Episode Summary
Mei Zhuyu officially leaves his old life behind and returns to the capital to marry Wu Zhen. He explains his absence and reaffirms his love for her, and she forgives him. The mastermind behind Pei Jiya is revealed to be Changming, who is then exposed by the Wordless Book before Pei Jiya is killed. As the wedding approaches, the Wordless Book forms a dangerous alliance with the Evil Spirit Infant and a newly freed Elder Hui, setting a deadly trap for the couple.
Spoiler Alert
Mei Zhuyu's Farewell to His Old Life
The episode kicks off at Changxi Palace. Changming, the head of the palace, officially takes back the Changxi weapon from Mei Zhuyu. He makes it crystal clear that since Mei Zhuyu has left the sect, he is never to speak of his training or his master again. To seal the deal, Changming makes him swear an oath on the person he loves most.
Xiao Mu is the one who sees him off. He even gives Mei Zhuyu a horse for his journey. Mei Zhuyu is confused, wondering why Xiao Mu helped him back in that White Night formation since they were never close. Xiao Mu's answer is simple. He's only at the palace to train in peace and won't let the place get dirty with murder.
As Mei Zhuyu rides away, he looks back at the palace. It finally clicks for him. His master knew all along that he was tied to the mortal world and would eventually leave. While his brothers sought peace within the palace walls, his own heart was always out in the world. He gives three respectful bows towards the palace and then gallops off toward the capital city.
The Mastermind Is Revealed
A Not-So-Happy Reunion
Elsewhere, Pei Jiya is rushing to meet his mysterious benefactor. He's hoping this person can finally heal his ruined eyes. When the figure appears through the mist, it's none other than Changming. Watching this whole scene from the shadows is the Wordless Book.
But this isn't a friendly meeting. Changming is ice-cold. He chews out Pei Jiya for failing his mission in Chang'an.Now that Pei Jiya is blind, he's useless. Pei Jiya is furious. After everything he's done, he's just being thrown away. He threatens to expose Changming's secrets, but Changming just attacks him.
The Wordless Book's Vengeance
Pei Jiya manages to escape and runs back to his carriage. He finds his two maids dead inside. Then, the Wordless Book makes his entrance. He admits he was following Pei Jiya the whole time. He wanted to find the person who was really behind the plot against Wu Zhen at the Ruyi Lounge.
As he's dying, Pei Jiya gets in one last verbal shot. He mocks the Wordless Book, saying they're both just pathetic guys who can't have what they truly want. He even says the Wordless Book's greed will cause him to lose the person he loves. This hits a nerve. The Wordless Book's rage boils over, and he kills Pei Jiya on the spot.
The Runaway Groom Returns
A Public Spectacle
Back in the capital, the gossip is running wild. Everyone thinks Mei Zhuyu fled to Quzhou to get out of his wedding. Just as the rumors hit their peak, Mei Zhuyu appears on a crowded street.
Wu Zhen, still hurt and angry, gives him the cold shoulder. Mei Zhuyu doesn't care who's watching. He pulls her onto his horse, and they ride off together. Wu Zhen suspects he found another woman, but that's not it at all.
He takes her to his mother's memorial tablet and finally opens up. He explains his past and how he always thought he was detached from worldly things.He tells her that meeting her pulled him into the real world, and he wants to spend the rest of his life with her.That's all Wu Zhen needed to hear. They embrace and kiss, all forgiven.
A Promise to a Queen
Later, they go to the palace to face Empress Wu. The Empress scolds them but is clearly worried. She thinks her sister is too wild and that Mei Zhuyu's home is too simple for her. She suggests they live in the Duke's Mansion, but worries that would make it seem like Mei Zhuyu is marrying into the family's name. Mei Zhuyu says he doesn't care about status; he just wants to be with Wu Zhen. So, Wu Zhen decides they'll live at his place.
After, the Empress speaks with Mei Zhuyu alone. She tells him a secret about Wu Zhen's childhood. Years ago, the city was ravaged by a great fire.Wu Zhen was caught in it but miraculously survived. Ever since, she has hidden her pain and trauma behind a proud, spoiled attitude. Mei Zhuyu gets it. He promises the Empress he will protect Wu Zhen with his life. As he leaves, we see the Empress's father, the Duke of Yu, step out from behind a screen, looking pleased.
A Dark Alliance Forms
With the wedding day approaching, Mei Zhuyu delivers the official betrothal gifts, which makes the Duke of Yu very happy.
But something sinister is brewing. In the shadows, the Wordless Book makes a blood pact with the Evil Spirit Infant. He promises to help it find its "Dan Xin" in exchange for possession of Wu Zhen. A cursed seal is formed.
That very night, the Demon Prison shakes. Elder Hui breaks free from his seal. The Wordless Book tosses him a demon core, and the elder instantly becomes his puppet. Three evil forces are now plotting together, and their deadly plan is set to unfold right as the wedding celebrations begin.
