Follow Your Heart – Luo Yunxi, Song Yi

In the early years of Da Qi, Zornia herb became popular. This herb could cure many diseases but had toxic properties, so it was strictly controlled. Nevertheless, some lawbreakers still sold it illegally for profit. A small river flowed gently as the proud and aloof prince, Jiang Xinbai, arrived in He Man by boat. In the bustling market, wandering physician Yan Nanxing and Phantom Physician were performing drums and dances on a boat, attracting a large crowd.

Yan Nanxing announced that she and her mother were traveling to practice medicine and had invited a theater troupe for a performance, while also offering free medical consultations on the spot. Passing by on a small boat, Jiang Xinbai dismissed it as a mere trick of wandering doctors. He was there to meet Bai Laosan but couldn't find the place among the many riverside taverns. Using his keen hearing, Jiang Xinbai finally found his destination.

At that moment, Yan Nanxing cured a patient with crossed eyes on the spot and ended the free consultations. The theater performance was about to begin. The tavern was bustling with song and dance, making Jiang Xinbai, with his cold and sharp demeanor, seem out of place. When he reached Bai Laosan, Jiang Xinbai instantly put on a smile and greeted Bai Laosan and Ma Jiu.

His attendant, Yao Qianshu, quietly reminded him which one was Bai Laosan because Jiang Xinbai had face blindness. Noticing that Bai Laosan was trying to fool him with inferior goods, Jiang Xinbai's expression changed, and he was about to leave. Bai Laosan laughed heartily and asked him to taste it again. After confirming the goods were genuine, Jiang Xinbai paid him. Realizing that Bai Laosan was not a significant figure, Jiang Xinbai discussed terms with him.

As he was about to leave, he was attacked by Bai Laosan's men. In the chaotic scene, Jiang Xinbai dodged a flying dagger, which ended up killing Bai Laosan instead. Amid the commotion, Jiang Xinbai pursued the assassin and chased him all the way to Yan Nanxing's theater stage. Unaware of the situation, Yan Nanxing, determined to defend her stage, fought with Jiang Xinbai. Someone tried to mediate but was taken hostage by the assassin.

When the curtain opened again, the assassin was already dead. Deputy Li led soldiers to the scene, and Phantom Physician calmly signaled to Yan Nanxing. The soldiers suspected Yan Nanxing of using the performance as a cover for murder. Jiang Xinbai sensed that her real motive for the performance was to meet Nan Jifeng and claimed he was also involved. The situation escalated into a dispute over who should be taken away.

Deputy Li, annoyed, was about to take both of them when a soldier brought a message, causing him to change his mind and release Jiang Xinbai. Yan Nanxing was taken away but cheerfully thanked him. In the General's Mansion, Yan Nanxing was brought to General's wife, Gaya. Yan Nanxing and her mother had caused a stir in the city to get Gaya's attention, and they finally stood before her.

Gaya had scales like a snake, and rumors said she was a snake demon reincarnated. Clever Yan Nanxing spoke well, promising to treat her after the full moon. After settling in, Yan Nanxing tried to inform Phantom Physician but was stopped by guards, forcing Phantom Physician to sneak in. The two had their plan. Gaya demanded treatment within three days, but the full moon, which was in three days, marked the period of water, ensuring her death.

Phantom Physician gave her a whistle, assuring her everything would be fine with her around. Jiang Xinbai decided to not stay at an inn and instead rented a pleasure boat, refusing the company of girls. The madam agreed without question, lured by money. With no news from Nan Jifeng, Jiang Xinbai decided to visit the general personally that night. Meanwhile, Yan Nanxing was helping Gaya bathe and inquired about a secret medicine in the border tribes.

At a critical moment, Yan Nanxing blew the whistle, covered Gaya's face, and anxiously waited for Phantom Physician. When she didn't come, Yan Nanxing turned into a burly man on the spot. Gaya, horrified, tried to run, not realizing Phantom Physician was also being chased around the courtyard. On the wall, Jiang Xinbai heard the whistle and decided to meet the mother and daughter.

Remembering he had Zornia herb on his boat, Jiang Xinbai returned to change his clothes and watched from the boat's bow. Suddenly, a disheveled man with water plants on his head climbed out of the water.

A burly man climbed out of the water. Upon seeing Jiang Xinbai's face, Yan Nanxing immediately sensed trouble. However, Jiang Xinbai, who suffered from face blindness, recognized her as a young woman based on her clothes and hairstyle, startling Yan Nanxing. She assumed he couldn't see clearly in the dark. Out of goodwill, Jiang Xinbai offered her a hand to help her up.

Fearing her disguise would be revealed, Yan Nanxing heard the sounds of pursuing soldiers and quickly climbed up, crawling around in a panic to find a hiding spot. Due to her plump body, she couldn't find a suitable place and ended up on Jiang Xinbai's bed. Jiang Xinbai was astonished by this scene. Yan Nanxing continued to run around, and Jiang Xinbai noticed that the person's hands and feet were those of a man.

Why was he disguised as a woman? Deputy Li led the soldiers in pursuit. Jiang Xinbai dealt with him alone. Realizing Jiang Xinbai intended to help her, Yan Nanxing, without much thought, decided not to implicate him. She got up and ran, drawing the soldiers away. The General's residence issued a wanted order for Yan Nanxing and her mother. Jiang Xinbai thought these two women must be extraordinary and decided to leave the city to find them.

After four or five days without reverting back, Yan Nanxing was very anxious, lying on a tree talking to the moon. A lightning bolt struck, causing her to fall and revert to her original form. Gui Yi Liang had been waiting for Yan Nanxing to come to her, but instead, Jiang Xinbai showed up. On her journey, Yan Nanxing passed by an inn and was splashed with horse manure but had no time to change clothes due to her urgency.

Jiang Xinbai, after tying up Gui Yi Liang, questioned what Yan Nanxing and her mother were doing among the river barbarians and offered to ensure Yan Nanxing's safety. Naturally, Gui Yi Liang wouldn't reveal anything, so Jiang Xinbai gagged her upon hearing approaching hoofbeats. When Jiang Xinbai stepped outside, he saw Yan Nanxing, still reeking of horse manure and dressed as a man. He gave her some silver to rest elsewhere. Yan Nanxing was initially surprised he didn't recognize her.

Hearing sounds from inside, she mistakenly thought there was danger inside and that Jiang Xinbai was warning her, so she took the silver, thanked him, and left. Her actions reminded Jiang Xinbai of Yan Nanxing, but he had no time to ponder this as Gui Yi Liang knocked him out. Gui Yi Liang and Yan Nanxing reunited but soon quarreled and parted ways, with Yan Nanxing asking her to inquire about a certain young man.

After Gui Yi Liang left, Jiang Xinbai arrived. Yan Nanxing intended to thank him properly, but he threw a bundle of rope at her, telling her to tie herself up first. Yan Nanxing wanted to resist but was tied up by Jiang Xinbai. Jiang Xinbai intended to question her about her dealings at the General's residence, but she saw through his intentions, realizing he never meant to help her from the start.

Soon, more soldiers arrived, and Jiang Xinbai jumped into the water with the rope, causing Yan Nanxing to faint from lack of oxygen. Jiang Xinbai kindly gave her some air, shocking Yan Nanxing when she saw it. They woke up on the shore, where Jiang Xinbai treated her wounds and untied her. They had been swept here by a swift current. Jiang Xinbai, with a keen sense of smell, detected the scent of gui grass.

He found a large patch of gui grass nearby, which at such a dosage could be highly toxic. Yan Nanxing discovered a little girl poisoned by the grass. They carried her to a nearby household, but the residents were unwelcoming and tried to drive them away. Seeing the girl's life in danger, Yan Nanxing insisted she was a doctor and could save her, thus they were allowed to stay.

Jiang Xinbai realized the residents were Lanna people, whose country had been destroyed, and they dared not seek doctors, but the gui grass wasn't planted by them. A grandmother pleaded with Yan Nanxing to save the child. Yan Nanxing, moved with compassion, immediately went up the mountain with a bamboo basket to gather herbs. Jiang Xinbai, skeptical of her medical skills, still offered his help.

There were no young people in the village, likely due to the toxicity of gui grass. The little girl thanked Yan Nanxing upon waking, making her happy for saving a life. Jiang Xinbai went alone to the gui grass field, knowing the village would never be at peace while the grass remained. Yan Nanxing decisively set it on fire. The grandmother was terrified, knowing those who planted the grass wouldn't let them off.

But Jiang Xinbai reassured her that no one would force them to plant gui grass again.

Although they had already experienced so much together in Lanna Village, Yan Nanxing was still tied up by Jiang Xinbai. Riding on horseback, Jiang Xinbai led Yan Nanxing back to He Man. Yan Nanxing couldn’t figure out his intentions, but she was surprised to find that the rope on her hands was easily undone. Despite her confusion, she chose not to escape, thinking it would be safer to stay with him.

Jiang Xinbai remained calm as they reached a post station to eat. Yan Nanxing talked non-stop, asking him why he let her go in the small dilapidated temple that day. Was it because he didn't recognize her? Jiang Xinbai's face darkened immediately, but Yan Nanxing just laughed, clearly not believing him. His expression softened slightly as he asked about the incident at the General's Mansion.

Yan Nanxing made up a lie, saying it was actually her senior sister he saved that day, who, due to her naturally masculine appearance and burly figure, was too embarrassed to be seen, causing a misunderstanding. Jiang Xinbai obviously didn't believe her. Even though they had known each other for only a few days, he had already seen through her nature—cunning and impulsive, with not a single truthful word.

During the meal, several men started discussing the wanted notice about the mother and daughter from He Man. They mentioned that these women rented a house and had men of all ages coming and going every day, even children, insinuating that they were promiscuous. Yan Nanxing pretended not to hear and continued eating, but as their words became more obscene, tears welled up in her eyes.

Seeing this, Jiang Xinbai decisively intervened, and within a few moves, the men fled in panic. That night, Yan Nanxing cried alone in the courtyard. She lamented how people could only make up lies about her. Did she really want to keep transforming every day? Who wouldn’t want a stable life and friends? Jiang Xinbai heard her cries and played the flute from his room, the melodious tune bringing a smile to Yan Nanxing's face.

The next day, Jiang Xinbai decided to let her go. Though he didn’t believe her story, he believed she wasn’t a bad person and had her own troubles. However, Yan Nanxing changed her mind, insisting on returning to He Man with him and offering two pieces of intelligence about Nan Jifeng in exchange. Jiang Xinbai, intrigued, agreed to cooperate with her. Upon returning to He Man, they were immediately surrounded by Lieutenant Li, who wanted to take Yan Nanxing away.

Jiang Xinbai argued that capturing someone in public was against the rules, and Nan Jifeng arrived just in time to bring them back to the mansion. Yan Nanxing explained what happened that day, and Jia Ye believed her, as the medicine had taken effect a few days after she left. Jiang Xinbai, still using a pseudonym, claimed his surname was Xi and that he was a tea merchant, hoping to discuss business with Nan Jifeng.

Nan Jifeng offered him a pot of wine, and Jiang Xinbai, recalling Yan Nanxing's claim that Nan Jifeng's wine wouldn't cause drunkenness, drank it with some hesitation. Unexpectedly, he ended up drunk and was taken away by Yan Nanxing that evening. In his drunken state, Jiang Xinbai touched Yan Nanxing's face, unable to see her clearly and therefore unable to trust her. Yan Nanxing was puzzled by his actions.

Jiang Xinbai suddenly bandaged her wounds, repeatedly asking if it hurt, and then leaned against her to watch the fireworks together. Yan Nanxing had spent a considerable amount of money to set off fireworks for him. The two of them sat quietly on a small bridge, silently enjoying the brilliant display in the sky amidst the bustling city. A tear from Jiang Xinbai fell on Yan Nanxing's hand, making her even more afraid to move.

The next day, Jiang Xinbai woke up in Yan Nanxing's guest room. Though she couldn't understand Jiang Xinbai completely, she felt he was a good person with ulterior motives. Jiang Xinbai found her unassailable logic frustrating, cornering her against a wall to warn her that from the moment they returned to He Man, every word they exchanged was no joke.

Yao Qianshu was very worried upon hearing that Jiang Xinbai drank wine with Nan Jifeng. Jiang Xinbai had a poor tolerance for alcohol and face blindness; if anything went wrong, how could he explain it to Wang Nv? Yao Qianshu shared what he had discovered with Jiang Xinbai. Jiang Xinbai recalled that Yan Nanxing mentioned there were secrets in Nan Jifeng's secret chamber, containing something they wanted. Nan Jifeng sent Gaya back to her family, which upset her.

Upon leaving, Gaya encountered Jiang Xinbai and apologized, saying that Nan Jifeng might not see him today. Jiang Xinbai changed the topic, saying he was there to greet Gaya, who teasingly remarked that he probably came to see Yan Nanxing. Jiang Xinbai asked Yan Nanxing for a favor, assuring her that she wouldn't need to compromise herself and could even name her price afterward. Yan Nanxing sensed something unusual and leaned in closer, only for Gaya to witness the scene.

Jiang Xinbai then took Yan Nanxing's hand, suggesting they go for a walk, and they ended up at a boat. Yan Nanxing admired it, recalling she hadn't looked closely last time. Jiang Xinbai asked when the last time was, making Yan Nanxing stutter in fear. Jiang Xinbai requested Yan Nanxing to distract Nan Jifeng for an hour that night so he could find the secret chamber.

Yan Nanxing, sensing an opportunity, insisted she didn't want money but wanted to know if Jiang Xinbai had any family members who had been persecuted by kuei grass. Jiang Xinbai clenched his hand, his emotions unreadable. Suddenly, some mothers brought two beautiful young women, who immediately clung to Jiang Xinbai. Yan Nanxing jumped in to help him, affectionately hugging his arm and claiming to be his wife, scaring off the mothers and the young women.

Without her intervention, Jiang Xinbai would have been completely taken advantage of. However, in Jiang Xinbai's eyes, she was just jealous. Yan Nanxing and Jiang Xinbai's plan commenced. That night, she secretly drugged the tea and had Gaya invite Nan Jifeng over. Unexpectedly, Nan Jifeng arrived in a rush on his own. Yan Nanxing smugly closed the door, allowing Jiang Xinbai to search for the secret chamber.

However, he noticed someone passing by the study and quickly pulled Yan Nanxing away. Jiang Xinbai told Yan Nanxing to leave that night, but she insisted on finding what she wanted in the secret chamber. Jiang Xinbai said there was nothing there for her, warning that chaos was imminent in He Man, and he didn't want her involved. Yan Nanxing didn't understand his words and remained resolute. Jiang Xinbai could only warn her to stay in her room that night.

Jiang Xinbai was followed by Lieutenant Li, leading to a fight that alarmed the General's Mansion. Nan Jifeng invited Jiang Xinbai into the secret chamber, and Jiang Xinbai instructed Yao Qianshu to guard Yan Nanxing. At that moment, Lieutenant Li suddenly attempted to assassinate Nan Jifeng. Gaya intended to shield him with her body, but Nan Jifeng was still stabbed, and the blade was poisoned.

With Nan Jifeng's life hanging in the balance, Yan Nanxing suggested using kuei grass in the medicine to save him, but Nan Jifeng refused, even if it meant dying from the poison. Yan Nanxing proposed another solution: using human blood in the medicine. Without hesitation, Jiang Xinbai cut his palm, offering his blood to save him. Yan Nanxing bandaged him afterward, looking worried. Jiang Xinbai said that without Nan Jifeng, his mission would be meaningless.

Yan Nanxing shared that she could have opened a pharmacy but chose to be a traveling doctor to avoid facing so much death and separation. Saving lives made her feel like she was bearing the weight of those lives. These were things she had never even told her mother, but sharing them with him felt like confiding in a friend.

Jiang Xinbai revealed his real name, and Yan Nanxing, taking advantage of the moment, continued to ask questions, making them both laugh heartily. Yao Qianshu came to report to Jiang Xinbai, stating that he had investigated Nan Jifeng and found that since he was assigned to He Man, there had been five unexplained deaths in the army.

Gaya's tribe worships snakes, so the common people calling her a snake demon isn't entirely wrong. She prayed to the heavens, willing to pay any price to be with Nan Jifeng for a lifetime. She severed ties with her tribe, but never expected the price would be Nan Jifeng's life. Yan Nanxing hurriedly comforted her, assuring her that Nan Jifeng would recover. Soon, Nan Jifeng woke up safely and showed Jiang Xinbai the gifts people had bribed him with.

Jiang Xinbai had always thought Nan Jifeng was colluding with them to smuggle the Gui grass, but it seemed that wasn't the case. Nan Jifeng had been harmed by Gui grass and pretended to be drunk to investigate after his recovery. Jiang Xinbai scolded him, saying it was absurd and that he was merely worried about Gaya getting implicated and his own reputation being ruined. In the end, he was only thinking about himself.

Nan Jifeng hoped Jiang Xinbai would leave Heman soon and would be grateful if he could take Gaya with him. Jiang Xinbai, however, insisted that Nan Jifeng needed to make an example, showing everyone that he was personally appointed by the emperor. Nan Jifeng ordered a thorough investigation of the Gui grass, which greatly pleased Jiang Xinbai. While eating, Tu Men's magistrate sent an invitation, asking Jiang Xinbai and Nan Jifeng to visit his residence.

Jiang Xinbai knew this invitation wouldn't be simple. Before leaving, he gave her a sword for self-defense and instructed Yao Qianshu to stay close to Yan Nanxing and Gaya all night, fearing a diversionary tactic rather than the banquet itself. Jiang Xinbai and Nan Jifeng arrived at the Tu Men residence. The grand entrance was unexpected, more imposing than Nan Jifeng's general's mansion.

Gaya once again made a solemn vow to live and die with Nan Jifeng, which surprised Yan Nanxing greatly. At night, Yan Nanxing set up traps in her room, aware of the impending danger. They might be taken hostage to be used against Jiang Xinbai and Nan Jifeng, but she wouldn't let that happen. Yao Qianshu sat quietly in the courtyard, alert to any unusual sounds.

Hearing fighting outside, Yan Nanxing gripped her knife tightly, hoping Jiang Xinbai would return safely. Jiang Xinbai and Nan Jifeng attended the banquet, but Jiang Xinbai's real target was Mo Qi, who was hidden among the drummers but had forgotten to disguise his hands. Mo Qi revealed herself to be the madam of the pleasure boat when she tore off her mask, revealing her true identity as a woman.

Jiang Xinbai pondered for a while, recalling how Mo Qi had overheard his conversation with Yao Qianshu and had called him "Lord Jiang Xinbai. " Mo Qi wondered about his true identity. Jiang Xinbai confronted her, and immediately, people rushed in to attack, but Jiang Xinbai and Nan Jifeng defeated them easily, capturing Mo Qi. News of dealing with Mo Qi spread, and the people rejoiced, but Jiang Xinbai knew she wasn't the real mastermind.

Gaya and Yan Nanxing went out for a stroll, but Gaya was still gloomy. Nan Jifeng suggested she and Jiang Xinbai go to the capital together, but who exactly was he? Yan Nanxing didn't know, but she felt Jiang Xinbai could protect her. They became friends, and Yan Nanxing wanted Gaya's elixir, but Gaya said it was for curing snake venom, which deflated Yan Nanxing's hopes.

In the distance, there was the sound of a reed flute, coming from Jiang Xinbai's pleasure boat. Yan Nanxing ran over and returned the knife to Jiang Xinbai. Jiang Xinbai promised that she could come to the capital to find him if she encountered any difficulties. He wrote down his address for Yan Nanxing and asked her where she planned to go next.

Yan Nanxing wasn't sure—maybe she'd look for her mother, go to places she hadn't been, or perhaps really go to the capital to find him. However, the Gui grass issue was far from over. Gaya was threatened by a mysterious woman, ordered to deliver a batch of goods out of the city within ten days, and to eliminate both Jiang Xinbai and Yan Nanxing.

Yan Nanxing and Jiang Xinbai went back to find Gaya, but she was nowhere to be seen. They split up to search for her, and Jiang Xinbai accidentally heard Gaya's voice coming from a nearby alley. They went to investigate and saw Gaya talking to a mysterious veiled woman. The mysterious woman left hastily upon seeing them, which aroused Jiang Xinbai's suspicion.

Back at the mansion, Gaya prayed to the heavens for a match between Jiang Xinbai and Yan Nanxing, saying that their mutual affection deserved a reward. Yan Nanxing quickly waved her hands in refusal, but Gaya insisted that the divination showed they had a destined relationship with three fateful encounters. Gaya and Nan Jifeng got excited about hosting a wedding for the two in Heman.

Yan Nanxing was frantic, pulling Jiang Xinbai to explain, but Jiang Xinbai decided to go along with the will of heaven. Yan Nanxing was extremely frustrated, questioning why Jiang Xinbai wanted to marry her. Jiang Xinbai explained that he was worried it wouldn't be safe for Yan Nanxing to leave alone, as the remnants of Heman might come after her. After all, in their eyes, Yan Nanxing and Jiang Xinbai were a couple.

This frightened Yan Nanxing, and Jiang Xinbai revealed his plan, though he couldn't disclose specific details. It was meant to ensure the safe departure of Yan Nanxing and Gaya from Heman. Yan Nanxing was initially unwilling to cooperate, but after Jiang Xinbai pleaded repeatedly, she recalled his promise. He had always considered her a friend, and their goals had always been aligned.

Moved by his heartfelt words, Yan Nanxing agreed to marry him, determined to face whatever came their way together. On the wedding day, as she sat in her wedding dress, Yan Nanxing remembered her childhood. She had been kidnapped, dressed as a bride, and saved by a young boy. Gaya prepared a gift for Yan Nanxing: luminous cups for the couple to drink their nuptial wine.

Though Gaya felt guilty using the wedding to cover the transportation of goods, she didn't know how else to make amends. Jiang Xinbai was aware of Gaya's true intentions but needed to catch her red-handed. Heman was a city on the water, and Gaya and Nan Jifeng hosted a unique water wedding for the couple. Yan Nanxing, in her wedding dress, arrived by boat to Jiang Xinbai amidst cheers and blessings, completing the ceremony.

Yan Nanxing hesitated, knowing it was all a facade, but Jiang Xinbai enjoyed the moment. When it came to the final step, the bedchamber ritual, they both hesitated, pulling back and forth until Yan Nanxing fell into Jiang Xinbai's arms. Jiang Xinbai asked her what her ideal wedding was like, and people around them showered them with flower petals and blessings. In the bridal chamber, Gaya brought them nuptial wine and only left after seeing them drink it.

Yan Nanxing tried to follow her, but Jiang Xinbai, pretending to be drunk, held her back. Hearing a noise outside, Jiang Xinbai immediately got up, telling Yan Nanxing to stay put and promising to explain everything after that night. Gaya, with a fierce look, entered the room, startling Yan Nanxing. Despite her fear, Yan Nanxing instinctively protected her. Gaya, however, pulled out a knife, threatening Jiang Xinbai outside to release the assassins in exchange for Yan Nanxing's safety.

Jiang Xinbai had long known Gaya's identity and intentions but hadn't exposed her because the timing wasn't right. When Nan Jifeng arrived, Jiang Xinbai finally revealed her true nature—Gaya had been overstepping her bounds by dealing with the three major families. Nan Jifeng was heartbroken upon learning the truth. He raised his hand but then lowered it, asking her why she had done it.

It turned out that when Deputy General Li followed Jiang Xinbai back and confronted Nan Jifeng about the danger he faced, Jiang Xinbai had realized it was Gaya's ploy. She had intended to take a knife for Nan Jifeng to clear her name, but Nan Jifeng took the blow for her instead. For a long time, Jiang Xinbai had not suspected Gaya, but when she suddenly proposed arranging their wedding, he knew she was the mastermind.

Jiang Xinbai painstakingly persuaded Gaya to help the Chief Constable's Office solve the case. Yan Nanxing was deeply pained upon discovering that Jiang Xinbai was from the Chief Constable's Office and had never trusted her. Jiang Xinbai ordered Gaya to be taken away, but Nan Jifeng insisted on going with her. Gaya, unwilling to face trial and implicate Nan Jifeng, grabbed a knife and committed suicide. Gaya died in the arms of her beloved.

Yan Nanxing, unable to save her in time, looked at Jiang Xinbai with hatred. She was heartbroken by Jiang Xinbai's deception, feeling that her hard-fought life belonged to her and no one had the right to take it. Yan Nanxing ran out into the pouring rain, and Yao Qianshu urged Jiang Xinbai to go after her, warning that he would regret it for the rest of his life if he let her go.

However, that night was a full moon, and Yan Nanxing transformed again, becoming a woman with a different appearance. She passed by Jiang Xinbai without recognition. Jiang Xinbai seemed to recognize her but ultimately did not acknowledge her. As Yan Nanxing walked through the alley, she was knocked out by a man. Nan Jifeng knew that Gaya's secret, which she chose death to protect, must be significant enough to safeguard his life.

They all knew that the mastermind must be in the capital. When Yan Nanxing woke up, she found herself in a shabby hut. The man before her was the trafficker who had kidnapped her years ago to sell her as a bride! True to his nature, he hadn't changed. Yan Nanxing tricked him into thinking she had inhaled a drug, then tied him up and took her revenge.

Yan Nanxing wanted to know the whereabouts of the boy who had saved her back then. The boy had covered her escape, and while they were fleeing, a group of men in black forced them to drink a potion. Later, another group of men in official boots took the boy away, leaving Yan Nanxing behind. She had been searching for the boy ever since, wondering if he, like her, had contracted the strange illness that caused transformations.

Only by finding him could she uncover the truth. Back in the capital, Yao Qianshu was negotiating with Jiang Xinbai when they encountered Jinwu Guards arresting a thief. There was always friction between them. Late at night, Jiang Zhiyi, dressed in night clothes, came to see Jiang Xinbai. Upon learning that he had gone to Heman, Jiang Zhiyi was very worried; the Emperor was most wary of nobles visiting borderlands.

A few days later, it would be their grandfather's birthday, and Jiang Zhiyi insisted that Jiang Xinbai help entertain the guests. Though Jiang Xinbai was reluctant, he eventually agreed under Jiang Zhiyi's persistent coaxing. The next morning, Shang Bieli, the commander of the Jinwu Guards, barged into the Chief Constable's Office with his men, creating a tense standoff with Jiang Xinbai, and challenged him to a duel.

Jiang Xinbai, who had previously served under Nan Jifeng and was his sworn brother, realized that the batch of Zornia herb had already arrived in the capital and that his identity had been discovered. The purpose of this was to have Jiang Xinbai reprimanded by the Emperor and to halt his investigation. As a result, Jiang Xinbai immediately convened his trusted aides for a meeting. From the day the Zornia herb was released, Jiang Xinbai knew that this matter could only succeed, not fail; the Zornia herb must not be allowed to enter the market.

Since her transformation, Yan Nanxing had been recording her appearance, but she couldn't find any pattern despite her efforts. At that moment, she was on a carriage heading to the capital. She was determined to protect her little brother once she found him. Yao Qianshu occasionally mentioned Yan Nanxing to Jiang Xinbai, asking if he had thought about looking for her, but Jiang Xinbai didn't seem too troubled. Goods from the capital had entered the Phantom Market, and the woman who brought them in from the River Barbarians was tracked and hid in the Twelve Music House, where she was cornered by the Jinwu Guards.

When Jiang Xinbai rushed to the Twelve Music House, Shang Bieli killed the woman in front of him. Jiang Xinbai's personal involvement indicated the matter was serious, but it was too late—the woman was dead. Shang Bieli left smugly, and Jiang Xinbai began analyzing why the woman went to the Twelve Music House; perhaps she had accomplices there. The Phantom Market was not under the jurisdiction of the Chief Constable's Office. Jiang Xinbai knew that forcing his way into the Phantom Market could cause trouble, so he temporarily assigned someone to monitor it. Tonight, he had to attend his maternal grandfather’s banquet.

At the gate of the villa, Jiang Xinbai brushed past Jiang Suoluo, who was angry that he didn't notice her, unaware of Jiang Xinbai’s face blindness. Jiang Xinbai and Jiang Suoluo were full siblings; Jiang Zhiyi could inherit the title, and Jiang Suoluo also eyed the title covetously. Although they were siblings, they were not harmonious. In fact, Jiang Suoluo held disdain for her brother Jiang Xinbai. At the banquet, their grandfather was delighted to see Jiang Suoluo but greeted Jiang Xinbai as if he were a stranger. Jiang Suoluo's sweet words pleased their grandfather, and Jiang Zhiyi quickly urged Jiang Xinbai to find an opportunity to toast their grandfather, emphasizing that they were family. During the banquet, Jiang Suoluo announced her transfer to the Hanlin Academy as a sacrificial wine, much to their grandfather's delight.

Jiang Xinbai suddenly left as Yao Qianshu had official business to discuss with him. Jiang Xinbai planned to leave the banquet early, but Jiang Zhiyi tried to stop him, reminding him that it was their grandfather's birthday. Jiang Xinbai had no choice but to quietly inform him about the Zornia herb. Shang Bieli arrived uninvited, and Jiang Xinbai took the opportunity to drag him to pay respects to their grandfather, using the chance to set a trap and leave smoothly.

Yan Nanxing, newly arrived in the capital, enjoyed a sumptuous meal at an inn and booked a room for two nights. Using her wealth, she inquired about the information she wanted from the innkeeper, learning that the most useful place to gather information was the Phantom Market. Liu Ruoqian, working at Manager Cao’s place, was set to join the Hanlin Academy. Manager Cao gave him a generous sum of money, hoping he would keep silent about what he had seen and heard in recent days.

Yan Nanxing, curious, entered the bustling Phantom Market, where people drank, danced, and mingled. Jiang Xinbai also infiltrated the Phantom Market to investigate the Zornia herb, with Jiang Suoluo secretly following them. Jiang Xinbai was drawn to Tong Saier, who was dancing in circles and decided to go down for a closer look. Shang Bieli, a frequent visitor to the Phantom Market, planned to set a fire to distract Jiang Xinbai, making it easy to obtain what he wanted.

Jiang Xinbai's grandfather was very dissatisfied with him. He clearly saw through the act Jiang Xinbai put on with Shang Bieli earlier. Recently, the Emperor had brought up the matter of the Jiang family's succession. Influenced by the Empress, the Emperor intended to let Jiang Suoluo inherit the title. The grandfather wasn't worried; after all, having his daughter inherit the title was acceptable, and he didn't oppose his granddaughter inheriting it either.

However, Jiang Zhiyi had always felt guilty towards Jiang Xinbai and wanted to make amends, so the position was always meant for Jiang Xinbai. But the grandfather thought Jiang Xinbai was too much like his father. Zhaoming was, after all, a criminal, and Jiang Xinbai being too much like him was not a good thing. Yan Nanxing wandered around the Phantom Market and was persuaded to buy a large pancake, but she managed to find out about Manager Cao's shop.

Entering the shop, Yan Nanxing quietly mentioned that it was a full moon tonight and that they needed to act quickly. By accident, she uttered the secret code between Manager Cao and his contact. Manager Cao mistook her for someone delivering the Zornia herb and immediately showed great respect. Yan Nanxing, unaware of this, was happily looking to solve things quickly. However, after some back-and-forth, it turned out Yan Nanxing was actually looking to buy information from him.

Manager Cao promptly closed the shop, claiming he wouldn't do business with her. Liu Ruoqian hurriedly escorted Yan Nanxing out. Although Yan Nanxing was upset, she felt he was a good person and gave him the pancake she had bought for ten coins. Liu Ruoqian then rescued Jiang Suoluo from being harassed by a gambling addict, and it was love at first sight for him.

Yan Nanxing ran into Jiang Xinbai and instinctively hid but quickly realized she shouldn't hide since he was the one who wronged her. However, as they brushed past each other, Jiang Xinbai didn't recognize her, only finding her departing figure somewhat familiar. Feeling dejected, Yan Nanxing entered a shop where there was said to be a goddess. Clinging to this last hope, Yan Nanxing asked the goddess where the person she was looking for was.

The goddess told her that the person she was looking for was right beside her. The goddess, unable to bear the pain in her stomach, went to the restroom and asked Yan Nanxing to watch the shop for her. Jiang Xinbai and his group were secretly tracking someone, but that person died and swallowed a token.

Jiang Xinbai ordered someone to cut him open to retrieve the token, seal off the Phantom Market, and find the other half of the token. Jiang Suoluo accidentally entered the shop, and Yan Nanxing had to put on a veil and imitate the goddess's tone while talking to her. Jiang Suoluo soon discovered that she wasn't Persian. There were rumors on the street that it would be sealed off.

Yan Nanxing feared that something might go wrong on this full moon night, but the area was so tightly surrounded by the Chief Constable's Office that she couldn't get out. Manager Cao, who held significant influence in the Phantom Market, was displeased with the street being sealed off and confronted Jiang Xinbai in public, drawing the attention of Yan Nanxing and Jiang Suoluo. Shortly after, Shang Bieli arrived with his men, clearly intending to oppose Jiang Xinbai.

Seeing this, Jiang Suoluo stepped forward to persuade them to make concessions. Yan Nanxing was surprised to learn that she was Jiang Xinbai's sister. Jiang Xinbai ordered a search, but since all the constables were men, it was inconvenient for them to search women. Jiang Xinbai had no choice but to humble himself and ask Jiang Suoluo to conduct the search. Jiang Suoluo, feeling proud, found her brother more agreeable when he was humble.

When Jiang Suoluo searched Yan Nanxing, Yan Nanxing felt that the medicinal smell on her was very familiar and realized she was also a female doctor. Everyone was thoroughly searched except for Manager Cao's people. Although Manager Cao didn't refuse, Yan Nanxing saw him throw something into the furnace. Jiang Xinbai didn't find anything in the search but didn't give up. He smelled something strange in the furnace and found another token inside.

Yan Nanxing felt helpless; on the full moon night, she was about to transform. Manager Cao was taken down, and Shang Bieli began to fight Jiang Xinbai for him, leading to a standoff and a fight breaking out on the spot. Jiang Xinbai took Manager Cao away but then ordered an extension of the Phantom Market's lockdown. Seeing this, Yan Nanxing couldn't hold back any longer and called out to Jiang Xinbai.

Recognizing her voice, Jiang Xinbai forbade her from leaving.

Yan Nanxing coerced Jiang Xinbai into the house. Yan Nanxing kept trying to get Jiang Xinbai to leave, fearing her transformation secret would be discovered. However, she inadvertently opened a secret room, and Jiang Xinbai found it filled with Zornia herb. Yan Nanxing, exhausted, transformed into a different person in an instant. Jiang Xinbai was shocked to hear her voice change but knew the person in front of him was still Yan Nanxing.

He covered her head with a cloth and escorted her out of the Phantom Market. Once outside, Yan Nanxing ran off, leaving Jiang Xinbai behind, but accidentally left behind a notebook documenting her transformations. Jiang Suoluo and Shang Bieli pursued them, with Shang Bieli still harboring significant hostility towards Jiang Xinbai. Jiang Xinbai warned Jiang Suoluo to stay away from Shang Bieli, remarking that some people are not as simple as they seem.

However, in Jiang Suoluo’s eyes, her brother had never cared about her and didn’t understand her, let alone others. Yan Nanxing was startled by her own transformed face and found Jiang Xinbai’s reaction odd, as he could still call her by her name. Yan Nanxing decided to settle in for the long haul, renting a courtyard from Madam Bao to live in. Needing to eat while searching for her little brother, she also rented a shop to do business.

The contact person was dead, and the stock manager had fled, but it wasn’t a total loss since Manager Cao would surely help them find a breakthrough. Yao Qianshu was very curious why Yan Nanxing had held Jiang Xinbai hostage the previous night. Since learning Jiang Xinbai’s identity, she seemed like a different person, not realizing she had literally become someone else.

Yan Nanxing finally realized her sketchbook was missing and hurried back to the Phantom Market to look for it, but found no trace of it. Jiang Xinbai had carefully examined the sketchbook and figured out Yan Nanxing’s secret, thus instructing Yao Qianshu to investigate her whereabouts. In a teahouse private room, Shang Bieli and Jiang Suoluo met. It turned out Shang Bieli was also secretly running the teahouse.

Shang Bieli suspected there was something unusual about the relationship between Yan Nanxing and Jiang Xinbai and intended to find dirt on Jiang Xinbai. Shang Bieli believed that Gaya's death was connected to Jiang Xinbai, but Jiang Suoluo thought he was being too hasty. Perhaps his unspoken feelings for Gaya had clouded his judgment. Five days passed, and Yan Nanxing had not transformed back. Jiang Xinbai had already found her.

She claimed to be Yan Nanxing’s cousin, but Jiang Xinbai, knowing she was actually Yan Nanxing, threatened to wait there all night. Yan Nanxing couldn’t understand how Jiang Xinbai always knew she was Yan Nanxing. Jiang Xinbai entered her room and confirmed her identity just as Yan Nanxing suddenly transformed and burst in to stop him. Despite her explanations, Jiang Xinbai had already discovered her secret.

Frustrated, Yan Nanxing accused him of being face-blind and showed him her sketchbook, asking him to identify which one was her. Jiang Xinbai immediately recognized her because she was on the first page of another sketchbook. Regarding the matter with the He Man, Jiang Xinbai always wanted to make amends with Yan Nanxing, but she kept him at arm’s length. He hadn’t done anything wrong; his attempts to make amends were just to ease his own conscience.

Led by Madam Bao, Yan Nanxing arrived at Ruyi Lane. Since there was no beauty salon in the capital, Yan Nanxing generously rented a shop, deciding to open a one-of-a-kind beauty salon. In the middle of the night, Jiang Xinbai went to Yan Nanxing’s house again and overheard her and Madam Bao inquiring about the people brought back by the capital’s soldiers. Regardless of how they asked, the answer was always the Chief Constable's Office.

Yan Nanxing had come to the capital looking for someone. Could it be related to her transformation?