Episode Summary
- Rong Shu Kuang's Inner Turmoil and Dependence: Rong Shu Kuang struggles with her identity and place in this world, experiencing moments of vulnerability and relying on Yan Shao for emotional support. Her impulsive actions and confusion highlight her internal conflict.
- Tang Ying Luo's Questionable Methods: Tang Ying Luo's actions, while seemingly intended to help, create further complications and raise questions about her true motives. The use of a love potion adds another layer of intrigue and conflict.
- Intensifying External Intrigue: The arrival of martial artists, the upcoming competition, the increased security, and the secret meetings all point to a larger, unfolding plot that is beginning to impact the main characters. The setting is becoming increasingly complex.
- The fortune teller's predictions. Although Yan Shao urges everyone to not take it seriously, the fortune teller's predictions added more mystery and foreshadowing to the episode.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Rong Shu Kuang overwhelmed by a strange, intoxicating smoke. Feeling feverish and disoriented, she desperately seeks out Yan Shao. Unable to control herself, she throws her arms around him, but Yan Shao pushes her away. He quickly diagnoses her with yet another poisoning. Rong Shu Kuang, frustrated and despairing, laments that maybe death would be an escape, a way to return to her own world – whatever or wherever that may be. She's unsure if this current world is even real, or if she's trapped in some alternate dimension.
Yan Shao, understandably confused by her ramblings, is firm that she is not a burden, and he helps her willingly. Rong Shu Kuang recalls a past fear of losing all her memories and becoming useless. At that time, Yan Shao had promised to take her away from Yu Chi Manor if she never recovered her memory.
Lost in a haze, Rong Shu Kuang impulsively kisses Yan Shao. He struggles to control his own emotions, but when her condition worsens, he throws her into a water vat to shock her back to her senses. Now clear-headed, Rong Shu Kuang clings to Yan Shao, finding comfort in simply saying his name, feeling like it's a protective charm. Yan Shao reassures her that he's always there for her.
The next day, it's obvious to everyone that both Yan Shao and Rong Shu Kuang are exhausted, though they both blame it on noisy stray cats. Rong Shu Kuang is mortified by her actions the previous night, and her embarrassment only grows when Yan Shao assures her that "nothing happened." She's furious and disappointed that her bold move elicited no response. Yan Shao then reveals evidence pointing to Tang Ying Luo as the culprit behind the poisoning. Rong Shu Kuang is livid, ready to confront Tang Ying Luo and sever their friendship. Surprisingly, Tang Ying Luo is delighted, claiming she only used the love potion to help Rong Shu Kuang, and that Rong Shu Kuang's strong constitution prevented any serious effects. Yan Shao, however, is secretly displeased, as all of Rong Shu Kuang's toxins are transferred to him.
Meanwhile, the city is bustling with martial artists from various sects. Lin Wan Ci and Lin Shao Ci are heading out on business, and Rong Shu Kuang wants to tag along. Lin Shao Ci is initially hesitant, but he agrees when he sees Yan Shao will be accompanying them.
There's a martial arts competition tomorrow night, with the winner getting to drink the legendary Hundred Flower Wine. Lin Wan Ci hopes Yan Shao will win, and he seems confident.
Lin Wan Ci notices that the usual free passage between the East and West markets is now blocked by official checkpoints. Lin Shao Ci suspects it's his father's doing, to prevent anyone from accidentally stumbling into the annual Xuan Hong Flower Festival, a major event for martial artists. Rong Shu Kuang is thrilled by the lively atmosphere and even spots a vendor selling Rou Jia Mo (a type of meat sandwich).
Lin Wan Ci suddenly feels unwell and nearly faints, but Yan Shao catches her, prompting a sarcastic remark from Rong Shu Kuang about his "flirtatiousness." The group stops at a tavern, where Rong Shu Kuang, after tasting the wine, tries to guess the age of the innkeepers. She assumes it's an old husband with a young wife, but it turns out to be the opposite – the wife is "Li Hua Bai," and the husband is "Qian Jin Xiao." The couple exchanges a knowing glance upon seeing Yan Shao.
Intrigued by a blind fortune teller, Rong Shu Kuang believes blind fortune tellers are more accurate. Yan Shao is skeptical, but Rong Shu Kuang decides to test him. She quickly realizes he's not actually blind, but she still wants her fortune told. The fortune teller says she was born into a family with little wealth, no land or elders, and is destined to marry far away. However, it's not all bad, as misfortune can bring good luck. Tang Ying Luo gets her fortune told, and is told that her obsession with love will hurt herself and others, but she doesn't care. Lin Wan Ci's fortune is much better, indicating a comfortable life despite her weak constitution, but her current desires are like an illusion, and she's advised to let go of her obsession. Yan Shao urges everyone not to take the fortunes too seriously. The fortune teller and Yan Shao exchange a secret signal – the people from Tian Gang have arrived, and Yan Shao has arranged a meeting.
Finally, Lin Wan Ci slips away to a private room to meet with Shen Zui Tian. She informs him about the increased security checkpoints, which are being managed by the Feng and Lu hall masters.
