Episode Summary
In this episode, Kuminjia's attempts to expose Ling Cāngcāng's identity backfire. Xiao Huan saves Cāngcāng during a staged attack, leading to both of them being captured. Cāngcāng pretends to be indifferent to Xiao Huan's fate, which cleverly convinces Kuminjia to help him. The real test comes when Du Tingxin arrives. Her willingness to harm Cāngcāng proves to Kumor that Cāngcāng is not the queen, securing her safety for the moment.
Spoiler Alert
The Waiting Game
So, Xiao Huan has finally located Kumor's camp. The place is a fortress. It's easy to defend and hard to attack. Kuminjia is getting really antsy. She complains to her brother, Kumor. She expected Xiao Huan, that "dog emperor," to send someone for his queen on the fifth day. It's now day eight. There has been no word. She thinks they've been duped.
Xiao Huan is scouting the terrain. He knows his general, Ling Jueding, is holding his troops back. This is the smart play. If Ling Jueding makes any sudden moves, Kumor will get suspicious about Ling Cāngcāng's identity. Xiao Huan isn't worried, though. He knows Kumor won't hurt Cāngcāng. At least, not yet.
Kuminjia's Test
Kumor is more cautious than his sister. He tells her that all is fair in war. He gives Kuminjia permission to test Ling Cāngcāng herself. This should be good.
Kuminjia invites Cāngcāng for a walk. She tries to subtly dig for information about Cāngcāng's real identity. Cāngcāng is way ahead of her. She uses the walk as an opportunity to scout the camp's layout. Honestly, Kuminjia's little tricks are like child's play to her.
A Dangerous Reunion
Kuminjia's big plan is to parade Cāngcāng in front of Ling Jueding's army. She shouts taunts at them. She wants to provoke a reaction that will prove Cāngcāng is the real queen.
Ling Jueding sees exactly what she's doing. He knows Cāngcāng is his daughter. But to protect her cover, he has to be ruthless. He gives a terrible order. He tells his archers to fire on their position.
The Fake Rescue
Arrows start flying. Cāngcāng is a seasoned fighter. She can handle herself. Kuminjia, on the other hand, is a pampered princess. She completely panics.
Just as an arrow is about to hit Cāngcāng, Xiao Huan swoops in. He saves her life. Cāngcāng is stunned to see him. Xiao Huan gives a quick, subtle signal to Ling Jueding. Then he grabs Kuminjia and heads back to the enemy camp.
A Test of Loyalty
Kumor separates Xiao Huan and Cāngcāng for interrogation. He's still not convinced. Kuminjia, however, starts to think their story might be real. They did just save her life. You don't usually repay that by turning them in.
Xiao Huan and Cāngcāng have a lot of baggage between them. They can't stand to have a normal conversation. But now they're stuck in an enemy camp. They have no choice but to work together. Kumor remains suspicious. He has them both taken away.
The Cold Shoulder Strategy
Kumor's punishment is harsh. Cāngcāng is taken somewhere else. Xiao Huan is tied to a post outside in the freezing cold. Cāngcāng tells Kumor that she and Xiao Huan are done. They've gone their separate ways. She's putting on a show.
Kuminjia goes to Cāngcāng. She tells her that Xiao Huan looks weak and is about to die out in the snow. Cāngcāng plays it cool. She says he's just an old boyfriend. His life or death means nothing to her. Kuminjia then says if Cāngcāng doesn't want him, she'll take him. As Kuminjia leaves, Cāngcāng thinks to herself that this is the best way she can help him.
A Surprising Act of Kindness
Kuminjia goes to find Xiao Huan. He isn't dying at all. He's just looking up at the stars. He tells her he's happy. He can finally look at the same night sky as Cāngcāng.
Kuminjia thinks he's a very strange man. But she also admires his spirit. She drapes her own cloak over his shoulders. Then she goes to her brother to plead on Xiao Huan's behalf.
The Real Envoy Arrives
Du Tingxin finally shows up to negotiate with Kumor. Cāngcāng is brought before them. Kumor decides to run one last test. He wants to see if Du Tingxin is a real envoy. He tells her to prove her authority by cutting off one of Cāngcāng's hands.
Du Tingxin Shows Her True Colors
Du Tingxin absolutely despises Cāngcāng. She doesn't hesitate for a second. She grabs a blade, ready to do it.
This is all the proof Kumor needs. He realizes Cāngcāng cannot be the queen. No true envoy would agree to mutilate their own empress. He stops Du Tingxin. He saves Cāngcāng. But he's disgusted by Du Tingxin's attitude. He sends her away with just a few prisoners of war.
Xiao Huan watches from a distance. He sees that Cāngcāng wasn't taken away by Du Tingxin. Back at their own camp, Ling Jueding is furious about what Du Tingxin did. Meanwhile, Kuminjia talks to Cāngcāng. She realizes Cāngcāng still has feelings for Xiao Huan. Nearby, Xiao Huan listens in on their conversation before slipping away.
