Episode Summary
Chu Yu suspects a thief in the Grand Princess's court and proposes a treasure banquet as a cover to investigate. Wei Yun becomes jealous of Chu Yu's friendship with Xue Hanmei, realizing his own feelings. During the banquet, Wei Yun infiltrates Yao Yong's mansion for evidence. To stall Yao Yong from leaving the party, Chu Yu injures herself and fakes an assassination attempt. Just as the Grand Princess helps cover for her, a real arrow is shot at Chu Yu, and Gu Chusheng takes the hit for her.
Spoiler Alert
A Thief in the Palace?
Chu Yu's Suspicion
The episode kicks off with Chu Yu pulling Xue Hanmei aside. She whispers that she suspects a thief is working for the Grand Princess. Her proof is pretty solid. A gift she personally gave to the princess just turned up for sale at the Qiju Pavilion. Chu Yu knows the princess wouldn't sell off a small gift like that. It has to mean someone on the inside stole it. Xue Hanmei agrees it’s bold. She says all the retainers have known backgrounds, but she can't pinpoint who would do this. Before they can figure it out, the Grand Princess, Li Changming, shows up with her guards. They've been caught.
A Clever Cover Story
At first, Chu Yu tries to joke her way out of it. Li Changming plays along, even offering to give Xue Hanmei to her. Chu Yu finally realizes she's in hot water. Xue Hanmei quickly invents a cover story for Chu Yu's odd behavior. The excuse is actually a brilliant fundraising idea for Li Changming. The nobles in Huajing love to party and spend money. So, Chu Yu suggests hosting a huge "Treasure Auction Banquet" in Qinxigu Valley. They can get all the wealthy families to donate money. Li Changming is intrigued by the unique idea. She agrees to it.
Feelings Get Complicated
Wei Yun's Jealousy
Xue Hanmei walks Chu Yu out after their meeting. Wei Yun spots them from a distance. He sees them chatting happily. Then he sees Xue Hanmei hand Chu Yu a box of pastries. A wave of jealousy hits him hard. He strides right over and takes the pastry box from Chu Yu's hands himself. The guy has no idea this feeling is jealousy. He also doesn't realize he's already falling for Chu Yu. That night, he has a strange dream. In it, Chu Yu finds the hidden bell he's been keeping. She questions him about it relentlessly. He wakes up feeling possessive. He decides that since there's nothing between Chu Yu and his brother, he can act however he wants.
The Princess and Her Confidant
We get a little insight into the Grand Princess. She's smart. She knew Chu Yu's excuse was a lie from the start. But the banquet idea was just too good to pass up. She decided to just sit back and watch the show. Her relationship with Xue Hanmei is also interesting. On the surface, it's a master and a retainer. But it's much deeper than that. We learn Xue Hanmei once treated a bad scar on Li Changming's back. She also stays by her side all night when the princess has nightmares.
The Banquet Begins
A Heist in Motion
The day of the Treasure Auction Banquet arrives. Chu Yu shows up looking incredible. Wei Yun is noticeably absent. He's using the banquet as a cover. He sneaks into Yao Yong's mansion to search for evidence. Back at the party, Yao Yong notices Wei Yun isn't there. He gets nervous and tries to leave for his own home. Chu Yu manages to stop him with an excuse he can't refuse.
While that's happening, Wei Yun and Wei Qiu, both masked, break into Yao Yong's study. They find a secret room sealed with a complex gear lock. Wei Qiu says he needs time to crack it. But they can hear guards getting closer outside the study.
A Desperate Gamble
The auction is in full swing. Everyone is presenting their treasures. Yao Yong gets antsy again and makes another attempt to leave. Chu Yu knows she needs to buy Wei Yun more time. She makes a drastic move. She stabs herself. Then she screams that there's an assassin from Bei Qi. The guards immediately lock down the entire valley. Yao Yong is trapped. Chu Yu doubles down on her lie. She claims the assassin used a curved blade, which is only used by people from Bei Qi.
An Arrow in the Chaos
Wang Linlang immediately calls her out. She shouts that Chu Yu is lying. She says she saw Chu Yu stab herself with her own dagger. Yao Yong sees his chance. He says his personal guard is a doctor and offers to have him examine the wound.
But Li Changming steps in to protect Chu Yu. She orders her own attendant, Tuantuan, to check the wound instead. She gives Tuantuan a look, signaling her to lie. Tuantuan announces to the crowd that the wound is very deep. She confirms it was definitely caused by a Bei Qi curved blade.
Just then, Gu Chusheng screams, "Chu Yu, watch out!" An arrow flies directly at her. Gu Chusheng throws himself in front of Chu Yu without a second thought. The arrow sinks into his body.
