Unchained Love Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Unchained Love Synopsis
During the period of Longhua, Xiao Duo, a eunuch in charge of the imperial court, planned a palace mutiny with Lord Fu to help him ascend to the throne.
Bu Yinlou, who should have been buried, was saved by Xiao Duo because the emperor was interested in her and was later placed in Xiao’s house.
They got along with each other day by day and gradually developed affection, but due to their status, they had to hide their feelings.
Xiao Duo went to Jiangnan to supervise a silk trade with a foreign country. Bu Yinlou accompanied him to visit her relatives in the south. During the trip, they fell in love and finally revealed their feelings, but there were many obstacles ahead.
Xiao Duo’s true identity, the threat of the Lord Nanyuan, and the suppression of the Emperor, a small mistake will lead to a deadly disaster.
Bu Yinlou decided to sacrifice herself and entered the palace. Xiao Duo misunderstood her. They had to hide their emotion.
What will their fate be？
Unchained Love Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the 11th year of Longhua, the death of Emperor Yuanzhen throws the Ye Dynasty into turmoil. With the young Prince Rong as heir, various factions vie for control, with the Zhaoding Bureau, led by the eunuch Xiao Duo, being the most formidable. Upon arriving at the palace, Xiao Duo demonstrates his ruthlessness by stepping on a kneeling servant's hand and having him dragged away. His subordinate, Cao Chun'ang, informs him that the Emperor died without leaving a decree.
Outside, Grand Secretary Zhou Chengde gathers ministers to protest the Zhaoding Bureau's influence. Xiao Duo confronts them, publicly exposing Zhou's corruption in the Spring Imperial Examinations and ordering his imprisonment. Meanwhile, Lady Bu, a low-ranking concubine, is designated as a tribute lady to be buried with the late Emperor. Her maid, Tong Yun, sends a message to Lady Bu's family for help. As the tribute ladies are gathered, Lady Zhang uses her connection to the Empress to escape her fate.
Seeing this, Beauty Li begs the well-connected Lady Bu for help, but Bu knows her family, who sent her to the palace in place of her stepsister, will not save her. Still, she promises Beauty Li they will not die. Empress Rong'an, now wielding power, seizes Prince Rong from his mother, Noble Consort Shao, and taunts her to join the late Emperor in death.
The Empress then attempts intimacy with Xiao Duo by asking him to warm her hands, but he pulls away. She reveals her alliance with the Prince of Nanyuan, Yuwen Liangshi, whom she intends to make regent. Alarmed, Xiao Duo orders Cao Chun'ang to investigate. Alone, Xiao Duo reaffirms his secret vow to kill the Prince of Nanyuan to avenge someone from his past.
Prince Fu, who feigns being a harmless lantern maker, secretly meets with Xiao Duo and begs him to save Lady Bu. Xiao Duo agrees in exchange for an unspecified condition, which the Prince accepts without hesitation. Desperate, Lady Bu and Beauty Li try to fake a severe illness. The ruse almost works, but Lady Bu's stepmother arrives.
Feigning concern, she then secretly bribes the eunuch in charge, Yan Sunlang, to ensure Lady Bu is still sacrificed, framing it as an act of loyalty that will bring honor to their family. With all hope seemingly lost, Lady Bu gives her final instructions to Tong Yun before being led with the other women into the Futu Pagoda to be buried alive.
Episode 2 Recap
As Eunuch Yan Sunlang gave the command, white silken ropes descended from the Futi Tower, one by one, to the Tribute Ladies. Bu Yinlou, attempting to use a hidden gold piece to cut her rope, lacked the strength and was hoisted up by the eunuchs. Just as her life hung by a thread, the tower's great doors burst open. Xiao Duo, the Head Eunuch of the Zhaoding Bureau, strode in, demanding to know who Bu Yinlou was.
Bu Yinlou, hearing his voice, struggled to respond, her throat too constricted to utter a sound. Fortunately, she still clutched the gold piece and dropped it to indicate her location. Xiao Duo immediately ordered his men to cut her down and take her away. To satisfy the requirement for the number of sacrificial consorts, Xiao Duo presented the body of Noble Consort Shao, claiming she had insisted on accompanying the late emperor.
Yan Sunlang, seething but compromised by his past acceptance of bribes from Xiao Duo, had no choice but to comply. Xiao Duo then chastised Yan Sunlang for his corruption and ordered him back to the Zhaoding Bureau to be punished with fifty strikes of the cane. Bu Yinlou awoke in bed, disoriented. Upon seeing Xiao Duo, she tried to express her gratitude, but her injured throat remained silent. She was confused about why he had saved her.
Unbeknownst to her, Xiao Duo had agreed to Murong Gaogong's request to save Bu Yinlou, intending to use her to manipulate the prince. He had already arranged for her to be granted the posthumous title of Consort Dowager Zhenshun Duan, a rare honor for a living person. Xiao Duo had observed Bu Yinlou closely, noting the subtle tampering with the white silk used to strangle her, and deduced she was not as simple as she appeared.
He correctly surmised that Murong Gaogong's affection for her was genuine, making her a valuable pawn. One day, Xiao Duo brought Bu Yinlou a bowl of pear soup, stating it was good for her throat. Though apprehensive, she drank it. When a wolfberry clung to her lip, Xiao Duo pointed to his own mouth to alert her. Misinterpreting the gesture as a proposition for a "duishi" partnership, a formal union for eunuchs, Bu Yinlou was terrified.
She immediately knelt, frantically listing her flaws—from snoring to a lack of domestic skills—to prove her unsuitability. Exasperated by her misunderstanding, Xiao Duo left in annoyance, taking a hairpin from her as he went, noting it was from her family residence and not of palace make. After Xiao Duo left, Bu Yinlou nearly collapsed in fear, her confusion deepening.
She believed she possessed neither captivating beauty nor brilliant intellect, so she concluded that Xiao Duo's reason for saving her must be something that could ultimately cost her her life. With this grim realization, she resolved to resign herself to her fate. That night, Xiao Duo went to Murong Gaogong's residence with the hairpin.
He intended to enlist the prince's help in freeing Prince Rong from Empress Rong'an's control, arguing that since Murong Gaogong was the late emperor's only surviving brother, it was legitimate for the young prince to stay at his residence. Murong Gaogong, known as the powerless "Lantern Prince," initially refused, fearing the Empress's wrath. Xiao Duo pressured him, warning that the Empress already saw him as a threat and could eradicate the entire Murong clan.
He then used Bu Yinlou as leverage, reminding the prince how he had failed to protect his own mother, Consort Jing, from court intrigues, and how he couldn't protect the woman he loved now without real power. Faced with this choice, Murong Gaogong reluctantly agreed. Following this, Xiao Duo went to Fengyi Palace, using the pretext of measuring Prince Rong for mourning clothes to take him away. However, Empress Rong'an saw through his excuse.
She coldly reminded him of his place as her servant and denied his request, stating Prince Rong was asleep. As a chilling demonstration of her authority and a veiled warning, she ordered a new servant beaten to death for a minor infraction. Afterward, security at Fengyi Palace was significantly increased, and the Empress, claiming Prince Rong was ill, remained constantly by his side.
The night of the grand funeral ceremony presented the only opportunity to act, as Prince Rong would be moved from Fengyi Palace to Shangqiong Palace for a vigil. The window of time was short, requiring someone to delay the Empress. Xiao Duo "invited" Bu Yinlou to assist, subtly reminding her of his brutal methods to ensure her cooperation. Understanding the threat, Bu Yinlou agreed. He tasked her with detaining the Empress at Shangqiong Palace until after 9 p. m.
, convinced her will to survive would guarantee her success. At the appointed hour, Murong Gaogong launched numerous sky lanterns. Carried by the wind, they floated towards Fengyi Palace. On Xiao Duo's command, his men shot the lanterns down, causing them to fall and set the palace ablaze. Amidst the chaos and shouts of fire, Xiao Duo prepared to seize the chance to rescue Prince Rong.
Episode 3 Recap
At the funeral for the late emperor, all the concubines gathered to light the long lanterns. Bu Yinlou, aiming to stall the Empress, deliberately created a disturbance by dropping her lantern, which set the Empress's gown aflame. The Empress, startled and furious, quickly ordered her attendants to help her change. Before she could investigate the culprit, news arrived that Prince Rong was missing from Fengyi Palace.
Realizing she had been used by Xiao Duo, Bu Yinlou feared that if he fell into the Empress's hands, he would expose her. Driven by this concern, she resolved to find Xiao Duo and ensure Prince Rong's safe departure from the palace. The palace gates were locked in the evening, with only the Xihua Gate remaining open throughout the night due to the late Emperor's funeral rituals.
Bu Yinlou deduced that Xiao Duo would have to use this gate to leave and could only hide in one specific place if delayed. She instructed her maid, Tong Yun, to kneel in her place while she feigned a trip to the toilet. As Bu Yinlou hurried away, she heard Prince Rong's cries for help, confirming his presence nearby. Bu Yinlou found Xiao Duo attempting to persuade Prince Rong, who vehemently refused to go with him.
The prince accused Xiao Duo of being the Empress's accomplice and feared being returned to Fengyi Palace, where his mother had been killed by the Empress. Bu Yinlou intervened, initially feigning to alert the Empress's men but then revealing her knowledge of Prince Rong's identity and Xiao Duo's mission from Prince Fu. Seeing Prince Rong's persistent fear, Bu Yinlou used an analogy, comparing life to a game of cards.
She gave him a Madiao card depicting "Prince Rong, the Zhenxiong Crown Prince," with skills like "rolling and crying," explaining that when all else fails, one must trust the one card that can turn the tide. She asserted that Xiao Duo was his only card for survival. Convinced, Prince Rong finally agreed to leave with him. Just as they were about to escape, the Empress arrived.
Bu Yinlou pushed Xiao Duo and Prince Rong into hiding, then knelt outside and loudly confessed to accidentally setting the Empress's dress on fire. She feigned clumsiness, exaggerated her poverty by complaining about reduced allowances, and even revealed she had drawn the Empress onto a Madiao card, dubbing her 'Empress Rong'an, the Queen of Phoenix,' with the skill 'fighting for favor in the harem.'
Enraged but with more urgent matters at hand, the Empress dismissed Bu Yinlou's antics and ordered a thorough search of the area. This distraction bought Xiao Duo and Prince Rong enough time to slip away. After a fruitless search, the Empress realized she had been duped by Bu Yinlou. Enraged, she went to Bu Yinlou's residence to interrogate and execute her.
At that critical moment, Princess Hede arrived, feigning sternness and ordering Bu Yinlou to Shouhe Palace for punishment, citing the Empress Dowager's displeasure. Bu Yinlou understood the ruse and followed. As they walked, Princess Hede explained she had obtained a real imperial decree to make the act convincing but intended only to rescue her. Bu Yinlou deduced Xiao Duo had arranged it.
Princess Hede, curious about their relationship, was charmed by Bu Yinlou's wit and asked her to use her nickname, Wanwan, in private. Meanwhile, Prince Rong was safely delivered to Prince Fu's residence. Xiao Duo immediately instructed Cao Chun'ang to dispatch an elite team to guard the mansion and personally visited key ministers to inform them that the Empress's faction was losing its advantage, urging them to align with Prince Fu.
The next morning, rumors spread that the Cabinet intended to install Prince Fu as regent. The Empress, startled, suspected Xiao Duo's betrayal. Soon after, Yan Sunlang informed her that Xiao Duo had colluded with Prince Fu and that Bu Yinlou, whom Xiao Duo had saved from ritual sacrifice, was his accomplice. Claiming loyalty, Yan Sunlang offered to serve the Empress in exchange for becoming Chief of Zhaoding Bureau.
The Empress accepted and ordered her spies withdrawn from Prince Fu's mansion, while dispatching a message to the Prince of Nanyuan. Aware of this, Xiao Duo devised a plan to lure the Prince of Nanyuan, Yuwen Liangshi, to the scenic spot of Zhongshan to assassinate him. He also instructed Cao Chun'ang to procure gifts to personally thank Princess Hede.
A few days later, while Bu Yinlou and Princess Hede were playing Imperial Madiao, Prince Fu, having crafted several lanterns for Bu Yinlou, defied Xiao Duo's guards to visit her. Frustrated with the guards, Prince Fu accused Xiao Duo of breaking promises and acting like a jailer. When he finally met Bu Yinlou, he eagerly presented a wooden lotus lantern he had made himself. However, Bu Yinlou feigned no recollection of him, despite his claims of a past meeting.
Her humorous guesses about his identity—suggesting he was someone she owed money to, had kicked into a pond, or whose cartwheels she had sabotaged—deeply embarrassed and upset him. In his distress, he stumbled and fell into a lotus pond. A dejected Prince Fu returned to his residence, but Eunuch Sun confronted Bu Yinlou, demanding accountability.
Xiao Duo intervened, reminding Eunuch Sun of the serious trouble it would cause if the Empress discovered such an incident during the mourning rituals, thus suppressing the matter. Later, Xiao Duo decided to leverage Bu Yinlou's influence over Prince Fu by making her his "eye" within the prince's circle. He abruptly stopped and turned to face her, causing a startled Bu Yinlou to stumble and inadvertently draw his sword.
Xiao Duo then presented her with two choices: cooperate by accepting Prince Fu's affections, or face death. To persuade her, he had his men bring lavish gifts—gold emblems, an ivory incense burner, ornate vases, and a vast array of jewelry—promising her unparalleled luxury and a grander palace in exchange for her allegiance. However, Bu Yinlou remained unmoved, dismissing the treasures as "fleeting illusions" and declaring she was already "sick of wealth." Exasperated, Xiao Duo ordered everyone out of the room, signaling his intention to deal with her refusal privately and decisively.
Episode 4 Recap
Sensing her precarious situation, Bu Yinlou adopted a submissive demeanor, kneeling before Xiao Duo. She argued that it was not the right time for him to use her to win over Prince Fu, as it would create a vulnerability for the Empress to exploit. Instead, she proposed that he keep her by his side as a bargaining chip, even suggesting they form an unscrupulous alliance. When Xiao Duo was unconvinced, Bu Yinlou clung to his leg and burst into tears.
Hearing the commotion, Tong Yun rushed to the door but saw her mistress refusing to let go. Faced with her persistence, Xiao Duo reluctantly agreed. Not fully trusting him, Bu Yinlou demanded a guarantee, and he gave her his imperial-gifted thumb ring as a token of his promise. Later, Xiao Duo explained the situation to his confidant, Eunuch Sun.
He saw through Bu Yinlou’s act, surmising that she was unwilling to align with Prince Fu before he had fully consolidated power. She was making a tactical retreat, using Xiao Duo's influence to bide her time. Xiao Duo acknowledged the wisdom in keeping her as a bargaining chip, noting Prince Fu’s volatile nature made him an uncertain bet. As long as Bu Yinlou remained under his control, Prince Fu would be more cautious and less likely to disrupt his plans.
Though Eunuch Sun was wary of Bu Yinlou's manipulations, Xiao Duo was unfazed, confident he could see through her schemes and stating that the arrangement was mutually beneficial. That night, Prince Fu was tormented by a dream of his childhood. He recalled being bullied and locked in a dark room by other children who called him a "bastard" without a mother. A young Bu Yinlou appeared with a lantern, becoming a beacon of light who led him out.
As he grew, he cherished her from afar, only for fate to trap her in the palace as his sister-in-law. Prince Fu awoke from the dream, startled by a presence behind him. He summoned Eunuch Sun Taiqing, who discovered Prince Rong lying on the floor, bleeding from a fatal head wound. Xiao Duo quickly arrived and confronted a terrified Prince Fu, accusing him of killing his own nephew, the heir to the throne.
Overwhelmed with panic, Prince Fu begged Xiao Duo to save him. Recognizing the opportunity, Xiao Duo orchestrated a daring plan, ordering Sun Taiqing to follow his instructions precisely. Later that night, a palace eunuch on duty at the Futu Pagoda was horrified to find Prince Rong's body staged atop Noble Consort Shao's coffin. Rong'an Empress arrived and demanded answers. Xiao Duo reported that the cause of death was a head injury.
When questioned, Prince Fu claimed he was making lanterns and only knew that Rong had been calling for his mother in his sleep before disappearing.
The eunuch who found the body was brought forward and, under duress, recounted a bizarre tale: he saw a dazed Prince Rong enter the pagoda, after which Noble Consort Shao's coffin dropped, she rose from within, and Prince Rong called out "Mother" before fatally striking his head on the coffin, which then lifted itself back into place. The Empress dismissed the story as a trick, but the eunuch insisted the Noble Consort's spirit had returned for her son.
Seizing the moment, Xiao Duo declared that a nation cannot be without a ruler and that only one royal bloodline remained. He then knelt before Prince Fu, urging him to take charge of the realm. The assembled ministers followed suit, leaving the Empress seething with rage but unable to object. Rumors spread that Xiao Duo had killed Prince Rong, but Bu Yinlou believed otherwise, reasoning that he was too smart for such a self-defeating move.
She sensed his guilt stemmed from failing to protect the young prince as he had promised. Seeing his low spirits, she led him to a secluded tea garden and used daylilies, or "sorrow-forgetting grass," as an analogy to comfort him. She explained that like the plant, which has poisonous roots but can be cooked into a delicacy, people like Xiao Duo must adopt a tough exterior to survive in a dangerous world, yet they retain an inner sweetness.
She frankly told him that his desire for absolute control was an "illness" that needed to be cured, affirming his humanity beneath the formidable facade. Amused by her honesty and her admission that she was trying to curry his favor, Xiao Duo smiled and teased her for "stealing" the tea leaves. Meanwhile, Rong'an Empress learned her secret messenger network had been dismantled by the Zhaoding Bureau and that officials were flocking to support Prince Fu.
Furious at being cornered by Xiao Duo, she was further provoked when Eunuch Yan Sunlang falsely reported that he had seen Prince Fu secretly meeting with Bu Yinlou the night of Prince Rong’s death. Believing Bu Yinlou was the source of Prince Fu’s new ambition, the Empress decided to use her to control him. The Empress’s niece, Lady Zhang, was dispatched to lure Bu Yinlou into a trap.
She invited Bu Yinlou to a card game, revealing the guards had been sent away. Sensing the danger, Bu Yinlou feigned cooperation but then locked herself inside the designated room. From outside, Lady Zhang taunted her, revealing that Xiao Duo was out of the city and could not rescue her. Yinlou worried that the playing cards she had left as a signal would now be useless. Unbeknownst to her, the room was being filled with a potent aphrodisiac incense.
Simultaneously, a guilt-ridden Prince Fu was being consoled by Eunuch Sun Taiqing, who urged him to take the throne for Bu Yinlou’s sake, arguing that only supreme power would allow them to be together. Just then, a forged letter arrived, supposedly from Bu Yinlou, pleading for rescue from the "Ninth Hall in the southeast." Believing she was in danger, Prince Fu immediately raced to the palace.
The Empress revealed her full plan to her maid: the aphrodisiac and the forged letter would trick Prince Fu into a compromising situation with Bu Yinlou, framing him for incest and disqualifying him from the throne. With a new heir chosen from a collateral branch and the support of her clan and allies, she would regain control and punish Xiao Duo, likening him to a disobedient cat that must be declawed to learn its lesson.
Episode 5 Recap
Xiao Duo's subordinate confirmed that the Prince of Nanyuan had entered Zhongshan, identifying the deeper hoofprints characteristic of West Shu cavalry horses, prompting Xiao Duo to immediately order a mountain search. At the same time, another report arrived: Prince Fu had entered the palace, and Consort Dowager Duan was missing.
When his subordinate found one of the Empress's leaf tags, Xiao Duo deduced the Empress had orchestrated the abduction to lure Prince Fu, not for any designs on the Consort Dowager herself. Cao Chun'ang urged Xiao Duo to prioritize killing the Prince of Nanyuan, reasoning that his death would neutralize any of the Empress's schemes and that any delay would allow the prince to escape.
Meanwhile, Bu Yinlou, resigned to her fate, was startled when Xiao Duo suddenly appeared in her room. He explained that he had to intervene, as she had forced him to stamp a document promising her protection. A relieved Bu Yinlou confessed how terrified she had been. Xiao Duo noted he easily found her by following the trail of leaf tags she had left. He asked if the Empress had left anything suspicious, and Bu Yinlou pointed out an incense burner.
She had extinguished it immediately, sensing its conspicuous placement meant it was dangerous. Despite her quick thinking, the lingering aphrodisiac scent had already affected Xiao Duo. The Empress, informed by her maid that Prince Fu was in the room and that all the court officials were assembled to witness the planned entrapment, eagerly rushed to catch the pair in an adulterous act.
However, upon throwing the door open, she found not Prince Fu, but a composed Xiao Duo sitting on the bed. Enraged, she demanded to know Prince Fu's whereabouts and accused Xiao Duo of betraying her after all the favor she had shown him. Xiao Duo coldly reminded her of a white-furred dog she once pampered. As long as the dog was obedient, she treated it well, but the moment it showed any wildness, she had it beaten into submission.
Xiao Duo declared that he was not her beast to be tamed. As the Empress was about to call for guards, Xiao Duo cautioned her against making a scene, reminding her that she was under confinement and had no authority in that part of the palace. He revealed that her loyal servants had already been replaced by his own men.
When she challenged him, he suggested that after years of managing the harem, she was tired and should find a quiet place to rest, making it clear he was exiling her from the Imperial City. Humiliated, the Empress lashed out at Cao Chun'ang for his incompetence. In a final act of spite, she publicly exposed the illicit affair between Lady Zhang Yujin and Eunuch Yan Sunlang, causing a commotion as her maids tried to silence her.
Xiao Duo’s subordinate reported that the Prince of Nanyuan had escaped by using his brother, Yuwen Liangxu, as a decoy. Xiao Duo dismissed the idea of interrogating the brother, ordering him sent to a villa under watch, knowing the young man was merely a playboy uninvolved in his brother's schemes. He expressed frustration that the prince, with his deep roots in West Shu, was now beyond his reach. Soon after, Prince Fu arrived.
Xiao Duo feigned deep remorse, confessing his failure to protect the prince from the Empress's plot and for allowing the Prince of Nanyuan to escape, offering to accept death as punishment. Taking the veiled warning, Prince Fu admitted his own recklessness and promised not to act rashly again before his enthronement.
As the Empress prepared to leave the Imperial City, she lamented that everyone within its walls was a "caged bird" and vowed to see the day Xiao Duo would meet his downfall. She requested to be sent to Tanxi Temple to reflect on her failures. Later, Lady Zhang Yujin was given a white silk rope to hang herself, and Eunuch Yan Sunlang was beheaded for their affair.
While her maid Tong Yun excitedly recounted the day's dramatic events, Bu Yinlou was distracted, replaying her encounter with Xiao Duo. After he was affected by the aphrodisiac incense, she had slapped him in a desperate attempt to shock his system back to normal, remembering a book that suggested a "fierce external force" could help expel poison. Recalling his furious expression, a fearful Bu Yinlou brought wine to his chambers to apologize.
Finding him brooding over the Prince of Nanyuan's escape and the delay in his quest for revenge, she offered him the drink, suggesting they set aside their "meaningless love and hatred." Xiao Duo accepted the wine and led her to a pear tree, confiding that it was not native to the palace. It was one of two trees transplanted from outside the city, but its twin had frozen to death, leaving this one alone.
He lamented that the palace had changed the tree, causing it to lose its nature and never bear fruit, blooming only for show. Sensing his melancholy, Bu Yinlou showed him a "Fish Immortal" charm from her mother, claiming it could turn misfortune into good fortune. She told him to close his eyes, then climbed the tree and shook its branches, showering them in pear blossoms like a romantic snowfall. The sight slowly coaxed a smile onto Xiao Duo's face.
In the eleventh year of Longhua, Prince Fu, Murong Gaogong, ascended the throne. Despite his new status as Emperor, he was troubled by Bu Yinlou’s continued avoidance of him. His eunuch, Sun Taiqing, cunningly advised him to win her sympathy by feigning illness from overwhelming grief over Prince Rong's death. The Emperor embraced the plan, ordering a period of fasting and prayer in Prince Rong’s name.
Sun Taiqing then sought out Bu Yinlou, describing the Emperor's immense suffering—how he was losing sleep and weight while personally making lanterns to honor Prince Rong. Moved, Bu Yinlou agreed to visit him. Upon her arrival, Murong Gaogong confessed that he was the one who had killed Prince Rong. He explained it was an accident—startled by Prince Rong’s sudden appearance behind him, he had instinctively pushed him.
He told her he was tormented by nightmares of Prince Rong's bloody face and that Xiao Duo had forbidden him from telling anyone. He then recalled a childhood memory where, after being bullied and locked in a dark room, she had appeared with a rosemallow lantern and led him to safety. He insisted that while she may not remember, he never forgot her importance in his life. He gave her a new lantern he had made, asking for her forgiveness.
Bu Yinlou accepted the lantern but stated she could not forgive him on Prince Rong's behalf. Instead of ceremonial fasting, she advised him to perform practical actions to atone for his mistake, reminding him that while the dead are gone, "the living remain." When he asked what she meant, she mentioned that the Empress Dowager had exiled all the servants of Prince Rong's palace after his death, prompting the Emperor to understand her meaning.
Episode 6 Recap
Hearing that Bu Yinlou had accepted a lantern from Murong Gaogong, Xiao Duo went to see her. He found her looking for a place to hang it and immediately expressed his displeasure, inventing fengshui rules and declaring the lantern was not of palace regulation style and must be confiscated. Bu Yinlou initially dismissed the issue but then stated it was a gift from the Emperor that she dared not treat lightly.
Sensing her apparent closeness with the Emperor, Xiao Duo probed her feelings by mentioning the upcoming selection of new palace ladies. Bu Yinlou's enthusiastic reaction, remarking that more pretty faces would liven up the palace, confirmed to Xiao Duo that she held no romantic interest in Murong Gaogong. When Xiao Duo offered to help her win the Emperor's favor, she vehemently declined, stating she was not ambitious and that Xiao Duo was her only true connection in the palace.
She then voiced her concern over the Emperor's frequent visits, astutely pointing out that rumors of him pursuing his late brother's consort would damage his new reign and could even implicate Xiao Duo. Xiao Duo accused her of threatening him but confiscated the lantern nonetheless. Later, Xiao Duo instructed Eunuch Sun to investigate rumors about Bu Yinlou, learning some originated from Chengyuan Palace.
Meanwhile, Murong Gaogong was being praised for pardoning the occupants of Chengyuan Palace, a decision he made for Bu Yinlou. However, he was enraged to learn that Xiao Duo had intercepted and detained several maids from the group for interrogation. He summoned Xiao Duo, who revealed the maids were spreading scandalous rumors that the Emperor was trying to seduce his sister-in-law.
Citing the damage to Bu Yinlou's reputation and the political danger, Xiao Duo advised the new Emperor to distance himself from her to avoid fueling more gossip. After Xiao Duo's departure, the Emperor's eunuch bolstered his master's resolve, arguing that as Emperor, he should simply punish gossipers and take what he desires, including Bu Yinlou, as it is "Heaven's will."
Emboldened, Murong Gaogong went to Bu Yinlou's chambers and embraced her, declaring his wish to make her his consort regardless of her status or any rumors. Just then, Xiao Duo arrived and witnessed the scene, silently gripping his sword in anger. Bu Yinlou firmly refused the Emperor's proposal, stating her desire for freedom—the ability to refuse what one does not want.
Expressing her disdain for life in the Imperial City, she requested to join the other former consorts at the Imperial Mausoleum. Murong Gaogong reluctantly agreed. Xiao Duo insisted on personally escorting Bu Yinlou to the Imperial Mausoleum. His subordinate, Eunuch Sun, suspected he might eliminate her en route, as she knew too many secrets. Xiao Duo dismissed this, wryly telling Sun not to mention the destination, fearing it would make Bu Yinlou "overjoyed."
Indeed, Bu Yinlou was ecstatic to leave the palace. During the carriage ride, she tried to enjoy the streets, but the populace scattered in fear at the sight of Xiao Duo's Zhaoding Bureau guards. Noticing his somber mood, Bu Yinlou began to flatter him, praising his intimidating "Deng Huo" sword. Xiao Duo explained its name comes from the first of the Eight Hells, signifying that the Zhaoding Bureau is a living hell and its agents are "evil spirits."
Bu Yinlou countered that his fearsome reputation was a necessary evil that kept corrupt officials in check, ensuring stability and peace. She declared him the best person she knew after her mother, even joking that if he weren't a eunuch, he could make a fortune with his looks. Xiao Duo admitted her flattery was awkward but that he liked it. Upon arriving at the Imperial Mausoleum, Bu Yinlou noted its proximity to Fushui Town, where her mother lived.
She recalled how her stepmother had coerced her into entering the palace by using her mother's illness as leverage. As Xiao Duo departed, he warned her to keep a low profile. Afterward, Bu Yinlou’s maid commented on Xiao Duo's increasing closeness, but Bu Yinlou dismissed it as calculation, fearing he was planning some future torment for her.
Back in the capital, Xiao Duo confirmed with Eunuch Sun that discreet arrangements were in place to ensure Bu Yinlou's comfort at the mausoleum without drawing attention. At the mausoleum, Bu Yinlou was joyfully greeted by her friend, Li Pingru. Li Pingru expressed her concern, explaining that the former consorts there had lost all ambition, spending their days idly playing mahjong. Unfazed, Bu Yinlou immediately joined a game.
Later, Li Pingru warned her about Eunuch Liu, the cruel and powerful chief eunuch of the mausoleum. Just then, Liu appeared and tried to lure Li Pingru to his room under the pretense of having found her lost bracelet. Sensing Li Pingru's terror, Bu Yinlou intervened, cleverly fabricating a story that she had borrowed the bracelet, forcing Liu to back down.
A subordinate then reminded Liu that they had received orders from the capital to "take care of" Bu Yinlou, preventing him from retaliating. The next morning, Bu Yinlou was late for her duties. Eunuch Liu harshly reprimanded her and announced that each night, one woman would be chosen for the "honor" of serving in the Underground Palace—the late Emperor's tomb.
Li Pingru whispered to Bu Yinlou that the place was rumored to be haunted and that previous attendants had either gone mad or died. After singling out Bu Yinlou with a pointed remark, Liu deliberately chose Li Pingru for the duty. To protect her friend, Bu Yinlou immediately volunteered to accompany her. Inside the tomb, a terrified Li Pingru clung to Bu Yinlou, who remained completely calm and even laid down on the late Emperor's imperial robe.
Frightened by the eerie atmosphere, Li Pingru suggested warding off spirits by chanting the name of someone with a powerful, "evil" aura. She chose Xiao Duo, the "living King of Hell," and began repeating his name for protection. Meanwhile, in the Imperial City, a preoccupied Xiao Duo was briefed on the activities of the captive prince, Yuwen Liangxu.
Xiao Duo explained his plan: by holding Yuwen Liangxu, he intended to lure the prince's powerful brother, the Prince of Nanyuan, into activating his network of spies in the capital for a rescue attempt, which would allow Xiao Duo to capture them all. He believed the prince's fraternal love was a weakness he could exploit. Hearing that Yuwen Liangxu had invited acrobats to his residence, Xiao Duo went immediately. He interrupted the performance and, while inspecting a flying dagger, discovered a hidden container of Monkshood root, a deadly poison.
Episode 7 Recap
Xiao Duo arrived at the courtyard and exposed a highly poisonous monkshood root hidden within Yuwen Liangxu's short sword. He ordered everyone present arrested for questioning, remarking that his skills had grown rusty since his blade hadn't drawn blood. Cao Chunang expressed his relief, acknowledging Xiao Duo's accurate prediction that the Prince of Nanyuan would send a spy.
He noted that without Xiao Duo's timely discovery, Prince Yuwen might have been kidnapped and their men would have been in mortal danger. Xiao Duo emphasized the constant peril of their work, urging caution. He then instructed them to take the prisoners to the Imperial Prison for Qilang to interrogate. Back at the Zhaoding Bureau, Cao Chunang presented Xiao Duo with the monthly supervisors' reports. Among them were unusual, romantically-themed accounts.
Cao Chunang recalled one agent, assigned to monitor a female royal merchant, who had become intimately involved with her to gather intelligence and documented their interactions in his "reports." Cao Chunang offered to filter out these trivial entries, but Xiao Duo took them all, saying he would take a look. Observing Xiao Duo's unusual focus, Cao Chunang speculated that his Godfather must be facing a very challenging problem.
Reading one of the storybooks, Xiao Duo learned that women enjoy outings like catching butterflies in early spring. He briefly imagined Bu Yinlou playfully doing so before shaking the image from his head. He continued reading and discovered that flying kites is another favorite pastime. Inspired, Xiao Duo began meticulously crafting a kite, learning the process required tying, pasting, drawing, and releasing, with the initial tying of the bamboo frame being the most crucial step.
In the Imperial Mausoleum's underground palace, Bu Yinlou and Beauty Li were cheerfully playing a card game. Eunuch Liu, perplexed by their lack of distress, entered and admonished them for making noise in the sacred mausoleum. Seeing a lit candle near valuable royal robes, he furiously ordered Bu Yinlou to throw it away. Bu Yinlou complied, tossing the candle and narrowly missing the eunuch's clothes. Exasperated by their behavior, Eunuch Liu dismissed them from their duties in the underground palace.
After parting ways with Bu Yinlou, Beauty Li was briefly greeted by her worried maid. Soon after, Eunuch Liu cornered her in a room, making it clear he intended to coerce her into a relationship. As Li Pingru stood distressed and helpless, Bu Yinlou burst in wielding a cleaver. She subdued Eunuch Liu, tackling him to the ground and beating him severely.
A terrified Beauty Li worried he might die, but Bu Yinlou reassured her he wouldn't from her blows, then jokingly suggested killing him if he woke up, which only panicked Beauty Li more. When Eunuch Liu regained consciousness, Bu Yinlou fabricated a story, claiming a large, masked man had ambushed him, beaten him severely, and stripped him naked at the tomb's entrance. Beauty Li and the others corroborated the tale, exaggerating his injuries and the public humiliation.
To further pressure him, Bu Yinlou suggested a full search of the mausoleum for the culprit's sack. Mortified by the public exposure and the prospect of a wider investigation, Eunuch Liu dropped the matter and dismissed everyone. Later, Beauty Li tearfully thanked Bu Yinlou, confessing that Eunuch Liu had been forcing her to be his "companion." She admitted her shame had kept her silent but felt secure with Bu Yinlou protecting her.
As they talked, they wandered to a neglected cemetery for lower-ranked concubines, which had no gravestones. Bu Yinlou was deeply moved, lamenting that these women were trapped even in death. This reminded her of her own mother, who had resisted becoming her father's official concubine to prevent Bu Yinlou from being confined to the inner chambers for life. Her mother’s dying wish was for her to live freely.
Looking at an old birdcage, Bu Yinlou remarked that all women in the palace, regardless of status, were confined to the same cage. She declared she would not end up buried there. Her maid noted Bu Yinlou's new boldness, attributing it to being "backed by someone important," meaning Xiao Duo.
Bu Yinlou then grew worried that she had ruined Xiao Duo’s plans by causing so much trouble and asked what day it was, realizing the next day was the fifteenth, the day of their planned meeting. Meanwhile, at the Zhaoding Bureau, Xiao Duo learned that the Yuwen family's two ancestral Hetian jades served as command tokens for their network of secret outposts.
With the Prince of Nanyuan holding one and Yuwen Liangxu the other, they couldn't directly seize the jade without alerting enemy factions. Their plan was to wait for Yuwen Liangxu to use it to contact an outpost for help. Xiao Duo announced he was taking the next day off for a personal matter, surprising Cao Chunang, who correctly guessed he was going to the Imperial Mausoleum.
However, before Xiao Duo could depart, he received word that Prince Yuwen Liangxu had gone to the Cuju field. Deciding he had enough time, Xiao Duo went to confront him first. At the Cuju field, Xiao Duo proposed a wager: his premium jade pendant against Yuwen Liangxu's ancestral Hetian jade. Provoked by Xiao Duo's taunts, the Prince accepted. Xiao Duo instructed his men to join the game, telling Qilang to observe from the sidelines.
Despite their efforts, including a goal by Cao Chunang, Xiao Duo's team was losing badly. Just then, Princess Hede, Murong Wanwan, arrived. Learning of the wager and seeing Yuwen Liangxu's aggressive play, she intervened, claiming the field was hers. She took Xiao Duo's place and challenged the Prince to a one-on-one match. Her superior skill quickly overwhelmed him, and she won the Hetian jade, leaving Yuwen Liangxu completely smitten with her.
Episode 8 Recap
After agreeing in a crucial meeting to forge a jade emblem for the Yuwen family, Xiao Duo declined a princess's invitation for spring wine, citing urgent business. He insisted on traveling to the Imperial Mausoleum immediately, despite the difficult, rain-soaked path. At the Mausoleum, Bu Yinlou waited anxiously as a storm rolled in. She grew convinced that Xiao Duo knew she had beaten Eunuch Liu and was deliberately making her wait as a form of psychological torture.
Though her attendant, Tong Yun, urged her to leave, Bu Yinlou stubbornly remained, determined not to give him the satisfaction. She vowed that if they ever met again, the first one to speak would be a dog. When Xiao Duo finally arrived, Bu Yinlou, sticking to her vow, remained silent. Breaking the tension, Xiao Duo apologized for his tardiness. To her surprise, he presented her with a unique goldfish kite.
Though feigning annoyance, Bu Yinlou admired the gift and confessed she only calmed down because she found him handsome. Seizing the moment, Xiao Duo playfully announced he was "abducting" her from the Imperial Mausoleum. Their escape was facilitated by a fabricated "flu epidemic," announced by Eunuch Liu under Xiao Duo's direction, which restricted all movement and provided the perfect cover for Bu Yinlou's absence.
Xiao Duo clarified he wasn't there to punish her for hitting the eunuch, but because he had overheard her expressing a deep longing to see her mother. As they approached her family’s old residence in Fushui Town, Bu Yinlou hesitated, explaining that her sick mother had been sent there by her father. She feared her mother was angry with her for entering the palace, as her mother had always wished for her to escape the family's control.
Xiao Duo reassured her, certain her mother would only feel concern, not anger. Instead of her mother, they were confronted by her father, Grand Tutor Bu. Reacting with alarm instead of joy, he accused her of escaping the Mausoleum and tried to drag her to the magistrate to confess a crime punishable by the execution of their entire family. Xiao Duo swiftly intervened. Feigning ignorance, Grand Tutor Bu claimed Bu Yinlou's stepmother had already recovered and returned to the capital.
He then questioned Xiao Duo about the Emperor's true intentions and urged his daughter to serve the new Emperor well. As they departed, he presented Xiao Duo with a "mountains and rivers painting" that, as Bu Yinlou discovered, contained hidden gold leaves. Enraged by her father's blatant attempt to sell her, Bu Yinlou threw the painting to the ground, calling him shameless, only for Xiao Duo to wryly point out that it was his money she was tossing.
In the carriage, Xiao Duo revealed his deep understanding of her past—neglected by her father and mistreated by her stepmother, she had developed a sharp, cautious demeanor as a survival mechanism. Furious that he had seen through her carefully constructed facade, Bu Yinlou stopped the carriage. Dropping all pretense, she demanded to know his true intentions, asking incredulously if he really wanted to be "sisters" with her.
In response, Xiao Duo offered her a cherry, suggesting its sweetness could dispel bitterness. With the Mausoleum temporarily out of reach, Bu Yinlou decided they should enjoy the night. They took a boat out on the water, and she playfully taught the inexperienced Xiao Duo how to row. She gifted him a handmade Madiao card, humorously labeling him "Xiao Duo," the "God of Calamity" who was "stunningly beautiful."
In turn, Xiao Duo examined her card, which depicted "Bu Yinlou" as a "Consecrated Salted Fish" with "no special powers," a useless card. She defiantly declared that she made the rules and could use her "useless" card to tear up an opponent's hand, amusing Xiao Duo with her shamelessness.
As she became more inebriated, Bu Yinlou tearfully recounted her lonely childhood and how her dream of having a real home was shattered when she realized her father’s house was just another cage for her and her mother. Drunkenly, she wished people could be free to be with whomever they wanted. When Xiao Duo asked whom she wanted to be with, she whispered, "You," before passing out in his arms.
Meanwhile, a drunken Tong Yun and Cao Chunang bickered at the Mausoleum. Their argument was interrupted by a bruised and terrified Beauty Li pounding on Bu Yinlou’s door, begging for help. Before the inebriated Tong Yun could react, Eunuch Liu appeared and dragged Beauty Li away. He revealed that a witness had seen her enter his room on the night of his beating, confirming her complicity.
After tormenting her and asserting his absolute authority in the remote Mausoleum, he forced her to swallow an unknown substance. When Bu Yinlou and Xiao Duo returned, a horrified Tong Yun recounted the events. Bu Yinlou found a broken Beauty Li, who warned her not to interfere, claiming she had "figured it out" and would now rely on Eunuch Liu for survival.
When Bu Yinlou argued that the eunuch was despicable, Beauty Li countered by asking who she "could" trust, accusing a guilt-stricken Bu Yinlou of abandoning her by not opening the door the previous night. Bu Yinlou admitted she hadn't been there but couldn't explain why. Resigned, Beauty Li told her to leave, stating grimly, "I will not die."
Episode 9 Recap
Upon returning to her room, Bu Yinlou found Tong Yun sitting on the floor, distraught. Tong Yun revealed that Eunuch Liu had confiscated all their valuables. Before Bu Yinlou could react, she noticed Tong Yun was burning with a fever. She immediately helped Tong Yun to bed and went to fetch medicine. However, the eunuch in charge of the pharmacy told Bu Yinlou that she needed Eunuch Liu’s permission.
Bu Yinlou sought out Eunuch Liu, who refused to provide any medicine, citing his own recent injury and a shortage of supplies due to a lazy purchasing eunuch. Undeterred, Bu Yinlou subtly offered Eunuch Liu a gift. While initially hesitant, Eunuch Liu's demeanor changed dramatically when he noticed it bore the personal ring mark of Xiao Duo, Chief of the Zhaoding Bureau. He immediately suspected a close relationship between Bu Yinlou and Xiao Duo.
Understanding the urgency, Bu Yinlou did not deny his insinuation, subtly suggesting that Xiao Duo preferred their relationship to remain private. Eager to please, Eunuch Liu swiftly retrieved the medicine, arranged for its delivery, and even had attendants care for Tong Yun. However, a later review of Bu Yinlou's accounts showed a significant deficit with no financial contributions from Xiao Duo.
Suspicious that he had been tricked, Eunuch Liu instructed Li Pingru to discreetly investigate the true nature of Bu Yinlou’s relationship with Xiao Duo. Meanwhile, Xiao Duo, utilizing a jade token, meticulously surveyed and infiltrated various suspicious locations, identifying numerous contact points established by the Prince of Nanyuan in the capital. He then strategically placed his own men within these locations. His chief subordinate, Cao Chunang, entered with a stack of account books, his face grim.
These books, he explained, were sent by Eunuch Liu from the Imperial Mausoleum. Cao Chunang further revealed Eunuch Liu’s scheme: he had lavished Bu Yinlou with expensive food and exotic treasures, intending for her to overspend and incur a debt, thereby creating a pretext to demand money from Xiao Duo and verify their connection. Cao Chunang then delivered an even more startling piece of news: Bu Yinlou had claimed to be Xiao Duo's "lover."
Realizing that Bu Yinlou was facing a difficult situation and was using his name for protection, Xiao Duo immediately departed for the Imperial Mausoleum. Under the bright sun, Bu Yinlou and Tong Yun passed the time playing cards in the courtyard, unaware of Li Pingru secretly observing them. Tong Yun questioned Bu Yinlou about her supposed relationship with Xiao Duo, which Bu Yinlou vehemently denied, making unflattering remarks about how she would never debase herself in such an arrangement.
Hidden from view, Li Pingru overheard these words, became furious, and promptly reported them to Eunuch Liu. Shortly after, Eunuch Liu arrived with his guards, asserting his authority over Bu Yinlou. Unable to tolerate his arrogance, Bu Yinlou defiantly kicked him, escalating the confrontation into a scuffle. Just then, Murong Gaogong, the Emperor, unexpectedly appeared, intervening to protect Bu Yinlou. Simultaneously, Xiao Duo also arrived on the scene.
Concerned about Bu Yinlou’s safety, Murong Gaogong intended to bring her back to the palace. However, Bu Yinlou, having just gained some semblance of freedom, was reluctant to return to a life of confinement. To alleviate the awkward tension, Xiao Duo suggested that the Emperor and Bu Yinlou take a walk. To dissuade Murong Gaogong from taking her back, Bu Yinlou deliberately led them to a cemetery.
There, she gathered a group of concubines and maids, encouraging them to play cards boisterously amongst the graves, presenting herself as a crude and common woman. This unrefined display thoroughly startled Murong Gaogong. Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Duo proposed to the Emperor that, following the upcoming mausoleum sacrifice, Bu Yinlou could be officially escorted out of the Imperial Mausoleum under a suitable pretext. He further suggested arranging for nannies to train her in proper etiquette.
Murong Gaogong accepted Xiao Duo's proposal, deciding that Bu Yinlou should temporarily reside at Xiao Duo’s estate to avoid further complications. News of Bu Yinlou gaining the Emperor's favor reached Bu Yinge, the legitimate daughter of the Bu family, filling her with resentment. She believed that all the prestige Bu Yinlou enjoyed should rightfully be hers, as she was initially destined for the palace. She dispatched her mother, Madam Bu, to the Imperial Mausoleum to investigate.
Upon arrival, Madam Bu found Li Pingru performing chores and overheard servants gossiping that Li Pingru had been demoted for offending Bu Yinlou. Seeing an opportunity, Madam Bu engaged Li Pingru in conversation, subtly instigating her to cause trouble for Bu Yinlou during the upcoming mausoleum sacrifice, suggesting that Bu Yinlou's clumsy nature could lead to a grave mistake during the ritual.
On the day of the mausoleum sacrifice, Bu Yinlou, as the Consort Dowager, was to carry the late Emperor's robes out of the mausoleum. As she approached Li Pingru, she was suddenly tripped. Fortunately, Xiao Duo reacted swiftly, catching the robes before they could fall and preventing a serious breach of protocol.
Realizing her desperate act would lead to severe punishment, Li Pingru tried to attack Bu Yinlou, intending to take her down with her, but she was quickly subdued by the imperial guards. After the ceremony, Bu Yinlou confronted Li Pingru, who harbored deep resentment, believing Bu Yinlou had abandoned her by not saving her on a previous fateful night. Bu Yinlou expressed her regret, acknowledging her limitations.
Out of compassion, Bu Yinlou decided to release Li Pingru, telling her to return home where her mother and sister awaited. Calmed down, Li Pingru gained some clarity and, before leaving, warned Bu Yinlou to be wary of Madam Bu. Bu Yinlou later confided in Xiao Duo, explaining her decision by reflecting on the anonymous graves of forgotten concubines in the mausoleum.
She expressed her desire for no one, including Li Pingru, to suffer such a lonely fate, viewing this act of granting freedom as a small victory. Following the mausoleum sacrifice, Bu Yinlou prepared to move to Xiao Duo’s residence. Xiao Duo explained that due to the numerous watchful eyes in the capital, she would need to enter his household under the guise of a distant clan member to avoid suspicion.
Bu Yinlou readily agreed, suggesting that to maintain the facade, they should drop formal titles and use each other's names. Xiao Duo agreed, addressing her as "Yinlou." As they prepared for the procession, Xiao Duo commented on her elaborate attire, playfully questioning if the parade was for her or the late Emperor, to which Bu Yinlou playfully asserted her choice, content in her unconventional style.
Episode 10 Recap
Bu Yinlou found herself living a life of extreme luxury in Xiao Duo’s residence, so much so that she was carried in a sedan even for short distances. While in the courtyard, she noticed a familiar pear tree. Xiao Duo explained that he had it transplanted from the palace to keep her company.
Touched, Bu Yinlou examined the new buds, predicting it would soon bear fruit, and as she admired it, Xiao Duo gently removed a fallen blossom from her hair. Later, Bu Yinlou remarked to her maid, Tongyun, that despite Xiao Duo's flaws, his wealth was a significant advantage. When her maid teased that she was blinded by material possessions, Bu Yinlou insisted that such things no longer impressed her.
Meanwhile, Xiao Duo instructed a subordinate to invite Princess Hede to his residence. Unbeknownst to them, Prince Yuwen Liangxu had snuck into the princess’s entourage disguised as a maid. Informed of this, Xiao Duo ordered his subordinate Qilang not to intervene but to monitor the prince, curious about his true intentions. Princess Hede arrived and expressed her concern over her brother, Murong Gaogong, wanting to marry Bu Yinlou, who was the late Emperor’s concubine.
She promised Xiao Duo she would try to dissuade him. As the group settled in, Yuwen Liangxu, suffering a stomachache, urgently sought a toilet. He was mistaken for a thief by the head steward and, fleeing in panic, ran into Bu Yinlou's room, where she promptly knocked him unconscious with a cane. Afterward, Bu Yinlou expressed regret, stating she wouldn't have struck him had she known his identity.
After regaining consciousness, Yuwen Liangxu insisted to Xiao Duo that he wasn't there to assassinate anyone, claiming he simply got lost. Xiao Duo accused him of having ulterior motives tied to the Prince of Nanyuan. Pressed further, Yuwen Liangxu confessed he was there out of admiration for Princess Hede. Outraged, the princess burst in, declaring she barely knew him. Unfazed, Yuwen Liangxu praised her strength, comparing her vigor in playing football to his own mother's might.
He then brazenly warned Princess Hede that Xiao Duo, being a eunuch, was cunning and untrustworthy. Bu Yinlou instinctively defended Xiao Duo, attempting to smooth over the prince's insulting remarks. Following the heated exchange, Qilang escorted the prince away. Alone with Bu Yinlou, Xiao Duo asked why she had defended him. She impulsively blurted out that she liked him the most and would stand up to anyone who bullied him.
She then awkwardly changed the subject, remarking that with his appearance and bearing, he would be a perfect match for the princess if he were an ordinary man, but his status as a eunuch had changed his fate. She quickly added that he was still the best in his profession. Visibly angered by the mention of his status, Xiao Duo fell silent, and Bu Yinlou, sensing his fury, hastily excused herself.
Later, Cao Chunang explained to her that Yuwen Liangxu is the brother of the Prince of Nanyuan, Xiao Duo's sworn rival. He revealed that Xiao Duo had been on the verge of capturing the prince but had to abandon the mission to rescue Bu Yinlou from the Empress. Bu Yinlou then realized she had inadvertently thwarted Xiao Duo's plans. At the palace, Princess Hede subtly advised Murong Gaogong against marrying Bu Yinlou, using a flower analogy.
She explained that the palace environment, like carefully cultivated soil, was only suitable for noble flowers like peonies, not for wild cotton roses like Bu Yinlou, who needed freedom to thrive. Murong Gaogong understood but refused to yield, confessing that he had only risen from an insignificant prince to the throne for Bu Yinlou's sake.
He described the imperial city as a dark place where she was his only light, and all he wanted was for her to light a lamp for him each night. Seeing his deep emotional distress, Princess Hede relented and promised to help bring Bu Yinlou to the palace. Unbeknownst to the Emperor, Eunuch Sun took it upon himself to send Madam Chen, a strict senior maid, to Xiao Duo's residence to train Bu Yinlou in palace etiquette.
At the same time, Xiao Duo was personally leading an operation to capture secret agents from Western Shu. Meanwhile, Bu Yinlou was dreaming of a carefree future with Xiao Duo when her fantasy was shattered by the arrival of Madam Chen. Frightened by the imposing maids, Bu Yinlou asked for Xiao Duo, but before Cao Chunang could reply, Madam Chen struck her with a cane for her impertinence. Bu Yinlou was subjected to rigorous training.
In an act of defiance, she deliberately ignored the intricate dining rules, eating the food meant for display and mixing up the dish placements. When confronted, she cheekily offered Madam Chen a bite, earning the insult "rotten wood that can't be carved." She was then chased and disciplined. Just as the maids cornered her, Xiao Duo returned. Bu Yinlou ran toward him but tripped and fell hard.
Furious, Xiao Duo rebuked Madam Chen, who, feeling indignant, announced she would return to the palace and report her failure to the Emperor. Xiao Duo offered Bu Yinlou ointment for her injuries, but she, still annoyed, told him to leave. Soon after, the Emperor, Murong Gaogong, arrived, looking displeased. Fearing Madam Chen had complained, Xiao Duo went to greet him, humbly taking the blame for the incident.
However, the Emperor clarified that Eunuch Sun had acted without his knowledge and expressed his concern for Bu Yinlou. She then appeared, having adopted a perfectly refined and demure demeanor. When the Emperor invited her to dine with him, she politely declined, citing various points of etiquette that forbade her from eating at the same table as the monarch. Her strict adherence to every rule created an insurmountable distance between them, and a frustrated Murong Gaogong eventually left.
Afterward, Eunuch Sun praised Xiao Duo for Bu Yinlou's new, proper behavior but slyly suggested that relations between men and women shouldn't be too rigid, recommending a visit to the Dream House, the capital's most famous brothel.
Episode 11 Recap
The conflict begins when Tong Yun overhears Eunuch Sun advising Xiao Duo to send Bu Yinlou to Dream House. Sun suggests that its owner, the beautiful and talented Meng Jieyu, could tutor Bu Yinlou in dances designed to please men, which would surely win the Emperor's favor. Tong Yun relays this to Bu Yinlou just as Xiao Duo arrives, who firmly states he would never send her to such a place.
However, Bu Yinlou misunderstands the situation, accusing Xiao Duo of being two-faced—kind to her in public while treating her like a fool behind her back. Angered by what she perceives as his duplicity, she sarcastically asks for the exact date he plans to send her back to the palace so she can stop deluding herself that they are friends.
In a fit of defiance, Bu Yinlou declares she will go to Dream House on her own, telling Tong Yun to pack their bags as learning to seduce men is just another skill. Though outwardly furious, Xiao Duo is deeply concerned and orders his men to follow her and ensure her safety. The next morning, Bu Yinlou departs for Dream House without a word to Xiao Duo. There, she witnesses Meng Jieyu's captivating performance.
She learns of Dream House's rule: to gain an audience, one must toss a flower with their name attached through a window, hoping it matches Meng Jieyu's preference. Instead of a flower, Bu Yinlou throws a bare branch she finds on the ground, surprisingly earning her an invitation inside. When asked why, she cleverly deduces that Meng Jieyu isn't waiting for seasonal flowers, but for a specific person she has long missed.
Bu Yinlou then asks to become Meng Jieyu's disciple, claiming her family intends to marry her to a high-ranking official but feels she lacks sophistication. Meng Jieyu is initially uninterested, finding it too easy to teach women. However, she is intrigued when Bu Yinlou spiritedly objects to being called "plain-looking and lacking seductiveness." Seeing her as the greatest challenge of her career, Meng Jieyu accepts the woman she deems uniquely "devoid of natural charm" as her student.
Meanwhile, when Xiao Duo learns Bu Yinlou has indeed become a disciple, he feigns indifference but orders his men to continue watching her closely. Meng Jieyu begins Bu Yinlou's training with a "drastic measure," a difficult dance called "Love Choice," designed to be alluring without being vulgar and to reveal the observer's true feelings. Bu Yinlou is forced to practice relentlessly, treating the surrounding drums as her audience. Though she struggles with the grueling schedule and frequent falls, she perseveres.
Her motivation is no longer anger at Xiao Duo, but a newfound resolve not to be a burden on him any longer; she is determined to become whatever the Emperor desires to alleviate Xiao Duo's difficulties. Aware of her efforts, Xiao Duo initiates a city-wide "prostitution ban," which also targets the secret strongholds of his rival, the Prince of Nanyuan. This serves as a pretext to keep Dream House under surveillance and protect Bu Yinlou.
During her training, Bu Yinlou encounters the Young Prince, Yuwen Liangxu, who is desperately seeking Meng Jieyu's help to win the affection of Princess Hede, Wanwan. Tong Yun identifies him as the brother of the Prince of Nanyuan, Xiao Duo’s sworn enemy. Suspicious of his motives, Bu Yinlou convinces Meng Jieyu to accept him as a student so she can spy on him.
She feigns camaraderie, agreeing with his assessment of Xiao Duo as a "despicable man" while giving him terrible advice for wooing Wanwan. She suggests he gift the princess a bizarrely ugly flower arrangement to be memorable and later prepare a sedan chair to carry her to the temple. These attempts result in Wanwan punching him and having him carried away, which the naive prince misinterprets as signs of affection.
His antics exasperate Bu Yinlou, even causing her to injure her foot, and he further frustrates her by spoiling the ending of a novel she is reading. When Xiao Duo is informed of the Young Prince's unconcealed presence at Dream House, he realizes Bu Yinlou is investigating on his behalf and, despite his feigned annoyance, asks his subordinate to invite her back.
After observing him further, Bu Yinlou concludes that Yuwen Liangxu is genuinely simple-minded and not part of a larger conspiracy. He continues his clumsy courtship by picking plum blossoms for Wanwan after fighting off a dog, and though injured, he confesses his feelings directly. Annoyed but touched, Wanwan accepts the flowers. Moved by his persistence, Meng Jieyu formally accepts him as a disciple.
She advises him to adopt a strategy of absence, explaining that constant attention breeds annoyance, while distance can lead to longing, as deep affection often begins with "thinking too much." Due to Xiao Duo's ongoing "prostitution ban" operations, Meng Jieyu is unable to perform at the flower window and asks Bu Yinlou to take her place. Veiled and graceful, Bu Yinlou mesmerizes the crowd with her dance.
Among the captivated onlookers is an unsuspecting Cao Chunang, who has bought a large bundle of flowers to throw. He is left utterly astonished when Tong Yun reveals that the stunning dancer is, in fact, his own master's charge: the Endowed Consort Dowager, Bu Yinlou.
Episode 12 Recap
Upon learning from his attendant, Cao Chunang, that Bu Yinlou was attracting customers at the Dream House's flower window while disguised as the courtesan Meng Jieyu, Xiao Duo became furious. Cao Chunang described how Bu Yinlou, though veiled, had captivated countless men and seemed to have truly mastered the art of seduction. Xiao Duo, assuming Meng Jieyu's attire was revealing, questioned how Bu Yinlou could dress so immodestly, but Cao Chunang clarified her clothing was not skimpy.
He tried to calm Xiao Duo by suggesting that if Bu Yinlou gained the Emperor's lasting favor, it would be advantageous for them. When Xiao Duo ordered him to return to the Dream House the next day, Cao Chunang refused, revealing that Bu Yinlou's maid, Tong Yun, had embarrassed him by mocking him as a eunuch visiting a brothel. He paradoxically confessed that what angered him was his own lack of anger over the insult.
That night, Xiao Duo was consumed by thoughts of Bu Yinlou and the nature of love, unable to sleep. He reflected on the lesson her master had taught her: that the most irresistible temptation is love itself, which can mesmerize a person and make them oblivious to all else. Meanwhile, Princess Wanwan, unable to find Yuwen Liangxu for a game of football, decided to visit Bu Yinlou.
Her servant informed her that Bu Yinlou had gone to the Dream House, a place deemed unsuitable for a princess. The staff at the Dream House refused Wanwan entry through the main door, citing house rules that guests must wait to be chosen at the flower windows. Just then, Xiao Duo appeared and forcefully broke through the main door, tossing money to pay for the damage. Intrigued by his audacity, Wanwan and her maid slipped in through the back door.
Inside, Wanwan followed the sound of a zither to Meng Jieyu. As she watched the performance, a disheveled Yuwen Liangxu stumbled out. While frantically trying to explain his presence to Wanwan, his pants slipped down, adding to his humiliation. Meng Jieyu cheekily clarified that Yuwen Liangxu was there to learn techniques for seducing Wanwan. Enraged and embarrassed, Wanwan chased after him, threatening to beat him up, while Meng Jieyu playfully offered to cover any damages.
While practicing her dance, Bu Yinlou was startled by Xiao Duo's sudden appearance. She lost her balance and fell towards the water, but Xiao Duo swiftly caught her. They shared an intense, silent moment, the intimate atmosphere broken only by Meng Jieyu's arrival. Xiao Duo helped Bu Yinlou steady herself, saying he would wait for her.
Though he tried to appear composed, his inner turmoil was betrayed when he realized his treasured sword had fallen into the water as he rushed to save her. As they prepared to leave, Meng Jieyu told Bu Yinlou a personal story, confessing she had been waiting for a man who went to war and never returned, regretting that she never confessed her feelings. She urged Bu Yinlou to be honest with her own heart and seize any chance at love.
The conversation made Bu Yinlou ponder her relationship with Xiao Duo. Upon returning to his residence, she noticed a railing had been removed. She questioned her maid, Tong Yun, who confirmed Xiao Duo had ordered it. Bu Yinlou took this as definitive proof that he was "coveting" her, a suspicion Tong Yun dismissed as one of her recurring fantasies.
Later that night, a restless Xiao Duo found Cao Chunang outside, philosophizing about how love consumes one's thoughts with a mix of anxiety and joy. Xiao Duo confided that he was experiencing the same sweet torment and wondered if Bu Yinlou knew. With the Lantern Festival approaching, Yuwen Liangxu asked Xiao Duo to help him invite Wanwan out. Yuwen passionately argued that love can happen in an instant and that one must seize the day, as life is short.
Impressed but cautious, Xiao Duo refused, citing the political risk due to the Emperor's suspicion of Yuwen's family. Undeterred, Yuwen turned to Bu Yinlou. He successfully baited her by suggesting she lacked the influence to sway Xiao Duo. Her competitive spirit ignited, and she agreed to help, mistakenly believing Xiao Duo's refusal to play matchmaker was proof of his personal interest in her. Bu Yinlou approached Xiao Duo but struggled to make her case.
He understood her intent but again refused, stating that a close relationship between Yuwen and Wanwan was unwise. Frustrated, Bu Yinlou declared she would handle it herself and went to wait for Wanwan at the palace gate, unaware that Xiao Duo had already secretly arranged for Wanwan to attend the festival. That night, Wanwan arrived at the festival accompanied by Xiao Duo.
As they watched the dancers, Xiao Duo subtly pulled Bu Yinlou away from the crowd just as Yuwen Liangxu emerged from a float and playfully bound a surprised Wanwan to it as part of his grand romantic gesture. Determined to test Xiao Duo's feelings, Bu Yinlou led him away, but they were separated in the bustling crowd.
Xiao Duo soon reappeared with a beautiful lantern for her, which she noted was the first she had ever received from someone other than her mother. As fireworks lit up the sky, Xiao Duo grew somber and spoke of his past. He explained his fondness for the festival came from his late brother. He recounted their tragic childhood: a locust plague and corrupt officials had ruined their family, leading to their parents' deaths.
The two brothers begged their way to the capital, arriving on the night of the Lantern Festival. He wistfully recalled how his brother would collect discarded lanterns after the festivities ended. Moved by the depth of his loss and suffering, Bu Yinlou's heart went out to him, and they decided to float river lanterns together, finding a moment of peace in each other's company.
Episode 13 Recap
As they floated river lanterns, Bu Yinlou encouraged Xiao Duo to make a wish. Xiao Duo initially claimed to have no wishes, but then shared his profound desire for a virtuous and peaceful world where common folk would no longer be separated from their loved ones, adding that he hoped the world would no longer need people like him.
Bu Yinlou immediately countered, arguing that the Great Ye Empire still needed the Zhaoding Bureau and men like him because the world was not yet truly peaceful. She explained that many of his Zhaoding Guards were impoverished orphans who found a lifeline through him, and he had protected them in the complex political landscape of the capital.
She then passionately told him that she also needed him, acknowledging his many sufferings and selfless desire for others not to endure what he had. She highlighted that despite his seemingly ruthless actions, his sword only struck down corrupt officials, and despite his sullied reputation, he genuinely protected the country and its people, proving him to be a gentle soul.
Visibly moved, Xiao Duo admitted that meeting her had helped him to begin liking himself, a feeling he had never had before. They then moved to watch street dancers, with Bu Yinlou playfully remarking that her own dancing was better. Their lighthearted moment was interrupted by Murong Gaogong, who approached Bu Yinlou with extravagant flattery. He sternly chided Xiao Duo for an earlier incident at the Dream House, but Bu Yinlou quickly took responsibility, stating she had insisted on going.
Undeterred, Murong Gaogong declared his affection for her regardless of her actions and expressed his desire to spend the beautiful Lantern Festival night with her alone, claiming destiny had led him to find her in the crowd. He then dismissed a common lantern and proudly presented a courtyard full of elaborate Zouma lanterns that he claimed he had personally crafted for her. He revealed his nickname, Youwu, and pressed Bu Yinlou to share hers, but their conversation was cut short.
A sudden commotion erupted in the crowded street, leading to a falling pillar. Murong Gaogong instinctively shielded Bu Yinlou, asserting that he was the only one capable of protecting her. Xiao Duo swiftly apprehended the source of the chaos: a spy planted by the Prince of Nanyuan. Enraged, Murong Gaogong killed the spy, declaring it an honor for anyone to die by the emperor's hand.
Concerned for Bu Yinlou's safety, Murong Gaogong insisted she return to the palace to receive an official title once her injuries healed. Xiao Duo subtly voiced concerns about potential criticism from the court if such an edict was issued and offered to take Bu Yinlou back to his own residence for treatment. Murong Gaogong dismissed his objections, affirming his decision and tasking Xiao Duo with purging the Prince of Nanyuan's remaining loyalists in the capital.
Later, as preparations were underway for Bu Yinlou's return to the palace, including new identity documents, Xiao Duo's subordinate, Cao Chunang, advised him against getting distracted, reminding him of his own crucial tasks and Bu Yinlou's preordained fate. Aware of her impending return, Bu Yinlou tried to assure Xiao Duo she was ready, even playfully suggesting that with her intelligence, she would soon become a powerful figure in the palace capable of protecting them both.
Despite her brave front, after she left, Xiao Duo seemed determined to persuade the Emperor to rescind his order, prompting his subordinate to caution him against antagonizing Murong Gaogong. Meanwhile, at the palace, Xiao Duo encountered Grand Tutor Bu's wife, who was causing a scene, distraught and threatening suicide.
She explained that the late Emperor had betrothed her legitimate daughter, Yinge, to the Prince of Nanyuan, but given the Prince's current unstable political standing, she refused to allow her daughter to marry a "rebel." Murong Gaogong informed Xiao Duo of the attempt to annul the marriage, acknowledging that the Bu family's fate could sour Bu Yinlou's feelings towards him and expressing his intent to cancel the wedding.
However, Xiao Duo advised caution, highlighting the Prince of Nanyuan's substantial military power in West Shu and the risk of rebellion if he was provoked. He proposed a strategic plan: send an envoy with the wedding entourage to West Shu under the guise of the marriage to gather intelligence before taking action. Murong Gaogong appointed Xiao Duo to lead the critical mission.
Xiao Duo then raised the concern that the Prince of Nanyuan could exploit Bu Yinlou's title as Consort Dowager to undermine their plans. Although Murong Gaogong voiced frustration at this new obstacle, he ultimately agreed to Xiao Duo's proposal for the expedition, urging an immediate departure.
Privately, Murong Gaogong confided in his attendant that his true motive was to weaken Xiao Duo's power base by sending him away, anticipating a conflict between him and the Prince of Nanyuan that would consolidate the emperor's own authority. News of the renewed marriage decree reached the Bu family. Grand Tutor Bu's wife, determined that their legitimate daughter, Yinge, would not be the one married off, decided to substitute Bu Yinlou.
Despite Grand Tutor Bu's furious objections, she remained resolute and orchestrated a deception, sending a message to Bu Yinlou that her mother was gravely ill to lure her back to the residence. Although Bu Yinlou found the sudden illness suspicious, she rushed home, only to be confined upon arrival.
Having been informed of the suspicious illness of an aunt who had never been mentioned before and was absent from the dowry list, Xiao Duo deduced it was a ploy and stormed the Bu residence. Xiao Duo demanded the whereabouts of Consort Dowager Duan. Grand Tutor Bu claimed he believed she was still at Xiao Duo's residence.
However, Cao Chunang found Bu Yinlou's maid, Tong Yun, who tearfully revealed that her mistress had been forced into a replacement marriage and had just been taken away in a wedding carriage. Enraged, Xiao Duo vowed dire consequences if Bu Yinlou was harmed and dispatched his guards to intercept the wedding fleet, ordering that no Bu family member be allowed to leave the capital. Meanwhile, Bu Yinlou, realizing the trick, escaped the carriage.
When confronted by pursuing guards, she defiantly invoked her imperial-sanctioned status as the future bride of the Prince of Nanyuan. Just as the confrontation escalated, Xiao Duo arrived. Bu Yinlou urged him to take her to Fushui Town, and he immediately agreed.
Episode 14 Recap
Bu Yinlou returns to Fushui Town and encounters an old neighbor who expresses surprise at her late return. The neighbor reveals that Bu Yinlou's mother passed away six months prior due to illness and was unceremoniously buried wrapped in a straw mat, with no one paying their respects. Devastated, Bu Yinlou rushes to a bamboo forest, where she finds her mother's humble grave. Overcome with grief, she collapses, weeping that she no longer has a mother.
Xiao Duo steps forward and embraces her, offering silent comfort. Xiao Duo escorts Bu Yinlou back to the capital and confronts the Bu family, accusing them of deceiving the Emperor by forcing Bu Yinlou to take her sister's place and demanding they kneel. Grand Tutor Bu, feigning remorse, calls for a cane to beat his wife. Unmoved, Bu Yinlou coldly tells him to proceed. Madam Bu faints from terror and is taken away by Cao Chun'ang from the Zhaoding Bureau.
Grand Tutor Bu then attempts to privately appeal to Bu Yinlou's sense of family, but Xiao Duo insists on staying. Bu Yinlou reveals that when the imperial edict came, her stepmother threatened her birth mother's life to force Bu Yinlou, an illegitimate daughter, into the palace, as the late Emperor was already ailing. Her father tries to justify this by claiming it led to her current good fortune.
Bu Yinlou then reveals that her stepmother tried to have her killed more than once, and that the Zhaoding Bureau has a case file on her bribing a concubine at the mausoleum to assassinate Bu Yinlou. Xiao Duo confirms that these crimes could lead to the execution of the entire family. Desperate, Grand Tutor Bu declares he will divorce his wife and send her to the ancestral temple to repent.
Xiao Duo warns him that if any further incidents occur, he will expose everything for the court’s entertainment, disregarding the family's reputation. Afterward, Xiao Duo finds Bu Yinlou troubled. He provocatively offers to have the entire Bu family executed, but she questions if he is egging her on to murder her own family. He dismisses them as rotten people, noting her father’s willful ignorance of the abuse allowed it to happen.
Bu Yinlou acknowledges her father is a calculating man who only acts when it benefits him, and she no longer feels any filial love for him. Her sadness, she explains, is for her mother, who lovingly wove a silk cord for her father, only for him to discard it. She laments that her mother's life and death meant nothing to him, like losing a "useless tea set."
Concluding that she has no home, Xiao Duo immediately refutes her, affirming, "You have a home. Yinlou. We're home." His words fill her with warmth, dispelling the shadows of the day. Rumors about Bu Yinlou and Murong Gaogong spread, leading to criticism from court officials. The Emperor speculates that he is being condemned for taking the late Emperor's concubine.
When Bu Yinlou arrives, he playfully critiques her calligraphy, which quotes an ancient advisor: "Fearing negligence, one begins with careful consideration and concludes with assiduity." She explains it is advice on diligence, adding that he should be a virtuous Emperor. Seizing the moment, Xiao Duo suggests that to quell the rumors, Bu Yinlou should travel with him to West Shu under the pretense of escorting her sister to her marriage.
The Emperor stubbornly refuses, but Xiao Duo reminds him that a benevolent ruler must not allow his name to be tainted. Recalling Bu Yinlou's words about being a virtuous ruler, the Emperor relents. He agrees to let her go to West Shu to "relax," sternly instructing Xiao Duo to bring her back safely.
Taking her advice as a reason to act, he then declares that the Zhaoding Bureau must submit all reviewed memorials to him for personal examination, effectively seizing back power. This was all part of Xiao Duo's plan; he had instructed Bu Yinlou to flatter the Emperor, knowing it would create an opening to persuade him to send her away to protect his reputation. Xiao Duo also anticipated this would give the Emperor the excuse he needed to reclaim authority.
He correctly predicts that after being criticized by officials in court the next day, the frustrated Emperor will seek her out. On the government ship, Bu Yinge, believing Bu Yinlou has fallen out of favor, orders her luggage thrown overboard. Bu Yinlou calmly retaliates by tossing Bu Yinge's luggage into the river. She then slaps her sister across the face.
As Bu Yinge reacts in shock, Bu Yinlou states, "I was so focused on hitting your mother last time, I forgot to hit you," and delivers a second slap. When Bu Yinge orders her servants to attack, Xiao Duo arrives and stops them. He has Bu Yinge moved to a smaller boat, leaving the main vessel for Bu Yinlou and himself.
He notes the proximity of their rooms is convenient for serving her, and when she worries her restless sleeping will disturb him, he playfully offers to knock on the wall in return. Later, Cao Chun'ang confronts Xiao Duo about his feelings for Bu Yinlou. Xiao Duo admits them, and Cao earnestly warns him that their difference in status—her being the Emperor's woman—could bring harm to them both if revealed.
Meanwhile, Bu Yinlou bids farewell to Princess Rong'an, who reveals the Young Prince is under house arrest due to the Emperor's growing wariness. In the capital, Murong Gaogong practices archery, vowing to become a true ruler by the time she returns so no one can criticize him. On the river, Bu Yinlou suffers from severe seasickness. She resists seeking Xiao Duo's help, knowing he likes her and not wanting him to worry.
However, he discovers her condition and brings her medicine sweetened with powdered candied fruit. When the medicine is slow to work, he suggests pressing the Jiuwei acupoint to stop the vomiting. Desperate, she agrees. Xiao Duo hesitantly states the acupoint's location is "not convenient." When his hand moves toward her abdomen, she stops him. He explains the point is seven fingers above the navel.
As he begins to press, Bu Yinlou, seeing his shy demeanor, decides to tease him by crying out in mock pain. Flustered by her cries and their proximity, Xiao Duo quickly states the point shouldn't be pressed for long and hastily retreats to his room. Elsewhere, Empress Rong'an, claiming to have learned strategy from Xiao Duo, prepares a sachet of incense designed to cause nightmares. She has it sent via an accomplice to the Emperor's Shangqiong Palace. That night, Murong Gaogong inhales the incense and is plagued by a nightmare in which the deceased Prince Rong appears and calls him "Imperial Uncle."
Episode 15 Recap
Murong Gaogong's spirits noticeably improved after his time at the temple, finding peaceful sleep for the first time in a long while. He learned that the calming incense that brought him such relief was crafted by Rong'an. The Empress Dowager, pleased with Rong'an's efforts and stating her previous fault was minor, offered to bring her back to the palace.
With no apparent fault to find, Murong Gaogong deferred to his mother's decision, allowing Rong'an to return and reside in Changqing Palace, as her former Fengyi Palace was no longer suitable. Meanwhile, Tong Yun expressed her disdain for the palace custom of maids forming partnerships with eunuchs, known as "dui shi." In a conversation with Cao Chunang, she described it as a desperate measure for lonely women seeking a protector to avoid being bullied.
She had heard that powerful eunuchs, like Eunuch Liu, often mistreated their partners cruelly. Tong Yun struggled to comprehend why her own mistress would favor a eunuch, asserting that such unions could never provide the joy of raising children or the normal happiness of an ordinary woman. Cao Chunang tried to suggest that genuine affection could exist in some cases, but his point was lost on her. Late one night, an insomniac Bu Yinlou roused Xiao Duo.
They conversed through a partition, tapping on the wood to communicate. Bu Yinlou playfully asked if he found her beautiful and if he was secretly fond of her. Feigning ignorance, Xiao Duo pretended not to understand, and an amused Bu Yinlou eventually let the matter drop. Later, as their vessel navigated a foggy river, a group of assassins attacked. Xiao Duo fought valiantly but was outnumbered.
Knocked over the side, he managed to stab his sword into the hull, clinging on to avoid falling into the icy river. As the assassins moved to finish him, Bu Yinlou bravely grabbed a sword and charged at one of the attackers, stabbing him. Just as Xiao Duo managed to pull himself back onboard, another assassin fired an arrow directly at Bu Yinlou. Xiao Duo lunged to push her out of the way, taking the arrow in his chest.
The impact sent him plummeting into the river, and without hesitation, Bu Yinlou plunged in after him. Carried by the current, they washed ashore near a secluded, rundown house. Upon regaining consciousness, Bu Yinlou helped the injured Xiao Duo to the shelter. She attempted to extract the arrow from his chest, but her hands trembled too much from fear and cold. After waking, Xiao Duo resolutely pulled the arrow from his own wound.
Though he showed no sign of pain, Bu Yinlou screamed on his behalf, explaining that she was crying out for him since he wouldn't. She then tended to his wound, giving him some precious medicine from a delicate bottle he carried. As Xiao Duo recovered, he deduced the attackers were not river pirates but assassins sent by the Prince of Nanyuan, who likely feared the true purpose of Xiao Duo's imperial mission to West Shu.
Xiao Duo mockingly criticized the assassins as a "bunch of losers," claiming he could have done a better job of killing himself. When Bu Yinlou asked why the Zhaoding Bureau had no prior intelligence, Xiao Duo explained that the Prince of Nanyuan was so cunning that no spy had ever survived in his territory.
Though Bu Yinlou suggested abandoning the trip, Xiao Duo assured her they would be safe once they entered West Shu, as any harm to him there would directly implicate the Prince. However, his severe injury meant they had to wait for Cao Chunang to find them. Later that night, feeling cold, Bu Yinlou found comfort when Xiao Duo drew her close.
She shared a childhood memory of how her legitimate mother deprived her and her own mother of charcoal and bedding, and how her mother had promised her warm quilts and soup when she grew up. Now, she realized that simply having Xiao Duo beside her was warm enough. When Xiao Duo addressed her formally, she asked him to instead use her childhood name, Zhuo Ying.
Xiao Duo then admitted he had no courtesy name, as his family had perished in a locust plague, leaving no elders to give him one. He shared that the name Fang Jiang, from a classical text, felt fitting. Bu Yinlou, delighted by the phonetic similarity between Zhuo Ying and Fang Jiang, encouraged him to adopt it as his own. As she drifted to sleep, Xiao Duo leaned in and kissed her.
Immediately feeling it was improper, he pulled away and left the house to compose himself. The next morning, Bu Yinlou awoke from what she thought was a dream of Xiao Duo kissing her. She chastised herself for having such a bold dream, calling herself a "beast," yet felt a mix of confusion and delight. Finding Xiao Duo had slept outside, she felt guilty, assuming her snoring and teeth-grinding—habits her maid Tong Yun often complained about—had driven him away.
To make amends, she offered to make him fish soup, only to admit she couldn't fish. Amused, Xiao Duo handled the fishing, gutting, and cooking, while Bu Yinlou playfully took credit for the delicious result. Their peaceful morning was cut short when Cao Chunang and the guards arrived. Xiao Duo took Cao Chunang aside to discuss his plans.
His men, using a fake jade token, had confirmed the Prince of Nanyuan's illicit ties to local salt smugglers, verifying he was behind the attack. Recognizing the ongoing danger, Xiao Duo declared his intention to assassinate the Prince. He accepted the immense risk, acknowledging it was a capital crime and that with the Emperor's growing suspicion, even success might not guarantee his safety. He stated he never expected a long life and would ensure his actions didn't implicate his subordinates.
Cao Chunang, however, worried about what would happen to Bu Yinlou if he perished. Meanwhile, the Prince of Nanyuan, Yuwen Liangshi, was informed that Xiao Duo was missing after a pirate attack. He publicly agreed to help search but secretly ordered his men to kill Xiao Duo on sight.
In the palace, Princess Hede, known as Wanwan, brought the Emperor soup and tried to intercede for the young prince, Yuwen Liangxu, by telling a parable about an emperor who punished the families of his enemies. The Emperor saw through her ploy and sternly forbade her from contacting Yuwen Liangxu again, reminding her that his brother, Yuwen Liangshi, was a major threat and that as a princess of Great Ye, she and the Yuwen family were enemies.
Back at the official station, Bu Yinlou noticed Xiao Duo touching his ring, a gesture she knew meant he was deeply troubled. He confided in her about his sword, Denghuo, explaining its name meant the first of the Eight Hot Hells and that its previous owners all met bad ends. He confessed he was on an inescapable mission from which he might not return.
Understanding the gravity of his words, Bu Yinlou calmly asked if she should leave the door open for him, showing she would not try to stop him. While admitting her fear for him, she revealed that during her time guarding the mausoleum, she discovered in Buddhist scriptures that "Denghuo" has another name: "Geng Sheng," meaning Rebirth.
She told him it signifies being reborn after enduring the hells, and she promised to wait for him to lay down his sword and achieve that rebirth. They then shared a final piece of candy, sealing their bond.
Episode 16 Recap
After some time together, Wanwan sets aside her prejudice against Yuwen Liangxu, now genuinely seeing him as a friend and realizing he is not a spy for the Prince of Nanyuan. However, Murong Gaogong remains unconvinced and refuses to release him. Left with no other choice, Wanwan climbs a wall to deliver food to Yuwen Liangxu, only to find him on the wall as well, attempting to sneak out.
He complains about being treated like a prisoner, fed only vegetarian meals until he felt he was becoming a monk. Wanwan apologizes for the poor treatment. Yuwen Liangxu points out that her willingness to visit him in such a manner proves she cares for him. In a direct confession, Wanwan admits that she likes him.
Overjoyed, Yuwen Liangxu takes her to his room and presents her with his family's heirloom jade—the very one she had won from him before—as a token of their affection. He then invites her to return with him to West Shu and explore the vibrant Jinguan City. While the Prince of Nanyuan’s men search for them along the river, Xiao Duo and Bu Yinlou have already secretly entered Jinguan City.
Xiao Duo confronts the Prince, thanking him for the search efforts in a thinly veiled acknowledgment of his own successful "golden cicada" escape plan. He implies he will be staying in West Shu for a while. The Prince offers him a private residence, but Xiao Duo declines, citing a recent bandit attack as a reason to maintain a low profile and subtly threatening to request imperial troops if such "disturbances" continue.
Recognizing Xiao Duo as a major future threat, the Prince instructs his men to act cautiously. Learning that Empress Rong'an has returned to the palace, he immediately sends her a letter, seeking to learn Xiao Duo’s greatest weakness. Jinguan City is Bu Yinlou’s childhood home, where her cousin, Lian Cheng, now works for the Prince of Nanyuan. Bu Yinlou visits him, worried that her investigation into the Prince might endanger him.
Lian Cheng, more concerned about the hardships she endured with her family, warns her that Xiao Duo is not a good person and is merely using her. Bu Yinlou corrects him, explaining that she came to West Shu willingly because she has feelings for Xiao Duo. Lian Cheng is shocked that she loves a eunuch, calling their relationship impossible.
When Xiao Duo arrives, Bu Yinlou asks for his help in getting her cousin away from his dangerous position at Mingding Tower. Lian Cheng proudly refuses Xiao Duo's aid, stating his indenture is to the Prince. When summoned to play the zither for the Prince, Lian Cheng angrily refuses to go. Xiao Duo stops Bu Yinlou from intervening, explaining that a rash departure would arouse suspicion, and promises to secure Lian Cheng's freedom after they have dealt with the Prince.
Xiao Duo arranges for them to live in Mengyun Pavilion, a riverside courtyard he purchased and renovated after noticing Bu Yinlou’s fondness for it during a previous visit. He even had a geomancer confirm its auspicious feng shui for wealth and card-playing, much to her amusement. That evening, Bu Yinlou craves a late-night snack, but the food his Zhaoding Guards bring back from the city lacks the authentic "heart and soul" of West Shu cuisine.
They decide to go to a street stall themselves, where they enjoy a lively meal and adopt a stray dog, which Bu Yinlou cheekily names "Eunuch Ba." Seeing their growing intimacy, Tongyun confronts Bu Yinlou, warning her that if the Emperor discovered their relationship, she would be executed. Unfazed, Bu Yinlou says she will deal with problems as they arise.
Tongyun reminds her that Xiao Duo is a eunuch and that she should find an "intact" man, but Bu Yinlou firmly declares she would love Xiao Duo even if he were a cripple. Annoyed by Tongyun's constant nagging, Bu Yinlou leaves to sleep in another room. She goes to Xiao Duo's room, where he is burning incense to ward off mosquitoes. Feeling safe in his presence, she lies down on his bed, asking to talk.
She wonders aloud about the life he might have had and the kind of woman he would have loved if he hadn't entered the palace. When he feigns sleep, she grows quiet. Overcome with affection, she leans in and kisses him. Xiao Duo, who was awake the whole time, turns and gently caresses her hair. Realizing he is not asleep, Bu Yinlou happily turns and embraces him.
The next morning, Tongyun and Cao Chun'ang are stunned when Bu Yinlou emerges from Xiao Duo's room. Tongyun begins to panic, envisioning a future where Bu Yinlou returns to the capital pregnant and is executed. Xiao Duo quickly silences her, reminding her that Bu Yinlou is still unaware that he is not actually a eunuch. Amused, Cao Chun'ang remarks that Xiao Duo’s restraint makes him "more of a eunuch than a eunuch."
Before being sent to watch the Prince's residence, Cao Chun'ang reminds Xiao Duo it is time for his medicine, but Xiao Duo decides to skip it. Later, a woman named Qiu Yuebai arrives, claiming to be Xiao Duo’s former "dui shi" (an informal eunuch marriage) from his early days in the palace. The guards deny her claim and turn her away, but she is then intercepted and taken in by Empress Rong'an.
Episode 17 Recap
Early one morning, Rong Bao, the steward from the Prince of Nanyuan's residence, arrived at Mengyun Pavilion with several beauties, a gift from the Prince who supposedly empathized with Chief Xiao Duo's solitary life. Bu Yinlou, overhearing this, was incensed. Confident that the principled Xiao Duo would never accept them, she was shocked when he took in all the women.
Standing just outside, a furious Bu Yinlou missed his true intention: to knowingly accept the Prince's spies so he could feed them fabricated information. Still seething, Bu Yinlou went to Xiao Duo's room to vent her anger but found she couldn't bring herself to smash anything, as she had personally decorated the entire space. Just then, the newly arrived women entered. Bu Yinlou, seeing an opportunity, decided to trick them.
She pretended to be Xiao Duo's long-suffering lover and fabricated horrific stories about his sadistic hobbies. She claimed Xiao Duo enjoyed "painting" by lashing people with oil-soaked whips, creating "plum blossoms in snow" with their blood. To amplify their terror, she alleged that previous women who served him were fed to a dog named Eunuch Ba—so-named because "eight" (bā) women had already met that fate.
Feigning fear, Bu Yinlou urged the women to run for their lives, successfully scaring them all away. Afterward, Bu Yinlou confronted Xiao Duo, calling him audacious for accepting spies. She then playfully demanded that he compensate her now that the beauties were gone. Meanwhile, in the capital, Emperor Murong Gaogong studied texts on governance, declaring his intent to centralize all authority and eliminate threats to his rule, especially the Prince of Nanyuan.
He remained confident that Bu Yinlou would be pleased to see his future achievements. A message arrived from Xiao Duo in West Shu, reporting that the Prince of Nanyuan was colluding with gangs to sell salt and illicitly forge weapons. He requested to extend his stay for further investigation. The Emperor approved, ordering Xiao Duo to seize all military power held by the Prince, Yuwen Liangshi.
Elsewhere, the Emperor's sister spoke with the Prince of Nanyuan's brother, asking if he was worried now that Xiao Duo was in West Shu. The Prince's brother acknowledged that both his sibling and Xiao Duo were formidable, anticipating a difficult struggle between them. Back in West Shu, the Prince of Nanyuan was enraged that Xiao Duo had returned the beauties, viewing it as a blatant show of disrespect.
He ordered Rong Bao to probe Xiao Duo further under the pretext of discussing wedding arrangements for his marriage to Bu Yinge. During the preparations, Consort Dowager Duan oversaw the dowry inventory, while Bu Yinlou learned of a local West Shu custom from her maid: a bride must personally make a new pair of shoes for the groom to wear on their wedding day, symbolizing their lifelong companionship. Intrigued, Bu Yinlou was inspired by the tradition.
She decided to make a new pair of boots for Xiao Duo and playfully told him to "take off," startling him into unfastening his robes before she clarified she only meant his boots. As she meticulously measured his feet, a jealous Xiao Duo asked if she had made shoes for others. Bu Yinlou explained that besides her mother, he was the first.
She recounted how she and her mother used to make and sell boots to earn money, as her mother disliked using her father's allowance. Touched by her past hardships, Xiao Duo firmly told her that she was the first person he had ever willingly allowed to make shoes for him and that he had plenty of money, so she would never have to endure such struggles again. Bu Yinlou stayed up late to finish the boots.
The next morning, Xiao Duo discovered them by his bed and, overjoyed, immediately tried them on. Later, when he had to go out, he carefully took them off and set them aside. His joy deepened when Rong Bao, reporting on wedding details, mentioned the custom of the bride making shoes for the groom, confirming for Xiao Duo the profound meaning behind Bu Yinlou's gift.
On the wedding night, Bu Yinge, now the Prince of Nanyuan's concubine, told him she believed Bu Yinlou and Xiao Duo were having an affair. She presented "evidence" from their journey, such as Bu Yinlou living at Xiao Duo's residence and their joint leap into a river during an attack. The Prince, remembering reports that Xiao Duo had a secret lover, saw an opportunity.
He planned to confirm the affair and use it to fracture the Emperor's trust in his most valued official. He ordered Rong Bao to invite Bu Yinlou to the residence, under the guise of a sisterly visit, to detain her and test Xiao Duo's reaction. Bu Yinlou immediately sensed a trap and sent Cao Chun'ang to inform Xiao Duo.
Deducing the Prince's plan was a public test of his feelings, Xiao Duo decided not to fall for it and simply returned to his residence. At the Prince's residence, Bu Yinlou, suspecting the Prince was using her to bait Xiao Duo, played along with Bu Yinge's attempts to detain her with a mahjong game.
When Bu Yinge tried to provoke her by claiming Xiao Duo spoke ill of her, Bu Yinlou feigned outrage, declaring their closeness was a pretense and that she had long disliked his arrogance. She skillfully proceeded to win all of Bu Yinge's dowry at mahjong. As the night wore on, Rong Bao finally announced that Xiao Duo was not coming. Victorious, Bu Yinlou departed with her winnings.
Back at Mengyun Pavilion, she gleefully shared her spoils with her staff but was told Xiao Duo was already asleep. However, after Bu Yinlou retired to her room, Xiao Duo emerged from his, his face grim and deeply troubled.
Episode 18 Recap
Yuwen Liangshi, having observed Xiao Duo's distinct affection for Bu Yinlou, punishes Concubine Rong for her past failures. He then receives a secret message from Empress Rong'an revealing the existence of Xiao Duo's former palace lover, Qiu Yuebai. Seeing an opportunity, Yuwen Liangshi plans to use her to spy on Xiao Duo. Meanwhile, sensing the escalating danger, Xiao Duo confesses to Cao Chunang that his recklessness in enjoying moments with Bu Yinlou has put her in peril.
Cao Chunang advises Xiao Duo that since he and Bu Yinlou have no future, he must make a clean break. As Xiao Duo prepares to investigate the Prince of Nanyuan's finances, he instructs Cao Chunang to stay behind, ensure Bu Yinlou's well-being, and keep his absence a secret. The next morning, Bu Yinlou waits for Xiao Duo, only to be heartbroken when he walks past her without a word. Upset, she seeks out Lian Cheng at Mingding Tower.
She laments that the longer she spends with Xiao Duo, the more she desires, despite knowing their relationship is unrealistic. Lian Cheng warns her that Xiao Duo may be deceiving her and has another woman. On her way back, Bu Yinlou glimpses a figure she believes is Xiao Duo, strengthening her suspicion that he is secretly watching over her despite his cold demeanor. This belief only deepens her turmoil.
Meanwhile, Xiao Duo, who was indeed following her, buys a box of rouge for her but ultimately hesitates, unable to bridge the distance he has created. Later, Cao Chunang reports that Qiu Yuebai has arrived. Upon seeing Xiao Duo, she calls out his brother's name, "A'duo," and collapses. Xiao Duo orders her hidden in an empty room and a doctor summoned secretly. The doctor confirms Qiu Yuebai's health is fragile from past hardships.
An investigation reveals she was a palace maid expelled six years ago, making her sudden appearance suspicious. Xiao Duo speculates she is likely his deceased twin brother's secret lover. The next day, Bu Yinlou finds Xiao Duo and his men guarding the hidden room. When he tries to divert her, she asserts her authority as Consort Dowager and demands he accompany her to the Flower God Temple Fair. Firmly taking his hand, she leads him away.
As they stroll, Bu Yinlou feigns indifference and sings a melancholic song about unrequited love to express her hurt. At a tavern, emboldened by wine, Bu Yinlou confronts Xiao Duo about his sudden coldness, accusing him of following her and hiding outside her room while pretending to be aloof. She tearfully questions why he pursued her only to abandon her, asking if he ever truly liked her.
Xiao Duo, unable to explain, can only remain silent, causing her to storm off in frustration. Back at her residence, she forces her way into the guarded room and discovers Qiu Yuebai. Instantly sobered, she sarcastically congratulates Xiao Duo on meeting an "old acquaintance." Maintaining a sarcastic demeanor, Bu Yinlou retreats to her room, where her fury erupts. She brands Xiao Duo a philanderer, convinced he has cast her aside for an old flame.
Her maid reminds her that fleeing would implicate Xiao Duo, as he is escorting her under imperial orders. Bu Yinlou defiantly declares that she will be the one to end things and storms out to confront him again. Meanwhile, Xiao Duo interrogates Qiu Yuebai, noting her expensive clothes contradict her story of poverty and deducing someone sent her. He orders his men to investigate her contacts.
When Cao Chunang suggests eliminating the potential threat, Xiao Duo refuses, explaining that he cannot harm his late brother's beloved. To protect Bu Yinlou from the complicated situation, he forbids anyone, especially her, from approaching Qiu Yuebai. Unaware of his motives, Bu Yinlou misinterprets his actions as protecting his lover and locks herself in her room, refusing to eat. Worried, Xiao Duo paces outside her door.
Cao Chunang suggests that letting her misunderstand might be for the best, as a brief heartbreak is better than a lifetime of entanglement. Concurrently, Yuwen Liangshi learns that Xiao Duo is keeping Qiu Yuebai confined. Believing a desperate woman will do anything, he instructs his subordinate to give Qiu Yuebai a deadly poison, "Snow-on-a-branch," to slip into Xiao Duo's food.
He plans for Xiao Duo's death to look like an accident, with his body found in a staged shipwreck outside West Shu territory to avoid any blame. Curious about her rival, Bu Yinlou creates a diversion by pretending to fight a chicken to bypass the guards and enter Qiu Yuebai's room. She sees through Qiu Yuebai's act of a frail, wronged woman, pointing out her carefully applied makeup.
Recalling a story Xiao Duo told her, Bu Yinlou's suspicions about his identity intensify. She probes Qiu Yuebai about Xiao Duo's "brother," culminating in the direct question: "Is Xiao Duo really Xiao Duo?" At that moment, Xiao Duo enters. Qiu Yuebai immediately feigns distress, grabbing Bu Yinlou's hand to make it look like she was attacked. Seeing the trick, Bu Yinlou delivers a real slap, declaring, "I hit her."
Xiao Duo ignores Qiu Yuebai's theatrics and asks Bu Yinlou if she is alright. Feigning jealousy, Bu Yinlou demands he reveal his secrets, warning that her patience is wearing thin. Frustrated by his promise to explain "later," she walks away. Xiao Duo then sternly warns Qiu Yuebai that if she behaves, he will protect her, but if she dares to play any more tricks on Bu Yinlou, he will show no mercy, threatening to have her poisoned and made mute.
Episode 19 Recap
Cao Chunang uncovers concerning information: Qiu Yuebai privately met with Empress Rong'an, and a ship belonging to the Prince of Nanyuan's merchant company transported her to Shu. Furthermore, the Prince of Nanyuan's men have been trying to gain access to Qiu Yuebai's room. Seeing this, Xiao Duo decides to use the situation to his advantage by creating an opportunity for them, intending to observe the Prince of Nanyuan's true intentions. That night, Xiao Duo trails Qiu Yuebai to Mingding Tower.
There, Qiu Yuebai desperately pleads with the Prince of Nanyuan's manager to help her win Xiao Duo's affection, lamenting that he treats her more coldly than a stranger. Feigning sympathy, the manager produces a bottle of powder, claiming it is "talisman ash" from a mystic that will make a man fall in love. He advises her to mix it into Xiao Duo's food.
Xiao Duo, already aware that the Prince of Nanyuan had acquired a deadly poison—wolf's bane and snow mugwort—and suspecting it to be this "talisman ash," deliberately allows the scheme to unfold, intending to expose the Prince's plot. Meanwhile, after days of brooding, a frustrated Bu Yinlou resolves to leave with her parrot. As she steps out, she overhears Qiu Yuebai preparing soup for Xiao Duo.
Alarmed, Bu Yinlou retreats to her room, only to witness Qiu Yuebai pouring the mysterious powder into the soup. She discreetly follows Qiu Yuebai and sees her attempting to personally feed the soup to Xiao Duo, who shows no signs of refusing. Bu Yinlou bursts into the room, declaring that Xiao Duo cannot drink the soup because it is drugged. As she lunges to grab the bowl, Xiao Duo dismisses her concerns, insisting it is merely sweet soup.
Infuriated by his refusal to listen, Bu Yinlou snatches the bowl and drinks the entire contents herself. Xiao Duo watches in horror as she collapses. Panicked and enraged, he frantically summons doctors from across the town, but Bu Yinlou remains unconscious. The sight of Xiao Duo's menacing glare sends the terrified doctors fleeing for their lives, abandoning their medical kits. Xiao Duo stays by Bu Yinlou's side, meticulously tending to her.
He reflects on the inherent dangers of being close to him, yet the thought of losing her sends a chilling fear through him, knowing he would descend into madness. Unbeknownst to them, Bu Yinlou's cousin, Liancheng, had secretly replaced the poison with a powerful tonic. Bu Yinlou had merely fallen into a deep sleep from consuming too many restorative herbs at once. When she eventually awakens, the two confess their true feelings, solidifying their bond.
Xiao Duo then reveals his long-held secret: he is not the "Ah Duo" from Qiu Yuebai's past, but Xiao Cheng, Xiao Duo's twin brother. Six years prior, his brother went on an errand from the palace and never returned. Xiao Cheng found him dead, clutching a luxurious silk cord. He recalls seeing the Prince of Nanyuan's carriage in the same alley that night, leading him to suspect the Prince was his brother's murderer.
When the authorities dismissed his report due to the Prince's status, Xiao Cheng took his brother's identity, became a eunuch, and infiltrated the Zhaoding Bureau to gain the power to seek revenge. Bu Yinlou is deeply moved by the hardships he has endured. Xiao Cheng confesses that while he is tired of the deception, he feels liberated sharing the truth with her, believing all his suffering was worth it because it led him to her.
Bu Yinlou lovingly tells him that since he loves her, he now belongs to her and is forbidden from suffering alone ever again, making him promise to never hide anything from her in the future. Knowing the Prince of Nanyuan will now target Qiu Yuebai to silence her, Xiao Duo arranges for her discreet departure. Before she leaves, Qiu Yuebai pieces together the truth from Xiao Duo's words and actions, realizing he is not her long-lost lover.
Recognizing he is offering her a safe escape, she pledges to keep his secret. Seeing no malice in her, Xiao Duo reveals that his brother had indeed gone to their rendezvous that night, and his death was a tragic turn of events, not a betrayal. Understanding at last, Qiu Yuebai leaves in tears. Anticipating the Prince of Nanyuan's men would be sent to Mingding Tower to eliminate witnesses, Xiao Duo arrives first and takes Liancheng.
Employing a mix of threats and persuasion, Xiao Duo extracts crucial information: the Prince of Nanyuan is illicitly forging weapons for the Shu army. Just as Liancheng confesses, Bu Yinlou storms in, berating Xiao Duo for abducting her cousin. Having acquired the intelligence he needed, Xiao Duo had no intention of harming Liancheng. He arranges for Liancheng to be sent safely out of West Shu, assuring Bu Yinlou that his indenture has been retrieved from Mingding Tower.
Liancheng bids a fond farewell to Bu Yinlou, entrusting her care to Xiao Duo. News of the events in West Shu swiftly reaches the Imperial City. Empress Rong'an, consumed by jealousy over Xiao Duo's devotion to Bu Yinlou, subtly leaks the details of her poisoning to Emperor Murong Gaogong. Alarmed, the Emperor immediately sets out for West Shu.
Back in West Shu, Cao Chunang anxiously tries to make Xiao Duo take his monthly medicine, warning of dire consequences if he continues to delay. Meanwhile, Xiao Duo focuses on perfecting a spicy chicken dish for Bu Yinlou. She arrives, delighted with the food he's made for her, and curiously asks about the mysterious medicine, completely unaware of the serious health condition Xiao Duo is hiding.
Episode 20 Recap
Bu Yinlou, overhearing Xiao Duo and Cao Chun'ang discussing medicine, sent Tong Yun to investigate. Tong Yun's questioning of a flustered Cao Chun'ang led Bu Yinlou to mistakenly conclude that Xiao Duo was terminally ill. To confirm this, she had Tong Yun steal the medicine. However, a physician revealed the medicine's true purpose: to suppress male beard growth and give one a more feminine appearance.
This discovery made Bu Yinlou and Tong Yun realize why Xiao Duo seemed different from other eunuchs. Learning that Zhao Lanzhou, General of the Shu Army, resented the Prince of Nanyuan, Yuwen Liangshi, for inheriting his military authority, Xiao Duo devised a plan to make them destroy each other. He instructed Qilang to spread a fabricated rumor that a tortured prisoner had named Zhao Lanzhou as the mastermind behind Xiao Duo's recent poisoning.
Meanwhile, he sent Cao Chun'ang to the Prince of Nanyuan's residence to distract him with entertainment, preventing him from meeting Zhao Lanzhou as planned. After days of waiting in vain at Mingding Tower, Zhao Lanzhou grew impatient. His frustration intensified when he heard that Zhaoding Bureau personnel were reveling at the Prince's residence, and his anger boiled over upon learning of the false confession implicating him.
Realizing Yuwen Liangshi was framing him, Zhao Lanzhou's suspicions were confirmed when an assassination attempt was made on his life at the tower. Enraged, he vowed to retaliate. The Prince of Nanyuan attempted to leave his residence, but was immediately confronted by Zhao Lanzhou and his troops. Zhao Lanzhou accused him of betrayal and intended to kill him. Just then, Xiao Duo appeared and apprehended Zhao Lanzhou's forces, charging him with illegally deploying troops and attempting to assassinate a nobleman.
Desperate, Zhao Lanzhou accused the Prince of being the true culprit behind the poisoning, claiming the Prince feared Xiao Duo would uncover his illicit salt trading and private arms manufacturing. He stated that military ledgers and metalworkers at his own residence could prove the Prince's guilt. Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Duo announced the court's seizure of the Shu Army's military power and placed the Prince of Nanyuan under house arrest.
Seeking to settle a personal score, Xiao Duo confronted the Prince, accusing him of murdering a young man in Ruyi Alley six years prior and presenting a silk cord as evidence. The Prince vehemently denied it, explaining he was allergic to perfume and that official logs would prove he was in his quarters at the time of the murder. Shaken by the credible alibi, Xiao Duo realized his six-year quest for revenge might have been built on a mistake.
He later confessed to Bu Yinlou the tragic story of his younger brother, Duo. Years ago, after Xiao Duo stole a steamed bun out of hunger, his brother disappeared, only to return later having been castrated in the palace. His brother explained he did it to earn money to buy Xiao Duo a roast chicken. Overwhelmed with guilt, Xiao Duo blamed himself for his brother's fate and lamented that the true killer remained unknown.
Bu Yinlou comforted the distraught Xiao Duo, reminding him that the truth, like flowers that rebloom, would eventually come to light. She promised to always stay by his side and share his burdens. Deeply moved, Xiao Duo spontaneously proposed. In a secluded garden, they knelt before a "Floral Goddess" and exchanged vows as Zhuoying and Fangjiang, pledging eternal devotion.
Lacking a proper betrothal gift, Xiao Duo gave Bu Yinlou his Zhaoding Bureau command ring, telling her she could use it to command the bureau if they were ever separated. Bu Yinlou promised to guard it, affirming their bond as husband and wife. Upon arriving in Jinguan City, Emperor Murong Gaogong went directly to the Prince of Nanyuan's residence, already displeased that Xiao Duo had concealed the fact that Bu Yinlou was the one poisoned.
The defiant Prince confronted the Emperor with "three questions," insinuating that Xiao Duo had orchestrated his downfall and that, should the Prince die, the empire would fall under Xiao Duo's complete control. Though publicly angered, Murong Gaogong privately recognized the truth in his words. Realizing he needed the Prince to counterbalance Xiao Duo's growing power, he decided to spare his life as a strategic move to reassert his own authority.
Feeling manipulated by Xiao Duo, the Emperor accepted Eunuch Sun's suggestion to recall the official Yu Zun in order to cultivate his own loyalists. When Xiao Duo and Bu Yinlou returned to Mengyun Pavilion, their joy faded upon finding Murong Gaogong waiting for them. Asserting his imperial authority, the Emperor ordered Xiao Duo to be severely caned, citing his failure to protect Bu Yinlou during the poisoning incident as the official reason. Bu Yinlou could only watch, heartbroken and helpless, knowing that any plea would only worsen Xiao Duo's punishment.
Episode 21 Recap
After Cao Chunang expressed his frustration to Xiao Duo about the Emperor’s harsh punishment, which risked alienating a loyal subject who had just reclaimed military power for him, Xiao Duo understood the act as a deliberate warning. He suspected someone had intentionally reported Bu Yinlou's poisoning to the Emperor, as he had kept the matter secret. Later, Bu Yinlou quietly visited Xiao Duo, distressed to see his back wound was still bleeding.
As she voiced her concern, he admitted the pain was severe, but before they could talk further, Bu Yinlou was summoned by the Emperor, Murong Gaogong. Murong Gaogong confronted Bu Yinlou, asking if she had enjoyed her time in West Shu. He revealed that he had discovered her nickname, Zhuo Ying, from another man's belongings, expressing his dismay at having been kept in the dark.
He accused her of having a secret affair with her cousin, with whom she grew up, and of visiting him in disreputable places. Bu Yinlou vehemently denied this, insisting their relationship was purely that of siblings. Xiao Duo interceded, vouching for Bu Yinlou's innocence. However, Murong Gaogong revealed he had evidence of her intimate conduct with a man outside Jinguan City, where they acted like a married couple.
He mockingly told Xiao Duo that he was only spared punishment for concealment because it was confirmed they had not crossed any ultimate boundaries. Citing Xiao Duo’s meritorious service in uncovering the Prince of Nanyuan's crimes, he nonetheless ordered him to remain in West Shu to suppress banditry, forbidding his return to the capital until the task was complete. He then declared that Bu Yinlou would return to the palace with him the next day.
Xiao Duo’s plea that she was too ill for the journey was adamantly rejected. Alone, Xiao Duo revealed a desperate plan to Bu Yinlou: they would elope. He detailed how he would intercept her carriage on the treacherous Mount Yanguo pass. Bu Yinlou initially called him crazy, fearing they would be killed, but was moved when he declared she was his wife and he refused to let her become another man's woman.
When she questioned if he would abandon the search for his brother's killer, Xiao Duo confessed that while revenge was once all he had, she was now his entire world and he could not bear to lose her as he had lost his brother in a recurring nightmare from his past. Convinced, Bu Yinlou agreed to the dangerous plan, promising to get off the carriage at Mount Yanguo.
Despite her promise, a sense of unease prompted Bu Yinlou to probe Murong Gaogong's intentions by bringing him stew. From outside his door, she overheard him ordering his new Imperial Army commander, Yu Zun, to set up an ambush at Mount Yanguo, vowing that anyone who tried to help her escape would be met with a volley of a thousand arrows and killed on the spot. Shaken, Bu Yinlou dropped the stew and fled to her room.
There, she recalled the story of Lao Ai, a false eunuch whose affair with the Queen Dowager led to his brutal execution. Seeing a parallel to Xiao Duo's situation, she vowed to protect him as he had protected her, realizing the Emperor's power was absolute. Just then, Eunuch Sun arrived to order her immediate departure for the capital. As Bu Yinlou’s carriage departed, Xiao Duo and Cao Chunang waited.
Xiao Duo admitted to Cao Chunang that this was his riskiest gamble, with less than a fifty percent chance of success, but that he had to try to win Bu Yinlou's freedom. He instructed his men to disavow any connection to his actions should he fail. As her carriage approached, Bu Yinlou, knowing the trap that awaited, decided she had to protect him by breaking her promise.
Xiao Duo called out her nickname as she passed, but she did not get out. He lunged forward in desperation but was restrained by Cao Chunang. Inside the carriage, Murong Gaogong mockingly noted the heavy Imperial Army presence and asked if she still wanted to get off. He then declared that her past was forgiven, but from now on, her heart could only belong to him. Resigned, Bu Yinlou acquiesced.
Back in Yongze Palace, Bu Yinlou was plagued by nightmares of Xiao Duo's death, believing he must now hate her. Her only remaining purpose was to fulfill her promise to find his brother's murderer, seeing it as their sole remaining connection. She theorized to her maid, Tong Yun, that the original investigation was flawed.
Recalling Xiao Duo’s certainty about seeing the Prince of Nanyuan’s carriage, she deduced that a second, unmentioned carriage must have been involved, smuggling a hidden accomplice whom the Prince was protecting. She identified the recently deposed Empress Rong'an, a long-time ally of the Prince, as the key to uncovering this person's identity.
Her plan to bribe the Empress’s attendants was immediately thwarted when she learned Tong Yun had spent all her money on lavish tips upon their return to the palace. As she lamented this, Eunuch Sun arrived to announce that the Emperor would be visiting her that night, and she was expected to serve him.
Meanwhile, Princess Wan Wan grew frantic after learning that Yuwen Liangxu had been severely injured by the Imperial Army while creating a disturbance in a desperate attempt to return to West Shu. Murong Gaogong refused her plea to send a physician, angrily confining her to her palace for her repeated disobedience and association with Yuwen Liangxu. Desperate, Wan Wan sought out Bu Yinlou, who agreed to help in exchange for a favor.
That evening, when Murong Gaogong arrived at her palace, Bu Yinlou served him a sweet steamed egg, a dish his late mother used to make. Wan Wan then appeared, and Murong Gaogong, initially angry at the manipulation, softened as they reminisced about their childhood. He relented, lifting Wan Wan’s confinement and allowing her to summon a physician for Yuwen Liangxu. As Wan Wan left, she discreetly passed a small bottle of medicine to Bu Yinlou.
Episode 22 Recap
Princess Wan Wan, deeply concerned, hurried to the Imperial Physician's office to seek treatment for Yuwen Liangxu. Her maidservant reminded her that as a princess, her status was vastly different from that of Yuwen Liangxu, the brother of a disgraced official, implying no future between them. Wan Wan acknowledged this truth but felt compelled to help, believing Yuwen Liangxu was innocent.
Torn, she also felt conflicted about helping Bu Yinlou and defying her brother, Murong Gaogong, acknowledging his right as emperor to punish criminals. Meanwhile, Bu Yinlou spoke frankly with Murong Gaogong, stating she regarded him as a brother and offered to move to the Empress Dowager's side to serve her and pray for him. Enraged, Murong Gaogong demanded to know if she harbored feelings for another man, specifically her cousin, and vehemently declared that she would never leave him.
He ordered servants to prepare her for bed, leaving Bu Yinlou desperate. Her maid, Tong Yun, offered to take her place, but Bu Yinlou rejected the dangerous idea. Instead, she revealed a secret medicine from Wan Wan that would cause disfiguring sores on her face, undetectable by imperial physicians, allowing her to avoid the emperor's advances.
She asserted that having been loved by "the best person," she refused to be treated like an object and reaffirmed that she had only been truly "married" once. As Bu Yinlou prepared to take the medicine, an impatient Murong Gaogong entered. Feigning remorse, she offered to drink a cup of wine as an apology. When Murong Gaogong demanded a cup for himself, Bu Yinlou and Tong Yun panicked. Noticing their nervousness, he ordered Tong Yun to drink the entire flask.
Bu Yinlou intervened, confessing the wine contained a drug designed to disfigure her, though it was not poison. Furious that she would ruin her face to remain chaste for another man, Murong Gaogong attempted to force himself upon her. Bu Yinlou struggled fiercely, pleading with him not to make her hate him.
Thwarted but enraged, he issued an imperial edict falsely proclaiming that Bu Yinlou had pleased him in bed and conferred upon her the title of Consort Duan, wanting the world to know she belonged to him. As punishment, Tong Yun was flogged thirty times and sent to the Dyeing Workshop. Far away, an injured and feverish Xiao Duo decided to return to the capital in secret to retrieve Bu Yinlou.
He instructed Fang Jiang to spread news that he was resting after being injured by bandits and to find a look-alike to take his place, demanding all be ready in three days. However, Fang Jiang then brought devastating news from the capital: Bu Yinlou had been made Consort Duan after supposedly spending the night with the emperor. Heartbroken, Xiao Duo questioned why Bu Yinlou hadn't trusted him, recalling her promise that she had only been truly "married" once—to him.
The memory, along with a flashback of Zhuo Ying and Fang Jiang's wedding vows, felt like a fragile dream that had shattered, leaving him in anguish. Bu Yinlou was relocated to the isolated Deer's Reed Residence, cut off from the outside world and separated from Tong Yun. Deciding to be proactive, she was immediately stopped from leaving by Suhuai, the Head Maidservant, who cited the emperor's strict orders.
Bu Yinlou’s request to visit the injured Tong Yun was denied, with Suhuai assuring her that Tong Yun’s injuries were minor. When she tried to simply walk around the grounds, the maidservants followed her every step, explaining their lives depended on her staying put. Just then, Empress Rong'an arrived. Bu Yinlou greeted her with mock deference, feigning confusion on how to address her now that the emperor had changed and sarcastically calling her "Old Madam Zhao."
Enraged by the disrespect, Rong'an slapped her. Suhuai knelt and pleaded for mercy, fearing Murong Gaogong's wrath if Bu Yinlou were harmed. As Rong'an moved to strike again, Bu Yinlou seized her arm, pulled her into a room, and held her hostage. Before she could question Rong'an, imperial guards arrived. Cornered, Bu Yinlou deliberately injured her own arm, and the sight of blood shocked Rong'an into retreating.
Bu Yinlou taunted her, warning of the severe consequences for assaulting a consort and implying she could be exiled to a temple again. As Rong'an departed vowing revenge, she rewarded Suhuai with a jade bracelet for her loyalty. Rong'an then manipulated Suhuai, arguing that Murong Gaogong didn't truly value Bu Yinlou, or he wouldn't have her so tightly guarded like a criminal. Convinced that Bu Yinlou had no future, Suhuai pledged her allegiance to Rong'an.
That evening, when Suhuai brought dinner, Bu Yinlou noticed the new jade bracelet and knew Suhuai had been turned. She pretended to eat the meal and secretly followed Suhuai, overhearing her report to Rong'an that Bu Yinlou had consumed the food but showed no ill effects. Perplexed that the poison hadn't worked, Rong'an ordered Suhuai to increase the dosage to three times a day, plus snacks. Now aware of the poisoning plot, Bu Yinlou could only muse sarcastically on how much attention Rong'an was paying her.
Episode 23 Recap
Murong Gaogong, restless in Shangqiong Palace, worried about Bu Yinlou's well-being in the remote Deer's Reed Residence, pondering if she was angry with him for sending her there. Eunuch Sun cautioned him, emphasizing his imperial status and the impropriety of humbling himself for a concubine. He advised Murong Gaogong to focus on state affairs. Murong Gaogong acknowledged the wisdom but still decided to send Bu Yinlou summer provisions from his private treasury.
He even considered visiting in disguise, insisting he would only observe from outside without entering, so no one would know. After swiftly clearing the bandits in West Shu, Xiao Duo made his way back to the Imperial City. Upon learning that Bu Yinlou had been sent to the Deer's Reed Residence, he decided to visit her first, even bringing her some cherries.
As he approached, however, his subordinate, Cao Chunang, pointed out that Murong Gaogong was already there, accompanied by numerous guards and lavish gifts. Cao Chunang warned Xiao Duo that if he were to enter, Bu Yinlou would face dire consequences. Realizing the danger, Xiao Duo chose to return to the Zhaoding Bureau instead.
Meanwhile, within the Deer's Reed Residence, Bu Yinlou, though aware of the Emperor's arrival, refused to meet Eunuch Sun or accept the many valuable gifts sent by Murong Gaogong, declaring that these were not what she needed. She privately longed for Xiao Duo's return, then quickly dismissed the thought, believing he would not want to see her.
When Eunuch Sun reported Bu Yinlou's refusal and defiant words, Murong Gaogong was furious, ordering all the gifts returned and declaring she could remain in isolation as long as she wished. Back in Shangqiong Palace, Murong Gaogong was further irked upon learning that Xiao Duo had returned to the capital after his successful campaign but had not yet come to report, viewing it as an act of arrogance.
His frustration mounted when Bu Yulu requested an immediate audience, insisting the matter was too grave for others to bring forth. Despite his annoyance, Murong Gaogong permitted the audience. Bu Yulu, now before Murong Gaogong, reported widespread rumors labeling Xiao Duo as the "True Emperor," asserting that Xiao Duo intentionally cultivated such a dangerous reputation. Bu Yulu boldly declared his unwavering loyalty, willing to serve Murong Gaogong with his life.
Recognizing Bu Yulu's readiness to confront the formidable Xiao Duo, Murong Gaogong immediately appointed him Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, openly stating his intention to use Bu Yulu as an "obedient dog" to curb Xiao Duo's immense power. He then dispatched Yu Zun, the new Commander-general of the Imperial Army, to summon Xiao Duo. Before entering the palace, Xiao Duo's subordinates warned him of the "True Emperor" rumors, recognizing them as a dangerous setup.
In the Hall of Imperial Supremacy, Murong Gaogong greeted Xiao Duo with feigned warmth, only to quickly accuse him of arrogance for not reporting his return sooner. Despite Xiao Duo's humble excuse, Murong Gaogong, citing the "True Emperor" rumors, effectively stripped him of his powers of reviewing memorials and transferred the Zhaoding Bureau's major cases to the Court of Judicial Review.
To further humiliate Xiao Duo, Murong Gaogong then ordered him to serve Empress Rong'an in Changqing Palace, claiming she needed assistance with her servants. Xiao Duo recognized this as a demeaning tactic but remained outwardly composed, contemplating Murong Gaogong and Rong'an's deeper motives. At Changqing Palace, Empress Rong'an was overjoyed to see Xiao Duo, affectionately calling him "A Duo" and inviting him to sit closer. Xiao Duo, however, maintained a cold distance, asserting his inherent indifference.
Rong'an offered to help him reclaim his former power if he returned to her side, but Xiao Duo brushed her off, sarcastically suggesting she needed a physician. He reminded her that she, not he, was the one in dire straits, and mockingly asked if she was now reduced to begging her "old dog."
Rong'an became agitated, reminiscing about her past neglect by the late Emperor and the bullying she endured from Noble Consort Shao, claiming Xiao Duo's presence and words were what sustained her. Xiao Duo vehemently refuted her romanticized version, clarifying that when he first joined the Zhaoding Bureau, she had coerced him into serving her own ambitions, forcing him into a perilous existence. He asserted that it was generous of him not to consider them enemies, let alone friends.
As Xiao Duo turned to leave, Rong'an desperately accused Bu Yinlou of turning him heartless, trying to stop him by viciously slandering Bu Yinlou, claiming she was merely using him as a stepping stone to Murong Gaogong's bed, and that she would abandon him once he was no longer useful. Enraged by her malicious words, Xiao Duo seized Rong'an by the throat, his eyes blazing with murderous intent.
That night, in her room, Bu Yinlou found a basket of cherries, sparking a brief surge of joy as she believed her love interest had returned. However, logic quickly set in, forcing her to dismiss the hopeful thought. Soon after, a knock at the door stirred a renewed sense of anticipation, but upon opening it, she found her father, Bu Yulu.
Her father informed her of his new appointment as Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, emphasizing that Murong Gaogong had elevated him specifically to curb Xiao Duo's power. He advised Bu Yinlou to reconcile with Murong Gaogong to escape her confinement, but she expressed contentment with her current situation. Displeased, Bu Yulu criticized her lack of ambition and linked her recent troubles to her mother's troublesome nephew, the true reason for Murong Gaogong's displeasure.
He then revealed that Xiao Duo had returned, his authority stripped, and had been sent to serve Empress Rong'an. Bu Yulu vowed to utterly destroy Xiao Duo once he found leverage, sternly warning Bu Yinlou to sever all ties with him to protect their family from implication. That evening, Bu Yinlou sensed a familiar presence behind her. Turning, she found Xiao Duo, clad in an Imperial Army uniform, confirming his clandestine entry.
Expressing immediate concern, she urged him to leave, knowing the immense danger he was in. Xiao Duo, however, declared he could no longer endure the separation and the current situation. To force him away, Bu Yinlou resorted to harsh words, reminding him of her past refusal to escape with him, bluntly stating she wanted no part in being a fugitive.
She confessed that her past affection was a deliberate ruse, a manipulation to gain his protection and achieve her ambition of returning to the palace. She admitted to intentionally seducing him and playing mind games, even orchestrating Murong Gaogong's presence in West Shu through her cousin, all to escape his influence. Her ultimate goal, she proclaimed, was to become Empress and reach the pinnacle of power, ensuring she would never again be controlled like her mother.
A heartbroken Xiao Duo pressed her, asking if he meant anything to her, and if she held any genuine affection for him. Bu Yinlou coldly responded that any feelings for him were "not worth a mention" compared to her grand aspirations. Despite her cruelty, Xiao Duo offered to continue helping her achieve her goals, willing to sacrifice his dignity and be used by her, as long as he could have her.
Unyielding, Bu Yinlou pushed him further away, warning him that his own life was in peril and that she knew his secrets, threatening to expose them if he persisted in clinging to her. She then commanded him to "get lost." Bu Yinlou, intent on pushing him away, continued to verbally wound him, even confessing that her expressions of fondness for sweet things were fabricated.
She revealed that her seductive dances, feigned innocence, the orchestrated forced marriage, and even the "accidental" fall into the river where he heroically saved her, were all deliberate ploys. She admitted initially pursuing him because she believed him to be a eunuch, thus a safe entanglement, but discovering he was not rendered their involvement too risky for her ambitions. Heartbroken and enraged, Xiao Duo stormed back to his residence, lashing out in frustration.
He declared that no one was to inquire about Bu Yinlou ever again, asserting that she was no longer connected to him. He expressed his profound pain, lamenting that despite offering her his dignity and everything he had, she had only fooled, trampled, and threatened him, making him feel utterly worthless. Meanwhile, Empress Rong'an received news of Xiao Duo's departure from Deer's Reed Residence, pleased but still wary as long as Bu Yinlou lived, contemplating harsher measures to eliminate her.
The following day, Xiao Duo's subordinates complained about Bu Yulu seizing their important cases and creating obstacles. Preoccupied with his own ongoing investigation into the late emperor's murder, even holding ledgers upside down, Xiao Duo instructed them to stand down from challenging Bu Yulu for now. He also continued to ponder the connection between Yuwen Liangshi and the true culprit. Moments later, he discreetly inquired with Cao Chunang if there was any news from Deer's Reed Residence.
Episode 24 Recap
Despite the emotional pain caused by Bu Yinlou's words the previous night, which led him to forbid Cao Chunang from even uttering her name, Xiao Duo found himself unable to stop thinking about her. He secretly dispatched She Da Dangtou to keep watch over Deer's Reed Residence. She Da Dangtou reported that Empress Rong'an had bribed the Madam-in-charge, covertly plotting to harm Bu Yinlou.
Yet, Bu Yinlou appeared quite well, eating and drinking heartily, displaying great cheerfulness and energy, even playing leaf tag with the palace maids. However, She Da Dangtou also revealed that Bu Yinlou asked seven or eight times a day when the Imperial City would send someone, seemingly awaiting His Majesty, which deeply angered Xiao Duo.
Returning to his chamber, Xiao Duo initially cast aside all items belonging to Bu Yinlou, including even Eunuch Ba, whom he had ordered to be put away. Yet, this surge of resentment was fleeting, quickly overwhelmed by an uncontrollable surge of affection. Xiao Duo soon reversed his actions, retrieving her boots, which he then put on, and the leaf tags, which he placed in his sleeve, before releasing Eunuch Ba to play.
He gazed around his courtyard, where every detail seemed to reflect Bu Yinlou's presence, as if she had never departed. He wondered if she truly abandoned her past pursuit of freedom and willingly resigned herself to confinement in the deep palace. Despite all, Xiao Duo remained unwilling to accept it. Cao Chunang, equally unwilling to accept the situation, held a hairpin, his gaze filled with sorrow. He eventually mustered the courage to ask She Da Dangtou about Tong Yun.
To his dismay, he learned that Tong Yun had offended Murong Gaogong, had been flogged, and was now suffering punishment at the Dyeing Workshop. Deeply concerned, Cao Chunang hurried to the Dyeing Workshop to arrange matters with the overseers, hoping to ease Tong Yun's plight. Upon entering, he saw Tong Yun at work, her frail body appearing as if it could be blown away by a gust of wind.
His heart ached at the sight of the calluses and blisters on her hands, and he gently took her hands to blow on them. Tong Yun could no longer hold back her tears, sobbing with profound grievance. Amidst her tears, she nearly revealed that Bu Yinlou had suffered greatly and questioned why Xiao Duo, her godfather, had not intervened. Later, Bu Yinlou seized an opportunity to slip away to the palace wall, intending to climb over and escape.
Unexpectedly, she encountered Murong Wanwan and Yuwen Liangxu, who were attempting to climb in. Murong Wanwan revealed that she had learned Empress Rong'an bribed Suhuai, a maid in Deer's Reed Residence, prompting her concern for Bu Yinlou's safety and her daring attempt to enter. Bu Yinlou, however, revealed that she was already aware of these details.
She further explained to Murong Wanwan that her intention was to provoke Rong'an into making a move, creating an opportunity for a private interrogation to extract crucial information. She then asked to borrow Murong Wanwan's grappling hook and throwing stars for her plan. Murong Wanwan and Yuwen Liangxu, despite their apprehension, agreed to assist her in this dangerous endeavor. Bu Yinlou then proceeded with her plan, slipping out of Deer's Reed Residence.
As expected, she was met by Empress Rong'an's hired kidnappers. Bu Yinlou was secretly thrilled, eagerly climbing into the sedan chair, fearing the kidnappers might reconsider. Murong Wanwan and Yuwen Liangxu had also prepared, ready to spring a trap on Rong'an. However, She Da Dangtou unexpectedly intervened, startling Bu Yinlou and disrupting her carefully laid plan. Annoyed yet quick-witted, Bu Yinlou quickly adapted her plan.
Using Xiao Duo's ring as a symbol of authority, she convinced She Da Dangtou to help her kidnap Empress Rong'an instead. She reasoned that by obeying her in this specific way, he was still fulfilling Xiao Duo's secret command to protect her, without informing him of the day's events. She then instructed him not to send her back to Deer's Reed Residence, but to take them to a dilapidated house in the imperial city's suburbs, which was Rong'an's pre-arranged destination.
Meanwhile, Murong Gaogong quietly made his way to Deer's Reed Residence, intending to surprise Bu Yinlou. Upon arriving, he discovered her absence. Informed by guards that Bu Yinlou had seemingly escaped, Murong Gaogong, enraged and believing that only Xiao Duo could have the ability to abduct someone from his heavily guarded residence, furiously stormed into Xiao Duo's Chief's residence. He sternly interrogated Xiao Duo, drawing his sword and threatening his life.
Xiao Duo, however, remained composed and defiant, expressing his willingness to accept any punishment while requesting permission to search for Bu Yinlou. At that moment, a guard arrived with the news that Bu Yinlou had been found. At the dilapidated house, Empress Rong'an slowly regained consciousness, discovering herself bound hand and foot with Bu Yinlou seated beside her.
Bu Yinlou brandished a bottle of powdered medicine, which she implied was the very poison Rong'an had intended for her, remarking that she had prepared it according to Rong'an's own prescription. Rong'an, in a fit of anger and fear, warned Bu Yinlou against rash actions. Unperturbed, Bu Yinlou mocked Rong'an, describing her as pitiful for clinging to Xiao Duo, who showed her no affection, and asserting that Rong'an was devoid of anything but jealousy, scheming, and hatred.
Rong'an retaliated by stressing her noble status as Empress, contrasting it with Bu Yinlou's supposedly lowly background, but Bu Yinlou firmly declared her own inherent nobility. Bu Yinlou then threatened to kill Rong'an in that secluded spot, where her death would remain unknown to the palace. Panicked, Rong'an pleaded for release, promising to yield to all of Bu Yinlou's demands. Bu Yinlou then questioned Rong'an about the secret meetings held by the Prince of Nanyuan six years prior.
Rong'an initially feigned ignorance but eventually confessed that she and the Prince of Nanyuan had conspired at a teahouse in Ruyi Alley during the late Emperor's birthday celebrations. The interrogation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Murong Wanwan and Yuwen Liangxu, who relayed urgent news: Murong Gaogong had unexpectedly arrived at Deer's Reed Residence with the Imperial Army and was now making his way to Xiao Duo's residence.
Episode 25 Recap
Upon returning to the palace, Rong'an found Princess Hede persistently accompanying her. Growing impatient, Rong'an finally addressed Hede, who then warned her that if the day's events were disclosed to Murong Gaogong, neither Rong'an nor Consort Duan would fare well. Rong'an, understanding the implications, decided to suppress the incident. She had a message conveyed to Suhuai, the maid who knew too much, threatening Suhuai's family in the capital to ensure her silence, while also promising to remember Suhuai's cooperation.
Left alone, Princess Hede pondered the strange circumstances. Her maid then informed her of a rumor from Shangqiong Palace that Consort Duan had a lover in West Shu, for whom she had offended the Emperor and been sent to Deer's Reed Residence.
It seemed too coincidental that Xiao Duo had given Bu Yinlou his Chief's ring, a symbol of his high office in the Zhaoding Bureau, and despite the Emperor's suspicion, had sent his trusted men to protect her in secret. Hede began to suspect that Bu Yinlou's mysterious lover might indeed be Xiao Duo. Meanwhile, Qilang reported to Xiao Duo that Bu Yinlou had escaped Deer's Reed Residence and kidnapped Rong'an.
Confused and concerned, Xiao Duo wondered if she intended to die with Rong'an and sought out Tong Yun at the Dyeing Workshop, where she had been sent as punishment. Under pressure from Xiao Duo, Tong Yun revealed that Bu Yinlou had refused to sleep with Murong Gaogong and had planned to disfigure herself with poison to avoid it.
Tong Yun confessed that she had inadvertently given them away, leading to her punishment and Bu Yinlou's forced relocation to Deer's Reed Residence. Tong Yun further explained that on the day they were at Yanguo Mountain, Bu Yinlou did not get off the carriage, even though Murong Gaogong had sent his best fighter, Yu Zun, and troops to ambush them.
Bu Yinlou's refusal to disembark was a desperate act to protect Xiao Duo, as she felt it was her turn to shield him, just as he had always protected her. Tong Yun concluded by revealing that Bu Yinlou's kidnapping of Rong'an was an attempt to find the culprit for Xiao Duo, fulfilling a long-held promise to him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Xiao Duo wept.
Qilang then informed him that Bu Yinlou had deliberately consumed something harmful to feign illness and paid the doctor to keep silent, all to save Xiao Duo. Realizing her self-sacrifice and cunning, Xiao Duo called her a "scheming little liar." He attempted to go to Deer's Reed Residence immediately but was stopped by Qilang, only to be summoned by Murong Gaogong himself.
At Deer's Reed Residence, Murong Gaogong was personally tending to a seemingly unresponsive Bu Yinlou, even offering her a beautiful rosemallow necklace. He berated the maids for their disloyalty, implying they were at fault for Bu Yinlou's unresponsiveness. Murong Gaogong made Bu Yinlou promise to wear the necklace daily as a symbol of her obedience. To Bu Yinlou's horror, Murong Gaogong then had her cousin, Lian Cheng, brought in, battered and bruised.
Bu Yinlou rushed to her cousin, distraught, and desperately tried to explain their innocent relationship to Murong Gaogong, insisting Lian Cheng was the only family her mother had left. Murong Gaogong, however, refused to believe her, still convinced she harbored a lover and citing rumors of her intimate relationship with a man in West Shu.
In a fit of rage, Murong Gaogong forced a short dagger into Bu Yinlou's hand and, using her as an unwilling instrument, plunged it into Lian Cheng, demanding to know the identity of her true lover. With his dying breath, Lian Cheng urged Bu Yinlou, using her birth name, Zhuoying, to always be happy and free. Murong Gaogong, furious at Lian Cheng's defiance, stabbed him again, killing him. Bu Yinlou, heartbroken, collapsed to the ground.
Xiao Duo arrived at Deer's Reed Residence to find Lian Cheng's lifeless body. Murong Gaogong, in a chilling confession, revealed his long-standing obsession with Bu Yinlou, recounting how he had watched her since childhood. He declared his bone-deep love for her and how he had removed "that man" from her life, believing she could now finally see him.
Murong Gaogong spoke of how red suited her when Lian Cheng's blood splattered her face and emphasized that obedience was the key to safety and longevity in the Imperial City. Hiding his fury, Xiao Duo humbly agreed with Murong Gaogong. The Emperor then suggested that Xiao Duo visit Bu Yinlou more often at Deer's Reed Residence, given their past connection. Xiao Duo respectfully declined, reiterating his duty was solely to serve Murong Gaogong.
Murong Gaogong then sought Xiao Duo's advice on how to bring Consort Duan back to the palace, as his mother and court officials opposed it. Xiao Duo proposed that Bu Yinlou copy Buddhist scriptures and present them publicly during the upcoming Buddha's Birthday, demonstrating her sincerity and virtue. This act, he reasoned, would allow Murong Gaogong to summon her back to the palace without significant opposition.
Murong Gaogong approved the plan and entrusted Xiao Duo with all the preparations for the Buddha's Birthday. After leaving the Emperor, Xiao Duo immediately dispatched Qilang and his men to search thoroughly for Lian Cheng's body. Princess Hede, still troubled by Bu Yinlou and Xiao Duo's rumored connection, confronted Xiao Duo, metaphorically warning him not to covet what belonged to the royal family. Xiao Duo defiantly admitted his long-standing admiration for Bu Yinlou.
When Hede reminded him that Bu Yinlou was the Emperor's consort, Xiao Duo retorted that Murong Gaogong did not deserve her. Hede expressed her disappointment, feeling betrayed after years of friendship and admiration for his integrity. Xiao Duo, in turn, accused Hede of disregarding others' suffering and questioned if she truly understood the Emperor's cruelty towards Bu Yinlou. Hede dismissed his words, reiterating that it was none of his concern.
She pressed him about his intentions for the Buddha's Birthday, and he stated his unwavering desire to see Bu Yinlou. Hede warned him not to be reckless, but Xiao Duo challenged her to stop him if she could. Later, Hede learned from her maid about Lian Cheng's death and Bu Yinlou's deteriorating condition, solidifying her resolve to prevent Xiao Duo from causing further trouble during the Buddha's Birthday celebrations.
On the day of the Buddha's Birthday, Xiao Duo orchestrated a meeting by sending a messenger, using Rong'an's name, to Bu Yinlou. The message conveyed Rong'an's desire for a truce and an invitation to meet by the lake, mentioning "Ruyi Alley six years ago." Bu Yinlou agreed to the meeting, dismissing her maid. Feeling a sudden dizziness, she decided to go to the lake alone.
Meanwhile, Princess Hede intervened, intercepting Rong'an, who had become suspicious and was questioning Bu Yinlou's maid about her departure. Hede covered for Bu Yinlou by saying she had asked her to fetch some small items and then discreetly sent Rong'an away. Bu Yinlou arrived at the secluded lake, wondering if Rong'an truly intended to reconcile. Suddenly, Xiao Duo appeared and pulled her onto a boat as an eclipse began, casting the surroundings in an eerie light.
On the boat, Bu Yinlou, trembling with fear, urged Xiao Duo to be calm, threatening to scream and call the Imperial Guards, which she briefly did. She confessed her deep fear of imperial power, convinced that being with him would lead to his death. Xiao Duo, holding her, called her "Zhuoying" and reassured her. He revealed that Lian Cheng was not dead; his men had found him alive and sent him to safety.
Xiao Duo promised her that they would both be fine and would not die. Despite his reassurances, Bu Yinlou, still overwhelmed by terror, pushed him away, repeatedly denying her feelings for him. Xiao Duo, bewildered by her rejection, questioned why she still kept his ring and placed it alongside the rosemallow necklace if she truly no longer wanted him. Bu Yinlou threw the ring away, and Xiao Duo, in turn, ripped the necklace from her neck.
He admitted he had been "crazy for a long time" and refused to let her feign submission to Murong Gaogong, risk her life for him, or speak words she did not mean. He refused for them to become strangers. He declared that the only way he would stop was if she killed him. Bu Yinlou despaired, saying the Imperial City was like a prison with walls on all sides, making escape impossible. Xiao Duo, however, vowed to tear down those walls. Bu Yinlou called him a "bastard" for not listening, to which he simply replied, "Fine."
Episode 26 Recap
During the Buddha's Birthday celebration, the Empress Dowager adamantly expressed her refusal to allow Bu Yinlou to return to the palace, citing Consort Duan as unchaste and ominous, believing her presence to be a bad omen. Murong Gaogong, unable to counter his mother's firm stance, turned to inquire about Bu Yinlou, only to be informed by her maid that Bu Yinlou was feeling unwell and had retired to her room.
However, Rong'an interjected, claiming her own maid had just visited the concubines' rooms an hour prior and did not find Bu Yinlou there. Later, while passing by the lake, Rong'an spotted Bu Yinlou emerging from the area. Curious, she approached the small boat and saw Xiao Duo leaving it. After Xiao Duo departed, Rong'an entered the boat and found the rose-mallow necklace there. As she left the boat, Xiao Duo intercepted her.
Rong'an confronted him, suspecting he had a secret rendezvous with Bu Yinlou there overnight, and threatened to expose their affair to the Emperor. Xiao Duo, however, remained unfazed. He revealed his intimate knowledge of Rong'an's past atrocities, including her involvement in the deaths of Noble Consort Shao, the pregnant Consort Shu, and several imperial princes, as well as her embezzlement of disaster relief provisions during a drought.
He warned her that if he were to be discarded by the Emperor, he would drag her down with him, emphasizing that while his own life was wretched, Bu Yinlou’s life was invaluable, and he would take anyone who harmed her down to hell. Rong'an, enraged but threatened, silenced him. Upon Bu Yinlou's return, Murong Gaogong questioned her about her absence and the missing rose-mallow necklace he had given her.
He noticed her bare neck and immediately ordered Yu Zun to search the entire temple grounds. However, the thorough search yielded no results. Murong Gaogong pressed Bu Yinlou again, demanding to know where she had been and who she had met. Before she could answer, Wan Wan, the Princess, arrived and claimed she and Bu Yinlou had spent the night together reading storytelling books. Murong Gaogong, still suspicious, asked if the necklace was with Wan Wan.
At that moment, Rong'an appeared, claiming to have found the necklace stuck in the crack of Wan Wan's room door, implying Bu Yinlou and Wan Wan were slacking off instead of praying. Murong Gaogong dismissed Rong'an's accusations, stating he would handle the matter himself, and lightly admonished Wan Wan for being a bad influence on Bu Yinlou. Wan Wan then confronted Bu Yinlou, upset that Bu Yinlou had put her in a compromising position with the Emperor.
She expressed her anger at being used and lied to, vowing not to cover for them again. Bu Yinlou, in turn, confessed her deep unhappiness and constrained life in the palace. She spoke of her constant fear of her relationship with Xiao Duo being discovered and how she felt like a liar, a dead object, stripped of her emotions and agency. She stated her genuine love for Xiao Duo and her unwavering stance that her feelings were not wrong.
Despite her initial shock and anger, Wan Wan, seeing Bu Yinlou's steadfastness, reluctantly accepted their relationship and agreed to pretend she knew nothing. However, Bu Yinlou then revealed an even more shocking secret: Xiao Duo was not a real eunuch. Stunned, Wan Wan was sworn to secrecy by Bu Yinlou, who playfully chased her as Wan Wan expressed her outrage and disbelief, ultimately keeping the secret.
Later that evening, Bu Yinlou covertly went to the small boat for a meeting with Xiao Duo. When a team of guards approached, she instinctively hid, but Xiao Duo confidently assured her that the entire temple was under his control. With the threat gone, they reveled in their private moment on the boat.
Xiao Duo recited a poem about freedom and contentment, but Bu Yinlou expressed her skepticism, comparing their situation to fish trapped in the royal lake, fearing they could never truly escape the confines of the Imperial City. Xiao Duo then spoke of his intention to retrieve Tong Yun from the Dyeing Workshop in a few days. Bu Yinlou expressed concern, reminding him that Murong Gaogong was closely monitoring him, and Tong Yun had deeply offended the Emperor.
She suggested it would be better if she herself found a way to coax the Emperor and secure Tong Yun's release, to avoid further displeasing him. After some playful banter where Xiao Duo rejected her initial ideas for coaxing the Emperor, he subtly suggested a more dramatic approach. Bu Yinlou, agreeing to the plan, went with Wan Wan to the small worship hall in the temple.
When Murong Gaogong arrived, she feigned intense grief and devotion, explaining that Tong Yun was like family and she blamed herself for Tong Yun’s punishment. She took a knife, threatening to cut her own flesh to pray for Tong Yun’s safety. Murong Gaogong, horrified, immediately stopped her, asserting that her body belonged to him. Moved by her display, he agreed to pardon Tong Yun for Bu Yinlou’s sake and immediately sent someone to arrange her release.
Later, Wan Wan complained about Xiao Duo’s "terrible idea," having almost gotten hurt during the act, but Bu Yinlou lightly shrugged off Wan Wan's complaints, playfully telling her to mind her own business. Tong Yun was indeed pardoned, but instead of being taken back to the Deer's Reed Residence as she expected, she was brought before Rong'an. Rong'an revealed her intention to use Tong Yun for her own benefit now that she was free.
Afterward, Tong Yun found Cao Chun'ang, who had been waiting for her. He confessed his long-held affection for her, admitting he had liked her since their time at the Imperial Mausoleum. He gave her a hairpin he had intended to give her before his journey to West Shu, acknowledging he might not be worthy of her but wanting her to know his feelings. He then left her, leaving Tong Yun in turmoil, as she believed herself unworthy of his affection.
Meanwhile, Rong'an’s maid urged her to reconsider her dangerous path, warning of potential catastrophe. Rong'an, however, was resolute. She declared that as a noble-born woman, she was destined for ultimate power and had always fought for what she desired. She expressed her frustration at failing to "acquire" or "possess" Xiao Duo, a mere servant who dared to defy her.
Having experienced both prestige and desolation, she claimed to fear nothing, vowing that if she couldn't have something, she would fight for it, vie for it, and snatch it away. Her maid questioned if she would sacrifice everything for Xiao Duo. Rong'an, consumed by obsession, stated that if the Imperial City could drive dignified people mad, and since Xiao Duo had gone mad for a woman, she would go mad with him too.
Episode 27 Recap
Bu Yinlou warmly welcomed Tong Yun back, offering her a meticulously embroidered pouch and assuring her that their days of hardship were over now that they had money. However, Tong Yun appeared distracted and ill at ease. When Bu Yinlou gently inquired if something was troubling her, Tong Yun hastily denied it, but her mind drifted back to earlier that day. In a flashback, it was revealed that Rong'an had subtly coerced Tong Yun.
Rong'an had mentioned the fragrant Biluochun tea from Dongting, Tong Yun's hometown, leading Tong Yun to immediately fall to her knees and beg for mercy. Rong'an then escalated her veiled threats by mentioning she had already sent people to look after Tong Yun's family back home.
Tong Yun tried to feign incompetence to avoid any tasks, but Rong'an insisted she was capable of handling a "few small things," reassuring her that Bu Yinlou's life would not be in danger, but urging her to consider the matter carefully. After Tong Yun left, Bu Yinlou remained perplexed by her maid's strange behavior. Suddenly, Xiao Duo emerged from her wardrobe, explaining he had been waiting there for some time.
Bu Yinlou was amused to discover that Xiao Duo had secretly purchased the house next to Deer's Reed Residence and created a hidden passage connecting the two properties. He revealed he made the secret tunnel simply because he wanted to see her. As they navigated the passage to his private residence, Bu Yinlou playfully remarked that their clandestine meetings made them seem like an adulterous couple.
Shifting to a more serious topic, Bu Yinlou expressed concern about Xiao Duo openly confronting Rong'an, but Xiao Duo assured her they would find incriminating evidence against Rong'an without an overt confrontation, waiting for the opportune moment. Meanwhile, rumors were spreading throughout the city about a beautiful woman, believed to be a fox demon, who lured men to their deaths near Deer's Reed Residence, leaving their bodies without external wounds but with expressions of extreme joy.
Xiao Duo dismissed the supernatural claims, asserting that a human culprit was behind the murders, especially given the proximity of the deaths to the royal residence, suggesting the attacker's true target was the imperial family. He offered to investigate the case, but Murong Gaogong, reiterating his policy of transferring criminal cases to the Court of Judicial Review, instead assigned the high-profile case to Bu Yulu, subtly dismissing Xiao Duo's expertise and undermining his authority.
Though outwardly deferential, Xiao Duo cleverly highlighted Bu Yulu's perceived incompetence, implying that the Court of Judicial Review was only now receiving its due because its former chief was "good-for-nothing." Later, a small eunuch secretly instructed Tong Yun to hide a box in Bu Yinlou's room. Tong Yun, clearly conflicted, went to Bu Yinlou's room and, after much hesitation, placed the box under the bed.
When Bu Yinlou approached, Tong Yun almost confessed her distress, but upon seeing the eunuch outside, she quickly changed her mind and remained silent. Soon after, Bu Yulu, acting under imperial orders, arrived at Deer's Reed Residence for a "routine inspection." Despite his initial assurances that he would not disturb Bu Yinlou, his men discovered the hidden box under her bed.
Inside, they found a small doll covered in needles, alongside paper talismans bearing the names and birthdates of the deceased men. Bu Yulu immediately accused Bu Yinlou of witchcraft and of consorting with a fox demon to harm people and secure imperial favor. He then theatrically lamented his own fate, claiming his daughter was driving him to his death.
Bu Yulu also attempted to silence Tong Yun when she tried to explain the situation, before ordering Bu Yinlou's arrest and removal. Xiao Duo dramatically intervened, blocking Bu Yulu's men and declaring that he would not allow Bu Yinlou to be wronged. Xiao Duo challenged Bu Yulu's authority to send an imperial consort to the common prison, warning of the Emperor's wrath if Bu Yinlou was humiliated.
He then suggested that Bu Yinlou be transferred to Zhaoding Bureau's imperial prison, which was under direct imperial control, promising to inform Murong Gaogong and absolve Bu Yulu of any responsibility. Bu Yulu reluctantly agreed, and Xiao Duo took Bu Yinlou into custody. At Zhaoding Bureau's prison, a distraught Tong Yun frantically tried to explain the situation to Cao Chun'ang, but her fear made her incoherent. Just then, two large, sword-wielding men approached, seemingly intending harm.
Tong Yun, in a desperate attempt to protect her mistress, threw herself in front of Bu Yinlou. Bu Yinlou calmly acknowledged Tong Yun's protective actions, and the men, revealed to be Xiao Duo's guards following Bu Yinlou's earlier instructions, respectfully withdrew. Overwhelmed, Tong Yun broke down and confessed everything, admitting Rong'an had forced her into the act by threatening her family.
Bu Yinlou revealed she had already discovered the box soon after Tong Yun left, and Xiao Duo added that he had confirmed Rong'an's secret abduction of Tong Yun's family. With their shared understanding, they decided to seize the opportunity and turn the tables on Rong'an. Bu Yinlou gently comforted Tong Yun, reassuring her that her family had been rescued by Xiao Duo's men and playfully "punishing" her with trivial confiscations, ultimately forgiving her for her plight.
Cao Chun'ang then arrived, bringing luxurious food and offering entertainment, highlighting the surprisingly comfortable conditions of the Zhaoding Bureau prison. He too, expressed his hurt and concern for Tong Yun, emphasizing their friendship and urging her not to face hardships alone. Though Zhaoding Bureau initially attempted to suppress the news of the witchcraft accusations, the information leaked from Changqing Palace.
Soon, many court officials, having learned of the "fox demon saga" at Deer's Reed Residence, submitted a joint petition demanding Bu Yinlou's execution. Murong Gaogong, furious that his concubine was being targeted and frustrated by Bu Yulu's inability to manage the situation, pressed for a solution. Bu Yulu, in a feigned display of distress and loyalty, blamed Xiao Duo for the leak and the escalation, claiming Xiao Duo sought to regain his lost investigative authority.
At that moment, Rong'an arrived, publicly leveraging the joint petition and the Empress Dowager's concerns to pressure Murong Gaogong into executing Bu Yinlou for her alleged "evil magic" and "harm to the people." With Murong Gaogong at a loss, Xiao Duo boldly stepped forward, offering to take over the investigation from Bu Yulu and promising to uncover the truth within three days, staking his life on it.
Murong Gaogong, left with no other viable option, granted Xiao Duo full authority over the "fox demon" case. Xiao Duo immediately began his investigation. His findings revealed that the victims' true cause of death was an overdose of thorn apple, a hallucinogenic substance found in rouge discovered in their nasal cavities. This exposed the "fox demon" narrative as a fabricated cover for poisoning. Following this lead, Zhaoding Bureau agents traced the poisonous rouge to Qiongshui Pavilion.
When they raided the establishment, they found the premises cleared of evidence and many workers dead, but the owner had attempted to flee. Xiao Duo quickly apprehended the proprietor. Informed of these developments, Rong'an became enraged, realizing Xiao Duo had outmaneuvered her. Believing she had successfully destroyed all physical evidence, she remained defiant. Nevertheless, she immediately ordered her maid, Yilan, to gather all of Xiao Duo's palace records and documents from his entire career.
Later, as Xiao Duo prepared to arrest Rong'an based on the Qiongshui Pavilion owner's confession, Rong'an summoned him to her palace. There, she revealed her own investigation into his past, noting his obscure early years in the Wine and Food Bureau, and his sudden, dramatic transformation into the youngest chief of Zhaoding Bureau six years prior. She then hinted at his long-lost older brother, who bore a striking resemblance to him, suggesting a deeper, hidden truth about Xiao Duo's identity.
Episode 28 Recap
Rong'an, having uncovered Xiao Duo's true identity, confronted him with her discovery. She revealed she knew he was not the real Xiao Duo, but rather his older twin brother who had impersonated him six years prior after the younger brother, a eunuch, disappeared from the palace. She threatened to expose him for deceiving the Emperor and committing illicit acts in the palace, consequences for which he would be "walking proof." She demanded he kill Bu Yinlou with his own hands.
Rong'an, now in Zhaoding Bureau prison with Xiao Duo, presented a cup of poisoned wine for Bu Yinlou. She presented Xiao Duo with a grim choice: either he personally administered the poisoned wine to Bu Yinlou, making it appear as a suicide, or she would expose his true identity, leading to his demise. Effectively, it was a choice between Bu Yinlou's life and his own.
Bu Yinlou, present for the exchange, asked Xiao Duo if her life was not thousands of times more important than his. Xiao Duo, with a pained expression, stated that his purpose in the palace was within reach, and he could not abandon it, apologizing to her. Incredulous, Bu Yinlou slapped him, bitterly telling him she never wanted to see him again, not in this life or any future lives.
A servant prompted her to drink, and heartbroken, Bu Yinlou consumed the poisoned wine. Watching Bu Yinlou succumb, Rong'an gloated, believing her rival was finally dead. She mused about the fleeting nature of deep affection in the face of life-or-death choices, concluding that Xiao Duo, like herself, would always prioritize self-preservation.
She then asked Xiao Duo to comb her hair, reminiscing about the first time he had done so when he was clumsy and inexperienced, expressing a lifelong wish for only him to do her hair. As Xiao Duo tended to her, he presented her with rouge, which he revealed he had specially sourced from Qiongshui Pavilion. Rong'an, realizing his trap, was shocked.
She quickly accessed a hidden compartment in her bed, retrieving and consuming an antidote to the poison in the rouge. Before she could react further, Xiao Duo struck her, rendering her unconscious. Murong Gaogong soon arrived, and Xiao Duo explained the truth behind the "fox demon" case. He revealed that Rong'an had orchestrated the entire scheme, sending palace maids to use poisoned rouge that caused hallucinations and heart palpitations, all to frame Consort Duan.
Xiao Duo presented the rouge shop owner's confession, identifying Rong'an as the mastermind, and the antidote found in Changqing Palace, arguing that Rong'an, as a palace lady, could only possess such a unique antidote if she were the culprit. With clear human and physical evidence, Murong Gaogong decreed that Empress Rong'an, for causing chaos and harming people, would be imprisoned in Changqing Palace and executed on a chosen date. He also ordered strict surveillance to prevent her from speaking out.
Murong Gaogong initially offered Xiao Duo a reward for solving the case, which Xiao Duo humbly declined. The emperor then confronted Xiao Duo about giving Bu Yinlou poisoned wine. Xiao Duo explained it was a necessary risk to make Rong'an drop her guard and expose herself.
Murong Gaogong warned Xiao Duo that his life would have been forfeit had Bu Yinlou not survived, but Xiao Duo asserted that the emperor's command to solve the case within three days was his top priority, above all else. Murong Gaogong then tested Xiao Duo's loyalty, calling him a "good dog" for his absolute obedience.
Despite Xiao Duo's actions against Bu Yinlou, Murong Gaogong spared his life due to his contribution to the case, but stripped him of his title as the Chief Eunuch of Zhaoding Bureau. After Xiao Duo left, Murong Gaogong revealed his true indifference to the actual culprit, stating that as long as Bu Yinlou was safe, he did not care about the truth or who the real murderer was.
He reaffirmed his power as the Emperor, believing that anyone, including Xiao Duo, should serve and die for him. Xiao Duo rushed to find Bu Yinlou, who had awakened but remained silent. He desperately apologized for deceiving her, explaining the sudden necessity of the deception and offering to let her hit him, scold him, or even poison him in return. Bu Yinlou finally turned, revealing a playful triumph rather than tears.
She admitted she had guessed his plan the moment he offered the wine, explaining that she trusted him not to harm her. They playfully bantered, with Bu Yinlou teasing him about his cleverness and his future without his Chief Eunuch position. Xiao Duo confirmed his loss of status and power but reassured her that his loyal Zhaoding Guards and the bureau's vast intelligence network remained under his control, making him impervious to easy manipulation.
Bu Yinlou then questioned why Prince of Nanyuan would continue to protect Rong'an if she was indeed the killer and now a "useless chess piece," to which Xiao Duo speculated the Prince was still clinging to a deluded hope. Their conversation was interrupted by Cao Chun'ang, who burst in with urgent news: Tong Yun had been implicated as Rong'an's accomplice in the fox demon case by the Court of Judicial Review and sentenced to exile.
Bu Yinlou was distressed, but Xiao Duo calmly stated he already had a plan. Tong Yun was escorted by Zhaoding Guards, lamenting that no one, not even her mistress or Cao Chun'ang, had come to see her off before her exile. However, instead of exile, she awoke in a bridal chamber, dressed in wedding attire. Cao Chun'ang explained that Xiao Duo had arranged for an imperial decree from the Empress Dowager, fabricating a long-standing affection between him and Tong Yun.
Cao Chun'ang's merits in solving the fox demon case were then used to pardon Tong Yun's transgression, and their marriage was granted by this imperial decree. This "wedding" was a public charade, and he had brought her there mid-way to protect her reputation. He promised that once the situation settled, their lives would return to normal, and he would not hinder her future.
Unable to contain his true feelings, Cao Chun'ang confessed his deeper desires, describing a future where they would leave the Imperial City with Xiao Duo and Bu Yinlou, opening a restaurant where he would do all the work while she merely collected money, living a carefree life. Believing these were delusional fantasies, he turned to leave. Tong Yun, however, stopped him, confirming her own affection by saying she wanted to sit in the restaurant and be the cashier.
Cao Chun'ang, overjoyed and disbelieving, asked her to slap him to confirm it wasn't a dream. Tong Yun happily kissed him, promising they would live a good life together and officially marry once they left the palace. Later, observing a dead fish in a pond, Bu Yinlou contemplated its fate. She likened it to fish that, though meant to live freely in vast waters, were confined to small ponds by humans.
They were well-fed, yet their existence revolved around pleasing people and ruthlessly fighting their own kind for scraps, wasting their prime years in a savage existence. She mused on the absurdity of it all, wondering when such cycles would end and who would be the next to suffer. This reflection occurred as Xiao Duo arrived to oversee Rong'an's final moments under imperial orders.
In her final confrontation with Xiao Duo, Rong'an, helped by Xiao Duo to put on her last hairpin, acknowledged her comprehensive defeat. She admitted she had never lost in her life until him, recognizing his superior cunning. She realized Xiao Duo and Bu Yinlou's elaborate scheme had been solely to avenge the real Xiao Duo, his younger brother, who she confirmed was the young man killed in Ruyi Alley six years prior.
Rong'an then wickedly revealed that she was present during the murder but claimed the real culprit was Bu Yinlou's own biological father, Bu Yulu. At the same time, Bu Yinlou, troubled by Rong'an wearing a man's silk cord and questioning if Rong'an was truly alone in the carriage that night, examined a silk cord from her own jade pendant. She recognized the unique weaving as her mother's work, a pendant her father had worn and then claimed to have lost.
This discovery made her frantic, contemplating the horrifying possibility that her own father was the murderer and how she would face Xiao Duo if it were true. To confirm this unsettling revelation, Bu Yinlou immediately summoned her father, Bu Yulu, to her residence. Upon his arrival at her residence, Bu Yulu expressed concern about the impropriety of her summoning him late at night without imperial knowledge, fearing it might be seen as conspiring.
Bu Yinlou, cutting to the chase, asked him if he had been to Ruyi Alley on the seventh day of the sixth lunar month six years ago. She then presented the silk pendant, which her mother had handmade for him. Bu Yulu's eyes showed a flicker of surprise as he recognized it.
Episode 29 Recap
Yinlou confronted Bu Yulu about the death of a young man six years ago in Ruyi Alley, holding up a silk pendant her mother made, which was found with the deceased. She directly accused him of the murder. Bu Yulu, initially feigning ignorance, eventually admitted the killing, justifying it by saying the young man "saw something he shouldn't have" and dismissively calling him a "lowly person."
Yinlou was enraged, pointing out that the boy was a human life with family, not merely "grass" to be discarded for witnessing Bu Yulu's secret. She then exposed his true motive: fear of exposure as Yuwen Liangshi, the Prince of Nanyuan's "secret card" in the capital. She claimed his apparent attempts to prevent Bu Yinge's marriage to the Prince were merely a "show" for the Emperor, a pretense to conceal his ongoing work for the Prince.
Bu Yulu retorted that as his daughter, Yinlou should share his fate, and questioned her motives for digging up old secrets. Yinlou sought to know if he felt any guilt, but quickly realized he felt none, observing that human lives were like "grass" to him. Bu Yulu lamented her change from an obedient child, to which Yinlou fiercely replied that she had never been obedient and would no longer listen, accusing him of never truly seeing her.
Bu Yulu, infuriated, compared her to her mother, who was outwardly obedient but inwardly stubborn. Yinlou then directly challenged him, recounting how he forced her mother to be a mistress, then a concubine, subjecting her to abuse by his legitimate wife, and questioning if he ever treated anyone as human.
She dared him to strike her, reminding him that as an imperial concubine, she held higher status than him, a mere subject, and that striking her would be a grave offense. Bu Yulu's anger dissipated. He then adopted a softer tone, offering to compensate her for past grievances and protect her status, but pressed her to reveal who prompted her to "trick" him, specifically asking if Xiao Duo knew about his dealings with the Prince of Nanyuan.
Yinlou, however, dismissed his questions, asking instead if he had ever loved anyone or if she or her mother held any place in his heart. Without waiting for an answer, she told him to leave, ignoring his warning not to harm Xiao Duo. After Bu Yulu departed, Yinlou visibly relaxed. As she returned to her room, Xiao Duo suddenly appeared, grabbing her hand.
Yinlou asked him where he had been, and he replied he had just been out in the courtyard because the room was too stuffy, implying he had been nearby. They embraced tightly, though unspoken concerns weighed on each of them. As night fell, Murong Gaogong arrived jubilantly at Deer's Reed Residence, accompanied by an attendant who remarked on the court's increased deference towards him.
Unbeknownst to him, Xiao Duo was with Yinlou, and quickly hid under the bed as Murong Gaogong entered. Yinlou feigned illness, apologizing for her "sickly face" and admitting to being weak and poisoned, which she said caused her to sweat. Murong Gaogong expressed remorse for her suffering and declared his newfound power in court, announcing that he had convinced his mother to allow Yinlou to enter the palace once she recovered.
He passionately expressed his impatience, promising to make her his empress and true wife, to be by his side forever, and to share life and death with him. Yinlou skillfully placated him with feigned shyness and concern about her illness, successfully deflecting his advances. After Murong Gaogong finally departed, Yinlou emerged from her facade, sighing in relief. Xiao Duo then emerged from his hiding spot.
Yinlou immediately pleaded with him to take her away, to which he promised to do so once "everything is settled." Xiao Duo had confirmed that Bu Yulu was responsible for his brother's death. He recounted how Bu Yulu's alibi for the night of the murder, attending a poetry meeting six years ago, had a crucial flaw: a period of several hours when he was unaccounted for, precisely coinciding with his brother's death.
Furthermore, a dagger from the Bu Mansion matched the wound on his brother's corpse. Cao Chunang tried to dissuade Xiao Duo, warning that Bu Yulu's influential position and the Emperor's trust in him made him a dangerous target; attacking him would be seen as direct defiance of the Emperor, potentially jeopardizing Xiao Duo's own precarious standing.
Cao Chunang also appealed to Xiao Duo's relationship with Yinlou, reminding him that Bu Yulu was her biological father and questioned if killing him would ruin their relationship, fearing Yinlou would resent him. Xiao Duo, however, was resolute and dismissed their concerns. He then issued orders to gather men and set an ambush on the Imperial Main Street for the following morning, when Bu Yulu was scheduled to meet the Emperor, declaring his intention to personally "bury him."
Unknown to Xiao Duo, Yinlou had overheard his entire conversation. Distraught, she spoke silently to her deceased brother, apologizing for the difficult choice she faced and the potential betrayal of her promise to avenge him. Determined to prevent Xiao Duo from acting, Yinlou prepared a large amount of wine, intending to stall him. She feigned drunkenness, even trying to trick him into drinking more by claiming thirst and coldness.
However, Xiao Duo revealed he was aware of her deception, admitting he had also practiced his drinking and knew she was only pretending. He gently chastised her for going to such lengths just to save her father.
Yinlou then confessed her true dilemma: while she had no desire to save her father, she couldn't bear the thought of her deceased mother being saddened by his death, and most importantly, she feared the repercussions of his death would harm or even kill Xiao Duo. Despite her pleas, Xiao Duo remained resolute. He left the room and locked the secret tunnel door behind him, sealing her inside.
Yinlou then tried to exit through the main door, but several loyal maids respectfully yet firmly blocked her path, offering to tend to her needs but preventing her departure. Inside her room, Yinlou paced restlessly, consumed by worry. When Cao Chunang finally opened the secret tunnel door, she rushed through, desperate to reach Xiao Duo's private residence. She arrived to see him holding a knife and entering a room.
Fearing the worst, she slowly followed, but inside, she found no body in the coffin, only several chickens skewered by arrows. Cao Chunang explained that Xiao Duo had led them in a "chicken-killing" spree, which had replaced the intended target. Later, as Xiao Duo offered her spicy chicken, Yinlou pressed him, asking why he had not killed her father when he had the opportunity. Xiao Duo confessed that he had intended to kill Bu Yulu.
However, during her earlier confrontation with her father, Xiao Duo had overheard Bu Yulu’s warning that harming him would sever their father-daughter bond. Remembering Yinlou's distress and fear for him after that conversation, Xiao Duo admitted he was afraid; he feared her sadness, her hatred, and ultimately, that she would leave him if he killed her father. Overcome with relief and love, Yinlou embraced him, reassuring him that she would never leave him.
Unaware of Xiao Duo's leniency, Bu Yulu retaliated by presenting a damning memorial to Murong Gaogong, accusing Xiao Duo of consolidating power and controlling the court, effectively making him the true ruler. Murong Gaogong, already wary of Xiao Duo's influence, felt his authority challenged and immediately summoned Xiao Duo. Upon Xiao Duo's arrival, the Emperor ordered him to supervise the long-delayed repairs at the flood-damaged Imperial Mausoleum.
Emphasizing the urgency, Murong Gaogong specifically instructed Xiao Duo to travel without his Zhaoding Bureau guards, a clear move to strip him of his immediate support. Xiao Duo accepted the order and departed swiftly, with Sun Taiqing ordered to ensure his immediate departure. A servant later informed Yinlou of Xiao Duo's sudden and indefinite reassignment, though he had arranged for guards to protect her at Deer's Reed Residence during his absence.
Meanwhile, Bu Yulu was also sidelined by the Emperor, transferred out of the capital and facing uncooperative officials, which led him to suspect an ulterior motive behind his banishment. Despite this, he still expressed concern for Yinlou's safety, despite the guards Xiao Duo had left. Bu Yulu then approached Murong Gaogong with another proposal.
He suggested inviting Yuwen Liangshi, the Prince of Nanyuan, to the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet to "ask for his forgiveness," arguing it would demonstrate the Emperor's magnanimity and dominance, as even the previously "arrogant" Prince now bowed to him. Despite warnings from a eunuch that Yuwen Liangshi was "ambitious" and possibly feigning submission, Murong Gaogong, swayed by Bu Yulu's reassurance that the Prince was now a "tiger without claws," accepted the proposal and ordered Yuwen Liangshi's immediate return to the capital.
Yuwen Liangxu, excited to meet Princess Hede for a play, was at a tailor shop commissioning flashy new clothes, determined to outshine even the stage performers. To his surprise, his brother, Yuwen Liangshi, appeared, criticizing his ostentatious attire. Yuwen Liangxu revealed his past injury at Mount Zhong, and Yuwen Liangshi expressed regret for the suffering he endured, acknowledging his brother’s self-sacrifice for his safety.
Yuwen Liangxu questioned his brother's secretive early arrival in the capital, which Yuwen Liangshi confirmed, explaining the need for discretion in a bustling city. Yuwen Liangshi then revealed his true purpose: to reclaim the empire from the Murong family, whom he accused of betraying the Yuwen clan after benefiting from their ancestors' conquests and driving them to Western Shu.
He declared his intention to rebel, having made all necessary preparations, and urged Yuwen Liangxu to leave the capital immediately for safety, revealing he had even arranged a substitute to cover his brother's absence. Yuwen Liangxu, however, refused to leave, expressing a wish for a simple, peaceful life in West Shu and insisting on staying to help his brother.
He argued that his presence would make the Emperor less suspicious, thus facilitating Yuwen Liangshi's secret plans, and also claimed he would be safer by his brother's side due to his own perceived uselessness. As they debated, Princess Hede arrived unexpectedly. Yuwen Liangxu frantically urged his brother to flee before she could discover him, while Princess Hede pulled Yuwen Liangxu away, commenting on his flamboyant outfit and their supposed matching styles.
Episode 30 Recap
Yuwen Liangshi, the Prince of Nanyuan, presented a Mid-Autumn Festival gift to Murong Gaogong in the imperial court. He demonstrated his unique skill of sword calligraphy. During his performance, a stone suddenly flew directly towards Murong Gaogong. Yuwen Liangshi deftly intercepted it with his sword just before it reached the Emperor, then immediately knelt to profess his unwavering loyalty. Murong Gaogong, pleased by the impressive display and show of devotion, offered a reward.
Yuwen Liangshi humbly declined, instead requesting to join Murong Gaogong on an upcoming hunting trip, promising his full service. Murong Gaogong approved the request and, disregarding the usual protocol suggested by Eunuch Sun, assigned the hunting ground security entirely to the Supreme Court. Later, Yuwen Liangshi confirmed to a subordinate that a crucial part of his elaborate plan, involving a "gift" for Murong Gaogong, was set to unfold at the Deer's Reed Residence the following day.
At the Deer's Reed Residence, Yinlou's sister, Bu Yinge, unexpectedly arrived, claiming to be distraught from her marriage to the Prince of Nanyuan, citing abuse and claiming her own father had turned her away, leaving her with nowhere to stay. Despite Yinlou's initial skepticism and annoyance, Bu Yinge's persistent pleas and appeals to sisterly affection eventually led Yinlou to reluctantly take her in.
However, Yinlou soon discovered that Bu Yinge had not only taken up residence but also secretly "borrowed" several of her dresses, immediately raising Yinlou's suspicions about her true motives. Meanwhile, Murong Gaogong, harboring growing suspicions about Xiao Duo, issued orders for elite Imperial Army troops to guard Xiao Duo at the Imperial Mausoleum, with strict instructions to execute him on the spot if he dared to leave, labeling any such attempt as an act of defiance against his decree.
Later, Murong Gaogong personally visited the Deer's Reed Residence, intending to invite Yinlou to accompany him on the hunting trip. To his surprise, he found Yinlou lively and in good health, playfully engaged in a ring toss game, far from the sickly image his eunuchs had painted. Observing her carefree demeanor, Murong Gaogong expressed his displeasure. His frustration deepened when he encountered Bu Yinge nearby, conspicuously wearing one of Yinlou's dresses.
He then began instructing Bu Yinge to imitate Yinlou's most rigid and distant expressions and movements, forcing her to practice severe court etiquette, explicitly stating that he preferred her in this formal, controlled role. At this moment, the real Yinlou entered, silently witnessing the unsettling scene. Upon witnessing Murong Gaogong with Bu Yinge, Yinlou immediately knelt, assuring the Emperor that she would keep silent about what she had seen.
Murong Gaogong, however, seemed vexed by her apparent lack of jealousy, commenting on her "unfearing" and "virtuous" nature. He then took Bu Yinge by the hand and led her into the room, clearly wanting a different reaction from Yinlou. Later, Murong Gaogong confided in Eunuch Sun, expressing his conviction that Yinlou harbored feelings for another man.
While Eunuch Sun initially suggested Lian Cheng, Murong Gaogong dismissed the idea, instead fixating on Xiao Duo, the only other person who had once been constantly by Yinlou's side. Eunuch Sun attempted to reassure the Emperor, arguing that as a mere eunuch, Xiao Duo could not possibly be a rival for the Emperor's affection. Despite the logical counsel, Murong Gaogong remained deeply troubled by Yinlou's unique and consistent defiance towards him.
At the royal hunting ground, Murong Gaogong showcased his supreme archery skills, effortlessly hitting a target, drawing lavish praise from Yuwen Liangshi, who spoke of the Emperor's absolute power. Murong Gaogong then called Bu Yinge forward and, despite her inexperience, intimately guided her in shooting an arrow.
During this public display, he declared that his decisions—whether to "hit or not, to kill or not"—were entirely his, a thinly veiled assertion of his ultimate control over everyone, including Yuwen Liangshi and his consort. An eunuch discreetly expressed concern about the impropriety of such a public display, but Murong Gaogong dismissed him, stating that such visibility was essential for everyone to understand their subordinate positions.
Observing this, Princess Hede, also known as Wanwan, expressed her disgust at Murong Gaogong's brazen intimacy with Yuwen Liangshi's consort. Yinlou, witnessing the scene, wryly commented that she and Xiao Duo were equally "shameless." Wanwan, however, explained the true significance of Murong Gaogong's actions: he was using Bu Yinge to send a clear message to Yuwen Liangshi and everyone present that there was nothing Murong Gaogong could not obtain, and this included Yinlou herself.
Startled by this realization, Yinlou agreed to leave the main hunting area with Wanwan and head into the forest. As Yinlou and Wanwan walked through the forest, they encountered Yuwen Liangxu. Wanwan joyfully greeted him, and Yuwen Liangxu invited them to explore deeper into the woods. Sensing something amiss, Yinlou politely declined the invitation, allowing Wanwan and Yuwen Liangxu to go on ahead. Remaining behind, Yinlou discreetly observed Bu Yinge engaging in a clandestine meeting with Yuwen Liangshi.
She overheard Yuwen Liangshi demanding a specific item from Bu Yinge by nightfall, threatening her life if she failed. Bu Yinge expressed concern about the palace's stringent security, but promised to deliver. Just as Yinlou tried to piece together the implications of their conversation, Bu Yinge spotted her. Bu Yinge immediately confronted Yinlou, accusing her of spying. Yinlou admitted to following Bu Yinge, then openly chastised her for her manipulative behavior and shameless public display of intimacy with Murong Gaogong.
Bu Yinge defiantly admitted to deliberately seducing Murong Gaogong, stating her intention to usurp Yinlou's favor. She challenged Yinlou to kneel and beg for mercy, further taunting her by disparaging Xiao Duo as a "loser" who was "kicked out of the Imperial City like a dog," suggesting they were a perfect match. As their argument escalated, Bu Yinge pulled out a dagger, threatening Yinlou. Just then, Murong Gaogong appeared.
Bu Yinge, quick to react, released the dagger and feigned innocence, implying that Yinlou had attacked her out of jealousy during the archery lesson. Murong Gaogong sent Bu Yinge away, then directly asked Yinlou if she had struck her, promising to overlook the transgression if she confessed.
Receiving no answer, he issued Yinlou a final ultimatum: she must come to his bedchamber that night, and if she did, all past misdeeds would be forgiven, and he would always take her side. Later, Yinlou pondered whether to inform Murong Gaogong about the secret meeting she had overheard, but decided against it due to a lack of concrete details. However, her suspicions led her to secretly follow Bu Yinge.
She watched as Bu Yinge met with Yuwen Liangshi and handed over a crucial item: the commander's seal for dispatching the Imperial Army. Yuwen Liangshi praised Bu Yinge for fulfilling her task and promised her the title of Noble Consort upon the success of his ambitious plan, for which Bu Yinge professed her loyalty. Yinlou realized with dawning horror that Yuwen Liangshi planned a rebellion.
She rushed to Murong Gaogong's bedchamber, intending to warn him, but was informed by Eunuch Sun that the Emperor had already retired for the night and had passed the time he was waiting for her. From outside the room, she heard sounds that indicated Bu Yinge was already with Murong Gaogong. Unable to gain entry, Yinlou frantically sought out Wanwan, who had just returned after getting lost with Yuwen Liangxu.
Yinlou urgently revealed that Yuwen Liangshi was launching a rebellion and that his feigned loyalty was merely a ruse for Bu Yinge to steal the Imperial Army's commander's seal. Wanwan initially dismissed the threat, arguing that the Imperial Army would not turn on the Emperor simply because of a seal. Yinlou clarified that the seal's purpose was not to command the army to attack the Emperor, but to move them away.
She stated she had seen no Imperial Army on her way to the palace. She then revealed the most shocking detail: Wanwan's own father, Bu Yulu, was complicit in the conspiracy with Yuwen Liangshi. Realizing the immediate danger, Yinlou urged Wanwan to take everyone to the main hall while she investigated the situation further. As night fell, rebel forces launched a surprise attack on the palace.
Yuwen Liangshi led his troops, declaring that the Imperial Army had been drawn away, clearing their path to overthrow Murong Gaogong and "restore our country." Meanwhile, a subordinate reported to Yuwen Liangshi that Xiao Duo was isolated and defenseless at the Imperial Mausoleum, confirming it was the perfect opportunity to eliminate him and secure their future. Elsewhere, Yuwen Liangxu found Wanwan, desperately urging her to escape with him.
However, Wanwan, revealing her full name as Murong Jun, Princess Hede of Great Ye, acknowledged her destiny and unwavering duty to her dynasty. She firmly asserted that she would not abandon her post, defiantly ordering her guards to remove Yuwen Liangxu. While Murong Gaogong frantically inquired about Bu Yulu's whereabouts amidst the chaos, Yuwen Liangshi appeared before him, revealing Bu Yulu's betrayal by stating, "He won't come."
Yuwen Liangshi then openly declared his intention to "restore our country," deeming Murong Gaogong a foolish ruler, and ordered a full assault on the palace. Simultaneously, Xiao Duo, though heavily outnumbered by numerous assassins at the Imperial Mausoleum, bravely defended himself, skillfully fighting off and defeating his attackers.
Episode 31 Recap
As the moon hung clear and the breeze whispered, Xiao Duo sat alone in a pavilion, drinking away his sorrows. He reflected on the untimely death of A'duo, who perished due to power, a path that led Xiao Duo into the Imperial City, driven by a singular ambition to seize power. He observed many lives lost because of him, only to find the ultimate power—imperial authority—bearing down on him, urging him towards his own end.
He questioned what true justice he sought, wondering if "an eye for an eye, stopping killing with killing," was genuinely what he desired, or if there was another path. Though Cao Chunang was there, Xiao Duo dismissed him, ready to face what was coming. Moments later, a dozen black-clad figures descended, encircling Xiao Duo. He calmly drew his short blade, asking if they were waiting for him to strike first.
He pressed them, demanding to know who sent them, and they revealed it was Bu Yulu. Realizing that Bu Yulu dared to openly assassinate him, Xiao Duo deduced that significant events must be unfolding in the capital. Just then, Qilang's message arrived, confirming that the Emperor had gone hunting, accompanied by Prince of Nanyuan, and that Bu Yulu had taken over guarding the hunting ground.
Xiao Duo concluded something disastrous had already occurred, exacerbated by the fact that Bu Yinlou was also with the Emperor. Disregarding the imperial order that confined him to the Imperial Mausoleum, Xiao Duo immediately commanded his men to gather and head to the hunting ground to save His Majesty, ignoring warnings that this was an act of defiance.
That night, Yuwen Liangshi, the Prince of Nanyuan, and Bu Yulu led their forces to besiege the imperial palace at the hunting ground, demanding Murong Gaogong's abdication. Inside, Murong Gaogong, distraught, convened his ministers. Yuwen Liangshi tried to persuade his brother, Yuwen Liangxu, to join his rebellion, but Yuwen Liangxu refused, condemning the chaos it would bring. Yuwen Liangshi had him dragged away.
The Prince of Nanyuan then brought forth one of Murong Gaogong's concubines, who was also Bu Yulu's daughter and his own consort. He accused her of being a spy planted by himself and Bu Yulu, who had stolen the commander's seal and diverted the Imperial Army. The concubine confessed she was coerced by Bu Yulu and Prince of Nanyuan.
Murong Gaogong threatened to kill her, but Bu Yinlou interjected, warning that killing the concubine would only provide the rebels with a legitimate excuse to storm the palace. Yinlou then sharply criticized Murong Gaogong for his paranoia and arrogance, for not heeding her earlier warnings, for trusting the Prince of Nanyuan, for removing Xiao Duo, and for causing their dire predicament. As the siege intensified, some ministers turned on Murong Gaogong, urging him to abdicate.
He vehemently refused, proclaiming himself the true Emperor and denouncing them as traitors. The ministers then threatened to execute him on the spot. In a bold move, Bu Yinlou pulled out her hairpin and pressed it against Murong Gaogong's neck. She declared that if she were to kill him, the Prince of Nanyuan would instantly transform into a righteous liberator, while she would become a regicidal rebel, paving the way for the Prince's easy ascension.
She challenged anyone else who wished to bear the title of regicide to step forward. Her words resonated, silencing the agitated ministers. Following this, Wanwan quickly left to find a potential escape route. Wanwan discovered a secret door with a minimal rebel guard during a shift change, offering a narrow window for escape. However, the path was still fraught with danger, and Murong Gaogong himself was too vulnerable to risk it.
Yinlou proposed sending a messenger to the Imperial Mausoleum to summon Chief Xiao, citing the Zhaoding Bureau’s widespread network. Murong Gaogong, however, adamantly refused, revealing he had previously issued a secret edict to Yuzun, ordering Xiao Duo's immediate execution if he dared to leave the mausoleum. Yinlou fiercely defended Xiao Duo, asserting that the Great Ye Empire had elevated him because he was essential, enduring immense hardship and infamy for the realm.
She accused Murong Gaogong of orchestrating Xiao Duo’s predicament and causing their current confinement. Yinlou then stressed the critical need to deliver an imperial edict to Yuzun if Xiao Duo were to defy the order and leave the mausoleum. Wanwan revealed that all previous messengers had been captured, so Yinlou insisted on going herself, even changing into rebel clothes to blend in.
As she prepared to leave, she overheard her father, Bu Yulu, coldly stating that Murong Gaogong and his concubines (referring to the spy he had planted) could not be kept alive. Yinlou, though disheartened by her father's ruthlessness, pressed on with her plan. Outside the Imperial Mausoleum, Xiao Duo was already making his move when Yuzun and the Imperial Army intercepted him. Yuzun shot Xiao Duo with an arrow, causing him to fall.
However, as Yuzun approached, Xiao Duo sprang up, turning the tables and explaining the dire situation at the hunting ground and the Emperor's perilous state, asserting that he must go to save His Majesty. He challenged Yuzun, asking if he could afford to gamble with the Emperor's life by doubting him, and invited Yuzun to accompany him to witness the truth.
Yuzun agreed not to kill Xiao Duo immediately but insisted he couldn't let him go without an explicit imperial order. Just then, Bu Yinlou arrived, brandishing an imperial edict. She presented it to Yuzun, who, upon reading it, acknowledged the Emperor’s dire command to prioritize his rescue. Yinlou then expressed her profound fear that Xiao Duo would die.
Xiao Duo reassured her, referring to their unique bond, and suggested that the ongoing chaos presented a perfect opportunity for them to escape together, confessing his own self-interest and indifference to who sat on the throne. Yinlou, however, admitted she too was selfish and desired not to live in a world plagued by endless war and bloodshed, and declared her intention to go to the hunting ground to help.
Xiao Duo recognized her underlying resolve, playfully calling her earlier words "nonsense," and noted that the Emperor greatly misjudged Xiao Duo, believing him capable of ruining the country, when in fact, Xiao Duo, despite his complexities, still harbored a loyal heart. He instructed Qilang to leave some men to protect Yinlou at their current location, not far from the hunting ground, indicating she would not enter the dangerous area herself, but would await his return.
At the hunting ground, as noon passed, Yuwen Liangshi, finding Murong Gaogong had not abdicated, ordered his soldiers to storm the palace. He burst into Murong Gaogong’s chambers, only to find Wanwan instead of the Emperor. Enraged, he attempted to strike her down. Yuwen Liangxu bravely intervened, shielding Wanwan with his own body.
He reminded his brother that he had been taught to protect those important to him, and Wanwan was one such person, vowing to defend her even against his own brother. Yuwen Liangxu sustained grave injuries in the struggle. Just as Wanwan believed her end was near, Xiao Duo appeared, swiftly subduing Yuwen Liangshi. Defeated, Yuwen Liangshi acknowledged the imminent downfall of the Yuwen clan.
He offered his own life in exchange for Yuwen Liangxu's safety, entrusting his brother's fate to Xiao Duo before taking his own life. Meanwhile, the remaining rebels cornered Murong Gaogong in a secluded forest. Bu Yulu confronted him, mocking the Emperor’s weakness and calling him a "coward." He dismissed Murong Gaogong’s desperate attempt to bribe him with the title of Duke, stating he knew such men were deceitful and untrustworthy. Murong Gaogong, momentarily losing his footing, tumbled down a slope.
At that critical moment, Yuzun arrived with his forces and successfully captured Bu Yulu. Xiao Duo then approached the captured Bu Yulu, who desperately tried to bargain for his life by offering Bu Yinlou to Xiao Duo, claiming she was his daughter and would serve Xiao Duo as he wished. Xiao Duo, however, coolly declared that Bu Yulu did not deserve to be Yinlou's father.
Despite Bu Yulu’s pleas and threats that Yinlou would never forgive him, Xiao Duo did not kill him. Instead, he ordered Bu Yulu to be taken to the prison to await due punishment. Following Bu Yulu's capture, Xiao Duo asked Yinlou why she had not intervened, implying her trust in his character. Yinlou, however, confessed her deep distress, feeling conflicted and unworthy due to the complex situation and her own perceived manipulation of his feelings.
Xiao Duo clarified that his decision not to kill Bu Yulu was not solely for her, but also his own choice. He confessed he had been reflecting on what true justice meant, questioning whether killing could ever bring an end to killing, and how he differed from men like Bu Yulu if he continued down such a path. He aspired to a justice where no one could wield power to arbitrarily dictate the lives and deaths of others.
He expressed his desire to be "clean" in Yinlou's eyes and to start anew. Yinlou, moved yet self-conscious of their public setting, commented on his touching words amidst the crowd, but Xiao Duo, undeterred, embraced her, confident no one dared to interfere. Soon after, Yuzun returned with urgent news: Murong Gaogong was severely injured and unconscious.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Xiao Duo immediately took command, ordering Murong Gaogong to be discreetly transported to the Deer's Reed Residence for treatment, ensuring that no word of his condition leaked out to prevent further instability in the court.
Episode 32 Recap
Murong Gaogong lay unconscious after falling down a high slope, prompting Xiao Duo to suggest he be taken to the Deer's Reed Residence to recover. While Murong Gaogong was incapacitated, Xiao Duo seized the opportunity to finalize their escape route, arranging details with his men from Zhaoding Bureau. He warned Bu Yinge that their future life together might be challenging and that they would likely face hardship.
Bu Yinge, however, light-heartedly assured him that she would happily follow him, even joking that she would provide for him with a "soft meal." They returned to their private residence to pack, where Bu Yinge was surprised to find several chests filled with gold and silver. Xiao Duo explained that he had already sent away most of their assets, and these were merely travel expenses for their light journey, apologizing for the humble circumstances.
Bu Yinge dismissed his worries, stating that as long as she was with him, any hardship was bearable. Xiao Duo then teased her for being captivated by money, urging her to hug him instead. He then asked if she wished to visit her father, Bu Yulu, in the imperial prison, noting that due to his treason, it would likely be their last meeting. Bu Yinge initially refused, believing her father wouldn't want to see her, and she felt the same.
However, when Xiao Duo inquired about the knee pads she had been rushing to make, she admitted they were for him. Xiao Duo, deeming himself too young and strong for them, insisted she take them to her father so her efforts wouldn't be wasted. Bu Yinge complied, bringing the knee pads to her father in the cold, dark imperial prison, and urged him to wear them for his legs.
Bu Yulu, however, erupted in anger, condemning her as an unfilial daughter who had ruined him and the Bu family's once illustrious standing. He explained that his alliance with the Prince of Nanyuan was solely to regain family glory, and accused her of thwarting his years of meticulous planning by helping others instead of being grateful. Bu Yinge calmly retorted that he, as a father, had also failed her, and that they were equally to blame.
She then shared a poignant "joke" about a recurring dream where her father, unlike in reality, followed her sedan on the day she entered the palace, calling her name. She acknowledged that both she and Bu Yinge were merely pawns in his quest for power, and although she once longed for a normal father's love, she knew it was a futile wish.
Accepting their distant relationship, she declared she would no longer dream and that she could only accompany him this far in life. As she prepared to leave, understanding she might never return, Bu Yulu urged her to leave the Imperial City and never look back. Outside, feeling adrift, Bu Yinge lamented that she truly had no home, but Xiao Duo appeared, reassuring her that he would take her home.
Meanwhile, Murong Gaogong regained consciousness, only to be devastated by the news that he had sustained severe lower body injuries and would be unable to have children in the future. Enraged, he ordered the beheading of the physician who delivered the news. Upon Xiao Duo's arrival, Murong Gaogong, desperate, knelt and pleaded for his help. Xiao Duo assured him he would make full arrangements to cover up the matter, preventing the news from spreading.
Feeling a surge of confidence, Murong Gaogong's suppressed fury erupted, and he declared his intention to crush Yuwen Liangshi and sentence the entire Yuwen clan to death by slow slicing for causing his plight. Xiao Duo intervened, acknowledging their guilt but cautioning against such extreme punishment. He explained that the Yuwen family commanded considerable popular support in West Shu, and their complete annihilation could trigger widespread chaos.
Instead, he suggested keeping them alive to stabilize the region, thereby preserving Murong Gaogong's reputation for benevolence and securing public support. Murong Gaogong reluctantly agreed to a compromise, declaring that while the death penalty could be avoided, severe punishment would still be meted out. As a result, Yuwen Liangxu was demoted to a commoner and sentenced to lifelong imprisonment in the capital.
Murong Gaogong thanked Xiao Duo, who, while acknowledging that he fulfilled the Prince of Nanyuan's last wish, implied that being demoted was not the worst of Yuwen Liangxu's suffering. Later, Wanwan visited Yuwen Liangxu, bringing him freshly cooked porridge. Yuwen Liangxu, however, told her to leave, explaining that he knew she didn't want to see him.
Wanwan urged him not to torment himself, and Yuwen Liangxu confessed that he only intended to stop his brother and never expected him to die, blaming himself for the death. Wanwan reassured him that it was not his fault, asserting that his brother had chosen a path of no return regardless. Despite her words, Yuwen Liangxu admitted that seeing her reminded him of his brother, making it impossible to face her, and he begged her to leave and never return.
Wanwan, understanding, promised not to bother him again, apologizing. After she left, Yuwen Liangxu reflected that he could never leave his current predicament and would not burden her further. Bu Yinge contemplated the tragic fate of Yuwen Liangxu and Wanwan, wondering if she and Xiao Duo could truly escape the Imperial City. Her thoughts were interrupted by Eunuch Sun, who urgently informed her that several palace maids had offended Murong Gaogong and he intended to have their eyes gouged out.
Bu Yinge rushed to intervene, calming Murong Gaogong and personally feeding him medicine. Just then, Xiao Duo entered, his expression clearly furious. He subtly suggested that since Bu Yinge was so eager to serve His Majesty, she should personally brew a new medicine from the Imperial Hospital. Murong Gaogong, pleased by the gesture, readily agreed.
Xiao Duo then privately scoffed at the "new prescription," realizing it was merely the old one written in reverse, a ruse to keep Bu Yinge busy. He subtly noted her quickness in attending to the emperor. As Bu Yinge prepared to deliver the freshly brewed medicine, Xiao Duo intercepted her, claiming the medicine was not adequately prepared and insisted she re-brew it.
To ensure she understood his displeasure, he imposed a new "palace rule" that she must brew ten pots as practice. Bu Yinge, realizing he was jealous, explained that she had rushed to Murong Gaogong's side because he was threatening to disfigure the maids, an act that deeply disturbed her. She promised to consult him before acting independently in the future. Xiao Duo, mollified, admitted he understood her intentions.
He then warned her to maintain her distance from Murong Gaogong, whose mood was volatile after his recent trauma, emphasizing that even a small incident could put her in danger. He told her not to return to Murong Gaogong's room after delivering the medicine and that he would handle any further issues. Despite her plea to reduce the number of medicine pots, Xiao Duo sternly refused, asserting it was a necessary lesson for her.
Later, as Bu Yinge approached Murong Gaogong's chambers with the medicine, she overheard his conversation with Eunuch Sun. Eunuch Sun was reassuring Murong Gaogong that Bu Yinge's devoted care would surely aid his recovery. Murong Gaogong sighed, declaring that he would no longer pressure Bu Yinge or make her worry. He expressed that nothing else mattered as long as she was by his side, for they had "a whole lifetime to live."
Murong Gaogong then decided to go see her himself, refusing Eunuch Sun's offer to summon her or accompany him, reiterating his desire to go alone and his profound appreciation for her presence. Overhearing his words, a flicker of alarm crossed Bu Yinge's face, and she quietly retreated. Deeply unsettled by Murong Gaogong's words, Bu Yinge sought Xiao Duo's reassurance, entering his room via a secret passage.
She embraced him tightly, pleading for him to take her away so they could finally be together openly and proudly. She confessed her inner turmoil, acknowledging that while she believed their love was not wrong, she had still deceived many, especially His Majesty, and yearned to be free of such burdens. Xiao Duo gently reassured her that in an unfair world, their actions could not be judged.
He spoke of a distant future where societal distinctions would vanish, where people like them would be free, and while some might condemn their choices, others might understand. He dismissed the opinions of others, stating he cared nothing for them, and when Bu Yinge admitted she cared somewhat, he told her he didn't fear because he had her.
He then revealed that all arrangements for their departure were complete and that he had requested an edict to take her shopping tomorrow, after which they would finally leave. Bu Yinge was overjoyed and surprised by the sudden news, to which Xiao Duo teased that he wanted to savor her "miserable" look a little longer. Meanwhile, Murong Gaogong awoke and, finding Bu Yinge absent and a cabinet door ajar, grew suspicious. He followed a hidden passage to the private residence.
There, he was horrified to witness the intimate scene between Bu Yinge and Xiao Duo. The sight confirmed his worst fears: Xiao Duo was a fake eunuch, and he was the man who had secretly been involved with Bu Yinge all along. Overwhelmed, Murong Gaogong realized he had been a fool, a "joke" from beginning to end. Tears streamed down his face, but he choked back his sobs.
His despair quickly turned to bitter rage as he vowed to make both Bu Yinge and Xiao Duo suffer a fate worse than death for having played him completely. The next day, Murong Gaogong summoned Bu Yinge to the back garden to watch an opera. To Bu Yinge's horror, the play depicted her and Xiao Duo's secret romance, with lyrics explicitly revealing their deception: "No one knows I am a real man, disguised as a eunuch hidden in the palace.
Laugh at the foolish king, who personally sent his beauty into my bed." Murong Gaogong explained that the opera was popular because Consort Duan and Chief Xiao were celebrated for their roles in suppressing the rebellion, and there were even rumors that they had watched an opera together in West Shu, sparking a trend.
He then revealed that he had found the performance lacking and had demanded the troupe add a final, damning scene, which culminated in the on-stage depiction of Bu Yinge and Xiao Duo's demise. He declared them "adulterers" and wished them to "end up together in Hell." Bu Yinge gripped her robes, her heart seizing with fear as she watched the chilling performance unfold.
Episode 33 Recap
During a play, as the emperor character prepared to execute a consort for her forbidden relationship with a eunuch, Murong Gaogong suddenly stood, shouting that it was wrong and not how it should be acted. He then called over the actor portraying the eunuch and asked Yinlou if she found the play enjoyable. When Yinlou replied negatively, Murong Gaogong angrily struck the actor with his staff. Yinlou quickly intervened, attempting to stop him.
Murong Gaogong then removed Yinlou's thumb ring, allowing the performance to continue, but with the stipulation that Consort Duan, the character, could not die. He declared that Yinlou and the eunuch character were the true protagonists, sharing fates, and bitterly stated his own role was that of a eunuch. Meanwhile, Xiao Duo, upon returning to the Zhaoding Bureau, was surrounded by Yu Zun's men and taken to prison.
Hearing of this, Yinlou rushed to find Murong Gaogong but was informed by Baozhu that Murong Gaogong had ordered her to remain in Yongze Palace, unable to leave without escort. Yinlou persisted in trying to see Murong Gaogong, and during her attempts, encountered Bu Yinge. Yinlou expressed surprise that Bu Yinge was still in the palace, given her imprisonment with the Prince of Nanyuan.
Bu Yinge smugly claimed that Murong Gaogong loved her so much that he kept her, doting on her and sleeping with her nightly. Bu Yinge then told Yinlou that Murong Gaogong was not in Shangqiong Palace and would not see her.
Bu Yinge then confronted Yinlou, accusing her of ruining her life and blaming her for all her misfortunes: being married to West Shu, being used as a plaything due to her resemblance to Yinlou, and ultimately losing everything and her family. Bu Yinge asserted that had Yinlou married in her place or died in the imperial mausoleum, none of this would have happened.
Yinlou retorted, pointing out that Bu Yinge's father had abandoned and manipulated her, and the Prince of Nanyuan and Murong Gaogong were the ones who truly humiliated her. Yinlou highlighted Bu Yinge's cowardice in confronting the true culprits, instead taking her anger out on Yinlou. Bu Yinge, enraged, scoffed at Yinlou for abandoning imperial favor to entangle herself with a mere servant, calling her self-degrading.
Yinlou countered that while Bu Yinge chose to be a manipulated plaything, she herself wished to love whom she desired and live on her own terms, questioning who was truly self-degrading. Yinlou noticed injuries on Bu Yinge's hand, sustained from Murong Gaogong's orders when she was trapped in a temporary palace, and urged her to leave the palace while she still could. Bu Yinge, seemingly deluded, declared that she would soon become the Empress of Great Ye.
In the Hall of Imperial Supremacy, Murong Gaogong announced his intention to appoint Bu Yinge as empress, which met with strong opposition from the ministers. Murong Gaogong called Bu Yinge to his side, asking her to perform a dance to demonstrate her suitability as the mother of the nation. The ministers whispered in disapproval, unable to openly voice their objections. After the dance, Eunuch Sun reluctantly advised Murong Gaogong that his actions were inappropriate.
However, Murong Gaogong escalated his behavior, publicly embracing Bu Yinge in the hall. The Empress Dowager arrived, immediately ordering Bu Yinge's removal and demanding that Murong Gaogong select a more suitable empress from the other virtuous concubines. The ministers echoed her sentiment, agreeing that any other consort would be preferable to Bu Yinge. Murong Gaogong then, with a sigh, produced a new decree, appointing Yinlou as empress.
It then became clear to everyone that his outrageous display with Bu Yinge was a calculated charade to manipulate them into accepting Yinlou as empress. After the decree, Murong Gaogong confronted Bu Yinge, who begged for mercy. He angrily stated that while she was worthless, he didn't want her to die comfortably. He ordered her banished to the Laundry Bureau, "never to leave," intending for her to suffer a painful existence.
Bu Yinge, in return, cursed Murong Gaogong, predicting he would face retribution and that her sister would not let him off lightly. Murong Gaogong then went to see Yinlou in Fengyi Palace, where a pear tree had been transplanted. He commented on how hard she was to please, explaining he had punished Bu Yinge for her.
He then chillingly told Yinlou that once she stood at the pinnacle of power, the entire Imperial City would watch her, and all of Great Ye would imprison her. He prophesied that as empress, she would be unable to move freely, destined to endure profound loneliness. He stated that since she had caused him pain, it was only fair that she should share in his suffering. Murong Gaogong then led Yinlou to the prison where Xiao Duo was held.
Yinlou gasped in horror upon seeing Xiao Duo, who was severely wounded and bleeding. She rushed to shield him, then knelt, begging Murong Gaogong to spare him. Her pleas, however, only enraged Murong Gaogong, who grabbed a heated fire tong and moved towards Xiao Duo, threatening to subject him to all 72 tortures of the Zhaoding Bureau. Panicked, Yinlou again positioned herself in front of Xiao Duo, begging Murong Gaogong to inflict the tortures on her instead.
Murong Gaogong cruelly responded that for every extra word she spoke or tear she shed, he would add another torture to Xiao Duo, until he became a "pile of rotten flesh." Princess Hede, also known as Wanwan, then arrived, attempting to intercede and plead for both Yinlou and Xiao Duo. Murong Gaogong, however, seemed deaf to her pleas, instead accusing her of betrayal. It was then that Wanwan seemed to understand Murong Gaogong's true nature.
She angrily questioned his professed love for Yinlou, pointing out that he never cared for Yinlou's own desires and treated her as an object, not a person. Murong Gaogong coldly smirked and dragged Wanwan outside, where Yuwen Liangxu lay injured on the ground. Murong Gaogong forced Wanwan to choose between saving Yuwen Liangxu or Yinlou and Xiao Duo. Distraught, Wanwan chose to save Yuwen Liangxu.
Murong Gaogong sighed, declaring that love was inherently selfish, and then lightly patted Wanwan's face, warning her to remember her place from now on. Later, Wanwan decided to escape the Imperial City with Yuwen Liangxu. Near the outskirts, they were intercepted by Yu Zun. Wanwan, without hesitation, spurred Yuwen Liangxu's horse to flee while she stayed behind to confront Yu Zun. To her shock, Murong Gaogong was also present.
Feeling trapped and suffocated, Wanwan realized she was ensnared, unable to escape his control. Murong Gaogong expressed his displeasure at her betrayal and suggested he might sever Yuwen Liangxu's limbs and confine them in a jar to ensure he remained by Wanwan's side forever. He then ordered Eunuch Sun to arrest Yuwen Liangxu, dead or alive.
Later, Murong Gaogong, showing signs of paranoia, questioned Eunuch Sun about the Zhaoding Bureau's loyalty to Xiao Duo, expressing disbelief that they remained quiet after Xiao Duo's arrest. Despite Eunuch Sun's reminder of their past loyalty and contributions in suppressing rebellions, Murong Gaogong, seemingly fabricating a pretext, declared that the Zhaoding Bureau had colluded with Yuwen Liangxu and intended to rebel.
He then ordered the immediate disbandment of the Zhaoding Bureau and the execution of all its members, leaving no one alive. He then demanded more potent herbal soup, silencing Eunuch Sun's concerns about his excessive consumption.
Episode 34 Recap
Xiao Duo had been imprisoned in the Zhaoding Bureau’s jail for some time, and the bureau itself showed no signs of activity. Murong Gaogong, driven to extremes, accused the Zhaoding Bureau of treason and dispatched Yu Zun to execute all Zhaoding Guards. Meanwhile, Cao Chunang and Tong Yun were racing on horseback, carrying Eunuch Ba, attempting to flee the capital. However, they were intercepted by the Imperial Army en route.
Fortunately, the Zhaoding Guards arrived just in time to rescue them, ensuring the safety of the two individuals and their dog. It was later revealed that on the day he was summoned to the palace, Xiao Duo had already sensed the impending danger. He had proactively redeployed the Zhaoding Guards outside the capital and instructed Cao Chunang and Tong Yun to discreetly meet with Qilang.
Inside the palace, Bu Yinlou had been in a prolonged state of intermittent unconsciousness since her return from prison, appearing almost lifeless. However, upon Murong Gaogong's arrival, she quickly composed herself, picking up her bowl to eat, feigning a peaceful existence. Observing her seemingly tranquil demeanor, Murong Gaogong became enraged, smashing her bowl and demanding to know why she had betrayed him.
Bu Yinlou found his accusation amusing, stating that since they had never loved each other and she owed him nothing, there could be no talk of betrayal. Murong Gaogong refused to relent, asserting his deep affection for Bu Yinlou and accusing her of owing him greatly. Bu Yinlou slowly turned to face him, exposing his hypocrisy.
She pointed out that despite his claims of profound love, he knew nothing about her – her preferences, her favorite books, her hobbies, or her aversions. He didn't care about her true self, only a "false shadow" he had secretly admired in his youth. Bu Yinlou expressed pity for Murong Gaogong, believing he didn't know what he truly desired, condemned to live a life of illusion.
She revealed that his pursuit of power was disguised as love, and every step he took on this path only exposed his underlying weakness. With a cold smile, she then defiantly uttered three words to him, "Screw you!" Enraged, Murong Gaogong slapped her across the face, but Bu Yinlou retaliated instantly with a slap of her own.
Murong Gaogong, in a frenzy, violently gripped Bu Yinlou's neck, ordering her to be his Empress, to adore him, submit to him, and regard him as her sole master. Bu Yinlou, unyielding, challenged him, stating that she wanted to see who could truly "overturn the heavens."
She accused him of using his power to coerce and insult her, making her live in constant fear, asserting that she had already exerted all her strength merely to avoid hating him, and questioned his right to demand her love or gratitude. When he challenged her to kill him, she dared him to kill her, knowing he wouldn't dare, as her death before the coronation would shatter his imperial prestige.
She then clarified that her struggle was not just for love, but for the freedom to be a living person, to think, love, and hate as she pleased, rather than being a puppet. Murong Gaogong then furiously blamed her for all his suffering, including forcing him to become emperor and killing his own nephew, whose ghost, he claimed, haunted his dreams.
In response, Bu Yinlou mockingly suggested an alternative narrative where she feigned obedience, rose through the ranks with Xiao Duo's help, and eventually usurped his power, becoming the Empress Dowager who would establish her own rules. Murong Gaogong, horrified, accused Xiao Duo of turning her into a madwoman, but Bu Yinlou asserted she had never changed for anyone and was never the obedient person he imagined.
She revealed that she had pitied him and hesitated to scheme against him, but he had continually pushed her. Murong Gaogong, still desperate for control, then declared his intention to publicly dismember Xiao Duo at the coronation ceremony as a "gift" for her. In the following days, Bu Yinlou often spoke nonsensically, feigning madness by dressing as Noble Consort Shao and dancing in the pavilion. Palace rumors began to spread rapidly.
Unable to bear it, Murong Gaogong personally went to see her. Upon entering the room, he found Bu Yinlou with dull, vacant eyes, tearing pearls from a phoenix coronet, and muttering strange words about the "burial of Tribute Ladies" and the ghosts of Noble Consort Shao, Prince Rong, and her own child haunting the palace. She claimed she had died during that burial and that Xiao Duo was the last person she saw.
She declared that the Imperial City would consume her and her beloved, dismissing titles like Empress and honor as jokes, and challenged anyone to see who could risk more and "overturn the heavens." The rumors quickly spread beyond the Imperial City walls, leading officials to deliberate on revoking Bu Yinlou's title. When summoned to court, Murong Gaogong questioned them. Sun Taiqing reported that the palace staff who had slandered Consort Duan had committed suicide the previous night, leaving no witnesses.
Murong Gaogong, angered, threatened to execute anyone caught spreading such rumors. Later, Murong Gaogong, convinced that Bu Yinlou was faking her madness, vowed that she would remain his Empress and the coronation would proceed as scheduled, declaring he had a lifetime to "wear her down." Suddenly, news arrived from the Zhaoding Bureau prison that Xiao Duo had secretly escaped. Murong Gaogong flew into a rage, immediately ordering a city-wide lockdown.
However, Yu Zun's extensive search throughout the capital yielded no trace of Xiao Duo. Determined to capture him, Murong Gaogong decided to proceed with the coronation procession, parading Bu Yinlou through the city, hoping Xiao Duo would fall into his trap. The coronation ceremony arrived as scheduled. Bu Yinlou wore a magnificent bridal gown, though her face showed no trace of joy. Meanwhile, Xiao Duo meticulously wiped his short blade, lost in thought.
As he opened his door, he found the Zhaoding Guards surrounding him. Despite his attempts to dissuade them and his order for them to leave the capital, they insisted on accompanying him, reaffirming their unwavering loyalty and commitment as Zhaoding Bureau members, stating they would rather die with him. Before their departure, Meng Jieyu arrived with several pots of wine, offering them as a farewell toast.
Meng Jieyu had initially been reluctant to shelter them and the other fugitives, but the Little Prince had persuaded her. The Little Prince then reminded Xiao Duo of his prior promise to help rescue Princess Hede, who was imprisoned by her emperor brother.
Episode 35 Recap
On the day of the enthronement ceremony, as the Empress's procession moved through the bustling streets, a masked figure suddenly appeared. Yu Zun, mistaking the figure for Xiao Duo, immediately pursued, only to realize he had fallen for a diversion. While Yu Zun was drawn away, Xiao Duo effortlessly made his way to the Imperial carriage.
Inside, he discovered it was not Bu Yinlou, but Bu Yinge, who urgently warned him that the real Bu Yinlou was with Murong Gaogong in another carriage. Immediately after her warning, a volley of arrows rained down on the carriage. While Xiao Duo skillfully evaded them, the defenseless Bu Yinge was struck and killed. Witnessing her death, Xiao Duo was hit by an arrow in the ensuing chaos.
Murong Gaogong then emerged from a nearby carriage, taunting Xiao Duo to surrender and boasting that "Yinlou will be my Empress even if she dies." He also mocked Xiao Duo, claiming that he too was capable of such a switch, having learned it from Xiao Duo himself. Xiao Duo, no longer concealing himself, flung his hat aside and threw his short blade, but Murong Gaogong swiftly evaded it.
Enraged, Xiao Duo pulled the arrow from his chest and charged towards the carriage, only to find Bu Yinlou, drugged and held hostage by Murong Gaogong. Overcome with fury but unable to act with Bu Yinlou's life at stake, Xiao Duo was forced to drop his weapon, and Imperial Army soldiers quickly bound his head and limbs with ropes. Murong Gaogong then declared it a "big day" and ordered Xiao Duo to be publicly dismembered.
He further mocked Xiao Duo, stating that as a mere servant, he dared to disrespect royal power and disregard Heaven's authority. Xiao Duo defiantly retorted that he would not be treated as a slave or an object and vowed to contend with the highest authority in the world. As Murong Gaogong commanded the execution, he forced Bu Yinlou, who was slowly regaining consciousness, to watch, telling her not to cry but to "smile for me."
Distraught and appearing to descend into madness, Bu Yinlou suddenly burst into strange laughter, muttering a mournful poem about the brevity of life and the finality of death. Amidst the unfolding horror, voices from the crowd began to accuse Murong Gaogong of killing Prince Rong and usurping the throne, calling him "without benevolence and virtue" and a "foolish emperor."
Enraged by the public outcry, Murong Gaogong frantically ordered Yu Zun to kill the dissenting citizens to prevent the news from spreading. In the ensuing chaos, Cao Chunang, riding swiftly, appeared and expertly severed the ropes binding Xiao Duo. Unleashed, Xiao Duo swiftly overwhelmed the Imperial Army soldiers in his path. However, as he neared Bu Yinlou, he could only watch helplessly as she descended into a state of madness.
Yu Zun rushed to Murong Gaogong's defense, while Qilang quickly pulled Xiao Duo away from the scene. Later that night, Cao Chunang remained unusually silent. When others finally focused on him, they found him gravely wounded, his face pale.
As they waited for a physician, Cao Chunang, appearing to be on the verge of death, bid an emotional farewell, telling Xiao Duo that he always considered him an older brother and entrusting Tong Yun to his care, pleading with him to protect her. However, just as everyone was overcome with grief, Xiao Duo abruptly stopped crying and nudged Cao Chunang, revealing that he was not dead, merely playing a trick.
Though not as energetic as before, Cao Chunang was still very much alive. Tong Yun was overjoyed and embraced him, while Qilang, feeling foolish for shedding so many tears, playfully threatened Cao Chunang for the elaborate deception. Rumors about Murong Gaogong murdering Prince Rong spread like wildfire throughout the land. Panic-stricken, Murong Gaogong summoned his ministers to discuss a response.
When a minister suggested a thorough investigation into Prince Rong's death to clear His Majesty's name, Murong Gaogong flew into a murderous rage and publicly stabbed the minister to death. The Empress Dowager rushed to intervene, condemning Murong Gaogong as immoral, cruel, and unfit to rule, and threatening to issue a decree to depose him. Murong Gaogong dismissed her as confused and ordered her confined to Shouhe Palace, forbidding her from leaving.
Even Eunuch Sun, pleading with Murong Gaogong to stop and "not make more mistakes," was brutally killed by the Emperor, who declared that anyone who defied his will deserved to die. He then dissolved the morning court, ordering all memorials to be sent directly to Shangqiong Palace. Upon learning that Bu Yinlou had been confined to Futu Pagoda, Xiao Duo resolved to rescue her.
He knew it would be difficult, as most of the palace guards had been transferred to Shangqiong Palace to protect Murong Gaogong from Xiao Duo's feared assassination attempt. Just as they pondered their next move, Wan Wan sent a secret message. Citing her brother's tyranny and her empathy for Yinlou's suffering, she offered to help devise a rescue plan, suggesting communication via a specific brick at Xihua Gate. Xiao Duo was initially wary of her motives.
Meanwhile, Murong Gaogong frequently visited Bu Yinlou in Futu Pagoda, tormenting her and questioning her sanity. He asked Yu Zun if Bu Yinlou was truly mad, and Yu Zun suggested that Wan Wan, who was close to Bu Yinlou, could test her. Murong Gaogong summoned Wan Wan.
Wan Wan, feigning regret for her past behavior and expressing a desire to reconcile with her brother due to their shared blood, conveyed to Yu Zun her wish to return to Murong Gaogong's side, hinting at a way to do so without arousing his suspicion. Murong Gaogong then bluntly reminded Wan Wan that she was not only his sister but also his subject, and she had no choice but to obey him.
Wan Wan, maintaining her facade of loyalty, promised to do whatever he asked. Pleased, Murong Gaogong promised to lift her house arrest once the matter was settled, allowing her access to Bu Yinlou.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
To ascertain if Yinlou was truly mad, Murong Gaogong, acting on Yu Zun’s advice, brought Wanwan with him to Futu Pagoda. Wanwan presented the Fish Immortal to Yinlou, falsely claiming that Xiao Duo had fled and abandoned her. Yinlou clutched the Fish Immortal, repeating a strange poem about dew on leaves that dries and falls again, and the finality of death.
Witnessing Yinlou's disoriented state, Murong Gaogong became flustered and quickly left the pagoda, muttering to himself that it was impossible he had driven her mad. Clutching the Fish Immortal, Yinlou seemed to be praying. She then noticed something amiss and carefully inspected the inside of the Fish Immortal, discovering a hidden note. The note cryptically indicated that "Life in the tower has no hope, and days drag on like years," and that someone was "calculating the time."
Later, when palace maids brought her food, Yinlou instructed them to light all the candles, and once alone, she stealthily collected the melted candle oil. That night, several Kongming lanterns soared into the distance, appearing as distant stars in the dark sky. Yinlou knew these were symbols of hope and comfort sent by Xiao Duo, and a faint smile touched her lips.
Meanwhile, Xiao Duo instructed his men, including Qilang, to prepare the lanterns, emphasizing they should be "exciting and spectacular" and "catch everyone's eye," an effort some jokingly remarked was typical of Xiao Duo's "fancy gimmicks" to please a woman, though they conceded the lanterns were beautiful. Rumors ran rampant throughout Great Ye. The Grand Secretariat reported countless casualties and widespread fury among the populace following the coronation.
The prefectural office of Hongzhou reported a severe locust plague in the Jiangnan coastal area, with relief funds delayed, leading to riots that the army struggled to suppress. The Ministry of War accused the Ministry of Revenue of embezzling emergency military funds needed to combat rampaging pirates in the Ryukyus. These urgent reports were delayed because many officials had taken sick leave or retired since Murong Gaogong abolished morning assemblies.
Murong Gaogong mused bitterly that without Xiao Duo, he felt like "nothing." He confessed that without Chief Xiao, he wouldn't have ascended to the throne or saved Yinlou, lamenting that Xiao Duo was a "useful weapon" whose absence left him unable to suppress "all the devils and demons." His heart sank as he sat alone in the grand hall, and he awoke from a nightmare where Yinlou, holding a lantern, briefly illuminated his dark corner before vanishing like ashes.
He wondered if everything before him was merely an illusion. When informed that the widow of Imperial Physician Li, whom he had executed after the physician treated his injury at Deer's Reed Residence, was spreading rumors that he was severely injured and "could no longer have children," Murong Gaogong surprisingly found this "great news." Wanwan, discovering Murong Gaogong was heavily consuming Cold Food Powder, was furious.
She confronted him, accusing him of self-abandonment and neglecting his duty to protect the people as Emperor. Murong Gaogong, however, seemed indifferent, lamenting that everyone mocked him and that he was now unprotected and unsupported, questioning what happened to Great Ye had to do with him. Unable to sway him, Wanwan proposed holding a Lantern Festival in the palace to bring some good luck, which Murong Gaogong indifferently accepted.
The palace was soon bustling with lanterns, with Meng Jieyu proudly presenting a magnificent lantern crafted with rare materials and intricate mechanisms, costing a small fortune. Security checks for these elaborate lanterns were rigorous, requiring complete dismantling if suspicions arose, a detail that served Xiao Duo’s plan. As Murong Gaogong gazed at the myriad of lanterns, his thoughts drifted to the past, when he was just the Lantern Prince and Yinlou would smile at him.
Overwhelmed by emotion, he decided to visit Yinlou at Futu Pagoda. Xiao Duo and his men, having ingeniously concealed themselves within the large lanterns presented by Meng Jieyu, successfully entered the palace. As they neared Futu Pagoda, Murong Gaogong unexpectedly appeared. He hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not open the tower door. Instead, he spoke to Yinlou through the closed door, reminiscing about their past.
He mentioned he had once wanted to invite her to the festival and forgive her mistakes. Now, however, he had resolved to keep her "forever" by his side by sealing the entire tower, explaining that this way, she would "be able to stay by my side forever," never to be apart for eternity, even if it meant she wouldn't survive. Before leaving, he deliberately dropped the key outside the door.
Inside the pagoda, with all doors and windows sealed, Yinlou, left with no alternative, retrieved the candle oil she had hidden and set the tower ablaze. Xiao Duo appeared just in time, kicking open the tower door and rescuing Yinlou. As they fled, Xiao Duo cast his Denghuo sword into the flames, declaring that with Yinlou, he was "reborn" and no longer needed the burdensome symbol of his past life as the Chief of Zhaoding Bureau.
Yinlou playfully chided him for his impracticality. They escaped to the Lantern Festival but were soon confronted by the Imperial Army. Xiao Duo quickly shielded Yinlou, then pulled her behind a rock formation. Yu Zun seemed to notice their hiding spot, lingering there for a long moment in thought, before feigning ignorance and walking away, intentionally allowing them to escape. Yinlou later speculated if Yu Zun had "gone mad" too, but Xiao Duo urged her to keep moving.
Meanwhile, Murong Gaogong, leaning on a cane, walked with Wanwan when two masked figures, Xiao Duo and Yinlou, approached. He immediately called out to them, ordering them to turn around and remove their masks. The two figures remained motionless. Murong Gaogong grew impatient and reached out to forcibly pull off their masks, causing tension to grip the onlookers, ready for a confrontation. Just then, Yu Zun rushed over, shouting that Futu Pagoda was on fire, creating a sudden diversion.
Amidst the ensuing chaos, Yinlou and Xiao Duo seized the opportunity and fled towards the palace exit. They reflected on the Imperial City, describing it as a "prison forged from wealth and power," acknowledging their limited ability to change the world, and concluding that their only hope was to "flee towards the rising sun," determined to make the attempt. Murong Gaogong stood fixated on the burning Futu Pagoda, lost in thought.
After some time, Yu Zun returned to report, stating he had found "Consort Duan's body." Murong Gaogong's face remained expressionless, and he slowly turned to leave. However, after only a few steps, he collapsed to the ground, as if all his past burdens and illusions crumbled with him at that moment.
