Episode Summary
Li Zhangyi's political maneuvering is put on hold, while Jin An and Li Shuang resolve a major misunderstanding after Jin An realizes she never betrayed him. At a tense banquet, Jin An defends Li Shuang's honor by winning an archery contest. Their trust is reaffirmed, but their happiness is short-lived. The villain Jin Wujian ambushes Li Shuang, controlling her mind and forcing her to fight Jin An. In the struggle, Jin Wujian uses Li Shuang to stab Jin An before escaping, leaving the heroes defeated just as news arrives that the border has been breached by an enemy army.
Spoiler Alert
Politics Are Messy
The Aftermath of a Murder
So, Li Zhangyi is still trying to make moves. He wants to write to the emperor. He plans to tell him that Huo Du's killer is hiding right inside the Changfeng Army. This is a big deal.
His own guy thinks it's a terrible idea, though. He points out that Li Shuang is protecting Jin An. She's even willing to go against Su Muli for him. That means Jin An is incredibly important to her. The subordinate basically tells Li Zhangyi to let it go. He should just do Li Shuang a favor. After all, her power and the Changfeng Army's influence are no joke.
A Tense Banquet
Li Shuang is recovering from being beaten with a military cane by Li Zhangyi. Her friend Lu Xin is obviously worried sick. While Li Shuang rests, Jin An just stands guard outside her door. Lu Xin sees this and decides to play matchmaker. She tells Li Shuang to forget her old flame Su Muyang and focus on the guy who's right here.
Later, Li Zhangyi sends word that he's coming to the General's Mansion for a banquet. Li Shuang has no choice but to prepare for his visit. You just know this is not going to be a friendly dinner.
A Test of Trust
Doubts and a Revelation
Jin An finally goes in to see Li Shuang. She's worried he's getting tangled up in her political problems. She knows she's a pawn in a bigger game. She tells him that being caught in this mess means you have to suffer.
While he's helping her with the wounds on her back, he almost loses control when he sees her blood. She has to shout his name to snap him out of it. Thinking about what the villain Jin Wujian told him, Jin An decides to test her. He brings up a supposed method to break their blood pact.
This doesn't go unnoticed. Ji Ran, who sees them, confronts Jin An outside. He accuses Jin An of taking advantage of Li Shuang's feelings. Then he drops a bomb. Ji Ran reveals that Li Shuang specifically asked for a portrait of Jin An before she left for Ninglan. She wanted to surprise him. This is when it finally clicks for Jin An. He realizes he completely misunderstood her. She's been on his side all along, and he was doubting her.
The Showdown
The banquet is as tense as you'd expect. Li Zhangyi shows up with a gift. It's a fancy sword from Su Muli. Li Shuang politely turns it down, which clearly annoys Li Zhangyi.
His real goal was to recruit her for Su Muli. When that fails, he challenges her to a contest to assert his dominance. But Jin An steps in. He takes her place in an archery match and absolutely crushes Li Zhangyi, hitting the bullseye ten times in a row.
After the guests leave, Li Shuang confronts Jin An. She asks him what he's been hiding from her since they were in Ninglan. He finally tells her everything. To prove his trust, he kisses the wound on her back. He says even if she did create the blood pact on purpose, he wants an even deeper connection with her.
The Puppet Master's Return
A Sinister Trap
Things seem okay for a minute, but Jin An is still fighting off Jin Wujian's influence. Li Shuang's wounds are also healing very slowly. She suspects it has something to do with Jin An drinking her blood. Lu Xin gives her a map to a hot spring that's supposed to be good for scars and tells her she has to go.
This was all a setup.
Li Shuang goes to the hot spring, but she's ambushed. Jin Wujian takes control of her mind. He tells her that Jin An is his property, and he's just taking back what belongs to him. Li Shuang, even under his influence, defies him. She says anyone who enters her service is her person.
A Vicious Fight
Jin An suddenly feels a sharp pain. He knows instantly that Li Shuang is in danger. He transforms into his shadow puppet form and rushes to save her.
Jin Wujian is surprised at how well Jin An has merged with his powers. He's even more surprised that Jin An is still conscious after transforming. To gain the upper hand, he turns Li Shuang into a puppet and forces her to fight Jin An. He threatens to kill her unless Jin An comes with him.
Jin An tries to turn the tables and control Jin Wujian. But the villain uses Li Shuang to get the final, brutal blow. He makes her stab Jin An. Just then, Jin Wujian's own people show up and rescue him, breaking his control over Li Shuang.
The episode ends the next day. Ji Ran finds Li Shuang alone in the wilderness. He has terrible news. The enemy has broken through the border.
