My Sassy Princess Recap, Plot, Synopsis
My Sassy Princess Synopsis
Liu Ling, a mischievous, naive, and domineering princess of Chang Le, met Shen Yan, a cool Imperial Guards who was skilled in Kung Fu, and embarked on a fancy chase.
My Sassy Princess Recap
Episode 1 Recap
On Princess Changle Liu Ling's twentieth birthday, the Prince Guangping's Mansion was abuzz with activity, though the noise only served to annoy the beautiful but vexed princess. Her stepmother, Princess Lu Qian, arrived uninvited with her daughter, Liu Runxiang. Lu Qian presented Liu Ling with a specially crafted golden hairpin. Liu Ling, however, callously threw it to the ground and instructed her servant to give it to the dog.
Lu Qian then dismissed everyone, claiming she wished to personally help the princess prepare. Once alone, Lu Qian dropped her benevolent facade, sternly advising Liu Ling to choose a husband from the attending guests and marry swiftly, or face dire consequences. Liu Ling feigned weakness, only to swiftly slap Lu Qian. Liu Runxiang, hearing the commotion from outside, burst into the room.
After Lu Qian's tearful accusations, Liu Runxiang chased Liu Ling to the front hall and publicly berated her for disrespecting her elders. Guests murmured, their whispers fueled by Liu Ling's notorious reputation. Unfazed, Liu Ling neither refuted nor explained, instead instructing her loyal servant, Ling Bi, to accompany her to Nanyuan, a courtesan establishment specifically for women's enjoyment. Amidst the music and dances of the male courtesans, Liu Ling, already a light drinker, succumbed to intoxication.
In her sleep, her usual domineering demeanor softened, replaced by a poignant sorrow. She murmured about feeling uncared for, her mind replaying the traumatic memory of her birth mother drowning in a lake. Meanwhile, Shen Yan, the formidable and handsome commander of one of the Jinlin Guard's fourteen units under Beidian's administration, was in Jiangzhou. His mission was to apprehend Yun Yi, a fugitive involved in the Jiangzhou treasury theft case from years ago.
Shen Yan laid a trap for Yun Yi, but inadvertently fell victim to the bandit's ambush and was poisoned. Stumbling into Nanyuan, he collapsed unconscious in Liu Ling's room. Mistaking him for a male courtesan, Liu Ling began to tease him, only to be unexpectedly restrained when Shen Yan awoke. Unwilling to linger, Shen Yan swiftly departed through the window. Liu Ling, recovering from the surprise, found herself captivated by his rare beauty.
She then discovered his dropped Jinlin Guard token, revealing his true identity. In the capital, Crown Prince Liu Wang, who temporarily governed the nation, intended to reopen the long-stalled Jiangzhou treasury theft case and had dispatched Shen Yan for the task. However, Lord Lu, a powerful court official, dismissed Shen Yan as too young and inexperienced for such a critical mission, offering to personally lead the capture and execution of Yun Yi.
Xu Shijin, a lady-in-waiting to the Crown Prince and a descendant of the Xu family implicated in the case, sought to clear her family's name. During a tea ceremony, Crown Prince Liu Wang skillfully engaged Xu Shijin in conversation, subtly allowing her to express doubts about the original verdict and defend Shen Yan's capabilities, thereby undermining Lord Lu's attempts to take over the investigation and definitively close the case.
Despite Lord Lu's persistent demands to travel to Jiangzhou and ensure the Xu family's guilt, the Crown Prince coolly dismissed him, advising him to simply await good news from the capital. Upon his return, Prince Guangping was enraged by Liu Ling's scandalous behavior. He ordered her to kneel and apologize to Lu Qian. Liu Ling vehemently refused, declaring her mother had long been dead and defiantly choosing to endure a whipping over apologizing.
Liu Runxiang's further accusations only exacerbated the situation, despite Lu Qian's attempts to quiet her. Liu Ling's stubborn defiance in the face of punishment left Ling Bi heartbroken by her mistress's wounds. As she suffered, Liu Ling's mind once again drifted back to the tragic image of her mother's death. Shen Yan, blaming himself for underestimating Yun Yi and allowing him to escape, discovered his imperial waist token was missing.
His subordinate, Luo Fan, tried to console him, but Shen Yan was determined to retrieve the token. Later that night, Shen Yan stealthily entered Liu Ling's room through the window. Liu Ling, however, not only refused to return the token but also playfully provoked him. During their close interaction, Shen Yan noticed her fresh injuries. He quickly restrained her to retrieve the token, but Liu Ling dramatically screamed for help, alarming the guards.
Unwilling to cause a greater disturbance, Shen Yan was forced to leave, though not before placing a bottle of internal medicine by her bedside to aid her recovery. Liu Ling's bodyguard, Yang Ye, arrived upon hearing her cries. Liu Ling ordered him not to pursue Shen Yan, instead tasking him with investigating Shen Yan's mission. Yang Ye reported that Shen Yan was in Jiangzhou to apprehend Yun Yi and transport him back to Yejing for trial.
Liu Ling then instructed Yang Ye to keep a close watch on all of Shen Yan's movements at the Jinlin Guard station. Determined to capture Yun Yi personally, Shen Yan orchestrated another trap outside the city. After a fierce struggle, Yun Yi began to falter. Just then, a carriage approached, and Yun Yi, in a desperate move, shot a dart to spook its horses.
Shen Yan quickly wounded Yun Yi, ordering his men to apprehend him, then immediately gave chase to the bolting carriage. The carriage, containing Liu Ling, jolted violently, throwing her out. Fortunately, Shen Yan caught her, and they tumbled together on the grassy ground. As Shen Yan led the Jinlin Guard, escorting Yun Yi, Liu Ling's carriage followed behind.
When her carriage became stuck in the mud, and sensing Shen Yan's intention to leave her, Liu Ling playfully shot arrows at the Jinlin Guard with a small crossbow. Annoyed, Shen Yan was forced to turn back. To deter her, Shen Yan deliberately spooked Liu Ling's horse.
Despite the danger, Liu Ling refused to return his waist token, prompting Shen Yan to warn her that if her horse continued to run wild, with no one else around, she would be left to her fate.
Episode 2 Recap
Liu Ling's carriage became deeply stuck in a pit, and instead of helping, the Jinlin Guard, led by Luo Fan, watched and mocked. Ling Bi confronted Luo Fan, urging him to fix the wheel before Lord Shen and Princess Liu Ling returned, warning of Lord Shen's displeasure. Luo Fan, however, retorted by questioning if Liu Ling had a crush on Lord Shen due to her persistent pursuit, dismissing the idea of Shen Yan escorting her to the capital as "daydreaming."
Liu Ling then appeared by the lake, where Shen Yan had chased her, showcasing her riding skills and challenging Shen Yan if it was enough to capture his attention. She openly stated that Shen Yan had "cudgeled his brains" to be alone with her, so she couldn't possibly "go against" his efforts. She then proposed a deal: Shen Yan must escort her all the way to Yejing, and only then would she return his waist token.
Unable to retrieve it by force as she kept it close to her person, Shen Yan reluctantly agreed. When Shen Yan inquired what would happen if he refused, Liu Ling dramatically threatened to take his token and cry to his subordinates. Shen Yan asked if she truly believed he wouldn't snatch it back, to which Liu Ling, feigning weakness, said she'd be powerless if he used force. She grew impatient, pressing him for a decision.
Shen Yan suggested they take different routes, with him on the mountain roads and her on the broad roads. Liu Ling, however, insisted on joining him on the mountain path, declaring she wasn't afraid of the hardships. His men expressed bewilderment that he couldn't handle such a "crazy girl," noting the added danger to their mission of escorting Yun Yi. Shen Yan, however, saw the "hassle" as having "its own advantages."
Their journey led them to a Jinlin Guard courier station, where sounds of a skirmish were heard. Shen Yan quickly identified the intruder as highly skilled. Liu Ling intervened, revealing the man was her bodyguard, Yang Ye. Shen Yan, puzzled, asked Liu Ling how her bodyguard knew his stopping point.
Yang Ye efficiently explained Shen Yan's strategy: coming to Jiangzhou to arrest Yun Yi, purposely leaving an exit to lure him out for ambush, and then taking mountain roads to the Jinlin Guard's camp. Shen Yan remarked on Yang Ye's impressive skill in gathering Jinlin Guard intelligence. Liu Ling openly admitted her intense interest in Shen Yan, saying she valued him so much that she made sure to know his every move.
When Shen Yan questioned if her carriage's arrival outside Jiangzhou City was also intentional, Liu Ling conceded it wasn't a coincidence, but added that many things in life are "out of expectation." When asked her true purpose for going to such lengths to accompany the Jinlin Guard, Liu Ling boldly declared it was "of course for Lord Shen." Liu Ling's servant, Ling Bi, attempted to claim Shen Yan's room for the princess, but Luo Fan insisted it was Lord Shen's.
Shen Yan, however, chose to move to a simpler room. His men were confused by his apparent compliance, but Shen Yan revealed his strategic intent. He confided that Princess Changle's presence, though a nuisance, would create a delay, which was "exactly what I want."
He planned to use Yun Yi as bait, and the news of a "wicked princess" unexpectedly joining the Jinlin Guard's escort would certainly entice power-hungry individuals, whom Shen Yan referred to as "hungry fish," in the capital to make a move, seeing it as a "Heaven-sent chance." Meanwhile, in the Lu Mansion, Lord Lu expressed his anxiety to his concubine's son, Lu Mingshan, over the Crown Prince's keen interest in the Jiangzhou case.
Lu Mingshan tried to reassure his grandfather, suggesting he was "muddled with anger" and downplaying the threat posed by Lady Xu, who had been praised for her meticulousness in serving the Crown Prince. However, Lord Lu dismissed Lady Xu as insignificant, revealing his true concern was the "Stern-faced Yama, Shen Yan." He feared that if Shen Yan successfully apprehended Yun Yi, the Lu Family would face grave danger.
Lu Mingshan confidently offered to handle the situation, believing that even Shen Yan, being an "ordinary man," must have a weakness. Elsewhere, Shen Yu, the Administrator of Nandian, received a pigeon from Shen Yan, acknowledging Shen Yan's meticulous planning even from afar. His subordinate reported that a wealthy man, Zhang, had been hosting lavish banquets for Lord Lu for three days, seemingly seeking an official post through the Lu Family.
The subordinate also detailed Lady Xu's elaborate preparation of "Lord Yu's Hangover Soup" and "Five-bean Soup" for the Crown Prince, noting the four to five hours she spent on them, highlighting her scrupulousness. Later, Shen Yu visited a flower pavilion, where he overheard discussions about Shen Yan, the "Stern-faced Yama" from the capital, allegedly getting into a "love affair" with the "Wicked Princess Liu Ling" on his return journey.
The singing girl there described Shen Yu himself as "the most infatuated man in the world," contradicting the popular image of him as a "lady-killer." Amidst the fresh mountain air, Liu Ling, convinced that her repeated encounters with Shen Yan were "fate," danced with joy. Shen Yan, however, remained distant, stating he had business to attend to. Ling Bi observed his coldness and the mocking whispers of his men, questioning if Liu Ling's efforts were worth it.
Liu Ling brushed off Ling Bi's concerns, asserting that Shen Yan had "lost heart to me at first sight" and was merely "shy." She revealed Shen Yan had even smiled at her earlier, a rare occurrence she valued immensely, making any other grievances seem trivial. Ling Bi continued to lament the small, uncomfortable room and Shen Yan's consistently unpleasant demeanor towards them. Liu Ling, undeterred, explained her strategic approach to love, drawing parallels to "favorable climatic, geographical condition and coincidence."
She believed their current living and traveling arrangements gave her the "geographical condition," putting her in a prime position to "carefully devise a scheme to date Shen Yan." Despite falling ill with a cold from the mountain chill, Liu Ling stubbornly followed Shen Yan. He urged her to return, concerned about her health and the infectious nature of her cold, but she refused, asserting control over her own actions.
Shen Yan, exasperated, sped up, leaving Liu Ling struggling to keep pace. Exhausted, she rested on a rock. Ling Bi, lamenting Shen Yan's "iron-hearted" nature, referred to him as a "dangerous beauty" and "Stern-faced Yama," questioning Liu Ling's persistence given the notorious reputation of the Jinlin Guard. Liu Ling, however, countered by reminding Ling Bi of her own infamous reputation in Jiangzhou as the "wickedest girl," suggesting they were both "jinxes."
She then philosophized that true character is revealed through actions, finding "a frank poker face" more valuable than "fake smiles." She reiterated her complete infatuation with Shen Yan. Suddenly, a snake appeared, startling Liu Ling into a shriek. Shen Yan immediately appeared and pulled her into a hug to protect her. Feigning faintness, Liu Ling dramatically claimed she had been bitten by a poisonous snake and was close to death.
Shen Yan, seeing through her act, pointed out her "bold and powerful" nature and questioned her attempt to falsely accuse a harmless grass snake. Liu Ling, then revealing her true intent, admitted she had been searching for him and, pretending weakness, threatened to sell his waist token in the market if he dared to escape again, calculating its high value.
When Shen Yan warned her against breaking the law, she cunningly escalated her threat, vowing to have countless copies of his "No. 128" token made and scattered throughout the market, effectively making "Jinlin Guard everywhere while everyone can be a commander." Shen Yan, amused, warned her to behave or he would drop her. Liu Ling then playfully asked how much he had overheard of her conversation with Ling Bi, reiterating her infatuation with him.
Shen Yan, in response, simply instructed his men to prepare ginger decoction to ward off her chill. Shen Yan advised Liu Ling to return to the courier station and then departed. Undeterred, Liu Ling decided to press on with her pursuit. Later, in the pouring rain, Shen Yan efficiently dealt with dangerous figures lurking in the forest. Liu Ling's unexpected appearance forced him to take her to a small mountain cabin for shelter.
Inside, Liu Ling offered to help Shen Yan remove his soaked outer clothes, citing her "smattering" of medical knowledge from Jiangzhou and her concern for his health. She then remarked that he would have ample time to discover her many "advantages" during their long journey. Shen Yan, however, simply directed her to rest on the bed, noting the cabin's small size but asserting it wasn't so cramped as to necessitate close proximity.
When Liu Ling attempted to use her illness as an excuse for closer contact, he advised her to "behave" and "sleep early" while he remained nearby. Liu Ling then questioned Shen Yan about his family, asking if he was related to the Shens of Yejing. He confirmed that Lord Shen was his father. Puzzled, Liu Ling asked why she had never seen him during her childhood visits to the Shen Mansion.
Shen Yan explained that he had "hated making contact with strangers ever since I was a kid," making it normal for her not to remember him. A brief flashback showed their younger selves. The next morning, Liu Ling awoke to find Shen Yan had spent the entire night guarding outside the cabin.
Upon their return to the courier station, Liu Ling immediately confronted Shen Yan, demanding he "give me an answer" and take responsibility for her reputation after they had "spent the beautiful night together." Luo Fan and other Jinlin Guard members stood by, bewildered. Shen Yan stated that their overnight stay was a matter of emergency, and he had "didn't do anything improper or offensive." He accused Liu Ling of "turning the facts upside down" and misunderstanding the situation.
At that moment, Lu Mingshan arrived, addressing Liu Ling intimately as "Ling." He then shocked her by announcing that his grandfather, Lord Lu, had sent betrothal gifts to Prince Guangping, who had consented, making Lu Mingshan her "betrothed." Liu Ling, furious, tore up the red betrothal post, vehemently denying his claim. Lu Mingshan chided her for being childish and warned her against trivializing marriage. He expressed concern for her haggard appearance, assuming she had suffered during her journey.
Shen Yan intervened, coldly advising Lu Mingshan to leave if he had no real business, warning him against the grave charge of "spying on information of Jinlin Guard." Despite Luo Fan's apprehension, Shen Yan instructed his men to prepare a guest room for Lu Mingshan, sensing that his unexpected arrival at this critical juncture was not as simple as it seemed.
Liu Ling attempted to enter Shen Yan's room, but Luo Fan blocked her, asserting that it was a military secret location and that even she, the princess, could not bear the accusation of spying. Liu Ling insisted she wasn't being unreasonable, acknowledging Shen Yan's busyness, but demanded to know if his avoidance meant he planned to "forsake me" after "ruining a girl's reputation." From inside, Shen Yan stated he had heard her.
He had Luo Fan convey to Liu Ling that her reputation had nothing to do with him, and that he did not understand her words, stating, "Princess and I haven't begun yet. Why would she mention 'forsake'?" Luo Fan awkwardly explained that "haven't begun" meant "not dating." Lu Mingshan tried to pacify Liu Ling, calling it a misunderstanding.
Liu Ling, however, defiantly rejected this, asking Shen Yan what he would call "what Lord Shen and I did in that cabin last night" if they hadn't "begun." Shen Yan then had his subordinate tell her that he had a clear conscience, and if she insisted on "turning the facts upside down," she could go to Yejing and "appeal to the imperial court" for His Majesty's judgment.
Lu Mingshan again tried to calm her, but Liu Ling confronted Shen Yan directly, asking if he was driving her away. Shen Yan replied that her decision to stay or leave was "up to you," and then, mentioning it was dinner time, asked her to leave as she was affecting his appetite. Liu Ling, puzzled by his sudden coldness after their earlier "jovial" conversation, wondered if he might be "jealous."
Episode 3 Recap
Princess Liu Ling, noticing Shen Yan’s change in demeanor after Lu Mingshan arrived, immediately assumed he was jealous. Despite his lack of response, Liu Ling felt compelled to put in extra effort to please him, declaring that her beloved deserved to be treated with care. Meanwhile, Shen Yan directly questioned the captive Yun Yi about his connection to the Lu family, stating his belief that Lu Mingshan was present for ill intentions.
Yun Yi initially denied any ties to the Lu family, but Shen Yan sternly warned him that his life might not reach Yejing if he was truly involved. After Shen Yan’s departure, Yun Yi’s previously defiant expression gave way to a look of worry, indicating that the Lu family’s threats indeed concerned him.
Determined to cheer Shen Yan up, Liu Ling sought out the most renowned restaurant in town, Xichun House, and had their best chef brought to the courier station. She personally supervised the preparation of various dishes, including Tofu Skin Spinach Rolls, Mianyang Steam, and Fried Cabbage, rewarding the chef generously. Luo Fan and Ling Bi repeatedly attempted to invite Shen Yan to dinner, but he remained unresponsive.
Despite her elaborate efforts, Shen Yan refused to come out, claiming he wasn't hungry. Liu Ling, carrying a food box filled with more delicacies like Eight Treasure Duck Gizzards, Phoenix Tail Shark Fin, Dried Scallops Balls, and Buddhist Hand Pork Rolls, repeatedly knocked on his door to no avail. Luo Fan, one of the Jinlin Guards, then had to inform a dismayed Liu Ling that Shen Yan was actually a vegetarian, making all her culinary efforts for meat dishes futile.
Luo Fan also subtly reminded Liu Ling of her betrothal to Lu Mingshan and how he was watching her actions. Lu Mingshan, having observed Liu Ling's persistent antics, took her aside to a secluded spot. He sternly warned her to cease her childish behavior, emphasizing that their marriage was not a trivial matter but a significant alliance between the House of Prince Guangping and the Lu family.
He claimed that he had shown her respect out of personal regard and for Prince Guangping, but if she continued to be unrestrained, the Lu family would retaliate, and he would be unable to protect her. Liu Ling merely scoffed, stating that she found it amusing how he spoke of such a grand alliance without knowing the woman he was to marry. She declared that her favorite pastime was to embarrass hypocrites publicly.
Lu Mingshan retorted that women her age were usually already married and that if she missed this opportunity with the Lu family, she might never marry, even with her princess title. Liu Ling defiantly stated that most women's misfortunes stemmed from marriage, and she would rather remain single forever than enter a union without true love.
Unbeknownst to them, Shen Yan, who had sought solitude on a nearby rooftop, overheard their entire conversation, which seemed to stir a realization within him. Later, Luo Fan brought Shen Yan his dinner.
Shen Yan confirmed his suspicion that the "fish" they were trying to catch was indeed linked to the Lu family, saying that Lu Mingshan’s willingness to endure Liu Ling’s public humiliation, rather than leaving or canceling the engagement, proved his true purpose in staying at the Liaison Office was not the Princess. Luo Fan inferred that Shen Yan had deliberately stayed in his room to provoke Liu Ling.
Liu Ling, still determined to see Shen Yan, resorted to blocking the entrance to the Jinlin Guard's toilets. The guards, unable to hold it any longer, desperately pleaded with her and then with Shen Yan. Shen Yan initially dismissed them, telling them to ignore Liu Ling or simply go outside. However, upon hearing the guards’ increasing desperation, he eventually came out. He curtly told Liu Ling to move and stop bothering his men.
When she refused, insisting they hadn't finished their conversation, Shen Yan, without a word, lifted her onto his shoulder and carried her back to her room. Inside, Liu Ling immediately stated that she had no interest in marrying Lu Mingshan, but Shen Yan merely continued to read. Frustrated by his indifference and wanting to provoke a reaction, Liu Ling took off her outer clothing and began to dramatically feign being assaulted, calling for help.
As the situation escalated, Shen Yan confined her. He then gave her a stark warning: he was not someone to be trifled with. He explained that he took emotions very seriously, and if he were to fall for her, it would be a lifelong entanglement from which he would never let go, regardless of whether she grew tired of him. Liu Ling appeared surprised at his intensity but then laughed at his words.
Shen Yan, believing she was only toying with him, finally commanded her to put on her clothes and "get lost." Moments later, a distraught Liu Ling, her clothes disheveled, ran crying from Shen Yan’s room. The Jinlin Guards outside, including Luo Fan, were alarmed by her state and wondered what had transpired.
Shen Yu’s latest pigeon mail arrived for Shen Yan, warning him that the trap was set, to be cautious, and that the "prey is cunning and suspicious" so he must be careful not to fall into the water and suffer a double loss. Meanwhile, Ling Bi discovered Liu Ling’s room empty and rushed back to Shen Yan’s room, where she found a note left by Liu Ling simply stating, "I will get lost."
Recognizing the grave danger Liu Ling was in, Shen Yan prepared to leave immediately to search for her. Before departing, he quickly instructed Ling Bi on what to do, assuring her that he would personally ensure Liu Ling's safety, to which Ling Bi tearfully pleaded for him to bring her princess back. In Yejing, at the Eastern Palace's waterside pavilion, Prince Liu Wang hosted a banquet for his court officials.
Lord Xu spoke of the circulating rumors regarding Yun Yi's arrest, praising the Prince's decisive actions. Prince Liu Wang confirmed Yun Yi's capture, noting that the Jiangzhou case would be fully revealed upon his return. Lord Xu, despite the Emperor's clemency towards his family regarding the old Jiangzhou case, admitted to lingering unease and hoped that re-opening it would finally clear his family's name.
Lord Lu, however, cautioned that re-opening the case could be a double-edged sword, potentially causing more trouble if no new revelations emerged. Mr. Shen took a more fatalistic approach, suggesting they simply enjoy the wine rather than speculating. The officials also discussed the remarkable rise of Xu Shijin, Lord Xu's granddaughter, within the Palace, acknowledging that she had leveraged her position to gain the Crown Prince's favor. Later, Lord Lu excused himself from the banquet, citing ill health.
Shortly after, Xu Shijin also departed, claiming to be unwell with a headache. On her way, she encountered Shen Yu, who had been sitting alone, reflecting on his own unfortunate position caught between these powerful "old foxes." Shen Yu subtly warned Xu Shijin to be careful, to which she responded coolly, stating she was already accustomed to navigating the treacherous paths of the Palace at night. Following the banquet, Lord Xu visited Xu Shijin in her chambers.
He presented her with Ghost-face, a mute, disfigured, but loyal and highly skilled secret agent. Xu Shijin then tasked Ghost-face with closely monitoring the Lu family’s movements, anticipating their reaction to Yun Yi's arrest. Concurrently, at the Lu mansion, Lord Lu ordered his notorious subordinate Hu Xiao, a long-time fugitive, to accelerate his plans.
Hu Xiao confirmed that Lu Mingshan had successfully infiltrated the Liaison Office under the guise of Liu Ling's betrothed, and that the Tiger Wings Camp was ready. Lord Lu, eager to act swiftly, ordered Hu Xiao to mobilize the Tiger Wings Camp to meet Lu Mingshan and eliminate Yun Yi immediately, fearing further complications if they delayed. Ghost-face, having successfully gathered this critical intelligence, reported back to Xu Shijin.
Deeply concerned for Liu Ling's safety due to their childhood friendship, Xu Shijin immediately dispatched Ghost-face to rendezvous with Shen Yan and assist the Jinlin Guard in protecting their camp. She specifically instructed Ghost-face to prioritize Liu Ling's life above all else, expressing her distress that Liu Ling had become entangled in such dangerous affairs.
Episode 4 Recap
Ling Bi, infuriated by Luo Fan's complaints, confronted him early in the morning, demanding he listen carefully. She informed him that Princess Liu Ling, angered by Shen Yan, had stormed out of the camp in the middle of the night. Shen Yan, feeling apologetic, had gone after her, but not before instructing Luo Fan to manage all affairs at the Liaison Office.
Ling Bi warned Luo Fan that if he dared to complain, he would be sent to the Jiangzhou Jin Lin Military Camp, asserting that her kick was a reward from her, not an order from Shen Yan. Meanwhile, a black-cloaked man reported to Young Master Lu Mingshan that Shen Yan had indeed left the military camp to search for Liu Ling.
Lu Mingshan, intrigued by what he called the "romantic play of the wicked woman and cold Yama," ordered the man to follow them closely and ascertain the truth of their relationship. Liu Ling wandered through the bustling Yunlai Town. A pickpocket, feigning a collision, skillfully stole her purse unnoticed. The thief, gloating in an alley, was swiftly apprehended by Shen Yan, who had changed into civilian clothes and was secretly observing Liu Ling.
Shen Yan retrieved the purse and continued to trail her. Liu Ling was drawn to a lotus root stall by a lake. A young boy offered her a taste, triggering a poignant memory of her mother secretly picking lotus roots for her as a child. Overwhelmed with emotion, Liu Ling found herself on the verge of tears. She decided to buy all the lotus roots, only to discover her purse was missing.
Not far off, an archery stall caught her attention. The young lotus root seller noticed that the grand prize, a pair of earrings, looked exactly like the ones his mother had lost, and he was determined to win them. The stall owner, however, was cheating with a hidden trick. The boy missed twice. Liu Ling initially tried to comfort him, but upon learning the earrings were identical to his mother's, she boldly offered her white nephrite bracelet for another shot.
The owner agreed to only one arrow. The boy missed again, and Liu Ling, seeing through the trick, removed her own earrings, demanding another shot and warning the owner not to cheat. The owner, realizing he was dealing with someone formidable, incited the surrounding crowd, accusing Liu Ling of being a bully. This public shaming reminded Liu Ling of past unfounded accusations she had endured. Witnessing the injustice, Shen Yan stepped forward.
He guided Liu Ling's hand, helping her hit the bullseye and exposing the stall owner's hidden trick. In the ensuing chaos, Liu Ling attempted to escape, but Shen Yan cornered her on a bridge. Liu Ling playfully compared their encounter to the "meeting on the broken bridge" of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian. Shen Yan, however, reminded her that Bai Suzhen was ultimately trapped under the Leifeng Pagoda by Fa Hai, implying a different kind of "expectation."
Liu Ling, claiming he was "playing hard to get," asked what his expectation was. He simply replied, "I expect you to come back." Shen Yan then tried to take Liu Ling back, citing the recent unrest for her safety. To evade him, Liu Ling staged a dramatic scene, publicly accusing Shen Yan of being a "villain who abandoned his wife and son," despite having no family.
The sympathetic onlookers scolded Shen Yan, allowing Liu Ling to retrieve her purse and make her escape. Meanwhile, Prince Liu Wang played a game of Go with Xu Shijin, hinting that the Lu family would not be easily weakened by Yun Yi's situation. Xu Shijin used the chess game to illustrate the current political landscape, explaining that the Lu family's power was deeply entrenched and not easily shaken.
She suggested that at a time when the enemy was strong and they were weak, it was better to observe than to act rashly. Liu Wang mentioned a "romantic story" reported by Shen Yu about Liu Ling "chasing after" Shen Yan, causing the "stern-faced Yama" to lose his composure. Knowing Xu Shijin's close friendship with Liu Ling since childhood, Liu Wang offered to have Liu Ling brought back from the dangerous escort mission.
Xu Shijin, however, advised against it, fearing it would "alert others and delay the national affairs," emphasizing the importance of the Jiangzhou crime case. Liu Wang accepted her reasoning, viewing Shen Yan as a "young tiger" who needed to "sharpen his claws" to help him "drive away and kill those dogs and wolves" like the Lu family. Liu Ling rented out an entire inn for the night.
Shen Yan found her regardless and entered her room by climbing through the window. He apologized for his rudeness the previous night and tried to persuade her to return to the camp. However, he suddenly felt dizzy, realizing Liu Ling had anticipated his arrival and had laced his tea with a sedative. Liu Ling, satisfied, settled Shen Yan onto the bed while she herself fell asleep at a nearby table.
Later that night, Shen Yan awoke and gently carried Liu Ling to the bed. The next morning, Liu Ling woke up to find Shen Yan waiting outside her room. As they journeyed, Liu Ling and Shen Yan encountered a butcher chasing a small pig. Pitying the animal, Liu Ling tried to intervene but put herself in danger. Shen Yan quickly pulled her to safety and bought the pig from the butcher.
Over breakfast, Liu Ling decided to name the pig "Shen Oink," reasoning that Shen Yan had saved its life, making him more important than its biological parents. Shen Yan, though somewhat resigned, accepted the name. Upon returning to the Liaison Office with Shen Oink, they heard sounds of a skirmish. Shen Yan intervened, confronting a man known as Ghost Face, who delivered a message: Hu Xiao was approaching.
Luo Fan, hearing this, immediately recognized Hu Xiao as the formidable "top wanted person in the black market" for ten years, known for his ruthless martial arts and for having killed their former commander. He questioned their chances against such a dangerous individual, especially with the "scrap metal" weapons available at the Liaison Office, which could barely shoot straight. With spirits low and tension high, Liu Ling initiated a task for everyone: making clothes for Shen Oink.
This simple act surprisingly lightened the mood and boosted morale, earning a subtle acknowledgment from Shen Yan. Meanwhile, Hu Xiao met with Lu Mingshan. Hu Xiao confirmed he was there "under the order of Lord Lu" to "kill Yun Yi before he enters the capital." Lu Mingshan's face bore a confident smile. Back at the Liaison Office, before the impending confrontation, Shen Yan pulled Liu Ling aside. He gravely instructed her to return to her room with Ling Bi, lock all doors and windows, and under no circumstances, come out, "no matter what happens outside."
Episode 5 Recap
Shen Oink, Liu Ling's pet pig, discovered gunpowder buried outside Liu Ling's room at the Liaison Office. Shen Yan suspected Lu Mingshan was behind it, believing it was a diversionary tactic to confuse the Jinlin Guard and create an opportunity to assassinate Yun Yi. Given the Liaison Office's strategic position with a cliff behind it, only the front could be effectively attacked. Shen Yan decided to lead the defense at the front gate.
He instructed Liu Ling to stay safely in her room after dark, a command she reluctantly accepted, worried for him but knowing she couldn't help. Shen Yan confronted Yun Yi, informing him that someone sought his life and that he would protect him. In exchange, Shen Yan demanded to know the location of the silver lost from the Jiangzhou Treasury and the identity of the mastermind behind the Jiangzhou case.
Yun Yi, confident he possessed secrets Lu Mingshan desired, refused to cooperate, despite Shen Yan revealing his awareness of Yun Yi's bargaining chips, including the evidence of the crime. Yun Yi accused Shen Yan of orchestrating a "series of schemes" to trap the perpetrator and force him to reveal the truth, but Yun Yi defiantly stated he would rather die than cooperate with a "lackey Jinlin Guard" like Shen Yan.
Meanwhile, outside the Liaison Office, Hu Xiao discussed their plan with Lu Mingshan. Hu Xiao expressed admiration for Lu Mingshan's detailed knowledge of the office. He lamented that Liu Ling, recently engaged to Lu Mingshan, might perish, but Lu Mingshan dismissed Liu Ling's fate as unimportant, caring only for the Lu family's interests. Hu Xiao worried that Shen Yan, known as "Stern-faced Yama," might not fall for their diversion plan.
Lu Mingshan confidently replied that "the fake can also become real," suggesting the plan was flexible. As night fell, Hu Xiao led his men in an assault on the Liaison Office. Shen Yan spearheaded the defense, leading to chaotic combat. While Shen Yan was engaged with Hu Xiao, a masked Lu Mingshan seized the opportunity to abduct Liu Ling, forcing Shen Yan to pursue him. Amidst the chaos, the Jinlin Guard fought off the attackers.
Hu Xiao found Yun Yi, fatally stabbed him, and took a token from his grasp. After achieving their objective, Hu Xiao and his men retreated. Upon discovering Yun Yi's death, Luo Fan immediately ordered his men to seal off the area, suppress any news, and await Shen Yan's return. Lu Mingshan dragged Liu Ling to a cliff edge, with Shen Yan in close pursuit. Using Liu Ling as a hostage, Lu Mingshan forced Shen Yan to discard his weapon.
Lu Mingshan then commanded Shen Yan to kneel. Liu Ling tearfully pleaded with Shen Yan to leave and not kneel. Despite her pleas, Shen Yan dropped to his knees. However, Lu Mingshan showed no mercy, mocking Shen Yan before attempting to stab him. Unwilling to see Shen Yan humiliated or killed, Liu Ling desperately pulled out her hairpin and stabbed Lu Mingshan. Enraged and in pain, Lu Mingshan threw Liu Ling off the cliff.
As Liu Ling plunged, despairing and on the verge of closing her eyes, she saw Shen Yan leap from the cliff, following her into the abyss. Later, Lu Mingshan, having changed his attire, returned to the Liaison Office, feigning concern for Liu Ling and attempting to ascertain Yun Yi's status.
Luo Fan, although suspicious of Lu Mingshan's involvement and challenging his pretense, was left powerless as Lu Mingshan subtly threatened him with severe consequences if Shen Yan failed to protect Liu Ling and the prisoner. Lu Mingshan then informed Hu Xiao that Shen Yan had been stabbed by him and then fell off the cliff with Liu Ling, believing the injured Shen Yan had little chance of survival.
Liu Ling eventually awoke, propped against a large tree at the bottom of the cliff. Reflecting on Shen Yan's selfless act of compassion, she was overcome with emotion and embraced him from behind. Shen Yan, bleeding from a stab wound to his chest, led Liu Ling to a nearby cave for shelter. He told her to rest there, while he would guard outside.
Despite Liu Ling's concern for his injury, Shen Yan's demeanor turned cold again, making Liu Ling feel he was contradicting his true feelings. Inside the cave, Shen Yan used his inner clothing to bandage his wound before going out to check on Liu Ling. She was attempting to pick wild fruits from a tree, but she lost her footing and hung precariously, calling for help. Shen Yan rushed to her aid, catching her just as she fell.
For a brief moment, he held her close, their eyes locking, before he quickly pushed her away. Liu Ling offered him some wild fruits, explaining that they could help heal his wound if cooked. As she reached for his fire starter, she accidentally touched his bare chest, as he had used his inner clothes for bandaging. Liu Ling, usually bold, found herself shy. Meanwhile, the Ghost informed Xu Shijin of Yun Yi's death and Liu Ling's disappearance.
Xu Gong, Xu Shijin's grandfather, urged her to immediately report the matter to the Crown Prince to see if there was any room for negotiation regarding the Jiangzhou case. Xu Shijin, however, decided to delay, stating that the Crown Prince primarily cared about the missing silver from Jiangzhou, not the Xu family's long-standing grievances.
She believed that revealing the news now would exhaust her last card—the Crown Prince's trust—and that it was better to wait for a more opportune moment, even if it meant hiding the truth for as long as possible. She lamented the injustice of good people like her father suffering while the wicked thrived, vowing to make the Lu family pay if Liu Ling had indeed died.
Back in the cave, Liu Ling watched Shen Yan as she roasted the fruits, prompting him to ask if she was planning something mischievous. She cheekily suggested "spending the rest of my life with you and never parting from you" as a "bad idea." Shen Yan dismissed her thought, trying to get up, but Liu Ling held him down, playfully claiming he was pressing on her wound. She then leaned in and kissed him. Shen Yan, startled by the kiss, pulled away from her lips, but Liu Ling clung to him, refusing to let go.
Episode 6 Recap
Liu Ling awoke and felt anxious when she didn't see Shen Yan. He soon returned from scouting and offered her food. Liu Ling found it sweet and offered him some in return, but he politely declined, saying he had already eaten. Concerned for his unhealed injuries, Liu Ling suggested they remain there for a few more days, to which Shen Yan initially agreed.
However, he then indicated they should depart, citing his duties and the path back to camp being just past the nearby water. Intent on delaying their return, Liu Ling theatrically declared she felt uncomfortable and needed to bathe. She tried to provoke Shen Yan, implying his earlier boast about capturing prey was just empty talk if he couldn't even delay for her. Seeing through her attempts, Shen Yan unexpectedly offered to guard her while she bathed.
This turned the tables, forcing Liu Ling to back down, claiming she was no longer in the mood as it would confirm her guilt in delaying. Shen Yan then announced he would bathe instead, instructing her to avert her gaze as it was improper to watch. Liu Ling promised not to peek, swearing on her name.
However, as soon as he entered the water, she climbed a tree, ostensibly to "watch out for him," though Shen Yan subtly called her out from the pond, asking if her view was unclear from up high and suggesting she come down. She asked if she could, and he replied, "No." While Shen Yan was in the water, two assassins appeared at the cliff bottom, sent to confirm their demise.
Sensing their presence, Shen Yan quickly pulled Liu Ling underwater, where they held their breath. During this, Shen Yan's deep wounds caused him pain, and he became semi-conscious. Back in the cave, Liu Ling expressed deep concern for his severe injury, volunteering to find healing herbs. However, Shen Yan stopped her, asking her to stay by his side and talk to him. Liu Ling allowed Shen Yan to rest his head on her lap.
He then confessed his confusion: the longer he spent with her, the more he doubted the public's perception of her as the "wicked woman from Jiangzhou," wondering which persona—the notorious figure or the Princess Changle he now saw—was truly hers. Liu Ling, willing to reveal all, offered to tell him anything he wished to know.
Liu Ling began her story, explaining that the title "Changle" was bestowed upon her at birth by the Emperor, and for a period in her early childhood, it truly reflected her life. She recounted a joyous time swinging in the garden with her mother, Zhang Yun, eagerly awaiting her father, Liu Lishan, the Prince Guangping.
However, this happiness shattered one day when her father, Liu Lishan, returned with Lu Qian, the eldest daughter of the Lu family, whom he announced would stay at their residence for a period. From that moment, Liu Ling felt her title became a cruel irony. Servants in the mansion began to gossip, and her mother, Zhang Yun, deeply hurt, spent her days weeping.
Her mother's spirits plummeted further when her beloved childhood friends, the Xu couple, were tragically killed in a silver robbery. One day, Liu Ling found her mother crying by the lake in the backyard. Her mother spoke much, and Liu Ling, filled with anger, urged her to confront her father and drive Lu Qian away. But her mother, fearful that her father truly loved Lu Qian, demurred.
Liu Ling vividly remembered her mother's poignant smile as she told her, "Ling, in the future, you can't be as weak as me." The next day, her mother rose early and went to her father's study. Liu Ling couldn't hear their exact words but distinctly heard her father's scolding. Her mother emerged, face ashen. Liu Ling, in a fit of pique, chose to hide rather than offer comfort.
Later, when she went to find her mother, it was too late; her mother had already drowned herself in the lake. Liu Ling recalled her mother's beautiful smile, which would now never be seen again in that lake.
The servants of the mansion blamed Liu Ling for her mother's death, though Liu Ling felt her mother had been driven to it by her father and Lu Qian, with Liu Ling herself being an unwilling accomplice for not comforting her mother in her final moments. Shortly after her mother's death, Lu Qian married into the Guangping Prince's family.
That very night, Liu Ling visited her mother's tomb alone, adding a handful of fresh earth to symbolically bury the "carefree Princess Changle," and rising as the "most wicked woman in Jiangzhou." Just as Liu Ling finished this part of her story, Shen Yan detected footsteps outside the cave. He quickly covered Liu Ling's mouth, and they stealthily moved to investigate.
Shen Yan produced their last three sleeve arrows, instructing Liu Ling that if she could hit the targets, they might escape, but if not, she was to fire all three and flee as far as possible. Liu Ling immediately refused to leave him, asserting she could protect him and was willing to do anything for him, even when Shen Yan cautioned her against pushing herself. Under Shen Yan's guidance, she expertly fired the first arrow, striking one of the attackers.
The second attacker, however, was more prepared and dodged Shen Yan's sword. Grappling with his unhealed injuries, Shen Yan struggled to hold his ground, urging Liu Ling to escape. Instead, Liu Ling, with remarkable courage, retrieved sleeve arrows from the fallen attacker's corpse and, seizing an opening, fired directly into the second attacker's chest. The assassin collapsed. Overwhelmed by the brutal act, Liu Ling was momentarily terrified.
Shen Yan pulled her into an embrace, comforting her and asking why she hadn't fled. Liu Ling tearfully declared she could not bear to live without him. Outside the cave, Shen Yan prompted Liu Ling to continue her story, remarking that the "two ruffians" had interrupted the most "wicked woman in Jiangzhou" tale. Liu Ling recounted how, at the tender age of seven, she tried to stab her father, Liu Lishan, in a fit of hatred after her mother's death.
Her father was furious, but Lu Qian feigned intercession, offering to take care of Liu Ling and "talk to her." Instead, Lu Qian locked Liu Ling in a dark woodshed without food or water. Liu Ling described the unbearable darkness and her constant dreams of her mother swinging and smiling, always waiting for her mother to rescue her.
Outside, the servants gossiped about Liu Ling, calling her a "dreadful troublemaker" who had "caused the Princess Consort's death and tried to kill the Prince," lamenting their constant watch over her. Liu Ling recounted how she spent an unknown period in that wretched state until, on the brink of death, her maternal grandfather, Marquis Dingbei, arrived to rescue her. He furiously condemned Lu Qian, accusing her of destroying his daughter's marriage, forcing her to suicide, and then tormenting her orphan.
Liu Ling admitted that at one point, she wished for death, but the thought of her loving grandfather reignited her desire to live. She explained that her infamous reputation as the "most wicked woman in Jiangzhou" ironically spread while she was away from Jiangzhou. Xu Shijin, she recalled, told her that Lu Qian deliberately started rumors—that "Princess Changle drove her mother to suicide at five and stabbed her father at seven"—to deflect public criticism after her grandfather took her away.
Liu Ling revealed she returned to Jiangzhou for two main reasons: she realized her hatred for the Prince Guangping's family was less than Lu Qian's hatred for her, making her "the winner" in that calculation, and she yearned to be closer to her mother's tomb. She concluded that returning to Jiangzhou was a "great decision," as it was there she met Shen Yan. Liu Ling's heartbreaking tale deeply affected Shen Yan.
She reflected on how her mother's tragic fate, stemming from her unconditional love for her father, led her to believe that love was the most "hopeless thing" in the world. Shen Yan disagreed, pointing out that Liu Ling had always treated love as a "game" and had never truly given her heart.
Liu Ling then challenged him directly: if she were to give her heart to him, would he dare to promise "faithfulness for life" and to "stay by one person forever"? Shen Yan paused, telling her he was giving her time to make up her mind, stating that if she wished to leave him, this moment was her last chance. When she asked what would happen if she didn't leave, he took her to a breathtaking suspension bridge high above.
He explained his intention for bringing her there: to illustrate that giving their hearts to each other was like their current perilous but beautiful position on the bridge. As long as they held onto each other, they could behold such magnificent sights. But if either of them were to let go, only a "doomed fate" awaited them below. Understanding his profound declaration, they sat together on the bridge and embraced in a deep kiss.
Meanwhile, in Yejing's Eastern Palace, Prince Liu Wang was seen feeding a bird. His subordinate reported that Xu Shijin, a female official, had received a letter from "Ghost Face," a master she had dispatched to assist the Liaison Office. Though the letter's contents remained unknown, it was gathered from Xu Shijin's conversation with Lord Xu that it concerned significant developments in Jiangzhou.
Despite Lord Xu's instruction for Xu Shijin to inform the Prince immediately, she had deliberately withheld the information, claiming she needed time to "think about it." Liu Wang expressed his frustration, questioning what she needed to contemplate after a failure. His subordinate explained that Xu Shijin appeared to be "waiting for a chance." Liu Wang, addressing her as "My Jin," acknowledged her intelligence and strategic thinking but issued a chilling warning.
He likened her to a "caged bird" and a mere "plaything," stating that if such a bird began to "overthink," plot against its lord, or misbehave, there would be no use in keeping it; it should be "fed to a stray cat or a dog." As they made their way back, Liu Ling, still reluctant to return to Yejing, repeatedly complained of exhaustion, feigning chest tightness and dizziness, suggesting they stay longer or that Shen Yan carry her.
She openly proposed they disappear and live in the mountains, believing their presumed death from the fall was "fate." Shen Yan firmly refused, reminding her that he was "on an order" and it was "not a game." Liu Ling then emotionally questioned if the "outside world" was more important than their life together, away from all troubles.
Shen Yan then made a profound declaration: he would not allow the woman he married to endure an "unauthorized cohabitation" or a "secret marriage." Instead, he promised to marry her with "following all the formalities," "a grand ceremony," and an announcement "to the whole world." Surprised, Liu Ling asked if he was truly going to marry her.
Despite her continued apprehension about the complexities of Yejing, Shen Yan reassured her he would "be by your side" and then gently lifted her onto his back, carrying her onwards. Liu Ling, curious about Shen Yan's reputation as the "grim King of Hell" despite his gentle demeanor, inquired about its origin. Shen Yan explained that he joined the administration of Beidian Zhengsi at the age of sixteen.
Unlike its counterpart, Nandian, Beidian specialized in "criminal interrogation and hunting," meaning every mission carried the risk of being his last, forcing him to fight for a slim chance of survival. In seven years, he had risen from a lieutenant to the commander of a thousand households. Yet, this ascent came at a heavy cost: his comrades, mentors, and even the former commander were no longer alive.
He observed that when one's heart turns cold, their face naturally reflects that grimness, thus explaining his moniker. Liu Ling disagreed, insisting that despite his cold exterior, his heart was warm, and she could feel it. She then asked why he, as the son of Duke Shen, had started from the bottom as a mere lieutenant, enduring such hardship. Shen Yan responded that he had chosen his own path, acknowledging that he lacked the innate talent of Shen Yu.
To achieve success, he knew he had to exert "more hardship than others," a principle he applied from his childhood studies and martial arts training to his career in Beidian Zhengsi. He believed in taking "step by step" progress and earning his achievements through his own efforts, which was the only way he could feel "peace in my mind."
Episode 7 Recap
Liu Ling playfully declared herself "indecent," delighting in the fact that such an heroic man like Shen Yan had fallen into her grasp, finding it a great bargain. Luo Fan and his men, who had been tirelessly searching the mountain for days, finally located the two. Luo Fan expressed their immense worry over the past few days, relieved to find them both safe.
Shen Yan asked Liu Ling to get down, but she clung to him until he gently squatted, pulling her off his back. Back at the courier station, Shen Yan initiated the investigation into Yun Yi's death. Luo Fan reported that the killers were swift and left no traces, but he observed that they deliberately used complex and varied techniques to confuse. However, he still recognized a few moves similar to the Lu family's sword style from Yejing.
Liu Ling interrupted the serious discussion, playfully stating she wasn't there for the case but to see him. Shen Yan then discovered a jade piece concealed in Yun Yi's mouth, along with the words "Mount Lulian." He instructed Luo Fan to investigate the jade and Mount Lulian upon their return to the capital.
Luo Fan and his men noted Liu Ling's unusually quiet demeanor, a stark contrast to her usual boisterous self, speculating something had occurred between her and Shen Yan. Later, Liu Ling, eager to publicize their burgeoning romance, attempted to hold Shen Yan's hand, prompting him to quickly pull her away and bring her back to their room. This action deeply hurt Liu Ling, who accused him of only caring about returning to the capital, never truly intending a lasting relationship.
She questioned if his heroic acts—saving her from the cliff and his comforting words on the iron chains—were merely duties or empty words. Shen Yan, initially amused by her dramatic accusations, pulled her into a warm embrace and kissed her, silently reassuring her. He gently warned her not to carelessly speak about their relationship to others. Luo Fan later found Shen Yan gazing somberly at the Jiangzhou case files, sensing his lord was troubled.
Shen Yan confirmed his distress, revealing his suspicion that the death of Zhang Yun, the former Princess of Guangping and Liu Ling's mother, was connected to the Jiangzhou case. He explained that Zhang Yun and the Xu family of Yejing were sworn siblings. After the Xu couple died following the Jiangzhou incident, Zhang Yun had a significant argument with the Prince of Guangping before her own death by drowning.
What made it suspicious was the Lu family's sudden marriage connection to the Prince of Guangping's household immediately after these events. Shen Yan worried that uncovering the truth of the Jiangzhou case would re-traumatize Liu Ling, revisiting the painful memory of losing her mother at a young age. Luo Fan agreed that such "coincidences" rarely occur in reality.
Upon their return to Yejing, Liu Ling immediately sought an audience with the Crown Prince, taking full responsibility for Yun Yi's death and attempting to shield Shen Yan. The Crown Prince, however, was dismissive, telling her there was no need to explain or protect Shen Yan. He then inquired about her engagement to Lu Mingshan, which Liu Ling vehemently denied, going so far as to call Lu Mingshan a "beast."
The Crown Prince acknowledged Lu Mingshan was a concubine's son and that Liu Ling was a princess, but pointed out that Lu Mingshan was set to inherit the Duke's title, suggesting he was a more suitable match than Shen Yan. He then pragmatically stated that in this world, few, especially those born into nobility, could truly do as they pleased, casting doubt on Liu Ling's romantic aspirations.
He dismissed her, stating he had important matters to discuss with Shen Yan, leaving Liu Ling feeling disheartened by both the Crown Prince's words and Shen Yan's perceived coldness in the palace. The Crown Prince later summoned Shen Yan, who humbly admitted his failure to protect Yun Yi.
He presented the jade piece found in Yun Yi's mouth, explaining it was one of a pair, a "Qiankun jade," and that Yun Yi, a cunning and vengeful man, had deliberately hidden it to provoke a conflict between the Jinlin Guard (who were seeking the stolen Jiangzhou treasury) and the case's mastermind (likely associated with the Lu family). Yun Yi's aim was for them to fight to their mutual destruction, as both parties were his enemies.
Shen Yan then proposed that his recent suspension by the Crown Prince, while a punishment, could be strategically used to lower the mastermind's guard and allow Shen Yan more freedom to act and redeem himself. The Crown Prince accepted his proposal, keeping him on suspension rather than full dismissal.
As Shen Yan exited the palace, he encountered his elder brother, Shen Yu, who chastised him for his "philanderer" reputation and confirmed that news of his entanglement with Liu Ling had already reached their parents. Shen Yu sarcastically implied Shen Yan was rushing off to meet Liu Ling. Meanwhile, Xu Shijin expressed her joy at Liu Ling's safe return.
She immediately questioned Liu Ling about her plans regarding Lu Mingshan, referencing a letter she had sent detailing Lu Mingshan's affair with his maid, Yue Ling, even before their marriage. Liu Ling confirmed her desire for Lu Mingshan to back off, but Xu Shijin, aware of the Lu family's determined ambition to align with the Prince Guangping's family, cautioned that breaking off the engagement would be difficult.
Liu Ling, feeling frustrated since her return to Yejing, declared she would not be polite if Lu Mingshan insisted on the marriage. Their conversation shifted to a past memory. Liu Ling questioned if she had been wrong to help Xu Shijin enter the palace years ago. Xu Shijin responded that Liu Ling was like a "mirror" to her, helping her face painful truths.
She recalled how young Liu Ling had bravely intervened when Xu Shijin was being bullied, boldly introducing herself as Liu Ling, granddaughter of Duke Dingbei and daughter of Zhang Yun, and declared that as their parents were sworn siblings, they were sisters too. Liu Ling had comforted a distraught Xu Shijin, promising to help her fight back against anyone who dared to bully her.
Xu Shijin deeply cherished this memory and an old item from that time, acknowledging that only Liu Ling had believed her parents were innocent and framed, not traitors, and thanked Liu Ling and her grandfather for their protection. Later, at a palace banquet hosted by the Crown Prince, Liu Ling openly stared at Shen Yan. Shen Yu, observing her, remarked that Liu Ling seemed eager to publicize their relationship and questioned Shen Yan about its extent.
Lu Mingshan approached Liu Ling, attempting to apologize for not being with her during her perilous journey and proposed a joint toast to Shen Yan. Liu Ling, however, ignored him and defiantly moved to sit beside Shen Yan, claiming some "boring people" had been bothering her. She publicly toasted Shen Yan for his protection during her journey, which Shen Yan humbly dismissed as his duty.
Lu Mingshan then interjected, insisting on his betrothal to Liu Ling and inviting Shen Yan to their upcoming wedding. Liu Ling, seizing a wine cup from Shen Yan, bluntly told Lu Mingshan that she would not marry him. Though Shen Yan maintained a calm facade, Liu Ling, feeling upset and feigning illness, abruptly left the banquet. Shen Yu, noticing Shen Yan's lingering gaze, urged him to follow her before she caused more trouble.
Shen Yan found Liu Ling in a corridor by the lake, pulling her into a comforting embrace. Liu Ling complained about all the troubles that had arisen since their return to Yejing, and then directly asked him when he planned to marry her. Shen Yan reassured her that he "had a plan" and asked her to "behave," then silenced her with a kiss.
He advised her to return to her room to rest as the night air was cold, promising to handle Lu Mingshan. Liu Ling urged him to act quickly, telling him not to make her wait too long.
Episode 8 Recap
Upon her return to the Duke Dingbei Mansion, Liu Ling found her uncle and aunt unwelcoming. However, her grandfather, the Old Marquis, who had long retired from court, doted on her. Unable to defy the Old Marquis's stern words, her uncle and aunt reluctantly followed him to see Liu Ling, who was busy writing a Broken Engagement Announcement. Her uncle and aunt vehemently objected, but the Old Marquis, after reviewing the document, made her kneel.
When Liu Ling insisted she was not in the wrong, the Old Marquis clarified that her mistake was not in seeking to end the engagement, but in the overly humble wording of the announcement, which undermined the prestige of the Duke Dingbei Mansion. Relieved, Liu Ling happily prepared the ink, and the Old Marquis personally penned a new, more assertive Broken Engagement Announcement. A messenger arrived at the Lu Mansion to deliver the announcement.
Ling Er, a maid with whom Lu Mingshan was involved, led the messenger directly to Lu Mingshan's room, ensuring discretion. Lu Mingshan, furious upon reading the announcement, tore it to shreds and instructed Ling Er to keep the matter a secret from his grandfather, Lord Lu. However, a second messenger arrived, immediately announcing loudly that he had been instructed by Princess Changle to deliver a copy of the Broken Engagement Announcement to serve as proof, should the original be destroyed.
This commotion caught the attention of Lord Lu, who demanded to know what was happening. Lord Lu, after reading the announcement, was also infuriated. He pressed Lu Mingshan on his plan to resolve the situation. Lu Mingshan confidently declared that since marriages were determined by parents and their family had accepted all betrothal presents, they would simply hold fast to the engagement and proceed with the wedding, asserting that Princess Changle could not disrupt their plans.
Lord Lu criticized him for being naive, reminding him of the Duke Dingbei Mansion's considerable influence. He then questioned Lu Mingshan about the whereabouts of Yun Yi's body, which Lu Mingshan admitted was left behind and was now in Shen Yan's possession. Lord Lu severely reprimanded his grandson, calling Shen Yan a "living Yama" who could extract information from the most unlikely sources, and questioned Lu Mingshan's recklessness in leaving Yun Yi's body where Shen Yan could find it.
Admitting his error, Lu Mingshan then shared his new plan for the engagement: he would win the upcoming archery competition and, using the reward granted by Crown Prince Liu Wang, ask for Liu Ling to be granted to him in marriage. Unbeknownst to them, Liu Ling had overheard their entire conversation.
She boldly stepped forward, declaring that if Lu Mingshan could participate in the archery competition, so could she, and vowed to win to annul the engagement herself, shaming the Lu family in the process. Feeling lovesick from not seeing Shen Yan, Liu Ling decided to visit him at the administration of Beidian. There, she encountered Luo Fan, who informed her that Shen Yan was overwhelmed with official duties and offered to announce her.
Liu Ling refused to disturb him, opting to wait outside. After a long wait in her carriage, feeling bored and her legs numb, Luo Fan returned to Shen Yan, casually mentioning that Princess Changle was waiting outside, having declined to be announced to avoid disturbing him. Upon hearing this, Shen Yan immediately rushed out. Liu Ling pulled Shen Yan into her carriage, complaining about her numb legs, which he gently massaged.
She then attempted to return his waist badge but found herself reluctant. Shen Yan told her to keep it, saying he could retrieve it anytime he wished. He then instructed her to return home and wait for him. Taking Shen Yan's words literally, Liu Ling proceeded to the Shen Mansion. She confidently used Shen Yan's waist badge as a token to gain entry, much to the initial resistance of the house staff.
Inside, she met Shen Yan's mother, Madam Shen, who was noticeably unwelcoming. Upon learning Liu Ling was Princess Changle, Madam Shen refused the tea offered by Liu Ling, stating she could not accept such courtesy from a royal. Meanwhile, Shen Yan, having concluded his work, hurried home, sparking curiosity from Lord Han, who noted Shen Yan's anxious state, prompting Luo Fan to suggest Shen Yan was troubled by a "secret heart issue."
Shen Yan arrived home to an awkward encounter between his mother and Liu Ling. Madam Shen immediately pulled her son aside for a private conversation. She expressed her strong disapproval of his association with Liu Ling, citing the scandalous rumors and the fact that Liu Ling was already engaged to Lu Mingshan.
Madam Shen, well aware that Liu Ling's father, Prince Guangping, was His Majesty's brother and Lord Lu commanded significant power, warned Shen Yan that getting involved with Liu Ling would inevitably entangle him in the messy disputes between the Liu and Lu families. Shen Yan firmly reassured his mother that he knew what he was doing and had the situation under control. Liu Ling, sensing Madam Shen's disdain, later pressed Shen Yan about his mother's true feelings.
Shen Yan explained that his mother preferred a virtuous lady from a cultured family. Determined to win over Madam Shen, Liu Ling immediately declared she would return to the Duke Dingbei Mansion and diligently transform herself into a proper noble lady. Meanwhile, Xu Shijin arrived at the Duke Dingbei Mansion to consult her grandfather, the Old Marquis, a renowned collector, about a unique jade pattern she had in a drawing.
Though the Old Marquis was well-versed in jade and antiques, he admitted he had never seen such a pattern before. He then showed her some of his own recent acquisitions, including a beautiful vase. Adding to the mansion's commotion, Lu Qian, accompanied by Liu Runxiang, returned to Yejing.
Having heard a false rumor of Liu Ling's demise, Lu Qian orchestrated a plan to visit the Duke Dingbei Mansion to "mourn" Liu Ling, aiming to appear as a caring stepmother and seize an opportunity to involve the Duke Dingbei in holding Shen Yan accountable for Liu Ling's supposed death. Despite Liu Runxiang's preference to go to the Lu Mansion first, Lu Qian emphasized the critical importance of maintaining a virtuous reputation for women of noble families.
Dressed in mourning attire, they began to wail dramatically outside the Duke Dingbei Mansion's gates, only to be confronted by a very much alive Liu Ling. Lu Qian's face instantly dropped, and she attempted to quickly usher Liu Ling away. However, Shen Yan intervened, asserting his presence and stopping Lu Qian.
Liu Ling then exposed their scheme, revealing that Lu Qian and Liu Runxiang had rushed to Yejing without bothering to confirm the rumors, making a fool of themselves by weeping for a living person. Shen Yan accompanied Liu Ling back to the Duke Dingbei Mansion, his true purpose being to present a gift to her grandfather, the Old Marquis.
During the visit, Shen Yan, displaying a keen eye and deep knowledge of antiques, explained that he had acquired the matching piece to the Old Marquis's recently obtained white nephrite vase. Impressed, the Old Marquis also invited Shen Yan to critique a new painting. Shen Yan's analysis was profound, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of the artwork's unique style and the artist's underlying struggles.
During their conversation, Liu Ling stumbled, and Shen Yan quickly helped her, taking the opportunity to whisper that he would visit her that night. Before departing, the Old Marquis returned the vase, explaining that while they were a pair, he would only keep what was his, subtly maintaining a certain distance.
As Shen Yan left, the Old Marquis mused to Liu Ling about Shen Yan's seemingly calm demeanor contrasted with his blunt actions, questioning if she would truly be interested in such a man. Liu Ling denied it, but then secretly asked her grandfather to have servants seal the windows of her room with planks that very night.
Episode 9 Recap
Shen Yan arrived late at night to visit Liu Ling, only to find the windows of her room sealed with wooden planks. Liu Ling stated she had them sealed herself, asserting that as a noble lady, she could not allow a pervert to enter her boudoir at night. When Shen Yan, amused, pretended to leave, Liu Ling quickly stopped him and urged him to come in.
Once inside, Liu Ling made a playful advance, but Shen Yan deftly turned the tables, playfully asserting his control over her. Later, they sat on the rooftop, enjoying the moonlight and snacks. Seeing Liu Ling's subdued mood, Shen Yan tried to comfort her. Liu Ling admitted her worry that Shen Yan’s mother would not accept her.
Shen Yan reassured her, stating he would find a way to resolve the matter of their proposal and that everything was proceeding according to his plans. He informed her that he would be very busy with the Jiangzhou case in the coming days and would not have time to accompany her, hoping she would not cause any trouble. Liu Ling confirmed she also had an important task, which Shen Yan correctly guessed was the upcoming archery competition.
She declared her determination to win, so she could ask the Crown Prince to grant her wish to break off her engagement. Despite Shen Yan's doubts about her archery skills, Liu Ling asserted that for him, she was not afraid of death and could achieve anything. On the day of the archery competition, Lu Mingshan and Liu Yunxiang also arrived to participate. Before the competition began, the Crown Prince announced the prize: his personal Dragon Jade Pendant.
He promised that whoever won it would receive a wish from him, provided it was not excessive or against the law. He appointed Shen Yan as the judge to ensure fairness. The first round, target shooting, commenced. Lu Mingshan instructed Liu Yunxiang to help him force Liu Ling out of the competition, and Liu Yunxiang readily agreed. Placed in the same group as Liu Ling, Liu Yunxiang made insulting remarks.
However, Liu Ling, not one to back down, retaliated sharply by mocking Liu Yunxiang and her mother, Lu Qian, for their "natural talent at wailing and weeping even without learning," suggesting Liu Yunxiang might need to learn a skill like playing a horn for a living if she were to be cast out of Prince Guangping’s Mansion. Liu Ling successfully hit all five targets.
The results of the first round declared Liu Ling, Liu Yunxiang, and Lu Mingshan as the top three, qualifying them for the final round. Observing from the stands, Xu Shijin expressed her opinion to the Crown Prince that the contentious situation was his doing. The Crown Prince dismissed this, attributing the conflict to the long-standing animosity between the Liu and Lu families.
Xu Shijin further noted that both Liu Ling and Lu Mingshan were determined to win the Dragon Jade Pendant for opposing reasons: Liu Ling desired to break off her engagement, while Lu Mingshan sought a decree for marriage. The Crown Prince mused that if Liu Ling won and requested a divorce, Lu Mingshan would be anxious, but if Lu Mingshan won and requested marriage, the Crown Prince himself would be the "unlucky one."
The final round was called "canary shooting on swings," requiring the three contestants to stand on swings and shoot at flying golden balls. Before the match, Lu Mingshan subtly gave Liu Yunxiang a dagger. As Liu Yunxiang took her position, she swiftly used the dagger to cut one of the ropes supporting Liu Ling's swing. During the competition, Liu Ling discovered the compromised rope. Despite the dangerous situation, she refused to give up, even managing to shoot the golden ball.
Just as she secured the win, the swing rope snapped. Liu Ling plummeted, but Shen Yan, who had been watching closely, flew forward and caught her in his arms. Meanwhile, Liu Yunxiang, unable to maintain her balance, fell off her swing, and her arrow accidentally struck Lu Mingshan, causing him to lose his chance. Having won the Dragon Jade Pendant, Liu Ling requested her reward from the Crown Prince, who had already surmised her intention to break off her engagement.
Lu Mingshan protested, stating that his marriage had been decided by Prince Guangping and his grandfather and was not a trivial matter. Xu Shijin sharply rebuked Lu Mingshan for his disrespect toward the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince then commanded Lu Mingshan to accept his defeat gracefully and honored his promise to Liu Ling, allowing her to break off her engagement. Following the competition, Liu Ling arrived at the Lu Mansion to retrieve the Broken Engagement Announcement.
Lu Mingshan, chastised by his grandfather as an "incompetent loser," had no choice but to sign the document. Lord Lu was furious upon learning of Lu Mingshan's affair with the maid, Yue Ling, vehemently denouncing Lu Mingshan and his mother as "cheap and insignificant" and calling him a "boor from the countryside" who would always be "useless." Lu Qian intervened, reminding her father-in-law that the initial marriage arrangement with Liu Ling was merely a matter of expediency.
She expressed concern that Liu Ling, now colluding with Shen Yan, the Commander of the Jinlin Guard who was investigating the old Jiangzhou case, might uncover past secrets, potentially bringing trouble to both the Lu Family and Prince Guangping’s Mansion. Meanwhile, Yue Ling, who was pregnant, knelt before Lu Qian, asking for her help. Lu Qian, despite calling the unborn child a "bastard," saw an opportunity.
Yue Ling offered to be sent to Duke Dingbei's Mansion to serve Liu Ling, promising to ruin Liu Ling's reputation in the capital. In return, she asked to be allowed to remain with Lu Mingshan as a concubine. Lu Qian agreed, promising to convince her father-in-law, provided Yue Ling successfully ruined Liu Ling's reputation and aborted the child. Concurrently, a royal lord received blueprints for a fire arrow machine.
He ordered his men to have craftsmen begin production immediately, with instructions to kill all the craftsmen once the weapons were completed. Lu Qian, under the pretext of making amends, sent Yue Ling to Duke Dingbei's Mansion, where Liu Ling's maternal uncle assigned her to miscellaneous duties. Yue Ling immediately demonstrated extreme diligence, impressing the other maidservants who commented on her hard work and agile nature. However, Ling Bi, Liu Ling's personal maid, grew suspicious.
Upon encountering Yue Ling in the backyard, Ling Bi confronted her, asking why she was there. Yue Ling deliberately stumbled and fell, causing the other maids to accuse Ling Bi of bullying and to criticize Ling Bi's master as "unruly." Angered, Ling Bi returned to Liu Ling and reported Yue Ling’s manipulative behavior, suggesting she was acting under Lu Qian's instructions to ruin Liu Ling's reputation.
Liu Ling, however, viewed Yue Ling as a "pitiful" person and decided to let her continue her schemes. During this time, Shen Yan also sent Liu Ling a small golden bell, which Liu Ling lovingly put on her pet pig, Shen Oink, remarking that it was a gift from Shen Oink's father and that Shen Oink, like its father, was growing. On the fifteenth day of the lunar month, Duke Dingbei's Mansion held its customary alms-giving ceremony.
Liu Ling, resting in her room, was disturbed by Shen Oink's persistent squealing. Ling Bi, trying to keep Shen Oink quiet, took him to a nearby pavilion. She then left to fetch food for Shen Oink, instructing him to stay put. Seizing this opportunity, Yue Ling, who had earlier taken abortion medicine, stole Shen Oink and delivered him to a group of beggars. When Liu Ling discovered Shen Oink was missing, she frantically searched for him.
She eventually found Shen Oink's collar and clothes outside the mansion, near where several beggars were grilling meat. Realizing they had killed her beloved pig, Liu Ling demanded its return. Yue Ling, feigning concern, emerged and pleaded with Liu Ling to spare the beggars, claiming they were merely starving refugees unaware of Shen Oink's identity. Liu Ling, understanding Yue Ling's culpability, slapped her and ordered her to leave.
Yue Ling, however, clung to Liu Ling, begging not to be cast out and kowtowing repeatedly. When Liu Ling forcefully pulled away, the abortion medicine Yue Ling had taken took effect, causing her to miscarry on the spot. Yue Ling then publicly accused Liu Ling of her miscarriage, arguing that Liu Ling's cruelty had cost her a human life, which she claimed was more important than an animal's.
Liu Ling retorted that Yue Ling’s child was lost because Yue Ling had intentionally harmed Shen Oink, and thus, she was suffering the consequences of her own actions. Shen Yan, having been alerted, arrived quickly. He comforted the distraught Liu Ling, gently telling her that as Princess Changle, she should not cry publicly. He promised to give her something better than Shen Oink and swiftly took her away from the scene on horseback.
Episode 10 Recap
His Royal Highness, Duke Dingbei, furiously rebuked his son for allowing Yue Ling, a dangerous individual, into their home without his knowledge, particularly when she had caused trouble for him and Liu Ling. His son, Liu Ling's uncle and the Young Duke, admitted his mistake and explained that he had already sent Yue Ling away, but His Royal Highness stated it was too late.
He then learned from his son that Liu Ling had been taken away by Shen Yan, the commander of one of the fourteen armies, leaving His Royal Highness with a complex expression. Still heartbroken over the loss of her beloved pet, Shen Oink, Liu Ling was taken by Shen Yan to a mountain for stargazing. As a consolation, Shen Yan showed her a sky full of meteors.
Liu Ling's mood improved, and she smiled, but then remarked on how fleeting beautiful things are. Shen Yan revealed that Yue Ling had intentionally caused her miscarriage and Shen Oink's death, confirming Liu Ling's earlier suspicions about her manipulative nature. He then told Liu Ling that he understood she felt wronged for being left alone at Duke Dingbei’s Mansion for the sake of his reputation.
Shen Yan encouraged her to cherish the beautiful moments and let go of her sadness and anxiety. Liu Ling, however, questioned if his affection for her would also be as fleeting as the meteors. Meanwhile, Yu Guan, an official, visited Lord Lu to request war funds for the Crown Prince. Lord Lu complained about his son-in-law's constant demands, having just provided hundreds of thousands of taels the previous month.
Yu Guan explained the high cost of forging the fire arrow machine and the urgency due to the intensifying rumors surrounding the old Jiangzhou case, emphasizing that the machine was a crucial contingency. Lord Lu reluctantly agreed to provide the funds. His daughter, Lu Qian, comforted him, assuring him that once their plans with the Crown Prince succeeded, the money would be insignificant.
Shen Yan later met his older brother, Shen Yu, who had been investigating the origin of the jade pattern Shen Yan asked him to look into. Shen Yu informed him that the carving technique was intricate and confirmed the jade was not from the Central Plains, possibly originating from the north.
Shen Yu then warned Shen Yan about Princess Changle, relaying their mother's concerns about her "taking life easily" and not being a "virtuous lady," but Shen Yan dismissed his brother's advice. Shen Yan revealed his intention to provoke the powerful Lu family, stating he had secured the Crown Prince's approval to do so.
His immediate priority was to retrieve the Kun jade, which the Lu family possessed, as he believed they had killed Yun Yi and thought there was no evidence. Shen Yu cautioned Shen Yan about the Lu family's deep roots in the central government and the potential trouble they could cause, but Shen Yan maintained he had a plan. Later, Shen Yu went to the Flower Pavilion to drink and enjoy music.
While going upstairs, he overheard Lu Mingshan in a private room, drowning his sorrows. Lu Qian, his aunt, was speaking to him, instructing him not to regret killing Yue Ling, implying it was his grandfather's order to eliminate a "lowly maid" who would have brought ridicule upon him and hindered his future as the head of the family. Lu Mingshan confirmed he understood. Soon after, Yue Ling's body was discovered in the river.
Shen Yan examined the body, discerning that she had been suffocated before being thrown into the water, not drowned as widely believed by the public who wrongly attributed her death to a miscarriage caused by Liu Ling. Seizing this opportunity to pressure the Lu family, Shen Yan led the Jinlin Guard to raid the Lu Mansion.
They took Lord Lu, Lu Mingshan, and the butler for investigation, also summoning other officials associated with the Lu family to the administration of Beidian. At the administration of Beidian, Lord Lu confronted Shen Yan about the extensive investigation. Shen Yan declared he was investigating Yue Ling’s murder.
Lu Mingshan brazenly accused Liu Ling of causing Yue Ling’s supposed suicide through her harassment, alleging that Shen Yan was using his authority to exact personal revenge for Liu Ling, unfairly implicating the Lu family and other officials. Shen Yan dismissed their complaints and continued his rigorous questioning. Back at Duke Dingbei’s Mansion, during dinner, His Royal Highness expressed his strong disapproval of Liu Ling's association with Shen Yan.
Liu Ling explained that Shen Yan had helped her with a difficult situation, but her grandfather adamantly forbade her from seeing him or marrying him, regardless of her personal feelings. Liu Ling feigned illness and left the table. Her uncle, however, argued that a marriage with Shen Yan would benefit the Duke Dingbei’s family, given Shen Yan’s favored position with the Emperor and Crown Prince and his role in the administration of Beidian.
His Royal Highness countered that Shen Yan's dangerous position in the Jinlin Guard, which was akin to "licking blood from the tip of a knife," made him an unsuitable match, fearing it would make Liu Ling a "widow-to-be." Unwilling to directly hurt Liu Ling's feelings, His Royal Highness decided to make his son deliver the unwelcome news to Liu Ling. After a day of intense questioning at the administration of Beidian, Shen Yan allowed the officials to return home.
The officials, who had been influenced by Lu Mingshan, continued to openly criticize Shen Yan, accusing him of using his public office for private revenge. Liu Ling's aunt suggested enlisting Xu Shijin, Liu Ling's close friend, to persuade Liu Ling. Xu Shijin agreed, instructing Liu Ling's uncle to summon Shen Yan later, claiming Liu Ling had an urgent matter. Xu Shijin's true intention, however, was to help Liu Ling herself.
Having learned that Shen Yan's mother planned to visit Hong Luo Temple to pray for her sons' marriages, Xu Shijin took Liu Ling there ahead of time. Liu Ling sought a marriage lot, but the result was an unlucky draw. Soon after, Shen Yan's mother appeared and confronted Liu Ling, accusing her of being "flashy" and causing trouble, and implored her to "let go of Yan."
Xu Shijin defended Liu Ling, hinting that Yue Ling's death was part of a larger plot against Liu Ling. At the Flower Pavilion, Lu Mingshan and Lord Liu's conversation plotting to eliminate the Crown Prince's key allies, including Shen Yan, was reported to Shen Yu by singing girls. Shen Yu found their audacity amusing, remarking on how mere "ants" dared to have such world-shaking ambitions. Liu Ling realized Xu Shijin had deliberately led her to meet Shen Yan's mother.
Xu Shijin explained that such confrontations were inevitable. Liu Ling confessed her deep, unreserved love for Shen Yan, but admitted her fear stemming from her parents' past wrongdoing, stating it was a hurdle she couldn't overcome. Consequently, she lacked the confidence to commit to a lifelong future with Shen Yan. Shen Yan, who had arrived, overheard this conversation. As Liu Ling noticed him and tried to follow, Xu Shijin held her back.
Xu Shijin warned Liu Ling that the Shen family lacked the deep-rooted influence of the Liu and Lu families. She cautioned that if Shen Yan became entangled in their conflicts because of Liu Ling, his life would be in grave danger. Understanding Xu Shijin's concern for Shen Yan's safety, Liu Ling watched him leave with tears in her eyes. That night, both Shen Yan and Liu Ling were restless and unable to sleep. Ling Bi tried to comfort Liu Ling.
Liu Ling decided to test the depth of her feelings by intentionally avoiding Shen Yan, hoping that if she missed him enough to cry, it would prove her love. Meanwhile, Shen Yan woke early, rallied his Jinlin Guard, and led them to raid the Lu Mansion again. They forced entry and began to search, despite Lu Mingshan's protests and accusations of Shen Yan's malicious intent.
Shen Yan, undeterred, declared that if they didn't find what they were looking for this time, they would return, confident that he would eventually uncover what Lu Mingshan was trying to hide. Separately, the Ghost delivered a clue about the jade to Xu Shijin, indicating that the Southern Administration of Justice was the only place to find further information. Despite the difficulties this presented, Xu Shijin resolved to personally visit Shen Yu at the Southern Administration of Justice to clear her parents' names.
Episode 11 Recap
Liu Ling, despite refraining from seeing Shen Yan, daily dispatched Ling Bi to send him food, hoping he would recover his health. However, Shen Yan, angered by Liu Ling's distant attitude, refused to eat the meals. Ling Bi insisted that Liu Ling had gone to great lengths for him, even visiting imperial physicians for a special prescription and personally spending hours preparing the soup.
She revealed Liu Ling had not eaten all day due to worry and had never shown such deep care for anyone else, pleading with Shen Yan not to hold a grudge against the princess despite her occasional childish and willful behavior. Shen Yan, though outwardly unmoved, seemed to harbor some concern. Meanwhile, a group of officials, including Lord Liu of the Ministry of Punishments, confronted Lu Mingshan.
They accused him of causing their current troubles by offending Princess Changle, which they believed led Shen Yan to openly target the Lu family out of jealousy. Lu Mingshan, in coordination with Lord Liu, had already prepared a joint complaint to the Crown Prince, accusing Shen Yan of abusing his power. Lord Lu commended Lu Mingshan's improved tactics.
Lord Lu then chastised Lu Qian, recalling her past leniency in sparing Liu Ling, which he believed had now led to Shen Yan's continuous attacks on their family. He accused Liu Ling of causing trouble by first sending Xu Shijin to the Eastern Palace and now colluding with Shen Yan, making them rivals of the Lu family. Lu Qian expressed her anxiety about the old Jiangzhou case being revealed.
Lord Lu dismissed her worries, assuring her that Shen Yan was nothing to fear. He revealed their plan to not only publicly accuse Shen Yan in court but also to set a trap within the Lu mansion, anticipating Shen Yan's next attempt to search for the Kun jade left by Yun Yi. That night, Shen Yan entered the Lu mansion. A vigilant Lu Mingshan confronted him, questioning his presence at such an hour, even for a search.
Shen Yan claimed he had knocked without response and entered to ensure no unforeseen events had occurred, given the Lu family's involvement in the Yue Ling case. Shen Yan then warned Lu Mingshan to remain cautious, implying his next visit wouldn't be as simple as a mere inspection. Afterward, Lu Mingshan's subordinate confirmed he had followed orders by extinguishing the candles during Shen Yan's visit, confirming Shen Yan had taken the bait and the stage was set for their ambush.
Concurrently, Xu Shijin visited Shen Yu at the Nandian Administration, seeking his assistance. Shen Yu, in a playful mood, reminisced about their childhood together, playfully teasing Xu Shijin for her quick change of demeanor. As they delved into old documents for information, Xu Shijin discovered details about Lu He, a renowned descendant of Gongshu from the north, famed for his intricate mechanisms.
She found records of a remarkable treasure box of mechanism, an exquisite item with gunpowder hidden within its walls, designed to self-destruct if not opened by the Qian and Kun jade. Xu Shijin realized these jade pieces were the keys. Shen Yu implied that the Kun jade was retrieved from Yun Yi. Xu Shijin then speculated if Lu He and Lu Lianshan were related, to which Shen Yu corrected her, revealing they were master and disciple.
Shen Yu further disclosed that Lu Lianshan, a master of mechanism and Lu He's only disciple, was known for creating secret rooms. Years ago, the Lu family had recruited him as a follower, and the Emperor himself intended to bring him into the palace. However, shortly after the imperial edict was issued, Lu Lianshan suddenly died from a rapid illness, which occurred four years before the Jiangzhou case.
Shen Yu then emphasized that the true challenge was not Lu Lianshan's death, but rather deciphering how Yun Yi acquired the treasure box and where he hid it. Xu Shijin noted Shen Yu's unchanged "know-it-all" attitude, to which he replied that he remained in place, waiting for her to return. Xu Shijin then left, thanking him for his insights.
In a later discussion, Ling Bi interrupted Shen Yan and Luo Fan, who were reviewing Shen Yu's progress on the Jiangzhou case. Ling Bi conveyed that Shen Yu had made progress but found certain aspects "fishy" and advised Shen Yan to delay his planned entry into the Lu mansion to steal the jade. Shen Yan instructed Luo Fan to pressure Shen Yu daily for an update.
Soon after, Lord Lu led a group of officials to the Eastern Palace, accusing Shen Yan and the Jinlin Guard of arrogance and misconduct. They forced the Crown Prince to demote Shen Yan, threatening to approach the Emperor's temporary palace if their demands were not met. The Crown Prince, angered by being coerced, reluctantly ordered Shen Yan's demotion.
Shen Yan was then assigned to the Ministry of Punishments as a minor official to investigate old, unsolved cases, which Lord Liu presented to him as a challenge. Meanwhile, at Liu Ling's residence, her maternal grandfather expressed concern that she was harming herself emotionally due to Shen Yan, contrasting her current behavior with her past indifference. Liu Ling reassured him she was not angry with him but needed to thoroughly understand and clarify matters before she could face Shen Yan.
Her grandfather, dismissive of Shen Yan, suggested finding her a more suitable husband from the capital's aristocratic young men. Liu Ling, however, insisted on choosing her own husband, asserting that if she could not genuinely love a man as good as Shen Yan, she would never be able to commit to anyone. Shortly after, Liu Ling's uncle arrived with the news of Shen Yan's demotion. Liu Ling, deeply concerned, immediately decided to seek Xu Shijin's assistance.
She instructed Ling Bi to continue sending Shen Yan his meals and medicines, including a ginseng soup for his stomach ailment, ensuring he would not starve. At the Nandian Administration, Shen Yu expressed his annoyance at Liu Ling's presence, calling her a "tail" and making sarcastic remarks about the voluminous, dusty old files.
Liu Ling defended her presence, explaining her anxiety over Shen Yan's plight and the need for more eyes to search the mountain of documents, comparing it to finding a needle in a haystack. She brushed off Shen Yu's complaints for his brother's sake. As they sifted through the archives, Liu Ling's casual remark about "the living and the dead" concerning Yun Yi and Lu Lianshan sparked a breakthrough for Shen Yu.
He deduced that Yun Yi's true identity was Lu Lianshan. He explained that Yun Yi's presence in Yejing began in the 28th year of Dawei, while Lu Lianshan had suddenly died in the 27th year. Considering the vast amount of stolen silver from the Jiangzhou case, it would require an extremely secure hiding place, which Lu Lianshan, a master of mechanisms, was uniquely skilled at creating.
Shen Yu concluded that Lu Lianshan had faked his death, likely at the Lu family's behest, then assumed the identity of Yun Yi and entered the Xu family as a servant to Xu Shijin's father. Four years later, the Jiangzhou case occurred, with Yun Yi escaping. Xu Shijin then surmised that the treasure box containing the evidence was most likely hidden in Xuanwu Town, where Lu He, Lu Lianshan's master, resided.
To definitively confirm Yun Yi's identity, Shen Yu, Xu Shijin, and Liu Ling journeyed to Lu Lianshan's tomb under the cover of night. Shen Yu questioned why the two ladies accompanied him, to which Liu Ling playfully retorted that she did not want Xu Shijin and Shen Yu to be alone, adding that extra hands were useful for digging. Upon opening the coffin, Liu Ling initially assumed the presence of a body meant Lu Lianshan was truly dead.
However, Xu Shijin examined the corpse's right leg. She recalled that Yun Yi (Lu Lianshan) had once accidentally broken his right leg while on a mission for her family. Even after healing, such an injury would leave regenerated traces or a slightly rougher bone surface. Since the corpse's leg was perfectly smooth and intact, Xu Shijin conclusively stated that the body was not Lu Lianshan's, thereby confirming that Yun Yi was indeed Lu Lianshan.
With Yun Yi's true identity verified, Xu Shijin declared that solving the Jiangzhou case and bringing down the Lu family was imminent. Liu Ling inquired about Shen Yan's fate, and Xu Shijin assured her that the Eastern Palace would only trust the Jinlin Guard with the Jiangzhou case, implying Shen Yan would soon be entrusted with an important mission.
Shen Yu was then tasked with restoring the tomb to its original state to prevent the Lu family from being alerted, to which he playfully complained about the burden of being capable.
Episode 12 Recap
Xu Shijin revealed to Liu Ling that their gathering in Yejing was the first time she, Shen Yu, and Liu Ling had been together. Liu Ling, observing Xu Shijin and Shen Yu, confessed that seeing them together made her think they were a perfect, innocent couple, and she admitted to once envying Xu Shijin's closeness with Shen Yu.
Liu Ling expressed her regret that if the past misfortune in Jiangzhou hadn't occurred and Xu Shijin's parents were still alive, Xu Shijin and Shen Yu would have married and lived a carefree life. Xu Shijin, however, dismissed "if" as the most beautiful lie and insisted on facing reality. She explained that to seek justice for her wrongly deceased parents, she had to personally sever her ties with Shen Yu.
She characterized Shen Yu as an unworldly person, indifferent to fame or gains, who preferred a leisurely life, while her path to revenge required her to be worldly. Her greatest fear was that Shen Yu would be implicated because of her. Liu Ling then questioned her own feelings for Shen Yan, believing they paled in comparison to Xu Shijin's devotion to Shen Yu. Xu Shijin reassured her that emotions cannot be compared in such a way.
Afterward, Liu Ling requested to be dropped off at a tavern in the city, wanting to walk alone. At the Beidian Administration, Shen Yu informed Shen Yan that he had found information regarding Lu Mingshan, noting that an important item related to him was located in the north. Shen Yan considered requesting permission to go north, but Shen Yu reminded him that the Double Seventh Festival was approaching.
He detailed that Lu Mingshan was hosting a large banquet at his mansion, inviting noble ladies to celebrate the festival with his granddaughter, Liu Runxiang. Shen Yu emphasized that this event would be the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the mansion and steal the Kun Jade. Shen Yan agreed to handle this before heading north to Xuanwu Town. Shen Yu then mentioned that Princess Changle, Liu Ling, was deeply distressed because she felt helpless about Shen Yan's recent troubles.
She had bought more than ten pots of wine and was likely drinking alone in her room, trying to forget her worries. Shen Yu suggested Shen Yan visit her if he had time. Later that night, Liu Ling, heavily intoxicated, welcomed Shen Yan, inviting him to join her in forgetting their worries. She then questioned why he was appearing in her dream again, as they had agreed not to meet.
She wondered why she only smiled when she saw him, rather than crying from missing him, pondering if this meant her feelings for him weren't genuine, and thus she shouldn't meet him. Shen Yan calmly suggested she was drunk. When he turned to leave, Liu Ling frantically begged him not to abandon her in her dream, expressing her wish to hold him forever and never wake up.
She eventually fell asleep in his arms, and he gently placed her on her bed. The next morning, Liu Ling awoke still believing the previous night was a dream, wishing to go back to sleep and playfully complaining about Xu Shijin's early arrival disturbing her beautiful dream. Xu Shijin, amused, hinted at important matters concerning Shen Yan. Liu Ling quickly apologized and eagerly asked for details.
Xu Shijin revealed that Shen Yan and Shen Yu planned to infiltrate Lu's Mansion and steal the Kun Jade during the Double Seventh Festival banquet. Liu Ling realized the difficulty of such a task and offered her assistance, asking what she needed to do. Xu Shijin suggested that Liu Ling was the most suitable person in Yejing to create a diversion during the "Daughter's Festival."
Liu Ling enthusiastically agreed, stating she had long sought an opportunity to retaliate against Lu's family, who had framed her using Yue Ling and caused the death of Shen Oink, her pet pig. She then hinted at a secret plan she would execute on the day of the banquet. On the Double Seventh Festival, Liu Ling, accompanied by a dozen of her personal guards, audaciously forced her way into Lu's Mansion, causing a significant commotion at the entrance.
Despite the steward's attempts to stop her by stating no uninvited guests could enter, Liu Ling asserted her authority, complaining that the Lu family had deliberately excluded her from their grand banquet. Inside, Liu Runxiang expressed her displeasure at Liu Ling's uninvited and disruptive presence. Lu Mingshan quickly tried to slander Liu Ling, claiming that his maid, Yue Ling, had a miscarriage because of Liu Ling and subsequently took her own life in grief.
Liu Ling, however, refuted his claims, first by presenting a doctor from Huichun Clinic. The doctor testified that the medicine given to Yue Ling for her condition would take effect within an hour. Liu Ling questioned why Yue Ling only suffered a fall and bled days after entering the Hou Mansion, suggesting Yue Ling might have known her fetus wouldn't survive and planned to frame Liu Ling, seeking refuge at the Dingbei Duke Mansion before her miscarriage.
Dismissing Lu Mingshan's protests, Liu Ling then presented Yue Ling's corpse, shocking everyone present. She declared her intention to seek justice for Yue Ling, who had died unjustly. Citing a coroner's report from the Administration of Beidian, Liu Ling stated that Yue Ling's body showed signs of suffocation, not drowning, indicating she had been smothered to death and then dumped in the river to make it appear as a suicide.
She demanded an explanation from the Lu family, highlighting that Yue Ling entered their mansion alive but was found dead after being in their care. As a servant reported that the butler had discovered a thief trapped in the study, Lu Mingshan declared that Yue Ling's case could wait and rushed towards the study. Liu Ling blocked his path, challenging him to guess the thief's identity.
Lu Mingshan prioritized catching the thief, but Liu Ling refused to move, reminding him that as "Jiangzhou's No.1 Wicked Woman," she did not pick places to cause trouble, and would not leave until Yue Ling's case was resolved. Lu Mingshan asserted his right to deal with his own maid, as Yue Ling was their property.
Liu Ling countered that before her death, Yue Ling had sought refuge at the Dingbei Duke Mansion and her indenture was personally delivered by Lu Mingshan's aunt, making Yue Ling a person of the Dingbei Duke Mansion. Liu Ling then ordered her guards to beat Lu Mingshan, offering rewards for each strike. Lu Mingshan was severely beaten amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Shen Yu, who had already infiltrated the study, had knocked out Liu Runxiang and hidden with her.
When Lu Mingshan was being beaten by Liu Ling's guards, Shen Yan seized the opportunity to retrieve the Kun Jade from Lu Mingshan's person. Still bruised, Lu Mingshan attempted to unlock the study door, but Liu Ling forbade it, invoking her status as a princess. Lu Mingshan defied her, claiming he would bear the consequences if the Emperor chose to protect her. At this moment, Shen Yan appeared, casually asking Lu Mingshan if he had lost something.
Liu Runxiang's voice was then heard from inside the study, claiming she had been hit. Shen Yan declared it was a misunderstanding and led Liu Ling away. Furious about the missing Kun Jade, Lu Mingshan ordered his butler to search the room and instructed Hu Xiao to secretly monitor Shen Yan and Xu Shijin, and to kill Shen Yan when the opportunity arose to retrieve the jade and avenge his humiliation.
Later, Liu Ling questioned if the chaos at Lu's Mansion was part of Shen Yan's plan. Shen Yan confirmed it, explaining that he had repeatedly pressured the Lu family using Yue Ling's case to make Lu Mingshan uneasy. Knowing Lu Mingshan's cautious nature, he predicted Lu Mingshan would carry the Kun Jade on him.
Shen Yan stated that the study was a trap, so he allowed Lu Mingshan to believe he had the upper hand, making him relax his guard, which then created the opportunity for Shen Yan to act. He also remarked on Shen Yu's unchanged mischievous nature. Shen Yan then asked Liu Ling to walk with him, stating he had something important to say before he left.
Liu Ling initially hesitated, but Shen Yan pressed her, asking how long she intended to ignore him before his departure. He revealed he had received a secret imperial edict from the Eastern Palace and would be heading north to Xuanwu Town the next day, requesting an explanation from her before he left. As they walked past a stall selling "red strings for love" from the Vega Temple, Liu Ling attempted to thread a needle but failed.
Shen Yan then tried and easily succeeded, giving her the red string. He noted that he had obtained the string while she could not, pondering if he was not the one for her. Liu Ling confessed that she had an emotional barrier she couldn't overcome, making her unable to think about their future or promise him a lifetime. She felt she didn't deserve him and didn't want to hold him back.
Shen Yan smiled, reminding her of what she had said the previous night. Suddenly, a Jinlin Guard reported that criminals being escorted by the Ministry of Punishment had been hijacked and were loose on the streets. Shen Yan acknowledged the report and told the guard to go. Liu Ling suggested he had work to do and she should return home, but Shen Yan insisted she accompany him.
He told her that while she knew "Shen Yan," she didn't know "Stern-faced Yama," and proposed taking her into "Yama's world" to revisit the discussion of whether she still felt she didn't deserve him. He asked if she was afraid, and Liu Ling bravely replied she was not, as long as he was with her. They arrived at the scene where the escaped criminals were causing chaos.
Liu Ling was visibly frightened, almost dropping a jade bracelet she was trying to buy. Shen Yan told her to wait there. He confronted the criminals, declaring himself "Stern-faced Yama." With lethal efficiency, he eliminated them, stating that the Jinlin Guard's job involved killing, and his hands would never be clean.
He acknowledged they were bad people who deserved their fate, despite the sadness their situation evoked, and proclaimed that "the one who kills must be prepared to be killed," and that "Stern-faced Yama lives an unstable life involving bloodshed." He then turned to Liu Ling and asked if she still believed she didn't deserve a man like him. Liu Ling admitted her fear, stating it was the first time she had witnessed that side of him.
She initially suggested he leave her, but then retracted, asserting she would not go because he had asked her to wait. She reiterated that she didn't deserve him, but she couldn't bear to see him navigate the treacherous path between life and death alone. She offered to accompany him so he wouldn't be lonely, until he found someone who could promise him a lifetime. Deeply moved, Shen Yan responded, "You won't leave, and I won't abandon you."
All past grievances dissipated, and they finally succumbed to their emotions, sharing a passionate embrace and kiss on the rooftop. Meanwhile, Xu Shijin was outside the palace celebrating the Double Seventh Festival. Drawn by beautiful singing, she entered a place where a woman named Ru Yu was performing. Xu Shijin expressed her admiration for Ru Yu's voice and requested her to sing a few more songs for sentimental reasons.
Ru Yu smiled, remarking that Xu Shijin's words reminded her of a certain gentleman who always spoke similarly. Shortly after, Shen Yu, passing by, saw Xu Shijin. He then approached a fireworks vendor, bought all the fireworks available, and had them wrapped for himself. He then set them off from a distance, watching Xu Shijin smile as she gazed at the display.
Episode 13 Recap
The streets of the capital buzzed with excitement as fireworks illuminated the night sky. Among the crowds, Luo Fan purchased a beautiful hairpin for Ling Bi, but her attention was captivated by the dazzling display above. Meanwhile, Shen Yan confessed to Liu Ling the inherent dangers of his work, acknowledging his fear that he might not be able to protect her for a lifetime.
Despite this, he pledged that as long as she remained by his side, he would never abandon her. He asked her to wait for his return, promising to marry her. Deeply moved, Liu Ling affirmed her commitment to him, and their bond was reaffirmed. Later, they released flower lanterns by the river. They secretly placed notes bearing their wishes inside the lanterns. Liu Ling, unable to sleep that night, was consumed by curiosity about Shen Yan's wish.
The following day, accompanied by Ling Bi, she returned to the river and found Shen Yan's lantern. The note inside read, "Wish you good. I dare not wish you to get everything you want. I just hope you won't lose what you have now and live a carefree life." Liu Ling carefully treasured the heartfelt message. Upon Yang Ye's return with Mrs. Shen's itinerary, Liu Ling decided to create an opportunity to foster a good relationship with her.
Ling Bi expressed doubt, believing Mrs. Shen's known disdain for Liu Ling would lead to a difficult encounter. However, Liu Ling insisted on taking matters into her own hands, recognizing that Shen Yan's journey north to Xuanwu Town was to retrieve the box of Qian and Kun jade, hoping to earn the Crown Prince's favor and a decree for their marriage. Dressed meticulously, Liu Ling waited at Shuxiang Hall, a vegetarian restaurant, for Mrs. Shen.
Mrs. Shen, however, saw through Liu Ling's intentions immediately, bluntly stating that Liu Ling should not pursue Shen Yan as she already had a suitable daughter-in-law in mind for her son. Mrs. Shen's straightforwardness left Liu Ling embarrassed, especially when she revealed her preferred daughter-in-law was Princess Wuyou, Qin Ning, a name that struck fear into Liu Ling's heart. Determined to understand the situation, Liu Ling sought out Luo Fan, who reluctantly divulged the truth.
Qin Ning's mother and Mrs. Shen were close friends, leading Mrs. Shen to oversee Qin Ning's upbringing. Three years prior, Qin Ning had personally arranged her engagement to Shen Yan but then inexplicably vanished. Rumors circulated that Qin Ning had fallen in love with a martial artist and eloped. Fearing the Shen family's displeasure, Duke Zhennan's Mansion proactively annulled the engagement. Now that Qin Ning had returned to Yejing, Mrs. Shen's hopes for her to marry Shen Yan were rekindled.
Liu Ling desperately wanted to meet Qin Ning but could not find her. While resting at a tea stall with Ling Bi, Liu Ling noticed a veiled woman consulting a fortune teller. The woman became disheartened when the fortune teller predicted she would not find the person she sought. Liu Ling interjected, asserting that fate is not dictated by fortune-telling. Encouraged by Liu Ling's words, the woman joined her at a nearby restaurant.
Liu Ling offered to help her find her beloved "Red Lang", a skilled swordsman, and shared her own quest to find Qin Ning. The woman then revealed her true identity: she was Princess Wuyou, Qin Ning. Qin Ning decided to help Liu Ling and accompanied her to the Shen Mansion. Mrs. Shen greeted Qin Ning with immense warmth but ignored Liu Ling. To ease the awkwardness, Mr. Shen invited Liu Ling to join them for dinner.
During the meal, Qin Ning stated she was upset about Liu Ling's interference in her relationship with Shen Yan, implying her engagement was still valid, which greatly pleased Mrs. Shen. Qin Ning's performance made Liu Ling anxious, especially when Qin Ning suddenly feigned nausea and excused herself. Liu Ling, feigning concern, followed her outside. Once alone, Liu Ling confronted Qin Ning about her true intentions.
Qin Ning loudly declared she was pregnant with Shen Yan's child, stating her intention to make him marry her and be a "cheap dad." Mrs. Shen, having overheard Qin Ning's pronouncement, was enraged and unequivocally stated that Liu Ling had already been chosen as Shen Yan's wife. After Mrs. Shen left, Qin Ning confessed to Liu Ling that her dramatic declaration was merely an act.
Liu Ling worried that this deception would damage Mrs. Shen's relationship with Qin Ning, but Qin Ning explained that one cannot have everything and that some sacrifice was necessary to help Liu Ling secure her future with Shen Yan. Qin Ning then urged Liu Ling to be filial to Mrs. Shen in the future, a promise Liu Ling readily made. Qin Ning then departed, noting that she would reside at Liu Ling's mansion while continuing her search for her beloved.
Meanwhile, Shen Yan arrived in Xuanwu Town and located Chen A'san, a well-connected individual known as "Carrion Beetle," who had a history of trading unclaimed corpses. To draw out Lu He, Shen Yan instructed Chen A'san to auction a fake box of Qian and Kun jade in the black market, offering him the proceeds if it sold for one hundred taels. Xu Shijin and Ghost Face arrived in Xuanwu Town and joined Shen Yan.
As they observed Chen A'san auctioning a small copper cauldron, representing the fake jade, Hu Xiao and his men suddenly appeared, disrupting the crowd. Hu Xiao seized the fake box, unaware that Chen A'san had earlier swapped the real box with Lu He. Shen Yan spotted Lu He's figure and pursued him, with Xu Shijin and Ghost Face close behind. Lu He entered a mountain cave and activated a mechanism, sealing the stone door behind him.
Shen Yan, Xu Shijin, and Ghost Face managed to enter the cave just before it fully closed. Inside, Shen Yan blocked Lu He's escape route. He then falsely claimed that the jade had been given to him by Yun Yi before his death and that Yun Yi had specifically instructed him to find his master, Lu He, in Xuanwu Town to retrieve the box and avenge his death, implying that the box contained evidence related to the Jiangzhou case. Despite Lu He's initial skepticism, Shen Yan's convincing fabrication led Lu He to reluctantly agree to take them deeper into the cave.
Episode 14 Recap
Outside a cave, Hu Xiao discovered the stone door was open. After a cautious probe, he led his men inside. Lu He had deliberately opened it, intending for the Lu family's men to clash with Xu Shijin and the Ghost, who were allied with Shen Yan. Hu Xiao indeed found Xu Shijin and the Ghost. The Ghost protected Xu Shijin, bravely fending off the attackers, but he struggled under the assault of numerous assassins.
Years ago, Lu Lianshan had entrusted the box of Qian and Kun jade to Lu He, along with a handwritten letter. In the letter, Lu Lianshan explained that he had risked his life to steal official silver from the Jiangzhou treasury. He instructed Lu He that if he returned alive, it meant he had evaded his pursuers, and they could then retrieve the silver, change their names, and live a life of wealth and freedom.
If he did not return, Lu He was to use the Qian and Kun jade to open the box and claim the silver for himself. Lu Lianshan had expressly warned Lu He not to seek revenge or get involved in the conflicts between the government and the Lu family. Yet, Shen Yan claimed Lu Lianshan had sent him to demand the box for revenge.
Lu He confirmed the box was in his possession but stated there was only one, to be given to the survivor. Shen Yan then argued that while Lu He could refuse the Jinlin Guard or the Lu family, he could not refuse Lady-in-waiting Xu, as Lu Lianshan was responsible for her parents' unjust deaths. Lu He confirmed that Lady-in-waiting Xu was indeed the daughter of the Xu couple who were wrongly implicated and died in the Jiangzhou case.
Although Lu He acknowledged Lu Lianshan's wrongdoing, he ultimately decided to let Shen Yan save Xu Shijin, especially upon learning of her danger. Shen Yan and the Ghost then joined forces. Despite the Ghost being injured, their cooperation was seamless; they eliminated all the assassins, including the formidable Hu Xiao. Xu Shijin met with Lu He and knelt, pleading for the box.
She explained it was the only evidence to prove the Lu family was behind the Jiangzhou case and the sole means to clear her parents' names. Lu He, understanding Xu Shijin's pain from losing her parents, expressed deep guilt for his disciple's actions. He handed her the box, hoping its contents would help her clear the Xu family's name. To return to Yejing as quickly as possible, the three traveled day and night.
When Xu Shijin began to feel unwell, Shen Yan suggested she give him the box so she could walk at a slower pace with the Ghost. Xu Shijin, however, declined, concerned that her prolonged absence from the capital, already a month long, might arouse suspicion from the Crown Prince, and mentioned her eagerness to return to Liu Ling. As she mounted her horse, she felt dizzy, and the Ghost quickly steadied her.
Elsewhere, Qin Ning, who had assisted Liu Ling, accepted Liu Ling's invitation to stay at Dingbei Duke Mansion, finding Liu Ling's straightforward and bold nature appealing. At the mansion, Qin Ning encountered Yang Ye and immediately recognized him as Yuan Zhelin, her "Brother Hong," whom she had searched for relentlessly across the martial world for over three years. Overwhelmed with emotion, Qin Ning confronted him, expressing her pain at his silence, then slapped him and drew her sword.
After their intense confrontation, Liu Ling led Qin Ning inside, where Qin Ning recounted her story. Yuan Zhelin, the leader of the foremost assassin sect, had pledged his love to Qin Ning three years prior and promised to retire to live a secluded life with her. To sever ties with his sect, Yuan Zhelin was tasked with challenging the masters of the four righteous sects.
Qin Ning had faithfully awaited his return, hearing that he had defeated the masters, but he vanished without a trace. Liu Ling recounted rescuing Yuan Zhelin, explaining that he was severely injured from his battle, ended up in Jiangzhou, and was brought to the Duke's Mansion to recover and repay her kindness. Qin Ning lamented his silence despite her desperate, sleepless search. Liu Ling countered that Qin Ning's constant travels might have made it impossible for him to reach her.
Qin Ning dismissed this as an excuse and vowed revenge. Liu Ling then pointed out that Yuan Zhelin had deliberately held back during their fight and would likely give his life if asked. She wisely advised Qin Ning to focus on getting Yuan Zhelin to stop repaying Liu Ling's kindness so they could finally be together, rather than pursuing revenge.
Qin Ning was "enlightened" by Liu Ling's words, realizing she could make Yuan Zhelin indebted to her by repaying Liu Ling's favor on his behalf, thus binding him to her forever. In Yejing, Guangping Prince Liu Lishan arrived and demanded a substantial sum of five million taels for military expenses from Lord Lu.
Lord Lu was distressed by the exorbitant demand, but Liu Lishan threatened him, reminding him of the Jiangzhou treasury silver case and how Lord Lu had coerced him into marrying Lu Qian by using that very silver as leverage. Liu Lishan warned Lord Lu that if their grand plan failed, the crime of treason would lead to the execution of their entire nine generations.
Left with no choice, Lord Lu reluctantly agreed, despite his profound regret, asking for time to raise the considerable sum. Meanwhile, representatives from Yigu, a small border state, arrived in Wei for an audience. Crown Prince Liu Wang received Tuoba Lie, the Crown Prince of Yigu, who formally requested to marry a Wei princess. This request, though veiled as a means of fostering relations, carried a provocative undertone that made it difficult to immediately refuse.
The Crown Prince decided to stall, assigning Lu Mingshan to accompany Tuoba Lie. Lu Mingshan, who had a good relationship with Tuoba Lie, cunningly suggested that the Yigu Crown Prince should actively choose a Wei princess instead of waiting for a decree. Around this time, news of Hu Xiao's death and the box of Qian and Kun jade falling into Shen Yan's hands reached Lu Mingshan.
Incensed and seeking retaliation against Shen Yan, Lu Mingshan resolved to use Liu Ling as his instrument of revenge. Lu Mingshan then escorted Tuoba Lie to the Dingbei Duke Mansion. Duke Dingbei, Liu Ling's maternal grandfather, received Tuoba Lie coldly and bluntly asked him to leave. As Lu Mingshan and Tuoba Lie were departing, they witnessed Liu Ling preparing to jump into a lake.
This was part of Qin Ning's elaborate plan to "repay Yuan Zhelin's kindness" by orchestrating a fake drowning so she could "save" Liu Ling and thus put Yuan Zhelin in her debt. Before Liu Ling could hit the water, Tuoba Lie swiftly moved and brought her ashore. Liu Ling, annoyed by the unexpected intervention, stormed off.
Intrigued by Liu Ling, Tuoba Lie was then encouraged by Lu Mingshan to seek an imperial edict from the Emperor for a marriage alliance, using the current strength of Yigu's army and the Wei Emperor's aversion to war as leverage. Soon after, an imperial edict arrived, bestowing upon Liu Ling the title of Princess Anhe, citing her noble character and intelligence, and ordering her to marry Tuoba Lie.
Liu Ling, horrified by the decree, immediately sought an audience with the Emperor. Duke Dingbei accompanied her. However, the Emperor, recuperating in his palace, refused to see either of them, and an eunuch warned them against forcing their way in, explaining the Emperor's difficult position regarding the marriage and the potential severe consequences of angering him. Duke Dingbei, however, refused to give up, stating Liu Ling was his only granddaughter and had suffered enough. Liu Ling, seeing her grandfather's resolve, tried to take the blame solely upon herself, asking him to return, but he remained steadfast by her side.
Episode 15 Recap
Duke Dingbei and Princess Peace Liu Ling knelt outside the palace, attempting to sway the Emperor's decision regarding Liu Ling's impending marriage to Tuoba Lie of Yigu. When Crown Prince Liu Wang arrived, he urged Duke Dingbei to rise, acknowledging the Duke's deep love for his granddaughter but implicitly stating that the Emperor's decision was for the greater good. Duke Dingbei, however, steadfastly refused, declaring his intention to prevent the marriage.
He proclaimed Yigu's ambitious nature, asserting that if they threatened war over Liu Ling's refusal, she absolutely could not marry. He even offered to personally lead the army with the Marshal Seal to defend Wei. Crown Prince Liu Wang argued that while Wei was ready to fight if directly provoked, the current situation was different.
He questioned Duke Dingbei's wisdom, suggesting that if Liu Ling's rejection sparked a war, both Princess Peace and the Emperor would face public condemnation and be written into history with a terrible reputation. As Liu Wang delivered his grim warning, Duke Dingbei suddenly collapsed, prompting Liu Ling to cry out for help. Back at the House of Duke Dingbei, the young duke, Liu Ling’s maternal uncle, rushed to his father’s side, distraught by his unconscious state.
His wife, however, remained composed, attributing Duke Dingbei’s collapse to mere heatstroke, incurred from stubbornly waiting for the Emperor. She then subtly manipulated her husband, reminding him that their father-in-law’s previous robust health had made it difficult to act. But now, with Duke Dingbei ill due to Liu Ling’s predicament, she suggested it was the opportune moment to use "that thing" they had prepared.
She assured her husband that once Duke Dingbei was incapacitated, he would naturally become the true head of the House of Duke Dingbei. The young duke, suddenly recalling his prepared poison, understood her implications. Duke Dingbei, having regained consciousness at the House of Duke Dingbei, reassured a guilt-ridden Liu Ling that his ailment was merely heatstroke, not her fault.
He gently dismissed her concern, reflecting on his age and her growth from the small child he brought back from Jiangzhou ten years prior. Despite his weakness, he maintained a hopeful spirit, noting that neither the Crown Prince nor the Emperor had completely closed off their options. When his son, the young duke, arrived with medicine, Duke Dingbei tasked him with discreetly investigating Tuoba Lie's personality and preferences.
He reasoned that since the Emperor and Crown Prince remained firm on the marriage, their only recourse was to find a solution through Tuoba Lie himself. Although initially resistant and advising his father to give up, the young duke yielded to his father's unwavering determination to protect Liu Ling, his granddaughter, and administered the medicine. Later, after Lu Mingshan had taken Tuoba Lie to a performance and left, Prince Guangping Liu Lishan, Liu Ling's father, sought out Tuoba Lie.
Tuoba Lie, addressing Liu Lishan as Prince, stated that the Lu family, once his puppet, was now failing, necessitating his direct presence. Liu Lishan then inquired about Tuoba Lie's purpose. Tuoba Lie, asserting Yigu's inherent claim over Wei, asked what benefit his kingdom would gain from helping Liu Lishan. In response, Liu Lishan offered fertile border lands to Yigu if they helped him ascend the throne. Tuoba Lie acknowledged Liu Lishan's sincerity, promising to consult his father, the Yigu King.
However, Liu Lishan detained him, demanding a display of sincerity if Yigu truly wished to ally with him. He then specified his condition: Tuoba Lie must ensure Liu Ling, Liu Lishan's daughter, willingly accepts the marriage, as her current reluctance had caused numerous complications. News reached Liu Ling that Duke Dingbei had vomited blood, prompting her to rush to his side. However, her maternal uncle, the young duke, physically barred her way, accusing her of causing his father’s illness.
The young duke’s wife intervened, calling Liu Ling an "outsider" and an ill-fated jinx, before aggressively ordering her back to her room, warning her not to provoke further misfortune. Distraught, Liu Ling retreated to her room, crying out for Shen Yan. For days, she refused to eat or drink.
Concerned, Ling Bi attempted to obtain food from the kitchen, only to be met with the callous refusal of the butler, who, acting under the young duke’s wife’s instructions, mocked her and ordered her to kneel in the front yard, hoping her display might soften the lady’s heart. Prince Guangping Liu Lishan arrived at the House of Duke Dingbei, finding Ling Bi kneeling outside. Enraged, he chastised the young duke for punishing his staff and ordered food for Liu Ling.
He then confronted Liu Ling, who remained silent, warning her that her defiance had already led to punishments for the House of Duke Dingbei and would implicate more people, including his own Prince Guangping’s Mansion and their siblings. He specifically threatened that the Emperor and Crown Prince would not spare Shen Yan or the Shen family if she continued to resist.
Liu Ling, however, bitterly questioned if she should simply submit like her mother, Yun, before telling her father to leave her alone. Later, the weak Duke Dingbei confronted Liu Lishan, accusing him of causing Yun's death due to his relentless ambition, and fearing he would harm Liu Ling next.
He lamented Liu Ling’s fate, sacrificed first by Liu Lishan’s ambition (leading to her mother’s death), then raised in his household as a form of compensation, and now forced to sacrifice her marriage. Liu Lishan acknowledged his regret but admitted he was too deep on his path to turn back, suggesting that marrying into Yigu might paradoxically be Liu Ling's safest option.
He then revealed his own long-held grievances: how he, a valiant warrior who brought peace to Wei, was denied the throne and given only a humiliating title by his emperor brother. Resigned, Duke Dingbei dismissed Liu Lishan, stating Liu Ling’s fate was now her own. As Liu Ling sat lost in thought, Shen Yan, having rushed back to Yejing, leapt through her window to find her.
He embraced her tightly, expressing how much he missed her, but Liu Ling remained distant, not returning his hug. Noticing her unusual demeanor, Shen Yan pressed her, and Liu Ling turned away, telling him she could not marry him. Stunned, Shen Yan struggled to understand, but Liu Ling repeated her devastating news: she was getting married, but not to him.
When Shen Yan questioned if she was being forced, Liu Ling coldly denied it, claiming she had changed her mind, grown tired of him, and found someone else to be by her side when he wasn’t. Despite Shen Yan's persistent questions about her sincerity, Liu Ling maintained her facade, asserting that every word was true and that she now sought a tangible, ever-present love that Shen Yan couldn't provide.
To emphasize her resolve, she tossed the red string he had given her onto the ground, declaring it useless. Heartbroken, Shen Yan warned her that he would not give her a second chance. Back in Yejing, Lady-in-waiting Xu Shijin consulted with Shen Yu, revealing a significant discovery from a treasure box: a historical hand-written note and a map. The map indicated the location of the stolen Jiangzhou treasury silver, surprisingly hidden within Yigu territory.
Xu Shijin proposed a daring plan to use the silver as a catalyst to ignite a conflict between Wei and Yigu, thus nullifying Liu Ling's impending marriage. Shen Yu, however, warned her of the immense danger and the risk of self-destruction. Despite his concerns, and his questioning of her selflessness, Shen Yu ultimately pledged his unwavering support, vowing to accompany her through any peril. Meanwhile, news circulated among the Jinlin Guard about the upcoming wedding of Jinlin Guard Seven.
Though some guards expressed reservations about Shen Yan attending, given his recent breakup with Princess Peace Liu Ling, Shen Yan himself, upon overhearing their conversation, calmly declared his intention to attend. In the House of Duke Dingbei, a desolate Liu Ling refused to eat, telling Ling Bi to keep the windows closed, convinced Shen Yan would not return.
Desperate to help Liu Ling, who was heartbroken and unable to eat, Ling Bi sought out Luo Fan, begging him to facilitate a meeting between Liu Ling and Shen Yan.
Luo Fan, learning that Liu Ling was soon to depart for Jiangzhou to await her marriage and that Shen Yan planned to attend Jinlin Guard Seven's wedding that very night, suggested Ling Bi arrange for Liu Ling to discreetly attend the ceremony, believing it was their best chance to see each other. Overjoyed and hopeful, Ling Bi agreed, promising not to reveal his involvement, and left to inform the princess. Later that evening, the wedding ceremony commenced.
Episode 16 Recap
Princess Peace Liu Ling attended the wedding of Seven, a Jinlin Guard. The guests lauded the beautiful match and expressed gratitude for Princess Peace Liu Ling's presence, vowing to defend her honor against any who called her arrogant. Elsewhere, His Royal Highness Liu Lishan, upon finding that Princess Peace Liu Ling had already left to attend Seven's wedding, discovered a hairpin and a portrait belonging to Zhang Yun, his late wife. This sight plunged him into a painful memory.
He recalled Zhang Yun's pregnancy, their shared anticipation of their daughter's birth, and his promise to give her the best in the world. He reminisced about naming her Ling, and Zhang Yun's explanation of "holding hands and growing old together" – a woman's deepest desire to find a brave man who would love and protect her more than his own life, ensuring she never felt alone.
His memory then turned painful, recalling how he had married Lu Qian for political gain, leading to Zhang Yun's sorrow and death, and Liu Ling's subsequent deep resentment towards him. His Royal Highness Liu Lishan was consumed by regret, lamenting that he had forced Princess Peace Liu Ling into a distant marriage, effectively denying her the very happiness her mother had dreamed of. He wished Zhang Yun were still alive, believing none of their current misfortunes would have occurred.
At the wedding banquet, Liu Ling sat alone, causing concern among Shen Yan's companions who urged him to approach her. Shen Yan finally did so, where Liu Ling, introduced as Princess Peace, and he, Commander Shen Yan of the Beidian Administration, were formally acknowledged. Liu Ling offered a toast, but Shen Yan advised her that "drinking is bad for your health."
Liu Ling then sat close to him, preventing him from leaving by holding his arm and stepping on his foot. She confessed she had waited all night for him to speak to her, and stated she hadn't come to the wedding to give a gift to Seven, but to him.
She desired to give herself completely to him before she left, referencing her past declaration that he could not provide what she truly wanted, and questioning why they should waste time compromising. As they exchanged a deep gaze, Shen Yan suddenly recalled Liu Ling's harsh words from the past and regained his composure. She then returned a red string, explaining that a heart not truly with her rendered the item useless and suggested he give it to someone else.
Shen Yan then instructed Ling Bi to escort the "drunk" princess back to her residence. Liu Ling conceded that if Shen Yan deemed her drunk, then she was, but lamented that there would be no "next time" for such a moment. After Liu Ling departed, Shen Yan retrieved a dropped red string from the ground. Later, Shen Yan sat with Shen Yu, visibly distracted. He unmindfully used Liu Ling's chopsticks and cup, showing no aversion.
Shen Yu inquired about Liu Ling, describing her as a very beautiful girl with a sometimes bad temper, but ultimately a good girl, a fact he attributed to her friendship with Xu Shijin. Shen Yu then suggested Shen Yan was drunk. Meanwhile, Ling Bi left Liu Ling alone on the street to procure hangover medicine, cautioning her to wait.
As heavy rain began, Liu Ling realized the red string was missing and frantically searched for it, only to be told by a passerby that it was likely washed away. Xu Shijin and her maid Nuanxiang speculated about Liu Ling's unconventional decision to attend a Jinlin Guard's wedding, concluding she must have gone to meet Shen Yan despite her impending arranged marriage. Nuanxiang spotted Liu Ling kneeling in the rain, forlorn.
Xu Shijin, holding an umbrella, immediately went to her and brought her home. In Xu Shijin's arms, Liu Ling wept, expressing profound regret for not seizing the opportunity to escape her predestined fate with Shen Yan. She recalled an earlier time when she and Shen Yan were in a dangerous situation, and she missed the chance to break free from her predestined path, realizing now her fear was not of the capital's complexities but of losing him.
She confessed her deep love for him, recalling their shared promise to "hold hands and grow old together." Overwhelmed, she felt she had "angered him" and that it was "too late" to fix things. Xu Shijin offered to save her from the marriage, but Liu Ling, exhausted, expressed a desire to accept her fate, believing it would lead to less suffering. The next morning, Xu Shijin reiterated her offer to help.
Liu Ling, however, stated that if it were truly easy for Xu Shijin to help, she would have done so without question. Liu Ling inferred that Xu Shijin's method was dangerous and that she was asking for a compelling reason to undertake such a risk. She then urged Xu Shijin not to compromise her own happiness for her sake.
Xu Shijin countered that she could not live happily knowing she had a way to prevent Liu Ling from marrying Tuoba Lie, yet stood by. Later that day, His Royal Highness Liu Lishan impatiently waited for Liu Ling, who finally returned to the Marquis's residence nearing noon from Xu Shijin's home. Ignoring His Royal Highness Liu Lishan's urgency to depart, Liu Ling insisted on seeing her bedroom, which held many cherished memories of Shen Yan.
She recalled him lying there, pretending to ignore her yet caring deeply, and his promise to marry her. She wondered if he, too, remembered these moments and felt the same sadness. Ling Bi suggested commissioning a painter to capture the room, a proposal Liu Ling readily accepted.
She then instructed Ling Bi to tell His Royal Highness Liu Lishan to find the finest painter, explicitly stating she would not leave until the painting was completed, adding that this request would demonstrate she still acknowledged him. Nuanxiang expressed concern about Xu Shijin's latest plan, reminding her that the Crown Prince was already suspicious and that any misstep could undo years of effort to clear her family's name.
Xu Shijin responded that sometimes one must take risks to truly live, then prepared to make a deal with Shen Yan. That night, Xu Shijin, introduced as Lady-in-waiting Xu, met Shen Yan. She revealed that she had seen Liu Ling drenched in the rain, searching desperately for a lost red string, implying Liu Ling's deep distress.
Lady-in-waiting Xu then proposed a plan to help Liu Ling escape the marriage to Yigu and to clear her own family's injustice regarding the Jiangzhou stolen silver. This, she explained, would expose the hidden silver, inevitably triggering a long-simmering conflict between Wei and Yigu, thus nullifying the marriage. She tasked Shen Yan with securing the position of escort for the marriage procession, under the pretext of gathering intelligence on Yigu.
When the Yigu escort team made their move, Shen Yan was to protect Liu Ling and help her escape back to Wei. Shen Yan initially dismissed the idea, stating that Princess Peace Liu Ling had already returned to Jiangzhou to await her marriage, and he intended to forget her. Lady-in-waiting Xu pressed him, asserting that the marriage was not Liu Ling's true desire. She accused Shen Yan of fearing repercussions that would implicate his own family.
She argued that Liu Ling had lived a life burdened by others' expectations, carrying the weight of her mother's fate, the Marquis's, and now the entire Wei populace, leaving her no real choice. She recounted that Liu Ling had called his name repeatedly while drunk, and knowing Shen Yan's pride, she gave him seven days to reconsider if he still harbored feelings for Liu Ling.
Back home, Nuanxiang reported to Xu Shijin that Liu Ling's harsh words had made Shen Yan difficult to sway, and reiterated the Crown Prince's growing suspicion, urging Xu Shijin to abandon her risky endeavor. Xu Shijin adamantly refused, declaring she would not abandon Liu Ling in such a perilous situation. When Nuanxiang questioned if risking everything was worth it, Xu Shijin replied that saving Liu Ling would require a significant price.
She then wrote a letter to Shen Yu, stating he was the only one who could persuade Shen Yan, and sent Nuanxiang to deliver it. Upon receiving the letter, Shen Yu promptly burned it without reading, stating he could not fulfill the request within. Immediately following this, Shen Yu ordered his subordinate, Seven, to apprehend someone for colluding with foreign enemies, asserting that the evidence was solid.
Episode 17 Recap
Though Liu Ling had returned to Jiangzhou, her heart remained with Shen Yan. She constantly thought of him, envisioning his presence whether she was listening to stories or simply walking. Meanwhile, in Yejing, Shen Yan was haunted by memories of Liu Ling, and despite his dedication to his duties, he yearned for her deeply in the quiet of the night. Shen Yan appeared withdrawn, even refusing a freshly roasted lamb leg by stating he was a vegetarian.
For seven days, letters from Xu Shijin piled up unopened. Finally, his brother, Shen Yu, arrived with two jars of wine to get him to open up. Observing Shen Yan's sorrow, Shen Yu urged him to take a step forward rather than retreat or do nothing. He reminded Shen Yan that while a lute string may break, love is not so easily severed, and it was not too late to act on his feelings.
That night, a tipsy Shen Yan entered Liu Ling's former room, which remained unchanged, deepening his longing. He imagined holding her, wishing they could remain in that dream forever. Later, Shen Yan secretly entered the Eastern Palace to meet Xu Shijin, agreeing to her previously proposed conditions.
The next morning, Crown Prince Liu Wang issued a decree appointing Shen Yan as the Commander of the Jin Lin Guard and, more significantly, as the wedding envoy for Princess Anhe, who was to marry into Yigu. Liu Wang stressed that Shen Yan would be his "eyes" on the journey, instructing him to meticulously report everything he saw and heard. Back in Prince Guangping's Mansion, Liu Ling was treated harshly by the staff.
However, a kind kitchen servant named Nanny Wang had her son, Little Run, secretly bring Liu Ling fresh pastries. Little Run explained that his mother considered Liu Ling a good person who was being mistreated and wanted her to enjoy a taste of home before marrying so far away. Touched, Liu Ling took the boy, who had never properly seen a market, to the bustling city streets.
To keep him safe, she asked Ling Bi to watch him closely while she browsed. At a jewelry stall, Liu Ling picked up a jade bracelet and, in a daydream, told an imagined Shen Yan that if he bought it for her, she would elope with him. Just then, the real Shen Yan’s voice came from behind her, startling her.
After cautiously poking his face to confirm he was real, Liu Ling playfully snatched the bracelet and ran, assuming he would pay. However, Shen Yan had no money on him and was promptly arrested. Soon after, Liu Ling was also apprehended and brought to the same jail cell. In the jail, Shen Yan confessed he had come for her. He clarified that he wasn't there for a simple elopement but to marry her, assuring her he had a plan.
Touched, Liu Ling asked if he loved her. Shen Yan admitted he didn't understand love but knew she was the only person who constantly preoccupied his thoughts and rendered him helpless. He declared his wish to marry her, willing to give up everything for a life with her. Liu Ling playfully noted that the "Stern-faced Yama" was surprisingly good with words of love. Soon after, Ling Bi arrived with guards and secured their release.
Once free, Liu Ling told Shen Yan her heart was already his and she would follow him anywhere, but next time, he must explicitly say he loves her. Ignoring the onlookers, they embraced passionately. Shen Yan accompanied Liu Ling back to Prince Guangping's Mansion and immediately took control. He informed Prince Guangping that he was now responsible for all of Princess Anhe's affairs.
When the Prince scoffed, Shen Yan subtly threatened him by alluding to the secrets of the Jiangzhou treasury case and the death of the former Princess, Zhang Yun. He questioned how a five-year-old Liu Ling could have driven her mother to death or a seven-year-old could have stabbed her father, implying the Prince had made Liu Ling a scapegoat to hide his own culpability.
Admitting he lacked "concrete evidence," Shen Yan warned he would unearth every secret if the Prince did not comply. Defeated, Prince Guangping conceded. Though Liu Ling was eager to leave immediately, Shen Yan insisted that for the sake of ritual, she must depart from the mansion on the official wedding day. On the day of the wedding procession, Princess Wuyou, Qin Ning, intercepted the party.
She explained she came as a friend and at the request of Changming to see Liu Ling off. Qin Ning then relayed a message from Shen Yan: Liu Ling was to intentionally delay the journey as much as possible. When she refused to reveal the full plan, Liu Ling grew jealous. Following the instruction, Liu Ling soon feigned fatigue from the "bumpy" ride and demanded they stop to rest.
Tuoba Lie, the Yigu prince, though eager to proceed, reluctantly agreed to his future wife's "small requests." He later picked wildflowers for her, which she accepted with a smile, secretly trying to make Shen Yan jealous. Her playful interactions with Tuoba Lie did not go unnoticed, and Shen Yan looked visibly displeased. Meanwhile, one of Tuoba Lie's subordinates, General Mu, openly voiced his contempt for the Wei people and, incited by others, set fire to the princess's silk dowry.
Tuoba Lie was furious and rushed to handle the situation. Seizing the moment, Shen Yan confronted Liu Ling, reminding her of her promise to trust him completely. He then asked if her prying questions were born of simple curiosity or "unwarranted jealousy."
Episode 18 Recap
Liu Ling discovered her dowry silk had been burned. General Mu Kun brazenly claimed the fire was accidental due to the dry weather and sun, further insulting Liu Ling by dismissing the damaged silk as mere rags. Liu Ling challenged him, noting her own silk clothes were unharmed, implying intentional destruction and disrespect to the Emperor of Wei. Prince Tuoba Lie swiftly reprimanded Mu Kun, demanding an apology and reminding him of Liu Ling's status as his crown princess.
Mu Kun begrudgingly apologized. Shen Yan advised Liu Ling not to stoop to their level. Prince Tuoba then suggested they set up camp for the Mid-Autumn Festival, offering good food, wine, and even a dance. Liu Ling agreed, and Tuoba Lie left Mu Kun in charge of the banquet, threatening him with severe consequences for any further mistakes. Liu Ling then invited Prince Tuoba for a walk, pointedly dismissing Shen Yan, the escort envoy, from accompanying them.
Meanwhile, Shen Yu, the Administrator of Nandian, met with Xu Shijin at the Flower Pavilion. Though publicly known for frequenting such places, Xu Shijin understood Shen Yu chose the bustling location for its discretion, a true hidden haven in the city. Shen Yu immediately sensed Xu Shijin's intention to leave Yejing and suggested she planned to use this meeting as a farewell.
Xu Shijin confirmed her plan to depart Yejing once her parents' grievances were cleared and Liu Ling's marriage to Shen Yan was settled. Shen Yu questioned if she wanted him to accompany her, but Xu Shijin denied it, explaining she only wished for a proper goodbye, given their shared childhood. She revealed her knowledge of how Shen Yu had persuaded her grandfather to let him secretly act as the "Ghost-face," protecting her as a Family Xu servant.
She expressed that a simple "thank you" could never repay such a deep kindness. Shen Yu then confessed his feelings, proposing that she become his wife and offering to accompany her to the ends of the earth if she would only stay for him.
Xu Shijin gently touched his face, believing he was truly asleep from drink, allowing her to do so without his realization, and explained that her position as a trusted confidante of Liu Wang, the Crown Prince, meant she couldn't turn back and risk implicating Shen Yu. Just then, a fire broke out in the pavilion.
Xu Shijin frantically tried to rouse Shen Yu, only to realize he had been feigning drunkenness when he asked if she would rather die with him than live with him. Shen Yu then carried her and bravely leaped from the burning building to safety. After landing, Xu Shijin quickly left. Ruyu, the madam of the Flower Pavilion, and her girls then approached Shen Yu.
He ensured they were safe and provided them with money from his bank earnings, knowing the pavilion was now gone, so they could start new lives. Ruyu promised to bid him a proper farewell once the arrangements were complete. Alone, Shen Yu looked up, whispering that nothing was too late if one truly desired it. That night, Prince Tuoba lit a bonfire and invited Liu Ling to dance.
Shen Yan tried to discourage her from drinking too much, but Liu Ling, keen to provoke Shen Yan, explicitly accepted Prince Tuoba's invitation, declaring her impending status as his wife. As she danced, Shen Yan remained stoic. Disappointed by his lack of a reaction, Liu Ling feigned tiredness and decided to return to her tent. Prince Tuoba, however, followed her, entering her tent without permission.
Shen Yan then appeared and confronted Prince Tuoba, demanding he leave and reminding him that Liu Ling was not yet his wife and her reputation was at stake. Prince Tuoba, defiant, was forcibly removed from the tent by Shen Yan. After Tuoba Lie's departure, Shen Yan entered Liu Ling's tent. He pulled her close and sternly told her to behave and stop provoking Prince Tuoba, explaining his duties prevented him from being with her constantly.
Liu Ling retorted, highlighting his many responsibilities to the king and common people, and expressed her deep unhappiness that he was sending her away for marriage without telling her anything. She tearfully admitted she would have simply married if he hadn't come to Jiangzhou to confess his feelings. Shen Yan then kissed her, explaining that Yigu had long intended to invade Wei, and this marriage was a test of their resolve.
He revealed his plan to hasten the conflict to end the marriage and promised that if his plan failed, he would abandon everything to elope with her. Reassured, Liu Ling found peace, and Shen Yan tenderly kissed her forehead. The next morning, as they prepared to depart, Prince Tuoba made his arrangements. Suddenly, several distraught individuals rushed into the camp, calling for the princess.
Liu Ling learned they were Wei citizens who had been abducted and enslaved by Yigu bandits years ago. Seizing the opportunity, Liu Ling demanded a delay in their journey to investigate, urging Prince Tuoba to personally retrieve other enslaved Wei citizens from various Yigu tribes as a show of sincerity for the proposed "eternal harmony" between their nations.
Prince Tuoba, unable to refuse without offending Wei, retreated to his tent in a furious rage, confiding to Mu Kun that Liu Ling seemed to be intentionally stalling because she didn't want to marry him. Mu Kun suggested simply taking her by force, but Tuoba Lie cautioned patience. Meanwhile, Lu Mingshan, realizing his family's downfall was imminent, sought an audience with Crown Prince Liu Wang.
He confessed to Liu Wang that his own grandfather, Duke Lu, was the mastermind behind the Jiangzhou silver robbery case, and that he had only just learned this after overhearing Prince Guangping and his grandfather arguing. Lu Mingshan offered to forsake evil and help Liu Wang eliminate the corrupt officials. Liu Wang listened thoughtfully, neither accepting nor rejecting the offer, but instructed Lu Mingshan to continue his duties until called upon.
Armed with this crucial update and to cooperate with Xu Shijin, Shen Yu entered the court. Liu Wang was already reviewing Shen Yu's report, which claimed that the Xu family's eldest son and daughter-in-law had not committed suicide but were victims of a plot orchestrated by the head of the Lu family. Xu Gong, Xu Shijin’s grandfather, then stepped forward, pleading with Liu Wang to clear his family's name in the Jiangzhou case.
When asked to respond, Duke Lu dismissed the accusations as baseless fabrication, asserting that Shen Yu, "fooled by the charm of beauty," was fabricating stories and slandering loyal officials due to his past engagement to Xu Shijin and collusion with her. Shen Yu was then summoned to present his evidence. He revealed a special artifact, the box of Qian and Kun jade, obtained by Shen Yan from Xuanwu Town.
Shen Yu explained that the box was a masterpiece by the renowned Lu He, containing a self-destruct mechanism if opened forcibly without its key. He revealed the name 'Lu Lianshan', written in blood by Yun Yi before his death, as Lu He's disciple. Shen Yu deduced that Lu Lianshan, under Duke Lu's instruction, faked his death, changed his name to Yun Yi, and became a retainer of the Xu family to frame them.
Duke Lu vehemently denied these claims, accusing Shen Yu of fabricating stories and slandering loyal officials due to being "fooled by the charm of beauty" and colluding with Xu Shijin. Shen Yu, undeterred, revealed the "ironclad evidence" was hidden within the notebook found inside the box.
He explained how Yun Yi had encoded the names of six corrupt officials within the text using a complex system involving disguised locations, specific page numbers aligning with the "Heavenly Stems" numerology, and subtle "mistakes" in the text linked to the "Earthly Fiends" numbers.
Shen Yu stated that he had brought these six high-ranking officials to the Administration of Nandian the previous day, where they confessed their crimes and collectively implicated Duke Lu as the true mastermind behind the Jiangzhou case. Furthermore, they revealed that the stolen silver had been hidden in Yigu, explaining why the Jinlin Guard could never find it within Wei. With this overwhelming evidence, Shen Yu stood firm against Duke Lu's desperate accusations.
Episode 19 Recap
When confronted with evidence brought forth by Shen Yu, Duke Lu vehemently denied any wrongdoing, declaring his unwavering loyalty to Wei. However, Crown Prince Liu Wang then summoned Lu Mingshan, Duke Lu's illegitimate son, who arrived with an account book detailing Lu's corrupt dealings and a land contract showing where stolen treasury silver was hidden within Yigu territory.
Lu Mingshan, disdainful of his family, sought to escape his humble status and expose his grandfather's immense crimes, including colluding with Yigu to steal official silver and framing court officials. Enraged, Duke Lu attacked Lu Mingshan, but Liu Wang swiftly ordered Duke Lu's arrest and interrogation. Liu Wang then declared the Xu family innocent, announcing that the truth of the Jiangzhou case would be revealed to the world.
Regarding the stolen silver now located in Yigu, Liu Wang expressed his dilemma: retrieving it openly would be impossible, and a secret operation risked being caught and accused by the greedy Yigu. At this moment, Xu Shijin arrived, offering to alleviate Liu Wang's worries. She revealed that Shen Yan had already secured the silver. Though realizing Xu Shijin had already outmaneuvered him by securing the silver, Liu Wang listened as she outlined her plan, acknowledging her strategic brilliance.
She suggested using Lu Mingshan to send a message to Tuoba Lie, falsely stating that the Wei escort team, while accompanying Princess Liu Ling, was secretly transporting the stolen silver back to Wei. Xu Shijin reasoned that Yigu, being poor and in need of military funds, would surely attack the escort team to seize the vast sum, thus revealing their disloyal intentions towards Wei.
This would create a legitimate cause for war, providing Liu Wang with the military achievement needed to solidify his claim to the throne. Despite Liu Wang's suspicion of her shifting loyalties, Xu Shijin maintained that her priority was Liu Ling's happiness with Shen Yan, arguing the plan would achieve mutual benefits for Liu Wang and the couple. The message quickly reached Tuoba Lie, who, upon arriving at the location provided by Lu Mingshan, discovered the silver had already been moved.
Annoyed, he returned to his camp and ordered his general, Mu Kun, to prepare a banquet for the Wei soldiers, with the wine secretly laced with a powerful sedative. However, just as Tuoba Lie and his Yigu soldiers celebrated their impending victory, news arrived that Shen Yan and Liu Ling had escaped. Tuoba Lie ordered a pursuit, only to find that his horses had been drugged, leaving them weak and unable to run, a clear trick by the Wei people.
As Shen Yan and Liu Ling attempted to flee, they were surrounded by Yigu soldiers who knew the terrain. Shen Yan urged Liu Ling to go ahead, but she steadfastly refused to leave him, declaring she would follow him no matter what. Understanding her resolve, Shen Yan held her hand, prepared to face the battle together. Meanwhile, Luo Fan gave Ling Bi a hairpin he had bought earlier, and she wore it, sharing a heartfelt moment with him.
Before the fight could truly begin, Yuan Zhelin arrived with a group of martial artists, swiftly neutralizing the threat and rescuing Shen Yan and Liu Ling. Yuan Zhelin declared his debt to Liu Ling repaid and announced his return to a life of freedom in the martial world. As they traveled, Liu Ling asked Shen Yan if the chaotic events, including their ambush, were part of his plan.
Shen Yan confirmed they were, revealing that Xu Shijin had provided him with the map of the silver's hiding place when he went to Jiangzhou to find Liu Ling. While Liu Ling had been delaying the imperial procession, Shen Yan had used that time to instruct his men to secretly move the silver.
He jokingly added that the silver was Xu Shijin's wedding gift to them, subtly hinting that Liu Wang would bestow a marriage decree upon them, which Liu Ling initially disbelieved. Upon their return to Yejing, Shen Yan and Liu Ling immediately sought an audience with Liu Wang. In the palace, a eunuch announced the imperial edict, formally bestowing Princess Peace, Liu Ling, upon Shen Yan, the Commander of the Beidian Administration.
Liu Ling, overjoyed and slightly disbelieving, repeatedly confirmed the news with Shen Yan. With Liu Ling dismissed to prepare for her wedding, Shen Yan detailed Yigu's hostile intentions and Mu Kun's disrespectful behavior during the escort. The ministers, convinced by Shen Yan's report, supported an attack on Yigu, while Liu Wang expressed feigned sorrow over the inevitable suffering of the common people, earning praise for his compassion.
Liu Ling, radiating happiness, was met by a weary-looking Xu Shijin in the palace corridor, whose weariness was due to her constant worry for Liu Ling's safety. Xu Shijin, overjoyed for Liu Ling, escorted her to the Palace of Peace, a residence specially granted by the Emperor for Liu Ling's wedding preparations. Liu Ling found the six-month preparation period too long but was comforted by Xu Shijin, who explained the extensive imperial protocols involved.
Xu Shijin also mentioned that the marriage was personally requested by Shen Yan's mother, and the Emperor intended to use this grand wedding to stabilize public morale. Xu Shijin then revealed that her family's injustice had finally been cleared, and she planned to leave Yejing for the south after Liu Ling's wedding. Liu Ling was saddened but understood Xu Shijin's desire for a peaceful, simple life away from the capital's complexities.
Liu Ling tearfully bid her farewell, making Xu Shijin promise to write and keep her updated on her well-being. Later, Shen Yan visited the disgraced and imprisoned Duke Lu. He pressed Duke Lu about the death of Zhang Yun, the former Princess of Guangping. Duke Lu, with a cold smirk, revealed that his daughter, Lu Qian, had personally pushed Zhang Yun into the lake.
He then taunted Shen Yan with three rhetorical questions, hinting at Prince Guangping's deep involvement in embezzling the stolen silver (40% of which was taken as a price for his assistance), his suspicious behavior in hastily concluding Zhang Yun's death as an accidental drowning, and his long-held resentment towards the late King for stripping him of military power.
Duke Lu darkly prophesied that Shen Yan, now entangled in these affairs and soon to become Prince Guangping's son-in-law, would meet a terrible end. Meanwhile, at the Dingbei Duke Mansion, Duke Dingbei anxiously awaited Liu Ling's return, despite his family's pleas for him to rest. Upon Liu Ling's arrival, he was immensely relieved and overjoyed to see her safe. He declared his intention to bestow his entire personal fortune as her dowry, including valuable furniture, gold and silver ornaments.
Liu Ling, concerned for his worsening health, tried to dissuade him, but he insisted, expressing his desire to secure her future before his impending death, fearing that Prince Guangping and his own "useless" son would bully her. Shen Yan arrived, and together they paid their respects to the old Duke.
Duke Dingbei's spirits lifted significantly with Liu Ling's presence and the confirmation of her forthcoming marriage, though he expressed lingering fear of unforeseen changes before the wedding, which was set for six months later.
Episode 20 Recap
Liu Ling, remembering the Duke's kindness in raising and caring for her since childhood, wished for Shen Yan to now call him "Grandpa." She explained how the Duke saved her from Prince Guangping's Mansion during her hardest times, raised her, and even arranged for Xu Shijin to be her companion.
Liu Ling expressed her desire for an early marriage so the Duke could rest assured and focus on his health, acknowledging that speeding up the wedding might go against the Ministry of Rites' regulations. Shen Yan readily agreed to her request, and together they went to the Duke's residence. Upon arriving, Shen Yan and Liu Ling knelt before the Duke. He was visibly delighted and quickly helped them up.
The Duke reflected on Liu Ling's difficult upbringing, noting that outsiders often misunderstood her as unruly due to her emotional exhaustion. He entrusted Liu Ling to Shen Yan, urging him to care for, cherish, and protect her as he himself had, and never let anyone bully her. Shen Yan solemnly promised to do so, assuring the Duke he would love and protect Liu Ling intensely. Content, the Duke placed Liu Ling's hand into Shen Yan's.
After their departure, the Duke, knowing his son had a hidden stash of money, demanded that Liu Ling's uncle increase her dowry, playfully chiding him for his stinginess. Later, Liu Ling, still concerned about the Duke's health, expressed her wish to expedite the wedding, despite her worries about defying the Emperor's will. Shen Yan, understanding her apprehension, assured her he would find a way. Back at the Shen Mansion, Shen Yan explained his urgency to his mother, Mrs. Shen.
He also had a personal reason for urgency, fearing that the exposure of Liu Lishan's matter could negatively impact Liu Ling. Mrs. Shen initially resisted, believing a marriage of their prominent family should not be rushed and required elaborate preparations. However, Shen Yu stepped in, playfully teasing Shen Yan about finally securing a wife after a long wait and strategically comparing him to the Ministry of Works director's "silly son" who was marrying in three months.
Convinced by Shen Yu's clever persuasion, Mrs. Shen agreed to visit the Noble Consort in the palace to discuss moving the wedding date forward. The Noble Consort, who oversaw the harem, was pleased to grant the Shen family this favor, knowing it aligned with the Emperor's wishes. She agreed to bring the wedding forward by four months, making the wedding date two months away. This decision sent various imperial bureaus into a flurry of activity.
Xu Shijin informed Liu Ling of the accelerated schedule and urged her to oversee the wedding preparations, but Liu Ling, unmoved, declared that as long as she married Shen Yan, nothing else mattered. Meanwhile, the Duke personally supervised the creation of Liu Ling's wedding gown. He had the city's finest embroiderers recreate patterns that were Liu Ling's late mother's favorite, which her mother had always wished to embroider onto her wedding dress herself.
Deeply touched by this thoughtful gesture, Liu Ling, adorned in the meaningful gown, departed in her grand bridal sedan. Liu Ling's wedding procession was magnificent, accompanied by an exceptionally lavish dowry. Shen Yan waited at the mansion gates to greet her. As the matchmaker presented the traditional red silk, Liu Ling playfully reached for Shen Yan's hand, and he allowed it.
Inside the main hall, the couple bowed to Heaven and Earth, then to Shen Yan's parents, serving them tea as a host of relatives and friends, including Xu Shijin and Shen Yu, watched. After the ceremony, Liu Ling boldly informed her new in-laws that she was taking her husband away and left the rest to them.
Shen Yan tried to explain he would return to entertain guests after taking her to their bedroom, but Liu Ling, wanting to stay with him, playfully insisted on being carried. Amid the guests' cheers and amusement, Shen Yan swept her into his arms and carried her out. Liu Ling's spirited antics caused Mrs. Shen some embarrassment, prompting Shen Yan's father to smoothly invite everyone to be seated.
In their lavishly decorated bridal chamber, Shen Yan gently pulled Liu Ling's hand, hinting at intimacy. However, Liu Ling playfully pulled away, declaring herself to be "very demure." She recounted Xu Shijin's humorous advice: on the wedding night, the bridal candles must not be extinguished, and she must wait until they fully burned down before consummating the marriage, lest she be looked down upon by her new family. She then sat dutifully by the lit candle.
Shen Yan, amused, retrieved a brand new, very tall candle and lit it, teasingly presenting it as the "true" red candle. Faced with the daunting prospect of waiting until dawn, Liu Ling grew impatient as Shen Yan leisurely began to read. Finally, unable to bear it, Liu Ling confronted him, accusing him of cheating. Shen Yan pulled her onto his lap and used his book to extinguish the candle. He then teased her about not calling him "husband" yet.
She suggested "Nerd," to which he retorted with "Crazy girl." Outside the room, Ling Bi and another attendant, hearing the sudden silence, surmised the couple had finally settled down after a boisterous night and decided to wait until morning to offer them breakfast. Meanwhile, Xu Shijin carefully escorted her grandfather, Mr. Xu, who was suffering from a headache after drinking heavily, to his room to rest before returning to help manage the guests.
Shen Yu then entered Mr. Xu's room, confirming that Crown Prince Liu Wang was indeed planning to act against Xu Shijin. Mr. Xu, worried for Xu Shijin's safety, asked if they should arrange for her to leave the city that very night. Shen Yu, however, insisted on sticking to their pre-arranged plan, explaining that Xu Shijin's stubborn personality meant she would only cooperate with a more drastic approach. Reluctantly, Mr. Xu agreed.
The next morning, as Mr. Xu saw Xu Shijin off from the residence, a eunuch, Lord Li, arrived from the Eastern Palace to summon Xu Shijin. Shortly after, news spread that Xu Shijin had poisoned Liu Wang's tea. Shen Yu rushed to the Shen Mansion, frantically informing Shen Yan that a carriage from the Eastern Palace had taken Xu Shijin away.
Shen Yan, accompanied by Liu Ling, immediately went to the Eastern Palace under the pretense of paying their post-wedding respects to the royal family. There, Liu Wang publicly accused Xu Shijin of attempting to poison him. Shen Yan intervened, asserting Xu Shijin's innocence and proposing to personally escort her to the Beidian Administration for interrogation, thus ensuring her temporary safety from Liu Wang's immediate wrath.
Back at the Shen Mansion, Liu Ling anxiously awaited news of Xu Shijin from Shen Yan. He returned to confirm Xu Shijin was in prison, under the Supreme Court's watch, which would restrict Liu Wang's actions. He explained that Xu Shijin had been ordered to prepare tea for a farewell gathering, using her own utensils, but someone had tampered with them.
Shen Yan deduced that Liu Wang himself was likely behind the framing, and that Xu Shijin, understanding the futility of resistance and fearing that attempting to rescue her would endanger more lives, had chosen to confess and sign the indictment to cut off all hope of rescue. Distraught, Liu Ling was shocked by Xu Shijin's confession. Shen Yu declared his intention to break her out of prison and help her escape.
Liu Ling, realizing Shen Yan and Shen Yu had planned this behind her back, expressed deep concern about the heavily guarded prison and the challenge of escaping the capital. Shen Yan reassured her that Shen Yu had made all the necessary arrangements. Shen Yu then revealed his full strategy: once the time was right, he had a method for Xu Shijin to fake her death to escape persecution.
Everything was ready, but he needed Liu Ling's help to openly escort Xu Shijin out of the city after the prison break. In the Eastern Palace, Liu Wang, angered by Xu Shijin's steadfast refusal to beg for mercy, ordered Lord Li to swiftly deliver poisoned wine to her in prison. As Xu Shijin, resigned to her fate, reached for the poisoned cup, a figure wearing the Ghost's mask suddenly appeared, assaulting Lord Li and the guards.
Xu Shijin urged her rescuer to leave, but the masked figure removed his disguise, revealing Shen Yu. He declared that with her stubborn nature, he knew she wouldn't leave willingly, and vowed that if she refused to go with him, he would die there by her side. Xu Shijin, moved by his desperate resolve, finally agreed to accompany him.
Episode 21 Recap
Shen Yu, disguised as the Ghost, boldly infiltrated the imperial prison to rescue Xu Shijin. Upon seeing him, Xu Shijin vehemently refused to leave, urging him to depart quickly. Shen Yu then removed his mask, declaring that if she did not accompany him, he would remain there with her, ensuring neither could escape once reinforcements arrived.
He reminded her of a love debt she owed him, insisting that if she did not repay it, he would have no choice but to face death alongside her. Xu Shijin called him a rascal, but Shen Yu remained resolute, asserting that he had been a rascal since they first met and that she was indebted to him for the rest of her life, unable to renege even for a moment.
When they heard someone approaching, Xu Shijin, moved by his unwavering determination, finally conceded. As she reached out, Shen Yu embraced and kissed her before they departed. Word of the audacious escape reached Liu Wang, who was informed by Eunuch Li that Shen Yu had stormed the imperial prison, incapacitating the guards and abducting Lady Xu.
Eunuch Li observed that the city gates were already closed, suggesting the pair must be hiding in the Xu and Shen mansions, and proposed immediately sealing the residences and arresting them. However, Liu Wang angrily dismissed the idea, stating that sealing the mansions of such prominent families was not a decision to be made lightly.
He further explained that Shen Yan was now Prince Guangping's son-in-law, and he needed Shen Yan's support to overthrow Prince Guangping, making Xu Shijin's capture an insignificant matter in comparison. Anticipating that Liu Wang would not directly move against their families, Shen Yu brought Xu Shijin to his own mansion. The next morning, Shen Yu and Xu Shijin, disguised as Liu Ling’s attendants, prepared to leave Yejing. Shen Yu had arranged for Shen Yan to facilitate their escape.
At the North Gate, Shen Yan, escorting Liu Ling in her carriage, intentionally summoned Lord Li, the commander of the city gates, creating a diversion. As Lord Li arrived with his men, demanding to inspect Liu Ling’s carriage due to recent criminal activity, Liu Ling feigned discomfort and refused to alight, instead boldly inviting Lord Li to search the carriage himself.
Just then, a soldier reported that two individuals, their identities obscured by hats and simple attire, had managed to break through the South Gate. With no contraband found in Liu Ling's carriage, Lord Li, suspicious that the distraction had allowed the true targets to escape, had no choice but to let them pass. The diversion proved successful, and Xu Shijin and Shen Yu escaped Yejing.
Lord Li quickly pursued the two individuals who had fled through the South Gate, only to discover that they were none other than Duke Xu and Duke Shen, the fathers of Xu Shijin and Shen Yu, respectively, confirming the diversionary tactic. Back in the Eastern Palace, Liu Wang confronted the two dukes, sternly admonishing them and warning them not to follow in the footsteps of the fallen Lu family, citing their fate.
Duke Xu vehemently protested his innocence, proclaiming his loyalty to Wei. Duke Shen, however, shamelessly shifted the blame onto Duke Xu, claiming it was Duke Xu's idea to hold a banquet that led to their rushing out of the city. The two dukes then engaged in a public quarrel, with Duke Shen blaming Xu Shijin for seducing Shen Yu into breaking into prison, and Duke Xu accusing Shen Yu of the prison break.
Liu Wang, exasperated by their undignified display, eventually brought the argument to an end, asserting that their family shame should not be made public and that he would consider the matter closed, reminding them that this was a grace he bestowed. He then subtly reminded them to serve the imperial court diligently in return for his leniency. After leaving the Eastern Palace, the two dukes dropped their act, acknowledging Liu Wang's cunning tactics.
They understood that this 'favor' meant Shen Yan would now bear the difficult task of investigating Prince Guangping, effectively 'repaying' the leniency shown after Shen Yu's actions. Soon after, Liu Wang summoned Shen Yan, tasking him with going to Jiangzhou to gather evidence of Prince Guangping's rebellion. Liu Ling and Shen Yan journeyed to Jiangzhou, ostensibly for their post-wedding family visit.
Before their departure, Shen Yan confessed to Liu Ling that Liu Wang had tasked him with gathering evidence of Prince Guangping's rebellion. Despite the immense danger, Liu Ling insisted on accompanying him, stating that her mother's death anniversary was approaching and she wished to attempt to persuade her father one last time, even if it meant confronting his wrongdoing. Upon approaching Prince Guangping’s (Liu Lishan) mansion in Jiangzhou, Shen Yan immediately sensed danger, realizing an ambush lay within.
Liu Ling, unaware of the peril, suddenly suggested they visit Nanyuan first, a place from her childhood. This spontaneous decision inadvertently saved Shen Yan from the waiting trap. At Nanyuan, they reminisced about their first encounter. Shen Yan expressed his concern about Prince Guangping's rebellious intentions, still hoping to persuade Liu Ling's father, Liu Lishan, to abandon his destructive path.
Liu Ling questioned why someone as kind and warm-hearted as Shen Yan would choose to become a Jinlin Guard, a role often associated with ruthless actions. Shen Yan explained his profound desire to assist the ruler in achieving lasting peace and prosperity, ensuring that future generations could live free from the turmoil of war. Liu Ling, in her usual bold manner, declared her desire to bear children for him, a statement that no longer surprised Shen Yan.
Meanwhile, Prince Guangping (Liu Lishan) met with Crown Prince Tuoba Lie and Lu Mingshan. He revealed his knowledge of the Emperor and Liu Wang's secret journey to Mount Ling in search of a cure. Prince Guangping planned to seize this opportune moment to eliminate them and then, with the help of the Yi Gu army, establish Jiangzhou as his stronghold to achieve his ambitions.
Crown Prince Tuoba Lie agreed to the alliance but demanded two conditions: eight fertile border cities in Wei and the death of Shen Yan. Prince Guangping readily conceded the cities but hesitated at the prospect of killing his son-in-law. Lu Mingshan aggressively pressed him, arguing that Shen Yan's intelligence and meticulous nature made him a significant threat, especially since he and Liu Ling were now in Jiangzhou, likely to investigate Prince Guangping's private army.
Lu Mingshan further asserted that Prince Guangping's reluctance betrayed a lack of sincerity and resolve, which could jeopardize their entire plan, emphasizing that a "woman's kindness" would not achieve great things. Unbeknownst to them, Shen Yan had overheard their entire conversation. After Tuoba Lie and Lu Mingshan departed, Shen Yan confronted Prince Guangping (Liu Lishan). Shen Yan warned him against allying with Yi Gu, describing it as an act of playing with fire.
Prince Guangping dismissed the warning, asserting his ability to control Yi Gu and claiming he was merely using a "tiger to chase away a wolf." Shen Yan implored him to reconsider, highlighting that wealth and glory were fleeting and that his current path would lead to isolation and ruin. He invoked the tragic death of Liu Ling’s mother, Zhang Yun, implying it was a consequence of Prince Guangping's ambition.
Shen Yan urged Prince Guangping to think of Liu Ling, reminding him that he was not truly alone and still had his daughter and brother. Overwhelmed, Prince Guangping told Shen Yan to stop speaking and promised to provide an answer on Zhang Yun’s upcoming death anniversary.
Later, Liu Ling brought Shen Yan to her childhood home within the mansion, where she retrieved a jar of "Daughter Red" wine that her mother, Zhang Yun, had buried for her dowry, intending to share it with her mother's spirit. Before heading to Zhang Yun's tomb, Shen Yan confessed to Liu Ling that he had already obtained the evidence of Prince Guangping’s rebellion, but held onto it in hopes that her father would reconsider.
He suggested they visit her mother's grave first, and then he would accompany her to persuade Prince Guangping once more. At Zhang Yun’s tomb, Liu Ling tearfully introduced Shen Yan to her late mother, proclaiming that she had found the man her mother had promised would protect her for life. As a gesture of respect, Shen Yan offered to drink the first toast from the Daughter Red dowry wine.
However, upon tasting it, he immediately realized it was poisoned and began to cough up blood. Prince Guangping’s private soldiers emerged from the surrounding hills. Cornered and fatally poisoned, Shen Yan, in a final act, whispered to Liu Ling to wait for him, before leaping off a nearby cliff. Devastated and distraught, Liu Ling cried out for him, but was forcefully taken back to the mansion by Prince Guangping’s men and placed under confinement.
Prince Guangping (Liu Lishan) then remarked to Tuoba Lie on his ingenious plan to use the poisoned dowry wine, expressing satisfaction with his daughter's profound attachment to her mother's keepsakes. Tuoba Lie commended Prince Guangping’s decisive action, confident that their plans would now succeed. They then finalized their strategy to launch the rebellion in three days.
Episode 22 (Ending) Recap
Liu Ling found herself distraught, seeing Shen Yan's image everywhere, which brought her to tears. That night, Shen Yan, disguised as a soldier, appeared at her window. Liu Ling was startled, but Shen Yan embraced her, assuring her that she was his only concern in the world, the one person he was willing to give up everything for, to stay with forever. Liu Ling, relieved, promised to wait for him, however long it took.
Shen Yan revealed that his supposed demise was merely a grand scheme orchestrated by Prince Guangping (Liu Lishan), designed to deceive Tuoba Lie. Prince Guangping had buried a poisoned wine and set up a net under the cliff where Shen Yan was to jump. Luo Fan, observing from the shadows, saw Prince Guangping swap the wine. Upon examining the wine, Shen Yan discovered it was indeed poisoned, though not fatally, only causing weakness and vomiting blood.
Realizing this, Shen Yan decided to turn the tables, making his leap from the cliff part of Prince Guangping's elaborate ruse. Shen Yu, quickly informed and having followed them to Jiangzhou with Xu Shijin, found Shen Yan and impersonated him, allowing Shen Yan to successfully go undercover as a private soldier in Prince Guangping's army. Shen Yan clarified that Prince Guangping’s actions, including the public pretense of wanting him dead, were to gain cooperation with Tuoba Lie.
However, deep down, Prince Guangping still harbored paternal affection for Liu Ling, meticulously planning to ensure Shen Yan’s survival. Shen Yan noted that while blinded by power, Prince Guangping was not entirely heartless. For Liu Ling, however, all that mattered was Shen Yan's safe return.
Shen Yan informed Liu Ling that he needed to return to his undercover role within the private army camp to fully assess the situation and avert a potential war in Jiangzhou, bringing peace to its people. Though Liu Ling was reluctant and fearful for his safety in such a dangerous place, Shen Yan insisted, explaining that Prince Guangping and Tuoba Lie planned to revolt in three days, leaving him little time.
He promised to return safely and stay with her forever, never to be separated. Reluctantly, Liu Ling agreed, warning him she would hate him if he lied. Back in his undercover position, Shen Yan uncovered six fire arrow machines and a battle map. After achieving his objective, Shen Yan knocked out the guards and rescued Shen Yu.
Shen Yan learned that the Emperor and Liu Wang had covertly left Yejing for a temple on Mount Luoxian, a move His Majesty orchestrated to lure Prince Guangping into revealing himself, thereby removing a hidden threat for the Crown Prince's future ascension. Shen Yan then instructed Shen Yu to alert 'Old Six' to inform the Crown Prince's forces to prepare, and dispatched 'Old Three' and 'Old Five' to quickly gather reinforcements from Haizhou and Pingzhou.
Shen Yu expressed concern that even with reinforcements, the local Jiangzhou forces of merely three thousand would be vastly outnumbered by Prince Guangping and Yigu's twenty thousand troops. Shen Yan then inquired about the Bone Carving Pendant, which Shen Yu confirmed would be delivered to Xu Shijin within three days. It became clear that the pendant was crucial to their plan to neutralize Yigu's army, which was key to thwarting Prince Guangping's rebellion.
Liu Ling, upon hearing that the pendant was the Yigu King's personal belonging, devised a bold strategy. Liu Ling and Xu Shijin, dressed as dancers from Yejing, performed at a bustling Jiangzhou hotel. Tuoba Lie, who was already at the hotel, noticed them and requested to meet them. Despite Luo Fan's warnings of a possible trap, Tuoba Lie insisted on meeting them alone. Upon entering the room, Tuoba Lie found a dagger held to his throat by Luo Fan.
Liu Ling then challenged him, stating it was no time for pleasantries given the situation. He boldly declared that his Yigu army would rise with Prince Guangping the next day, and he had already transferred all military authority to Mu Kun. He warned that his death would not deter his warriors but would only strengthen their resolve to destroy Wei and exact revenge.
Xu Shijin then presented the Bone Carving Pendant, explaining it was obtained by a Jinlin Guard spy within Yigu. She used this to imply that if they could acquire the Yigu King's personal item so easily, they could just as easily take his life. She reminded Tuoba Lie that if the Yigu King were to die while he was away campaigning in Wei, his claim to the throne would surely be usurped.
Realizing the gravity of the threat to his succession, Tuoba Lie had no choice but to lead his forces away. On the designated day of rebellion, Prince Guangping led his private army to Mount Luoxian, expecting to find the Emperor and Crown Prince. Instead, he found only empty tents and a devastating ambush by the Emperor's hidden troops, suffering heavy casualties. Faced with Shen Yan and his high-spirited army, Prince Guangping's forces were utterly defeated.
Defeated and alone, Prince Guangping went to his late wife Zhang Yun's tomb and drank the Daughter Red wine. Liu Ling and Shen Yan found him there. Liu Ling tearfully pleaded with him to return to Yejing and beg for the Emperor's mercy, assuring him that the Emperor would not seek his life.
Prince Guangping confessed that he had always been afraid to visit Zhang Yun's tomb, fearing her anger and rejection, but now that he was there, he felt he could never leave. He expressed joy that Liu Ling had come to bid him farewell and urged her to live a good life with Shen Yan, choosing to remain and finish the wine his wife had made.
Shen Yan then led a distraught Liu Ling away, preventing her from looking back as Prince Guangping took his own life. Following Prince Guangping's demise, his mansion became vacant. Liu Ling returned to Yejing, and Shen Yan was greatly rewarded by the Emperor, receiving a thousand taels of gold for his exceptional talents and contributions as the commander-in-chief of the Jinlin Guard.
Meanwhile, Luo Fan finally confessed his feelings to Ling Bi, who initially teased him about a more handsome suitor before reciprocating his affections. Shen Yu and Xu Shijin also found their happy ending, preparing to travel the martial world together, protected by a Jinlin Guard token Shen Yan had discreetly obtained from the Emperor for them. Sometime later, Liu Ling was close to giving birth. Five years passed.
Liu Ling and Shen Yan's son, Shen Chenxi, had grown into a mischievous child, frequently causing headaches for Liu Ling, who had to mend their roof three times in one month. Shen Yan playfully suggested that Shen Chenxi inherited Liu Ling's "Demon of Chaos" personality. Liu Ling, in turn, playfully accused Shen Yan of loving her less since their son’s birth. Shen Yan, with a gentle kiss, assured her that his daily devotion and pampering were testament to his enduring love.
