, buying gifts for her after she was sent to the cold palace.
He also confirmed the assassins were from the Qingyun tribe, mercenaries led by a man named Domoto. Bai Liqi concluded that the fire at Yinghua Hall was a diversion and the Emperor had likely killed Xue Mu. He proposed using Chu Yue as bait to lure out their enemies. Xue Yao initially refused, but Bai Liqi argued it was their only option.
Resolved to proceed, Xue Yao went to the Golden Bird Palace, where a worried Chu Yue feared he had been scared off. He told her he would take her out of the palace the next day for her birthday and presented her with a "Yanying Shayi," a precious, shimmering garment. Though Chu Yue found it too ostentatious, Tao Yao persuaded her to wear it for him. Later, Xue Yao confirmed to Bai Liqi that the plan was in motion.
The dress would make Chu Yue a conspicuous target, and though he felt conflicted, he agreed to create a grand spectacle to draw the assassins out, reiterating that Chu Yue’s safety was the absolute priority.
Episode 17 Recap
A mysterious figure, speaking to an unconscious woman named Xue'er, promises to show her the world when she awakens. He receives a report that Xue Yao has gone to mourn Xue Mu, confirming their prediction that Xue Yao suspects the Emperor was behind his brother's death. Learning that Xue Yao plans to take Princess Chu Yue out of the palace for her birthday, the figure recognizes this as a perfect opportunity and dispatches his assassins to abduct the princess.
Meanwhile, Xue Yao arrives at Jinque Palace with a grand eight-sedan chair procession to escort Chu Yue. The palace staff, unaccustomed to such attention, look on with envy. Xue Yao is moved when he sees Chu Yue looking radiant in the clothes he sent her. At the sword hall, Su Nuan is training her fellow disciples when her master introduces a new disciple, Luo Ji.
The master instructs Su Nuan to teach Luo Ji a sword technique, much to her annoyance. During their practice, Luo Ji tries to apologize for a past incident, but Su Nuan dismisses him. She confesses she only practiced martial arts to please Xue Yao, but now that he has abandoned her for the princess, she has lost her motivation. Impressed by her devotion, Luo Ji expresses his admiration. Later, Chu Yue celebrates her birthday by distributing money to the public.
Seeing Xue Yao doting on Chu Yue, a heartbroken Su Nuan is approached by Luo Ji. He tells her that if Xue Yao doesn't want her, he does, earning a slap in the face. Su Nuan tearfully recounts her childhood with Xue Yao and how she prayed for his return from war, only for him to marry the princess. Luo Ji suggests she is not fighting for Xue Yao, but for an obsession, which she angrily denies.
During the journey, Chu Yue questions the excessive fanfare, but Xue Yao explains it's to compensate for her being unconscious during their wedding and to uphold the Xue family's honor. In truth, Xue Yao is using Chu Yue as a decoy and meticulously scans their surroundings for threats.
Bai Liqi worries that Xue Yao's close proximity to the princess will deter the assassins, but Xue Yao assures him that the guards will be withdrawn once they reach their destination, Lingxi Garden. Upon arriving, Chu Yue is enchanted by the beautiful estate. Xue Yao explains that he acquired it from a Beize nobleman whose family he rescued, and he now gifts it to her.
Bai Liqi accidentally reveals that Xue Yao has also prepared a grand fireworks display for her. Touched but wary of his excessive kindness, Chu Yue senses something is amiss. Unbeknownst to her, Xue Yao chose the secluded, mountain-flanked garden to lure the assassins, planning to use the fireworks as a distraction to lower his guard and create an opening for them to strike.
At the same time, the mysterious figure and his commander, Tang Ben, finalize their own plan to use the noise from the fireworks to cover their abduction of Chu Yue. As she waits for the fireworks, Chu Yue rehearses her plan to confess her feelings to Xue Yao and void their divorce agreement. Her rehearsal is interrupted by Su Nuan, who arrives wearing an identical gown to spite her. As they argue, the assassins attack.
Confused by the two identically dressed women, the lead assassin orders both to be captured. Su Nuan fights back bravely. In the ensuing chaos, Chu Yue, in a panicked attempt to escape, swaps clothes with a fallen assassin. She tries to blend in but is inadvertently herded away with the retreating attackers. Realizing Chu Yue is in greater danger, Su Nuan tells her to run and get help while she holds off the enemy.
Xue Yao soon discovers Chu Yue is missing. Finding her gown discarded, he deduces she attempted a "golden cicada" escape strategy and was mistakenly carried off by the assassins. He immediately sends Bai Liqi to mobilize a full-scale search. Just then, an enraged Xu Xingchen arrives, blaming Xue Yao for failing to protect Chu Yue. He challenges Xue Yao to a bet: whoever finds Chu Yue first gets to take her away from the Xue mansion forever. Xue Yao accepts.
As the assassins flee, their leader takes a moment to tend to his injured men. During a headcount, they discover an extra person in their ranks—the disguised Chu Yue. Her identity revealed, she is quickly bound. Xue Yao and Xu Xingchen finally catch up, leading to a tense standoff. The assassin leader holds Chu Yue hostage, threatening her life. Xue Yao demands to know their motive for abducting her. The leader remarks on Xue Yao's striking resemblance to his brother before cryptically asking if he is curious about the true circumstances of Xue Mu's death.
Episode 18 Recap
Following the confrontation at Lingxi Garden, Xue Yao cornered one of the assassins on a mountain path, offering to spare his life in exchange for information. The assassin noted Xue Yao's striking resemblance to his brother, Xue Mu, especially in his manner of speaking, which had caused the assassin to mistake him for Xue Mu during their first encounter. He then taunted Xue Yao, asking if he was not curious about his brother's death.
As other assassins emerged to engage Xue Yao, Chu Yue was left dangling by a rope over a precipice. The captured assassin, a "dead man" whose family was held hostage, remained defiant, stating that Xue Yao would get no information as any captured member of their group would already be dead. When Xue Yao pointed out that leaders of the Qingyun clan bear a loyalty totem, the assassin slashed the mark from his own chest.
Xue Yao questioned if their fierce loyalty was to the Emperor, to which the assassin gave an ambiguous reply before severing Chu Yue's rope. Xue Yao immediately leaped off the cliff after Chu Yue, and both landed safely below. A distraught Chu Yue blamed herself for the attack, calling herself a "broom star" who brings misfortune to others. Xue Yao, however, apologized, reminding her that she had saved his life at Guoxi Pavilion.
As they made their way through the wilderness, Xue Yao was bitten by a venomous snake while protecting Chu Yue. She quickly sucked the poison from his hand before he collapsed. Finding a cave for shelter, Chu Yue used the last of the medicine given to her by Dong Shi on Xue Yao's wound.
As he shivered with a high fever, she held him close to keep him warm, comforting him and singing a lullaby until he fell into a restless sleep. Meanwhile, Xu Xingchen led a desperate search for Chu Yue, refusing to let the heavy miasma deter him. To aid in her rescue, Chu Yue put on the foot chain with a bell that Xue Yao had once given her, hoping the sound would guide her rescuers.
Her situation grew dire when Xue Yao began coughing up blood and slipped into a feverish hallucination. In his delirious state, he dreamed of the Emperor betrothing Chu Yue to Xu Xingchen. Believing Xu Xingchen had come to take her away, Xue Yao clung to Chu Yue, attempting to kiss her and hysterically forbidding her from leaving or calling Xu Xingchen "brother." Chu Yue struggled to calm him, explaining that the snake venom was causing him to see things.
To soothe him, she repeatedly called him "Brother Xue Yao" as he demanded. Momentarily lucid, he declared she was "his, always," and when she promised to stay, he murmured, "Only you are my wound." Holding him, Chu Yue whispered, "You are my wound, but you are also my medicine." Remembering how Chu Yue had risked everything for him, Xu Xingchen resolved to defy all societal norms and elope with her, believing that even becoming Emperor would be meaningless without her.
His thoughts were interrupted by the faint sound of a bell. He followed it and found Chu Yue by a stream. After seeing her undisguised affection and hearing how Xue Yao had risked his life for her, Xu Xingchen realized her heart belonged to another. Conceding defeat, he told Xue Yao that he would give up his pursuit of Chu Yue, on the condition that Xue Yao never betray her, vowing to never forgive him if he did.
On the carriage ride back to the capital, Xue Yao tried to remove the foot chain, but Chu Yue refused, calling the bell a symbol of their shared destiny. She confessed that while he once used it to keep her from escaping, she now never wanted to leave his side, willingly choosing to "draw a circle on the ground and treat it as a prison" for him.
She admitted that after all they had been through, she saw him as her home. Touched, Xue Yao asked for one more month. He explained that he needed time to investigate his brother's death, expressing his hope that it was not connected to her or the Emperor, before he could fully commit to a life with her. Chu Yue agreed to his terms.
Upon their return, Chu Yue prepared a meal for Xue Yao, while he received a report from Bai Liqi. All the captured assassins had died from a time-activated poison. Bai Liqi also reported a suspicious event: King Shun had requested imperial troops to aid in the search for the princess, but the Emperor had refused, showing a disturbing lack of concern for his daughter's safety. Separately, Xu Xingchen, suspicious of the attack, interrogated the manager of Lingxi Garden.
He learned that on the day of the birthday banquet, security had been inexplicably lax in key areas. Given Xue Yao’s usual caution, Xu Xingchen deduced that the lack of security was intentional and that Xue Yao had been prepared for the assassins' arrival, concluding the celebration was a premeditated trap.
Episode 19 Recap
After returning to the Xue mansion, Tao Yao noticed a significant transformation in Chu Yue. Previously, Chu Yue had lived a life of inverted days and nights, but now she slept soundly, her eye bags were gone, and her eyes sparkled, a change so apparent it was as if she had been freed from a spell. Nannan arrived, her previous animosity toward Chu Yue having lessened after their shared ordeal with the assassins.
She held divorce papers written in Xue Yao's hand and questioned if Chu Yue truly intended to finalize the separation. Chu Yue advised Nannan to ask Xue Yao directly, explaining that human relationships are more complex than simple likes and dislikes; even if a couple could list countless faults in each other, they would still stand together in a crisis.
Nannan then recalled that there had been no guards at crucial points in Lingxi Garden on the day of the attack. This prompted Chu Yue to reflect on her birthday celebration, where Xue Yao's uncharacteristic ostentatiousness now seemed suspicious. She voiced her fear that she had been used as bait, though she found it hard to believe Xue Yao could be so calculating. Nannan insisted that the absence of guards was proof of a deliberate plan.
Unwilling to speculate further, Chu Yue resolved to confront Xue Yao for the truth. Meanwhile, Xue Yao was paying respects at the memorial tablet of his father, General Xue Yishan. He lamented that the general, though victorious against Xizhao, had succumbed to dysentery from his injuries, dying with his ambitions unfulfilled. Xue Yao also recalled the devastating Hongshui battle where both his parents were killed, their legacy tarnished from invincible heroes to figures of national defeat.
Chu Yue found him and offered comfort, assuring him he had fulfilled their dying wish by protecting the people of Nansang, and that he and his parents were all heroes. Xue Yao then spoke of his older brother, Xue Mu, an imperial guard who died in the Yinghua Hall fire half a year prior while protecting three royal spiritual tablets. After their parents' death, Xue Mu had been a father figure to him and his most cherished relative.
Seeing Xue Yao consumed by such profound grief, Chu Yue found herself unable to ask about Lingxi Garden. Later, Chu Yue visited the still-unconscious Old Lady Xue. She confided in her, admitting that the harrowing experience on the cliff made her realize Xue Yao's love for her, as true love means being willing to sacrifice for and tolerate another's flaws.
She recalled her years of living with inverted days, which led everyone to believe she was possessed, and how meeting Xue Yao taught her how to live a normal life. Despite the suspicious circumstances of the Lingxi Garden incident, she vowed not to doubt him unless he confessed himself.
Chu Yue then sang a lullaby, triggering a memory of a young Xue Mu promising his brother he would return from the frontier after rallying their father's old troops, entrusting Xue Yao with their family's ambition should he fail. Nannan learned from the imperial guard Luo Ji that Xue Yao had indeed used Chu Yue as bait.
Incensed, she stormed off to confront Xue Yao, accusing him of changing and condemning him for endangering a "weak woman" in his perilous scheme. Xue Yao then sought out Chu Yue to confess. He admitted that the entire birthday celebration at Lingxi Garden—the parade, blessings, and fireworks—was an elaborate ruse to lure out the assassins and uncover the truth behind his brother's death.
Heartbroken, Chu Yue questioned if any of his actions had been sincere, asking if his care for her on the cliff was born merely of guilt and pity. Xue Yao confessed he could not yet reveal everything but promised that once his mission was complete, she could do with him as she pleased.
Just then, Nannan arrived and whisked Chu Yue away to lift her spirits, leaving Xue Yao alone to mutter that Chu Yue was his greatest vulnerability, his "wound." Elsewhere, Old Lady Xue awakened and immediately summoned Xue Yao. She sternly admonished him for his treatment of Chu Yue and, revealing she had heard everything while unconscious, demanded he bring her back. She insisted that Chu Yue was her beloved niece-in-law and her home was with the Xue family.
Worried after hearing Nannan intended to take Chu Yue out for a "merry" time, she urged Xue Yao to find her before she was led astray. As night deepened, Xue Yao paced anxiously outside, pretending to wait for a doctor while actually watching for Chu Yue's return. Meanwhile, Chu Yue and Nannan were drinking at Fanlou. Chu Yue declared she would rather sleep on the street than return to the Xue mansion after Xue Yao's deception.
Nannan, now fiercely supportive, promised to always stand by her, admitting that while she once resented Chu Yue for "snatching" Xue Yao, she was now grateful to her for revealing his true nature. Later, Luo Ji escorted a drunk Nannan home, where he had to explain the situation to her concerned father, Lord Su. Back at the mansion, Chu Yue's brother, Xingchen, confronted her.
He expressed his fury at Xue Yao's actions and told her he had to restrain himself from ransacking the general's mansion. He likened their marriage to a battlefield, where one must be prepared for betrayal. He urged her to seize this chance to leave Xue Yao and escape their father's "random matchmaking" for good. However, Chu Yue confessed her conflicted heart, admitting she had developed feelings for Xue Yao and still wanted to believe he cared for her.
Upon her return, Chu Yue decided she would not share a bed with Xue Yao. After Tao Yao joked that she was so used to sleeping now that even old methods for staying awake wouldn't work, Chu Yue sent her to retrieve her quilt from Xue Yao's room. When Tao Yao arrived at his door, with Chu Yue waiting nearby, Xue Yao opened it.
Seeing Chu Yue, he bitterly asked why she had returned if she hated him, sarcastically wondering if she planned to kill him in a nightmare out of anger. He then asked Tao Yao if the princess had any message for him, but Tao Yao confirmed she had only been sent for the quilt. His hope dashed, Xue Yao was left crestfallen.
Episode 20 Recap
Xue Yao discovered Chu Yue in her room, tying a white silk sash around her neck, and immediately assumed she intended to take her own life. He frantically rushed to her, casting aside his blanket, and angrily told her that if she harbored any unhappiness, she should direct it at him.
He demanded to know if she wished for him to suffer, feel guilty, and miss her for the rest of his life, even offering her a knife and urging her to stab him. Xue Yao declared that even given another chance, he would act the same way, but implored her not to joke about her life.
Chu Yue, bewildered by his outburst, explained that she was merely adopting a traditional method to stay awake and prevent nightmares, a practice akin to "hanging one's head by a beam." Realizing his grave misunderstanding, Xue Yao felt foolish. He then swept her into his arms and carried her back to his room. Once in their room, Xue Yao questioned why Chu Yue returned to the Xue mansion, knowing full well he had used her.
Chu Yue calmly stated that being used did not bother her as she was not so fragile. However, she admitted to being bothered by his initial lack of explanation and his failure to apologize afterward, revealing that she would have remained in the dark if Nannan hadn't informed her of the truth. Chu Yue then asked if, as Nannan had told her, his actions were part of the investigation into his brother’s death.
Xue Yao evaded a direct answer, simply insisting the matter was unrelated to her and expressing his strong desire to keep her from getting involved, urging her to trust him and never ask about it again. Chu Yue agreed to trust him one last time, with a playful insistence that he sleep in the bed while she took the floor. Later, Xue Yao’s aunt summoned him, demanding to know the true circumstances of Xue Mu's death.
Xue Yao promised to provide an explanation once he fully investigated the matter. His aunt, however, stressed that for the Xue family to maintain its standing, they must confront the brutal reality of the situation, as the lives of everyone in the family were at stake. She then ordered Bai Liqi to speak.
Bai Liqi disclosed that General Xue Mu's death was connected to the royal family, as investigations in the palace uncovered a secret affair between Xue Mu and Concubine Yun. He added that Concubine Yun’s activities in the palace corresponded to Xue Mu’s patrol routes, and capturing the assassin would clarify the Emperor's involvement.
Xue Yao’s aunt warned of the dire consequences for the Xue family if a scandal involving Xue Mu and the Emperor were to be revealed without careful handling. Xue Yao reassured her that he would protect Chu Yue from any further entanglement. However, his aunt countered that if there was no perfect solution, divorce might be the only way to safeguard the Xue family, emphasizing that Chu Yue, despite being a good person, was a princess.
Xue Yao vehemently rejected the idea of divorce, declaring Chu Yue his legitimately married wife, whose importance to him was equal to that of his brother. Unbeknownst to them, Chu Yue was secretly listening from outside the door, deeply troubled by their conversation. Meanwhile, the Emperor awoke from a recurring nightmare about the Grand National Master. He ordered his attendant, Gao Gonggong, to prepare for a visit to the Star Tower to offer incense.
Gao Gonggong commented on the Emperor’s enduring devotion, noting that he had also fulfilled his obligation by raising Princess Chu Yue for many years. As the Emperor reflected, he discovered a mysterious letter, which Gao Gonggong had attempted to retrieve. The letter contained a startling revelation: the birthstone was inside Chu Yue. The Emperor was aghast, recalling that the birthstone had been stolen a decade ago, and wondered if Chu Yue had known this secret all along.
Believing Xue Yao had treated Chu Yue unfairly, Nannan resolved to help her. She stealthily placed a divorce paper among the official documents Gao Gonggong was about to present to the Emperor. The Emperor, still preoccupied with the mysterious letter, considered summoning Chu Yue back to the palace but hesitated due to her marriage to Xue Yao. Upon reviewing the documents, he discovered the divorce papers.
Delighted, he quickly approved the divorce, seeing it as an opportune moment to recall Princess Chu Yue to the palace. He immediately ordered Gao Gonggong to bring Chu Yue back from the Xue mansion without delay. Gao Gonggong arrived at the Xue mansion with the imperial edict. Before he could announce it, Xue Yao's aunt, who had recently recovered, apologized to Chu Yue for her past misunderstandings.
Xue Yao then expressed his happiness at seeing them get along and pledged to protect both Chu Yue and the Xue family. Gao Gonggong proceeded to read the edict: Princess Chu Yue and Consort Xue Yao, after half a year of marriage, had developed resentment and were therefore decreed to divorce. Princess Chu Yue was commanded to return to the palace at once. When Xue Yao questioned Chu Yue about the divorce papers, she explained Nannan had likely submitted them.
She then pressed Xue Yao, asking what he would do if his brother's death were indeed linked to her father, the Emperor. Xue Yao admitted he hadn't devised a plan but pleaded with her not to get involved. Chu Yue countered that neither of them could remain unaffected. She confessed to having overheard Xue Yao’s earlier conversation with his aunt.
Acknowledging her father’s kindness in raising her, Chu Yue tearfully suggested that perhaps divorce was indeed the best solution, echoing his aunt’s sentiment, to resolve the impossible dilemma they faced. Xue Yao and Chu Yue shared a sorrowful goodbye. While Chu Yue was preparing to leave, Prince Shun inquired of Gao Gonggong if Chu Yue could reside at his mansion. Gao Gonggong explained that the Emperor eagerly awaited Chu Yue's return and had already prepared the Jinque Palace for her.
In her carriage, Chu Yue wept, though she insisted to her maid, Tao Yao, that she was not crying, asserting that she had chosen to leave to avoid making things difficult for Xue Yao. She viewed their shared time as a beautiful dream that had now ended. Meanwhile, Xue Yao, unsettled by the unresolved assassin case, decided to covertly follow her carriage to ensure her safety.
He confided in Bai Liqi that they should have never allowed their emotions to deepen, as love made one vulnerable. As Xue Yao followed Chu Yue's departing carriage, his presence was noticed by observers, who remarked on his lingering affection and saw an opportunity to act now that Chu Yue was no longer under the strict protection of the Xue mansion. Separately, Dong Shi presented the Emperor with new medicinal pills, assuring him they would alleviate his nightmares.
The Emperor, however, desired a complete cure rather than mere relief. After Dong Shi left, Gao Gonggong advised the Emperor to remain wary of anyone connected to the Grand National Master. He added that it was fortunate Princess Chu Yue had returned, reiterating his surprise that the birthstone was found within her.
Episode 21 Recap
Following their agreement to divorce, Chu Yue was summoned by the Emperor. He claimed that her late father, the Grand Master, had visited him in a dream, stating that Chu Yue was suffering and should be brought back to the palace. In the dream, the Grand Master also revealed that Chu Yue shared his ability to predict the future. The Emperor used this as a pretext to probe whether she possessed this talent without her birthstone.
Wary of implicating those who had long helped her conceal the stone's true location, Chu Yue feigned ignorance, arguing that if she had such powers, she wouldn't have been nearly killed by an assassin. Though seemingly accepting her denial, the Emperor insisted she drink a bowl of bird's nest soup, a tribute from Xizhao, before she left. Despite her reluctance, Chu Yue was pressured by both the Emperor and a maid and consumed the soup.
Upon returning to Jinque Palace, Chu Yue felt an overwhelming drowsiness. She asked an old nanny about the late General Xue Mu, who confirmed the well-known story of his heroic death in a fire while saving the former emperor's ancestral tablets. As her sleepiness intensified, Chu Yue fought to stay awake, trying everything from hanging by her hair to using onions to sting her eyes.
Her final attempt, smelling year-old fermented eggs, ended with the jar shattering and filling the palace with a foul stench. As the maids cleaned the mess, Xue Yao and Luo Ji arrived. Seeing Chu Yue on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion, Xue Yao embraced her. A nanny explained that according to the Grand Master's prophecy, it was permissible for Chu Yue to fall asleep during the forbidden period as long as Xue Yao was present.
Xue Yao then decided to stay the night, watching over her as she finally slept. The next morning, Chu Yue awoke feeling as though she had been drugged. She recalled the bird's nest soup and suspected the Emperor knew the birthstone was inside her and was testing her. Resolved to maintain her secret, she composed herself just as Concubine Su arrived.
Chu Yue pretended to be studying texts on female virtues, but the concubine was there to arrange her marriage to the 73-year-old General Tu, who was seeking his thirteenth concubine. Chu Yue cleverly deferred, stating that such a major decision required the Emperor's approval, privately believing he wouldn't let her remarry if he wanted the birthstone.
She then subtly taunted Concubine Su, suggesting that if the Emperor proved fickle, they could one day be "sisters" in the households of old generals. Meanwhile, to avoid a series of arranged dates, Su Nannan lied to her father, claiming she was in love with Luo Ji. Her father, however, was furious, deeming Luo Ji unworthy and threatening to have him reassigned to the border as a common soldier if he ever approached his daughter again.
Indignant over Concubine Su's cruel plan for Chu Yue, Xu Xingchen gathered a selection of elite young men for her to meet, determined that she not give up on finding a worthy husband. News of Chu Yue's search for a suitor quickly reached Xue Yao, who rushed to the palace. He found her apathetically interviewing a line of men, with Xu Xingchen comically pointing out a flaw in each one.
Xu Xingchen then proposed himself, highlighting their matched status and childhood bond. Amused, Chu Yue dismissed his offer and explained her real reason for the interviews was to test the Emperor's intentions. Xue Yao, who had been watching from outside, forced his way past a guard and confronted them. A heated argument erupted between him and Xu Xingchen, who declared that Xue Yao was no longer her husband and had no right to interfere. The confrontation escalated until Xue Yao grabbed Chu Yue, and she was forced to shout at them to stop fighting.
Episode 22 Recap
Xue Yao appeared in the Jinque Palace, where Xingchen confronted him, asserting that he was no longer Chu Yue's husband and vowing to ensure his sister had a glorious wedding. As they exchanged sharp words and began to fight, Chu Yue intervened. She stated that all had been said between her and Xue Yao, and from that moment forward, they would be strangers, urging him to pursue his own desires.
Watching her leave, Xue Yao reflected on how Chu Yue had always chosen to stay by his side in the past, but this time she was different, leading him to believe he no longer needed to consider her. Meanwhile, the Emperor reprimanded Consort Su for independently seeking a new spouse for Chu Yue, especially the elderly General Tu, a man with one foot in the grave.
He accused Consort Su of acting wildly and abusing his favor, and immediately ordered Eunuch Gao to summon Chu Yue to the Imperial Study. Xingchen, sensing Chu Yue still harbored feelings for Xue Yao, questioned her reasons for the divorce. Chu Yue revealed her true motive: she suspected the Emperor already knew the birthstone was within her and had used Consort Su to test her father's reaction.
The attempt failed to confirm the Emperor's knowledge but instead revealed Xingchen's own deep concern for her. Agreeing that her suspicions about their father were likely correct and fearing for her safety, Xingchen resolved to return to his mansion to prepare to take her out of the palace the next morning. Later, Chu Yue was escorted to meet the Emperor, who offered her a bowl of cubilose.
The Emperor revealed he knew everything, explaining that it was Chu Yue's mission to inherit her biological father's legacy of prediction and share the Emperor's burdens. He acknowledged her skill in hiding the birthstone for so long and cited Xizhao's recent discovery of Dark Steel Ore as a threat. He commanded Chu Yue to drink the cubilose and use the birthstone for a prediction regarding Xizhao's potential for rebellion.
Heartbroken, Chu Yue obeyed, lamenting that her father only saw her as a tool. That night, Xue Yao set a trap for assassins in the palace. As he engaged an intruder, Tao Yao rushed to him, disrupting the plan and allowing the assassins to escape. She urged him to save Chu Yue immediately, explaining that the Emperor knew about her ability and was forcing her to prophesize during a forbidden time.
Tao Yao revealed that this was Chu Yue's final chance; using it would turn her into a living dead. She also clarified that Chu Yue had already used one chance to save Xue Yao from a poisonous aphrodisiac, proving her earlier warnings had been true. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Xue Yao ordered his guards to seal Chu Yue's room until dawn and rushed to her side.
As Chu Yue drifted into a prophetic dream filled with visions of a war-torn future, a voice warned her not to touch the birthstone. Xue Yao desperately tried to wake her. Amidst the chaos, a mysterious figure entered the room: Dong Shi, the very man Xue Yao had been trying to capture. Stating he was there to save Chu Yue, Dong Shi gave Xue Yao a golden elixir to counteract the poison the Emperor had given her.
He also revealed he had incapacitated the guards at the door before discreetly departing. The next morning, Chu Yue awoke and deduced from subtle signs that Xue Yao had been there. She decided she could no longer let him risk himself for her, nor would she allow her father to continue exploiting her. Meanwhile, at his mansion, a suspicious Xue Yao instructed Bai Liqi to examine the elixir. Bai Liqi then informed him that Xizhao had sent envoys to Nansang.
Xue Yao suspected deeper motives beyond a show of allegiance, as their recent discovery of Dark Steel Ore—capable of making one warrior as strong as ten—complicated Nansang's control over them. In the imperial court, Lord Wang advocated for appeasement, proposing to grant Xizhao independence in exchange for their Dark Steel Ore. Lord Su fiercely opposed this, sparking a heated argument.
The Emperor sided with Lord Wang, ordering a grand reception for the envoys and putting Lord Su in charge of security. Later, Xingchen arrived to escort a disguised Chu Yue out of the palace. Their escape was thwarted by the commotion of the Xizhao envoys' arrival. Amidst the chaos, Chu Yue was intercepted by Infanta Naxi.
Lord Su, the Chief Executive of the capital, arrived to apprehend Chu Yue, but Naxi cleverly defended her, framing her presence as an act of hospitality. Naxi then asserted her authority by forcing a reluctant Chu Yue into her carriage to return to the palace. Upon her return, the Emperor demanded to know what she had dreamt.
Chu Yue stated she had dreamt nothing and vowed not to reveal any future prophecy, lamenting that she only had one chance left and would rather die than be a tool. Eunuch Gao intervened, reminding the Emperor that the birthstone would be lost if she died and advising they search for the National Division's confidants instead. The Emperor agreed, acknowledging her usefulness.
Meanwhile, Infanta Naxi confirmed to her subordinates that while their public mission involved a marriage alliance and the ore, they had a more crucial, secret objective. Unknown to Xue Yao and Prince Shun, who were searching the city, the assassins Xue Yao had been pursuing were secretly hiding among the Xizhao envoy group, confident they would not be found there.
Episode 23 Recap
The Emperor told Chu Yue he was anxious, but that his helplessness as a ruler meant he sometimes had to act against his will. He explained that Xizhao's newly discovered iron ore posed a great threat to Nansang. While seemingly asking Chu Yue to predict his own safety, he was truly seeking to know the safety of the entire nation, hoping she understood his intentions.
The Emperor then spoke of Xue Yao's older brother, Xue Mu, a valiant warrior who could have achieved great feats on the battlefield. However, the Emperor kept him in the palace, fearing that if both brothers were to fight together, the Xue family would gain too much power. He was forced to detain Xue Mu as a hostage under the guise of General of the Left Guard.
The Emperor lamented that the loyal Xue Mu died protecting the late emperor's memorial tablet, and if Xue Mu were still alive, the concerns about Xizhao would not exist. Hearing this, Chu Yue secretly wondered if Xue Mu's death was indeed unrelated to the Emperor, but she was unsure if she could truly trust him. At this moment, Infanta Naxi of Xizhao sought an audience with the Emperor.
She requested that her temporary residence be changed to Princess Chu Yue's Jinque Palace, claiming an instant bond with the princess. Once alone with Chu Yue, Naxi revealed her true intention was to hide out, explaining that Nansang and Xizhao were bound for heated negotiations over the Dark Steel Ore. As a mere "decoration" sent by her brother, she wished to avoid the conflict and find some peace.
She warned Chu Yue that she had the power to kill her just as easily as she had saved her, demanding cooperation. Chu Yue tried to explain that her own palace was not quiet, but Naxi dismissed her concerns, adding that she was not afraid of ghosts. Xue Yao instructed Bai Liqi to investigate Dong Shi's background, noting that someone so trusted by Chu Yue must be above suspicion.
He then visited Dong Shi, feigning gratitude for Chu Yue's improved health after taking the golden elixirs and requesting more. He questioned why Dong Shi's master, the former Grand State Preceptor, was skilled in astrology, while Dong Shi only practiced medicine. Dong Shi claimed that mastering medicine had consumed all his energy, perhaps due to his limited talent, and mentioned that he and King Shun had long been protecting Chu Yue before Xue Yao's arrival.
Pondering whether to tell Xue Yao about the Emperor's confession, Chu Yue was interrupted by Naxi, who commandeered her bed, claiming it was harder and thus more comfortable. Soon after, Xingchen arrived to discuss their escape from the palace. Overhearing, Naxi immediately insisted on accompanying them. The group ventured out and eventually arrived at Panxiang Court, a famous cosmetics pavilion.
Chu Yue spotted an order for "Liuyunfeixue," the same item she had found in Xue Yao's possession, reminding her of Concubine Yun. Xingchen explained that he was the one who elevated the cream to its legendary status and recounted its poignant origin story: a couple named Liuyun and Feixue were separated by war. When Liuyun was presumed dead, Feixue was forced into another marriage, her hair turning white overnight.
However, Liuyun returned alive and sent her the cream, which restored her black hair and beauty. To preserve her reputation, they never met again. Chu Yue found the story eerily similar to the circumstances of Xue Mu and Concubine Yun. Xue Yao, having learned that Chu Yue had left the palace with Naxi, found them at the pavilion. Chu Yue secretly relayed what the Emperor had told her about Xue Mu, only to learn that Xue Yao already knew.
Xue Yao noticed her disappointment with the tragic ending of the Liuyunfeixue story, interpreting it as a wish for a different outcome in her own life. She told him to stop visiting her at night, reminding him of their divorce. Unswayed, Xue Yao insisted on taking her back to the Xue mansion for her safety, stating he was in constant worry while she was in the palace. Meanwhile, Luo Ji discovered Nannan holding a martial arts competition.
Mistaking it for an event to choose a husband, he feared other men were coveting her and violently drove away all participants, declaring Nannan was his. Nannan chastised him, explaining she was only selecting disciples to train. Before he was summoned back to the palace, Luo Ji persisted in his claims. To prevent him from being expelled by her master, Nannan took the blame for the commotion, considering it repayment for a past favor and declaring them even.
That night, Chu Yue and Naxi shared a room. Naxi noted that, like Chu Yue, she also kept a reversed day-night schedule. As they talked, Xue Yao suddenly appeared. Mistaking him for an assassin, Naxi drew her sword and held it to his throat until Chu Yue intervened. Chu Yue once again demanded Xue Yao stop coming, reiterating their divorce. Later, Naxi gave Chu Yue a makeover with Nansang cosmetics. The experience, however, only deepened Chu Yue's sorrow. The story of Liuyunfeixue reinforced her painful belief that she and Xue Yao were fated to be apart, and that she must not give him any false hope.
Episode 24 Recap
The Emperor convened with the Xizhao Envoy, granting permission for commercial ports along the border. However, the envoy expressed dissatisfaction, declaring his intention to return and forge dark steel into weapons, explicitly threatening further conflict. Enraged, the Emperor ordered his troops to surround the envoy, but the envoy remained undaunted, asserting that his death would merely provide Xizhao with a legitimate cause for war, potentially prolonging hostilities for two decades.
Observing the envoy's unwavering resolve, the Emperor tempered his anger and sought alternative resolutions. The envoy then pressed for the Emperor's sincere commitment, emphasizing that without Xizhao's skilled metallurgists, the dark steel would be worthless. Faced with this impasse, the Emperor was compelled to concede. Later, in the palace gardens, the Imperial Noble Consort Su encountered Chu Yue and Na Xi.
The Consort immediately chastised Chu Yue for her lack of filial piety, pointing out that she wore red on the anniversary of the former emperor's death, deeming it a profound disrespect. Accusing Chu Yue of arrogance due to the current Emperor's favor, the Consort ordered Chu Yue's garments to be stripped and her mouth slapped. Na Xi, the Infanta of Xizhao, bravely stepped forward to shield Chu Yue.
The Imperial Noble Consort Su retaliated by insulting Na Xi, labeling her a "bastard" and a "surrendered general" who disregarded her proper place, threatening to relegate her to the status of a government courtesan. In a swift, defiant act, Na Xi struck the Consort multiple times. Xue Yao then arrived, prompting the Consort to seize the moment, accusing Chu Yue and Na Xi of rebellion and demanding their immediate arrest.
Xue Yao, however, refused to comply, stating his allegiance lay solely with the Emperor's commands. Exasperated, the Consort was then escorted away. Na Xi then reassured Chu Yue that the Emperor, preoccupied with securing the dark steel ore, would not punish her. Chu Yue expressed her gratitude to Xue Yao for his timely intervention. Upon returning to her palace, the Imperial Noble Consort Su wept profusely, feeling deeply humiliated before the entire harem and believing her authority was now compromised.
She promptly summoned her son, Prince Ning, demanding that he punish Chu Yue. Prince Ning, in turn, vowed to avenge his mother's affront, asserting that he would prioritize his mother's honor even if his father, the Emperor, were to discover his actions. Soon after, Su Nannan rushed to inform Chu Yue that the Imperial Noble Consort Su intended to retaliate through Prince Ning, urging Chu Yue to apologize and diffuse the escalating tension.
Chu Yue, however, felt that her long-standing animosity with the Consort could not be resolved by a mere apology. During their conversation, Su Nannan also playfully teased Chu Yue about her evident unresolved feelings for Xue Yao, referencing her own audacious pursuit of her martial arts senior. Meanwhile, Su Nannan observed Biyuan discreetly offering pastries to Luo Ji, instantly becoming jealous and accusing him of being fickle.
Luo Ji quickly clarified the misunderstanding, explaining that Biyuan's family member was ill, and since it was inconvenient for Biyuan to leave the palace, she had sought his assistance. Luo Ji then proceeded to praise Su Nannan's noble character, listing her virtues, which caused Su Nannan to blush in embarrassment. Luo Ji also briefly spoke of General Xue Mu, hinting at his profound respect for the late military leader.
A palace attendant informed Chu Yue that Yinghua Hall, the site of General Xue Mu's death, was only accessible at midday when the guards were dining. Chu Yue felt an urgent need to personally investigate Xue Mu's demise there to find peace of mind. Although advised to seek Xue Yao's protection, Chu Yue initially declined, but Na Xi unexpectedly volunteered to accompany her. Bai Liqi presented Xue Yao with his findings regarding Dong Shi's background.
Dong Shi, a famine refugee adopted by the Grand Master, possessed an unblemished record, known for his talent, sincerity, and devoted care for Princess Chu Yue and Prince Shun. After the Grand Master's passing, Dong Shi had seamlessly assumed his position. Bai Liqi concluded that there was no basis for suspicion. Despite the seemingly clear report, Xue Yao harbored a sense that something was amiss and ordered additional personnel to closely monitor the alchemy room.
Shortly thereafter, Luo Ji informed Xue Yao that Prince Ning had entered the palace, failed to locate Chu Yue at Jinque Palace, and was now actively searching for her. Luo Ji cautioned Xue Yao that Prince Ning, being inherently domineering and arrogant, would likely seek retribution against Chu Yue for the previous incident involving his mother. Upon hearing this, Xue Yao immediately departed to protect Chu Yue. At Yinghua Hall, Prince Ning confronted Chu Yue and Na Xi.
Chu Yue swiftly concealed herself as Na Xi engaged Prince Ning in combat, injuring him and forcing his retreat. Just as Xue Yao arrived to assist, the Emperor himself approached the hall to conduct an ancestral worship ceremony. The group quickly hid. As the Emperor entered, he perceived the commotion and disturbed scene, believing assassins were present, and promptly called for his guards. Seizing this diversion, Xue Yao and Chu Yue made their escape.
To evade the pursuing guards, Xue Yao and Chu Yue were compelled to jump into a deep lake. Submerged, they shared an intimate embrace, their unspoken feelings momentarily surfacing. Afterward, Chu Yue led Xue Yao back to her residence to dry their wet clothes.
Xue Yao questioned Chu Yue's reckless actions, but she clarified that her visit to Yinghua Hall was not frivolous but a sincere effort to uncover the truth behind his brother Xue Mu's death, an endeavor she claimed was for his sake. As Xue Yao held Chu Yue's hand, Na Xi unexpectedly appeared. Misinterpreting Xue Yao's presence, Na Xi drew her sword, intending to force him out.
The two engaged in a fierce battle, concluding in a draw, with Na Xi acknowledging Xue Yao's formidable skill. Xue Yao then stayed to guard Chu Yue's chambers for the night. Later that evening, Xue Yao observed Tao Yao wistfully caressing General Xue Mu's uniform. Intrigued, he inquired if she had known his deceased brother.
Episode 25 Recap
Xue Yao questioned Tao Yao about his elder brother, Xue Mu. Tao Yao confirmed knowing him from his time overseeing palace security, though her demeanor seemed slightly off. Later, Xue Yao reflected on his own perceived cowardice, expressing a desire to no longer be consumed by the vendetta against his brother's killers. His thoughts drifted to Chu Yue, revealing his deep affection for her as his eyes welled up.
Chu Yue discovered Xue Yao resting and approached him, captivated by his appearance. Unexpectedly, Xue Yao pulled her into a tight embrace. Embarrassed and concerned about being seen, Chu Yue tried to pull away. Xue Yao reminded her that she is his wife, prompting her to question their current status. She then shyly broke free and sat beside him, asking if he had known Infanta Naxi previously.
Xue Yao confirmed their acquaintance, explaining they had encountered each other during the war with Xizhao, having been both adversaries and allies at different times. He then advised Chu Yue to distance herself from Infanta Naxi, citing their differing paths. Chu Yue, however, felt a sense of betrayal, having already befriended Infanta Naxi, and expressed feeling "in the dark" about his past with her.
Xue Yao stated that his immediate priority was to find a legitimate way to bring her back to the Xue mansion and suggested that if she were to conceive his child, they would have a valid reason to reunite. Chu Yue, blushing deeply, retreated into her room. Infanta Naxi convened with her envoys, who informed her that negotiations concerning the ownership of the Dark Steel Ore remained deadlocked.
She then proposed shifting the discussion to the matter of imperial matrimony, revealing it to be an integral part of their strategic plan. During their conversation, Infanta Naxi noticed an assassin on the roof. The intruder fled, leaving behind a dagger. Observing the assassin's familiarity with the palace's layout, Infanta Naxi concluded the person must reside within the palace and ordered an investigation into the totem etched onto the dagger.
The assassin reported to his master that Infanta Naxi intended to marry either Prince Ning or Prince Shun. The master, having extensively investigated Infanta Naxi through his spies in Xizhao, revealed her true motive for coming to Nansang: she was there for Xue Yao. His plan was that if Infanta Naxi successfully took Xue Yao back to Xizhao, Chu Yue would be left without anyone to protect her.
The assassin then confirmed that the individual named Liao, who possessed the second half of a crucial book, had been located. However, Liao was incredibly vigilant; upon seeing the assassin, he immediately sought refuge among the Imperial Guards, making it difficult to confront him, especially since the assassin and his companions were currently wanted by authorities.
The Emperor announced his intention to organize disaster relief efforts in the capital's suburbs, tasking Prince Xingchen with full responsibility for overseeing the distribution of porridge. Prince Xingchen then requested permission to bring his sister, Chu Yue, along, hoping it would demonstrate the royal family's deep concern for the afflicted populace, a request the Emperor granted. Shortly thereafter, Infanta Naxi and her envoys were granted an audience with the Emperor.
Infanta Naxi proposed that if the Emperor agreed to an imperial matrimony, Xizhao would agree to open its Dark Steel Ore mines for joint extraction with Nansang. When pressed about her choice of groom, Infanta Naxi made her intentions clear: her preferred candidate for the marriage was Xue Yao.
Prince Xingchen confided in Chu Yue, revealing that he had privately opened a granary under the name of Panxiang Court to provide relief, but admitted it was merely "a drop in the bucket." He stressed the immediate urgency of managing the relationship between Xizhao and Nansang, emphasizing the need to avoid being caught in a two-front conflict. He then voiced his confusion, asking Chu Yue why Infanta Naxi was persistently following her.
Chu Yue acknowledged she didn't fully understand Infanta Naxi's motivations but suggested that perhaps by witnessing the true conditions in Nansang, Infanta Naxi might help reduce disputes between their two nations. While distributing aid, an unkempt old man unexpectedly seized Chu Yue's hand, calling her "Yue'er" and gifting her a rattle-drum. Infanta Naxi swiftly intervened, knocking the old man to the ground.
He was subsequently arrested and taken away by guards, and Infanta Naxi sustained an injury to her wrist during the scuffle. Chu Yue discovered the character "Yue" carved into the rattle-drum. Accompanied by Prince Xingchen, she visited the old man in prison. After asking Xingchen to wait outside, Chu Yue spoke with the man alone. Still calling her "Yue'er," he said the rattle-drum belonged to her father.
He then gave her a book, urging her to protect it and repeatedly warning her of "an evil man." Despite Chu Yue's attempts to explain she was not his "Yue'er," the old man remained agitated, prompting guards to intervene. Observing the scene, Prince Xingchen suggested the man was likely insane, but Chu Yue decided to keep the book. Xue Yao arrived to accompany Chu Yue, and they shared a carriage.
He playfully remarked he wished the bell on her ankle were a rope to keep her tied to him. He lightly chided her for getting into trouble when he wasn't watching, prompting her to promise not to leave his sight again. Chu Yue then spoke of Infanta Naxi, mentioning a scar she sustained from a wolf bite while saving her sweetheart. Xue Yao, however, cautioned her against being naive, stating that "man's heart is incomprehensible."
As Chu Yue began to read the book from the old man, she drifted off to sleep. In her dream, she found herself with her father, the Da Guo Shi, who reminded her of a formula: "Birthstone emerges, the world unifies; past and future, fortune and misfortune reverse." Her father revealed his purpose in visiting her dream was to save her life. He explained that in his final prophecy, he had foreseen her calamity of being possessed by the birthstone.
He instructed her that if her unique ability could only be used one last time, it must be for her own self-preservation. He then presented her with a book containing a method for self-rescue: "On a full-moon night, in the realm of dreams, forge a unique path, and find life in the face of death." Upon waking, Chu Yue realized the book from the old man was indeed the one her father had spoken of.
Xue Yao confronted Infanta Naxi, accusing her of deliberately leading Chu Yue to wear red on the late Emperor's death anniversary. Infanta Naxi retorted that as a Xizhao native, she was unaware of Nansang's customs. She asserted that with Xizhao now under her and her brother's control, she no longer needed to manipulate Chu Yue to achieve her goals.
Infanta Naxi then revealed her true purpose: she had come for Xue Yao, who had helped her brother ascend to the throne of Xizhao. She provocatively stated that as long as her wrist wound remained unhealed, Chu Yue would continue to care for her, and then deliberately worsened her injury, causing it to bleed. Xue Yao sternly warned her to stay away from Chu Yue. In response, Infanta Naxi embraced Xue Yao, just as Chu Yue arrived and saw them.
At that moment, Eunuch Gao arrived with an imperial edict. The decree declared that Infanta Naxi was to be bestowed upon Senior General Marquis Weiwu, Xue Yao, as his wife. In return, Xizhao would become a vassal state of Nansang. Upon hearing this, Xue Yao and Chu Yue exchanged heartbroken glances, while Infanta Naxi feigned ignorance.
Episode 26 Recap
Following the imperial decree announcing his marriage to Na Xi, Chu Yue looked at Xue Yao with despair and ran off. As Xue Yao attempted to follow, Na Xi intercepted him to discuss the arrangement. Xue Yao pushed her aside and rushed to Chu Yue, who confronted him, demanding to know his relationship with Na Xi.
Xue Yao explained that Na Xi had been his prisoner of war, a fact he had kept from Chu Yue to prevent misunderstandings and to protect Na Xi's reputation, now that she was an Infanta. He reassured Chu Yue that he had no other ties to Na Xi and that if he were to marry, Chu Yue would be his only bride. Believing his words were futile against the Emperor's decree, Chu Yue expressed her dejection.
Xue Yao vowed to petition the Emperor to revoke the order. Chu Yue worriedly suggested that Na Xi, as the Infanta of Xizhao, could provide Xue Yao a political fallback should he face trouble over his late brother's case. However, Xue Yao firmly stated that Chu Yue was his only fallback. He declared that if he were ever exiled, she would be the only one he would take with him, and with her, he would have no fear.
Reminding her that they had already been separated once by their divorce, he promised it would not happen again, and Chu Yue affirmed her trust in him. The next day, Xue Yao sought an audience with the Emperor but was turned away by Eunuch Gao, who stated the marriage was decided. Prince Ning also arrived, angrily questioning why Xue Yao was chosen over a royal.
The Emperor chastised Prince Ning for his foolishness, explaining the marriage was a pragmatic political maneuver to manage the difficult nation of Xizhao. He warned that if the alliance failed and war reignited, no one could bear the responsibility. The Emperor then ordered the protesting Prince Ning to be grounded in his residence. Later, Xizhao envoys, led by Duoertu, visited Xue Yao to discuss wedding details. Xue Yao declared the matter was still debatable.
Duoertu admitted that while the envoys were not in favor of the union, the Infanta herself desired Xue Yao, leaving him no choice. After presenting wedding cakes as a sign of the settled affair, Duoertu spotted a totem on Xue Yao's desk and accused him of sending the assassin who had previously eavesdropped near their residence. Xue Yao vehemently denied the accusation, and his subordinate, Luo Ji, escorted the envoys out.
Chu Yue and Xingchen returned to the prison, where Chu Yue felt a strong intuition that an old man there was Uncle Liao, her biological father's former servant, also known as the Great Master. The book he gave her contained his handwriting and reacted to her birthstone. They agreed their priority was to rescue him, and Xingchen promised to find a safe place for him.
Before they parted, Xingchen asked if she would give up on Xue Yao if he married Na Xi. Chu Yue steadfastly refused, declaring her faith in Xue Yao's promise to prevent the marriage. Returning to Jinque Palace, Chu Yue found it filled with wedding gifts from the Emperor for Na Xi. Declining Na Xi's offer to share them, Chu Yue asked if she truly wanted the marriage.
Na Xi confirmed Xue Yao was her heart's desire and recounted their shared past. During Xue Yao's campaign in Xizhao, she was captured, but he protected her by issuing an order against harming women and children. Later, when his army's supplies were low, she guided him through the desert, where they were attacked by wolves. She claimed the scar on her arm was from an injury she sustained while protecting him.
Na Xi feigned reluctance to reveal this, stating she didn't want to hurt Chu Yue, her only friend. Chu Yue was dismayed that Xue Yao had hidden these significant events from her. Disturbed, Chu Yue sought out Xue Yao for clarification. She found him and Bai Liqi pursuing an assassin. Na Xi also arrived, insisting on joining the chase despite her guard Luo Ji's attempt to stop her.
The assassin's leader created a diversion while his subordinate escaped to report to their master. In the ensuing chaos, Na Xi sustained a minor eye injury. Xue Yao immediately rushed to her side, holding her solicitously. Chu Yue witnessed this seemingly intimate moment and, heartbroken, fled the scene. The injured assassin, Tangben, escaped to his mysterious master. The master, feigning sympathy, stated that Tangben knew too many secrets before killing him with a sword and cutting out his heart.
An envoy advised Na Xi to leave the palace for her safety, but she refused, noting that Xue Yao visited her at Jinque Palace more often than he saw the Emperor. She concluded that an imperial decree was not enough to make Xue Yao marry her willingly; she needed to make Chu Yue give up on him completely. Na Xi then approached Chu Yue, pretending she would ask the Emperor to annul the marriage.
She undermined Chu Yue's confidence, remarking that she and Xue Yao were now in the "past tense" and that Chu Yue could never love him as fiercely as she did. Na Xi then asked for the bell on Chu Yue's ankle, explaining it was a tool given by Xizhao nobles to their slaves to track them.
Claiming to have been Xue Yao's sole slave and friend at the time, Na Xi's story led Chu Yue to misinterpret the bell as a token of their special bond. Despite Na Xi's request, Chu Yue refused to relinquish the bell, asserting that since Xue Yao gave it to her, only he could remove it. Xue Yao reviewed an autopsy report confirming the man with the missing heart was Tangben, Head of the Qingyun Tribe.
Bai Liqi speculated that the person who rescued Tangben was the true mastermind. Xue Yao, however, was more concerned about the rare and potent poison used, realizing their enemy's true intentions were now exposed. Xingchen showed Chu Yue the wedding invitations, complaining that Xue Yao had not kept his promise to annul the marriage. Chu Yue maintained her faith, but Xingchen urged her to seek answers directly.
Chu Yue hesitated, feeling she lacked the standing after their divorce and was reliant on Na Xi's permission to move freely. Meanwhile, Xue Yao's grandmother vehemently confronted him, declaring her staunch opposition to the marriage. She demanded he see the Emperor at once, but Xue Yao calmly told his aunt he had his own plan. His grandmother furiously warned him that the spirits of the Xue ancestors would never forgive him if the "Xizhao girl" married into their family.
Episode 27 Recap
Infanta Naxi arrived at the Xue mansion, hoping to secure her place as Xue Yao’s future wife. However, Old Lady Xue openly favored Chu Yue, putting her and Xue Yao’s hands together and asking him to take Chu Yue and Xingchen for a stroll. When Naxi tried to join, the Old Lady kept her by her side.
Naxi attempted to assert her claim by reminding everyone that she and Xue Yao were to be married and had matters to discuss, but Xue Yao dismissed her. The Old Lady bluntly called Naxi presumptuous, much to her chagrin. Later, Old Lady Xue expressed deep gratitude to Chu Yue for caring for her during her coma and urged her to return to the Xue mansion.
Though Chu Yue felt it was too late, the Old Lady encouraged her to fight for her happiness, reminding her of her past boldness and warning her not to be deceived by Naxi. Naxi confronted Xue Yao, accusing Chu Yue of deliberately provoking them. In turn, Xue Yao questioned if Naxi was unscrupulously interfering to prevent the Emperor from granting him an audience. Meanwhile, Chu Yue asked her brother, Xingchen, for a way to reconcile with Xue Yao.
Xingchen suggested eloping, then revealed his own unique "Imperial Warrants," which, unlike the Emperor's version that serves as a get-out-of-jail-free card, allowed him to withdraw money from any of his numerous businesses across Nansang. Xue Yao sternly told Naxi he would never marry her, stating he only wanted Chu Yue, even if she wasn't perfect. Naxi, feeling her "use value" was gone now that the war was over, accused him of trying to forget their past.
Xue Yao rebuked her for deceiving herself, reminding her that she and her brother, born to a female slave, had used him to gain power and secure her current position as a respected Infanta. Hurt, Naxi showed him a scar on her hand as proof of her devotion. Just then, Chu Yue witnessed the gesture and sadly walked away. Naxi then declared to Xue Yao that his status as the "Emperor's son-in-law of Xizhao" was an unchangeable fact.
Heartbroken, Chu Yue drank heavily in her chambers. Naxi arrived and apologized for her intimate behavior with Xue Yao, claiming they couldn't control themselves. Chu Yue, however, blamed herself for being unable to stop thinking about him and vowed to no longer interfere. Later, Chu Yue sought out Dong Shi for a hangover remedy, as her final transformation was approaching.
She asked for a medicine that could induce a long sleep, intending to use it on Naxi to heal her injury while she was unconscious. She also asked Dong Shi about an old man named Liao, who had given her half of a book that might contain her cure. Dong Shi didn't know him but offered to help decipher the book.
With the medicine, Chu Yue returned to Naxi and drugged her wine, apologizing that this was the only way she could attempt to heal her. Meanwhile, Xue Yao planned to use the Imperial Warrant, a powerful heirloom granted to his ancestors, to annul his forced marriage. Despite his advisor Bai Liqi's warnings about its significance as a "get-out-of-jail-free card," Xue Yao was resolute.
He knelt before the Emperor, arguing that marrying a woman from Xizhao, where his forefathers died fighting, would be a betrayal to his family and country. The Emperor was enraged, accusing Xue Yao of using the heirloom to defy him and cost Nansang face. He reminded Xue Yao of the state's financial difficulties and the need for peace, but ultimately refused the request. Xue Yao went to see Chu Yue, but she was cold and distant.
She confronted him about his past with Naxi in the desert, and though Xue Yao reiterated he would never marry Naxi, Chu Yue declared their relationship would be "heartless and unjust" to their friend and benefactor. Accusing him of lying about trying to break the engagement, she expressed her inner turmoil by first claiming their shared bell as a symbol of their fate, then handing it back to him, telling him to "return it to its original owner."
Xue Yao left, heartbroken. Later, Bai Liqi revealed the truth to Chu Yue. In a twist, he called Xue Yao the "unfaithful, unfilial, unkind, and unjust" one for having used the family's precious Imperial Warrant in a last-ditch effort to annul the marriage, only to be rebuked by the Emperor after kneeling for hours. Realizing the depth of Xue Yao's sacrifice, Chu Yue's resolve crumbled.
Disguised as a maid, Chu Yue found a somber Xue Yao and embraced him, tearfully proposing they elope. When Xue Yao asked what she meant, she clarified, "I want to be with you, openly and honorably." Understanding that the Emperor would not yield, Xue Yao suggested they act preemptively.
To avoid a royal scandal from her clandestine visit, he proposed she become his wife before the Emperor discovered her presence, allowing him to use the Imperial Warrant to protect her life. They sealed their lifelong commitment by signing and fingerprinting a written vow. With a shared laugh, Xue Yao urged her to sleep, reminding her of the many tasks awaiting them the next day.
Episode 28 Recap
Following their decision to elope, Xue Yao and Chu Yue spend an intimate night together, with Chu Yue remarking that for her, the long winter nights are filled with longing for her beloved. The next morning, they venture out for breakfast, their public affection drawing envious glances. There, Xue Yao declares his intention to marry Chu Yue immediately, embracing their plan to elope. He admits his fear of losing her is far greater than his fear of the Emperor's wrath.
When Chu Yue asks if he no longer minds his brother's death, Xue Yao, inspired by her courage, says he has become the "unfaithful, unfilial, unkind, and unjust person" she once described, and is ready to face any consequence with her. Xue Yao outlines their simple wedding plans: he and his Aunt will prepare the dowry, while Chu Yue will decorate their wedding room in Lingxi Garden. He then takes her to a bookshop to buy her a wedding gift.
Despite Chu Yue’s embarrassment and claims that she only reads "leisure books" like "The Eternal Love with You", "The Miserable Life of the Emperor's Son-in-law", and "Thirty-Six Stratagems for Taming a Husband" when she cannot sleep, Xue Yao buys them all. Chu Yue then leaves to find Xingchen, wanting a family member to witness their union.
Alone, Xue Yao asks the shopkeeper for the second volume of "Chronicle of Guanshan", a book Chu Yue likes, but is told the author, Mr. Guanshan, has retired and no sequel exists. Meanwhile, Nan Nan learns of the elopement from Luo Ji. Calling Chu Yue a fool for choosing a "vulgar husband," she nonetheless decides to buy a wedding gift of "Daughter's Red" wine.
She also buys a sword tassel for Luo Ji, and their playful bickering about who is a "drag" on the other hints at their growing affection. Chu Yue confesses to Xingchen her new self-consciousness, worried that her eating habits are unbecoming in front of Xue Yao. He reassures her that if Xue Yao accepted her when she transformed into a pig, he wouldn't mind her table manners.
Surprised by his support for the elopement, Chu Yue listens as Xingchen explains that while he disagrees, he cannot stop her. He declares that in his heart, she is a prisoner he wishes to lock away forever. He vows that if Xue Yao ever fails her again, he will take her away and never let her go, even if she comes to hate him. Their conversation is interrupted by news that Uncle Liao has awoken.
Now lucid, he reveals to Chu Yue that he was her father's, the Great State Preceptor's, best friend. Her father altered the future for the Emperor eleven times but, not wanting his daughter to become the Emperor's puppet, he tasked Uncle Liao with smuggling the infant Chu Yue to safety. They were caught, and Uncle Liao suffered a head injury that has afflicted him for years.
He also reveals that her father, foreseeing his own death, used his final prediction for Chu Yue, learning the "birthstone" could affect her and sacrificing himself to give her a chance at life. Xingchen notes that if even the Great State Preceptor couldn't stop her transformation, she must remain vigilant. Unbeknownst to them, the now-unmasked Dong Shi instructs a subordinate to plant the second volume of "Chronicle of Guanshan", a note, and a letter in the Xue Mansion.
He explains this will stop the wedding, leaving Chu Yue vulnerable once Na Xi takes Xue Yao to Xizhao. Dong Shi wants both Chu Yue and the book. He bitterly tells his "Feixue" that since he cannot be happy, no one else can be either. As Nan Nan and Luo Ji decorate the wedding room, she slips from a ladder and he catches her, leading to a tender moment amidst their bickering.
Later, Xue Yao’s Aunt mentions a large box of books in the woodshed that may have belonged to Xue Mu. Tao Yao, overhearing this, panics. She secretly finds the box and discovers the second volume of "Chronicle of Guanshan" and a letter to Chu Yue. Just then, Xue Yao appears and recognizes his brother's handwriting. The letter is a gift from Xue Mu, who reveals he is the author "Guanshan."
He confesses his silent, unrequited love for Chu Yue, apologizing for his cowardice and expressing his wish for her happiness as another man's bride. Tao Yao then confesses she knew of Xue Mu's love and that he wrote the book for Chu Yue. She reveals the horrific truth of his death: during a transformation, Chu Yue fled to Yinghua Hall and accidentally knocked over a candlestick, starting a fire.
Xue Mu died from smoke inhalation after rushing in to save the ancestral tablets. Tao Yao insists Chu Yue isn't to blame, as she never remembers what happens. The revelation that Chu Yue indirectly caused his brother's death leaves Xue Yao utterly devastated. Overwhelmed, Xue Yao goes to a tavern to drink, tormented by memories of his brother and the cruel irony of his love for Chu Yue. He sends Tao Yao to tell Chu Yue the wedding is off.
Later, Chu Yue, who was waiting anxiously at Lingxi Garden with Xingchen, is brought to the tavern. She finds Xue Yao drunk and asks why he abandoned their wedding. In a bitter, intoxicated rage, he berates her for spending his money on the bill. As she asserts her right as his wife, he grabs her hand, his face a mask of pain and fury.
Episode 29 Recap
In a past flashback, the Emperor discovered his beloved concubine with an adulterer at Guoxi Pavilion. Enraged, he demanded to know the man's identity, but she refused to reveal it. When he questioned her loyalty given his past affection, she defiantly declared that an hour with her beloved was more precious than years spent with him. Furious, the Emperor vowed to ensure both she and her lover would come to a miserable end.
In another flashback, Dong Shi's long-term goal was revealed: he worked tirelessly to become the Great Master's apprentice, hoping to take his beloved, Feixue, out of the Palace and ultimately resurrect her using the birthstone. In the present, he tells his subordinate it is time for Infanta Naxi's secret to be exposed, as he has grown tired of maintaining the pretense. Later, an Envoy from Xizhao arrives, seeking Infanta Naxi.
A servant informs him that the Infanta is resting and has not responded, perhaps due to exhaustion from chasing an assassin. The Envoy quickly realizes the Infanta has been poisoned into a coma and orders everyone in the vicinity to be arrested. Meanwhile, Xue Yao frantically searches for the pension money granted for his brother, Xue Mu, considering it his brother's life's worth and his sole memento.
Confronting Chu Yue, he angrily reveals that Xue Mu died in a fire while saving her. He expresses his anguish, having searched for so long only to find the answer lay with the person he married. Chu Yue, devastated, admits she has no memory of Xue Mu. Xue Yao then gives her a letter from his brother. As she reads it, Chu Yue learns the profound truth: Xue Mu was her secret bodyguard and was deeply in love with her.
His letter revealed that he had been protecting her during her secret transformations, observing her turn into a rabbit and a horse, and had fallen for her clumsy charm. He wrote the letter because mysterious assassins posed a monthly threat, and he wanted to ensure her safety. Overwhelmed, Chu Yue asks what she should do. Xue Yao, heartbroken, weeps, questioning if he should let his brother's sacrifice pave the way for his own marriage.
They share a sorrowful embrace before Xue Yao pushes her away, declaring he will not go to Lingxi Garden to marry her. Chu Yue collapses, consumed by guilt. An imperial physician examines Infanta Naxi, confirming she was poisoned by a highly unusual substance. He can only temporarily control the poison, stating that if she does not awaken within three days, she will be beyond saving. Palace guards arrive to arrest Chu Yue for the murder, citing evidence.
Chu Yue vehemently denies it, explaining she had only given Naxi sleeping pills from the Great Master and is baffled by the poisoning. The Emperor, however, believes she acted out of resentment over Naxi's impending marriage to Xue Yao. King Shun appears, defending Chu Yue and urging the Emperor to investigate fully before reaching a conclusion. He protects Chu Yue from the Xizhao Envoy's attempt to attack her, but despite his efforts, Chu Yue is still arrested.
Chu Yue confronts Dong Shi, questioning if the medicine he provided was the problem. Dong Shi responds indifferently, suggesting she might have taken the wrong medicine in the dark. Chu Yue is alarmed by his detached reaction, as she had always regarded him as a brother. As their confrontation intensifies, Eunuch Gao arrives, ordering Chu Yue to be taken to jail and King Shun to be escorted to the imperial study.
King Shun pleads with Dong Shi to save Naxi, but Dong Shi claims he is powerless to help. Back at the Xue mansion, a restless Xue Yao practices his sword. His Aunt approaches, inquiring about the canceled wedding. Xue Yao recounts the entire ordeal, leaving his Aunt distressed for him. She laments that Xue Yao had rarely been happy since losing his family until Chu Yue came into his life.
In jail, Chu Yue feigns severe abdominal pain and claims to have had a prophetic dream from the birthstone, manipulating the jailers into alerting the Emperor. Xue Yao secretly visits her, urging her not to risk transforming again. Chu Yue admits she lied about the dream to secure her release and voices her suspicion that Dong Shi is behind the poisoning.
Xue Yao confirms that he questioned Dong Shi, who falsely claimed Chu Yue took poison from him out of jealousy, adding that the dose was fatal. Xue Yao reiterates that her life was saved by his brother's sacrifice, and she must live a full life in his honor, warning her against sleeping at forbidden times to prevent a transformation and disturb his brother's peace.
Chu Yue expresses her guilt whenever Xue Mu is mentioned, and Xue Yao admits he feels the same. Dong Shi presents the Emperor with a new elixir, claiming it will prolong life and banish nightmares. The Emperor consumes it and asks about the poisoning. Dong Shi falsely claims he doesn't know Naxi but that Chu Yue had previously sought poison from him due to her rivalry over Xue Yao.
He then promises to find a way to detoxify Naxi and appease Xizhao. The Emperor summons Chu Yue, offering her a chance to atone by revealing her "dream." Chu Yue claims she dreamed of Xizhao people and Nansang traitors conspiring to rebel but couldn't discern their faces. Disbelieving her, the Emperor orders her back to jail.
Chu Yue realizes her father only values her for the birthstone, revealing internally that her true dream was of her biological father, the Great Master, who told her to live well and protect herself. When she implies the Emperor has no pity for her without the stone's power, he coldly states that sparing her life is already a great mercy. Later, a report reaches Dong Shi that Infanta Naxi has no pulse. However, Dong Shi calmly revives her. He instructs Naxi to keep her recovery a secret, then reveals that their true purposes in Nansang, and their target, are one and the same.
Episode 30 Recap
Dongshi revealed to Naxi that they shared the same target: Xu Chu Yue. He proposed an alliance, offering to help her win Xue Yao's heart if she, in turn, helped him capture Chu Yue. He advised Naxi to continue feigning unconsciousness, emphasizing that if she wanted to secure Xue Yao, he must not discover she was awake. Xue Yao approached the Emperor, offering the death-exemption medal bestowed by the late Emperor to secure Chu Yue's release.
The Emperor suspected Xue Yao still had feelings for Chu Yue, but Xue Yao insisted they were not meant to be, stating he only wished to prevent her from being unjustly framed while the true culprit remained free. The Emperor explained that the medal could not resolve matters involving other nations like Xizhao and that even the late Emperor would be powerless.
He then revealed that Xizhao's explicit demand for Naxi's recovery was for Xue Yao to marry her for good fortune, just as he had previously married Chu Yue. Prince Ning visited Naxi's chambers with expensive gifts, attempting to speak with her alone. Her attendant, Duoertu, refused to leave her side. To provoke them, Prince Ning offered to marry Naxi himself, urging her not to pursue Xue Yao. Enraged, the still-feigning-unconscious Naxi attempted to attack him with a hidden weapon.
Startled, Prince Ning fled, calling out about an assassin. Afterward, Naxi ordered the gifts to be burned and sent a message to Xue Yao: if he refused to marry her, she would have Chu Yue killed to vent her anger. Xue Yao visited Chu Yue in her cell, waking her to prevent her from transforming during the forbidden hours. Chu Yue embraced him, asking about Naxi's condition and expressing deep regret, saying she only ever wanted to elope with him.
She lamented that their dream of running away was over. Fearing she would bring him more trouble as she had his late brother, she urged him to leave and not to involve himself in her fate any longer. Meanwhile, Xingchen resolved to break Chu Yue out of prison. He told his attendant that his sister would surely die if he didn't act and that with the Emperor unwilling to offend Xizhao, he was her only hope.
All the necessary arrangements for the jailbreak had been made. Luo Ji reported to Xue Yao that an examination of Tangben's body revealed three rare poisons, all traceable to Dongshi's alchemy room. Xue Yao concluded Dongshi was the mastermind, seeking Chu Yue for her birthstone, and that his brother, Xue Mu, was likely killed in the fire after uncovering Dongshi's plot.
Acknowledging the profound barrier his brother's death created between him and Chu Yue, Xue Yao focused on first securing her release, hoping she might forgive him in the future. Xingchen entered Chu Yue's cell, but she condemned his plan, insisting she wasn't worth the sacrifice. Xingchen retorted that he had earned his royal title solely to protect her from such indignities. To force him to leave, Chu Yue slapped herself and knelt, begging him to go.
She confessed to having used him in the past out of a sense of duty to his mother, Concubine Jing, and now felt immense guilt. Heartbroken by her pleas and her refusal to leave with him, Xingchen reluctantly departed. Xue Yao confronted Naxi in her chambers, seeing through her pretense. Naxi admitted she feigned her condition to compel him to marry her.
Xue Yao stated there was no love between them and suggested the poisoning was a misunderstanding, possibly orchestrated by Dongshi. Naxi dismissed the need for truth; accusing Chu Yue of poisoning her, Naxi declared she was willing to have Chu Yue killed if Xue Yao refused to marry her. She framed the marriage as a transaction, gambling with Chu Yue's life and insisting he "owed her."
As Xingchen's men attempted the jailbreak, they were met by a large force of Xizhao guards. Naxi revealed she had deployed them to prevent anyone from rescuing Chu Yue. A fierce battle erupted, and Xue Yao arrived, joining the fray. The Emperor intervened, reminding Xue Yao of his ancestors who died for the people and warning him that the nation's stability now rested on his decision.
Faced with the envoy's ultimatum that Chu Yue would die if he refused, Xue Yao painfully agreed to the marriage. Naxi, distrustful, demanded he tell Chu Yue himself. Accompanied by Naxi, Xue Yao coldly informed Chu Yue of his decision to marry Naxi, claiming he would never visit her again. When Chu Yue asked if he was doing it to save her, he cruelly retorted that his marriage was none of her business.
He blamed her for his brother's death and for his own compromised morality, stating that marrying Naxi was a way to escape those painful memories. Chu Yue refused to believe his words were true, but he insisted his brother's death was an insurmountable barrier. She pleaded with him to look her in the eyes and admit he had given up on her, but he couldn't.
Privately, Naxi told her attendant that she detested being threatened by Dongshi and would never be his pawn. She explained that if Chu Yue died, she would forever remain in Xue Yao's heart. Therefore, Chu Yue had to live to witness Naxi's marriage to Xue Yao. To solidify the alliance, Xizhao presented a gift of 120 units of refined iron.
The Xizhao envoy then relayed Naxi's request: for Chu Yue, her "only friend" in Nansang, to serve as her bridesmaid and officiate the wedding. The Emperor was taken aback by the proposal. Xingchen found a troubled Xue Yao and furiously berated him for betraying Chu Yue, expressing that he had lost all respect for him. Later, while being treated for his injuries, Xue Yao confided in Bai Liqi about his dilemma.
Bai Liqi examined a wooden wolf figurine Naxi had given Xue Yao and noted its lifelike detail was suspicious, suggesting she must have a deep understanding of wolves from more than a single encounter. Suspecting a hidden story behind how Naxi saved him years ago, Xue Yao dispatched spies to Xizhao to investigate her past. Finally, Xingchen went to Chu Yue's cell to announce her release. Seeing their somber faces, she knew something was wrong. They informed her of the Emperor's condition for her freedom: she must serve as the bridesmaid at Xue Yao and Naxi's wedding.
Episode 31 Recap
Infanta Naxi was preparing for her wedding when Prince Ning arrived, expressing his lingering feelings. He accused her of being a traitor for using his medicinal herbs to recover only to marry someone else, and he warned her not to provoke him. Shortly after, Su Nannan confronted Naxi, having learned from Luo Ji about Naxi's deceitful use of a feigned illness to force Xue Yao into marriage. Nannan called Naxi shameless, and when Naxi threatened her, Nannan drew her sword.
Their conflict was halted by Chu Yue's timely arrival. As promised, Chu Yue took on the role of Infanta Naxi's dowry attendant, prepared to witness the entire wedding, including the bowing ceremony, crossing the brazier, and drinking wedding wine. A distraught Su Nannan urged Chu Yue not to aid her rival, but Chu Yue calmly dissuaded her, unwilling to see her friend get hurt.
Asserting her triumph, Infanta Naxi mockingly had Chu Yue style her hair and ordered her to happily preside over the wedding as a testament to Naxi's happiness with Xue Yao. She even suggested they could still be friends if Chu Yue remained obedient. After Nannan was sent away, she cried, frustrated by Chu Yue's perceived foolishness. Chu Yue later confided in Nannan that she needed to witness the wedding herself to finally give up on Xue Yao.
The wedding ceremony commenced grandly. Though the Emperor appeared pleased, both Xue Yao and Chu Yue carried heavy hearts. Xue Yao was startled to see Chu Yue presiding and urged her to leave, but Chu Yue, steeling herself, continued the ceremony. She personally handed Xue Yao the bridal bouquet, determined to see the marriage through so she could let go. Aware of the Emperor's gaze, Infanta Naxi subtly cautioned Xue Yao to maintain appearances.
After the ceremony, Naxi informed the Emperor that the alliance between Nansang and Xizhao, solidified by their marriage, would ensure cooperation in mining Dark Steel Ore and enduring peace. The Emperor expressed his satisfaction, instructing Xue Yao to treat Naxi well and noting that Xingchen had arranged for Chu Yue to leave the palace, ensuring she would no longer trouble the newlywed couple. As Xue Yao rode off with Infanta Naxi, Chu Yue watched them go, overcome with loneliness.
Xingchen arrived to escort Chu Yue to his mansion. Tao Yao tearfully declared she would no longer serve the princess, feeling she had failed in her promise to the late General Xue to care for Chu Yue and had no right to remain by her side. Xingchen comforted Chu Yue, promising to stay with her.
He recounted his late mother's wisdom, distinguishing between the childish tears of self-pity and the mature tears of pure sorrow, assuring Chu Yue she would overcome her pain. Later that night, Xue Yao abandoned Infanta Naxi in their bridal chamber. When she had him brought to her, he reiterated that their marriage was merely a transaction; she had received the title she desired, but there could be no other connection between them.
Enraged, Naxi produced a knife, demanding his heart and his presence. When Xue Yao refused to yield, she threatened that if he were to harm her, Xizhao and Nansang would go to war, making them both criminals despised by their nations. Unwilling to prolong the confrontation, Xue Yao rode away. As he departed, he spotted a carriage carrying Chu Yue, who was resting her feverish head on Xingchen's shoulder, a sight that visibly troubled him.
Shortly thereafter, a confidential letter from a spy confirmed Xue Yao's suspicions: Infanta Naxi was indeed plotting something. He resolved to seek an audience with the Emperor in the morning. Meanwhile, Dong Shi's long-term conspiracy neared fruition. He revealed to his apprentice that the Emperor had already ingested a prepared thirty-two-herb concoction, allowing Dong Shi to control him with the Zhuyoushu spell. Under Dong Shi's influence, the Emperor's behavior became erratic.
Xue Yao arrived to present his evidence that Xizhao's surrender was a stratagem and that Naxi and her brother intended to use Nansang's military to eliminate the Xizhao King and seize power. However, the Emperor, controlled by Dong Shi, dismissed Xue Yao, claiming he needed more time to consider it. Xue Yao found the Emperor's indifference unsettling, given his usual anxiety over Xizhao. Following Xue Yao's departure, the controlled Emperor summoned Chu Yue and Xingchen.
He offered to make Chu Yue the new National Division to replace Dong Shi. Seizing the opportunity to block this, Xingchen fabricated a shocking lie: he claimed that he and Chu Yue had already consummated their relationship and that she was likely pregnant with his child, a royal heir. He pleaded with the Emperor to allow them to marry, arguing they were not blood relatives and Chu Yue, now divorced, was free to wed.
Xue Yao, who had lingered outside, overheard everything. Enraged by the scandal, the Emperor coughed up blood and collapsed, the shock causing Dong Shi to lose his magical hold on him. In the ensuing chaos, Chu Yue spotted one of Dong Shi's hidden subordinates and screamed for the assassin to be apprehended. The subordinate threw a cloud of poisonous powder, but Xue Yao intervened, covering Chu Yue's mouth and nose.
While he saved her from inhaling the toxin, some of the poison entered her eyes. The imperial physician, Mr. Bai, assured them her vision would recover in half a month with proper care but stipulated that she must not stay up late or cry, as tears could cause the wounds to ulcerate, leading to irreversible damage. Resolute, Xue Yao declared he would make anyone who caused Chu Yue to cry bleed.
As the physician left, Xingchen challenged Xue Yao, stating Chu Yue did not want to see him and that he should be the one to stay by her side. Xue Yao mocked Xingchen's fabricated story of intimacy, but Xingchen defiantly insisted it was true. He taunted Xue Yao about abandoning his new wife, suggesting Infanta Naxi might whip him for it.
Xue Yao firmly stated that Chu Yue was his family affair and told Xingchen to "wake up from his dream." In response, Xingchen pointed to a mark on Chu Yue's neck, claiming it was "the mark of their consensual love" and urged Xue Yao to look closely so he could finally give up.
Episode 32 Recap
Following his manipulation of the Emperor, Prince Xingchen confronted General Xue Yao, telling him to abandon his delusions. Xingchen pointed to the marks on Princess Chu Yue's neck as proof of their consensual love, urging Xue Yao to accept the truth and give up. Xue Yao, however, refused to believe anyone but Chu Yue herself. Later, Eunuch Gao visited Xingchen's mansion to report on the Emperor's condition.
He informed Xingchen that the imperial physician confirmed the Emperor had been poisoned and was suffering from extreme anger. Though his life was not in danger, he required quiet rest and had been calling for Chu Yue and their "grandchild" in his sleep. When asked, Xingchen affirmed his relationship with Chu Yue, claiming their childhood bond made them a natural match.
Eunuch Gao relayed the Emperor's wish that, despite his desire for an heir, the matter should be kept quiet until the child's birth due to its impropriety. He also confirmed that the city gates were sealed in a massive hunt for the fugitive Dong Shi. Meanwhile, Xue Yao sat by the unconscious Chu Yue's bedside. He confessed that while she called him her pillow, she was truly his, the one who brought him peace after his battlefield nightmares.
Seeing her by his side when he awoke from dreams of death and war made him feel he finally had a home. Though he knew he had hurt her, he was unwilling to give up. His vigil was interrupted by Naxi, who accused them of improper conduct. Xue Yao dragged her outside and exposed her deceptions. He revealed he knew she and her brother had conspired to burn his army's grain supplies.
He recounted how she had feigned guiding his army through the treacherous North Desert, intending for them to be killed by wolves, only to fall ill herself. Though he saved her with his last rations, her subsequent "rescue" of him from a wolf attack was merely a ploy. Naxi, skilled in controlling wolves, had planned to use him to assassinate her father, the King of Xizhao, so she and her brother could seize power.
He revealed her deep-seated hatred for her father, who had conceived them with a slave and later abandoned them as war captives. Naxi broke down in tears but refused to admit the truth. Xue Yao, tired of the charade, presented her with a divorce paper. In a secret audience, the Emperor revealed to Xue Yao that their previous public argument was a ruse for spies.
Worried about the strained treasury and the threat from Xizhao, the Emperor instructed Xue Yao to feign acceptance of the marriage to Naxi. This would lower Xizhao's guard, allowing Xue Yao's forces to secretly destroy their newly discovered ore mines and eliminate the treasonous Nansang metallurgists who had defected. Xue Yao pledged to carry out the mission. Armed with this new leverage, Xue Yao returned to Naxi.
He showed her a personal item belonging to her captured brother and offered a deal: sign the divorce papers, and he would release her, giving her a chance to save her brother. Defeated, Naxi agreed. Chu Yue awoke in Xingchen's mansion, temporarily blind. Xingchen explained that to protect her, he had fabricated the story of her pregnancy.
Horrified at the potential damage to his future, Chu Yue wanted to confess, but Xingchen insisted the Emperor valued a royal heir above all else. He coached her on how to act pregnant, advising her to eat sour dates, avoid cosmetics, and walk frequently, warning that Imperial Noble Consort Su would surely have them watched. As she practiced her lines, Xue Yao arrived. Mistaking him for Xingchen, Chu Yue began her act, asking for sour foods and walks.
The performance crushed Xue Yao, who believed it was real. When Chu Yue realized her mistake, she tried to explain it was an act for potential spies, but the damage was done. Xue Yao bitterly asked if the Chu Yue who wanted to elope with him was dead. She retorted that her heart was.
Enraged that she would debase herself after he had cherished her, he mimicked Xingchen’s earlier taunt about the marks on her neck being proof of their love. Overwhelmed, Chu Yue screamed at him to leave, and he departed, lamenting that their past was nothing but a dream. Elsewhere, a weakened Dong Shi, unable to use his mind-control arts again, told his disciple he would resort to a deadly poison smoke to achieve his goal of reviving his beloved Feixue.
Later, Xue Yao's aunt, Madam Xue, visited Prince Shun's mansion with a family heirloom—a sword imbued with a "murderous qi" from countless battles. She claimed it could quell the nightmares caused by Chu Yue's birthstone and help her recover her sight. She then insisted that a Xue family servant, a mute named Xiao Shengzi, must stay to guard the sword and care for Chu Yue.
After noticing only one pillow in Chu Yue's room, Madam Xue grew suspicious of her relationship with Xingchen. She privately told Xue Yao, whose marriage to Naxi was now void, to disguise himself as Xiao Shengzi and enter the mansion to uncover the truth. Though Xue Yao was reluctant to hurt Chu Yue again, his aunt's warning that Chu Yue might otherwise be consumed by the birthstone's power convinced him.
Later that night, the blind Chu Yue called for water and detected a familiar scent—the smell of blood she associated with Xue Yao. She realized the "murderous qi" of the sword was the scent from his wounds and that the mute servant was Xue Yao in disguise. Apologizing for her earlier harsh words, she invited him to communicate by writing on her hand.
Episode 33 Recap
A few days prior, assassins infiltrated the palace. Though unrelated to Infanta Naxi and her companions, Xue Yao submitted their portraits for wanted posters, trapping them in the city. Resolved to escape, Naxi was confronted by Prince Ning, who mocked her, suggesting Xue Yao didn't even enter the nuptial chamber on their wedding night. Naxi drew a knife, warning him to be silent if he wanted to live.
She then coerced Prince Ning into helping her escape the city, and he reluctantly complied. Meanwhile, Xue Yao continued to secretly tend to the blind Chu Yue, who believed a servant was caring for her. When Xu Xingchen and Eunuch Gao arrived for a visit, Xue Yao hid and listened. Noting Chu Yue’s craving for sour jujubes, Eunuch Gao surmised she might be pregnant with a prince, news that would surely delight the ailing Emperor.
Xu Xingchen fabricated a story, claiming they had been so intimate he couldn't recall the specific date of conception. He insisted their love was proper and mutual, comparing Chu Yue to a fallen fairy. Uncomfortable with the lies, Chu Yue feigned a stomachache to end the visit. Eunuch Gao then noticed only one pillow on the bed, but Xu Xingchen cleverly explained they were abstaining from sleeping together out of filial piety for the Emperor.
Elsewhere, Nannan selected clothes for Luo Ji, whom she now saw as a "rough jade," more worthy of her heart than Xue Yao. Her father, Lord Su, intercepted Luo Ji, stating his humble background made a union with Nannan impossible. However, admiring Luo Ji's character, Lord Su offered him a chance: if he could rescue Prince Ning, who had been abducted by Naxi, Lord Su would no longer object to their relationship.
Luo Ji accepted the dangerous mission, asking Lord Su to give Nannan a token so she wouldn't wait for him in vain. When Nannan learned of the mission, her father placed her under house arrest to stop her from following. In the palace, Xue Yao focused on the Emperor's illness, deeming it more urgent than the threat from Xizhao.
He relayed what Uncle Liao had discovered: the Grand Preceptor had rescued Dong Shi from poverty, but Dong Shi's true motive was to be with a woman named Feixue in the palace. After Feixue sacrificed herself for him, a grieving Dong Shi became obsessed with using Chu Yue's birthstone to revive her. Recalling his late brother Xue Mu's foresight in strengthening security, Xue Yao realized Xue Mu had secretly protected Chu Yue from this plot.
Having agreed that King Shun would secure the palace, Xue Yao prepared his forces to hunt for Dong Shi. Before leaving, Chu Yue entrusted Xu Xingchen with a protective bracelet to give to her friend Tao Yao for her birthday. Seizing the moment, Xu Xingchen told Chu Yue a scandalous tale: a man had been publicly divorced by his wife, a great humiliation. He revealed this man was Xue Yao, who had received a divorce letter from Naxi.
Xu Xingchen emphasized that for a man of Xue Yao's stature to sacrifice his reputation proved his profound love for Chu Yue. Overcome, Chu Yue immediately wanted to find Xue Yao and apologize for her harsh words. Led by a servant, Chu Yue arrived at a secluded spot and, recognizing a familiar floral scent, deduced that Xue Yao had been her secret caretaker. He confessed, then led her to a spectacular fireworks display he had prepared for her missed birthday.
As the fireworks lit up the sky, Chu Yue’s sight miraculously returned. She then confessed that she was not pregnant; it was a lie Xu Xingchen created to protect her. Overjoyed, Xue Yao passionately kissed her. The next morning, the two shared an intimate breakfast. Xue Yao promised to capture Dong Shi quickly so no one could ever harm her or force her to be the State Preceptor again.
He acknowledged his past failures but affirmed their love, born from his brother's sacrifice, was worth cherishing. As he departed, he urged her to stand tall, worthy of the man she loves. Meanwhile, Luo Ji and his troops tracked Naxi and Prince Ning to a hideout. As Luo Ji aimed an arrow at Naxi, Prince Ning shielded her with his body and was struck. Naxi escaped while Luo Ji's men rushed the gravely wounded prince back to the palace.
The Emperor was enraged to hear Luo Ji had injured his son and issued a nationwide warrant for his arrest. Before losing consciousness, Prince Ning gave Naxi his longevity lock, lamenting that he would die without ever seeing her cry for him, as she desperately pleaded for him to live.
Episode 34 Recap
Minister Su, following the Emperor's command, dispatched soldiers to apprehend Luo Ji, dead or alive. Nannan, distraught, argued that the Prince had stepped in front of the arrow himself, but Minister Su slapped her, angered by her defiance. He expressed regret for spoiling her and sternly forbade her from any further contact with Luo Ji. Later, Luo Ji secretly visited a heartbroken Nannan.
Lamenting that he was now a wanted man, he vowed to stay away from her to avoid causing her more trouble. Moved by his selflessness, Nannan kissed him. Luo Ji then revealed his plan to join General Xue Yao in apprehending Dong Shi to obtain the antidote for the Emperor, hoping this could atone for his perceived crime. In the palace, Tao Yao was burning paper offerings for the late Xue Mu, praying for Chu Yue and Xue Yao's happiness.
She was interrupted by Dong Shi's apprentice, who was also her sworn brother, sneaking into the palace for a rare herb. He confided in her that Dong Shi, driven mad by his inability to obtain the birthstone to resurrect his lover, planned to unleash a poisonous fog throughout the palace during the full moon as an act of revenge.
Realizing the immense danger, Tao Yao attempted to flee to warn Chu Yue, but she was spotted and fatally stabbed by palace guards who mistook her for an assassin. Despite her severe injuries, Tao Yao managed to reach Chu Yue. With her dying breath, she revealed Dong Shi's plot to fill the palace with poison gas to lure Chu Yue back, take her birthstone, and resurrect his lover.
She warned that Dong Shi had secret passages and begged Chu Yue not to return to the palace, before passing away. Devastated, Chu Yue asked Uncle Liao for a way to save Tao Yao. Uncle Liao gave her a token left by her father, the Da Guo Shi. Upon lighting it, Chu Yue entered a dream state and asked her father how to revive Tao Yao.
Da Guo Shi explained that while the birthstone could predict the future and alter destiny, which was already an act of defying natural law, it could not bring someone back from the dead, as that fundamentally violated the laws of heaven and earth. He warned that if she tried, both she and her beloved would fall into an endless abyss.
Believing her life would be meaningless if everyone she loved died for her, Chu Yue decided to use her final chance to see the future. She was jolted awake by a horrific vision of what was to come and resolved to stop Xue Yao from returning to the palace. Meanwhile, General Bai Liqi interrogated captured members of the Qingyun tribe.
They confessed that Dong Shi used a secret passage into the Imperial City, through which an associate named Domoto would smuggle out treasures for Dong Shi to sell. The proceeds were used to hire assassins. While they didn't know the exact exit, they said it was near Daluo Mountain, where contacts would meet them, mask them, and transport them by carriage before they could continue on their own.
Xue Yao immediately ordered a thorough search within a ten-li radius of Daluo Mountain to find the passage. Chu Yue rushed to Xue Yao and, in a desperate bid to protect him, lied that Dong Shi was hiding in a mountain villa in the northwest. She urged him to go there, capture Dong Shi to achieve great merit, and then marry her. That night, Xue Yao held Chu Yue as they slept, sharing a moment of their former intimacy.
The next morning, one of Xue Yao's subordinates reported that he had searched the location Chu Yue described but found no villa. Xue Yao correctly surmised that Chu Yue was trying to keep him from returning to the capital. Just then, King Shun arrived to dissuade him, but Xue Yao was resolute.
He declared he would go where he needed to go to confront the fate she had envisioned, stating that if it was his destiny to die, it was his alone to face, and he would not let Chu Yue die for him. Xue Yao had Chu Yue bound to prevent her from following, but she threatened to take her own life if he left her behind. King Shun intervened, suggesting they find another way.
Chu Yue recalled that her vision of the disaster took place in a secret chamber in the palace. Based on this, they strategized a new plan. Xue Yao, moved by her pleas, finally agreed to let her accompany him. Meanwhile, Na Xi received news that the dark steel ore mine had been destroyed, the metallurgist assassinated, and her brother's treasured jade thumb ring stolen. Concluding that Xue Yao was responsible, she vowed revenge.
Following Uncle Liao's guidance, the group entered the secret passage but were ambushed. Xue Yao was struck by Dong Shi's hidden weapon. Chu Yue threatened to kill herself to stop Dong Shi, who then urged her to cherish her life, revealing that Xue Mu's dying wish was for him to spare her. Hearing this, the weakened Xue Yao looked at Dong Shi with sudden realization, identifying him as Guan Shan. Overwhelmed by the revelation and his injury, Xue Yao then coughed up a large amount of blood and lost consciousness.
Episode 35 (Ending) Recap
Having captured Chu Yue in a secret passage to obtain the second half of a secret manual, Dong Shi cornered the group, announcing his intention for them all to die together. He warned that if anyone moved a step closer to the alchemy furnace behind him, a poisonous smoke would be released, killing not only them but everyone in the Palace. Despite having collapsed after being struck by Dong Shi, Xue Yao was not dead.
Bai Liqi secretly approached him, and they decided to turn the situation to their advantage. Xue Yao then threatened Dong Shi, stating he would destroy Feixue's body if Chu Yue was not released. Dong Shi, deeply concerned for Feixue, agreed to release Chu Yue. However, as he did, Bai Liqi swiftly stabbed Feixue's body with a sword. Enraged and distraught, Dong Shi screamed Feixue's name, declaring that since the world had no place for them, they could finally be together.
He then threw a pill into the alchemy furnace, unleashing a dense toxic gas. Xue Yao, King Shun, and Chu Yue all fainted from the fumes as panic erupted in the palace. Chu Yue found herself once again in a dream, desperately seeking her father, Da Guo Shi, to change the past. Da Guo Shi revealed that altering the past was a singular opportunity and far more complex than her twelve metamorphoses.
He warned her that changing the past would render her a living dead, able to perceive the world but forever unable to respond—a cruel form of death. Da Guo Shi then explained his own sacrifice: when Chu Yue was a baby, she was accidentally dropped by a guard and ceased to breathe. To save her life, he used this power, later telling the Emperor that Chu Yue had received his true teachings so the Emperor would agree to raise her.
Despite his sorrowful warnings, Chu Yue’s resolve remained unshaken. Seeing her determination, Da Guo Shi explained that the Birthstone, being the most exquisite gauge of time, could only alter the outcome of the "most recent instant". With this knowledge, Chu Yue recited the mantra he had taught her. In that precise moment in the real world, just as Dong Shi released the pill, the timeline was altered: Xue Yao managed to catch the pill, preventing the toxic smoke from spreading.
Dong Shi was apprehended, and Chu Yue fell unconscious, her final transformation now imminent. Xue Yao immediately instructed Xingchen to guard the area, ensuring Chu Yue could not escape, while he stayed by her side. True to her destiny, Chu Yue transformed into a tiger. Fearing she would harm Xue Yao, she urged him to leave, but he refused, vowing to stay by her side no matter what she became.
When she threatened him with her fangs, he affectionately called her a "little wildcat" and gently kissed her forehead, calming her. They embraced, spending the night together peacefully. Xue Yao was acutely aware that after this transformation, Chu Yue was fated to become a living dead if she fell asleep. Xue Yao brought the comatose Chu Yue back to the Xue mansion, dedicating every day to her care.
He kept her away from the complexities of court, instead taking her out for strolls in a pushcart, riding horses with her under the moon, and describing the world’s beauty to her. He wove tales of worldly wonders, eccentric individuals, and the joys and sorrows of life, recounting their shared stories daily. He hoped that if she ever awoke, she would not fear the unfamiliar world and would remember him and their bond.
As time passed, Chu Yue did not awaken. Xue Yao began to ponder what would happen if he grew old and died, and she awoke to find him gone. He wished they could live forever in stories, passed down through generations. Embracing her, Xue Yao reminisced about their journey and how they had become the most cherished person in each other's lives.
Tears filled his eyes as he vowed that he would willingly become her "love prisoner" and follow her to hell if she were a demon. He once believed true love meant being bold and fearless until death, but now understood that simply caring for each other was enough to last an eternity.
