Episode Summary
- Strategic Alliances and Personal Sacrifices: The proposed marriage between Rong Shu Kuang and Chu Tian Yao highlights the complex interplay between political strategy and personal desires. Rong Shu Kuang is used as a pawn in a larger game, but she attempts to turn the situation to her advantage.
- Hidden Identities and Deceptions: Yan Shao's true origins and affiliations remain shrouded in mystery, with multiple layers of deception being revealed. The episode is filled with characters secretly working against each other, and double-crosses.
- Unrequited Love and Loyalty: Lin Shao Ci's confession of love to Rong Shu Kuang, and her subsequent rejection, underscores the theme of unrequited love. Meanwhile, loyalty is tested and displayed in various forms, from Lin Wan Ci's release of Liu An to Yan Shao's secret protection of Rong Shu Kuang.
- The Fuxian treasure and the key to unlock are introduced.
Spoiler Alert
This episode throws us into a whirlwind of emotions, betrayals, and strategic maneuvers.
Rong Shu Kuang confronts Lin Wan Ci in Yan Shao's room, only to learn that Yan Shao has already left the manor. Rong Shu Kuang's distress hints at a deeper affection, but Lin Wan Ci, ever the pragmatist, reminds her that Yan Shao has always been elusive and never truly committed.
Meanwhile, Shen Zui Tian receives a tip-off that Die Liu Xiang has left a trace on both Yan Shao and Rong Shu Kuang, allowing them to be tracked. However, when Shen Zui Tian and his men pursue, they find only a discarded piece of clothing, proving Yan Shao is one step ahead. Shen Zui Tian is amused, recognizing a clever counter-strategy. Unseen, Shang Guan Tong observes the scene from the shadows.
Rong Shu Kuang, practicing her swordsmanship, is haunted by memories of Yan Shao's guidance. She momentarily hallucinates Yan Shao's presence, highlighting her emotional turmoil.
A major political move is revealed: Chu Tian Yao, the leader of Tian Gang, proposes an alliance, sealed by marriage to Rong Shu Kuang. Lin Shao Ci vehemently opposes this, but Lin Qian Yi seeks Rong Shu Kuang's opinion. It turns out Yan Shao was instrumental in arranging this alliance and the marriage proposal. Lin Qian Yi, while supportive of the alliance, expresses his wish for Rong Shu Kuang to marry someone she loves. Rong Shu Kuang requests a private discussion with Lin Qian Yi.
Lin Qian Yi entrusts Rong Shu Kuang with one half of the Fuxian treasure key, the other half being with Chu Tian Yao. This key is presented as a dowry, highlighting Rong Shu Kuang's role as a bargaining chip. Although she suspected Yan Shao was not ordinary, Rong Shu Kuang is taken aback to learn of her connection to Tian Gang.
Lin Shao Ci, waiting for Rong Shu Kuang, confesses his love and proposes marriage. He admits his past mistake in rejecting her and expresses his changed feelings. However, Rong Shu Kuang gently rebuffs him, stating they will always be family.
In her secret chamber, Rong Shu Kuang expresses her anger at Yan Shao's abrupt departure and the "cutting" nature of the marriage proposal. Resigned to her fate, she agrees to marry Chu Tian Yao, vowing to use the situation to her advantage. She informs Yu Chi Manor of her decision and instructs Lin Qian Yi to spread the news that she is marrying Chu Tian Yao with the treasure key, thus diverting attention to Tian Gang. Her true plan is to use the key to embark on a treasure hunt, hoping to return to her own time eventually. Lin Qian Yi reluctantly agrees and arranges her departure.
Tang Ying Luo prepares Rong Shu Kuang's carriage, ensuring its comfort as per Rong Shu Kuang's preference. Lin Shao Ci offers help, and a brief, accidental touch between them sparks a moment of tenderness for Tang Ying Luo, who harbors feelings for him but doesn't want to pressure him.
As Rong Shu Kuang departs, Lin Shao Ci tries one last time to dissuade her, but she remains resolute. The group sets off, with Yan Shao secretly following.
During a rest stop, Rong Shu Kuang gazes at the stars, reminiscing about a similar moment shared with Yan Shao in the desert. She clutches a jade pendant, longing for him.
Lin Wan Ci releases Liu An from prison, expressing gratitude for his past kindness. She considers him family, unlike others who favored Rong Shu Kuang. Liu An reveals that Yan Shao is from Longyue Village and warns Lin Wan Ci about underestimating her. Lin Wan Ci, however, remains unconcerned.
Lin Shao Ci's group is ambushed by assassins from the Wu Wang Pavilion. During the fierce battle, Yan Shao secretly aids them, using stones to disable their attackers. Rong Shu Kuang uses a self-made powder to capture one of the assassins, Hua Qi. Yan Shao is perplexed by this seemingly unnecessary risk.
The captured Hua Qi, poisoned by the Wu Wang Pavilion's fail-safe, is on the verge of death. The leader of the Wu Wang Pavilion arrives, demanding the treasure key. A fight ensues, and Rong Shu Kuang, in a moment of compassion, gives Hua Qi the antidote she found.
Yan Shao's subordinates, Feng Ming and Fei Wu, secretly eliminate the remaining Wu Wang Pavilion assassins. Yan Shao, hearing a whistle, swiftly departs. Rong Shu Kuang and her group escape with Hua Qi, who guides them to a secret passage. Rong Shu Kuang notices Hua Qi's suspicious smile but is reassured by Tang Ying Luo that the near-death experience was genuine.
Following the whistle, Yan Shao rescues a captured girl, only to discover it's Lin Wan Ci.
