Episode Summary
In this episode, Chu Yu travels to Bei Qi on a secret mission to retrieve Grand Princess Li Changming. She is met with hostility but asserts her authority. At a royal banquet, Li Changming shocks everyone by asking to become King Zhao Yue's consort, a request he grants. Immediately after, she faints. As Chu Yu tries to figure out the princess's real plan, a doctor reveals to a stunned Zhao Yue that Li Changming is pregnant.
Spoiler Alert
The Mission Begins
A Diplomatic Journey
So, the Emperor caved. He finally approved Chu Yu's request. She is now officially an envoy for Da Sui. Her mission is to travel to the Bei Qi capital, Qizhou. The goal on paper is to negotiate a peace treaty.
Wanyue has to stay behind in Huajing. She is obviously worried sick about Chu Yu. She's also stressed because Wei Yun is still locked up in the Armory Division. He can't go with Chu Yu, which makes everything worse. But Wei Yun does what he can. He begs Lu Qiba and Song Wenchang to go with Chu Yu. He wants to make sure she has some backup she can trust.
A Final Goodbye
Before we get to the main event, there's a quick scene with Song Shilan and Gu Chusheng. Song Shilan points out that Gu Chusheng's inkstone looks old. Gu Chusheng says Chu Yu gave it to him. He adds that it's probably time to get a new one. It feels like he's finally letting go.
Back on the road, Wei Yun manages to escape his confinement. He catches up with Chu Yu's group about twenty miles outside the city. He just had to see her one more time before she left. Chu Yu knows that he'll always be there for her, even when he's not. They share a kiss right there on the road. Lu Qiba and Song Wenchang are in the background trying not to look, and it's pretty funny.
Wei Yun can't go to Qizhou himself. But he tells Chu Yu that his contact, Gongsun Lan, is there. He can provide her with support on the inside.
Trouble in Bei Qi
A Hostile Court
News of the Da Sui envoy travels fast in the Bei Qi palace. The Grand Princess, Li Changming, pretends she doesn't care that Chu Yu is part of the group. She has become very bold with King Zhao Yue's favor. She openly disrespects the Empress Dowager Yunyang. The Empress Dowager is furious, but there isn't much she can do.
The Bei Qi officials give Chu Yu and her companions a terrible welcome. They are placed in a broken-down courtyard. It's a clear insult. Chu Yu does not take this sitting down. She orders Lu Qiba and Song Wenchang to tie up the two officials responsible. Then they throw them outside. That’s how you make an entrance.
The Secret Mission
After dealing with the welcome party, Chu Yu reveals the real plan. She tells her men that the Emperor gave her a secret order before she left. This trip isn't really about peace talks. The true objective is to bring Grand Princess Li Changming back home to Da Sui. Chu Yu suspects Zhao Yue will not let her go easily. She decides her first step is to meet with him and see what he's thinking.
A Birthday Bombshell
The Grand Princess's Request
The next day is Li Changming's birthday. Zhao Yue has prepared a special gift for her. She acts like she loves it. But she quickly urges him to go and greet the Da Sui envoys. As soon as Zhao Yue leaves, her happy expression vanishes. She angrily rips down a string of pearl curtains. She is clearly miserable.
In the main hall, Chu Yu skips the pleasantries. She avoids any talk of a peace treaty. She demands to see Li Changming first.
At the evening banquet, Chu Yu finally sees the princess. Li Changming appears to be unharmed. But then something completely unexpected happens. Li Changming turns to Zhao Yue. In front of the entire court, she asks for a birthday present. She wants him to grant her a title in his royal harem.
Zhao Yue agrees. He goes directly against the Empress Dowager's wishes. He publicly declares Li Changming as his "Consort Mei."
A Shocking Discovery
Li Changming tells Chu Yu that this was her choice. She says Chu Yu shouldn't worry about it. Just like that, the princess is now a consort in the Bei Qi court. A moment later, Li Changming suddenly faints. Zhao Yue immediately postpones all negotiations. He picks her up and carries her out of the hall.
Chu Yu knows the princess. She is not a person who craves power. She's loyal to Da Sui. Chu Yu is certain there must be a hidden motive for her actions.
Chu Yu pretends to have a stomach ache to get out of the banquet. A guard starts to lead her away. She knocks him unconscious and begins searching the palace for Li Changming.
At the same time, Zhao Yue has a doctor examining the unconscious princess. Li Changming had assumed her dizziness was from an old illness and her irregular menstrual cycle. But the doctor checks her pulse. He is visibly shocked. He immediately kneels and congratulates the king.
Li Changming is pregnant. Zhao Yue is completely stunned by the news.
