Episode Summary
The Emperor confines Wei Yun to the Armory under Song Shilan's watch. To save Chu Yu from the Emperor's death sentence, Gu Chusheng traps her in his mansion for a night, then finally lets her go. Wei Yun fights his way out of the Armory to help Chu Yu, who has gone to the palace. She endures a public beating to get an audience with the Emperor. Together, she and Wei Yun make a deal: she will lead a dangerous peace mission to Bei Qi in exchange for the Emperor's blessing on their relationship.
Spoiler Alert
Wei Yun Gets Sidelined
The Emperor is not happy with Wei Yun. He orders him into confinement at the Armory Division. This is basically a time-out for high-ranking generals. Song Shilan gets put in charge of the guards there. His first move is to demand Wei Yun's Fish Tally. The tally is a symbol of his military authority.
Wei Yun claims he doesn't have it on him. They're at a standoff. Then, Lu Qiba shows up to escort Wei Yun inside. Song Shilan won't back down, so Wei Yun is forced to hand over the tally. After Song Shilan leaves, Wei Yun tells Lu Qiba not to worry. He says he won't be stuck in the Armory for very long.
Gu Chusheng's Twisted Plan
Gu Chusheng hears about Wei Yun's confinement. He knows the Emperor is running out of patience. He sends an invitation to Chu Yu for a birthday banquet. Chu Yu immediately suspects Gu Chusheng is behind all this trouble. She decides to go and confront him.
A Room Full of Portraits
Chu Yu arrives at the banquet and gets a surprise. She is the only guest. The entire room is filled with portraits of her. Gu Chusheng tells her he wants to rekindle their old romance. He also says she isn't leaving his mansion without his permission. Chu Yu doesn't know what game he's playing. She calls his bluff. She tells him he can have her, but he will never have her heart.
The Real Reason
Her words finally make Gu Chusheng drop the act. He explains the real situation. The Emperor suspects Wei Yun is planning a rebellion. Because of this, the Emperor wants Chu Yu dead. Gu Chusheng trapped her in his mansion for the night to protect her. He saved her life.
Chu Yu doesn't want his help. She would rather handle it herself. Gu Chusheng gives her a useful tip. He reminds her the Emperor still has feelings for the Grand Princess. He suggests she can use that connection to her advantage. Later, Chu Yu leaves the mansion unharmed. Chu Jin and Wanyue are waiting outside, worried. Chu Yu hugs them. She says that with them by her side, she isn't afraid of anything.
After she leaves, Gu Chusheng finally accepts that she no longer loves him. He burns every single portrait he painted of her. He decides to forget the past and focus on protecting the kingdom.
A Desperate Gamble
The next morning, Chu Yu heads straight for the palace. Wei Qiu finds out and runs to the Armory to warn Wei Yun.
The Armory Showdown
Wei Yun immediately tries to leave. Song Shilan and his men block the exit. The two of them fight right at the gate. Song Shilan is no match for Wei Yun. He can't stop him.
The Armory is technically Lu Qiba's territory. He makes a choice. For his friend, he's willing to defy the Emperor's direct order. He lets Wei Yun go. Song Shilan is in disbelief. He can't understand why Lu Qiba would risk everything. He warns Wei Yun that leaving will ruin his career and reputation.
Wei Yun doesn't seem to care. He just says he would feel at ease if Song Shilan became the next Marquis. Song Shilan asks him if all this is really worth it for one woman. Wei Yun's answer is clear. He says he will not sacrifice Chu Yu for the good of the world. Even if fate is against them, he will fight to win.
A Plea at the Palace Gates
Chu Yu arrives at the palace and bangs a ceremonial drum. This is a formal way to demand an audience with the Emperor. She declares she is there to accuse the Emperor himself.
According to the laws of Da Sui, anyone making such a claim must first endure twenty strikes from a heavy rod. It doesn't matter if you're a commoner or nobility. Chu Yu agrees to the punishment. She is beaten in front of the palace gates. Her robes slowly turn red with blood.
Just as the guard raises the rod for the final strike, Wei Yun appears. He jumps in and takes the blow for her. He takes her hand, and together, they demand to see the Emperor.
The Ultimate Bargain
They kneel before the Emperor and all the court officials. Chu Yu announces that she rejects any titles or honors from him. She says her heart belongs to only one person. Wei Yun kneels beside her. When he speaks of the person he loves, he looks directly at Chu Yu. The officials start whispering. They are shocked he would declare his love so openly in court.
Chu Yu then makes a bold offer. She volunteers to lead a diplomatic mission to the northern kingdom of Bei Qi to negotiate peace. If she succeeds, she wants the Emperor to give his blessing for her and Wei Yun to be together. If she fails, they will both submit to any punishment he chooses.
