Episode Summary
Jin Wujian returns and manipulates Mo Yin into believing Jin'an is a murderer. To fulfill Li Shuang's wish, Jin'an forms a secret alliance with Su Muyang, teaching him to be ruthless in his fight for the throne. The conflict escalates when Su Muli tries to assassinate Su Muyang during a hunt and then retaliates by attacking Li Shuang's friends and demanding Su Muyang's surrender.
Spoiler Alert
An Old "Friend" Returns
The Setup
So, Mo Yin gets a signal from Jin Wujian and goes to meet him. This is the guy who was kicked out of Wuling Mountain for practicing forbidden arts.Mo Yin still calls him "Big Brother," which tells you everything you need to know about Mo Yin's judgment.
They talk about their adoptive father, and Mo Yin confirms the old man passed away. Jin Wujian missed the funeral because he was, you know, exiled. He claims he showed up after hearing about the Jade Exquisite situation.He says he tracked it and the shadow puppet—that's our Jin'an—to the General's Mansion.
Jin Wujian wants to team up with Mo Yin. He's spinning this story about honoring their master by getting the Jade Exquisite back to Wuling Mountain. He says he already tried to trap Jin'an a few times and failed. He insists they have to work together before Jin'an becomes a bigger threat. Mo Yin, ever the healer, pushes back. He doesn't think they need to resort to killing anyone.
So what does Jin Wujian do? He has his men dress up as Xuan Yi Ke, the black-clad assassin, and start murdering people in the city.The news spreads, and Mo Yin completely buys it. He storms off to confront Jin'an.
Jin'an is obviously confused. He's been at the General's Mansion the whole time. Mo Yin tries to drag him back to Wuling Mountain, but Jin'an refuses. He even shows mercy to Mo Yin's men during the confrontation. This gives Mo Yin a moment of pause. He starts to think Jin'an doesn't really seem like a random killer.
The Alliance No One Saw Coming
Jin'an's Big Play
Jin'an is struggling. Mo Yin's warning that he's the biggest danger to Li Shuang is eating at him. He remembers Li Shuang saying Su Muyang would be a good emperor. He decides he has to make her wish come true, no matter what.
He finds Su Muyang, who is too depressed to even eat. Jin'an lays it all out. He asks if Su Muyang is really content to be trampled on by his brother, Su Muli. Then he drops the bomb. He admits he is Xuan Yi Ke and offers to be Su Muyang's ally.
Meanwhile, Jin Wujian and Mo Yin are brewing a potion called Kong Qingshui to suppress the Jade Exquisite. Jin Wujian promises to give it to Mo Yin when it's done, but he's clearly plotting something else.
A Lesson in Politics
Jin'an is already five steps ahead. He sees that Su Muyang's hand isn't actually crippled. He tells him that Li Shuang's lifelong wish is for peace in Tai Jin, and only Su Muyang can achieve that.
Jin'an starts coaching him. He arranges for Su Muyang to send gifts to Ji Tianjiao and a letter to the Chancellor. The Chancellor is pleased and agrees to help. Jin'an explains the strategy. By showing a little submission, they can manipulate people for a bigger win. He tells Su Muyang to be ruthless. "Once a wolf bites its prey, it doesn't let go," he says. Every act of mercy now will become a weapon used against him later.
Li Shuang hears that Jin'an is running around with Su Muyang and gets worried. Later, Jin'an has a quiet moment with her. He just stares at her, trying to burn her face into his memory because he's afraid he'll forget her.
The Royal Hunt Gets Real
Su Muli's Desperation
Su Muli decides it's time to get rid of his brother for good. He invites Su Muyang, Li Shuang, and Jin'an on a royal hunt. Everyone knows this is an assassination attempt in broad daylight.
During the hunt, Li Shuang catches Su Muli in the act of trying to kill Su Muyang. But Su Muyang lets him go. He says that no matter what, Su Muli is still the crown prince. It's a power move, but Su Muyang knows his brother won't stop.
And he's right. Su Muli learns that the physician Lu Xin is Li Shuang's good friend. He has her clinic burned down, and her assistant Nan Xing disappears. Li Shuang is devastated. Then, Su Muli sends his men to the General's Mansion. They carry an imperial dagger as a threat and demand they hand over Su Muyang. Qiao'er and the others quickly hide him in a secret room.
