Episode Summary
Li Yuchun resigns in protest, Xu Qi'an is jailed but gives instructions to his brother, and multiple parties (the Grand Princess, Princess Lin'an, and Xu Pingzhi) attempt to secure his release, ultimately succeeding due to his investigative skills being needed for a mysterious temple case. Xu Qi'an is released but his uncle is mistakenly arrested.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Li Yuchun confronting Wei Yuan. He expresses his outrage, stating that his own disciple was sacrificed for the greater good, a decision he can no longer tolerate. He believes, "If one's character is not upright, they cannot lead others." He tenders his resignation, willing to make a personal sacrifice. Leaving his uniform behind, he departs. Wei Yuan, observing from above, is secretly pleased, reaffirming his faith in Li Yuchun's integrity and his decision to mentor Xu Qi'an.
Meanwhile, Xu Qi'an's younger brother, Xu Xinnian, rushes home upon hearing of the family's crisis. He visits Xu Qi'an in prison, finding him asleep and refining his skills in a dream. Xu Qi'an, once awakened, instructs Xu Xinnian to retrieve a jade mirror from the jailer and seek out a specific monk in the eastern part of the city. He needs to relay his situation to a "Number One" member within their group, who might be able to assist from within the city.
Xu Xinnian, using an invitation, gains an audience with the Grand Princess. He reveals Xu Qi'an's plight, and the Princess, recognizing Xu Qi'an's exceptional investigative talents, decides to intercede with the Emperor on his behalf.
Flashbacks reveal that Wei Yuan, after investigating strange occurrences and five guard deaths at the Yongzhen Shanhe Temple near Sangbo, had requested the Grand Princess to ask the Emperor for more time to investigate the complex case.
The Grand Princess approaches her father, intending to use the situation to free Xu Qi'an. However, Princess Lin'an arrives, inadvertently complicating matters by assigning the case to the Crown Prince. The Grand Princess, realizing Lin'an is likely unaware of Xu Qi'an's predicament, subtly leaks the news of his impending execution to Lin'an after leaving the palace.
Lin'an, upon learning that Xu Qi'an faces execution for insubordination, rushes to her father. Desperate to save him, she claims Xu Qi'an is her "mianshou" (a male concubine). The Emperor, shocked, summons Lin'an's mother, the Imperial Consort. After the meaning of "mianshou" is clarified, a tearful Lin'an pleads ignorance. Finally, hearing that Xu Qi'an is a skilled investigator needed for the Yongzhen Shanhe Temple case, the Emperor agrees to temporarily release him, allowing him to redeem himself.
Outside the Hall of Great Spirit, Xu Qi'an's uncle, Xu Pingzhi, prepares to stage a rescue. He had invited his sworn brothers to help, but they deserted him. Undeterred, Xu Pingzhi, despite knowing his limitations, ties a knife to his hand to bolster his courage.
Meanwhile, the imperial edict for Xu Qi'an's temporary release arrives. Wei Yuan instructs Yang Yan to inform Li Yuchun of his reinstatement and return to the investigation. Xu Qi'an, while still in prison, learns about the Yongzhen Shanhe Temple case, causing a delay. At the same time, Xu Pingzhi, approaching Spring Breeze Hall, is captured and beaten by patrolling Watchmen. He's dragged to jail, passing by Xu Qi'an, who, failing to recognize his battered uncle, instructs his colleagues to interrogate him harshly.
Finally, Xu Qi'an returns home to his relieved family. He's deeply moved by their concern, but his uncle's whereabouts remain unknown, with the only clue being that he went out to buy roasted chicken.
