Episode Summary
In this episode, Su Muyu learns Dark River may not have been responsible for his family's death, implicating the Soul-Lifting Hall and a new "Third Family." Meanwhile, Xie Zaiye allies with the First Prince, and Su Changhe causes chaos while secretly protecting his brother and trying to move everyone in together.
Spoiler Alert
A Tense Family Reunion
The episode kicks off with Su Muyu talking to Xie Mo. He gets straight to the point. He tells Xie Mo that Xiao Chaoyan is his sister. Su Muyu then realizes why Xie Mo is so on edge. He saw a certain piece of information. So, Su Muyu clarifies he has no hidden agenda here. He just came to see his sister.
Xie Mo hears this and practically bolts. He wants nothing to do with any old Dark River business. Su Changhe, always watching from the sidelines, finds this hilarious. He notes how Xie Mo was surprised but didn't ask any questions. He just wanted to get away from them.
Xiao Chaoyan explains how things work around here. Her people are polite to guests. But that hospitality ends the second someone tries to make a move on their territory. Then it becomes a bloodbath. Su Changhe interrupts her. He just wants to know where the meat and wine are.
New Alliances and Old Grudges
A few different power plays are happening in the background. Things are getting complicated.
The Prince Gets a New Partner
Xie Zaiye goes to see the First Prince. He tells him his family is ready to cooperate. The Prince is incredibly smug about it. He boasts that if the Shadow Sect had worked with him sooner, they wouldn't have suffered such a crushing defeat. He then praises Xie Zaiye for making the "correct" choice.
We get a little insight into Xie Zaiye's motivation. He spent his whole life as a "shadow" for others. Seeing people like Su Muyu made him realize he wants to live for himself, out in the open. The Prince plans to use his own intel to help the current Dark River. He expects them to return the favor later.
The Truth About the Massacre
Back at the camp, Su Changhe pretends to get completely wasted. Xiao Chaoyan is laughing at him. But Su Muyu pulls her aside. He explains that Su Changhe did it on purpose. It was a distraction so the two of them could talk privately.
Su Muyu gives her a letter. The contents are a shock. It says the people responsible for murdering her family are right here. She tells her brother to wait for her and goes to get some answers.
Xie Mo was expecting this confrontation. Su Muyu questions him and finally learns the truth about his family's destruction. It seems the massacre was the result of a deal between the Soul-Lifting Hall and a mysterious "Third Family." This changes everything. It means Dark River might not be the enemy he thought they were.
Shifting Dynamics and Awkward Encounters
With the truth out, relationships start to get messy. Some get dangerous, and others just get really awkward.
Su Changhe, the Unlikely Protector
During Su Muyu's talk with Xie Mo, Su Changhe was on a rooftop. He was there to protect his brother. After Su Muyu leaves, Xie Mo tells him that if he wants revenge, they are now even. They will have to fight to the death.
One of Xie Mo's men suggests they should just kill Su Muyu now. Xie Mo shuts him down. He reveals that Su Changhe was on that roof long before they knew. He was ready to kill all of them. Su Changhe's presence was a threat that actually saved their lives by preventing a fight.
A Very Unwelcome Suitor
Later, Bai Hehuai is talking with her father, Su Zhe. Her dad notices she has an interest in Su Changhe. He immediately warns her against it. He says that guy is full of nothing but trouble.
Right as they're arguing, Su Changhe himself shows up. He shamelessly teases that the "little divine doctor" has a crush on him. Bai Hehuai is mortified. Her father gets so angry he starts chasing Su Changhe around, trying to hit him.
Secrets and Settling In
The episode wraps up with a few more key conversations and one very loud arrival.
A Warning from an Old Friend
Ji Tangzhu, from Bai Xiao Tang, has been following Su Muyu. He finally reveals himself. He says he's here on official business. Su Muyu shows him the paper with the information about his family. He asks if it's real.
Ji Tangzhu confirms his fears. The fact that Su Muyu received this information means someone is trying to use him. It's a setup. Su Muyu doesn't care. He says this is his personal business and tells Ji Tangzhu to stay out of it.
Making a New Home
Bai Hehuai is a little jealous when she learns Xiao Chaoyan is Su Muyu's sister. She relaxes when she realizes they're just siblings. She's actually excited to meet him. When she does, she's happy to see he brought her osmanthus cakes.
As they have a nice, quiet chat, everything is ruined. Su Changhe arrives with a bunch of his men. They are carrying tons of supplies. He loudly announces that this place is now their home. He declares his intention to be a total spendthrift and furnish the place. Su Muyu just looks on, completely exhausted by his antics.
