Episode Summary
Lu Lingfeng engineers a meeting between the Emperor and the Princess at Chengfo Temple, which successfully eases their political tensions. A new monk who looks identical to a past foe arrives at the temple. Meanwhile, a local official reports the sighting of a mythical beast called the Baize. The Emperor, delighted by the good omen, orders the team to go into the mountains to investigate, much to Lingfeng's annoyance.
Spoiler Alert
A Royal Reunion by "Accident"
This whole thing kicks off with a party. The Emperor is throwing a banquet for the heroes who helped him deal with that whole Empress Wei mess. Lu Tong wants Lu Lingfeng to use this chance to get his old job back with the Jinwu Guard. It’s a golden opportunity.
But Lingfeng doesn't care about a promotion. He walks right up to the Emperor in front of everyone. He asks him to visit Chengfo Temple. Lingfeng believes a royal visit will shut down all the crazy rumors floating around Chang'an. It would calm people down. Yang Xun practically yells that Lingfeng is out of his mind. Lingfeng just stands his ground. He says he's happy staying in Yongzhou and doing good work for the people.
The Emperor was already thinking about doing this anyway. So he agrees. He’ll go to the temple in three days.
The Seven-Colored Robe
Su Wuming is also working his own angle. He somehow talks the Princess into going to Chengfo Temple at the same time. She decides to make it a real event. She’s bringing out a special artifact. It's a seven-colored Buddhist robe that Empress Wu wove by hand. The plan is to loan it to the temple for a month. Everyone can come see it. It’s a big gesture of goodwill.
Three days pass. The Emperor shows up at the temple. He walks into the main hall and finds the Princess already there. She’s kneeling on a cushion, praying. They’re both surprised to see each other. The Princess recovers quickly, though. She starts telling him all about the famous robe. They look just like a happy aunt and nephew.
Lingfeng's Political Misstep
Later, Du Ming pulls Lingfeng aside. He’s not happy. He chews Lingfeng out for not giving him a heads-up about the Emperor's visit. The whole Yongzhou office was caught completely off guard.
The Emperor then asks Lingfeng a direct question. Did you set this meeting up? Lingfeng immediately says no. The Emperor doesn't seem suspicious. He actually looks pleased. He says he had a great talk with his aunt. It felt like they were young again. The Princess feels the same way. She thinks the Emperor is trying to make peace. She announces she will have the golden tablet returned to Mount Song.
New Mysteries and Old Grudges
The robe is a huge hit. Crowds of people are flocking to Chengfo Temple to see it.
The Crying Monk
While they're there, Pei Xijun and Chu Yingtao spot a monk in the crowd. He looks exactly like Qin Xiaobai. They go up to him. He tells them his name is Kong Liao. He says he walked for more than two years to reach Chang'an. He was so impressed by the city that he decided he had to stay. Xijun and Yingtao introduce him to the abbot, Guangxiao. The abbot agrees to let him stay at the temple.
Later, Kong Liao sits alone in the main hall. He just stares at a mural on the wall. Tears stream down his face. Something is definitely up with this guy.
The Baize Legend
That night, Xijun is thinking out loud. She mentions how strange it is that two people can look so much alike. This sets Lingfeng off. He snaps that there will never be another Su Wuming. Then he starts complaining.
Apparently, Du Ming is buying a story from a local hunter. The hunter claims he saw a Baize. That's a mythical beast from old legends. Du Ming wants to report this "sighting" to the Emperor as a good omen. Lingfeng thinks this is the stupidest thing he's ever heard. He got into a big argument with Du Ming about it. What really makes Lingfeng mad is that Su Wuming sided with Du Ming.
Xijun calmly explains the situation to him. She tells Lingfeng he’s too rigid. He always has to be right. A Baize might be a myth. But a story about a divine beast appearing is exactly the kind of thing the Emperor loves to hear. She points out that Su Wuming is just playing the political game. Even if Su Wuming agreed with Lingfeng, they couldn't stop Du Ming from reporting it. Lingfeng finally starts to cool down.
Meanwhile, we get a quick look at a "Baize Temple." Two thieves break in and take an old couple hostage. The old man tells them a creepy story about a man killing a female demon. One of the thieves gets handsy with the old woman. Suddenly, there's a noise outside. The old couple announces they are the "Baize Mountain People." The thieves have offended a god. Their bodies will never be found.
The Hunt for a Mythical Beast
Du Ming goes ahead with his plan. He tells the Emperor that the divine Baize has appeared. He adds that Su Wuming agrees. The whole court erupts in celebration. They all say it's a sign of a great and wise ruler.
An Order from the Emperor
The Emperor is ecstatic. He wants to go into the mountains to find the beast himself. Lu Tong talks him out of it. Lu Tong says his blindness would make the trip difficult. So, the Emperor gives the job to the Yongzhou government.
Du Ming gets the order. He immediately calls in Lingfeng and Su Wuming. He tells Lingfeng to get into the mountains and find proof of the Baize. Lingfeng flat-out refuses. Su Wuming, however, accepts the assignment without a fight.
The Team Assembles
That night, Lingfeng is furious. He skips dinner and just practices with his sword in the courtyard. Xijun comes out and talks to him again. She finally convinces him to go.
The next morning, the team is ready. It’s Lingfeng, Su Wuming, Pei Xijun, Chu Yingtao, Master Fei, and Xue Huan. Du Ming shows up with a hunter named Ling Ji. This is the guy who claims he saw the Baize. He’s going to be their guide.
