Episode Summary
Jiang Wenhuan and the townspeople decide to defend the city against Gongsun Wuyu's army. The battle begins, and after being pushed back, Kunwu reveals his true identity and makes a solo charge into the enemy ranks. He fights his way to Gongsun Wuyu but is killed just before he can strike a decisive blow.
Spoiler Alert
The Siege Begins
A City That Won't Run
Jiang Wenhuan finally connects the dots. He realizes Gongsun Wuyu has the legendary immortality pill and the human-skin drum. Ancient prophecies say these two items will bring chaos and death. He's panicking. He tells the townspeople to run for their lives.
But they don't. The people are grateful to Jiang Wenhuan for saving them so many times. They refuse to abandon him. They want to stay and help defend their homes.
A Twisted Promise
Gongsun Wuyu is furious. She gives the order to slaughter everyone in the city. She also makes a sick promise to Chongyi Biao. She tells him if he follows her plan, she will bring Jiang Yiyao back from the dead.
Jiang Wenhuan and the young lords try to figure out a plan. It looks bad. They have very few soldiers. The townspeople are willing to fight, but they have no experience. Xin Jia, who is usually the first to admit he's scared, says he's not backing down this time. Seeing this, Jiang Wenhuan decides they have to fight. They all start building defenses together.
A Moment of Calm Before the Storm
A Taste of Home
Gongsun Wuyu's army sets huge fires outside the walls. They're trying to smoke everyone out. The sight of the flames triggers a horrible memory for Kunwu. He flashes back to his family being massacred. He looks completely broken. He walks up to the city wall and just stares at the fire.
Jiang Wenhuan joins him. They don't say anything. An old man brings them some hot flatbread. The smell reminds Kunwu of his home. The old man says his family has lived here for three generations. He tells them that as long as the people are here, their home is here.
An Exchange of Gifts
Something shifts in Kunwu. He picks up a nearby bow and starts cleaning it. Jiang Wenhuan pulls out an accessory and gives it to him. He claims it's just a memento, but Kunwu knows it's a personal gift. In return, Kunwu gives Jiang Wenhuan the bronze tablet of the Kun family.
The Final Stand
Kunwu's Confession
The next day, Gongsun Wuyu and Chongyi Biao lead the attack. Jiang Wenhuan and the lords charge out to meet them. The battle is intense. Suddenly, Chongyi Biao turns on Xin Jia, who is caught completely off guard.
Jiang Wenhuan's forces are overwhelmed. They are pushed back inside the city walls. Seeing the carnage, Kunwu decides he's had enough. He's going back out to fight. But first, he comes clean. He announces his real identity to everyone. He is Kunwu, son of General Zhongli Kunze. He admits that he deceived the emperor and that his crimes are unforgivable. He declares that what he does next is his own choice. It has nothing to do with the other lords. He cuts his own robe to sever their ties and protect them from the fallout.
One Last Charge
Jiang Wenhuan doesn't want Kunwu to go alone. He gives the Kun family tablet back to him, hoping it will bring him back safely. Kunwu gets on his horse and charges straight into the enemy army. He's fighting for his country now.
Jiang Wenhuan and the others shoot arrows from the wall to give him cover. But there are too many enemies. Kunwu is quickly surrounded. He gets stabbed several times, his armor turning red. Jiang Wenhuan can't take it anymore. He jumps from the city wall and runs into the fight to protect Kunwu.
At that moment, Chongyi Biao aims his bow at Jiang Wenhuan. He hesitates. He can't seem to let the arrow fly. Kunwu uses his last bit of strength to fight his way to Gongsun Wuyu. He is just about to cut down the Shang King's banner, a move that could turn the tide. But Gongsun Wuyu stabs him. She kills him.
