Episode Summary
Wei Yun's rivalry with Gu Chusheng continues, but a bigger threat emerges when Song Shilan is promoted to general and immediately places Wei Yun under house arrest in the Armory Division. Chu Yu vows to stand by him. In the northern kingdom of Bei Qi, Li Changming successfully sabotages King Zhao Yue's wedding night, leading to a major confrontation between Zhao Yue and his mother, the Empress Dowager. Zhao Yue is forced to compromise but secretly vows to protect Li Changming and eventually make her his Empress.
Spoiler Alert
A Carriage Ride and a Power Play
This episode kicks off with some top-tier pettiness. Gu Chusheng's carriage is conveniently broken. Wei Yun sees his chance. He invites Gu Chusheng to ride with him.
You have to understand this isn't just any carriage. This is the one Chu Yu specially prepared for Wei Yun. It even has hot tea waiting inside. So when Wei Yun offers Gu Chusheng a ride, he's really just showing off. He drapes his arm over Gu Chusheng's shoulder. It's a total power move. Gu Chusheng can't break free. He just lets it happen, deciding not to stoop to Wei Yun's level.
Halfway through the ride, paper butterflies start falling from the sky. We all know who's behind that. Only Chu Yu would think of something so sweet. Wei Yun is absolutely delighted. He completely forgets about his rival and just leaves Gu Chusheng in the dust.
A New General Makes His Move
Shifting Tides at Court
Chu Yu's surprise really lifts Wei Yun's spirits. He needed it. Things at court are getting tense. Gu Chusheng is the Emperor's favorite civil official. Wei Yun is the most prominent military official. But he keeps defying the Emperor because of his love for Chu Yu.
Later, someone asks Song Shilan a hypothetical question. What would he do if he were in Wei Yun's position? Song Shilan's answer is simple. He would take on the great responsibility. That felt like some serious foreshadowing.
Wang Linlang also shows up to see Gu Chusheng. She thanks him for helping her father finally retire and go home. Gu Chusheng is cold about it. He says he was just repaying a debt he owed her. She gets angry at his dismissal. She wishes him a life of loneliness.
Song Shilan's Betrayal
The Emperor of Da Sui makes a huge announcement. He appoints Song Shilan as the General of Zhenxi. This gives him command over the military affairs in Qingzhou and Fengling. Song Wenchang runs to Wei Yun to complain. He can't believe Song Shilan actually accepted the position.
Song Shilan doesn't waste any time. His first act as general is to put Wei Yun in his place. He shows up with his new general's token. He says he has a verbal order from the Emperor. Wei Yun is to be confined to the Armory Division. He is not allowed to leave without a direct summons. If he resists, it will be treated as treason.
Song Wenchang pulls his brother aside, trying to reason with him. But Song Shilan has made up his mind. Chu Yu tells Wei Yun that they will find a way through this. She says even if the sky falls, she will be with him. And just like that, guards escort Wei Yun to the Armory Division.
Chaos in the Northern Kingdom
A Wedding Night Ploy
The drama isn't just in Da Sui. Over in Bei Qi, Empress Dowager Yunyang is making moves to secure her son's throne. She arranges for Zhao Yue to marry two new consorts. The wedding is today. The Dowager makes a point to find Li Changming and tell her the news personally. It's a deliberate jab.
Li Changming is a master manipulator, though. That night, she uses Zhao Yue's affection for her against him. She sends a servant to tell him she is sick. Zhao Yue immediately ditches his new bride. He rushes to Li Changming's side. He keeps her with him and sends Consort Chen's attendants away.
The Morning After
Li Changming is determined to cause chaos in the Bei Qi royal family. The morning after sleeping with Zhao Yue, she makes the hickey on her neck even more obvious. Then she puts on a bright red pomegranate skirt and struts through the garden.
The Empress Dowager sends guards to arrest her. But Zhao Yue protects her. The Dowager can't touch Li Changming. This leads to a huge fight between mother and son. Zhao Yue accuses his mother of loving power more than she loves him.
The Dowager gets teary-eyed and plays the victim. She says she will drop the whole incident on one condition. Zhao Yue must consummate his marriage with Consort Chen. She promises to leave Li Changming alone as long as the Xuancheng City Lord doesn't cause any problems. Zhao Yue has no choice but to agree. The Dowager then sends a message to Li Changming. She says Zhao Yue is busy with his duties and won't be visiting.
Zhao Yue is furious, thinking to himself that he won't be controlled forever. A maid later tells Li Changming what Zhao Yue said. He promised that as long as he's around, no one will ever harm her. And one day, he will make her his official Empress, so she can wear the palace's formal red with pride.
