Episode Summary
Luo Lingyu, worried about Lu Yun, travels to Jingyang. She discovers her father's hidden fortune and uses it to buy food for the army, greatly boosting morale. Lu Yun uncovers Beichu's plot to use explosives and adjusts his strategy. Despite their rekindled passion, Lu Yun prioritizes the upcoming battle. Fan Qingchen is shocked by Lingyu's arrival and allegiance to Lu Yun.
Spoiler Alert
Ever since Lu Yun departed for Jingyang, Luo Lingyu has been a nervous wreck back at the Lu residence. Though Lu Yun sends her letters, Lingyu can't bring herself to open them, fearing the worst from the distant and dangerous front. She relies on updates from Zhou Yangling and Prince Changyi. While Prince Changyi consistently brings positive news, the prolonged absence of Lu Yun and Prince Hengyang, despite the capture of Jingyang, suggests a complex and volatile military situation. Prince Changyi mentions that supply lines are slow, hindering their progress.
Tormented by nightmares, Luo Lingyu dreams of Lu Yun and his troops surrounded and overwhelmed, with she herself suffering multiple arrow wounds. Waking up in tears, she decides to take action. Under the pretense of retrieving her inheritance, she packs lightly, reassures her sister, and sets off for Jingyang with her confidante, Lingxi.
Upon hearing of Lingyu's arrival, Lu Yun is overjoyed, a level of excitement Prince Hengyang has never witnessed. Lu Yun sweeps Lingyu into his arms, spinning her around in celebration. He then takes her on a tour of the military camp, where she observes the meager rations, particularly the thin rice porridge, that the soldiers are forced to endure. Moved by their plight, Lingyu recalls her father's motto, "Be strong all your life," and examines a wall in the camp. There, she discovers a hidden mechanism, revealing a secret stash of fifty thousand taels of gold left by her father.
Lingyu and Lu Yun then enter a secret passage built by the late Governor Luo. Inside, they find a letter and Lu Yun's father's jade pendant. Governor Luo's letter expresses his grief over General Lu's death and his vow to defend Jingyang to the death. He had searched for and recovered General Lu's remains and carefully preserved his belongings. Both Lingyu and Lu Yun are deeply moved, realizing the bond between their fathers, who fought for the country, and how their children have now come together, united in love and purpose.
With her father's hidden fortune, Lingyu immediately purchases a large quantity of grain for the army. The arrival of the provisions boosts morale significantly, and the soldiers roar their determination to defeat Beichu. That day, Lu Yun, taking extra precautions, investigates areas where Fan Qingchen had previously lured them. He discovers a large cache of saltpeter, explaining Beichu's feigned surrenders – they were stalling for time, depleting their enemies' strength, and preparing to trap them in an explosive ambush. Lu Yun revises the battle plan, shifting from a quick strike to a cautious approach, aiming to uncover the extent of Beichu's saltpeter reserves and turn their own tactics against them.
That evening, Lu Yun visits Lingyu in her tent. The days apart have intensified their feelings, and Lu Yun passionately kisses Lingyu. However, with the impending battle, he restrains himself, believing that only victory can truly honor his love for her, allowing him to marry her with the glory she deserves.
Lu Yun temporarily shares Prince Hengyang's tent. He jokingly tells Prince Hengyang that he intends to "repay" Lingyu for her great contribution by offering himself to her. Prince Hengyang, already close to Lu Yun and witnessing the genuine affection between him and Lingyu, raises no objections.
Meanwhile, Fan Qingchen, gloating over his battle map, receives a report that Lu Yun's camp has received reinforcements, including a large shipment of grain brought in by a young woman. When he confirms that Luo Lingyu has arrived in Jingyang, he is stunned. He had believed Lingyu still harbored feelings for him, but now realizes that she has clearly chosen her side, and he holds no place in her heart.
