Episode Summary
Shi Fake successfully exposes the Marquis of Wu'an's scheme to impersonate the artist Mr. Linyuan, disillusioning Yan Qiyue. As Lu Chi departs to handle a military threat at Qianya Mountain, a new potential romance blossoms between Yan Qiyue and the Emperor. The episode concludes with the vengeful Marquis plotting to abduct Shi Fake to blackmail Lu Chi.
Spoiler Alert
This episode kicks off with a surprising revelation: the Emperor and Lu Chi are actually fellow disciples from the same master. Lu Chi also learns that the Emperor's frequent excursions from the palace have been to pursue a woman.
Meanwhile, on the final day of the art exhibition, Yan Qiyue is heartbroken that she never got to meet the mysterious artist, Mr. Linyuan. Just then, the Marquis of Wu'an's butler arrives to collect the paintings, claiming he will return them to the artist. Yan Qiyue seizes the opportunity and begs for a meeting. The Marquis, posing as the refined and elegant Mr. Linyuan, meets with her. Completely captivated, Yan Qiyue falls for the charade and confesses her feelings for him on the spot.
She rushes back to tell her best friend, Shi Fake, the wonderful news. However, Shi Fake is immediately suspicious. She shares her doubts with Lu Chi, who confirms that the Marquis is an imposter. Shi Fake tries to warn Yan Qiyue, but the love-struck girl refuses to listen, leading to a heated argument between the two friends.
Undeterred, Shi Fake follows Yan Qiyue on her next date with the Marquis. She steps out of the shadows and confronts him, exposing his true identity. Yet again, Yan Qiyue sides with the Marquis and angrily sends Shi Fake away. The Marquis uses this moment to declare his intentions, though Yan Qiyue doesn't give him an immediate answer.
Frustrated but unwilling to give up on her friend, Shi Fake consults with Lu Chi. Their conversation is cut short when Lu Chi receives urgent news: a large military force is gathering near Qianya Mountain. After informing the Emperor, Lu Chi finds Shi Fake to say a sorrowful and reluctant goodbye, as he must leave immediately to deal with the crisis.
Shi Fake devises one last plan to save her friend. She crashes Yan Qiyue's next meeting with the Marquis, bringing a random painting and asking him to critique it as Mr. Linyuan. After he gives his flawed analysis, Shi Fake reveals that the artwork is a worthless piece she bought casually. Cornered and unable to keep up the pretense, the Marquis's deception is finally exposed, and a crestfallen Yan Qiyue is taken home by Shi Fake.
Furious at being unmasked, the Marquis of Wu'an receives good news that takes the sting out of his humiliation: his army at Qianya Mountain is assembled and ready to attack. He rejoices, confident that he can now crush all of his enemies.
Later, while Shi Fake and Yan Qiyue are out shopping, they are accosted by a group of thugs. The Emperor steps in to defend them but, lacking martial arts skills, finds himself in trouble. Just in time, Lu Yi appears and swiftly defeats the hooligans. Afterward, the three have a meal together, where Shi Fake notices the undeniable chemistry between Yan Qiyue and the Emperor and decides to play matchmaker.
Feeling lonely and missing Lu Chi, Shi Fake visits the Xi Bao Pavilion, a place filled with their shared memories. There, Li Pan'er gives her a letter from Lu Chi, which moves her to tears.
Yan Qiyue, confused by her own shifting emotions, confides in Shi Fake. Shi Fake guesses that she has developed feelings for the Emperor. Yan Qiyue denies it, claiming they just get along well. To prove her point, Shi Fake has Yan Qiyue try to identify the Emperor from a group of men, showing only their eyes. Yan Qiyue picks him out instantly.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger. The Marquis of Wu'an, learning that Lu Chi has left the city, orders his nephew, Li Ang, to kidnap Shi Fake, intending to use her as leverage against his foe.
