The Wolf Princess Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Wolf Princess Synopsis
The story is about a young girl, Linglong, who was accidentally bitten by a wolf when she gone to her father’s old friend for shelter, and met by chance with Yan Qing.
Yan Qing mistakenly thinks that Ling Long is a thief, and Ling Long also resents Yan Qing’s conceited behavior. But unexpectedly, Yan Qing is the son of Ling Long’s father’s friend, and Ling Long logically lives in Yan’s House.
That night, however, a theft occurs, and Yan Yu suspects that Linglong is the thief. In order to prove her innocence, Linglong launches an investigation and discovers that her senses have become very sharp after being bitten by a wolf.
The abnormal Linglong attracts the attention of Yan Qing, who can’t help but get closer to Linglong. They drop their barriers in cooperation, solve the case and slowly develop a love affair.
When they work together to investigate in depth, the experience of being bitten by a wolf stimulates another personality inside Linglong, who turns into a raging and courageous, decisive wolf princess…
The Wolf Princess Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Eighteen years ago, the ancient Wolf Tribe, nestled in the mountains between Southern Chu and Western Turk, suffered an internal conflict that led to the death of their Wolf King and the dispersal of the tribe. The secret of the Wolf Tribe, rumored to grant eternal life and immense power, seemed to have faded from memory. Years later, border general Yan Qing assimilated the remaining scattered Wolf Tribe members into his Wolf Guards, leading them to uphold justice.
Recently, Yan Qing led his Wolf Guards to a remote mountain cabin, where they swiftly eliminated a group of bandits. Despite his numerous military achievements, Yan Qing remained a minor official, content with his freedom. However, a family letter summoned him home, stirring old resentment towards his long-absent father. In the bustling city, a veiled woman, Ling Long, narrowly escaped injury when a sack fell from the sky, saved by Yan Qing.
Her possession of numerous banknotes raised Yan Qing's suspicion, but Ling Long cleverly deflected his attention by fabricating a story about a local official's attempt to abduct women. While Yan Qing investigated the official's mansion, Ling Long drugged the guards and fled to a secluded forest. There, she met a mysterious hooded man, delivering promised banknotes. From him, she learned of her mother's grave illness, which could only be cured by obtaining "fatsia".
Back at the Yan Manor, family tensions simmered. Yan Qing’s elder brother, Yanjue, coveted the family inheritance, seeing Yan Qing as his main rival, especially since Yan Qing was favored by Yourou and had been recalled for a potential marriage alliance. Yanjue feigned brotherly affection upon Yan Qing's return, then used a jade pendant belonging to Yan Qing’s late birth mother to lure him to the Southern Chu Holy Land, where he planned to ensnare him with "Masculinity incense".
At the Holy Land, Ling Long was the only female guest residing in the temple. While preparing to bathe, she sensed Yan Qing's presence and discreetly tried to leave, but Yan Qing saw through her pretense and asserted control over her. Yan Qing was impressed by her calm and cunning demeanor, a quality she had already displayed in their previous encounter.
As they engaged in a tense conversation, the "Masculinity incense" that Yanjue had planted began to take effect on Yan Qing. As it clouded his mind, Ling Long used silver needles to restore his consciousness, causing him a moment of pain. The incident instantly made Yan Qing realize Yanjue's malicious scheme, as the "Masculinity incense" only affected men. When commotion arose outside, Ling Long quickly devised a diversion.
She had her maid and Bro Tong pretend to be caught in a compromising situation. As Zhang's third son and his patrol burst into the room, they found the maid and Bro Tong. Ling Long, feigning anger, accused Bro Tong of infidelity, pushing him to apologize. Yan Qing, playing along, also tried to de-escalate the situation. Satisfied that they had caught a couple in the act and that the matter was resolved, the patrol eventually left.
Shortly after, Ling Long arranged for Zhang's third son to take Bro Tong away for military punishment, but Yan Qing intervened, leading his Wolf Guards to beat Zhang's third son and his men, which infuriated his father. The following day, Ling Long visited the Yan Manor to treat Yan Qing's father, the Duke, adding "fatsia" to his prescription.
While chatting with his fourth brother Yan Yu, Yan Qing learned Ling Long was a Southern Chu Princess who had been raised in the Cold Place and sent to Western Turk as a hostage after Southern Chu's defeat. Ling Long's birth was accompanied by a "bane" omen, marking her with a reputation for bringing misfortune to her family and being solitary. Consequently, she and her mother were confined to the Cold Place.
Yan Qing, observing from the rafters, saw her calmly endure Yourou's condescending remarks and respond with apparent humility, while cleverly manipulating Yourou's vanity to sell her cheap beauty products. This, along with her strategic use of the Duke's treatment to acquire the much-needed "fatsia", showcased her profound intelligence. Upon returning to his quarters, Yan Qing was quickly summoned by Yanjue to face their father's wrath in the main hall.
A royal tribute had been stolen from under the Yan family's nose, and their father gave Yanjue seven days to recover it. Yanjue, with feigned righteousness, cunningly shifted the heavy responsibility onto Yan Qing. However, Yan Qing, using the imprints of cart tracks, deduced that the tribute was hidden in a nightcart. He confidently led his Wolf Guards to a newly opened steamed bun shop, certain it was the hiding place. Just as they prepared to raid the shop, Yanjue arrived with his own contingent of men, brazenly attempting to claim credit for the impending recovery of the tribute.
Episode 2 Recap
Yanjue arrived at the steamed bun shop, hoping to claim credit for finding the royal tributes. Yan Qing, however, paid him no mind and left the scene. Undeterred, Yanjue had his men search the premises, where they indeed found the royal tributes in the warehouse. To his dismay, one item was missing: "The holidom of the Wolf Family, an iron box embeded with jade." Unfamiliar with its significance, Yanjue knew he would be blamed for the missing item.
He quickly ordered a city-wide lockdown, demanding that everyone who had left the shop be apprehended and warning them not to speak a single word about the day's events. Meanwhile, Ling Long, dressed in men's clothing and using an inconspicuous common carriage instead of her usual comfortable one, was waiting. Her maid, Xiaojin, had just gone to deliver something to Yourou.
Yan Qing confronted Ling Long, questioning her suspicious attire and mode of transport, accusing her of waiting for someone whose identity couldn't be exposed. Ling Long defended her reputation, asserting her integrity during her two years in Western Turk. Yet, Yan Qing continued to provoke her, suggesting she feared being married and locked away, and callously labeling her a "hoodoo." Angered by his words, Ling Long impulsively used an acupuncture needle, inducing vivid hallucinations in him.
Observing Yan Qing's disoriented state, Xiaojin asked what had happened. Ling Long explained that he had irritated her, and then instructed Xiaojin to tell the coachman they were heading to a musical workshop to "satisfy him." Yan Qing, still under the influence of the hallucinogen, was led into the musical workshop, perceiving the women around him as beautiful singers and dancers. His men waited outside, drinking and expressing disappointment at Yan Qing's choice of establishment.
Ling Long and Xiaojin, having arranged for the coachman to wait longer by paying him extra, cleverly slipped away from the musical workshop. They then secretly transferred to Hangshou Lu's carriage. Ling Long revealed her identity as a princess, requested discretion, and offered Hangshou Lu money to drop them in a secluded alley near her home.
Hangshou Lu agreed without asking further questions, allowing Ling Long and Xiaojin to evade the Wolf Guards who were still waiting for them outside the musical workshop. Around the same time, a man clad in black, carrying "The holidom of the Wolf Family, an iron box embeded with jade," made his way through the city. As he passed by the musical workshop, the sacred blue gem embedded in the iron box suddenly emitted a bright light.
The man grew excited, recognizing this as a sign that the powerful "wolf king energy" was nearby. With the Empress Dowager's sixtieth birthday approaching next month, Lady Su hosted several noble ladies, including Hangshou Lu, to rehearse a performance of "Magu sending congratulations." Lady Su generously offered her courtyard as a spacious and quiet place for their practice.
Observing the gathering from afar, the man in black concluded that the source of the "wolf king energy" must be one of these high-ranking women. That night, Ling Long woke feeling unwell to find her room in disarray. Household servants mistakenly attributed the mess and a missing chicken to a "weasel spirit." However, Ling Long knew it was a recurrence of her "multi-spirits symptom."
She later learned from Xiaojin that she had indeed eaten a roasted chicken before returning to bed. Ling Long was perplexed, as the symptom had not flared up since she was eight, and it was not a full moon night. Despite having "reassured pills" brought from her mother, she felt deeply uneasy without her mother's unique acupuncture treatment.
She instructed Xiaojin to keep her condition strictly confidential, prevent anyone from the front courtyard from accessing the back, and urgently find the cause of the relapse. She decided to send a letter to her mother's side in Southern Chu, asking them to find a reliable doctor discreetly. Furthermore, she decided to halt all her current activities to avoid giving Yan Qing any more leverage.
Yan Qing, having regained his senses, was furious about his ordeal at the musical workshop and the smell of inferior perfume clinging to him. He was bathing to rid himself of the scent and ordered his clothes burned. He was convinced Ling Long was responsible and resolved to settle the score. He then marched to Ling Long's residence with his men, intending to "propose" and confront her.
However, the gatekeeper denied him entry, citing Ling Long's illness and Madam Yan's explicit instructions not to disturb the princess. Yan Qing, accusing Ling Long of feigning illness, insisted on seeing her. Just as Yan Qing was about to force his way in, his mother, Madam Yan, arrived. She reprimanded Yan Qing for his "foolish" behavior, reminding him of Ling Long's status as a princess and the dignity of their family.
Madam Yan then entered Ling Long's residence to offer her support, explaining that Yan Qing had taken a liking to Ling Long and even intended to propose marriage. However, she reassured Ling Long that she would personally manage her son and prevent him from bothering her further.
Yan Yu, who held affection for Ling Long after she cared for him during his time as a hostage in Southern Chu, appeared and apologized to Yan Qing on Ling Long's behalf, subtly reinforcing his protectiveness over her. He then respectfully escorted his mother away. Later, Lady Su visited Ling Long, bringing medicinal wine and expressing concern for her health. She then invited Ling Long to help condition the sisters practicing for the Empress Dowager's birthday performance.
Ling Long accepted, seeing it as an opportune way to evade Yan Qing and also earn some money, especially given her mother's difficult circumstances in the Cold Palace. At Lady Su's courtyard, during a rehearsal of "Magu sending congratulations," Lady Huang caused a scene, attempting to usurp the lead role. Shortly after, Yan Qing arrived with refreshments for everyone. Spotting Ling Long, he approached her, expressing exaggerated concern for her recent illness.
Their seemingly intimate interaction drew the attention and jealousy of Yourou, who had just arrived to rehearse her role as Lv Dongbin. Lady Su and Hangshou Lu quickly intervened, defusing the tense situation. Yourou then feigned a twisted ankle, dramatically demanding that Ling Long massage it. Again, Lady Su and Hangshou Lu stepped in, reminding Yourou of Ling Long's status as a princess.
Ling Long, expressing her gratitude for Lady Su's kindness, then took her leave, vowing silently to get even with Yan Qing. Later, Yan Qing, reveling in the chaos he created, celebrated with his subordinates. He revealed that his actions were a calculated maneuver to pit Ling Long against Yourou.
He aimed to exploit Yourou's notoriously bad temper, hoping the conflict would escalate and ultimately lead to the cancellation of his unwanted engagement to Yourou, effectively "killing two birds with one stone." Meanwhile, the man in black, having failed to directly identify the source of the "wolf king energy," concluded that it must be one of the four women present at the rehearsal: Lady Su, Hangshou Lu, Lady Huang, or Ling Long.
He instructed his subordinate that someone else would lure them out, making it easier for them to capture the individual possessing the wolf king energy. Late that night, Lady Huang secretly visited Ling Long, pressing her to keep their previous encounter confidential and promising her rewards for her silence. Soon after Lady Huang departed, she was ambushed and abducted by the man in black. The following day, Lady Huang's brutally tortured body was discovered, bearing distinctive "wolf claw marks."
Upon seeing these unique injuries, Yan Qing immediately offered to take on the investigation. He discussed with his elder brother (another official) the significance of the wolf claw marks, noting that they implied a member of the Wolf Family was involved in the murder, despite his belief that only a handful of them remained after the catastrophe eighteen years ago. Yan Qing then ordered his subordinate to gather all witnesses.
Based on the testimonies of Lady Huang's unconscious coachman and attendant, Ling Long quickly became the prime suspect. Yan Qing attempted to enter Ling Long's residence through the front gate, only to be turned away by Fu Bo, who cited Ling Long's severe illness and Madam Yan's strict orders. Yan Qing noted the suspicious timing of Ling Long's illness, now "100% sure" of her involvement, and decided to bypass the guards and secretly scale the wall into the backyard.
From his hiding spot, Yan Qing observed Ling Long receiving medical attention. Xiaojin explained to the visiting doctors that Ling Long suffered from a chronic "multi-spirits symptom" that usually required acupuncture and pills, but had suddenly flared up a few days prior. To Yan Qing's surprise, the doctors admitted their inability to treat such a rare illness. Seeing Ling Long's evident sadness and despair, Yan Qing began to doubt his initial suspicions about her.
However, Yan Qing soon emerged from his hiding place and confronted Ling Long in her backyard, speaking in a teasing and provocative manner about her "sneaky" illness. As they spoke, Ling Long accidentally brushed against Yan Qing, causing her to experience another disorienting hallucination, similar to one she had experienced before when close to him. Disoriented, she stumbled and fell into the nearby lake. Yan Qing immediately jumped in to rescue her. As he attempted to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Xiaojin arrived on the scene, screaming in shock and further cementing Yan Qing's reputation for opportunistic behavior.
Episode 3 Recap
That night, after Ling Long had fallen asleep, her alter-ego suddenly appeared in a tavern. She overheard Yan Qing speaking about her to his companions, but showed no interest, her gaze sharp as if she had become a different person. Lightly leaping, Ling Long exited the tavern, inadvertently stepping on red mud used to repair a wall, leaving a trail of footprints. In a dark, secret chamber, Lady Zhao was being interrogated by men in black.
The leader grew frustrated as the Sacred Stone in his hand failed to glow, indicating no "wolf king energy" nearby. Lady Zhao pleaded ignorance to their questions. Ling Long then awoke from a nightmare where Lady Zhao was suffering. Although her manor appeared undisturbed, Ling Long spotted a shoe covered with red mud in a corner, confirming that her alter-ego had indeed manifested and gone out. Lady Zhao's body was later discovered.
Her servant stated that Lady Zhao had sought Ling Long for a sore throat the previous night but had not met her. The two tavern patrons who found the body had eyes that suggested they had been affected by the "mystic tricks of Southern Chu," which Yan Qing immediately recognized, deepening his suspicion of Ling Long. Outside Ling Long's manor, red mud footprints were still visible.
Yan Qing spoke with an older woman nearby who recounted strange events in Ling Long's courtyard—a "weasel" causing trouble, stealing chickens, and leaving distinct "wolf paw prints" on trees. She also mentioned Ling Long falling ill shortly after, suggesting she was "under the spell of the weasel." Yan Qing, dismissive of superstitions, saw these details as further evidence linking Ling Long to the supernatural events.
He observed that the incident coincided with the presence of people from the Wolf Family in her compound. Convinced that direct interrogation would be futile, Yan Qing obtained a letter of appointment from his father, compelling Ling Long to assist him in investigating a serial homicide case as an adviser. Ling Long initially declined, citing her ongoing illness and lack of experience.
However, Yan Qing persisted, praising her intelligence and noting her previous involvement in the "Magu's Birthday Offering" play, which connected her to the victims. When Ling Long reiterated her poor health, Yan Qing produced a specially prepared vehicle, eliminating her excuse. Seeing no other option, Ling Long reluctantly agreed to join him. Before they departed, Yan Qing assigned his men to guard Ling Long's house, preventing her maid, Xiaojin, from accompanying her.
One of Yan Qing's subordinates found a red-mud-covered shoe in Ling Long's room. Later, Xiaojin offered the guards drugged wine. Once they were incapacitated, she sought out the Fourth Childe, who advised her that Yan Qing lacked concrete evidence if he was using the investigation as a pretext. He assured Xiaojin he would handle the situation. As Yan Qing and Ling Long walked through the city, Ling Long questioned his strategy of aimlessly "wandering" instead of visiting the crime scene.
Yan Qing explained he suspected the mastermind might be observing them, and that a murderer, cut off from their superior, would still risk exposure to seek information. Ling Long then asked if he considered her the mastermind, a suggestion he deflected as a mere analogy.
He further probed her, questioning if she, having grown up in the Southern Chu palace surrounded by mystic arts masters, had learned any tricks, implying she was an ambitious "daughter of a concubine" whom her father might have trained. Ling Long deflected his persistent insinuations with polite remarks. Their stroll was interrupted when Yourou spotted them together. Yan Qing, eager to avoid her, pushed Xuanyu to intercept.
Yourou, angered by Yan Qing's apparent avoidance and calling Ling Long a "pretentious woman," engaged Xuanyu in a sword fight. Xuanyu, unimpressed by her skills, easily held her off. Despite Yourou's attempts to order her guards to apprehend him, Xuanyu's calm demeanor and defiance only infuriated her further. She eventually conceded, vowing to defeat him someday, while Xuanyu welcomed the challenge. Later, Yan Qing questioned Ling Long about Lady Huang and Lady Zhao.
Ling Long confirmed they had both sought her out, but withheld the details of Lady Huang's visit, insisting she would only reveal it in Lady Su's presence. Yan Qing reluctantly agreed, bringing her to Lady Su's mansion. While waiting, Yan Qing heard screams from Lady Su's study. He rushed in, kicking down the door, only to see a man in black escaping through a window, completely unseen by Xuanyu and Bro Tong who were stationed outside.
Lady Su was deeply shaken, though her injured servant assured them his wounds were minor. Ling Long treated the servant's injuries. When Yan Qing identified the wounds as "wolf paw prints," he confronted her for not mentioning it. She deflected, explaining that as a doctor, she was not an expert in wound shapes, and the servant defended her.
Ling Long then explained the full story: Lady Huang had sought a drug from her that would cause a sore throat and voice loss without detectable toxicity, intending to replace Lady Su in the "Magu's Birthday Offering" play. Due to the Huang family's power, Ling Long provided the drug but secretly added an antidote to the "new tea from Southern Chu" she sent to Lady Su. The servant confirmed Lady Su’s appreciation for the tea.
Ling Long further revealed that Lady Huang had later confronted her because the drug was ineffective, and Ling Long had fobbed her off, indirectly leading to Lady Huang's demise. Lady Su's servant then mentioned that Lady Su's maid, Xiaotao, who was fond of eating snacks, had also suffered a sore throat recently. Lady Su realized she had given some of her pastries to Lady Zhao, who also loved them, causing Lady Zhao's subsequent sore throat and visit to Ling Long.
Yan Qing understood that Ling Long had orchestrated this meeting to use Lady Su and her servant to corroborate her story, effectively clearing her name through what appeared to be "coincidence." Despite the clarification, Yan Qing refused to release her. He reasoned that Lady Zhao, Lady Huang, and Lady Su all had a common link: their participation in "Magu's Birthday Offering." This meant Yourou, Hangshou Lu, and even Ling Long herself were still in danger.
Yan Qing proposed gathering all remaining participants at Lady Su's mansion for their protection. He insisted on replacing Lady Su's entire staff with his own guards and servants. He suspected the man in black who attacked Lady Su was one of her household staff, who had simply removed his black robe to evade detection.
He also instructed his men to maintain strict surveillance on Ling Long, convinced of her connection to the Wolf Family, regardless of her innocence in the murders. Meanwhile, the leader of the men in black received a report that they could no longer contact a certain "lady," realizing she could no longer assist them. He expressed relief that she hadn't been exposed, which would have caused significant trouble.
Attributing Ling Long's previous "loss of control" to the recent chaos, and with few targets remaining, he ordered his men to eliminate them all. That night, the men in black infiltrated Lady Su's mansion, releasing a sleeping gas that quickly incapacitated most of the guards. Although Yan Qing's acute senses alerted him, he too began to feel the effects of the gas.
Ling Long, despite Yan Qing's deep distrust, offered him a "relieving pill," arguing that their mutual trust was essential for survival. He took the pill, reviving his "wolf guards," and they launched a counterattack. During the chaotic fight, Yan Qing carried Ling Long to safety. She then tended to her own dislocated ankle as he directed Xuanyu to find Yourou, Bro Tong to find Lady Su, and Jingfeng to find Hangshou Lu, instructing them to converge in the flower hall.
Yourou, pursuing the escaping man in black, was knocked unconscious but not taken, leading Yan Qing to believe she was not the primary target. Ling Long treated Yourou's minor injuries, confirming she would soon recover. Lady Su, having regained her composure, alerted Yan Qing to a flickering light in the study, where she had previously put out the lamps.
Following her lead, Yan Qing found the leader of the men in black torturing Hangshou Lu, demanding she make a "Sacred Stone" glow. Yan Qing confronted the leader, who managed to escape. Hangshou Lu, recovering from the ordeal, confirmed she had been interrogated about making the Sacred Stone in an "iron box" glow, hinting that the previous victims suffered similar fates. The mention of "Sacred Stone" piqued Yan Qing's interest.
Episode 4 Recap
After a series of severe interrogations, the captured man in black finally confessed that the envoy intended to retrieve the wolf king energy to become immortal. He explained that their lady was under house arrest and unable to assist the envoy in catching people, forcing them to take desperate measures. The man in black revealed that the envoy was searching for a girl who had passed by the carriage of Band Square about half a month ago.
Yan Qing, curious about the identity of this "lady," pressed for more information, but the captive suddenly resisted and was knocked unconscious again. Bro Tong immediately recognized the man as a Fallen Survivor due to the absence of the print of the Wolf Family on his chest.
Bro Tong explained to Yan Qing, who had grown up away from the tribe, that members of the Wolf Family who stray from the right path are stripped of their Wolf Family print by the wolf king and banished from the tribe, no longer recognized as wolf people. These Fallen Survivors then blend into society, making a living by selling sorcery. Yan Qing deduced that the envoy must be the chief of the Fallen Survivors.
That night was a full moon, and even the relieving pills Ling Long had taken could not suppress her inner turmoil. She had been feeling unwell and exhausted. As Yan Qing entered her room to check on her, Ling Long transformed into Langyin, who immediately confronted Yan Qing. Langyin urgently demanded to return some "stuff" but claimed she knew nothing about what it was or where it should go.
During their struggle, the claw marks left by Langyin were clear evidence of her wolf nature. She explicitly stated, "I'm not Ling Long, I'm Langyin." After Yan Qing knocked her unconscious, he checked her chest and found no Wolf Family print, confirming his suspicion that she was indeed a Fallen Survivor and the "lady" the captive had spoken of. Yet, a part of Yan Qing found it unreasonable.
He knew wolf people were inherently impulsive and would not remain indifferent after being mistreated from a young age. Meanwhile, Yanjue learned that Yan Qing had implicated Ling Long. Eager to snatch the credit, Yanjue secretly plotted to torture Ling Long. He bypassed Yan Qing and asserted his authority as the officer-in-charge of the case, dismissing Ling Long's status as a pawn from Southern Chu and boasting about his subordinates' expertise in torture.
Yan Qing had previously refused to use torture on Ling Long, arguing that a true wolf would not have endured years of mistreatment in the Cold Place and as a pawn without lashing out. When Yan Qing tried to block him, Yanjue insisted on proceeding with his methods. In the interrogation room, Yanjue lashed Ling Long. However, Langyin was not easily restrained by ordinary ropes. After enduring one whip, she broke free and retaliated, accidentally setting the room on fire.
Despite the chaos, Langyin, demonstrating a clear sense of right and wrong, pulled a terrified Yanjue to safety from the flames before being knocked unconscious by Yan Qing once more. Yan Qing, angered by Yanjue's actions, ordered him to be tied up and held. Yan Qing intended to question Ling Long once she awoke. However, upon her regaining consciousness, he witnessed her arguing with herself. It appeared to be a conversation between two distinct personalities: Ling Long and Langyin.
Ling Long accused Langyin of causing trouble, while Langyin called Ling Long a coward and, eager to escape, repeatedly demanded control of their shared body. Overwhelmed by the confusing situation and their conflicting demands, Yan Qing knocked Ling Long unconscious again and administered a relieving pill, which temporarily suppressed Langyin. To uncover Ling Long's secrets, Yan Qing offered a truth in exchange, first revealing his own family mystery.
His father had always claimed that Yan Qing's mother was a humble singer from Band Square who fled with money eighteen years ago. However, Yan Qing's own memories contradicted this; he remembered his mother as a remarkable woman, skilled in both literature and martial arts, not a performer. He had been searching for her for eighteen years, determined to find the truth. Ling Long, honoring her agreement, confessed her true intentions for coming to Western Turk.
She explained that she arrived under the pretense of negotiating a marriage, but her real plan was to ensure that by the age of twenty-five, no noble in Western Turk would be willing to marry her. As an "old maid" who couldn't find a husband, she would then return to Southern Chu, claim her rightful but barren fiefdom, and rescue her suffering mother from the Cold Place.
She reasoned that while serving her father or aligning with Western Turk might offer more benefits, pledging loyalty to her father would mean inciting trouble in Western Turk on his behalf, likely leading to a premature and miserable death. Abandoning her mother to side with Western Turk was unthinkable. Ling Long concluded that given her predicament, masquerading as a "coward" whom everyone despised was her best and only option.
Regarding the veiled man she met after their first encounter, Ling Long clarified he was her maternal uncle, a medicinal material merchant who frequently traveled between Southern Chu and Western Turk. She used his travels to send money and medicine to her mother. Their clandestine meetings were not out of malice but her concern that her status as a pawn might bring trouble to her uncle, a common merchant.
Yan Qing, however, remained skeptical, dismissing her account as "one-sided speech" and stating he would verify it with her uncle. In a moment of hurt and anger, Ling Long reminded him of his own words. She pointed out that on the night Lady Zhao was murdered, Yan Qing was indeed at the pub, having fallen into the water earlier that day and later drinking heavily. Ling Long knew he had drunkenly accused her of being a "spy" from Southern Chu.
Moreover, the red mud footprints found outside the Princess's residence matched the red mud being used for repairs at the pub. This proved she was at the pub that night. Yan Qing's investigation later confirmed that the pub was too far from the dumping ground where Lady Zhao's body was found for Ling Long to have traveled to both locations within the limited timeframe. Xuanyu also recalled two suspicious details from his investigation into Ling Long's background.
First, when Ling Long arrived in Western Turk, she was accompanied by her loyal maid Xiaojin and two housekeeper women. Not long after, Madam Yan expelled these two women, claiming they had an infectious disease and sending them back home after removing their slave status. Xuanyu discovered that these housekeepers were actually spies for the king of Southern Chu, indicating that Ling Long cleverly used Madam Yan to eliminate these informants.
Second, the rumors circulating among the Western Turk nobility that Ling Long was a "bane" originated from Ling Long herself. This deliberate self-sabotage corroborated her claim of pretending to be a "coward" to achieve her goals. Yan Qing, finally understanding the crucial details, felt remorse for his accusations and sought to apologize to Ling Long. At this time, Yan Yu was diligently attending to her. Yan Yu revealed Ling Long's "multi-spirits symptom," explaining that sometimes she would transform into Langyin.
He described Langyin as fundamentally kind and possessing a strong moral compass, only appearing when Ling Long was in danger. Yan Yu vouched for both Ling Long and Langyin, asserting they were entirely innocent of the serial murders. Everything Yan Yu said was overheard by Yanjue, who had been hiding outside the door. Yanjue emerged to chastise Yan Qing for releasing a key suspect.
In doing so, he inadvertently let slip a crucial detail: a tribute item, specifically an iron box, was missing. Yan Qing suddenly realized he had been investigating in the wrong direction all along. He confronted Yanjue, furious that his concealment of such vital information—that the iron box was a sacred object from the Wolf Family and was now in the mastermind's possession, linking it to the murders and theft of tributes—had misled the entire investigation.
Yan Qing declared that Yanjue would face punishment for his actions, including torturing the Princess of Southern Chu. As Yan Qing redirected his investigation, he immediately sent Bro Tong to prepare an abundance of expensive gifts for Ling Long—including pearl hairpins, makeup, satin, and various herbal medicines and spices—to apologize for his previous judgment. Bro Tong, however, misunderstood the instruction for "women's favorite things" and bought only feminine items.
Meanwhile, Yanjue, reeling from Yan Qing's threats, sought advice on finding a scapegoat, recognizing the adage, "Everyone gives a shove to a falling wall." Before the gifts could be delivered to Ling Long, Yan Qing visited her to apologize for his rudeness during the Su Mansion incident. Ling Long, feigning ignorance, claimed she remembered no existing grudge between them. Yan Qing then visited Ling Long's uncle, whom Bro Tong had mistakenly brought in. Using the gifts originally intended for Ling Long, Yan Qing graciously presented them to her uncle, expressing admiration to create goodwill and subtly verify her story.
Episode 5 Recap
Yan Jue arrived at Ling Long's residence, intending to apologize for his previous harsh treatment at the Su Mansion. To his surprise, Ling Long claimed to have no recollection of any unpleasantness between them, feigning ignorance to further their secret plan. Seizing this unexpected advantage, Yan Jue shifted his purpose, disparaging Yan Qing for allegedly stealing his case and wrongly imprisoning Ling Long.
He proposed a scheme: Ling Long should get Yan Qing drunk, and Yan Jue would handle the rest. After a show of reluctance, citing her desire for a peaceful life, Ling Long agreed when Yan Jue offered her a hundred taels of silver notes, though she initially pretended to refuse the payment. Meanwhile, Yan Qing was discussing the ongoing case and Wolf Family secrets with his wolf guards.
They expressed confusion over the black-clad assailants who, despite lacking the Wolf Family birthmark, seemed intimately familiar with their traditions. Yan Qing, who grew up estranged from the Wolf Family, pondered the mystery of an ancient jade pendant that no longer glowed, and wondered about events from 18 years prior. Ling Long then made an unannounced appearance. After Yan Qing's guards respectfully withdrew, Ling Long proposed a new business arrangement.
She offered to help lure out the true culprit, but only on her terms, dismissing her current advisory role as a mere pretext Yan Qing had used to capture her. Her conditions were that Yan Qing must safeguard the secret of Langyin and pay her a hundred taels of gold. Though Yan Qing initially resisted the sum, he conceded after Ling Long outlined her daring plan. As they discussed the intricate details, they continued to drink, eventually becoming completely intoxicated.
The following morning, Yan Qing awoke in his bed to the shocking sight of Miss Su and Lu Hangshou lying beside him, both in a state of disarray. Horrified, he quickly got out of bed and tried to tidy the room. Just then, Yan Jue arrived with his father, who, prompted by Yan Jue's feigned concern, ordered the door to be opened.
The elder Yan was enraged by the scandalous scene, castigating Yan Qing for his dissolute behavior and for allegedly disgracing an official’s family member. Yan Jue quickly intervened, assuring his father that the women were unconscious and unharmed, and that he had already secured the mansion and suppressed any rumors. Impressed by Yan Jue’s swift action, his father ordered a quick resolution to the case, demanding that the captured suspect be executed to appease public sentiment.
He also forbade any further discussion of the incident, especially from Yan Qing, whose protests about the true mastermind still being at large were abruptly silenced, implying the scandal forced a hasty closure. Later, Ling Long accompanied Yan Jue to his family’s mansion to officially report on the case. There, she witnessed Yan Qing being severely whipped, his bare back raw with wounds.
Seizing the opportunity for a playful "revenge," Ling Long approached him, feigning sympathy for his punishment while subtly reminding him of her reluctant involvement in Yan Jue's scheme. She offered to treat his injuries but instead applied a highly irritating drug, followed by strong alcohol, which caused Yan Qing considerable pain.
Afterward, she explained to her attendant that while she usually advocated for maintaining a low profile to earn money, one must occasionally assert themselves to prevent others from exploiting their perceived weakness. Shortly after Ling Long returned home, Miss Su’s housekeeper arrived, claiming Miss Su was ill and requesting Ling Long's medical assistance, explaining that Miss Su's long-suppressed stress had finally taken its toll.
Ling Long, suspecting a trap due to her earlier, deliberate mention of her whereabouts to Miss Su, nevertheless went, taking her medical kit. Upon entering Miss Su's residence, she was immediately surrounded by men in black, revealing Miss Su’s true colors. Miss Su gloated, acknowledging Ling Long's role in Yan Qing's predicament and recounting how Ling Long had unknowingly aided her in the past by providing an alibi. She then demanded the Wolf King Energy, promising Ling Long safety.
Ling Long condemned Miss Su for her involvement in two deaths and refused her offer. As Miss Su ordered her capture, Yan Qing dramatically appeared, effortlessly subduing the assailants and confirming that the entire encounter was a pre-arranged plan between him and Ling Long. During the chaos, Miss Su's housekeeper managed to escape, while the other men in black committed suicide.
Interrogating Miss Su, Yan Qing questioned her desire for the Wolf King Energy and her involvement, especially since her hired men fought like members of the Wolf Family but lacked the mark. Miss Su claimed she sought the energy for eternal youth and denied any deeper connection to the Wolf Family, asserting her housekeeper had likely taken the iron box containing the energy.
Ling Long then pressed Miss Su, pointing out the contradiction between her past act of conscience in saving Lu Hangshou and her current villainous role. She revealed that Yan Qing had overheard arguments between Miss Su and her housekeeper, suggesting Miss Su had confronted him about the murders of Lady Huang and Lady Zhao, implying that Miya was the true callous mastermind, and Miss Su, despite her initial involvement, still harbored a conscience.
Ling Long passionately urged Miss Su to break free from Miya's control, empathizing with her plight. Moved by Ling Long’s words, Miss Su began to confess Miya's name, but before she could finish, she was abruptly controlled by a dark mystic art, forcing her to stab herself to death. Following these events, Yan Jue reported to his father that Miss Su had committed suicide and her housekeeper had escaped.
His father, satisfied with the case's public closure, offered rewards and dismissed Yan Qing's attempts to clear his name regarding the scandalous incident, stating his reputation was beyond further damage. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Yan Jue and his father, Yan Qing and Ling Long had faked Miss Su's death. In a secluded forest, they bid farewell to a newly disguised Miss Su. They had saved her because of her lingering conscience, evidenced by her warning that saved Lu Hangshou.
Miss Su expressed deep remorse for having been temporarily controlled by Miya, who had deceived her about the Wolf King Energy. Yan Qing confirmed that Miya did not have the distinctive red wolf-shaped birthmark. They provided Miss Su with a new identity and medicine, urging her to embrace a new life. Yan Qing light-heartedly dismissed the risk of releasing a criminal, joking that his already notorious reputation could easily absorb another scandal.
Ling Long, playing along, claimed she was merely acting under Yan Qing's coercion. Yan Qing then attempted to share more about the Wolf Family and Langyin, but Ling Long quickly dismissed Langyin as a dangerous "disease" she merely wished to cure. She then demanded her promised payment. Yan Qing, accusing her of double-dealing, pointed out she accepted Yan Jue’s payment to frame him and now sought his gold.
Ling Long calmly clarified that Yan Jue’s payment was for a separate agreement, while Yan Qing's payment was for the successful capture of the criminal mastermind. Conceding her logical argument, Yan Qing agreed to meet her the next afternoon at the Southern Chu Temple to settle the debt. As they left, they were accosted by a madam from a pleasure house, further highlighting Yan Qing’s notorious reputation, which Ling Long playfully teased him about.
Unseen by them, a mysterious man wearing a bamboo hat observed them from a nearby tea stall. The following day, Yan Qing meticulously prepared for his meeting with Ling Long, changing outfits repeatedly in front of a mirror to ensure he looked his best.
However, his excitement quickly turned to jealousy when he arrived at the Southern Chu Temple to find Ling Long already engaged in a comfortable conversation with Yan Yu, a childhood acquaintance with whom she shared a deep bond. Yan Qing, feeling annoyed, abruptly feigned disinterest in tea and then claimed he had forgotten his money, using an invented prior appointment with Lu Hangshou as an excuse to leave.
As Yan Qing stormed off, Ling Long called him back, requesting that he deliver cosmetics to Lu Hangshou, as he was supposedly heading to the musical workshop anyway. To maintain his facade and avoid Ling Long’s attendant, Xiaojin, realizing his lie, Yan Qing reluctantly agreed, secretly dispatching his own attendant, Xuanyu, ahead to arrange for Lu Hangshou to play along.
At the musical workshop, Lu Hangshou greeted Yan Qing, feigning a slight annoyance at his tardiness, and complimented his handsome attire. Xiaojin then arrived with the cosmetics. Later, Yan Qing’s attendant presented him with a detailed bill for the elaborate charade, which included Lu Hangshou’s cancellation fees and an "errand-running fee" for himself, much to Yan Qing’s irritation.
The attendant then subtly suggested that Yan Qing's efforts betrayed a deep affection for Ling Long, a notion Yan Qing quickly dismissed as purely "business." That evening, Ling Long went to meet Yan Qing for her payment. She was surprised to find the streets illuminated by countless lanterns, with everyone carrying one, as a child approached her, wishing her a "Happy Lantern Festival."
Puzzled by the festive atmosphere on what she knew was the first day of September, not a festival, Ling Long sensed that something unusual was afoot and proceeded with caution alongside her attendant.
Episode 6 Recap
A wealthy childe arranged for the city's residents to celebrate the Lantern Festival early, allowing them to enjoy free food, drinks, and entertainment by simply offering a festive greeting of "a Peaceful Lantern Festival." Ling Long and her maid, Xiaojin, walked through the lantern-lit streets, receiving free items from vendors. However, Ling Long, finding this abnormal, refused the free goods, explaining to Xiaojin that "free stuff is actually the most expensive one."
She then stopped at a fortune-telling stall, the only place that accepted money. After paying, she drew a "best draw" which predicted that "within a hundred steps," the first man to speak to her would be her "predestined person." Moments later, Yan Qing appeared, calling out to her. He enthusiastically suggested they attend the Lantern Festival show. Nearby, Yanjue, intrigued by the unusual festivities, decided to investigate. Ling Long, suspecting Yan Qing was behind the lavish event, confronted him.
He initially denied it, but when she mentioned a fortune teller had predicted an "acrobatic troupe" and called it a "dumb idea," Yan Qing, seemingly caught off guard, quickly agreed that he also disliked such shows. He then explained that he orchestrated the event because Ling Long "can't be exposed under the moon" and had "never been to a temple fair."
He called it a "protection fee" and asked her to "let me know in advance" if she planned to "play a trick on him." Ling Long accepted the deal, instructing Xiaojin to choose "those most expensive things," as "someone will pay for us." Later, Yan Qing took Ling Long to a high vantage point to watch fireworks. As they stood close, Ling Long suddenly transformed into the wolf spirit. Yan Qing was shocked and apologetic.
Mi Ya, who had been secretly tracking them, appeared and addressed the transformed Ling Long as "Langyin." The wolf spirit demanded to know who sent him, suspecting the Blue Wolf tribe, but Mi Ya's group denied it. In the ensuing struggle, Yan Qing's jade pendant fell and shattered into two pieces.
Mi Ya, recognizing it as the "wolf king's jade pendant" which contained residual "wolf king energy," ordered his men to withdraw, realizing it was the pendant, not "wolf king energy," that had been making the sacred stone shine. He was infuriated that such a precious item had fallen into the hands of a "dandy" like Yan Qing, calling it "a shame." The wolf spirit escaped into a nearby forest.
Yan Qing's guards circled the area, but Yan Qing, worried about harming Ling Long, ordered them to secure all exits instead of entering the dark woods. Meanwhile, Xiaojin rushed to find Yan Yu for help. Yan Yu, assuring Yan Qing he had a method, approached the wolf spirit. He reminded her of their past friendship, recalling how he "used to steal chicken drumsticks" for her.
He then offered her a roasted chicken, which he had secretly laced with a tranquilizing "Jingxin pill powder." The wolf spirit ate it and soon fell into a deep sleep, transforming back into Ling Long. Yan Yu was relieved that she "didn't notice" the powder. Upon regaining consciousness, Ling Long saw Yan Qing approaching and recoiled, telling him "Don't come here" and quickly leaving with Xiaojin.
Yanjue, who had been observing from afar, expressed his admiration for the wolf spirit, wishing "she could never change back." Yan Qing, frustrated by Ling Long's avoidance and his father's constant criticism, confided in his guards, who urged him to return to the border. However, Yan Qing insisted he had "something we have to handle," denying he was in love with Ling Long and claiming he was only investigating the Blue Wolf tribe through her.
His guards then advised him to confront her directly. Yan Qing visited Ling Long at her residence. Ling Long gave him a cold reception, stating, "You're the Western Turk guard. I'm a Southern Chu Princess. We shouldn't have any connection. . . please don't come here again." Yan Qing, trying to save face, claimed he was there to "buy some rouge powder." He awkwardly selected some foot cream, thinking it was face cream, before eventually purchasing rouge.
He attempted to question Xiaojin about Ling Long and the wolf spirit, but Xiaojin dismissed him. Later, Yan Yu arrived, inviting Ling Long to a family dinner, as their father's condition had improved. He assured Ling Long that Yan Qing would be occupied with his engagement to Yourou at the dinner.
Unbeknownst to them, Yan Qing was secretly listening from the rooftop, lamenting Ling Long's coldness towards him compared to Yan Yu, and realizing that his presence might indeed be the cause of her wolf spirit transformations. At the family dinner, Madam Yan encouraged Yan Qing to spend time with Yourou. Ling Long arrived and offered her good wishes to Master Yan, humbly attributing her recent case success to Yan Qing's wisdom.
Yan Yu then pulled Yan Qing away, claiming their father and General You wished to see him. Later, Yourou and her companions, who were hostile towards Ling Long, openly disparaged her, calling her a "pathetic" opportunist and planning to "show her something." Yourou then invited Ling Long to play "arrow-throwing," intentionally making her retrieve the arrows repeatedly. Although Yan Yu wished to intervene, his official status prevented him from getting involved in the women's dispute.
Yan Qing briefly returned and complained to Yan Yu about being pulled into marriage talks, expressing frustration that Ling Long was being bullied for helping with the investigation. Yourou, annoyed by Yan Qing's clear lack of interest, confronted him about their marriage. He bluntly stated that his "homeless and miserable" life in the army made him unsuitable to be a husband and that he would ask his father to "cancel the engagement."
An enraged Yourou then turned her anger on Ling Long, who had been discreetly laughing at the exchange. Yourou threw an arrow onto a tree branch and ordered Ling Long, a Southern Chu Princess, to retrieve it. Ling Long initially resisted, citing her status, but Yourou taunted her, reminding her of her earlier activity as a vendor.
Ling Long then asked for a moment for Xiaojin to adjust her clothes, revealing to Xiaojin that she was intentionally seeking an injury to create an excuse to see a physician. As Ling Long deliberately feigned a fall from the tree, Yan Qing, who had been observing, swiftly caught her. The close contact immediately triggered the wolf spirit's re-emergence. The wolf spirit, confrontational and outspoken, verbally attacked Yourou for blaming her for Yan Qing's disinterest, challenging her to a fight.
Yan Qing quickly intervened, knocking the wolf spirit unconscious. He then diffused the situation by claiming Ling Long was merely drunk, sending everyone away, and taking her to a room. Yan Qing and Xiaojin attempted to force tranquilizing pills on the still semi-conscious wolf spirit, who angrily called Yan Qing a "scum" for "attack[ing] me from behind every time" and vowed revenge, promising to "let you pay for all the debt."
Yan Qing responded that she couldn't beat him if he could knock her out so many times. Later, Ling Long fully woke up around 9:00 p. m. , feeling unusually tired despite the pills. Yan Qing reassured her that the "problem has been solved" and advised her to rest. He then stayed outside her room on guard. Despite the cold weather, Yan Qing eventually went to take a hot bath. As he was relaxing, a mysterious woman suddenly appeared and offered to massage his back, despite him having sent a servant away earlier.
Episode 7 Recap
Yan Qing was alone in the bathhouse when he felt a touch on his shoulder. He turned to see a flirtatious Ling Long, who lay down and revealed a "howling at the moon" birthmark. Yan Qing immediately recognized her as Langyin. Langyin, relishing the moment, teased, "Who's gonna be knocked down this time?" before retreating into Ling Long's body. Ling Long awoke, saw Yan Qing shirtless, and, mistaking him for a pervert, struck him with a jar.
Yan Qing, trying to explain, pursued her out of the bathhouse, still undressed, only to be discovered by Master Yan, his wife, and Yanjue. Yan Yu swiftly sent Ling Long away, assuring her he would manage the scandal. Yanjue, however, openly accused Yan Qing of inappropriate behavior, speculating about a marriage between the two countries. Yan Yu cautioned his brother against reckless talk due to the delicate diplomatic situation. Enraged, Master Yan ordered Yan Qing to be whipped.
Later, when confronted by Master Yan and Yourou's father, General You, Yan Qing feigned unconsciousness to avoid explaining himself. Yan Yu, seeing through the ruse, visited him later and easily roused him. Yan Qing explained that Langyin had intentionally set him up, lamenting that even the suppression medicine seemed to be failing. The news of the incident quickly reached General You, who canceled the engagement between Yourou and Yan Qing.
Yanjue was secretly pleased, seeing it as an opportunity to solidify his own position. He ordered his servant to covertly investigate "DuoHun disease" (Multiple Personality Disorder), intrigued by Langyin and contemplating making her his concubine. Master Yan and his wife were anxious about the political implications, fearing Southern Chu would accuse them of mistreating a hostage, potentially inciting unrest among other vassal states and jeopardizing their duty to guard Western Turk.
Yan Yu visited Ling Long, bringing tonics, and expressed remorse that the Yan family couldn't secure justice for her. Ling Long, however, stopped him, stating she understood Master Yan's difficult position. In her chambers, Langyin, speaking through the mirror, taunted Ling Long, claiming she intentionally caused the incident to ignite a romance between Ling Long and Yan Qing. Langyin, weary of being suppressed, demanded Ling Long surrender control of their shared body.
Ling Long vehemently refused, fearing Langyin would bring ruin upon them both. Suddenly, Xiaojin rushed in, announcing Yourou's arrival. Yourou stormed in, accusing Ling Long of public humiliation and seducing Yan Qing. Langyin took over, effortlessly deflecting Yourou's whip and demonstrating surprising martial prowess. Langyin taunted Yourou, but Ling Long struggled to regain control, pleading with Langyin not to harm Yourou. Langyin, declaring the fight "boring," retreated.
Seizing the momentary vulnerability, Yourou kicked Ling Long in the abdomen, causing her to collapse and cough blood. Later, a deeply ashamed General You confined his daughter to her room for her actions. A doctor confirmed Ling Long suffered severe internal injuries, requiring careful healing. Ling Long, having regained consciousness, told Xiaojin that while she trusted Yan Yu, she lamented that she and Yan Qing were destined to clash.
Meanwhile, Yan Qing was distressed by Yourou's recklessness and Ling Long's injury. He decided to visit Ling Long despite his own unhealed wounds, applying a painful yet highly effective medicine she had previously given him. Hearing of the plan to take Ling Long to Xileng Mountain for treatment, Yan Qing expressed a desire to accompany them.
Yan Yu, having just convinced his parents to approve the journey, explained his theory: Langyin shared a "subtle connection" with the Grey Wolf tribe, and Yan Qing's proximity triggered her emergence. For Ling Long's safety, Yan Qing could not join them. Yan Qing feigned indifference, claiming his only interest was the "secret of the Grey Wolf tribe," not Ling Long herself. Yan Yu promised to persuade Ling Long to assist him once her condition was treated, which pleased Yan Qing.
Yan Yu then escorted Ling Long to Xileng Mountain. He surprised her by leading her to a wooden house beautifully decorated with peach blossom trees, where musicians played, and a feast of all her favorite dishes awaited, including Jar meat, pickled fish, stir-fried bracken, and wisteria cake. Yan Yu explained he created this indoor "outing" because Ling Long had always yearned for one, but her injuries prevented her from enjoying the outdoors. Ling Long was deeply touched by his thoughtfulness.
Ling Long invited Xiaojin to join them, and the three shared a joyous meal. That night, Ling Long insisted Xiaojin continue binding her. She explained to Xiaojin that while Yan Yu was trustworthy, some accompanying guards were likely spies sent by Master Yan. If Langyin's dual personality were discovered, it would cause immense trouble, and she did not wish to burden Yan Yu further. At Misa's remote residence, Yan Yu called out but received no response.
He entered the herbalist alone and was promptly pushed out by a rude young man, Misa. Ling Long, undeterred, decided to provoke the eccentric doctor, calling him a "fake doctor" with an "unearned reputation." Intrigued, Misa agreed to give them a short time. Inside, Ling Long had Xiaojin tie her securely to summon Langyin. When Langyin emerged, Misa was astonished by the "Multiple Personality Disorder," initially dismissing it as mere "monster possession."
Langyin, enraged to learn Ling Long had brought her to a doctor to "deal with her," attempted to attack Misa, but Ling Long cried out for her not to harm him. Langyin retreated, and Ling Long collapsed. Misa, now fully engaged, quickly healed her internal injuries and bandaged her hand, promising no scars. He offered them all residence at his herbalist, covering all expenses, eager to find a cure.
When Yan Yu informed him of their one-month time limit, Misa became more urgent. He tried to summon Langyin again to study her unique strength, but Langyin, aware of their intentions, refused to reappear.
Episode 8 Recap
Doctor Misa attempted hypnosis to treat Ling Long's multi-spirit symptom, but Ling Long, accustomed to a life of hardship and deception, found it impossible to relax. Despite Misa's prolonged efforts, which nearly lulled himself and two others to sleep, Ling Long remained unaffected. Misa concluded that this was merely her first attempt and would require more time. Meanwhile, Yan Qing, upon arriving, noticed his father's confidant among the guards outside the doctor's residence.
Knowing this man could not be privy to Ling Long's condition, Yan Qing deliberately instigated a conflict with the guards. He provoked them into a fight, forcing them to retreat. Yan Yu appeared, telling his father's guard that arguing with Yan Qing was a waste of time and instructing them to move to a nearby hillside. He also promised to truthfully report Yan Qing's bullying to their father.
After the guards left, Yan Qing warned them not to be so complacent again. Yan Qing then approached Yan Yu, claiming that he and his wolf warriors were seeking medical treatment for injuries sustained in battle. Yan Yu expressed skepticism, asking if he wasn't there for Ling Long. Yan Qing denied it but immediately inquired about her condition.
Yan Yu explained that Ling Long's "heartstrings were too tight" due to her difficult upbringing, making it impossible for her to relax for hypnosis. Taking advantage of this information, Yan Qing loudly demanded Misa treat his warriors first, knowing it would provoke Ling Long. Angered by his antics, Ling Long chased and hit him. Misa, observing their interaction, noted that after releasing her anger, Ling Long's resistance would be at its weakest, making her susceptible to hypnosis.
He then successfully hypnotized her. During the hypnosis, Lang Yin emerged, explaining that she existed within Ling Long to complete a task: to return a very important item that Ling Long had forgotten. Lang Yin mentioned that she originally did not have a birthmark and began to speak of "one night" from when they were very young, but a sudden, splitting headache forced her back into unconsciousness. Yan Yu intervened, asking Yan Qing not to pressure her.
Misa reassured them that Ling Long would be fine after a night's rest. Misa deduced that Ling Long's multi-spirit symptom was a result of childhood trauma, leading her to selectively forget painful memories. This suppressed negative energy manifested as Lang Yin. He inquired if anyone had treated Ling Long previously, and her attendant confirmed that her mother, Madam Li, had treated her for sleepwalking in her youth. Misa surmised that Ling Long's mother was also a skilled medical practitioner.
To fully cure Ling Long, Misa believed she needed to return to Southern Chu and revisit the "Cold Palace" where she grew up, but acknowledged that this was impractical given her status as a hostage. Unable to achieve a complete cure, Misa opted to use hypnosis to temporarily suppress Lang Yin. He explained that Ling Long could not be hypnotized when her mind was focused, requiring Yan Qing to deliberately provoke her to release her inhibitions.
From then on, Yan Qing continually found ways to annoy Ling Long, inciting her to chase and fight him, which proved effective in her treatment. One morning, Ling Long, still annoyed by Yan Qing's presence, threw sweets at him when he claimed his provocations were necessary for her treatment. Misa praised Yan Qing for making Ling Long "release her nature," affirming that it was crucial for her recovery and encouraging him to continue.
One day, a man named Leng Erhe was discovered collapsed outside Misa's residence. He had been kneeling there for three days, begging for medicine to save his daughter. Ling Long felt deep sympathy and helped him. However, Misa was enraged, revealing that Leng Erhe was seeking a potent poison that would render his daughter bedridden for years.
Leng Erhe tearfully explained that years ago, many in his village had died, which a "capable man" attributed to the wrath of the Mountain God. To appease the deity, the village was forced to annually sacrifice children. This year, it was his only daughter's turn, and he would rather she be incapacitated than sent to an unknown fate.
Ling Long, deeply affected by Leng Erhe's paternal love, which stirred her own unresolved feelings about her father, proposed a dangerous plan: she would impersonate Leng Erhe's daughter and go to the mountain herself to find the Mountain God's hideout. Yan Yu, concerned for her safety, only agreed on one condition: Lang Yin must appear before him and explicitly promise to cooperate unconditionally during the mission. Ling Long approached Misa, asking him to summon Lang Yin.
Misa adamantly refused, reminding her of the extreme difficulty in suppressing Lang Yin and the severe danger of releasing her. Undeterred, Ling Long sought out Yan Qing. She stumbled upon him bathing in a river, causing her to flee in embarrassment. Later that night, she attempted to drug him with sleeping incense, intending to touch his chest to provoke Lang Yin's appearance.
However, Yan Qing, feigning unconsciousness, caught her in the act and teased her, leaving Ling Long flustered and accusing him of having a "dirty mind." Yan Qing later spoke with Yan Yu, urging him not to prevent Ling Long from going and assuring him that he would manage the situation. Yan Yu, still uneasy about Lang Yin's unpredictability and Ling Long's strong emotional investment in Leng Erhe's plight, suspecting her father complex was at play, nonetheless deferred to Yan Qing.
The next morning, Yan Qing offered to personally escort Ling Long to the mountain. His condition was the formula for her unique medicinal plaster. He argued that acquiring this formula would earn him military merit, which he could then leverage with their father to arrange Ling Long's return to Southern Chu for a permanent cure. After weighing her options, Ling Long reluctantly agreed. Ling Long was then taken away by the "messenger" along with other youths destined for sacrifice.
She noticed how easily the other young people were swayed by the messenger's promises of an idyllic life in the "Holy Land," where food was plentiful and labor unnecessary, merely in exchange for sincere belief in the Mountain God. These youths, who rarely had meat or even rice in their villages, eagerly consumed the food offered, believing their sacrifice was a path to happiness. Ling Long, disturbed by this indoctrination, feigned a stomachache to avoid eating. As she watched the others, a voice called her name.
Episode 9 Recap
The Oracle led the group to establish a camp for the night. Ling Long feigned a stomachache, excusing herself to secretly meet Yan Qing in the nearby woods. She expressed concern that the Oracle's manipulative tactics, using "just several words and a meal," were turning the saints' minds, fearing "unexpected changes." Yan Qing reassured her, promising, "As long as we get to the Sacred Land and see the Mountain God, we will take action immediately, don't worry.
I'll always be here, always. If you're in any danger, just go outside the tent and wave like this, and I'll be right in front of you." Ling Long dismissed his offer with "Who cares" and quickly warned him of the approaching Oracle. When the Oracle found Ling Long, she explained she had "a stomachache" and "was embarrassed to be near the camp so I went a little farther" to relieve herself.
The Oracle told her to "go back now" as it was getting dark. Later that night, Ling Long spotted a figure near the tents, drawing the attention of the Oracle and guards. The man fled, only to be intercepted and saved by Yan Qing and his group. When asked why he trespassed, the man defiantly replied, "It's none of your business!"
Yan Qing then empathized, asking if the man's beloved was taken to be a saint, revealing, "Actually, I am in the same situation. . . The girl you saw just now, she is the one I love." The man confirmed he came for his childhood sweetheart, Xiuniang, explaining, "Xiuniang and I grew up together. But her father looked down on me. He married her to a scholar in the village.
I didn't expect that heartless guy would make her become a saint for the reward given by the village." He tearfully declared, "I can't worry about the consequences. Even if I die for her, I'm willing. Who she marries is her business; being able to die for her—that's mine." Moved by his sincerity, Yan Qing decided to help, outlining a plan to lure the Oracle's guards up the mountain.
Yan Qing allowed himself to be caught by the Oracle, fabricating a tale of love for Ling Long using the man's story. The Oracle believed him, calling him "an infatuated person." Seizing the opportunity, the Oracle offered him a position as a saint boy, stating, "we're short of a saint boy. Little bro, if you want to be the saint boy, you can live in the Sacred Land with your lover. You'll never be apart, isn't that great?"
Yan Qing eagerly accepted, claiming Ling Long was his beloved, and pledged, "I'll go with you. As long as I can see her, I'd like to be the saint boy." Unbeknownst to them, Yan Qing's men followed discreetly. When he finally reunited with Ling Long, he declared his relief to see her safe. The Oracle congratulated the supposed "lovers," to Ling Long's disbelief.
Yan Qing explained he had told them they "promised each other in secret," which visibly angered Ling Long. He brushed off her reaction as excitement and tried to justify his actions by claiming he was trying "to save people" and suggesting their forced pairing would provide mutual protection. Despite her fury, Ling Long agreed to cooperate for the mission, but laid down some conditions: "First, don't just grab and hug me whenever you feel like it.
Second, when we go back, you can't bring this up to anyone." Yan Qing, after feigning protest, eventually accepted. The Oracle led everyone to a village that served as the Sacred Land, where a guide named Jiu'er explained their new carefree life. Residents "don't need to work," only needing to "believe in the Mountain God sincerely." While Jiu'er showed others their living quarters, Yan Qing feigned a stomachache to explore.
He discovered that the Broken Dragon Stone at the entrance, once lowered, would prevent anyone from leaving. A large, locked room in the center of the village was only accessible for an hour of "meditation" at night. He was also warned away from a heavily guarded area in the rear mountains, noting a "giant wolf" there was "very alert, don't make it angry." Later, reporting his findings to Ling Long, he confirmed their confinement.
The Oracle, seemingly touched by their fabricated love story, provided Ling Long and Yan Qing with a private room containing a single large bed, jokingly suggesting it would allow them to be "intimate" without disturbance. Yan Qing, playing along, enthusiastically accepted the room, despite Ling Long's visible discomfort. Once alone, Yan Qing eagerly began preparing the bed, but Ling Long presented him with a contract, outlining strict conditions for their cohabitation. She dictated: "First, you can't get close to me.
Secondly, you have to go out when I change clothes. Thirdly, I sleep in the bed. You can't touch my pillow or bedding." Yan Qing protested having to sleep on the floor, but Ling Long stood firm, blaming him for their predicament because he "made everything up yourself." Yan Qing argued his actions were "out of kindness" and an attempt to "protect" her, but despite his protests, he ultimately relented.
Later that night, Yan Qing, unable to sleep, asked Ling Long why she volunteered to be a saint for the Leng family's daughter, noting, "How dangerous! It's not like your usual style." He suggested they take turns answering questions. When Ling Long asked why he came, he initially pretended to regret it, but then admitted he was moved by the man's profound love for Xiuniang, deeming it "quite rare" for someone to risk his life for a married woman.
He confessed that his own mother had "left without saying goodbye" when he was little, and his father, instead of seeking her, went on to "get married, have babies, get a promotion in his career," punishing Yan Qing whenever his mother was mentioned. This experience made him skeptical of "vows," but seeing the man's devotion, he wondered if he would ever "meet someone who I would do everything for," to which Ling Long replied, "You will someday."
He pressed Ling Long again about her true reasons for coming, but she evaded the question, instead asking about the mysterious bronze tripod. Yan Qing mentioned its "smell of blood" and suggested investigating it the next day. He then accused her of "cheating" for not answering his question, but she remained silent. During the first evening meditation, Yan Qing and Ling Long knelt at the back of the room. The Oracle performed a ritual, invoking a blessing.
As a cloth was removed from a large bronze tripod, white powder dispersed, causing the other participants to feel "stronger" and "like being in my mom's arms." However, Ling Long and Yan Qing, who held their breath, felt nothing. After the meditation, they attempted to examine the tripod but were rebuffed by the Oracle, who stated it contained "the keepsake of the Mountain God" and was not to be offended, letting them off with a warning.
The next day, Ling Long and Yan Qing secretly re-entered the room through a back window. Inside the tripod, they discovered a "red herb" that Ling Long, despite her extensive knowledge of medicine, did not recognize. Their investigation was cut short by the arrival of the Oracle and several men in black. They inspected the herb, with one commenting it was "shriveled up" and would need replacing.
The same man noticed a fresh mark on the wall, deducing that intruders had just been there, and ordered a search. Ling Long and Yan Qing narrowly escaped. Yan Qing deduced that the men in black were Mi Ya's subordinates and shared his suspicion that the Sacred Land was connected to Mi Ya and possibly "The Fallen," a branch of the Wolf Family known for "practicing evil magic." He wondered why Mi Ya would feed so many people for free.
Soon after, Jiu'er announced a progress check. The Oracle inspected the participants, praising those who had developed red spots and felt increased "strength." She declared those with advanced symptoms, like the man who left a wolf claw print on a pillar, "talented" and promised they would pass the test soon. Two others were deemed to have already passed the test and were told they would "go with me tomorrow for the ceremony of meeting the Mountain God."
When Yan Qing and Ling Long were examined, they showed no red spots. The Oracle encouraged them not to "be discouraged," suggesting progress would come if they "eat and sleep well." Yan Qing's attempt to join the chosen group was rejected, as he was "not even close" to passing.
Ling Long and Yan Qing realized the symptoms were "specific to the Wolf Family," leading them to suspect the "red herb in that bronze tripod" was responsible for transforming commoners into wolf tribe members. They decided to find a way to induce the red spots themselves. Ling Long formulated a plan to gain access to the forbidden area by faking the red spots.
She recalled seeing "some herbs at the borderline of the sacred place," whose "processed juice can help us grow red spots." However, a "giant wolf" patrolled the area nightly. Yan Qing confidently declared, "Leave it to me." That night, Yan Qing incapacitated a patrolman and attempted to free the massive wolf, assuring it, "Don't be afraid, you'll be free soon." Unexpectedly, the wolf attacked him. Ling Long, observing that "It has been controlled," instructed Yan Qing to climb a tree.
She then skillfully removed "three needles" from the beast, causing it to revert to a normal size. Following Ling Long's command, the now-freed wolf killed the patrolman before disappearing into the forest. Back in their room, Ling Long prepared the herbal medicine. Yan Qing claimed he couldn't apply the medicine "all over the chest and back" by himself, suggesting, "we should help each other."
Episode 10 Recap
Ling Long was applying medicine to Yan Qing when she accidentally touched his heart, awakening Langyin. Langyin immediately emerged, mocking Ling Long and Yan Qing and referencing Ling Long's previous glimpse of Yan Qing bathing in the river. Their argument was interrupted when the Divine Messenger arrived, noticing that Yan Qing and Ling Long were not sharing a bed.
Thinking quickly, Ling Long accused Yan Qing of having another lover, a "little vixen," which was why she wouldn't sleep with him. The Divine Messenger, along with other villagers, tried to mediate, urging Yan Qing to apologize and appease Ling Long. Yan Qing reluctantly apologized, and the Divine Messenger departed, reminding them that disputes could displease the Mountain God. After the Divine Messenger left, Yan Qing decided to have a serious talk with Langyin.
He tied Ling Long to a pillar to ensure Langyin's full attention. Yan Qing proposed a deal: if Langyin would cease causing trouble and assist Ling Long in fights when necessary, Yan Qing would help her return to Southern Chu to fulfill his mission. Langyin demanded more, wanting Yan Qing to accompany him to complete the mission. Yan Qing agreed, sealing the pact.
They established a secret code for Langyin to emerge: Ling Long would call him "Crazy girl," to which Langyin retorted he would call her "Naughty girl." To maintain their guise as a couple, Yan Qing moved the bedding onto the bed, but Ling Long was adamant about keeping their distance. She placed three bowls of water down the middle of the bed, declaring them a boundary and threatening Yan Qing with severe consequences if even a single drop spilled.
However, it was Ling Long who tossed and turned throughout the night, repeatedly coming close to spilling the water. Yan Qing ended up sitting on the edge of the bed all night, unable to sleep. The next morning, both Yan Qing and Ling Long had developed red spots from the herb they applied. They went to report this good news to the Divine Messenger, who praised their devotion and advised them to eat and rest well.
A woman was secretly observing them. Later, while Yan Qing and Ling Long were collecting herbs, Yan Qing noticed someone following them. He apprehended the person, who turned out to be Xiuniang, Alang's childhood sweetheart who had been brought to the Holy Land in his place. She revealed that she had made her red spots fade by plugging her nose with cotton—a trick Alang had taught her to ward off miasma.
She also explained that she had befriended the giant wolf by feeding it meat buns daily. Xiuniang recounted the tragic fate of Xiaoju, her former roommate, who entered the mountain cave. She later found Xiaoju's blood-stained clothes floating in the stream connected to the cave, leading her to believe Xiaoju had been killed. Yan Qing explained that exposing the Mountain God would summon an army for their rescue, and Xiuniang eagerly offered her help.
Together, they devised a plan: Yan Qing and Ling Long would enter the cave to draw out the Mountain God, after which Ling Long would send a signal through the waterway. Xiuniang, upon seeing the signal, would set the village on fire, creating a diversion for the villagers to escape and meet their waiting allies. To gather everyone without arousing suspicion, Yan Qing proposed that he and Ling Long get married, and Ling Long reluctantly agreed.
They convinced the Divine Messenger that a wedding would inspire other villagers to serve the Mountain God wholeheartedly. During the preparations for the bridal chamber, Ling Long acted out her role, expressing sadness that her parents were not present for her wedding. This stirred similar feelings among the other young women, who shared their own longing for their families.
Yan Qing seized the opportunity to request fireworks for Ling Long as a surprise, ostensibly using his personal savings, and also took the chance to collect more herbs under the guise of decorating the bridal chamber. On their wedding day, Yan Qing and Ling Long performed the traditional bows. Yan Qing used his speech to express gratitude to the Mountain God for their happiness while subtly lamenting their inability to care for their distant families.
This further resonated with the villagers, though the Divine Messenger quickly interjected to redirect their focus back to praising the Mountain God. During the subsequent feast, Yan Qing made sure to get the Divine Messenger drunk. He then set off the fireworks, fulfilling his promise to Ling Long and secretly firing a white signal flare, which was spotted by their allies, indicating it was time to prepare for action.
Later that night, having re-applied the herbs to show renewed red spots, Yan Qing and Ling Long insisted on being taken to meet the Mountain God. The Divine Messenger, still drunk, agreed. Before the meeting, they were led to a room for a ritual bath and change of clothes. This presented a problem, as they had hidden weapons and medicinal powders on their bodies.
As they delayed, arousing the Divine Messenger's suspicion, Ling Long desperately pushed Yan Qing into the bathtub, intending to feign intimacy as an excuse. However, she hesitated. At that critical moment, Langyin took over, emerging and passionately kissing Yan Qing, which convinced the Divine Messenger that their delay was due to newlywed passion. As they were escorted to the Mountain God, Ling Long discreetly scattered a powder and dropped pieces of her red wedding dress into the stream.
Outside, Xiuniang saw the signal and promptly set the village ablaze. Amidst the chaos, she led the villagers in an escape attempt. However, one of the Divine Messengers was alerted, and Xiuniang's group was soon surrounded. Inside the cave, the "Mountain God" was revealed to be Mi Ya. Mi Ya began a ritual using the mystic tricks of Southern Chu, enchanting the holy children and having their wrists cut to collect their blood in a transparent crystal. Yan Qing hurled a dart, injuring Mi Ya and breaking the enchantment. The villagers scattered, and Mi Ya, recognizing Yan Qing and Ling Long, engaged them in a fierce battle.
Episode 11 Recap
Yan Qing was entangled in a fierce battle with Mi Ya. Meanwhile, Ling Long led the saints and other villagers, guided by a giant wolf, to rendezvous with more villagers, only to be pursued by messengers. Bro Tong arrived with the wolf guards for a rescue, but the men in black released a Broken Dragon Stone, blocking their path into the village.
Ling Long initially summoned Langyin for assistance, gaining an advantage, but as time wore on, Langyin grew increasingly weak. In desperation, Ling Long activated a mysterious power within her. A white light enveloped her, destroying the Broken Dragon Stone and finally allowing the wolf guards to rush in and rescue everyone. In the chaos, Mi Ya managed to escape under the cover of two men in black.
By the time Yan Qing shook off the last of his pursuers, Ling Long had already fallen unconscious. Yan Yu was distraught, having seen Ling Long use a small fraction of this power before, which resulted in her meridians being completely severed. This time, he feared the worst. Doctor Mi Sa, after examining Ling Long, stated that her survival depended on whether she woke up by the next morning.
Yan Yu expressed deep remorse and anger, lamenting his failure to protect Ling Long. He had promised to repay her for saving his life in childhood, where she had used a tiny bit of that energy, causing her severe internal injuries that only Aunt Li's timely intervention could cure. Bro Tong arrived, reporting a grim discovery from the cave: numerous bodies, more than two hundred, all children previously taken as "saints" over the years.
He also informed Yan Qing that the grass found in the bronze tripod in the hut was a magic herb, seemingly extracted from Wolf Family warriors. Bro Tong explained that every Wolf Family member has a magic herb growing within their birthmark, which is why their physique is stronger than ordinary people. Yan Qing pieced together the horrifying truth: Mi Ya was using ordinary people to cultivate magic herbs, killing them once grown to extract their energy and refine elixirs.
He reasoned that ordinary people cannot withstand the magic herb's power; they might gain temporary strength but would eventually perish, a fact Mi Ya clearly disregarded. That night, with Doctor Mi Sa's grim prognosis, Yan Qing quietly entered Ling Long's room, ensuring no one else was present. He gently poked Xiao Chan's pressure points to immobilize her, then sat by Ling Long's bedside.
He spoke softly to her, recounting recent events and expressing his deep love and concern, wishing for her to awaken. The giant wolf, which had been with Ling Long since the Mountain God incident, also lay by her side. The next morning, Ling Long woke up. To avoid any rumors or complications, Yan Qing slipped away quietly before anyone saw him.
Ling Long vaguely remembered Yan Qing's tender words and the warmth of his hand in hers throughout the night, leaving her bewildered. Hearing how worried everyone was, Yan Yu realized his earlier misunderstanding and apologized to Yan Qing. Ling Long felt immense relief knowing Mi Ya was gravely wounded and the "saints" had safely descended the mountain. Xiuniang, learning of Ling Long's recovery, immediately visited with Alang, joyfully announcing their recent marriage. Ling Long, delighted, gifted them a jade pendant.
During their conversation, Xiuniang mentioned how Yan Qing had cleverly resolved her past troubles with the scoundrel scholar without resorting to violence, deeply touching Ling Long, who, despite her softening heart, continued to playfully bicker with Yan Qing. Yan Yu, witnessing their growing affection, felt a pang of discomfort. Ling Long presented Yan Qing with the prescription for the wound medicine, in exchange for his promise to help her find a way to return to Southern Chu within a month.
Just then, Yan Yu delivered a letter from Master Yan, summoning them back to the capital to provide a detailed account of the Mi Ya incident for the imperial court. Unexpectedly, Doctor Mi Sa requested to accompany them. He revealed that Mi Ya was his junior martial brother, with whom he shared a close bond growing up while studying alchemy.
Mi Sa confessed that he had discovered Mi Ya practicing forbidden arts and, in a moment of soft-heartedness, merely expelled him instead of eliminating him as he should have. Now, seeing the havoc Mi Ya wreaked, Mi Sa deeply regretted his past leniency and wished to join them to apprehend Mi Ya, thereby atoning for his mistake.
Yan Qing inquired if Mi Sa knew anything about Mi Ya's connection to the Wolf Family or his alleged practice of refining their energy, but Mi Sa denied any knowledge, citing their decade-long separation. Yan Qing agreed to Mi Sa joining their party. Although Ling Long's health was recovering, Doctor Mi Sa advised against overexertion during travel. Yan Qing, citing urgency to report to his father, decided to leave a day earlier.
Ling Long, tired of Yan Qing's teasing, retorted that his absence would quicken her recovery. Still, as Yan Qing departed, he covertly instructed Bro Tong and the wolf guards to follow and protect Ling Long's caravan from any potential ambushes by Mi Ya. As Ling Long's caravan journeyed through a forest, Bro Tong and his men, hidden, noticed a group of Xileng Village villagers lurking. Initially fearing an ambush, Bro Tong stepped out to investigate.
It turned out the villagers had come to bid them farewell and express their profound gratitude. An old man explained their furtive behavior was due to their past ignorance and their desire not to disturb Ling Long during her recovery. Ling Long gently advised them against falling for deception again and to live their lives well. A little girl offered her a basket of eggs as a token of thanks, collected through her weaving efforts.
Ling Long, touched, accepted only one, promising to return when the girl was grown and could protect herself. As the villagers departed, Bro Tong and his team continued their covert protection, knowing Mi Ya was still at large. Ling Long's heart warmed at Yan Qing's thoughtful arrangements, but this burgeoning happiness was a painful sight for Yan Yu.
Episode 12 Recap
Yan Qing constantly pondered how to break off his engagement with Yourou. He felt that as long as the engagement remained, he couldn't openly pursue Ling Long, nor did he want her to misunderstand him as a scoundrel. He wanted Yourou to initiate the breakup, as he knew that if Ling Long were perceived as the reason, her life in Western Turk, already difficult as a pawn, would become even harder.
After much thought, Yan Qing decided to make Yourou suggest the annulment. He spoke to his wolf, lamenting the difficulty of breaking the engagement without implicating Ling Long or hurting Yourou. His conversation gave him an idea: he wouldn't break it himself; he'd make Yourou do it. Later, Yan Qing tried to discuss the annulment with his father, who became furious. His father pointed out Yourou's good family background and appearance, insisting she was worthy of Yan Qing.
He warned that breaking the engagement for an "enemy princess" would publicly shame Yourou's family and jeopardize Ling Long, stating, "If you can accept this result, you can go to Mansion You to break off the engagement. I will never stop you." Yan Qing realized the heavy consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, Misa and Yan Yu were discussing Ling Long's health. Though her illness was almost cured, her body remained weak and unresponsive to tonics.
Misa explained that her condition was due to "two people tossing in the same body," causing greater-than-normal depletion of her vital energy. He proposed an "internal adjustment" by practicing martial arts to strengthen her physique and accelerate recovery, which would also help suppress Lang Yin. Ling Long readily agreed to "eat suffering" if it meant curing her polysomnia. Misa planned to find a reliable female instructor, but Ling Long had other ideas.
A servant announced Yourou's arrival with a retinue of family guards, appearing aggressive. Yan Yu worried about Ling Long's fragile state, but Ling Long decided to face Yourou. Yourou surprised everyone by kneeling before Ling Long to apologize. She explained that after hearing from Yan Yu about Ling Long's courageous act of rescuing the saints, she realized Ling Long was a person of true courage and wisdom, not a flattering schemer.
Yourou then offered to break off her engagement with Yan Qing if Ling Long genuinely loved him, promising never to contend with her again. Ling Long, however, firmly stated she had "nothing to do with Yan Qing" and encouraged Yourou to marry him, even offering a generous wedding gift. Relieved, Yourou happily left, explaining she was still under confinement and had to return. Ling Long privately admired Yourou as "a kind and righteous person who dares to be."
Yan Qing, who had been eavesdropping from the rafters, confronted Ling Long, furious that she had foiled his plan. He revealed he had orchestrated for Yan Yu to tell Yourou about Ling Long's heroism precisely to prompt Yourou to break the engagement. " I've been planning for so long. . . and you ruin it," he accused. Yan Yu interjected, reprimanding Yan Qing for using Ling Long, a vulnerable pawn, in such sensitive matters.
Misa reminded them that Ling Long's health was paramount, urging them to put their squabbles aside. Ling Long then proposed Yourou as her martial arts instructor. She reasoned that Yourou's solid foundation and their mutual familiarity made her an ideal choice, and that such an arrangement would publicly demonstrate their reconciliation, silencing ongoing gossip. General You, after considering Ling Long's persuasive argument, agreed to the proposal.
Yourou enthusiastically prepared detailed training plans, including custom-made panels visible from afar, and warned Ling Long against slacking. During their initial practice, Lang Yin dismissed the techniques as "frivolous tricks," was provoked and took over Ling Long's body, challenging Yourou to a fight. Yan Qing swiftly intervened, knocking Lang Yin unconscious before she could harm Yourou.
Ling Long, upon regaining consciousness, revealed her condition of "two people in one body" to Yourou, pleading for secrecy due to societal prejudice and the threat it posed to her life. Yourou promised absolute confidentiality. Yourou suggested finding another strong instructor to control Lang Yin, but Yan Qing argued against involving outsiders, citing concerns about security and secrecy.
He proposed himself as the instructor, asserting his superior martial arts skills to control Lang Yin and his insider status to maintain the secret. Ling Long and Yourou, convinced by his logic, reluctantly agreed. Yan Qing began training Ling Long with military-style intensity. Yourou protested, deeming the methods too harsh for Ling Long's delicate condition, but Yan Qing dismissed her, stating, "People in the army are trained like this." To prove his methods were flawed, Yourou joined the strenuous training.
By the end of the day, both were exhausted and sore. Yan Qing, maintaining his "cold-blooded instructor" persona, expressed "great disappointment" and ordered them to continue the next day. Yan Yu expressed concern to Misa about the extreme training, but Misa explained its rationale: "To fundamentally strengthen her physique, breaking the limit is a necessary step." He advised patience, and the girls agreed to endure the training for a few more days.
That night, Yan Qing was caught eavesdropping from the rafters again. This time, however, it was Lang Yin who emerged to confront him. Leaning on his shoulder, she revealed that, as the one closest to Ling Long, she could sense Ling Long’s true feelings: that she held Yan Qing in a special place, different from anyone else.
Delighted by the revelation, Yan Qing listened as Lang Yin offered to help him win her over, though he ultimately dismissed her and told her to focus on her own mission. Despite his harsh demeanor, Yan Qing secretly cared for Ling Long. He prepared medicinal plasters for her soreness and discreetly gave them to Xuanyu, instructing him to pass them to Yourou, knowing Yourou would then give them to Ling Long.
Yan Qing explained his convoluted approach by stating he was an engaged man and shouldn't approach Ling Long directly. Ling Long and Yourou applied the effective plasters while chatting in a medicinal bath, praising Xuanyu's kindness. They also learned from Yourou about a bet among the Wolf Guards on Yan Qing's "emotional belonging," with many betting against him.
Feeling indignant and seeking revenge, Ling Long and Yourou resolved to "give this boy a taste of his own medicine," devising "dirty tricks" since they couldn't defeat him directly. The next day, during Plum Blossom Stakes training, Ling Long and Yourou loosened the wooden stakes and hid sharp objects within them. However, Yan Qing effortlessly demonstrated the moves, completely unaffected by their traps. He mocked their "low-level tricks" and punished them with twenty laps.
Later, Ling Long feigned heatstroke, collapsing dramatically. Yourou, playing along, urged Yan Qing to get a doctor, exclaiming, "She could die of heat stroke." Panicked and distracted by worry, Yan Qing rushed to help Ling Long, confirming Misa's earlier observation that "caring leads to distraction." This gave Ling Long and Yourou the perfect opportunity to activate a trap, hoisting Yan Qing high into the air.
They demanded that all future training decisions—"when and how to practice"—would be "all up to us." Yan Qing initially resisted, but seeing them prepare to leave, he quickly relented, begging them to release him. Ling Long and Yourou walked away, planning to get "stewed snow pear with sugar," leaving Yan Qing suspended. Soon after, Xuanyu arrived and released Yan Qing, who admitted to having been momentarily "distracted" by concern. While Yan Qing was away, Ling Long visited his wolf.
The wolf led her to a small hut, where she discovered a table covered with medicinal ingredients. She realized with a warm heart that Yan Qing had been secretly making the healing plasters for her. Yan Qing returned to find his men chuckling and learned Ling Long had been in the hut for "half an hour." He rushed to the hut, attempting to deflect by claiming the items belonged to Xuanyu, but Ling Long's knowing gaze made it clear his thoughtful gesture had been exposed.
Episode 13 Recap
Despite Yan Qing's efforts to motivate Ling Long and Yourou through rigorous training, his perceived kindness quickly dissipated when Ling Long discovered he was using them as pawns to cancel his engagement with Yourou. Enraged, Ling Long glued traumatic injury plasters to Yan Qing's face, tricked him into a trash cart, and pushed him into a pond. After he emerged, she chastised him for his manipulative behavior, reminding him how it felt to be deceived by a trusted person.
Their argument escalated, resulting in Yan Qing being pushed back into the water by a hidden mechanism that Ling Long had arranged with military personnel to install. Ling Long then explicitly warned him to stop trespassing on her property, branding his behavior as that of a hooligan.
Yan Qing tried to explain his actions were to protect her from being entangled in his problematic engagement, but Ling Long, firm on respect and boundaries, threatened to expose his schemes to Yourou if he didn't leave. Soon after, Yourou arrived, interrupting the confrontation. Ling Long quickly composed herself and dismissed Yan Qing. Yourou then revealed her purpose: to seek Ling Long's help in a murder case.
Carpenter Zhang was accused of killing Accountant Li for money, a verdict supported by strong evidence. However, Yourou's Mammy Xu, who had raised her and was a long-time friend of Carpenter Zhang, firmly believed in his innocence and asked Yourou to investigate. Yourou, acknowledging Ling Long's superior investigative skills, promised to follow her instructions.
Ling Long agreed to help on two conditions: Yourou would lead the investigation, and she would shed her identity as Lady You for a less conspicuous but officially recognized role. Yourou readily accepted, swiftly acquiring an official order and a token to pose as a scholar. Ling Long, however, cautioned her that her father, General You, would likely soon learn of her covert activities. Indeed, General You, infuriated by Yourou's unauthorized investigation, summoned Yan Qing.
He tasked Yan Qing with acting as a special envoy to subtly deter Yourou, ensuring she would withdraw from the case without damaging their father-daughter relationship or her pride. General You even promised to clear Yan Qing's past transgressions and arrange his wedding to Yourou if he succeeded. Meanwhile, Ling Long and Yourou, disguised as scholars, visited Carpenter Zhang in prison.
Overjoyed, he adamantly denied killing Accountant Li, explaining that Li had summoned him to the grain store that night, leading to an argument when Li insisted he stay. Carpenter Zhang left to meet an old acquaintance but was arrested the next day, accused of murder and attempted escape. When pressed for the identity of his acquaintance, Carpenter Zhang refused, choosing potential execution over implicating an innocent party.
Their interview reached a stalemate just as Yan Qing, in his official capacity, arrived. He warned the two women to cease their interference and consider the repercussions. Realizing Yan Qing was her father's instrument, Yourou fumed, but Ling Long advised her to ignore him unless he directly obstructed their efforts. With no other safe place to stay, Ling Long suggested they reside at Carpenter Zhang's house to learn more about his character.
Yourou, unaccustomed to the dusty, cobweb-laden, and sparsely furnished home, found it a stark contrast to her pampered upbringing. She yearned for a life of freedom and adventure like Ling Long's, lamenting her lack of practical skills. Ling Long encouraged her, emphasizing that it was never too late to learn, and Yourou gradually helped with cleaning. To avoid being recognized in public, Ling Long taught Yourou to cook simple meals using the available ingredients.
Yourou surprisingly displayed a knack for cooking, finding contentment in her newfound abilities. Unseen by them, Yan Qing and Xuanyu watched from the rooftop, both displaying similar expressions of surprise at the deepening bond between Ling Long and Yourou. Though Xuanyu had not interacted much with Yourou, he was already attracted to her forthright personality. Xuanyu even suggested that Yan Qing's methods had unexpectedly brought the two women closer.
Returning to the case, Ling Long theorized that if Accountant Li had initiated the meeting with Carpenter Zhang, it weakened the robbery motive. They visited Accountant Li's widow, who initially confirmed that Li had brought the army ration account book home to secretly copy it and had indeed summoned Carpenter Zhang.
However, when Yan Qing arrived with a group of officials, the widow, fearing the exposure of her husband's illicit actions and the loss of her family's pension, immediately retracted her previous statements, reiterating that Carpenter Zhang was the killer. Yourou was furious at the widow's sudden change, but Ling Long explained the widow's difficult position, identifying the military account book as the true key to solving the murder.
Since they had no authority to access such confidential documents, Ling Long proposed that Yourou approach Yan Qing for help. Reluctantly, Yourou presented Yan Qing with a jar of expensive aged wine from Jinghong Restaurant, offering apologies and requesting his assistance in retrieving the account book. Yan Qing accepted her apology but refused to cooperate, reminding her he was dispatched to prevent her from further investigation and intended to keep the account book himself.
Enraged, Yourou smashed the wine jar and several vases in his study, venting her frustration. Once Yourou had calmed down, Ling Long shrewdly pointed out that Yan Qing possessing the account book actually played into their hands. She proposed a daring plan: Yourou would sneak into Yan Qing's study to "borrow a book."
If caught, she could feign innocence, claiming she mistakenly picked up the army ration account book, thereby shifting the blame onto Yan Qing for his negligence in handling confidential documents. That night, Ling Long stood guard while Yourou stealthily entered Yan Qing's study to retrieve the critical ledger. However, unknown to them, Yan Qing, having anticipated their maneuver, was already waiting outside the mansion gates with a pot of wine, ready for Ling Long.
Episode 14 Recap
Yourou, attempting to steal the military account book from Yan Qing's study, was intercepted by Xuanyu. During their brief struggle, Xuanyu noticed Yourou using the dagger he had given her, which secretly pleased him. When Yourou insisted on taking the book, Xuanyu surprisingly handed it over, explaining he was only responsible for Yan Qing's safety, not the book's, and had intended to give it to her anyway.
He added that Yan Qing had already reviewed the account book and found no issues, a statement that baffled Yourou. In a separate conversation, Yan Qing tried to explain to Ling Long about Mammy Xu's deeply held, unspoken feelings for Carpenter Zhang, speculating that her repressed emotions might be leading her to deny his potential guilt. He attempted to use this as a segue to express his own feelings for Ling Long, urging them not to suppress their emotions.
However, Wolf Shadow, Ling Long's other personality, repeatedly interrupted, overtly pointing out Yan Qing's attempts to confess his love. Frustrated by Wolf Shadow's interference and Yan Qing's awkwardness, Ling Long, claiming to feel unwell, abruptly left despite Yan Qing's pleas for her to stay.
Ling Long, while discussing with Wolf Shadow, expressed her frustration about being entangled with Yan Qing for a forgotten mission, reaffirming their incompatibility due to their differing statuses as a Southern Chu Princess and a Western Turk Lieutenant. Later, Yourou confirmed she had retrieved the account book. Despite being told by Xuanyu that Yan Qing found no issues, Yourou insisted on reviewing it herself, believing that only self-discovered evidence truly matters.
Together, they meticulously examined the ledger and quickly uncovered glaring discrepancies. Entries for "military provisions for the front line" had been altered to "provisions for city patrol guards." Yourou explained that front-line provisions were of a higher grade and significantly more expensive, indicating a clear case of fraud where someone was profiting by substituting high-quality goods with inferior ones.
Yourou pointed out that Yan Qing, having grown up in the frontier army, wouldn't be familiar with the specifics of urban patrol provisions. In contrast, her father oversaw all military provisions for Western Turk, giving her an extensive, almost encyclopedic knowledge that allowed her to effortlessly identify the fraudulent entries. They concluded that Accountant Li must have been murdered because he uncovered this scheme.
Given the ability to discreetly manipulate military supplies and intimate knowledge of Accountant Li’s movements, they strongly suspected the grain store owner. However, they believed such a bold operation couldn't occur without the backing of a high-ranking official. Ling Long devised a plan to expose them. The next morning, Ling Long and Yourou visited the grain store, where the owner appeared visibly nervous.
Under the pretense of purchasing rice, Ling Long subtly inquired about "Sichuan rice" and then remarked how easily it could be passed off as the more expensive "Ninghua rice" intended for the frontier military, highlighting the immense profits such a substitution would yield. Startled, the owner fumbled and spilled the rice he was holding, quickly attributing his clumsiness to a lack of sleep from an all-night accounting session.
Recognizing his immediate confession of guilt, Yourou and Ling Long left the store. Yan Qing, who had been secretly watching, then instructed Xuanyu to follow the owner, who was seen furtively meeting with an official, confirming their suspicion of collusion. Initially, Yan Qing dispatched his guards to protect the girls, but upon seeing Ling Long take White Teeth, he realized she had her own elaborate plan and redirected his men to merely observe, to "be an audience" to her strategy.
Later, Xuanyu secretly informed Yourou that the official had ordered assassins to kill them that very night. Although he initially claimed Yan Qing had only instructed him to notify her father, Yourou recognized his personal concern for her safety and requested his help. Before the assassins arrived, Ling Long scattered her specially formulated fragrance powder throughout the room. As planned, Xuanyu had ingeniously modified their bed with a trapdoor.
When two men in black entered and stabbed the bed, Yourou and Ling Long were safely hidden underneath. The assassins departed, believing their mission accomplished, unaware that they were now marked with Ling Long's unique, identifying powder. Guided by White Teeth, Yourou and Ling Long soon discovered the assassins' still-warm bodies nearby. Before they could pursue further, the corrupt official and the grain store owner arrived, immediately accusing the two women of murder.
Yourou, revealing her identity as General You’s daughter, bravely presented the fraudulent account book as irrefutable proof of the grain store’s scheme to substitute Ninghua rice with cheaper Sichuan rice. In a desperate attempt to cover his tracks and eliminate witnesses, the official abruptly stabbed and killed the grain store owner, claiming he was justly punishing a traitor.
However, Ling Long exposed his hypocrisy by pointing out the unique fragrance powder clinging to his hands, evidence that he had been in close proximity to the recently deceased assassins. When confronted with the suggestion of using a patrol dog to confirm the scent, the cornered official, fearing total exposure, ordered his men to kill Yourou, Ling Long, and White Teeth, attempting to destroy all remaining evidence.
Just as the situation grew dire, Yan Qing and General You arrived, swiftly apprehending the corrupt official and his accomplices. General You, pleased with Yan Qing and Yourou's cooperation, was ready to finalize the marriage arrangements. However, Yourou seized the opportunity, declaring her desire to shape her own destiny and unequivocally requesting her father to annul her engagement to Yan Qing. Moved by her conviction, General You consented.
Afterward, Yourou lightheartedly confronted Yan Qing, acknowledging his cunning scheme to provoke her into canceling the engagement, but also admitting that his actions had unintentionally fostered a strong friendship between her and Ling Long. Xuanyu then offered to teach Yourou martial arts, which she eagerly accepted, playfully vowing to use her new skills to "kick Yan Qing's ass" for his trickery.
At Mammy Xu's deathbed, Carpenter Zhang held a hairpin she had kept for years because it reminded her of him. Before her last breath, she expressed deep regret for not marrying him, confessing her love, which he reciprocated, lamenting their wasted years. He lovingly placed the hairpin in her hair, calling her beautiful, just before she passed away. Witnessing their profound regret, Yan Qing was deeply moved. He promptly declared his intention to propose to Ling Long.
His father, Yan Yu, confronted him, questioning his willingness to sacrifice his honors, title, and promising future for a princess from an enemy state. Yan Qing steadfastly affirmed his decision, vowing to eliminate all obstacles and protect Ling Long. Recognizing his son's unwavering resolve, Yan Yu reluctantly agreed to the engagement, acknowledging that Ling Long’s rapidly deteriorating "multi-spirits symptom" necessitated her urgent return to Southern Chu, for which an engagement would provide a diplomatic and face-saving pretext.
Yan Jue, however, was incensed by Yan Qing’s decision. He confronted Yan Qing, scoffing at his stated disinterest in the title, convinced it was part of some elaborate scheme. Yan Qing retorted that he could earn his own accolades on the battlefield and accused Yan Jue of being the only one obsessed with the title, calling him narrow-minded and unworthy.
This confrontation left Yan Jue feeling utterly defeated and foolish, as he realized his "ten years of enduring hardships" and rivalry had, from Yan Qing's perspective, been a pointless solo act, a realization more galling than outright defeat. Drowning his sorrows in wine, Yan Jue, who had previously sought a warlock capable of allowing Wolf Shadow to permanently possess Ling Long's body, was then introduced to a masked figure claiming to be such a specialist.
This warlock subtly employed Southern Chu mystic tricks to manipulate Yan Jue's mind, inflating his ego and convincing him that his brothers' apparent indifference to the title was merely a sign of their fear. Meanwhile, oblivious to Yan Jue's dark turn, Yan Qing and Ling Long had already embarked on their journey to Southern Chu.
Inside their carriage, Yan Qing attempted to bridge the distance between them, explaining that as an engaged couple, they needed to cultivate an appearance of intimacy and mutual understanding to avoid suspicion, particularly from Ling Long's father. Ling Long, however, remained unreceptive, consistently telling him to move away.
As Yan Qing tried various ploys to charm her, suggesting conversations and drinks to foster closeness, Ling Long eventually placed a book between them, reiterating her familiar boundary: "cross the line, you die." When Yan Qing playfully asked what would happen if she crossed the line, she confidently declared she never would.
Episode 15 Recap
Yan Qing cleverly orchestrated events to draw Ling Long closer to him. He instructed Bro Tong to drive their carriage on rugged roads, causing Ling Long to bump into him. When Ling Long questioned his intentions, Bro Tong falsely claimed the carriage had broken down. Seizing the opportunity, Yan Qing had Bro Tong bring out a spread of Southern Chu pastries he had prepared.
Ling Long, however, saw through his machinations, confirmed the carriage was fine, and playfully sent Yan Qing across the lake to retrieve a dandelion, then retreated to the carriage with Xiaojin. Yan Qing, realizing Ling Long had outsmarted him, rushed back, wet and carrying a carefully crafted wooden box containing the dandelion. Despite his playful grumbling about the supposedly "broken" carriage, Ling Long smiled at the sight of the perfectly preserved dandelion, a token of his efforts.
He told her he was wet and would change before riding with his "wife" again. Upon arriving at an inn, Yan Qing attempted to scheme his way into sharing a room with Ling Long by bribing the innkeeper to claim no other rooms were available. However, Ling Long turned the tables, offering to stay in the woodshed herself for the price of the best room, forcing Yan Qing to take the woodshed instead.
That evening, Yan Qing grew wary of the inn's atmosphere; he noticed other guests, posing as businessmen, carried concealed weapons. He warned his men to be vigilant, suspecting a gang conflict. When he later brought food to Ling Long, fabricating a story about stealing it from Bro Tong to enter her room, an ambush unfolded outside her door. The group narrowly escaped the ambush, during which Yan Qing took an arrow to protect Ling Long.
They realized the arrow was a military weapon, indicating their attackers were no ordinary bandits. To avoid endangering the residents of Xileng Village, they ascended the mountain to a deserted village once used by saints, where they could treat their wounds and find supplies. Yan Qing, seizing the chance, exaggerated his injury, feigning dizziness and pain to elicit Ling Long's concern.
She was deeply worried, fearing the arrow was poisoned and he was dying, leading her to cry and plead with him to stay awake. When he finally revealed his deception, Ling Long, though relieved, was furious and hit him repeatedly. Yan Qing, delighted that she had cried for him, accepted her scolding with satisfaction and happily drank the bitter medicine she prepared.
While the Wolf Guards patrolled, Bro Tong brought two wild chickens to Xiaojin, who was cooking for the group, and gave her his coat, claiming he was too hot. Meanwhile, a captured assassin confessed that Yanjue had sent him to kill Yan Qing and capture Ling Long alive, stating she was "useful." Yan Qing was stunned, unable to comprehend why Yanjue would resort to such extreme measures, especially after he had already renounced his claim to the title.
Ling Long, with her keen insight, explained that Yan Qing's indifference to the title and his well-intentioned advice would only fuel Yanjue's inferiority complex and sense of humiliation, potentially driving him to a murderous rage. Yan Qing then realized his parents and General You were also likely in danger. As they discussed this, Yourou, General You's daughter, was chased by black-clad men to their mountain hideout and rescued by Xuanyu.
She revealed that after Yan Qing left, Yanjue had taken advantage of her and her father attending a banquet at Lord Yan's estate to imprison both Lord Yan and General You, along with Yan Qing's mother. Yourou narrowly escaped because she had stepped away to admire flowers. She also disclosed that Yanjue was now completely under the influence of a masked warlock whom he had never seen before and whose presence seemed to muddle people's minds.
Yan Qing, however, dismissed the warlock's power, believing Yanjue merely desired the title and wouldn't harm their family. He insisted they rest for the night, assuring everyone that an extra night wouldn't make a difference, even teasing Ling Long about their "fake" engagement becoming real and mentioning having children together, which earned him more playful blows from Ling Long. Ling Long then asked Yan Qing if he had ever felt fear.
He admitted that while he was fearless in battle before, he now felt deep fear due to his attachments. Ling Long confessed to feeling the same. Yan Qing then gave her his mother's amulet for comfort, promising to retrieve it the next day. Ling Long recognized it as the broken jade pendant from their first meeting, which Yan Qing blamed on Langyin.
After Ling Long finally fell asleep, Yan Qing, having used an acupoint to keep her asleep, gathered Xuanyu and the Wolf Guards to return to Western Turk under the cover of night. He instructed Yourou to impersonate him and travel with Misa and the engagement team to Southern Chu, for both disguise and protection, and ordered Misa not to wake Ling Long until they reached their destination.
Misa objected to Yan Qing making such a crucial decision without Ling Long's consent, but Yan Qing insisted it was an emergency and promised to explain everything to Ling Long himself. After Yan Qing's departure, Yourou felt uneasy and woke Ling Long, revealing Yan Qing's plan and handing her two letters he had left behind. In one, Yan Qing explained his departure to save his family, expressing his unwillingness to involve Ling Long in the danger.
He cherished their bond and wrote that as long as she remained safe, he would have no regrets. He reflected on his mother's past abandonment and now understood that deep love sometimes necessitated separation. He promised to reunite with her in Southern Chu if he survived, but if not, the accompanying divorce letter would ensure her safety. Ling Long was heartbroken and furious that Yan Qing had lied.
Despite Misa and Xiaojin's logical arguments about the dangers and her role as a Southern Chu princess, Ling Long adamantly declared she could not abandon Yan Qing to face the peril alone. Yourou, in a sudden change of heart, pledged her support, asserting her ability to help, and Misa reluctantly agreed to accompany them back to Western Turk. Yan Qing established a camp outside the city walls. Yanjue, though possessing the tiger-shaped tally, was hesitant to confront his brother.
Mr. Ironmask, the masked warlock, swiftly swayed Yanjue's resolve, reminding him that the succession papers were pending imperial approval, which would legitimize Yanjue as Lord and brand Yan Qing a rebel. Mr. Ironmask painted a stark picture: retreat now meant death as a prisoner. Under the warlock's manipulative influence, Yanjue suppressed any lingering brotherly sentiment, believing he had no alternative but to fight.
Shortly after the warlock left, Yourou arrived with Misa and Ling Long, who was feigning unconsciousness in a wooden box. Yourou presented Ling Long to Yanjue as a crucial "gift," explaining that as Yan Qing's beloved, Ling Long could be used to control him, guaranteeing Yanjue's victory. Misa corroborated, emphasizing Ling Long's fragile health and the need to keep her alive to lure Yan Qing.
Yanjue was pleased, and after ensuring he would release General You upon Yan Qing's surrender, Ling Long was taken away. However, once Ling Long was out of earshot, Yourou dramatically revealed that her previous words and actions were all part of Ling Long's cunning plan, indicating a deeper scheme was afoot.
Episode 16 Recap
Yourou approached Yanjue, claiming that everything she had said and done previously was at Ling Long's behest—part of Ling Long's scheme to "lurk around" Yanjue and launch a surprise attack to aid Yan Qing. She divulged that Ling Long suffered from "multiple personalities" and thus required Doctor Misa to enter Yanjue's mansion with her, necessitating Yourou to stage this elaborate act.
Yanjue expressed surprise at her knowledge, and Yourou responded that it took "a lot of effort to win her trust" and now Ling Long "regards me as her friend." When Yanjue inquired about her betrayal, Yourou, fueled by jealousy over Ling Long's relationship with Yan Qing and her father's fate resting in Yanjue's hands, explained there was no personal gain in assisting Ling Long.
She then outlined her conditions for an alliance: her father, General You, must retain his military authority and status in Western Turk after the imminent coup, and Yanjue must marry her as his legal wife upon inheriting the title. Yanjue, impressed by her ambition, readily agreed. Yourou further advised him to keep Ling Long separated from Doctor Misa to maintain control and requested that Doctor Misa be sent to attend to her injured father.
Ling Long awoke in Yanjue's mansion, disoriented and wondering where Yourou was. Yanjue greeted her, dismissing her confusion as "acting" and claiming she had "wanted to come back." He added that Yourou, out of concern for her recovery, wished for her to recuperate there. Following Yourou's advice, Yanjue prevented Ling Long from seeing Doctor Misa. Instead, he introduced Mr. Ironmask, who "also has general medical skills" and could "help you cure your Multiple Personality Disorder."
Mr. Ironmask's intrusive questions about Ling Long's deepest fears, particularly her hatred for her father, successfully provoked Langyin's emergence. Langyin immediately expressed her disdain for Yanjue. However, Mr. Ironmask warned Yanjue that her appearance might be feigned. Sensing the suspicion, Ling Long, from within, instructed a reluctant Langyin to "pretend to faint," which she did. Yanjue, showing concern, dismissed Mr. Ironmask and had her taken to rest.
Meanwhile, Yan Qing and Xuanyu received news that Ling Long and Yourou had returned to Western Turk and that Yourou was now engaged to Yanjue. Disbelieving Yourou's betrayal, Yan Qing suspected it was part of a larger plan. He and Xuanyu attempted to confront Yourou at her mansion but were ambushed by Yanjue's guards, forcing them to escape.
This was all part of Yourou's scheme; she had anticipated Yan Qing's visit and informed Yanjue, orchestrating the ambush to solidify his trust in her "sincerity." As part of the plan, Yanjue confined Doctor Misa with Yan Yu and the other captives. Recognizing a specially prepared sachet from Ling Long containing potent medicine, Misa administered it to cure them of the mystic tricks of Southern Chu. In Yanjue's mansion, Ling Long pressed Langyin to retrieve the tiger-shaped tally from Yanjue.
Langyin flatly refused, finding him repulsive, but when Ling Long warned that Yan Qing's life was at stake, she reluctantly agreed to make an attempt. Coached by Ling Long, Langyin adopted an uncharacteristically gentle demeanor with Yanjue. During their dinner, however, she was unexpectedly moved when Yanjue confided his childhood dream of being a craftsman, an ambition crushed by his late mother's dying wish for him to inherit the title.
Finding a moment of sincerity in him, Langyin abandoned the plan to drug him and drank with him instead. In his inebriated state, Yanjue pulled out the box containing the tally to boast. But when he drunkenly tried to kiss her, an enraged Langyin violently beat him until guards rushed in. Prompted by Ling Long, Langyin feigned fainting to escape, leaving the mission a failure. Now utterly disgusted, Langyin refused to help further.
With no other option, Ling Long was forced to impersonate Langyin herself. Apologizing for the previous night's "drunken" behavior, she succeeded in getting Yanjue to drink drugged wine, rendering him unconscious. Ling Long then found the key in his waist pocket, unlocked the box, and deftly swapped the genuine tiger-shaped tally for a carefully crafted replica. To cover her tracks, she staged a dramatic scene, waking the household by crying hysterically that her honor had been compromised by Yanjue.
A groggy Yanjue awoke, found the replica tally in his pocket, and, seeing it undisturbed, remained oblivious to the deception. Mr. Ironmask also checked, confirming the tally was there, and suspected nothing. The next day, Ling Long confronted Yanjue, offering to write a letter persuading Yan Qing to surrender in exchange for a guarantee of his life. Tearfully, she claimed her "innocent reputation" had been ruined, leaving her unable to face Yan Qing.
She pledged to relinquish control of her body to Langyin permanently if Yanjue ensured Yan Qing's survival. Yanjue, swayed by her apparent despair, agreed. At the cautious Mr. Ironmask's suggestion, Yourou was assigned to supervise Ling Long and deliver the letter. At Yan Qing's camp, Yourou presented the wooden box. Yan Qing, after examining it, retrieved the "real" tiger-shaped tally from a hidden compartment.
It was revealed that Yourou's "betrayal" and alliance with Yanjue were all part of Ling Long's intricate plan, designed to allow Doctor Misa to cure the captives and to create an opportunity for Ling Long to retrieve the tally. Armed with the true tiger-shaped tally, Yan Qing mobilized his troops to attack Yanjue under the guise of "suppressing rebellion." Ling Long's letter also contained a secret message, instructing him to launch fireworks as a signal the night before the assault.
As the fireworks burst across the sky, Yan Qing understood that beyond a signal, Ling Long desired to witness their beauty. Gazing at the dazzling display, he vowed to remain with Ling Long for life. Later, Yanjue, enraged that Yan Qing could command troops while he possessed "the tiger-shaped tally," sought counsel from Mr. Ironmask. Conceding they had underestimated Yan Qing, Mr. Ironmask advised Yanjue to send a surrender letter as a temporary measure to buy time.
Episode 17 Recap
As Yan Jue's influence waned, a masked sorcerer approached Yan Qing, presenting a blood letter from Yan Jue offering surrender. Yan Qing, concerned that Yan Jue might act rashly against Ling Long, opened the letter. The moment he did, he fell under a powerful illusion, his mind becoming disoriented. Unaware of Yan Qing's sudden predicament, Ling Long, with the help of Mi Ya, the doctor, proceeded with their plan to free the imprisoned.
They rescued General You, Yan Yu, and other detainees, leading them to a secluded storage room within the Yan Mansion. There, Ling Long noticed Master Yan's jade pendant, which appeared identical to the one Yan Qing had given her. Master Yan explained that his was a unique family heirloom from Yan Qing's birth mother, prompting Ling Long to reveal that Yan Jue had created a copy to frame Yan Qing.
Master Yan's wife (Yan Jue's mother) then admitted that she had given the pendant to Yan Jue after he expressed interest in it. Master Yan, angered by Yan Jue's deception, expressed concern for the real pendant, but Ling Long pointed out a faint glow on his pendant, identifying it as the genuine article, though neither Master Yan nor Yan Yu could perceive it. Master Yan then curiously inquired about Ling Long's lineage as a Southern Chu princess.
Soon after, Yourou arrived, distraught, bringing grave news: Yan Qing had mysteriously disappeared, and his army was stalled without his command. Realizing they could wait no longer, Ling Long decided they had to attempt a breakout from the Yan Mansion. However, as they made their move, Yan Jue and his forces intercepted them. Yan Jue accused Yourou of still siding with Yan Qing.
Master Yan reprimanded his son, calling him unfilial, but Yan Jue retorted, questioning if his father had ever truly seen him as a son and asserting his right to the family title as the firstborn. Refusing to admit any wrongdoing, Yan Jue ordered his men to seize the group, despite his mother's pleas. General You then stepped forward, proposing that he and Master Yan fight together against Yan Jue's forces. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Yan Qing abruptly appeared.
He witnessed a frenzied "Langyin" indiscriminately attacking everyone, including General You, Master Yan's wife, and even Yan Yu. As "Langyin" turned her violence towards Master Yan, Yan Qing intervened. During their struggle, Yan Qing tore open "Langyin's" clothes and, discovering no birthmark on her shoulder, realized he was under an illusion. Snapping out of the spell, he quickly woke Xuanyu, who was also enchanted.
The masked sorcerer, revealed to be Mi Ya, expressed shock that Yan Qing had broken his "Southern Chu spell." Mi Ya then warned Yan Qing that Yan Jue and his remaining guards were also caught in the same madness, endangering Ling Long and Yan Qing's family. Prioritizing their safety, Yan Qing reluctantly allowed Mi Ya, the sorcerer, to escape. True to Mi Ya's warning, Yan Jue and his forces continued their mad assault, even overwhelming Yan Qing.
Ling Long, witnessing the brutal scene, disregarded her own safety and unleashed her mysterious power. This powerful burst severely injured Yan Jue and his enchanted men, causing them to collapse. As Yan Jue lost consciousness, his final words were a heartfelt declaration of love for Langyin. Overwhelmed by the immense exertion, Ling Long also fell into a deep coma. While Ling Long lay unconscious, Yan Yu attempted to console a guilt-ridden Yan Qing, who blamed himself for Ling Long's condition.
Yan Qing confessed that he had sent Ling Long away with a "divorce letter," but she had returned because of him, and he had fallen deeply in love with her. Yan Yu, who had passed the imperial examination and harbored his own hopes of marrying Ling Long, was heartbroken by this revelation. He wept, admitting that Ling Long was the only woman he loved and desired.
Later, left alone, Yan Yu's heartbreak solidified into a grim determination, vowing never to give up on Ling Long. Yan Jue eventually regained consciousness, but his mind had regressed to that of a six-year-old. He excitedly showed his father a makeshift arrowhead, recalling his childhood dream of becoming a carpenter to craft powerful weapons.
He tearfully recounted his stepmother's harsh words, who had criticized his soft nature and weak physique, and her insistence that he, as the firstborn, inherit the family title. He dismissed the importance of the title, declaring he would marry a "super awesome wife" to protect him, thus explaining his profound affection for Langyin. After Ling Long slowly recovered, she found herself in a joyous reunion with Yan Qing.
However, their happiness was cut short when Master Yan forcibly took Ling Long to a secret room. He fiercely interrogated her about the Wolf King's energy within her, accusing her of complicity in the death of Xueyin—Yan Qing's birth mother and the former Wolf King of the Blue Wolf Tribe—who had died 18 years prior in Southern Chu. Master Yan believed the Southern Chu royal family had murdered Xueyin and transferred her power to Ling Long.
Ling Long, having no knowledge of Xueyin, vehemently denied the accusations. Yan Qing rushed in to defend her. Master Yan then revealed the long-held secret of Yan Qing's true parentage, explaining that he had deliberately concealed Yan Qing's identity as the Wolf King's son and kept him at a distance to protect him from those who coveted the Wolf King's power, especially after Xueyin had left him a letter and the jade pendant, unwilling to endanger her family.
He further revealed that he had sent a twelve-year-old Yan Qing to the border with a trusted confidant for his safety. Yan Qing was stunned to learn that Xuanyu was Master Yan's "trusted confidant" all along. Xuanyu confirmed that he had been placed by Master Yan to protect and observe him, acknowledging that his past actions to gain Yan Qing's trust were part of a long-term plan.
Master Yan explained that for 18 years he had suspected the Southern Chu royal family of involvement in Xueyin's death, and he had taken up his post in Western Turk specifically to investigate. Now, with the Wolf King's power manifesting in Ling Long, he felt his suspicions were confirmed. He immediately ordered Ling Long's imprisonment and the dispatch of troops to Southern Chu for revenge within ten days.
Yan Qing vehemently protested, pointing out that Ling Long was an infant 18 years ago and could not possibly be the killer. Mi Ya, the skilled doctor, intervened, swearing by his medical oath that through a special "mesmerization" technique, he had confirmed the Wolf King's power was forcibly transferred to Ling Long by an unknown individual. With this new evidence, Yan Qing pleaded for one month to find the true culprit.
Master Yan reluctantly agreed, but issued a stern warning: if the truth was not uncovered within that month, he would personally lead the troops to Southern Chu and execute Ling Long for revenge. With the one-month deadline set, Yan Qing and Ling Long decided to return to Southern Chu under the guise of an engagement to investigate Xueyin's death within the royal palace. Mi Ya, the skilled doctor, insisted on accompanying them, eager to study Ling Long's unique medical condition.
Yan Qing assigned Xuanyu the task of managing all travel logistics. Xuanyu, still reeling from the revelation of his true role as Master Yan's agent, questioned if Yan Qing could still trust him. Yan Qing, however, reassured him, affirming that despite the initial deception, their decade of shared life-and-death experiences and deep brotherhood were undeniably real, and their bond remained strong.
Episode 18 Recap
Before Yan Qing and Ling Long set off for Southern Chu, Yan Qing's mother oversaw the meticulous packing of many gifts. She explained that these gifts were not just tokens, but represented the Yan family’s sincere attitude towards the impending marriage, emphasizing that such matters could not be taken lightly. She also carefully selected six skilled maids, proficient in accounting, cooking, purchasing, and management, presenting their contracts to Ling Long as a special gift.
Ling Long, deeply touched by the gesture, acknowledged the care, feeling as though she was being treated like a daughter. Yan Qing, finding the extensive preparations a bit much, suggested leaving the maids in the manor for now, but his mother insisted, wanting everyone in Southern Chu to know that Ling Long was their most valued daughter-in-law, and dared anyone to bully her or her mother. Ling Long graciously accepted the gesture.
As they were preparing to depart, You Rou, accompanied by those who had previously troubled Ling Long, came to apologize, acknowledging her past impulsive and naive behavior. Ling Long, forgiving and understanding, noted that their past conflicts had ultimately led to their friendship. You Rou also presented Xuanyu with a pair of sleeve arrows, urging him to protect himself during the dangerous journey, then gave him a kiss, much to Xuanyu's delight.
A short while later, Yan Yu intercepted their path to bid farewell, having prepared food and wine. Yan Qing and Ling Long used this opportunity to entrust the six maids to Yan Yu. Understanding their intent, Yan Yu instructed his loyal servant, Uncle Zhong, to return the maids' contracts and provide them with some money, allowing them to pursue their own livelihoods.
On the journey, Yan Qing noticed Ling Long’s unusual quietness, sensing her unease about returning to Southern Chu and facing her father. To alleviate her distress, he decided to alter their route, detouring to a familiar inn they had previously stayed at. There, they planned their next steps.
Yan Qing revealed that the Wolf Clan iron box, an heirloom from his mother lost eighteen years ago, had belonged to a rich merchant before Mi Ya stole it and it became a tribute. He believed the merchant might hold crucial information about the box's origins.
While this detour would tighten their schedule for their one-month deadline set by Yan Gongye, Yan Qing insisted it was a necessary step, providing them with valuable information for their eventual return to the palace. His companions assured Ling Long not to worry, acknowledging Yan Qing's subtle efforts to ease her burden. Ling Long remained deeply troubled, burdened by her connection to the Wolf King's death and the inherent animosity between Western Turk and Southern Chu.
Despite her personal feelings for Yan Qing, she believed pursuing romance while their important mission was incomplete would be detrimental to both of them. Sensing her inner turmoil and reluctance, Langyin, residing within Ling Long's body, became impatient. Frustrated by Ling Long's hesitation, Langyin vowed to intervene and "ignite a fire" between them. Ling Long, fearing Langyin's unpredictable actions, desperately warned her not to interfere, but Langyin was determined to create excitement.
Upon arriving at the rich merchant’s manor, Yan Qing and his men discovered it to be heavily fortified with animal head crossbow bolts on the eaves, signaling danger. The merchant, when questioned, revealed that he had acquired the Wolf Clan iron box from a mountain villager, initially thinking it a bargain. However, a Western Turk border official later claimed it, forcing him to surrender it.
Since then, he had been relentlessly pursued and tortured by a group of black-clad assailants, who were also seeking the iron box. The merchant, having lied to the assailants about leading them to the mountain villager to buy time, now faced a looming deadline. Yan Qing, realizing these black-clad men were likely Mi Ya’s subordinates and could lead them to him, agreed to protect the merchant in exchange for information.
That night, as Ling Long and Xiao Jin stood guard in a woodshed, Yan Qing brought Ling Long her favorite lotus cake, remembering she had only eaten that specific pastry the last time he offered her a variety. Suddenly, the black-clad assailants attacked. Yan Qing and his men gave chase, discovering their leader was a woman. Ling Long, swiftly joining the pursuit, managed to douse the woman with "Drunk" powder, instructing Yan Qing to follow its distinct scent.
The trail led them to a bustling pleasure house, where the scent quickly dissipated amidst the many perfumes. Yan Qing initially suggested Ling Long wait outside while he and Brother Tong searched, citing the potential dangers. However, Ling Long insisted on entering, volunteering her assistance and pointing out that certain areas might be inconvenient for men. She dismissed Yan Qing's concern for her safety, stating her "Drunk" powder would be more effective indoors, negating the need for direct confrontation.
Disguised as Yan Qing's personal maid, Ling Long begrudgingly followed him into the lavish establishment. They quickly realized the female leader had changed clothes, making her indistinguishable among the many singers and dancers. To get a closer look at the women, Yan Qing boldly took to the stage, charming the crowd with a dance and offering roses to the masked performers. This provocative display ignited Ling Long's jealousy. Unable to contain her, Langyin forcibly took control of Ling Long's body.
She immediately engaged Yan Qing in a seductive dance, their faces close, declaring her ownership of him, much to his surprise. Though momentarily captivated, Yan Qing quickly regained his composure, recognizing Langyin's disruptive intentions. He promptly knocked her unconscious to prevent further complications and handed her over to Brother Tong for safekeeping, resuming his pursuit of the black-clad leader. Waking later, Ling Long recalled Langyin's brazen actions and felt a rush of both happiness and shyness.
When Mi Sa, the physician, came to check on her, she explained that Langyin had surfaced unexpectedly, acting entirely out of control, which caused Yan Qing to knock her unconscious. Concerned for her weakened state, Mi Sa then offered Ling Long a tranquilizer, instructing her to take half a pack with boiled water before bed. As Xiao Jin prepared the medicine, Ling Long, still flushed from the day's events and overwhelmed by her feelings for Yan Qing, missed the instruction.
After Xiao Jin left, Ling Long, still lost in her thoughts, impulsively mixed the entire packet of medicine into her water and drank it all. Soon after falling asleep, Ling Long found herself in a vivid dream, once again witnessing Yan Qing surrounded by numerous women in the pleasure house. Feeling uninhibited in her dream state, she aggressively confronted the women, declared her love for Yan Qing, and passionately kissed him.
Unbeknownst to her, Yan Qing, who had come to bring her food, was actually sitting by her bedside, and her dream kiss was, in fact, a real one. Just as she leaned in for another kiss, Mi Sa and Xiao Jin rushed in, jolting Ling Long awake. She opened her eyes to find Yan Qing still closing his, patiently awaiting her next kiss.
Episode 19 Recap
Linglong distraught by her earlier actions. Xiao Chan explains that Linglong accidentally took an entire pack of medicine instead of half, causing her to sleepwalk. Linglong is still confused, and then Langyin emerges from her body, claiming Linglong is fast asleep and that she merely came out for some fresh air. Langyin then reveals the truth: Linglong herself confessed to Yan Qing, and shouldn't try to blame it on her. Mortified, Linglong orders everyone out of her room.
Yan Qing, standing outside, apologizes, admitting he tricked her into talking, which led to the kiss. Soon after, Yan Yu arrives with a troop from the Leopard Cavalry Unit. He informs Yan Qing that he is now the Assistant Special Envoy to Southern Chu, a position he sought specifically to help. Yan Yu shares detailed information about a wealthy merchant who deals in smuggling and slave trafficking, and has deep connections with authorities from both nations.
Yan Qing realizes the depth of Yan Yu's investigation, subtly suggesting his presence is due to Linglong. Yan Yu confirms he is there to handle the trouble Linglong has caused. Yan Qing reminds Yan Yu of his own marriage agreement with Linglong, indicating he should be the one protecting her. When Yan Yu asks to see Linglong, Yan Qing tells him she has been avoiding everyone. Despite Yan Qing’s warning, Yan Yu approaches Linglong’s door and speaks to her.
Linglong opens the door and lets him in, while Yan Qing discreetly leaves them to talk. Linglong questions Yan Yu’s decision to abandon his promising future in the Hanlin Academy for this new position. Yan Yu responds that his old ideals now seem "too abstract," and what truly matters is being able to help her.
He attempts to express that his actions stem from more than just a childhood promise, but Yan Qing interrupts, informing them that Xuanyu has located the assassins’ hideout. Xuanyu reports that the assassins are hiding in a warehouse. Yan Qing plans to "trap them in the net."
However, Yan Yu insists on leading the capture operation with the Leopard Cavalry, arguing their superior combat strength and his official status would be more appropriate, especially since Yan Qing's Wolf Guards are border troops. Yan Qing expresses concern about Yan Yu's lack of battle experience, but Yan Yu counters by pointing out his unit is highly experienced. Linglong intervenes, suggesting both sides cooperate to ensure the plan’s success. Yan Qing agrees, and Yan Yu reluctantly accepts.
As the deployment proceeds, Linglong suddenly feels unwell. Yan Yu quickly takes charge, instructing an attendant to escort Linglong to her carriage and summon Mi Sa, while leaving his deputy to oversee the operation. Inside the carriage, Yan Yu sends Xiao Jin away to buy chilled fruit drinks, choosing to personally attend to Linglong. As Linglong feels breathless, Yan Yu opens the carriage curtain for her, only to be knocked unconscious by Langyin, who has taken control of Linglong's body.
Meanwhile, the assassins are spotted. A distinct wolf howl echoes, signaling an ambush, and the assassins quickly retreat. The Leopard Cavalry pursues them, but Yan Qing, recognizing the warning, decides to chase the messenger instead, taking Bro Tong with him. They find an unconscious Linglong in an alley. Xiao Jin reports finding Yan Yu knocked out. Yan Yu, having regained consciousness, confirms it was Langyin who attacked him and delivered the warning.
In the assassins' abandoned warehouse, a Wolf Guard discovers bronze cauldrons and wolf tribe spiritual herbs, confirming they are Miya's remnants. Mi Sa attempts to summon Langyin. Langyin briefly emerges, admitting she knocked out Yan Yu to complete a "task"—delivering a message to the black-robed organization. However, she quickly breaks free of the hypnosis and falls dormant before revealing anything further. Yan Yu decides to put Linglong under house arrest for her safety, sealing her room with wooden boards.
Yan Qing finds Yan Yu's actions excessive, but Yan Yu retorts that Linglong’s dissociative disorder relapse was due to Yan Qing, implying he is better equipped to protect her now. Later, the Leopard Cavalry surrounds the assassins’ new hideout, a thatched hut. When Yan Qing and his men arrive, the hut is empty. Yan Qing spots footprints leading to a hidden tunnel. Langyin suddenly emerges from the tunnel and attacks, forcing Yan Qing to intervene to protect his Wolf Guards.
Mi Sa reports that Langyin seems to be suppressed by an unknown force and cannot be summoned again. Seeing Linglong’s distress, Yan Yu reaffirms his plan to keep her confined, providing her with books and food. Surprisingly, Linglong agrees, stating she doesn't want Langyin to cause further trouble and finds Yan Yu's arrangements thoughtful. Yan Yu promises to cure her soul disorder once the assassins are apprehended.
Xiao Jin and Mi Sa are denied access to Linglong’s room, as Yan Yu explains it is to prevent Langyin from exploiting them. Mi Sa warns that Linglong’s condition could worsen if the assassins are not caught quickly. Yan Qing argues that Langyin can be reasoned with and that Yan Yu's exclusive focus on Linglong is problematic since Langyin shares the same body. Yan Yu dismisses this, stating Langyin's fate is irrelevant to him.
That night, Linglong suffers a nightmare where Langyin taunts her for being weak and trapped, threatening to kill her to seize full control of their body. Terrified, Linglong cries out for Yan Qing's help. She wakes to find Yan Qing by her side. He teases her about calling him and reminds her of the previous "sleepwalking" incident where she had hugged and kissed him. Embarrassed, Linglong tells him to be quiet.
When a guard checks on the noise, Linglong claims she merely broke a teacup. Later, Yan Qing secretly takes Linglong out for a ride on a large, self-made kite. Initially apprehensive, Linglong eventually enjoys the beautiful aerial view. Yan Qing then deliberately makes it seem as though they are losing control, causing Linglong to panic. Langyin immediately emerges, stabilizing the kite and saving them. Yan Qing, with a satisfied smile, reveals his ruse, much to Langyin’s annoyance.
Afterwards, Yan Qing explains that growing up under constant pressure, Linglong has often suppressed her true feelings. He encourages her that making mistakes can lead to new paths, just as their initial misunderstanding brought them closer, and promises they can face challenges together. Yan Yu confronts Linglong and Yan Qing about their secret outing. Yan Qing interjects, taking responsibility. Yan Yu then shifts the conversation to the assassins’ capture, revealing his men have located their new hideout.
Linglong expresses a desire to witness the capture, but Yan Yu initially refuses. Yan Qing insists she should be allowed to go, promising he would subdue Langyin immediately if she caused trouble. Yan Yu eventually consents. At the new hideout, an uneasy Linglong expresses a premonition of bad things to come if they proceed. Yan Yu dismisses her concerns, attributing them to Langyin’s influence. Yan Qing, however, urges Yan Yu to respect Linglong’s feelings.
Unwilling to appear less caring than Yan Qing, Yan Yu relents and allows Linglong to voice her thoughts. Shortly after, Yan Yu's forces capture the assassin leader, a woman named Lingyu. The wealthy merchant tries to placate Yan Qing by offering a celebratory feast. Yan Qing ignores him and instead demands he set a trap using Lingyu as bait to lure the remaining assassins for revenge.
Bro Tong intimidates the merchant into compliance, and Yan Qing also orders him to find the mountain villager who sold the wolf tribe iron box. Later, back in her room, Linglong apologizes to Yan Yu for sneaking out. He expresses how their growing distance pains him and reiterates that he only cares for her safety and happiness. The trap is set at the merchant's estate. When the remaining assassins arrive, a fierce battle breaks out, with casualties on both sides.
Suddenly, Miya makes a dramatic appearance with her own reinforcements. She is holding both Yan Yu and Linglong hostage, revealing that the wealthy merchant was in collusion with her all along.
Episode 20 Recap
The wealthy merchant was revealed to be the steward of the Black Robe Organization. The female assassin Yan Qing and his companions had captured was in fact Ling Yu, the leader of the Canglang Tribe. Miya, believing he had found Yan Qing, the son of the Wolf King, and discovered the Wolf King’s energy within Linglong, boasted of his imminent triumph. He envisioned himself as the next Wolf King, crushing all who had once humiliated him beneath his heel.
Miya directly confronted Yan Qing, stating that he had recognized him as the Wolf King’s son, whom he had sought for eighteen years, after their last encounter and Yan Qing's Wolf King Jade Pendant. He also revealed that Linglong possessed the Wolf King’s energy, a fact he learned from the head of the Yan family guards. Miya declared that with the Wolf King’s energy and bloodline, he would wield supreme power and make the world bow to him.
Yan Qing retorted that Miya was unworthy of such a title, and Linglong laughed at his arrogance. As Miya reveled in his supposed victory, the seemingly dead individuals suddenly rose to their feet. Yan Yu and Linglong, too, managed to escape their bonds during a diversion by the Wolf Guards. This turn of events was part of a meticulously planned strategy. Earlier, Linglong had ventured alone into a cave to speak with Ling Yu, where she learned the truth.
Yan Qing explained that the "playing dead" tactic was Linglong’s specialty, which even he had fallen for before. She had provided medicine that simulated weakened vitality and difficulty breathing when taken sublingually with blood plasma, making the illusion seamless. Ling Yu confirmed to Yan Qing and Linglong that she was the leader of the Canglang Tribe, and that Miya and his Black Robe Organization were their mortal enemies, relentlessly hunting her clansmen.
She explained that the magic herb in the copper cauldron was actually the remains of her fallen tribesmen, which she was retrieving for burial. Realizing they had been misled by Miya, who orchestrated their mutual destruction for his own gain, Linglong proposed a cooperation to defeat Miya. Just as the situation became dire for Miya, Mesa dramatically appeared, swiftly dispatching Miya with a few precise moves, then cremating his body before Yan Qing and Linglong's eyes.
This act, however, caused Mesa's old internal injuries to relapse. Yan Qing and Linglong expressed concern for Mesa's recklessness. Mesa confessed that he and Miya had grown up together and were close. He had once covered up Miya's dabbling in dark arts out of compassion, but this led to their master's death. Though he had captured Miya in a fierce battle, he couldn't bring himself to kill his junior disciple then.
Linglong consoled him, saying that Miya's stubbornness was his own undoing. Mesa warned Linglong that the human heart is the hardest to fathom and advised her to think carefully about the implications before entering the Southern Chu capital, where she would be at the center of a storm. Despite the risks, Mesa insisted on accompanying them to Southern Chu, declaring that Yan Qing and Linglong were his only friends and he must repay the debts Miya had accumulated.
Ling Yu excitedly recognized Yan Qing as the long-lost son of the Wolf King, Snow Echo, revealing herself as Snow Echo’s niece and thus Yan Qing’s cousin. Overjoyed that his mother still had family, Yan Qing embraced his newly found cousin. Ling Yu tearfully recounted that Snow Echo had been harmed by a treacherous villain eighteen years ago, leading to the deaths of Ling Yu's father and other elders.
She and the remaining clan survived thanks to the High Priestess leading them to the deep mountains. Ling Yu explained that the Wolf Clan had been weakening due to the loss of the Wolf Heart, a spiritual herb within the Wolf King’s body possessing supreme power. Many warriors sent to find a solution never returned, and their sacred iron box was stolen. Her own investigation revealed Miya was behind everything.
Linglong, realizing the implications, recalled Miya mentioning her Wolf King energy and speculated that the Wolf Heart might be within her. Yan Qing confirmed that those with the Wolf Clan mark carry a spiritual herb, and Linglong's was likely the Wolf Heart. Ling Yu implored Linglong to return the Wolf Heart to save her clan. Linglong solemnly promised to find a way to return the Wolf Heart when they reached Southern Chu.
Later, Yan Qing found Mesa tending to the revived wealthy merchant. Yan Qing thanked Mesa for caring for Linglong, stating they were "one." Mesa, however, cautioned Yan Qing, reminding him of his status as a Xijue noble and Linglong's as a Nanchu princess, along with the complexities of the Wolf Clan's affairs. He pointedly asked if Yan Qing could still be with Linglong if her kin were responsible for his mother's death.
Their conversation was interrupted by Yan Qing's companions inviting him to celebrate with the Wolf Clan brothers. Later, discussing Snow Echo’s death with Linglong, Ling Yu explained that Snow Echo’s last order was for the clan to retreat, not wanting to burden them against a powerful foe. Despite this, the clan was ambushed while retreating, and nearly eighty percent of them were lost before the High Priestess made a quick decision that saved the survivors.
The wealthy merchant, having been revived by Mesa, agreed to reveal more information to save himself. He offered up Miya’s secret room, accessed by moving a coral stone bonsai on a bookshelf, which contained ledgers and coded letters. Most significantly, he claimed to know how Snow Echo died. He recounted that eighteen years ago, a group of wealthy and powerful individuals, who knew the Wolf King's weaknesses, hunted her.
Severely injured, Snow Echo was on the verge of capture when the Southern Chu royal family deployed royal guards to save her, forcing her pursuers to retreat. Snow Echo then stayed in the Southern Chu palace for half a year to recover, and in gratitude, she reportedly used her divine power to perform a special deed for the Southern Chu royalty, although the merchant was unsure what it was.
After she left the palace, believing the danger had passed, her pursuers ambushed her again. Cornered and gravely wounded, Snow Echo leapt into a volcanic crater, her body completely destroyed. After her death, Miya falsely claimed he could create an elixir of immortality from wolf warrior blood, gaining the support of Snow Echo's former pursuers. Ling Yu was enraged, accusing the merchant of complicity in her clan’s suffering.
Yan Qing and Linglong intervened, arguing that killing the merchant, a mere puppet, would be pointless; their true enemies were the masterminds. They needed the merchant’s knowledge to identify Snow Echo’s pursuers and locate the volcano where she perished. Yan Qing, Linglong, and Ling Yu suspected that the deed Snow Echo performed for the Southern Chu royalty was entrusting the Wolf Heart to Linglong.
Relieved that the Southern Chu royal family was not responsible for Snow Echo’s death as they had feared, Yan Qing handed the secret room key to Yan Yu. He then brought Linglong and the Wolf Guards to the volcanic cliff to honor his mother. Taking the opportunity, Yan Qing reaffirmed his commitment to Linglong and proposed marriage, promising to marry her once the Wolf Heart was returned. Linglong, though initially flustered, was deeply touched.
Yan Qing then instructed a subordinate to collect a stone from the cliff and return it, along with the merchant, to his father at the Yan Estate, providing an explanation for his prolonged absence. Yan Yu, who stayed behind, informed Yan Qing upon his return that he had secured Miya’s secret room after catching some of Miya’s remaining henchmen.
In the secret room, Ling Yu immediately discovered anatomical diagrams of Wolf Clan warriors, detailing their spiritual herb locations, physical weaknesses, and methods for capturing them. Horrified, she quickly destroyed the sensitive documents. Yan Yu, meanwhile, found letters exchanged between Miya and the Southern Chu royal family.
These letters were written in code on paper exclusive to the Southern Chu Palace, immediately raising Linglong’s suspicion and unease despite Yan Qing and Yan Yu's attempts to reassure her that it might just be a few bad apples within the vast royal family. Later that night, Linglong had a vivid, disturbing vision of the Wolf King, Snow Echo, severely wounded and repeatedly apologizing. Deeply unsettled, Linglong returned to Miya's secret room alone, re-examining the coded letters. Her face reflected utter disbelief as she deciphered their contents, a moment observed by Yan Yu from outside the door.
Episode 21 Recap
Ling Long, having reviewed the private letters exchanged between the Southern Chu royal family and Mi Ya, adamantly rejected Ling Yu's proposal to accompany her and the Wolf Warriors to the capital of Southern Chu. She instructed Ling Yu that no matter what unfolded in the city, the Wolf Family must not intervene.
Furthermore, she warned against trusting anyone who sought their help in her or Yan Qing's name, advising the tribe to immediately retreat into the deep mountains, just as the Wolf King Xue Yin had once commanded. Ling Yu, though reluctant, agreed. Sensing Ling Long's distress, Yan Qing approached her, but she only vaguely mentioned concerns about danger, given Mi Ya's royal family collaborators and Ling Yu's impulsive nature.
Yan Qing then gently chided Ling Yu, explaining that Ling Long was simply "anxious about returning home" and didn't wish to bring along anyone she considered an outsider, playfully teasing Ling Yu about her fiery temperament. Ling Yu eventually conceded. With their journey to Southern Chu drawing near, Yan Qing, eager to impress Lady Li, Ling Long's mother, consulted his guards on appropriate gifts.
From her room, Ling Long overheard their suggestions and was displeased, knowing none would appeal to her eccentric mother. Instead of speaking directly, she instructed her maid, Xiaojin, to deliver a poetic message to Bro Tong for Yan Qing: "Zituo Zhifeng Chu Cuifu, Shuijing Zhipan Xing Sulin," a cryptic hint at Lady Li's true preferences. Yan Qing, with Bro Tong's help, interpreted the verse to mean Lady Li enjoyed cooking and fine food, and promptly ordered gifts reflecting this.
However, he still felt something was missing. Ling Long then sent a clearer message through Xiaojin and Bro Tong, advising that Lady Li, residing in the cold, damp royal palace, suffered from arthritis and required medicinal herbs. Bro Tong, exasperated by the indirect communication, openly questioned why Ling Long and Yan Qing couldn't just speak plainly, recalling Yan Qing's past shyness in expressing his affections. Yan Yu arrived during this exchange, subtly noting the information about Lady Li's health.
Meanwhile, Yan Yu also had his own plans, secretly instructing his Leopard Cavalry Unit to position themselves outside the Southern Chu capital, awaiting his command. Upon their arrival at the Southern Chu Royal Palace, Ling Long and her companions first sought an audience with the King, but he declined, citing illness. They then proceeded to see Lady Li. Lady Li greeted Ling Long warmly and expressed her delight at seeing Yan Yu, whom she had known since his childhood.
She was also impressed by Mi Sa's medical reputation. However, her welcome for Yan Qing was noticeably cooler. Yan Qing presented Lady Li with expensive medicinal herbs and elaborate cooking utensils, hoping to gain her favor. Lady Li, perhaps influenced by Mi Sa's subtle remark that costly medicines weren't always effective for her condition, accepted them politely but without genuine warmth.
Yan Yu then cleverly intervened, cautioning that such valuable items were inappropriate in the cold palace and could attract unwanted attention. He then offered a simple gift: a slab of fresh pork and an earthen pot, appealing to Lady Li's renowned cooking skills and fond memories. This gesture visibly delighted Lady Li, who immediately invited Yan Yu to help her prepare her famous braised pork. During dinner, Yan Qing's attempts to connect with Lady Li were met with coldness.
She directly questioned him about his prior engagement to Lady You, which he clarified was terminated by Lady You, whereas his engagement to Ling Long was his initiative and fully supported by his parents. Lady Li, however, remained skeptical, pointing out the lack of intimate interaction between them. She then revealed that Mi Sa had already informed her the engagement was merely a ruse to bring Ling Long back for medical treatment.
Yan Yu further exacerbated Yan Qing's position by mentioning that Ling Long had even given Yan Qing her secret injury therapy formula as a "return" for his efforts. Lady Li then offered Yan Qing a sarcastic toast of gratitude for his "sacrifice," leaving him dejected. Seeing this, Ling Long called him away under the pretense of fetching tea. She subtly taught him to brew a special tea, which he then offered to Lady Li.
Recognizing her daughter's hand in the gesture, Lady Li's demeanor towards Yan Qing softened considerably. Yan Qing, emboldened, recounted stories of Ling Long bravely saving his life multiple times, further improving her perception. Later, Lady Li expressed her surprise to Ling Long that she had fallen in love with Yan Qing, as she had always expected her daughter to marry Yan Yu. Ling Long, however, honestly admitted her feelings.
Deeply troubled, she then directly asked her mother why the Wolf King's energy resided within her, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the question as Yan Qing was the Wolf King's son. Lady Li warned that the truth could be devastating to her relationship with Yan Qing, potentially driving a wedge between them. Despite this, Ling Long insisted on knowing, asserting she could not live with a burdened heart or deceive herself.
She declared she needed no "sacrifice" for Yan Qing, as both his mother and she were victims; if he could not accept the truth, she was prepared for them to part, despite her profound love for him. Moved by Ling Long's newfound resolve, Lady Li agreed to reveal the full truth in seven days, provided Ling Long's determination remained unshaken, thus testing her daughter's resolve. Ling Long spent the night in deep thought, determined not to yield to fate.
Yan Qing later visited her, commenting on Lady Li's changed attitude and his anticipation of exposing Mi Ya's mastermind through the decoded letters he had sent to the frontier military's scribes. However, Ling Long was troubled by this approach, stating her priority was to uncover the source of the Wolf King's energy and return the Wolf Heart to her tribe, after which they would have no further ties.
She coldly insisted their engagement was merely a cover and that he shouldn't take it seriously, reminding him of their differing statuses as enemies and his identity as the Wolf King's son. She warned him to be cautious to avoid an unexplained death in Southern Chu and asked him to leave, even threatening to call guards. Yan Qing, deeply hurt by her words and renewed distance, reluctantly departed, leaving Ling Long watching him leave with sorrow.
Just then, a murder case occurred in the city. Mi Sa, while gathering herbs for Lady Li, discovered three unusual corpses outside the city, all drained of blood. Before he could investigate further, soldiers swiftly took them away. Mi Sa noted these were not typical city guards and that the gatekeepers were unusually friendly with them. Concerned, he and Yan Yu informed Ling Long.
Their initial investigation through Xiaojin's contact in the government revealed no official reports of such deaths or disappearances, leading them to suspect the victims might be beggars or refugees with no one to report their absence. Ling Long instructed Yan Yu and Mi Sa to investigate discreetly. Yan Qing, determined to be involved, threatened to expose their covert operation if he were excluded.
Yan Yu and Mi Sa, acknowledging Yan Qing's martial prowess and Mi Sa's own injuries, reluctantly allowed him to join, and the group decided to question people on the street. While investigating, the group overheard two arguing beggars mention that two of their peers, "Little Leper" and "Little Gap Tooth," had been taken away to work by mysterious people in a carriage who only recruited young and strong individuals.
Suspecting a connection, Ling Long instructed Mi Sa to disguise himself as a beggar and infiltrate the operation, which Yan Qing reluctantly coerced him into doing. Mi Sa successfully joined a group of short-term workers and was transported to a secluded facility. Yan Qing, Ling Long, and the Wolf Guards followed. Inside, they discovered a horrifying scene: more drained corpses and a large vat filled with what appeared to be spiritual herbs of the Wolf Tribe.
This confirmed that a blood-draining alchemy process, identical to Mi Ya's methods, was taking place. Yan Qing furiously interrogated the culprits, demanding to know their leader. However, before they could reveal anything, a mysterious figure emerged and blew a bamboo whistle, startlingly similar to the one Mi Ya used. The remaining culprits instantly died. The sight of the identical whistle led the group to question if Mi Ya had somehow returned, but Mi Sa swiftly dismissed this as impossible.
They deduced that Mi Ya had merely been an executor, and the true mastermind behind him had finally stepped out of the shadows. With the immediate culprits dead, the direct lead was lost. Undeterred, Yan Qing instructed his men to load the drained corpses onto a carriage, intending to employ the "old horse knows the way" tactic to discover their ultimate destination and identify those involved.
Episode 22 Recap
The team, including Yan Qing and Tong Ge'er, waited at the location where three bodies were previously found. When officials arrived to collect the corpses, they were apprehended. The officials initially resisted, questioning the team's authority, but then agreed to lead them to their superior. However, one of the officials attempted suicide. Ling Long discovered an Inspector Department token on one of them. Yan Qing was surprised, as he was unaware of such a department in Southern Chu.
Ling Long immediately told them to stop the investigation and return, which puzzled Yan Qing and the others. Later that night, Yan Qing secretly visited Princess Li in the Cold Palace. He apologized for his discreet entry, explaining it was to avoid palace surveillance as he had an urgent matter to discuss.
He told Princess Li that Ling Long's attitude towards him had completely changed since their secret conversation the previous night, becoming "as cold as frost and ice," and he wanted to know why. Princess Li asked him what he thought, leading Yan Qing to suspect it was related to the "wolf king energy" within Ling Long. Princess Li confirmed that Ling Long's actions were to protect both herself and Yan Qing.
Ling Long tasked Xiaojin with withdrawing 50,000 taels of silver from her uncle’s drugstore. This money was to be used to prepare gifts for the royal elders attending her upcoming ceremony to meet the Lord in five days. Xiaojin expressed her anxiety, suggesting they return to Western Turk, but Ling Long stated that some matters must be confronted, not avoided. Princess Li, having overheard, instructed Xiaojin to follow Ling Long's orders.
Later, Ling Long secretly met her uncle, urging him and his family to pack their belongings and leave Southern Chu by dawn. She also inquired about a secluded house he had prepared years ago, emphasizing that she would need it in a few days. Her uncle, noticing her solemn demeanor, cautioned her to be careful. As Ling Long was leaving, Yan Yu intercepted her in a carriage, ordering her to abandon her plans, stating she was risking her life.
Ling Long realized Yan Yu had been monitoring her. Yan Yu admitted he had already discovered letters in Miya's secret chamber written on paper exclusive to the Southern Chu royal family. He confessed he knew the Southern Chu Lord was the true mastermind and had deliberately led Ling Long to find the secret letter, hoping she would abandon her quest and distance herself from Yan Qing. He pleaded with her to leave Southern Chu with him, promising to protect her.
Ling Long, however, asserted that her true "prison" was within her heart and that this was a personal battle no one else could fight. She expressed her weariness of living in fear for eighteen years and rejected his "protection," stating it wasn't what she truly needed. Yan Qing and Tong Ge'er arrived and overheard the end of the conversation. Yan Yu urged Yan Qing to stop Ling Long, but Yan Qing refused, stating he wouldn't interfere with her decisions.
He then handed Yan Yu a document, revealing it contained his own plan, and instructed him to read and burn it. Yan Qing told Yan Yu to get some rest, as there would be "a big show" the next day. Yan Qing then ordered his wolf guards to proceed with their plans, noting that his father, Lord Yan, had accepted the wolf king's cause of death and approved the marriage, but he still needed to uncover the full truth.
The next day, Ling Long, Princess Li, Yan Qing, and Doctor Misa attended the audience with the Southern Chu Lord, as summoned by Eunuch Chen. Before entering, Yan Qing expressed his dismay at Princess Li residing in the Cold Palace, but she reassured him it was her preference. During the formal audience, Yan Qing presented the Lord with "fine jades and rare elixirs" as a betrothal gift.
The Lord, pleased, praised Ling Long’s contributions to national relations and bestowed gifts upon her, Princess Li, and Doctor Misa. As the Lord prepared to conclude the audience, Ling Long requested that her mother and Yan Qing leave, as she had urgent matters concerning "the survival of Southern Chu" to discuss with the Lord and the remaining royal uncles.
Once they departed, Ling Long recounted the recent serial murder cases in the city, detailing how beggars were targeted for their blood to produce elixirs. She linked these atrocities to Miya and the Black Robe Organization, noting the use of unique bamboo whistles, a signature of Southern Chu sorcery. She presented an Inspector Department token found on the officials who were attempting to dispose of the bodies, which the royal uncles confirmed as authentic.
Ling Long then revealed a secret letter written to Miya, which was on paper exclusively used by the Lord, identified by a subtle, hidden watermark that her mother, having treated the eunuch in charge of palace paper, had previously observed. She directly accused the Southern Chu Lord of being the true mastermind, who had secretly supported Miya for eighteen years to build the Black Robe Organization and commit countless crimes.
With Miya’s death, the Lord, desperate to continue his pursuit of immortality, had resorted to using human blood for his elixirs. To prove her accusation, Ling Long dramatically pulled back a curtain, revealing the Lord’s severely aged and withered appearance. She explained that his rapid deterioration was a result of abruptly discontinuing the elixir, causing a powerful backlash. The horrified royal uncles immediately called for the Lord's abdication, fearing widespread chaos if the truth were to spread.
The Lord, refusing to abdicate, ordered the Inspector Department to attack and kill everyone present. Ling Long prepared to activate her wolf king energy, declaring she would rather die than allow him to continue his heinous acts with innocent lives. Just as she was about to act, Yan Qing dramatically crashed through a window, leading his forces to quickly subdue the Inspector Department members. Princess Li then stepped forward to reveal the full truth of the past.
Eighteen years ago, the Southern Chu Lord had discovered the secret of the wolf king energy and coveted it for his own immortality. He secretly incited powerful figures across the land to besiege Wolf King Xue Yin. Then, he cunningly appeared as a "savior," bringing Xue Yin back to the Southern Chu Imperial City to seize her power.
To conceal his scheme, he either killed or imprisoned all his wives and concubines, including Princess Li and a young Ling Long, who were confined to the Cold Palace. However, on the eve of her forced marriage to the Lord, Xue Yin uncovered his true intentions. Severely wounded, she managed to escape and, upon passing the Cold Palace, discovered that Ling Long possessed the unique physique capable of carrying the wolf heart.
Knowing her own death was imminent and that the wolf heart, crucial to the survival of the wolf tribe, could not fall into evil hands, Xue Yin reluctantly transferred the wolf heart into Ling Long. She then publicly jumped into a volcano, creating the illusion that the wolf heart's energy had perished with her.
Princess Li, realizing the danger, had painstakingly suppressed the wolf heart within Ling Long using gold needles and endured eighteen years of confinement in the Cold Palace, the only place she considered safe, waiting for the Lord's inevitable downfall. She clarified that the wolf king energy only granted enhanced strength and longevity, not true immortality, and forcefully taking it would be fatal for anyone, let alone the Lord whose body was already suffering.
Despite this, the Lord, witnessing Ling Long's inherent power, brazenly demanded she surrender the wolf heart to save his life. Ling Long staunchly refused, stating the wolf heart belonged solely to the wolf tribe and that he, as Xue Yin's murderer, had no claim to it. The Lord then declared that as her father who gave her life, he could take it back, threatening to kill her if she resisted.
Ling Long defiantly retorted that he was unworthy of being her father and that she owed him no sacrifice. Enraged, the Lord summoned his Southern Chu sorcerers. However, Princess Li calmly explained that she and Doctor Misa had secretly poisoned the palace's waterways seven days prior. The poison, specifically potent against sorcery practitioners, had now been activated, rendering the Lord's final line of defense powerless. Stripped of his sorcerers, the Lord was not yet defeated.
He revealed a final, horrifying card: he had secretly infected all the court officials with Southern Chu sorcery long ago. He dared Yan Qing to kill them to save everyone else, knowing that such an act would be branded as "the Second Childe of Yan slaughters the royalty members of Southern Chu." This, he declared, would inevitably trigger an unending war between their two nations, ensuring that if he could not live, he would drag the entire world down with him.
Episode 23 Recap
To prevent Yan Qing from being distracted, Ling Long and her mother, Concubine Li, escaped the palace ahead of time. Yan Yu met them, and they successfully reached a safe location. Upon learning that Yan Qing was still trapped inside, Yan Yu disregarded military law and ordered the Leopard Cavalry Camp to head to the Southern Chu Palace, declaring he would bear any punishment himself. Meanwhile, within the palace, Yan Qing and Xuanyu had incapacitated the Southern Chu royalty.
Confronting the emaciated Lord, Yan Qing refused to kill him. He stated that killing the Lord would only dirty his hands, and instead condemned him to a slow, agonizing death. After Yan Qing and Xuanyu departed, Mi Sa appeared before the Lord, describing in chilling detail the gradual decay his body would endure, turning into a mere "human skin mask" before his final breath.
As Mi Sa left, he dropped an item, and a mysterious glow filled the grand hall, waking the unconscious ministers who, to their bewilderment, remembered nothing of what had transpired. Mi Sa's usually playful demeanor had vanished, replaced by a serious expression. As Yan Yu prepared to storm the palace gates, Yan Qing, Xuanyu, and Mi Sa emerged, averting a larger conflict. Yan Yu noticed an injury on Yan Qing's collarbone.
With a pained expression, he took out a sachet of medicinal powder, a gift from Ling Long, and applied it to Yan Qing’s wound, causing Yan Qing to cry out in agony. Yan Qing, aware of the medicine's distinctive scent on Yan Yu, teased him about finally using his "treasure." Yan Qing then acknowledged that Yan Yu had met and loved Ling Long earlier than he had, but firmly declared he would not yield Ling Long to anyone.
Yan Yu conceded, revealing that Ling Long had already made her choice. He explained that Concubine Li suffered from a condition causing paralysis due to her years in the cold palace, and Ling Long had created a unique herbal tea for her. This special recipe, known only to Ling Long and her mother, was entrusted to Yan Qing, signifying his place in Ling Long’s heart. Overjoyed by this confirmation, Yan Qing vowed to cherish Ling Long.
Yan Yu then admitted that after seeing Yan Qing's selfless plan, which always prioritized Ling Long's well-being, he realized his own efforts were self-centered and decided to withdraw from their unspoken competition for Ling Long's affection. He warned Yan Qing that if he ever mistreated Ling Long, he would reclaim her. At a safe farmstead, Yan Qing found Ling Long. She, mistaking his composed demeanor for anger, apologized for her harsh words and prepared to leave.
Yan Qing embraced her from behind, assuring her he would never let her push him away again. He confessed that he had known about her wolf tribe mark and its connection to his mother, Xue Yin, since their encounter in the hot springs. Ling Long was surprised by this revelation. Seizing the moment, Yan Qing declared his profound love for her, and they shared a passionate kiss.
They playfully discussed their future, imagining a life as bounty hunters or opening a "black shop." News arrived that the Southern Chu Lord was gravely ill and planning to crown his six-year-old son. Ling Long's mother explained that the royal family had formed an alliance to conceal the truth. She reassured everyone that Yan Qing and Yan Yu served as their protection, as Southern Chu, with a child monarch, would not dare to provoke the Yan family and risk war.
Yan Yu volunteered to monitor the Southern Chu palace movements as a precaution. Concubine Li also officially accepted Yan Qing, trusting him to bring happiness to Ling Long. She encouraged Ling Long to embrace her newfound freedom and explore the world, rather than dedicating her life to serving her mother, as she herself had been confined for 18 years. The next crucial task was to return the wolf king energy to the wolf tribe.
Concubine Li, using her specialized acupuncture, helped Ling Long access her inner consciousness, where she met Langyin. Langyin expressed her happiness that Ling Long no longer viewed her as an enemy. She advised Ling Long to protect herself, avoid seeking approval from others, and always love herself, as Langyin would soon retreat and only appear when truly needed.
After an emotional farewell and embrace, Ling Long returned to awareness, recalling that each Wolf King must return the "wolf heart" to a sacred altar before death to ensure the wolf tribe's survival. Ling Long then recited a spell and described ancient wolf tribe text etched on a stone wall.
Ling Yu translated the text, which spoke of using "wolf king's blood to open the holy realm" and foretold "shocking changes" upon the wolf heart's return, hinting at a dangerous energy burst. Concern grew among the group, particularly Yan Yu, who vehemently opposed Ling Long risking her life. He argued that Ling Long had narrowly survived previous energy bursts and might not be so lucky this time.
However, Ling Yu insisted that if the wolf heart wasn't returned, the wolf tribe would perish. Their disagreement escalated into a tense confrontation, with Yan Yu drawing his sword to prevent Ling Yu from pressuring Ling Long. Mi Sa intervened, explaining that while the return process was indeed perilous, keeping the wolf heart within Ling Long was also detrimental, as she was not a true Wolf King and the energy was slowly eroding her health, causing her chronic weakness.
He asserted that none of them had the right to make this decision for Ling Long. Yan Qing agreed, stating that the choice must be Ling Long's, though he set a firm boundary: her life must not be endangered. Everyone consented, and Yan Yu was tasked with keeping Ling Yu away from Ling Long.
Mi Sa then sought out Ling Long and her mother, earnestly pleading for Ling Long to return the wolf heart as the only permanent solution, promising to use all his medical knowledge to protect her and even offering to take a lethal poison as a pledge of his sincerity. Ling Long confirmed she had already decided to return it and was simply practicing techniques to mitigate the energy's impact.
Impressed by Mi Sa’s commitment, Concubine Li formally accepted him as her disciple, entrusting him with her family's Golden Needle acupuncture technique and, symbolically, Ling Long’s safety. As a result, Mi Sa and Ling Long became senior brother and junior sister, prompting Yan Qing to jokingly call Mi Sa "brother-in-law," much to Mi Sa's chagrin. Later, Yan Yu confided in Ling Long that he planned to return to the capital after their mission to resume his studies.
He revealed that his ambition for scholarship and imperial service was driven by a desire to gain enough prestige to marry any woman he chose, ensuring no parent could refuse him. However, after their recent experiences, he found himself reconsidering this path, realizing he had been a "bookworm" and needed to explore the world. He then playfully added that a talented man like him shouldn't rush into marriage. As a small, parting gesture, he offered Ling Long a dried persimmon.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Before embarking on her mission, Ling Long shared a poignant farewell with her mother, who urged her to listen to her heart and pursue her path without hesitation, promising to await her return. Young Xiaojin also bid a reluctant goodbye to Bro Tong, offering him a bounty of delicious food, which Bro Tong gratefully accepted, noting it would sustain him for days. He asked if she would cook for him again upon his return, to which she readily agreed.
Xuanyu informed Yan Qing that he would not be joining them, as his decade-long obligation to the Duke had been fulfilled, leaving him free to choose his own future. He admitted this future involved Yourou, who wished to explore the world, and he desired to accompany her. Yan Qing, understanding, gave his blessing.
Yan Yu, carrying a pouch that Ling Long had given him, expressed his intent to return to the capital with Ling Long's mother, deciding not to accompany them on their dangerous journey. He quietly mused that the pouch "shouldn't be mine" and chose not to confess his feelings to Ling Long, concluding that if he couldn't be with her, he shouldn't disturb her.
Yan Qing, Ling Long, Mi Sa, and Ling Yu journeyed to White Wolf Valley, the former abode of the Wolf Tribe, believing the shrine to be nearby. They tirelessly searched the mountain valley, but after hours of fruitless effort, they found nothing. Ling Yu confirmed the Iron Box had shown no reaction. Ling Long then realized she had seen this place in a vision, where it appeared at night.
Remembering Mi Ya’s earlier mention that the Wolf Tribe’s Iron Box would glow near the shrine at night, they decided to set up camp and wait until after dark. By the campfire, Yan Qing joked with Ling Long, saying he would marry and have children if she didn't survive the return of the wolf heart. He then earnestly urged her to promise him she would endure, no matter what.
Their tender moment was interrupted by the return of Mi Sa and Ling Yu, who had been gathering firewood. As Mi Sa enthusiastically reached for a piece of roasted chicken, the Iron Box began to glow, illuminating a path to a hidden cave entrance that had been invisible during daylight. Following the glowing box, the group descended a series of steps into the cave.
They discovered a stone tablet depicting the Wolf King flanked by two children, one in black, the other in white. Ling Yu identified them as the black and white envoys, one for punishing evil, the other for promoting good, though neither she nor Ling Long recalled them from their memories. Mi Sa, eager to proceed, urged them to focus on their task rather than delving into ancient history.
They soon reached a large, peculiar stone, which Ling Long recognized from her visions as the "heavenly meteorite" that brought the wolf heart. This was the sacred platform her mother wished them to reach. Ling Long prepared to return the wolf heart. Mi Sa removed the gold needle that suppressed the wolf king energy in her body. As Ling Long began the ritual, Ling Yu noticed that the wolf heart emerging from her was incomplete.
She urgently explained that if the ritual was stopped, the incomplete heart would return to Ling Long's body, killing her instantly. Their only option was to proceed with returning the incomplete heart to the sacred platform, a desperate gamble that would also likely prove fatal. Yan Qing desperately tried to stop Ling Long, but an invisible barrier blocked his path.
Ling Long, resigned to her fate, began speaking her last words to him, asking him to live well and find happiness. As Yan Qing repeatedly slammed against the barrier in anguish, a powerful white light emanated from his hands. It was then revealed that he carried the missing half of the wolf king energy within him. In a sudden move, Mi Sa intervened, forcibly extracting the wolf king energy from Yan Qing's body.
He then combined the two halves of the wolf heart, causing him to bleed from his seven orifices. Mi Sa pushed Yan Qing and Ling Long off the sacred platform and, using his last remaining strength, returned the now complete wolf king energy to the shrine. Before succumbing to his injuries, Mi Sa used his final moments to reveal the truth. He confessed that he and Mi Ya were the Wolf King Xue Yin’s black and white envoys.
Xue Yin, the Wolf King, was his master, and Mi Ya was his junior apprentice. Mi Ya had delved into dark arts, betraying their master by selling the secrets of the wolf king energy to worldly nobles, which ultimately led to the Wolf King's death. Mi Sa had confronted Mi Ya, removing his magic herb, and had then hidden in Xileng Mountain for eighteen years.
He explained that the Wolf King had been vulnerable and unable to resist danger because she had given half of her energy to Yan Qing. Mi Sa, liking the time he spent with Yan Qing and Ling Long as it reminded him of his travels with his master, had pursued his mission to return the wolf king energy to the shrine, believing it was his master's last wish.
He further warned that Mi Ya's powerful collaborators and remaining followers had not been entirely eradicated, entrusting this final task to Yan Qing and Ling Long before he passed away. Ling Long awoke in her bedroom, where her mother informed her that the vassal king of Southern Chu had died. Due to the new prince's young age, Ling Long had been appointed regent, a decision that had surprisingly met no opposition from the Southern Chu royal family.
Her mother also presented her with Mi Sa's belongings, confirming his death, which saddened Ling Long deeply. Although Ling Long did not care for power, she acknowledged that being free from the constraints of the Southern Chu royal family was a positive development. Upon hearing that Yan Qing was gravely injured and had his magic herb removed, Ling Long rushed to him, distraught.
She pleaded with him to wake up, reminding him of his promise to live happily even if she died. Yan Qing then revealed that he had been faking his severe injury, having conspired with his mother and Yan Yu to deceive her. He promised Ling Long he would never lie to her again, embracing her and kissing her.
Yan Qing explained that while his magic herb was indeed taken, his human bloodline ensured he would not die, only lose the ability to use Wolf Tribe techniques. Ling Long and Yan Qing eventually married and opened a prosperous restaurant on the border. Ten years later, their business was thriving, with Xiaojin and Bro Tong helping them manage the establishment.
Yourou and Xuanyu, now an official tasked by the court as a special envoy, visited their restaurant, seeking their help with a complex case. Xuanyu explained that eight thousand "shi" of disaster relief grain for Bohai Country, a vassal kingdom recently regained, had gone missing, and previous envoys investigating the corruption had either resigned or died mysteriously. He then revealed that he was the third envoy.
The case took a personal turn when he mentioned a rumor: a royal uncle from Bohai Country had been in Southern Chu when the Wolf King Xue Yin died. This potential connection immediately spurred Yan Qing, Ling Long, Bro Tong, and the rest of their team to take on the investigation.
