Episode Summary
Chu Yu takes matters into her own hands and sues the man spreading rumors about her, exposing a spy in the process. The real mastermind, Zhao Yue, uses the opportunity to escape the capital. In the fallout, Chu Yu rejects a proposal from a newly-divorced Gu Chusheng. Then, in a heartbreaking conversation, she tells Wei Yun they must put their relationship on hold for the sake of duty, leaving them both miserable.
Spoiler Alert
Chu Yu Fights Back
Chu Yu is exhausted from all the rumors. But she is not about to be defeated by them. She’s got way too much fight left in her for that.
The Sisters Make Peace
Her sister, Chu Jin, actually joins her to help clean a family plaque. It’s a quiet, meaningful moment. Chu Jin admits she was wrong about Chu Yu in the past. She even apologizes. Just like that, the two sisters bury the hatchet. It’s nice to see them finally on the same side.
A Public Show of Support
Wei Yun is at a loss. He kneels in the Wei family shrine, praying for a way to protect Chu Yu. He feels completely helpless.
The next day, the family shows up for her. Song Wenchang brings Chu Jin to the Tugu Shrine. Wei Yun is there. The Wei family ladies are there, too. They are making a statement. They will not let gossip ruin the family’s name. Gu Chusheng sees all their name plaques hanging together at the shrine. It gives him a little hope that maybe this world isn’t so bad after all.
Justice at the Dali Temple
Wei Qiu has been spying on the storyteller, Guo Liu. He confirms Guo Liu is the one spreading the nasty story about Chu Yu.
Wei Yun is ready to grab the guy. But Chu Yu beats him to it. She has Guo Liu arrested and drags him to the Dali Temple. She bangs the drum to demand justice. She is suing him for slander. Wei Yun and Wei Qiu see what’s happening and race to the temple to back her up. Chu Jin also hears the news and rushes over.
The Mastermind Is Revealed (Sort of)
At the hearing, a slimeball named Sun Yanei tries to stir up trouble. He brings up Chu Yu’s old friendship with Gu Chusheng. He wants the crowd to doubt whether Gu Chusheng can be an impartial judge. It doesn't work. Chu Yu says she isn't afraid of gossip. Gu Chusheng promises to uphold the law.
Chu Yu then verbally shreds Sun Yanei until he has nowhere to hide. He and Guo Liu both confess. They were paid to spread the rumors. A mysterious woman in a hood gave Guo Liu fifty silver taels to write and distribute the story. When Guo Liu draws a sketch of the woman, Sun Yanei quickly claims she directed him, too. The evidence is solid. They are both thrown in jail.
A Web of Spies
Wei Yun recognizes the woman in the sketch. Her name is Xiang'er. She works at the Grand Princess's residence. The three of them—Wei Yun, Chu Yu, and Gu Chusheng—immediately head to the princess's estate and arrest her.
The Grand Princess Is Missing
Things get weird fast. The only person in the entire residence is Xiang'er. The Grand Princess and all her other retainers are gone. Xiang'er gives a flimsy excuse about them going to look at flowers somewhere else.
Here’s the real story. The Grand Princess is unconscious. Zhao Yue used her to get an official order from the Da Sui emperor. Zhao Yue has already left the capital city of Huajing.
Gu Chusheng later tells Chu Yu and Wei Yun that Xiang'er confessed to everything without even being tortured. She is the Grand Princess's adopted daughter. She is also a spy from the rival state of Bei Qi. She takes the blame for the whole operation. But Chu Yu isn't buying it. She has a gut feeling Xiang'er isn't the real mastermind.
Two Difficult Conversations
This is where the episode really gets you. It’s all about the personal drama.
Gu Chusheng's Proposal
Chu Yu has dinner with Gu Chusheng. He drops a bomb. He divorced Wang Linlang. He tells her he is finally free to follow his heart. He asks her to marry him.
Chu Yu turns him down. She says she doesn't want to be with anyone right now. A woman, she explains, doesn't need to depend on a man to be brilliant.
Chu Yu Breaks Wei Yun's Heart
As Chu Yu opens the door to leave, she finds Wei Yun standing right outside. He heard everything.
He follows her as she walks out. She ends up walking him back to the Wei residence. He asks her to tell him the truth. She explains that she has too many people to protect. Because of that, she has to be selfish with him. She tells him that people don't have to be a couple to show their love.
The country is unstable. Their relationship is just too complicated right now. She suggests they go back to their official positions. She will be the Marquis, and he will be the head of the Wei family. Wei Yun is absolutely heartbroken, but he accepts her decision.
An Escape Plan
The episode ends with Chu Linyang. He is looking at a map of Fengling City. He plans to ask the Emperor for permission to return there. Part of his reason is to get away from Song Qingping, but that’s not the whole story. He decides not to tell Chu Yu. He knows she has enough on her plate. He also worries she would insist on going with him.
