Episode Summary
Lu Yun clears his father's name and vows to serve Yue Prefecture. Prince Hengyang confronts his traitorous mentor, who dies by suicide. Changyi and Yangling's marriage is confirmed by the Emperor, despite Changyi's attempt to call it off. Lu Yun prepares to go to war to reclaim Jingyang, entrusting his life savings to Luo Lingyu. Lu Yun and Prince Hengyang achieve battlefield success, prompting Fan Qingchen to challenge Lu Yun directly.
Spoiler Alert
Lu Yun's tireless efforts finally pay off! He successfully clears his father's name, and the Emperor posthumously bestows the title of "Marquis of Zhenbei" upon the late General Lu Jie. With utmost reverence, Lu Yun places his father's memorial tablet in the Ancestral Hall. Standing before his ancestors, he vows to follow in his father's footsteps and continue serving Yue Prefecture. Luo Lingyu watches him from outside, understanding his pain all too well; her own father, Governor Luo, perished in the same ambush. She empathizes with Lu Yun's grief.
Meanwhile, Prince Hengyang visits his mentor, Mr. Kong, in prison. Mr. Kong has been a guiding figure and comrade-in-arms for years, making the revelation of his treachery all the more devastating. Prince Hengyang, unable to accept that his trusted teacher was a spy, wants to help him one last time, remembering their past bond. But it's too late – Mr. Kong has taken poison. In his final moments, he expresses deep remorse, wishing he could repay the Prince's kindness in another life.
Prince Changyi takes Zhou Yangling to meet the Emperor. The Emperor is deeply impressed by Yangling's exam paper, praising her insightful and profound words. Upon hearing her name, he recalls that she was the one he'd originally chosen for Changyi's bride, affirming his excellent judgment. However, Changyi then kneels, begging the Emperor to annul the marriage. He claims he doesn't want to clip Yangling's wings and that he's unworthy of her talent. Yangling's own words, however, hint at her affection for Changyi. The Emperor, seeing their compatibility, playfully refuses their request, declaring that the imperial edict cannot be revoked.
Outside the palace, beneath a blossoming peach tree, Changyi earnestly asks Yangling if she ever felt any affection for him. Yangling responds by踮起脚(standing on her toes) and giving him a kiss, making her feelings clear. Though their engagement was initially arranged without their knowledge, their hearts are now intertwined after overcoming numerous obstacles. Changyi gently embraces her, and they share a passionate kiss.
Lu Yun resolves to complete his father's unfinished mission. The Beichu have long been causing trouble on the borders, and his father lost his life in the Battle of Jingyang. Now, with Jingyang under Beichu occupation, Lu Yun is determined to reclaim it. He shares his plan with his uncle, who objects, and even the Lu family matriarch falls ill with worry. But Lu Yun's resolve is firm. A man's ambitions should know no bounds. His uncle, after failing to dissuade him, finally relents.
Before departing for Jingyang with Prince Hengyang, Lu Yun meets with Luo Lingyu. She has already learned of his impending campaign. Understanding his heart, she offers only encouragement, urging him to return alive. She even embroiders a sachet for him, a token of her hopes and wishes. With her support, Lu Yun is even more determined.
At dawn, the Lu family gathers to see Lu Yun off. However, Yinchuan, unable to bear the sorrow of parting, leaves before daybreak. The matriarch gazes at the path Lu Yun took, filled with reluctance. Yinchuan secretly delivers something to Luo Lingyu – a delicate box containing Lu Yun's life savings and accumulated wealth. Yinchuan conveys Lu Yun's concern for Lingyu's financial well-being, instructing her to use the funds as needed. Luo Lingyu is moved to tears, realizing the depth of Lu Yun's feelings, entrusting her with his entire fortune as he goes to war.
Lu Yun and Prince Hengyang work together seamlessly on the battlefield, achieving victory after victory. The Beichu forces are thrown into disarray. Fan Qingchen volunteers to lead the charge against Lu Yun, seeking a personal confrontation.
