Episode Summary
Zhongli Yuan tortures Jiang Wenhuan, revealing his hatred stems from Guxi's indifference. Guxi, after a prophetic nightmare, destroys a fate-predicting pool and agrees to marry Zhongli Yuan as a ploy to save Jiang Wenhuan. At the wedding, she is forced to complete the ceremony. Afterward, she shows Jiang Wenhuan a vision of their nation's bleak future, then commits suicide and kills Zhongli Yuan, believing their deaths are the only way to change destiny.
Spoiler Alert
The Torture Begins
We start with Zhongli Yuan and Jiang Wenhuan. It’s not a friendly chat. Zhongli Yuan is beyond angry. He finally understands why Zhongli Yuan hates him so much. It's all because Guxi isn't close to him. It’s a petty and ugly reason.
Zhongli Yuan wants to kill Jiang Wenhuan right there. But he has another idea. He thinks a quick death is too kind. So, he just wounds Jiang Wenhuan's leg. He wants to torture him slowly.
A Desperate Plan
Guxi has a nightmare. She dreams that Jiang Wenhuan and the others are tortured and killed in horrible ways. She wakes up terrified. She immediately goes to the mysterious black water pool. This pool can show the future. She destroys it without a second thought and leaves.
When Zhongli Yuan finds out, he is furious. He kills an innocent maid in his rage. It shows you just how far gone he is. At the same time, Xin Jia is blaming himself for everything. He feels responsible for leading his friends into this mess. He spends the night drinking alone.
The Marriage Ploy
Guxi knows she needs help. She meets with Chongyi Biao outside the city. They agree to team up and rescue Jiang Wenhuan. Her next move is a big one. She sends a marriage agreement to Zhongli Yuan.
Of course, Zhongli Yuan isn't stupid. He knows she's only doing it to save Jiang Wenhuan. He decides to play along with her little game. He even uses the news to taunt Jiang Wenhuan.
Guxi then plans the rescue with E Shun. They go over the details for the wedding day. Guxi already knows the person in front of her isn't the real E Shun. But she doesn't say anything. She just points to the stars. She says that some things have to die to be reborn.
The Ceremony
The wedding day arrives. The young lords escort Guxi into the palace. It’s all very formal. But then they bring out Jiang Wenhuan. Zhongli Yuan forces him to watch the entire ceremony. He wants Jiang Wenhuan to see the woman who loves him marry someone else.
Zhongli Yuan is surprisingly gentle with Guxi. He helps her walk toward the palace. Jiang Wenhuan is completely lost. He has no idea what Guxi is planning.
During the vows, Guxi hesitates. She’s clearly struggling. Zhongli Yuan notices. He orders his soldiers to surround the young lords. This forces Guxi’s hand. She has to finish the ceremony.
A Tragic End
After the wedding is over, Guxi walks toward Jiang Wenhuan. She gently touches her forehead to his. In that moment, she transfers a vision to him. He sees the horrible future waiting for the Zhongli nation. She tells him they will change their fate together.
Then, Guxi kills herself. She knows it's the only way. The future can only be saved if she and Zhongli Yuan are both gone.
Zhongli Yuan rushes to hold her as she's dying. She asks him if he remembers her real name. He panics. He has completely forgotten the promise he made to her. Guxi steels herself. She pulls out a dagger and stabs Zhongli Yuan.
As he is dying, he finally remembers. He whispers her real name: Yaoguang. Guxi cries. They had been together for so many years. Now, their deaths are the only thing that can save their country.
