Episode Summary
Rong Shu Kuang sets a trap to force Chu Tian Yao to reveal his true identity as Yan Shao. After falling into a well together, they confess their love. Yan Shao reveals his poisoned condition, and Rong Shu Kuang shares her origins from the modern world. They recount their shared past and how they met again. Lin Shao Ci realizes Rong Shu Kuang has moved on from Yan Shao.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Chu Tian Yao and Lin Shao Ci having a polite but somewhat awkward conversation. Lin Shao Ci informs Chu Tian Yao about his father's impending arrival. He also notes that Chu Tian Yao's build reminds him of Yan Shao. However, Rong Shu Kuang quickly covers, claiming to have met Yan Shao and assuring Lin Shao Ci that they are different people. The situation is further complicated when Ye Gui Zhou arrives to discuss wedding preparations with Rong Shu Kuang. To everyone's surprise, Rong Shu Kuang is proactive, even suggesting they marry on the sixteenth of the current month.
Chu Tian Yao doesn't object, instructing Ye Gui Zhou to follow Rong Shu Kuang's wishes. However, Feng Ming sees through Chu Tian Yao's facade, sensing his inner turmoil. Feng Ming expresses his hope for a clear resolution and wants to know who Rong Shu Kuang truly loves – Yan Shao or the persona of Chu Tian Yao. He understands that if Yan Shao were to marry Rong Shu Kuang under the guise of Chu Tian Yao, it would ultimately hurt both of them.
Later, Rong Shu Kuang has fabrics brought to Chu Tian Yao for the wedding attire selection. Shang GuanTong praises Rong Shu Kuang's initiative. During the fitting, Rong Shu Kuang's Eagle Bone Whistle falls out. She deliberately talks about the whistle's significance, only to then dramatically declare her intention to sever past ties and destroy it. After she leaves, she secretly hopes Chu Tian Yao will follow her.
Her plan works. Chu Tian Yao gives chase but loses sight of her. Hearing the sound of the Eagle Bone Whistle, he's led to a dry well, where he finds Rong Shu Kuang trapped inside. Using a rope, Chu Tian Yao descends to help her, setting her dislocated hand. He attempts to carry her out, but the rope breaks, and they both fall to the bottom.
This forced proximity allows Rong Shu Kuang to finally confront Chu Tian Yao. She confesses that she knows his true identity and refuses to marry someone she doesn't love. The wedding date is her ultimatum: if Chu Tian Yao doesn't reveal his true self by then, she'll leave. Finally, Chu Tian Yao removes his mask, revealing himself as Yan Shao. The two embrace, openly expressing their love for each other.
Yan Shao explains that his previous relationship with Rong Shu Kuang was born of duty and promises. He fell in love with the woman he rescued, and Rong Shu Kuang fell for the red-clothed young man who constantly protected her. They sit in the well, recounting the events that separated them, and share a passionate kiss. Shang GuanTong and Feng Ming discover them but, seeing their affection, wait nearby.
Back in Yan Shao's room, he reveals his poisoned condition and impending death to Rong Shu Kuang. She understands that he assumed Chu Tian Yao's identity to protect her. Rong Shu Kuang then shares her own secret: she's from the modern era, brought to this world by the white jade, inheriting some of Rong Shu Kuang's fragmented memories.
Yan Shao recounts their shared past in Longyue Village. Su Shi Yu, foreseeing danger, had divided the jade pendant between the two children. After the Ghost Valley Alliance destroyed the village, Chu Mo Xiong took Yan Shao to Tian Gang, while Rong Shu Kuang was taken to Yu Chi Manor. Yan Shao searched for her everywhere, eventually witnessing her act of bravery at an inn. He was about to approach her, but seeing her feelings for Lin Shao Ci, he left. Later, he risked everything to rescue her when she was captured, leading to their current connection.
Lin Shao Ci and others, concerned about Rong Shu Kuang's overnight absence after she went to see Chu Tian Yao, arrive at Chu Tian Yao's room. Rong Shu Kuang is startled, but Chu Tian Yao calmly states that they are now husband and wife, so sharing a room is normal. Rong Shu Kuang, realizing he's right, opens the door and explains that they were simply talking. Chu Tian Yao, standing behind her, puts his mask back on. They exchange a knowing glance. Lin Shao Ci, witnessing Rong Shu Kuang's youthful, infatuated demeanor, feels a pang of sadness, realizing she has truly moved on from Yan Shao.
