Episode Summary
Princess Lin'an attempts to discredit the Grand Princess in Xu Qi'an's eyes, but he sees through the scheme and reaffirms his loyalty. A power struggle erupts between Golden Gongs Jiang Luzhong and Yang Yan over Xu Qi'an, leading to a spectacular fight. Wei Yuan ultimately decides to keep Xu Qi'an under Li Yuchun's strict command for the next three years, believing it will benefit his development.
Spoiler Alert
This episode centers around the fallout from Xu Qi'an's unwavering loyalty and the power struggles it creates. Princess Lin'an, still smarting from Xu Qi'an's devotion to the Grand Princess, tries to sabotage the Grand Princess's reputation. She has her maid hire some thugs to spread rumors about the Grand Princess's supposed bad character and questionable medical practices. Lin'an believes that if Xu Qi'an hears these rumors, he'll become disillusioned with the Grand Princess. However, her plan backfires spectacularly. Xu Qi'an, ever the astute investigator, immediately sees through the ruse and has the rumor-mongers arrested. He then proudly declares his undying loyalty to the Grand Princess, even revealing that he knows the Second Princess (Lin'an) is trying to recruit him, a fact that exasperates Lin'an, who is present, but not known to Xu Qi'an.
Meanwhile, Xu Qi'an's growing reputation causes friction between two powerful figures: Golden Gong Jiang Luzhong and Golden Gong Yang Yan. Jiang, impressed by Xu Qi'an's skills and connections (even with the Tian Si Jian), wants him transferred to his command. He even hopes to use Xu Qi'an's connections to get his hands on some powerful magical artifacts. However, Li Yuchun, Xu Qi'an's current superior (who is also Yang Yan's brother in law), refuses to let him go. He might dislike Xu Qi'an personally, but he recognizes his value.
The conflict escalates when Yang Yan, hearing that Jiang is trying to poach Xu Qi'an, confronts Jiang directly. This leads to an epic, all-out brawl between the two Golden Gongs, a fight so intense that it leaves even seasoned officers like Li Yuchun awestruck. Xu Qi'an, witnessing the fight, is initially curious, then flattered when he learns he's the prize they're fighting over.
The matter eventually reaches Wei Yuan, the powerful head of the organization. Wei Yuan summons Xu Qi'an, asking for his preference. Xu Qi'an, ever the diplomat, plays it smart. He avoids taking sides, presenting Wei Yuan with a poem he wrote during his initial exams, a poem that showcases his dedication and talent. He subtly suggests that Wei Yuan make the decision for him, thus avoiding offending either Jiang or Yang.
Back at the Spring Breeze Hall, Xu Qi'an boasts about his clever maneuvering, impressing his colleagues. However, his self-congratulatory moment is cut short when Li Yuchun calls him into his office. Xu Qi'an, expecting a transfer, puts on a show of feigned sadness, expressing his deep attachment to the Spring Breeze Hall. The act is so convincing that it moves Li Yuchun. But the transfer order reveals Wei Yuan's true decision: Xu Qi'an will remain under Li Yuchun's command for the next three years, a decision that leaves Xu Qi'an utterly deflated.
The episode ends with Wei Yuan explaining his reasoning to Jiang. He sees Xu Qi'an as a brilliant but unruly individual who needs the strict, by-the-book guidance of Li Yuchun to temper his flaws. Wei Yuan believes that Li Yuchun's rigid adherence to rules and principles will help Xu Qi'an develop into a more well-rounded officer.
