Episode Summary
- Secrets and Mistrust: The episode deepens the mysteries surrounding several characters. Yan Shao's true motives are questioned, Shang Guan Tong's past is revealed, and Rong Shu Kuang's feelings are conflicted, leading to growing mistrust between key players.
- Hidden Feelings: Rong Shu Kuang's drawings and her subsequent explanations reveal her true affections lie with Yan Shao, despite her outward admiration for Lin Shao Ci. This creates a love triangle dynamic and adds emotional complexity to the story.
- Betrayal and Consequences: The episode culminates in a perceived betrayal, as Yan Shao is accused of theft and imprisoned. This act severs the bond between Yan Shao and Rong Shu Kuang, setting up significant consequences for future episodes.
- The cat-and-mouse game: Lin Shao Ci is aware that someone is playing this game, and he has decided to join in.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Yan Shao visiting the captured boy, Shang Guan Tong, in his cell. Yan Shao reveals she knows his entire backstory: a former orphan taken in by the Junshan Sect, he was trained by the sect leader, only to eventually kill his master and become a hunted fugitive. Now, disguised and with nowhere to turn, he joined the Ghost Valley Alliance. Yan Shao points out that his actions (lighting the oil) nearly killed many innocent people. She also understands that Shang Guan Tong wasn't entirely willing in his past actions; he killed his master because the latter, driven mad by his training, begged for death to preserve his honor. Shang Guan Tong, preferring to be hunted than reveal the truth, is moved by Yan Shao's understanding. He reveals that Shen Zui Tian and Huang Pao are hiding in the city's winery and the "Blossom Smile" gathering spots.
When Lin Shao Ci arrives at the cell, he discovers Shang Guan Tong has escaped. He orders a search, but Shang Guan Tong is actually seeking out Yan Shao, hoping to join Tian Gang. He knows Yan Shao has connections to Tian Gang because only they knew about his disguise. Yan Shao neither confirms nor denies this, instead giving Shang Guan Tong a token to find a contact. Shang Guan Tong shares his steamed bun with Yan Shao, revealing that it's poisoned. He explains that both Lin Wan Ci and the guard delivered buns, leaving him unsure who wants him dead, but certain someone in the prison does.
Later, Yan Shao goes to Rong Shu Kuang's room and finds her asleep. She attempts to draw out the poison affecting Rong Shu Kuang, but unexpectedly loses consciousness. When Rong Shu Kuang wakes up and finds her master lying beside her, she's shocked but doesn't drive Yan Shao away. Just then, searchers arrive, claiming to be looking for an escaped prisoner. Rong Shu Kuang tries to wake Yan Shao, but failing, she hides her in a secret chamber.
Yan Shao awakens in the secret chamber, discovering it's filled with Rong Shu Kuang's drawings expressing her admiration for Lin Shao Ci. Yan Shao reflects that if her disciple put as much effort into her swordsmanship as she did into these drawings, her martial arts wouldn't be so lacking. Just as she's about to leave, Yan Shao faints again.
After the searchers leave, Rong Shu Kuang rushes to the secret chamber and finds Yan Shao unconscious. She tries to use modern first-aid techniques, but Yan Shao suddenly wakes up, accusing Rong Shu Kuang of improper behavior. They bicker again. Yan Shao, thinking about the drawings, is annoyed. Rong Shu Kuang, sensing this, quickly explains that she doesn't like Lin Shao Ci. She says that with someone she truly likes, she'd want to share stargazing, fun experiences, and delicious food – all things she's experienced with Yan Shao. Yan Shao is touched, her eyes reddening. However, the drawings make her uncertain about what's true and what's not. For now, she prioritizes saving Rong Shu Kuang's life, and an irritated Yan Shao demands they start sword practice early the next morning.
The next day, Yan Shao waits early in the courtyard to teach Rong Shu Kuang. Rong Shu Kuang is curious about "Qi sinking to the Dantian." Lin Shao Ci arrives, offering to teach Rong Shu Kuang himself, but Yan Shao refuses. Rong Shu Kuang suggests a sparring match between the two, with the winner becoming her teacher. Lin Shao Ci immediately attacks, wanting to show Rong Shu Kuang Yan Shao's "true colors." During their fight, Rong Shu Kuang is reminded of the drawings and feels dizzy. Yan Shao and Lin Shao Ci quickly stop fighting to tend to her. Rong Shu Kuang asks Lin Shao Ci which teacup is his favorite, but he can't remember. Rong Shu Kuang desperately tries to recall, feeling it's something important to her. Yan Shao advises her not to force it if she can't remember.
Afterward, Rong Shu Kuang wants to sell Lin Shao Ci's drawings, believing they're the reason Yan Shao has been merciless in her sword training. Because Lin Shao Ci is a young hero, he has many admirers. Yu Ling Long and Tang Ying Luo have bought many of the drawings. When Yu Ling Long flips through them, Rong Shu Kuang sees a familiar pattern and urgently wants to see it, but Yu Ling Long refuses, demanding a hundred taels.
Desperate, Rong Shu Kuang asks Yan Shao for money to buy the drawings, lying that it's for "girly things." However, Tang Ying Luo and Yu Ling Long have agreed to let her redeem them for fifty taels and rush to tell Rong Shu Kuang the good news, which Yan Shao overhears. Yan Shao, believing Rong Shu Kuang is buying these things to please Lin Shao Ci, angrily refuses to lend her any money.
That night, Rong Shu Kuang goes to the Hidden Pavilion to check the account books, but finds Yan Shao already there. They accuse each other, when Lin Shao Ci arrives with guards to investigate. They find no one, and Lin Shao Ci realizes someone is playing a game of cat and mouse. He resolves to play along, pretending to leave casually.
Liu An, who has been secretly watching Rong Shu Kuang, reports to Lin Wan Ci that Rong Shu Kuang entered the Hidden Pavilion and later left with Yan Shao. Lin Wan Ci speculates that Rong Shu Kuang might be short on money and wants to take over the shop's business. As for Yan Shao, she suspects he has other motives and plans to interfere.
The next day, Lin Shao Ci confronts Yan Shao, who is about to teach Rong Shu Kuang. He searches Yan Shao and finds a brocade box, accusing her of following Rong Shu Kuang to steal its contents. Legend says the box contains the key to a treasure, proving Yan Shao is after the treasure.
Yan Shao is imprisoned. Rong Shu Kuang requests to speak with her alone, dismissing Lin Shao Ci. Rong Shu Kuang hopes Yan Shao can explain herself, as she has always trusted her. But Yan Shao says nothing. Furious, Rong Shu Kuang cuts the ropes binding Yan Shao's arms, declaring their relationship over. Yan Shao grabs Rong Shu Kuang, asking if she believes she's that kind of person. Rong Shu Kuang pulls away, saying it doesn't matter anymore, and they'll never meet again.
