Episode Summary
Lin'an's passionate plea at court leads to Zhang Feng's execution. Grieving for Pingyang, Lin'an is comforted by a butterfly, wondering if it's her friend's spirit. Heng Hui is freed. Wei Yuan tries to save Xu Qi'an, but the Emperor refuses. Lin'an receives a painting from Pingyang, deepening her sorrow. Xu Qi'an's family receives a gold reward, and he shares it with his friends. Xu Qi'an seeks a pardon by capturing Zhou Chixiong, aided by allies.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Princess Lin'an, motivated by her friendship with Princess Pingyang, making a dramatic entrance at court. She presents a letter written in blood, a powerful statement that shocks the assembled officials. Princess Pingyang's unauthorized flight could have easily been used against her, but Lin'an's presence and impassioned plea silence those who might have supported Zhang Feng. Ultimately, the Emperor sentences Zhang Feng to beheading.
Lin'an's mother, the Imperial Concubine Chen, is furious when she learns about her daughter's actions. She confronts Lin'an, scolding her for interfering in court affairs. She reminds Lin'an that her father's indulgence stems from her perceived innocence and lack of political ambition. The Imperial Concubine Chen believes that Lin'an's public display, all for the sake of a princess, is unacceptable. Lin'an, however, is lost in her grief for Pingyang, remembering her tragic final moments. A butterfly appears, circling Lin'an, and she tearfully wonders if it's a sign that Princess Pingyang has finally found freedom.
Meanwhile, Heng Hui is released from prison. He learns that Zhang Feng will be executed within five days, bringing a sense of closure to the injustice against Princess Pingyang. He believes his junior brother can finally rest in peace.
A vacancy arises for the Minister of War. The Emperor invites recommendations, and the court officials eagerly propose their own allies. Wei Yuan, however, remains silent. The Emperor, intrigued, assigns the matter to the Ministry of Personnel. Wei Yuan then seizes the opportunity to plead for Xu Qi'an's life, but the Emperor remains unmoved.
Since learning of Pingyang's case, Lin'an has confined herself to the palace, refusing food and consumed by grief. The Grand Princess, witnessing her sister's sorrow, asks Xu Qi'an to deliver a painting and some pastries to Lin'an. However, Lin'an's maid refuses to let Xu Qi'an in, stating that the princess is seeing no one.
After the maid leaves, Lin'an opens the scroll Xu Qi'an brought. It's a painting by Princess Pingyang, depicting them together at the Lantern Festival, along with a poem written by Pingyang. The sight of Pingyang's handwriting sends Lin'an into another wave of tears. The Crown Prince visits Lin'an and is saddened by her grief.
Back at home, Xu Qi'an's aunt is upset because he hasn't brought home any money lately. She demands that Xu Pingzhi and Xu Qi'an hand over their monthly allowances. Xu Qi'an and Xu Pingzhi, broke, claim they'll save money by eating only vegetables. Just then, a palace eunuch arrives with an imperial decree – the Emperor's reward has finally arrived. Xu Pingzhi and his wife are overwhelmed by the sight of five thousand taels of gold. Xu Qi'an's status in the family is instantly elevated. He generously gives a large portion of the gold to his aunt for safekeeping.
Xu Qi'an also shares some of the gold with his former colleagues, the copper gongs, and Li Yuchun. They are deeply grateful for his generosity, acknowledging that it's rare for someone to share their good fortune.
The Emperor's continued refusal to pardon Xu Qi'an worries him. Wei Yuan suggests that the Emperor simply dislikes him, possibly because of the incident with Spirit Dragon. Xu Qi'an asks if capturing Zhou Chixiong would earn him a pardon. Wei Yuan confirms that capturing Zhou Chixiong would be a significant achievement.
Finally, the second-ranked member of the Tian Di Society captures Zhou Chixiong. Riding a phoenix, he delivers Zhou Chixiong to Xu Qi'an. Recognizing that he needs powerful allies to help present his case, Xu Qi'an enlists the help of a great scholar from Yunlu Academy and Caiwei from the Si Tian Jian to accompany him to see the Emperor.
