Episode Summary
Xu Qi'an receives a mysterious sword, encounters powerful figures, and seeks refuge for his sisters at Yunlu Academy. He's tasked with writing poems to secure their safety. Meanwhile, the family investigates Zhou Li, discovering his connection to the courtesan Fuxiang. Xu Qi'an uses his skills to gain access to the Jiaofang Division, where he unexpectedly meets his uncle and cousin.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Xu Qi'an on his way home, still puzzling over the sword gifted to him by his mentor, the Supervisor. He's feeling a bit conflicted, having just talked about the "priceless" nature of alchemy, and now he's accepted this generous present. He muses that he's still just a "common man." Suddenly, the sword seems to have a mind of its own, flying towards him as if angered by his disrespectful thoughts. Xu Qi'an quickly apologizes, narrowly avoiding a nasty injury.
He then encounters two imposing figures: Wei Yuan, the leader of the Watchmen, and Nangong Qianrou, a female Guardian. Both leave a strong impression on Xu Qi'an, clearly marking them as powerful individuals.
Meanwhile, Princess Huai Qing hears about a widely praised poem making the rounds at the Yunlu Academy: "Though the road ahead is long, fear not the lack of a close friend, for everyone under Heaven will know your name." Intrigued, she asks the academy's dean, Zhao Shou, about the author, only to learn it was written by a mere martial artist.
On the road to Yunlu Academy, Xu Qi'an and his cousin Xu Xinnian are riding with purpose. Xu Qi'an, having learned he's offended the powerful Zhou Xianping, is desperate to secure a safe haven for his family. He plans to beg the academy's teachers to take in his two younger sisters as students, protecting them from potential harm.
The academy's esteemed scholars, Zhang Shen and Li Mubai, are known for their appreciation of talent, and they welcome Xu Qi'an warmly. Xu Qi'an explains his situation, but the scholars pretend it's a difficult request. They're currently working on a collection of poems called "Exhortation to Learning," and suggest that if Xu Qi'an could contribute, they'd be more inclined to help. Xu Qi'an, desperate to protect his sisters, agrees to write twenty poems. However, he struggles, only managing to come up with incomplete verses. He presents these fragments to Li Mubai, who is initially disappointed. But Xu Qi'an assures him that he'll finish the poems to the teacher's satisfaction once he's dealt with other matters. Li Mubai, his spirits lifted, sends Xu Qi'an off with encouragement.
Back on the road, Xu Xinnian praises Xu Qi'an's foresight in protecting their mother and sisters from Zhou Li's potential schemes. Arriving home, they realize they're being followed and warn Xu Pingzhi to increase security. Xu Pingzhi, being a martial artist himself, immediately orders his men to be more vigilant.
That evening, Xu Xinnian, Xu Qi'an, and their uncle gather to piece together the clues they've collected. Xu Pingzhi reveals that Zhou Li frequents an outside residence and enjoys visiting courtesans, particularly Fuxiang, a courtesan from the Jiaofang Division. Xu Qi'an believes Fuxiang might hold vital information. To get close to her, they need a plan. Xu Xinnian, as a Yunlu Academy scholar, can't be seen in such places, so it's up to Xu Qi'an, the constable, to go.
Learning that Fuxiang favors scholars, Xu Qi'an dresses the part, looking quite dashing. He arrives at the Jiaofang Division, only to find a long queue and high prices for entry. Short on funds, he heads to the street and spots a pitch-pot game with money on the line. Using his excellent skills, he wins a magical jade mirror. He then helps a nobleman win a string of prayer beads, earning a hefty reward of six hundred silver taels.
Returning to the Jiaofang Division with his newfound wealth, Xu Qi'an is surprised to run into his uncle, Xu Pingzhi, and cousin, Xu Xinnian. It's immediately clear from the greetings Xu Pingzhi receives that he's a regular.
