Episode Summary
Xu Qi'an exposes Li Yulang as the mastermind behind a crime through Zhou Chixiong's forced confession. A power struggle ensues between Wei Yuan and the Minister of Justice. Xu Qi'an comforts a grieving Lin'an, who later leaves on a journey to fulfill Princess Pingyang's wish. The Xu family celebrates their new home, and three months later, Xu Qi'an thwarts a robbery in Yunzhou.
Spoiler Alert
In episode 23, Xu Qi'an brings the stubborn Zhou Chixiong to the imperial court. Zhou Chixiong immediately plays the victim, kneeling before the Emperor and putting on a dramatic show. However, Xu Qi'an has the mages from the Si Tian Jian use a Qi observation technique, and he burns a talisman. This forces Zhou Chixiong to spill the beans, revealing that Li Yulang, the Minister of Rites, is the true mastermind behind the crimes.
Li Yulang, present in the court, is terrified by this revelation. The Si Tian Jian confirms Zhou Chixiong's confession, enraging the Emperor, who orders a full investigation. Wei Yuan steps up to take charge, but the Minister of Justice also offers his services, eager to prove his loyalty. Xu Qi'an, knowing that the Ministry of Justice is full of Li Yulang's cronies, is wary, but Wei Yuan remains calm, and Xu Qi'an follows his lead. The Emperor ultimately assigns the case to the Minister of Justice.
After the court session, the Minister of Justice taunts Wei Yuan, warning him not to interfere. Xu Qi'an, unwilling to let Wei Yuan be insulted, steps in and sarcastically recites a poem by Su Dongpo, "Everyone raises children, wishing them clever, I, by cleverness, have been ruined my whole life,". This leaves the Minister of Justice humiliated, especially with Wei Yuan's support of Xu Qi'an.
Moving on from official business, Xu Qi'an visits Lin'an, who has been distressed by the situation with Princess Pingyang. He takes her out to see fireworks to lift her spirits. Lin'an reminisces about watching fireworks with Pingyang, wondering if the princess has simply gone to another place. Xu Qi'an affirms this, explaining that escaping was Pingyang's only option, given her free spirit and dislike of palace intrigue.
Lin'an reflects on the constraints of palace life, recalling how Pingyang yearned for freedom, unlike other women who dream of becoming royal consorts. Xu Qi'an describes another world where women can choose their own paths and remain single if they don't find love. While Lin'an acknowledges the limitations of her current world, she chooses to stay because of the love she receives from her friends, mother, and father, including Xu Qi'an. In a moment of vulnerability, Lin'an kisses Xu Qi'an, admitting she wants more than just friendship.
Thanks to the Emperor's reward of a thousand taels of gold, Xu Qi'an's aunt has bought a large house. Xu Qi'an has become well-known in the capital, and the family receives many gifts. Even the Golden Gong, Yang Yan, visits to celebrate the Xu family's new home, impressing everyone with his gleaming golden armor.
When Xu Qi'an goes to visit Lin'an again, he receives a letter from her maid. Lin'an has gone on a journey, her destination unknown. In the letter, she explains that she wants to fulfill Pingyang's wish and see the world. Xu Qi'an is reassured that she is safe and decides to wait for her return.
Three months later, a convoy transporting silver is ambushed in Yunzhou. The bandits are unaware that Xu Qi'an, a skilled Watchmen, is guarding the convoy. Xu Qi'an's swordsmanship proves devastating, and he easily captures all the bandits. He then orders his men to deliver the tax silver to the national treasury.
