Episode Summary
Chu Linyang pushes Song Qingping away, believing his life as a soldier means they have no future. Chu Jin rejects Song Wenchang and his gifts after he breaks a promise. A secret meeting reveals Duke Ning, not Yao Yong, tried to have Gu Chusheng killed. Wei Yun attempts to court Chu Yu with gifts, but her mother mistakenly tries to set him up with Chu Jin instead.
Spoiler Alert
A Whole Lot of Romantic Misery
This episode was all about people making terrible romantic decisions for what they think are good reasons. It’s messy. I love it.
Chu Linyang Pushes Everyone Away
Li Huan comes to Chu Linyang with a question. He wants to know about the broken engagement with Song Qingping. Chu Linyang tells him the truth. He says there is no future for him and Song Qingping. It does not matter if the engagement is on or off.
Of course, that is not what he really feels. After Li Huan leaves, Chu Linyang is so frustrated he goes to practice with his spear. He knows his destiny is on the battlefield. He will eventually return to Fengling City to reclaim what he lost. Song Qingping belongs in the capital. She is not a soldier. He figures it is better to avoid a painful goodbye later. So, he makes the choice to cut things off now. It’s a classic noble sacrifice move. It is also a dumb one.
Chu Jin Returns the Bling
Song Wenchang feels terrible. He broke his promise to Chu Jin over that whole Dingfeng Valley mess. He waits for her all day at the Chunfenglou tavern to apologize. She never shows up.
He finally leaves. Then, of course, Chu Jin arrives. She finds a box he left behind. Inside is a pile of expensive jewelry. Chu Jin definitely loves money. But she has a code. She does like Song Wenchang. But she will not bend her principles for him. He broke his word. When he made his choice, he might have thought of her, but he still went. That tells her she is not his priority. He is not the man she can build a life with.
The next day, every single gift Song Wenchang sent is returned to him. Ouch.
Secrets and Assassins
The spy games are heating up again. This time, it gets personal for a few people.
The Secret Letter
Chu Yu sends a letter to Gu Chusheng asking for a secret meeting. This is something Wang Linlang absolutely cannot know about. But Wang Linlang has spies. Her maid reports that Gu Chusheng left the house wearing brand new clothes. He is clearly going to see someone important. Wang Linlang knows exactly who it is.
Gu Chusheng arrives for the meeting. He thinks it will just be him and Chu Yu. He is wrong. Chu Linyang is there too. Gu Chusheng gives Chu Yu a secret letter. This letter is the proof they need. It shows that Yao Yong is a traitor working with the enemy. But there is a twist. We learn that Yao Yong knew nothing about the assassins sent after Gu Chusheng. This means someone else wants him dead.
Wang Linlang Crashes the Party
Before they can figure it all out, the door bursts open. It is Wang Linlang. She is ready to have it out and settle this love triangle once and for all.
Gu Chusheng does not give her the chance. He pulls her aside for a private chat. He tells her the real problem between them has never been Chu Yu. It has always been Duke Ning. He says their relationship might have been happy without the Duke's interference. Then he drops the bomb. The only person who knew his location was Duke Ning. So, the Duke must be the one who sent the assassins to kill him.
A Very Confused Matchmaking Attempt
With his main revenge plot over, Wei Yun is just kind of sad now.
Wei Yun Makes His Move
Lu Qiba and Song Wenchang are trying to cheer him up with drinks. It is not working. Song Wenchang figures out Wei Yun is lovesick and decides to help.
Soon after, gifts arrive at the Chu family home from Wei Yun. He calls them thank-you presents. Wanyue, the maid, points out they look a lot more like betrothal gifts. Chu Linyang and Chu Yu know exactly what Wei Yun is trying to do. Their mother, Xie Yun, is completely clueless. She warmly invites Wei Yun to stay for dinner.
During the meal, Xie Yun brings up Wei Yun’s future. She says she knows the perfect girl for him. Wei Yun assumes she is talking about Chu Yu. But Xie Yun suggests Chu Jin instead. The reaction is immediate. Wei Yun, Chu Yu, and Chu Jin all shout "No!" at the same time. Chu Jin states her rule very clearly. She will not marry a man who goes to war.
A Game of Chess and Words
Later, Chu Linyang and Wei Yun play a game of chess. The game is just an excuse. They are really testing each other. Every move on the board is a statement. They talk about winning, losing, and strategy. But they are really talking about their rivalry. They both know exactly what the other is saying.
Meanwhile, Song Shilan drags her brother Song Wenchang over to the Chu house. She says they are there to watch the drama unfold. Her real goal is to push him to finally talk to Chu Jin.
