Episode Summary
Meng Xizhou saves Nan Fengyi from Situ Hanshan, revealing his hidden power. Nan Fengyi freezes time to express his feelings subtly. Situ Hanshan controls Master Li with a Gu Insect. Bei Gongshuo is scolded by the Emperor but later uses an umbrella proposal to get permission to see Meng Xizhou.
Spoiler Alert
Meng Xizhou is desperate to save Nan Fengyi, who is on the verge of being turned into a puppet spirit by Situ Hanshan. She tries to transfer all her power to him, reciting a mantra she remembers. Miraculously, she's pulled to Nan Fengyi's side. His inner power is instantly ignited by her intervention, blasting Situ Hanshan back. Situ Hanshan is shocked by the immense demonic energy within Nan Fengyi, who clarifies that while he possesses such power, it's different from Situ's. Meng Xizhou and Bei Gongshuo watch on as Du Yuelian arrives, ready to subdue Situ Hanshan.
However, Situ Hanshan escapes again, leaving Nan Fengyi certain that someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes. Nan Fengyi carries Meng Xizhou back home, and Bei Gongshuo questions their relationship. Nan Fengyi claims they are merely master and apprentice, a response Bei Gongshuo finds unconvincing given their closeness. Back home, Nan Fengyi confronts Meng Xizhou about her reckless actions, asking if she was aware of the danger. Meng Xizhou admits her desperation to save him, revealing she knows he bought shoes specifically for her, despite claiming they were for his sister, and that he bought her the hubing (a type of flatbread) pretending it is for people in Ministry of Justice.
Meng Xizhou starts to question his feelings, but Nan Fengyi cuts her off, denying any romantic interest before abruptly leaving. The moment he steps outside, he hears Meng Xizhou crying. Using his magic, he freezes time, gently wipes away her tears, and expresses his gratitude for her saving him. He confesses his desire to prolong their current dynamic, not wanting her to lose interest in him too quickly. Time resumes as he leaves, and Meng Xizhou, touching her face, wonders where her tears went. She resolves to focus on her career and put aside romantic entanglements.
Meanwhile, Situ Hanshan visits Master Li's residence. Master Li, terrified to see him alive, is questioned by Situ Hanshan about whether he wished him dead. Master Li denies it, while Situ Hanshan recalls his master's words and vows to make amends for his previous failures. Master Li pledges his loyalty, calling Situ Hanshan his "big brother." Situ Hanshan, seizing the opportunity, places a Gu Insect (a type of venomous insect used in dark magic) inside Master Li. Just then, Huo Xiao and Huo Ting arrive with their men to collect the account books from Master Li, who surprisingly hands them over without resistance. This unusual behavior raises suspicion among the Ministry of Justice officials.
Back at the palace, Bei Gongshuo receives a scolding from the Emperor for leaving the palace grounds without permission and endangering himself. The Emperor threatens to cancel his coming-of-age ceremony. The Empress intercedes, suggesting they arrange a selection of potential crown princesses for Bei Gongshuo soon. Bei Gongshuo protests, claiming he's too young and revealing his feelings for Meng Xizhou. He instructs his servants, Pingping and Guanguan, to gather information about her.
Pingping reports back to Bei Gongshuo, painting a picture of Meng Xizhou as a fiercely independent woman who relies on no one but herself. He also learns that Meng Xizhou lives with Nan Fengyi, who makes umbrellas. Bei Gongshuo, eager to see Meng Xizhou, plans to visit the Empress. He overhears Master Li proposing a new source for imperial tribute umbrellas. Bei Gongshuo steps in, enthusiastically supporting the idea and suggesting a friend's family business, which specializes in umbrella making. The Empress, realizing he's referring to Meng Xizhou, questions whether this "friend" is male or female. When Bei Gongshuo confirms it's a woman, the Empress immediately guesses it's Meng Xizhou and questions if he can go out of the palace.
