Episode Summary
Xu Qi'an returns to the capital with evidence of the Duke of Zhenbei's massacre, but Emperor Jing refuses to acknowledge the crime, only reacting to the Duke's death. Xu Qi'an confronts the Emperor, while Wei Yuan advises restraint. Xu Xinnian makes a bold protest at the palace gates. The Emperor's uncharacteristic behavior raises suspicions.
Spoiler Alert
Xu Qi'an returns to the capital with the investigative team, the coffin of the Duke of Zhenbei, in tow. Emperor Jing, found leisurely fishing, seems completely unconcerned with the gravity of the situation. Zheng Xinghuai, the Chuzhou administrator, details the horrific "Blood Washed Three Thousand Li" massacre, but the Emperor refuses to believe it. Several ministers impeach the Duke of Zhenbei, asserting he orchestrated the massacre to advance his rank.
The Emperor is unmoved by the deaths of 380,000 citizens. It is only at the news of the Duke's death that he reacts, rushing out barefoot to see the body. He throws open the coffin, calling out for his "royal brother." The ministers are stunned; it's clear the Emperor has no intention of punishing the Duke. Xu Qi'an, steps forward, boldly listing the Duke's crimes, demanding justice for the slaughtered citizens of Chuzhou. Enraged, Emperor Jing lashes out at Xu Qi'an, threatening him and even holding a blade to Zheng Xinghuai's throat. Zheng, however, is unfazed, stating his life is meaningless after the death of his entire family. The Emperor's rage falters, and he drops the blade, dismissing everyone.
Xu Qi'an visits Wei Yuan, apologizing for not reporting sooner. Wei Yuan reveals he suspected the Duke of Zhenbei's involvement even before Xu Qi'an's mission to Chuzhou. He explains that Emperor Jing sent Xu Qi'an on a mere formality; the outcome was unimportant. However, Wei Yuan is surprised that Xu Qi'an killed the Duke, whose power was nearing the second rank. The Duke's massacre was a means to gain spiritual power to ultimately attack the Kui tribe. Wei Yuan suggests Xu Qi'an could have waited and reaped the benefits after the Duke's likely sacrifice in battle. Xu Qi'an questions how the Duke could have been held accountable after sacrificing himself.
Wei Yuan, placing a hand on Xu Qi'an's shoulder, reiterates his earlier warning about being too conspicuous, and advises him to learn restraint, or he'll lose even more. Wei Yuan, ever the strategist, instructs Xu Qi'an to leave the rest to him. Xu Qi'an nods and departs.
Meanwhile, it's the day the Grand Secretary visits Yunlu Academy for a poetry evaluation. Xu Xinnian, eager to make a name for himself, is surprised to be met by Wang Simu instead. She informs him of the upheaval in the court. Hearing of the Emperor's emotional response, Xu Xinnian, breaking his usual timid character, races to the palace gates and loudly recites ethical and moral principles for hours. The Grand Secretary is astonished.
A eunuch wants to punish Xu Xinnian, but the Grand Secretary protects him, requesting an audience with the Emperor. The Emperor refuses to see him and orders the Grand Secretary to send away the accompanying officials. After the Grand Secretary leaves, Emperor Jing instructs the eunuch to record the names of the officials who didn't come to petition.
The Emperor ignores the advice of the officials. When Princess Lin'an learns of this, she kneels before her father's palace, begging him to listen to the people. The Imperial Concubine, alarmed, quickly coaxes Lin'an away.
Back home, Xu Qi'an is warmly welcomed by his family. After dinner, Xu Xinnian and Xu Qi'an analyze the Emperor's recent actions. They find it suspicious that the usually composed Emperor would have such a public display of emotion. Xu Qi'an, recalling the scene at the palace, grows increasingly uneasy.
