Episode Summary
We learn the tragic history between Chongyi Biao and the real E Shun; E Shun was gravely wounded while stopping Chongyi Biao from killing his own brother. Chongyi Biao discovers the man in the camp is an imposter named Kunwu but agrees to keep the secret out of guilt. A'si asks Kunwu for a fake marriage to escape her father's pressure, but Jiang Wenhuan complicates things by also confessing his feelings for her.
Spoiler Alert
This episode finally connects the dots. We get the full, ugly backstory between Chongyi Biao and the real E Shun. It turns out their rivalry is a lot deeper and more tragic than just a simple competition.
The Truth Behind the Scar
You’ve probably been wondering about that huge scar on E Shun’s chest. Well, this episode lays it all out.
Chongyi Biao remembers it all clearly. He was the one who gave E Shun that scar. It all started because of his older brother, Chong Da Gongzi. The brother decided to marry the woman Chongyi Biao loved. That was already bad enough. But then things got much worse.
Chongyi Biao's mother had recently died. One morning, her grave was covered in flowers. The tribe thought it was a miracle. It was actually the real E Shun. He had planted them all night as a kindness. Chongyi Biao's brother, however, didn't buy the miracle story. He sent men to trample the grave. They also killed a child that Chongyi Biao was close to.
This pushed Chongyi Biao over the edge. He decided to rebel against his family. He went to kill his brother, wanting his father to feel the pain of losing a son. Just as he was about to land the killing blow, E Shun jumped in front of the blade. He took the hit to save Chongyi Biao from the guilt of killing his own family. That’s how he got the scar. E Shun nearly died and was sent back to Nandu to recover.
A Secret Kept Between Rivals
E Shun's Story
The injury basically ruined E Shun's health. He never fully recovered. His body is now so weak that he has to wear a heavy coat even in the heat of summer. The butler explains this to a suspicious Chongyi Biao. The man in the training camp can't be the real E Shun. The real E Shun is too frail to even make the journey.
There's a huge political reason for the secrecy, too. E Shun is the sole heir. If any rival nations found out he was on death's door, they would surely invade. So, they have an imposter, Kunwu, playing his part.
Chongyi Biao's Guilt
Chongyi Biao confronts the butler because he knows something is off. The butler comes clean and begs him to keep the secret. He reminds Chongyi Biao that E Shun sacrificed his health for him. Kunwu, the imposter, also sends a message asking for Chongyi Biao's help.
Chongyi Biao remembers how the real E Shun was never bothered by the cold when they were young. The guilt hits him hard. He realizes E Shun's current suffering is his fault. He agrees to keep his mouth shut.
The Fake Marriage Scheme
A'si's Desperate Plan
Just when you think things can't get more complicated, A'si shows up. Everyone at camp assumes she is there to see Jiang Wenhuan. To cover up her real feelings, she says she came to see "E Shun."
She pulls Kunwu (as E Shun) aside with a wild proposal. She wants him to enter a fake marriage with her. Her father, Elder Li, is pressuring her to get married, and this is her only way out. Before Kunwu can even respond, Jiang Wenhuan pops up and agrees on his behalf.
The Messy Proposal
The next day, Jiang Wenhuan drags Kunwu to formally propose to A'si. He even brings two geese as a traditional gift. Elder Li is very impressed with Kunwu's appearance and immediately agrees to the marriage. He even gets a contract ready to set the date.
Kunwu starts to panic. This was supposed to be a simple favor, not a real wedding. Jiang Wenhuan, seeing the mess he created, tries to fix it. He kneels in front of Elder Li and confesses that he has been in love with A'si for a long time. This throws Elder Li for a loop. Faced with two suitors at once, he decides to just postpone the whole thing for now.
Drunken Feelings Come Out
To thank the guys for their chaotic help, A'si invites them for drinks. She and Jiang Wenhuan get completely wasted. While talking about the marriage mess, A'si lets it slip that she thinks she and Jiang Wenhuan would actually be a good match. Jiang Wenhuan gets incredibly emotional when he hears this.
