Episode Summary
Xizhou and Fengyi navigate a complicated dance of unspoken feelings amidst a royal commission for ceremonial umbrellas. The Crown Prince's order puts a strain on the Nan Family's Umbrella Workshop, and Xizhou's acceptance of the near-impossible task leads to tension with Fengyi. Meanwhile, Yuelian encourages Xizhou to pursue her feelings for Fengyi, leading to a drunken confession and subsequent rejection. A Puppet Spirit's attack on the Crown Prince further complicates matters, with Fengyi's demonic nature exposed, leading to his imprisonment and torture.
Spoiler Alert
At the Celestial Master's Residence, Meng Xizhou and Du Yuelian pondered the mysterious purple fog that consistently appeared whenever Situ Hanshan escaped. Xizhou suspected an accomplice, but Yuelian disagreed.Their discussion was interrupted by Guo Ji, announcing the Crown Prince's arrival. Bei Gongshuo, the Crown Prince, greeted Xizhou and dismissed everyone else.Once alone, Gongshuo revealed he had visited the Nan Family's Umbrella Workshop searching for someone, presumably Nan Fengyi, who then appeared at that very moment.Gongshuo stated his business: he wished to commission thirty-three oiled paper umbrellas from the workshop for his upcoming coming-of-age ceremony.
Xizhou, thrilled at the prestigious opportunity, immediately accepted. Fengyi, however, cautioned about the severe consequences, including beheading, should they fail to deliver.Xizhou quickly deferred to Fengyi to negotiate with Gongshuo. Fengyi explained the limitations of their small workshop, but Gongshuo assured them he would provide the designs and they simply needed to follow them. Fengyi pointed out the impossibility of crafting thirty-three umbrellas in just three days, let alone the usual three months.Gongshuo inquired about pre-existing umbrella frames. Xizhou mentioned some were available but already reserved for other clients.Gongshuo, ever insistent, instructed them to use those frames, promising to cover any resulting penalties for breaking those contracts.Before Fengyi could protest further, Xizhou eagerly agreed, and Gongshuo requested Xizhou personally deliver the umbrellas to the palace for inspection.
Fengyi questioned why Xizhou was specifically chosen for the delivery, but Gongshuo departed without answering. Annoyed, Fengyi scolded Xizhou before storming off.Yuelian then emerged, revealing to Xizhou that Fengyi harbored romantic feelings for her.Xizhou, incredulous, dismissed the idea, but Yuelian insisted her judgment was accurate, encouraging Xizhou to pursue what she desired, just like she does with her favorite pastries.Yuelian invited Xizhou for drinks, and Xizhou returned, slightly tipsy.She found Fengyi repairing her umbrella.Playfully, she questioned why he hadn't taken her on patrol and was instead hiding indoors.Fengyi mentioned his hand hadn't fully healed, to which Xizhou declared hers had, thanks to Gongshuo's medicine. Fengyi simply responded with a noncommittal "Oh."Xizhou teased him, asking if he was jealous. Fengyi denied it.Observing him mending her umbrella, Xizhou romantically compared the gesture to Li Bai writing poems for his wife.Fengyi dismissed the comparison, arguing the two situations were entirely different. Xizhou pressed him, demanding he look into her eyes and confess his feelings. Before Fengyi could respond, rain began to fall, and Nan Sixu called him to collect the drying umbrellas. Xizhou followed, holding an umbrella over Fengyi, who questioned her presence.
Xizhou, protecting him from the rain, explained she had merely been delayed due to her shorter stride.She confessed that even amidst a galaxy of stars, he remained the brightest in her eyes.She vowed to wait for him, even until he mastered the Beidou Yuan Formation. Fengyi insisted his feelings had nothing to do with the formation; he simply didn't reciprocate her affections.Xizhou challenged him, asking why he disapproved of others liking her when he himself didn't. Fengyi pointed out it was Xizhou herself who rejected any advances, claiming she'd lose interest the moment someone confessed.To test her theory, Fengyi confessed his feelings, praising her bravery and sincerity.
Xizhou promptly vomited, seemingly confirming Fengyi's suspicions.The next day, as Xizhou prepared to deliver the umbrellas, Fengyi instructed her to use a small figurine to signal him if she encountered any Puppet Spirits. Upon arriving at the palace, Xizhou immediately spotted a Puppet Spirit and alerted Fengyi. Realizing the spirit targeted Gongshuo, Fengyi disguised himself as a guard and infiltrated the palace. However, Master Li, possessed by the Puppet Spirit, recognized him. Using his magic, he manipulated Fengyi into attacking Gongshuo, mistaking him for Situ Hanshan.As Fengyi choked Gongshuo, fish scales appeared on his neck, revealing his true nature to the Emperor and the court.Fortunately, Xizhou intervened, embracing Fengyi and breaking the spell.Despite this, Guo Ji accused Fengyi of being a demon and arrested him. Before being taken away, Xizhou clarified that her vomiting was due to intoxication and that she had heard his confession.Fengyi was imprisoned in the Celestial Master's Residence, where Guo Ji continued to torment him.
