Episode Summary
Prince Rui secures Gao Zhifu's confession implicating Prince Yu, but Gao is soon murdered in prison. Lu Chang grapples with his father Lu Shangshu's past inaction regarding the Jian family's demise. At a night market, Jian Mingshu clarifies her platonic feelings for a heartbroken Song Qingzhao, while Prince Rui and Yin Shujun deepen their bond. Lu Chang warns Su Tangli about Prince Yu's manipulations. Back in the capital, Lu Zhifu, fearing Prince Yu, decides to ally with Prince Rui. Su Tangli confronts Prince Yu, though it seems like an act. The episode ends with Lu Chang confronting his father about his failure to help Jian Mingshu's family.
Spoiler Alert
The Walls Close In: Confessions and Alliances
The episode kicks off with Prince Rui himself taking charge of Gao Zhifu's interrogation. Turns out, Gao Zhifu had been promised a chance to live by Lu Chang, and surprise, surprise (or not), Prince Rui was the one pulling Gao Zhifu's strings all along. Gao Zhifu spills the beans, confirming everything Lu Chang suspected and revealing they even have evidence to back it up. His only plea? For Prince Rui to protect his family. In return, he's ready to point the finger squarely at the big bad, Prince Yu, armed with proof of Yu's corruption. But here's the kicker: Gao Zhifu warns them that Prince Yu's influence is massive, and many who knew of his misdeeds stayed silent out of sheer terror. Despite the daunting road ahead, Lu Chang stands firm by Prince Rui's side, pledging to help usher in new policies. You could practically see Prince Rui beaming with pride.
Night Market Revelations and Heartbreak
Later, Lu Chang is clearly troubled. Gao Zhifu's confession implied that Lu Shangshu – yes, Lu Chang's own father – could have saved the Jian family but chose to stand by and do nothing, making him indirectly responsible for their tragic fate. Lu Chang is understandably worried about how Jian Mingshu will take this devastating news, especially since Lu Shangshu is his father.
To lighten the mood (or so they thought), the gang heads out for a night market adventure. Yin Shujun, Jian Mingshu, and Wen'an Xian zhu are all there, and Prince Rui is already waiting for Yin Shujun (smooth, Your Highness, real smooth). As those two wander off, Jian Mingshu takes the opportunity for a heart-to-heart with Song Qingzhao. Lu Chang, ever watchful, can't help but feel a knot in his stomach.
Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao buy a sky lantern and make a wish together – a classic romantic setup, right? Well, not quite. Jian Mingshu finally musters the courage to clear the air. She admits she once saw Song Qingzhao as the "man in green" from her dreams and mistook her feelings for love. But, bless her honesty, she now realizes it wasn't romantic love at all. Ouch. Song Qingzhao, clearly heartbroken, isn't ready to accept this and begs for a little more time. Dude, read the room.
Vows, Warnings, and Awkward Questions
Meanwhile, Prince Rui and Yin Shujun are having a much better time. After a long walk, he even gives her a piggyback ride (aww!). Gazing at the bustling city, they make a solemn vow to protect the people of Da'an together. Relationship goals, much?
Elsewhere in the market, Su Tangli randomly bumps into Lu Chang. He's shocked she's still hanging around Jianglin. Lu Chang lays down some hard truths for Su Tangli: Prince Yu "helping" her get rid of Wei Dushi wasn't about her revenge; it was Prince Yu silencing a loose end. It seems Lu Chang has given up trying to reason with her.
Jian Mingshu, ever perceptive, then asks Lu Chang if Su Tangli is the "Jianglin young lady" he's been pining for. Lu Chang is quick to deny it (too quick, perhaps?). She then hits him with another tough question: if it weren't for the evidence from Mr. Su, would Lu Chang still have taken her in? Lu Chang insists he would have, out of gratitude for the kindness her parents showed him. As they prepare to return to the capital the next day, the memory of the assassination attempt on their previous journey looms large, making the present feel almost dreamlike.
Back to the Capital: Fallout and Foul Play
Upon their return, Song Qingzhao gets an earful from his father for his sudden departure from the capital. But Song Qingzhao is a changed man – cold, distant, and utterly dejected. He knows Jian Mingshu's heart isn't with him, and he's clearly struggling.
Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu arrive back at their residence, where Zeng Yi is overjoyed to hear Jian Mingshu still call her "Aniang" (Mom). Zeng Yi offers her unwavering support, promising to always be there for her, no matter how difficult the path ahead.
The journey escorting Gao Zhifu to the capital is eerily uneventful, which has Ying Xun on edge. And his gut feeling was right – Gao Zhifu suddenly dies in his prison cell. It doesn't take a genius to figure out who's behind this: Prince Yu had him silenced. Adding another layer to the intrigue, Su Tangli apparently returned to the capital days ago but hasn't bothered to check in with Prince Yu. Interesting...
The Game Intensifies
With Gao Zhifu eliminated in the Dali Si (Supreme Court) prison, Lu Chang immediately shifts his focus to another official, Lu Zhifu, suspecting he won't just sit back and wait to be next. Given Prince Yu's ruthlessness, Lu Zhifu decides his best bet is to strike a deal with Prince Rui to help bring down their common enemy.
Speaking of Su Tangli, she makes a dramatic appearance before Prince Yu, knife in hand. But it's all an act, a charade. Prince Yu plays along, feigning innocence and denying any involvement as the true mastermind. These two and their theatrics!
Finally, Lu Shangshu pays a visit to Lu Chang at the Dali Si. He expresses his pride in his son, a true successor to the Lu family. But Lu Chang isn't there for pleasantries. He confronts his father directly, demanding to know why he ignored Jian Jinhai's desperate plea for help all those years ago.
