Episode Summary
Li Shuang faints from exhaustion and receives good news that her family has been pardoned. To recover, she, Jin An, and their friends take a trip to Cang Mountain. The getaway is filled with awkward sleeping arrangements, a victorious drinking contest, and a heartfelt dance. The episode ends with major confessions, as Li Shuang explains Qiao'er's compassionate nature and then offers Jin An any wish for his sacrifices. He asks only to remain by her side, seeing the woman behind the general's armor.
Spoiler Alert
A General Needs a Break
After all the fighting and scheming, this episode gives everyone a chance to breathe. Li Shuang and Jin An finally get some downtime, but of course, it's not without a little drama. You can't put these two in a room—or a hotel—without things getting interesting.
Health Scare and Good News
The episode kicks off with Li Shuang suddenly turning on Jin An. She's been holding a lot in, and it seems to boil over. But just as she's about to walk away, she faints. It’s a serious scare.
Lu Xin checks her out and delivers the verdict. Li Shuang is suffering from anxiety and physical exhaustion. The woman has been running on fumes, and her body has finally had enough. She needs to rest.
Just in time, a letter arrives from the capital. The emperor has officially pardoned the Li family. This is huge news. A massive weight is lifted off Li Shuang’s shoulders. Seeing her finally able to relax, Lu Xin suggests a trip to Cang Mountain. It's a perfect place to recuperate, and it’s home to Dragon's Blood Grass, an herb that's great for restoring strength. Li Shuang is hesitant to leave her post, but Jin An and Lu Xin team up to convince her.
The Cang Mountain Getaway
So, the crew heads for the mountains. They bring along a newly hired groom, Ouyang Jun, and Li Shuang's loyal attendant, Qiao'er. Once they arrive, Li Shuang surprises Jin An by booking the best rooms available. He's happy to see her finally treating herself to something nice.
There's a catch, though. She only booked two rooms. For three men and three women. The math is a little awkward. Later that night, Jin An can't resist and tries to eavesdrop on the women's room. Lu Xin catches him in the act and shoves him back into his own room without a second thought. Before shutting the door, Li Shuang gives Jin An some candy, claiming Qiao'er bought it and they had too much. Lu Xin knows better; she remembers Li Shuang buying that candy herself.
Mountain Town Shenanigans
Awkward Roommates and Late-Night Candy
Inside their room, Lu Xin can't help but ask Li Shuang what's going on with Jin An. She tells her that their flirting is obvious to everyone. She also brings up the mysterious Xuan Yi Ke, the masked hero everyone is talking about. Lu Xin wonders if Li Shuang feels torn between him and Jin An.
Meanwhile, Jin An has a frank conversation with Ji Ran. He makes it clear that he only helped him because of Lu Xin. He tells Ji Ran to be a little kinder to her and to make his intentions clear.
The group learns that Dragon's Blood Grass, which they thought was rare, is grown by almost every household in town. They plan to stay for three days to give Li Shuang plenty of time to recover.
A Drinking Contest and a Dance
While out gathering herbs, Qiao'er and Ouyang Jun see a young girl trying to sell herself to pay for her mother's funeral. Qiao'er, who has a soft heart, gives the girl money without asking for anything in return. Ouyang Jun is skeptical and calls it a scam, but Qiao'er doesn't listen.
That evening, a local restaurant is holding a drinking contest. Lu Xin, ever the instigator, encourages Li Shuang to join. Jin An is worried about her drinking, but he has no reason to be. Li Shuang, a seasoned general, easily drinks her way to victory.A very drunk Li Shuang then pulls Jin An onto the dance floor.He can't take his eyes off her as they dance.
Quiet Moments and Big Confessions
Qiao'er's Kindness Explained
Later, Ouyang Jun mentions Qiao'er's earlier encounter with the girl to Li Shuang.Li Shuang isn't surprised. She explains that she first met Qiao'er in a similar situation, rescuing her from the streets. Qiao'er is an orphan and would rather get scammed herself than risk seeing someone else suffer the way she did.
Jin An's Wish
That night, Jin An brings food to Li Shuang's room, knowing she drank a lot but barely ate. He also gives her a gift. It's a biography he wrote himself, one where every character gets a happy ending, hoping it will cheer her up.
Li Shuang is touched. She thanks him, acknowledging that the people of Lu City owe their safety to him. She then admits that the secret of Xuan Yi Ke's identity can't be kept forever.She knowingly sacrificed a promotion and official honors to protect him. Because of that, she wants to grant him any wish he desires.
Jin An's response is simple. His greatest wish is just to stay by her side. He tells her that, off the battlefield, she isn't just a general. She's an ordinary woman.
