Episode Summary
In this episode, the Emperor forces a noble title on Chu Yu, pushing her out of her military role. In response, Wei Yun begins a campaign to publicly ruin his own reputation by visiting brothels, which turns the public against him but shows Chu Yu his true intentions. The episode ends with Chu Yu resolving to rescue the Grand Princess from Bei Qi, despite news that she is being treated well.
Spoiler Alert
The Emperor Makes an Offer You Can't Refuse
The Emperor has a big idea. He wants to grant Chu Yu a fancy noble title. Before she can even speak, Wei Yun jumps in to refuse for her. He tells the Emperor that Chu Yu is a general. She doesn't belong cooped up inside a house.
This does not go over well. The Emperor gets angry and orders his guards to drag Wei Yun out. Chu Yu quickly steps in to stop them. The Emperor then turns to her. He asks if she will accept his generous offer.
Chu Yu stands her ground. She says no. She explains that she can't do things like embroidery. She will never be the kind of "ideal woman" he imagines. The Emperor decides he's done being nice. He tells her she is accepting the title. There is no other option. The official robes have already been delivered to the Wei family home. He gives her a choice. She can wear the noble robes, or she can wear a prisoner's uniform.
A New Plan Takes Shape
Gu Chusheng's Reward
Gu Chusheng was basically the Emperor's tool in this whole mess. The Emperor is pretty happy with his work. He asks Gu Chusheng if there's anything he wants as a reward. Gu Chusheng asks to clear his father's name. The Emperor says he can't do that. The case is connected to Prince Qin, and it's too complicated. Instead, he offers Gu Chusheng his father's old government position.
Chu Yu Takes It in Stride
Even though she was forced to accept the title, Chu Yu isn't letting it get her down. She knows she has Wei Yun, and that's what matters. Her sister Chu Jin and her friend Song Qingping show up to comfort her. They quickly realize she doesn't need any comforting at all. Song Qingping starts to feel like she's the one who needs a pep talk.
Wei Yun's Self-Destruction Tour
Wei Yun heads to the Yixiang Pavilion with his buddies Lu Qiba and Song Wenchang. He immediately orders several women to keep him company. His friends can tell he's just putting on a show because he's upset. They try to talk to him, but he brushes them off. He believes that one day, he'll be able to be with Chu Yu openly, without all this drama.
While the guys are out, the women are having their own party. Chu Yu, Chu Jin, and Song Qingping are on the roof. They're drinking and talking about all their problems. A very drunk Song Qingping tells Chu Yu they should just run away together. She says Chu Yu doesn't belong in a domestic role. They could travel the world. One could be a doctor, and the other could be a sword-wielding hero.
Late Night Consequences
Chu Jin helps a stumbling Song Qingping leave the Wei residence. On their way out, they run right into Wei Yun and Song Wenchang returning from the brothel. Song Wenchang is overjoyed when he hears Chu Jin say she likes him best. His happiness doesn't last long. Chu Jin smells the strong perfume on his clothes. She immediately starts beating him up.
Later that night, Wei Yun can't stand being away from Chu Yu. He goes to her window but doesn't go inside. The two of them just talk through the window. He gives her a gift. It's a "Victorious General" token he won for her at the Yixiang Pavilion.
Chu Yu finally realizes he went to a brothel. She pretends to be angry. Wei Yun panics, not sure what to do. Then she bursts out laughing. She knew what he was up to all along. He's just trying to destroy his own reputation on purpose.
The Public Turns
The Emperor hears about Wei Yun's brothel visit. He is furious. He was trying to preserve Wei Yun as a valuable asset for his son, Li Huan. Li Huan just scoffs at the idea. He points out that this "valuable asset" might not be so useful after these stunts.
Wei Yun's plan is working perfectly, though. The public starts to turn against him. They no longer see him as the great "God of War" of Da Sui. People are even tearing down his portraits in the street. Li Huan tries to talk some sense into him, but Wei Yun doesn't care about his reputation.
On a lighter note, Lu Qiba finds Wei Yun's lost dog, Xiao Qi. Wei Yun brings the dog to Chu Yu, which makes her very happy.
An Eye on the North
Wei Yun shares some news with Chu Yu. He got a message from their spies in the kingdom of Bei Qi. The message says Zhao Yue is treating the Grand Princess very well. Zhao Yue is also about to be officially crowned the new King of Bei Qi.
Chu Yu doesn't believe it for a second. She's sure the Grand Princess is living like a prisoner, no matter how nice it looks. She becomes more determined than ever. She is going to get the Grand Princess out of Bei Qi.
