Episode Summary
Xu Qi'an reports a potential rebellion in the North, sparking court debate and an imperial investigation. Li Miaozhen confronts Xu Xinnian, mistaking him for someone else, and seeks Xu Qi'an's help in finding a missing person. Wei Yuan suggests Xu Xinnian can assist. Xu Xinnian suffers humiliation, and Princess Lin'an faces delays and danger on her journey home. Xu Xinnian's attempt to contact friends fails.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Xu Qi'an reeling from the shocking news of a "blood massacre stretching three thousand miles." This isn't just a minor skirmish; if the rumors of Duke of Zhenbei's rebellion are true, it's a full-blown crisis. He immediately rushes to report to Wei Yuan, his mentor and the leader of the Watchmen. Wei Yuan, despite having eyes and ears in the South and East, admits their intelligence network has been surprisingly quiet. To get to the bottom of this, Wei Yuan decides to take a prisoner with direct knowledge of the situation directly to the Emperor.
In the imperial court, the news of needing to send massive amounts of supplies to the distant Zhenbei region is met with resistance. Many officials balk at the cost and logistical nightmare, claiming the national treasury's grain reserves are insufficient. Others, perhaps with ulterior motives, downplay the situation, suggesting the Northern border is merely facing some petty banditry. They clearly fear the Emperor learning the truth and unleashing his wrath. However, when Wei Yuan personally emphasizes the term "blood massacre," the Emperor is visibly shaken. He calls upon the Si Tian Jian to examine Wei Yuan's witness. Even with their mystical Qi Observation Technique, doubts remain. The Emperor, finally convinced of the potential severity, agrees to send an investigation team to the Northern border.
Meanwhile, Li Miaozhen, a formidable warrior woman, arrives at the Xu residence. Mistaking Xu Xinnian, Xu Qi'an's bookish younger brother, for a member of the secretive Tian Di Society (Heaven and Earth Society), she confronts him. Xu Xinnian, caught literally with his pants down (he was in the middle of a bath), is completely bewildered. Li Miaozhen, known for her direct and no-nonsense approach, is frustrated by his cluelessness. She ends up hauling the poor, naked Xu Xinnian out the window in a fit of pique.
Xu Qi'an returns home to find his uncle and sister eavesdropping. He joins in, assuming his brother has suddenly found some romance, only to witness the humiliating sight of Xu Xinnian being tossed out the window, naked and shivering. Seeing Li Miaozhen, Xu Qi'an instantly understands: his brother is taking the heat for him.
Li Miaozhen explains that she's in the capital to investigate the disappearance of Su Su's father, a former official from the Ministry of Personnel. Su Su, a meimei (a type of seductive spirit), is desperate to find him. Xu Qi'an, having previously promised to help Li Miaozhen in exchange for her assistance, is now obligated to return the favor.
Wei Yuan, upon hearing of Li Miaozhen's presence in the capital, considers her a potential liability and urges Xu Qi'an to get rid of her. Xu Qi'an explains Li Miaozhen's purpose, and Wei Yuan surprisingly suggests that Xu Xinnian might be the key to helping her.
The aftermath of Li Miaozhen's "interrogation" leaves Xu Xinnian utterly mortified. His father, Xu Pingzhi, has to carry his unconscious, naked son to the doctor, a journey that takes them through two alleys. The shame is too much for Xu Xinnian, who subsequently refuses to leave his room.
Xu Qi'an, though skeptical, trusts Wei Yuan's judgment. He rushes home to beg his brother for help. Xu Xinnian, moved by his brother's plea, reluctantly agrees, thinking of a potential contact who might assist.
In a separate storyline, Princess Lin'an, returning from a family visit, finds her journey prolonged after taking a wrong turn. Her secret guards, initially ordered to remain hidden, are forced to reveal themselves as a merchant caravan to protect her from danger. Throughout the journey, Lin'an is consumed by thoughts of Xu Qi'an, reminiscing about their happy times together, and urges the boatman to hurry.
Finally, Xu Xinnian attempts to contact his friends in the Ministry of Personnel by releasing Kongming lanterns (sky lanterns) as a signal. The next day, he and Xu Qi'an wait to meet them, but no one shows up, leading Xu Qi'an to believe they've been stood up.
