Episode Summary
Wangquan Hongye and Dongfang Huaizhu learn that the master of Zuimeng Lou, who is actually Anayan, the Imperial Preceptor of Yuyao Guo, is seeking the Xiwu Hua and was behind the attempt on Wangquan Hongye's life. They plan to trap the assassin, "Yanzi." Meanwhile, Qingmu Yuan uncovers that the "Zhang Zheng" she knows is an imposter named Anaran; the real Zhang Zheng is dead, having sacrificed himself for Anaran. Qingmu Yuan discovers Anaran, who once saved her, was injured trying to assassinate Wangquan Hongye. Their mutual feelings lead to a kiss, and Qingmu Yuan vows to protect Anaran's secret. Elsewhere, Li Quzhu and Dongfang Qinlan investigate a sweet soup shop, a suspected spy den, focusing on two suspicious waiters.
Spoiler Alert
First off, our intrepid duo, Wangquan Hongye and Dongfang Huaizhu, are doing some high-stakes eavesdropping at the shady Zuimeng Lou (Drunken Dream Pavilion). They overhear the boss lady dispatching her demons to fetch something called the "Xiwu Hua" (Evening Mist Flower), and it sounds like a one-way trip for those poor underlings. Turns out, that whole demon-fighting contest they're hosting? Yep, also a scheme to get their hands on this mysterious flower. And if that wasn't enough, the Zuimeng Lou's master is also actively trying to track down Wangquan Hongye. Looks like she was the mastermind behind that earlier assassination attempt. Naturally, our heroes get spotted, but with their skills, they make a swift and stylish exit.
Meanwhile, Li Quzhu delivers some crucial intel to Wangquan Hongye and Dongfang Huaizhu, courtesy of the Ruyi Lou (Ruyi Pavilion). The big shocker? The current master of Zuimeng Lou is none other than Anayan, the Imperial Preceptor of the Yuyao Guo (Demon Taming Kingdom). Talk about a plot twist! With this new info, Wangquan Hongye decides it's time to turn the tables and set a trap to smoke out the assassin, codenamed "Yanzi" (Swallow).
Now, hold onto your hats for the Qingmu Yuan and "Zhang Zheng" saga, because it's a doozy. Qingmu Yuan is still tailing the guy she knows as Zhang Zheng, and he totally spots her. She pulls a classic damsel-in-distress, faking a leg injury, and when he unsuspectingly tries to help, bam! She slaps a paralysis talisman on him. Our girl is resourceful! She then uses her magic to get him to spill the beans.
And spill he does! The bombshell: he’s not the real Zhang Zheng. His actual name is Anaran, and he was bought as a look-alike stand-in because the real Zhang Zheng is dead. This confirms what Qingmu Yuan had previously overheard Anaran discussing with Anayan. Qingmu Yuan is, understandably, devastated and on the verge of killing Anaran. But then, he says something that stops her in her tracks. She yanks up his sleeve, and there it is – a scar. The same scar as the person who saved her from that terrifying nightmare illusion a while back. It was Anaran all along!
Knowing there's way more to this story, Qingmu Yuan demands the whole truth. Anaran reveals that the real Zhang Zheng was gravely ill. However, out of gratitude to Anaran, Zhang Zheng took a "Yusu Wan" (Jade Trace Pill) – a potent medicine that grants a final burst of life but drastically speeds up death. Zhang Zheng used this borrowed time to officially pass on his status as the head of the Zhang family to Anaran, allowing Anaran to live on as him. So, while Anaran didn't directly kill Zhang Zheng, Zhang Zheng died because of him, leading to Anaran's guilt-ridden confession that "he" killed Zhang Zheng.
Hearing this, Qingmu Yuan's anger fades. She then asks him if he has feelings for her. Before he can really answer, she notices he's burning up with fever – turns out he was injured by Wangquan Hongye's sword energy during that assassination attempt (confirming he was the assassin!).
Luckily, Qingmu Yuan has her trusty Qiankun Dai (Heaven and Earth Pouch – think magical first-aid kit) and starts treating his wounds. Anaran finally confesses that he does like Qingmu Yuan, but he kept his distance because the real Zhang Zheng also liked her. Qingmu Yuan, who clearly reciprocates his feelings, takes the initiative and kisses him! You go, girl! When Anaran comes to his senses later, Qingmu Yuan is gone, having left only a note.
Anaran, understandably confused and with a fuzzy memory of recent events, confronts Qingmu Yuan with the note, asking what she did to him. She plays coy, dodging his questions. However, she does tell him earnestly that those who love him want him to live for himself, and that even the bonds of classmates count as a form of love. Internally, though, Qingmu Yuan vows to protect his secret and help him clear any obstacles in his path.
Finally, we cut to the Tangshui Pu (Sweet Soup Shop), which Li Quzhu has identified as a secret outpost for Yuyao Guo's demon spies. He's been watching it for ages but can't pinpoint "Yanzi." Enter Dongfang Qinlan, who, with her street smarts, breaks down the scene. That guy who's downed eight bowls of sweet soup? Probably just a creep lusting after the proprietress. The beautiful proprietress who never stands up? Likely has a disability. The most suspicious individuals in the whole joint? The two waiters. Based on this sharp analysis, Li Quzhu and Dongfang Qinlan decide it's time to go have a "chat" with these shady waiters.
