Episode Summary
Zhao Yue is crowned King of Bei Qi but immediately clashes with his aunt over Li Changming, who he then confines to her room. Two romances blossom as Chu Linyang confesses his love to a smitten Song Qingping, and Song Wenchang confesses to a scarred but heroic Chu Jin. In Da Sui, Wei Yun defies the Emperor for love, while the Emperor replaces a corrupt official with Gu Chusheng, who immediately proposes rescuing the princess.
Spoiler Alert
A King, a Queen, and a Threat
Zhao Yue's New Crown
So, Zhao Yue is officially King of Bei Qi. The coronation happens, and he's on the throne. But he’s not exactly ruling alone. His aunt, the Grand Princess Yunyang, is now the Empress Dowager. She makes it very clear she's co-ruling with him.
Her first order of business is politics. She tells Zhao Yue that Emperor Chunde of Da Sui is finally willing to talk peace. She's already sent a letter inviting their diplomats. Her plan is simple. They can use Li Changming as a bargaining chip to get what they want from Da Sui.
Zhao Yue shuts that down immediately. He tells his aunt there is no Da Sui princess here. There is only his woman. It's a bold move. Yunyang actually agrees to let Li Changming stay. But she gives him a chilling warning. If Zhao Yue loses the support of his people over this girl, or if he stops listening to her, she has no problem adding Li Changming to her body count.
A Promise and a Prison
After the ceremony, Zhao Yue goes to see Li Changming. She points out that kings and their families rarely get along. She thinks he and his aunt are no different. He isn't worried. He's the one on the throne, after all. He promises her that once the court is stable, he will make her the Queen of Bei Qi. He wants her to share the highest honor with him.
This sounds great, but his actions later tell a different story. He sends her a beautiful red dress. She refuses to wear it. This sends Zhao Yue into a rage. He orders her to be confined to her room. He won't see her again until she decides to put on the dress. She's a prisoner in his palace.
Love in the Air (and a Little Blood)
A Secret Meeting
Things are way more romantic over with the other couples. Song Qingping's father, the Duke of Hu, has her grounded. She's stuck at home copying books. Her brothers, Song Shilan and Song Wenchang, cook up a plan. They pull a classic switcheroo so Song Wenchang can sneak her out of the house.
They set up a meeting with Chu Linyang. He hasn't been able to walk since his injury on the battlefield. But he's been trying to get back on his feet for her. This time, he doesn't hide his feelings. He tells her directly how much he likes her. He promises that one day he will stand up and come to her properly. She is completely moved. To top it all off, Chu Jin and Song Wenchang are hiding upstairs, throwing flower petals down on them. A little cheesy, but it works.
A Scar and a Confession
Chu Jin gets her own big moment. She saves a little girl from being crushed by falling bamboo. She blocks it herself, but gets a deep cut on her face. She's an absolute mess about the scar. She hides out at Chu Yu's place because she's too afraid to go home. Chu Yu tells her she's become a compassionate person and her family would be proud.
After Chu Yu leaves, Chu Jin breaks down and cries over her face. Song Wenchang finds her. He knows her so well. He gives her a heartfelt confession. He says his feelings for her started with her beauty. But he fell deeply in love with her because of her kind and good heart.
Politics Back Home
Wei Yun Makes a Choice
Wei Yun is causing trouble back in the Da Sui capital. He's been spending all his time in brothels. A lot of court officials have complained to the Emperor. The Emperor has a talk with him about it. Wei Yun is surprisingly honest. He says he wants to be more than just a general who defends the country. He wants to be with the person he loves. He tells the Emperor that if he wants to strip him of his title, that's fine. He has no regrets. Later, we see him return home and share a quiet hug with Chu Yu. He's choosing her.
A New Prime Minister
The Emperor is playing his own games. He knows exactly what Wang Jingzhi has been up to. He confronts him. Wang Jingzhi confesses and begs the Emperor to spare his daughter's life. The Emperor shows some mercy. He doesn't execute him. He just forces Wang Jingzhi to retire to the countryside.
This move clears the board for one person. Gu Chusheng. The Emperor immediately promotes him to Prime Minister. Gu Chusheng's very first proposal is to send a delegation to Bei Qi. He wants to negotiate peace and rescue Princess Li Changming. The Emperor says he'll think about it.
After the court session, Gu Chusheng stops Wei Yun. They have a short, tense conversation. Wei Yun says he doesn't fight in wars for titles or promotions. Gu Chusheng gives him a stark warning. He tells him that a wise man does not stand beneath a collapsing wall.
