Go East Recap, Plot, Synopsis

Go East Synopsis

During the Anping era of the Dayong dynasty, Yuan Mo, a commoner from Changle City, was handling documentation for foreign visitors at the city gate while holding the seal of the Sifang Office. Unexpectedly, he encountered Ashu, a refugee from the Yanle Kingdom trying to sneak into the city, and due to an error, was demoted and sent to the Sifang Office under the newly appointed frontier general, Wang Kunwu.

From then on, he faced a series of challenges: known for his laid-back and wine-loving nature, Yuan Mo was tricked by the Sifang Office's director, Yu Deshui, into joining the West Wing of the Sifang Office, where he became a minor official handling international affairs. By a twist of fate, Ashu became Yuan Mo's "little maid," and Wang Kunwu became his superior. Moreover, the domineering noblewoman Yuchi also arrived to take charge. In the West Wing, mocked as a "useless department," Yuan Mo gradually grew through dealing with one difficult foreign affair after another.

Go East Recap

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During the Dayong era, the nation was powerful, and many states aspired to it. Thus, a special institution called the Sifang Hall was established to manage the comings and goings of visitors from all over the world. Yu Deshui was appointed as the head of the hall, which was divided into East and West branches. The East branch handled external affairs, while the West branch managed internal affairs.

The leader of the East branch was An Xiuyi, who came from an official family and was known for his efficient and decisive work. The recently appointed leader of the West branch, Wang Kunwu, had been transferred from the military to Sifang Hall. Another key figure, the formidable Yuchi Hua, was the cherished daughter of the Duke of E, but she was never spoiled.

In addition, the Sifang Hall had hired a consultant, Yuan Mo, who would inspect the city gates even during his off-duty hours. Under Yu Deshui's leadership, Wang Kunwu officially joined the West branch. Lao Ji and Shen Bailian were assigned as assistants by the Sifang Hall. On Wang Kunwu's first day, he requested that the two hand over their official seals, but Lao Ji candidly admitted that the seal was not in his possession.

At the city gate, Yuan Mo was issuing travel documents when he noticed a woman casually taking a few pieces of clothing from the market and draping them over herself. She then stole a travel document and attempted to pass through the gate. The victim, Kudi Le, knew she had been robbed but did not rush to retrieve her belongings. Yuan Mo, who had witnessed everything, tricked the woman into handing over the document.

Just as he was about to question her further, Wang Kunwu arrived at the gate to collect the seal, giving the woman an opportunity to hide. An Xiuyi received a notification that a batch of military equipment had gone missing from Honglu Temple, so he ordered the city gates to be sealed immediately, allowing goods only to enter but not to leave.

Kudi Le, who had acquired the missing equipment, went to Ruyi Tower to give Yuan Mo a silver note, hoping to quickly transport the goods out of the city. Yuan Mo happened to be at Ruyi Tower with Wang Kunwu, and when Kudi Le stated his purpose, Yuan Mo directed him toward Wang Kunwu. The mysterious woman went to Ruyi Tower to drink with courtesans, managing to exchange clothes with one of the girls.

When she stepped outside, she encountered Yuan Mo, who was carrying two jars of wine. She demanded her travel document, and Yuan Mo told her to follow him to his residence to retrieve it. Wang Kunwu pretended to be drunk, while Kudi Le wrote out a travel document and pressed Wang Kunwu's hand to make a fingerprint with his own blood.

After Kudi Le left, Wang Kunwu prepared to follow him, but Yuchi Hua, suspecting Wang Kunwu of accepting bribes, intervened. Wang Kunwu left behind the money, having no time to explain. At the city gate, An Xiuyi conducted a routine inspection. Fearing that the goods would be discovered, Kudi Le secretly ordered his men to assassinate An Xiuyi. However, Wang Kunwu arrived just in time to save the bewildered An Xiuyi.

The goods were scattered everywhere, and realizing the situation was exposed, Kudi Le quickly fled on a horse. Yuan Mo noticed that the seal on the wine jar Kudi Le had given him was covered in soil from the suburbs. He then took the woman to the Mountain God Temple, where Kudi Le appeared, looking nervous.

In the room, Kudi Le burned a few pieces of paper and was about to leave with a bundle when he was knocked unconscious by a powder Yuan Mo had set at the door. Wang Kunwu arrived shortly after, regretting that Yuan Mo had not kept the evidence Kudi Le had burned. He also realized that Yuan Mo had already seen through his plan against Kudi Le.

Wang Kunwu then grabbed the wine jar, poured it over the unconscious Kudi Le to wake him up, and was about to leave with him when Yuchi Hua arrived with the Jingzhao Prefecture. The guards subdued Kudi Le, holding a knife to his throat. Kudi Le took a step forward and committed suicide, leaving Wang Kunwu unable to explain and having to return with the Jingzhao Prefecture for investigation.

After Yuchi Hua left, the woman who had been hiding in the temple used an itching powder to control Yuan Mo and demanded that he obtain a residence permit for Ancheng within three days. She finally revealed that her name was A Shu. Wang Kunwu was released without charge, but An Xiuyi believed that Wang Kunwu had cut off his lead. Yu Deshui ordered that the case of the smuggled military equipment be temporarily set aside.

An Yuandao, the young assistant minister of Honglu Temple, began an investigation, as some of the missing equipment was still unaccounted for. He required Sifang Hall to cooperate with the Jingzhao Prefecture, demanding that clues be found within three days. Yu Deshui turned and imposed the same demand on both the East and West branches.

Lao Ji and Shen Bailian were assigned to review all the records from the past two years. As they worked, they continuously complained. After all, the West branch had been idle for a long time, and doing some trivial tasks was actually quite nice. However, as soon as Wang Kunwu took office, he eagerly took on the case, causing his subordinates to work hard, but they feared being dismissed if they were not diligent.

Yuan Mo walked over to the two and asked if they were troubled by the case of the missing military equipment. Since everyone at Sifang Hall knew that Yuan Mo had a sharp mind, they asked him for help. Yuan Mo agreed, but only in exchange for a residence permit for his maid. That evening, Yuan Mo went alone to a courtyard in the suburbs to search for clues when suddenly a sharp weapon was pressed against his waist.

He turned to see it was A Shu. Yuan Mo quickly explained that he was hurrying to find evidence precisely to get A Shu her residence permit. Based on the terrain analysis of Changcheng, Kudi Le should be living in a suburban courtyard. Wang Kunwu found a map in Kudi Le’s boot, which Yuchi Hua immediately snatched, asserting that as the organizer, Jingzhao Prefecture had the right to the clues first.

Unwilling to back down, Wang Kunwu opened the map with her, discovering that Qingsong County was marked on it. Yuchi Hua speculated that this could be where the military equipment was hidden and quickly went to report to the Jingzhao Prefecture Governor. A Shu, without a residence permit and with her remaining silver used by Yuan Mo for the permit, ended up staying at Yuan Mo’s house.

Yuan Mo took out the torn map he had found in the suburbs and began to piece it together. A Shu, unable to sleep, walked over to watch and discovered that the torn map was made of leather. She used the texture on the back of the leather to restore it. Wang Kunwu asked Yu Deshui to mediate with Jingzhao Prefecture to stop the investigation.

It was clear that Kudi Le had left the clearly marked map in his boot to mislead the authorities. Jingzhao Prefecture’s extensive search of Qingsong County would only waste time. Yu Deshui felt that Wang Kunwu was overthinking and stated that all he could do was obey orders from higher up. As the two argued, Yuan Mo arrived with the pieced-together map from the previous night, revealing that Kudi Le’s real hiding place was in Nanshan.

Yu Deshui suddenly remembered that Tan Lin, the Vice Minister of Personnel, was planning a trip to Nanshan and ordered Lao Ji to stop him immediately. A Shu, hearing about the assassination plan, worried it would affect her residence permit, so she dragged Yuan Mo along to Nanshan. Wang Kunwu arrived first on the way to Nanshan to stop Tan Lin, followed shortly by Lao Ji. Tan Lin, however, was determined to continue his journey despite the warnings.

Wang Kunwu explained that he had a plan that would allow Tan Lin to proceed without delay while still luring the assassins into revealing themselves. Yu Deshui, dressed as Tan Lin, arrived at Xishan. Wang Kunwu then publicly announced that Vice Minister Tan would speak, and a nervous Yu Deshui stepped out of the sedan chair, unaware of the truth.

Yuan Mo and A Shu, hiding in the shadows, praised Wang Kunwu’s strategy of leading the tiger away from the mountain. As expected, several assassins in the crowd began to move forward, waiting for an opportunity. Just then, Yuchi Hua led the Jingzhao Prefecture soldiers to surround them. The assassins tried to retreat but were already under surveillance. A fierce battle ensued. Some of the assassins spotted Tan Lin at a nearby inn and quietly approached him.

Yuan Mo and A Shu protected Tan Lin, but they only had brute force to rely on. Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua arrived at the inn shortly after and captured all the assassins. An Xiuyi found a distinctive tooth token on one of the assassins, a decoration unique to the people of Yanyu. Wang Kunwu grabbed the token and rode off, leaving Yu Deshui in a difficult position.

Yuchi Hua, impressed by A Shu's bravery at the inn, offered to redeem A Shu and give her a job with her. A Shu was very tempted, but Yuan Mo quietly reminded her that Yuchi Hua's father was a high-ranking official in the court, and if her true identity was discovered, both of them would be in grave danger. Reluctantly, A Shu dismissed the idea. That night, A Shu asked Yuan Mo to help her apply medicine to her wounds.

As Yuan Mo looked at the long and deep cuts, he began to feel inexplicably worried. Meanwhile, Wang Kunwu stood by the river, reminiscing about the past. He remembered how he and his brothers had vowed to achieve greatness and return home together, but now he was the only one left, which only strengthened his resolve for revenge.

When Yuan Mo woke up the next morning, he found that A Shu had cleaned the house thoroughly, but many of his treasured old wines had disappeared. He asked A Shu what she had done with them, and she diverted the conversation back to the matter of her residence permit. An Xiuyi instructed Lao Ji to find a lost cat belonging to a foreign envoy.

Lao Ji casually bought a cat to replace it, but An Xiuyi discovered the ruse and scolded him. Wang Kunwu came over and said that Lao Ji was from the West branch and did not have to follow the orders of the East branch. An Xiuyi then asked about the tooth token, and Wang Kunwu pulled it out, only to have Yu Deshui snatch it away.

Yu Deshui took Wang Kunwu aside and explained that the tooth token was a special item belonging to the Faceless Ones, a hidden assassin organization in the desert that had plagued the surrounding countries for decades. Besides Yanyu, Dayong and several other countries had been trying to eliminate the Faceless Ones, but Yanyu seemed to have made a deal with them to dominate the desert, making the eradication plan difficult to implement.

Yuan Mo found Wang Kunwu to inquire about the progress of A Shu's identity papers. Wang Kunwu produced a servant contract, proving that A Shu was Yuan Mo's legal maid.

Yuan Mo was racking his brains trying to explain the household registration issue to A Shu. Knowing her personality, he was certain she wouldn't let him off easily. So, he decided to hide the contract for now and figure out a solution later. Just then, A Shu walked into the room and saw Yuan Mo holding a contract. She guessed that it had to do with her household registration and excitedly snatched it away.

Yuan Mo was so frightened that he began to stutter. A Shu looked at the contract for a long time and suddenly asked where her name was supposed to be signed. Yuan Mo then realized that A Shu couldn't read the Dayong characters, allowing him to narrowly escape the situation. A Shu carried the contract with her while accompanying Yuchi Hua on a shopping trip.

She mentioned that she wanted to rent a house in the capital, and Yuchi Hua said she knew an agent who could help. While they were buying clothes, they came across a large order. Yuchi Hua explained that Dou Chun, a high-ranking official, was about to return to the capital to report on his duties, and the steward was making advance purchases. Wang Kunwu began militarized training for the clerks in the West branch, and everyone complained both outwardly and inwardly.

The dissatisfaction grew even more when Wang Kunwu mentioned that the West branch needed to be trained to the same standards as the East branch. The clerks in the West branch were unhappy, noting that they only received half the salary of those in the East branch, making the demand for the same workload seem absurd. Yuan Mo also joined in the grumbling.

A moment later, An Xiuyi led a team to the city gate to welcome the high-ranking official, and as they passed the miserable West branch, they couldn’t resist mocking them. A Shu soon found a house that suited her, but when she presented her household registration, the agent informed her that the document she showed was a contract for a servant's household entry. If she wanted to rent the house, she would need her master Yuan Mo's permission.

It was then that A Shu realized she had been deceived. Furious, she bought many rare items, and the merchants all billed Yuan Mo. When she returned home, Yuan Mo was both angry and apologetic. A Shu was determined to seek revenge. Yuan Mo explained that the household registration process was not as simple as A Shu imagined. There were many details that even she couldn’t clarify, and Sifang Hall wouldn’t accept her application.

However, if she remained a servant for one year, the contract could be canceled, making it easier to register her household later. A Shu reluctantly agreed and stopped being so aggressive. Yuan Mo invited Lao Ji and Shen Bailian to drink lamb soup on the street. The three of them tried to pass off the bill to each other, but in the end, Wang Kunwu paid for everyone.

Wang Kunwu then tossed a sum of money to Yuan Mo, wanting to have the West branch take on the task of welcoming the high-ranking official. Yuan Mo accepted the money and assured Wang Kunwu that he had a plan. Back at home, Yuan Mo asked A Shu to invite Yuchi Hua to drink at Ruyi Tower.

Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu intentionally talked in the neighboring room about how the An family had a strong influence in Changle, even surpassing the Yuchi family, which allowed them to secure the prestigious task of welcoming the high-ranking official. Yuchi Hua, who was secretly eavesdropping, was visibly annoyed. The next day, Yu Deshui received word that Dou Chun had personally assigned the task of welcoming him to the West branch.

Yu Deshui assumed that Wang Kunwu had some connections, but both Wang Kunwu and Yuan Mo pretended to know nothing about it. When the task was announced, no one in the West branch even believed it at first. It was only when Yu Deshui assigned the East branch to handle miscellaneous tasks that everyone began to realize what had happened.

Wang Kunwu immediately started making arrangements, while Lin Susu discovered that Yuchi Hua had been the one to snatch the task of welcoming the official. She vowed to repay her in kind. The clerks in the West branch were busy for several days, worn out from the effort. Lao Ji took the steward to view twenty different houses, only to find out that Dou Chun had already chosen one and secretly moved in.

Wang Kunwu encouraged his subordinates not to lose heart, while Yuan Mo only cared about the promised reward. Wang Kunwu told him that while there was no money for now, the Grand Governor would be hosting a banquet the next day, and there would definitely be various fine wines. Yuan Mo was immediately interested at the mention of wine.

The next day, at the Grand Governor's banquet, Cao Huo presented the rare incense, *Fanhun Xiang*, and the famous dancer Hua Xiaoniang from Changle performed to entertain the guests. During the toasting session, a sudden violent wind arose, and Cao Huo, as if possessed, began to kill people indiscriminately. Dou Chun suddenly drew his sword and killed him. Yuchi Hua began investigating the incident.

Many people believed that the spirit of General Wei Yunqi had possessed Cao Huo to seek revenge. A Shu found the *Fanhun Xiang* to be quite strange, so she stayed behind to perform an autopsy.

A Shu used Yuan Mo as a test subject to experiment with the toxicity of combining Longlincao and Fanhun Xiang. After Wang Kunwu reported to Yu Deshui, he accidentally ingested a potion made from Longlincao. As expected, he began to exhibit the same symptoms as Cao Huo, becoming agitated and violent. In his daze, he saw his deceased comrades and was filled with a desire for revenge. A Shu quickly scattered some Dizziness Powder, preventing the situation from worsening.

After Wang Kunwu regained his senses, he mentioned that during the poisoning, seeing red ropes made it difficult for him to control himself. Yuan Mo recalled that when Cao Huo went berserk, there was a red carpet spread across the central hall, and Hua Xiaoniang had deliberately thrown a red folding fan while dancing to entertain the guests. This led them to conclude that the real target was Dou Chun, and that Hua Xiaoniang was highly suspicious.

Wang Kunwu prepared to report this to the Grand Governor Dou Chun, but Yu Deshui informed him that the case would be handled by the East branch from now on. An Xiuyi was finally relieved, and after working with Wang Kunwu for some time, Yuchi Hua had grown to trust him and, in her superior role, requested his assistance in the investigation. The four of them went to the crime scene to search for clues.

Steward Jiang, who was responsible for selecting the site, explained that the red carpet was laid out for a celebratory reception, which seemed reasonable. Yuan Mo and A Shu questioned the spice merchant, Guan Feng, about whether he was involved in the poisoning. Eager to leave as soon as possible, Guan Feng offered Yuan Mo a large sum of gold and silver to buy his silence.

Hua Niangzi played a pipa tune for Wang Kunwu, and when he asked her more questions, she explained that the piece she played, "Breaking the Formation," was a military song from ten years ago. When Wang Kunwu tried to ask further, she refused to say more. Wang Kunwu warned An Xiuyi to be wary of Hua Xiaoniang, but An Xiuyi was dismissive, particularly disliking Wang Kunwu’s self-assured attitude.

Wang Kunwu clarified that he wasn’t trying to compete for anything; he was only trying to solve the case quickly so he could return to the army, something An Xiuyi found difficult to understand. An Xiuyi ordered Steward Jiang to relocate Dou Chun, and Steward Jiang chose a secluded courtyard surrounded by water on all sides. An Xiuyi reminded Dou Chun to be cautious of Hua Xiaoniang, but Dou Chun dismissed his concerns, believing An Xiuyi was overthinking.

Steward Jiang then went directly to Hua Xiaoniang’s room to monitor her, while Lin Susu stood guard outside. The next day, Dou Chun was found dead in his room. Hua Xiaoniang had an alibi, leaving An Xiuyi convinced that Wang Kunwu had deliberately set him up to make a fool of himself. The two began to argue, and Wang Kunwu even became physical.

Yu Deshui intervened, ordering them to follow discipline and not let Sifang Hall fall into internal conflict before the case was solved. Tan Lin visited Sifang Hall to drink with Wang Kunwu. Wang Kunwu shared his frustrations, and Tan Lin, knowing Wang Kunwu was determined to avenge his brothers, suggested that Sifang Hall was not a cage for him, but rather the most informed place for gathering intelligence on foreign nations.

He advised Wang Kunwu to consider using this opportunity to investigate the Faceless Man and plan for his revenge over the long term. Yuan Mo once again offered to trade silver for information on solving the case, but after a lengthy explanation, Yuchi Hua was even more confused.

A Shu discovered that the wine Dou Chun drank the night before was tampered with; the wine in the cup and the wine in the pot tasted different, indicating that the cup had been poisoned. Soon after, Yuan Mo found a hidden underground passage. Yuchi Hua and Wang Kunwu entered the underground passage, surrounded by complete darkness. Yuchi Hua was nearly frightened. The next day, Wang Kunwu released all the imprisoned merchants, planning instead to monitor them secretly.

Wang Kunwu asked Yu Deshui about the causes and consequences of the treason case involving Wei Yunqi. Soon after, Yuan Mo led a group of people to surround Jiang Guanjia and Hua Xiaoniang at the Ruyi Tower. Hua Xiaoniang claimed that she and Jiang Guanjia had been in their room all night and couldn’t have been in two places at once. Yuan Mo brought up the secret passage in the room and the wooden doll found there.

Jiang Guanjia quickly stepped forward to admit that he was responsible for assigning the rooms and that he used the secret passage in Hua Xiaoniang's room to kill Dou Chun. Yuan Mo poured a cup of fresh blood on the ground, causing Jiang Guanjia to start convulsing. Yuan Mo had discovered on the night that Cao Huo was murdered that Jiang Guanjia had a phobia of blood, which was further confirmed now.

Hua Xiaoniang finally broke her silence and admitted that she was the one who actually killed Dou Chun. That night, Dou Chun drank drugged wine and fell into a deep sleep. Hua Xiaoniang then used the secret passage to enter Dou Chun's room and kill him. Hua Xiaoniang admitted that she was the qin player at the Wei residence back then, and Jiang Guanjia was a servant there.

Wei Yunqi had discovered that Dou Chun was involved in a military equipment smuggling case, so he tried to obtain a list through Cao Huo. However, Dou Chun turned against him, tampered with the numbers, and falsely accused Wei Yunqi. Ultimately, Dou Chun killed Wei Yunqi before any report could be made. Originally planning to use Cao Huo to kill Dou Chun, Hua Xiaoniang was forced to implement the secret passage plan when Dou Chun struck first.

No matter what, she finally avenged General Wei. Jiang Guanjia and Hua Xiaoniang asked Yuan Mo to seek justice for the Wei family. Suddenly, Tan Lin arrived with soldiers, explaining that he had been monitoring the case for a long time and then took the two criminals away. During dinner that night, A Shu was upset because Yuan Mo was unwilling to overturn the Wei family’s case. Wang Kunwu also voiced his concerns.

Yuchi Hua was very displeased with Yuan Mo's attitude, so it was likely that they wouldn't receive the reward for solving the case. The next day, A Shu planned to go out with Yuchi Hua to go shopping. When Yuan Mo heard about this, he asked A Shu to help retrieve the reward money. A Shu used a little trick and managed to swindle a bag of silver from Yuan Mo. A Shu encountered Yuchi Hua at the West Market.

Yuchi Hua was still angry at Yuan Mo, so A Shu came up with an idea to help vent her anger. First, she had a large sum of reward money sent to Yuan Mo, an entire chest full of silver coins. Yuchi Hua didn’t allow the servants to help carry it, forcing Yuan Mo to move it inch by inch, exhausting himself completely. Yuchi Hua and A Shu laughed heartily after hearing from Steward Huang about Yuan Mo's miserable state.

When Yuan Mo returned home, he heard from Ji Mingli that Tan Lin had visited the house several times before Dou Chun's incident. Yuan Mo immediately took Wang Kunwu to visit Tan Lin. Tan Lin admitted that he had been a close friend of Wei Yunqi in the past and that he had written a letter exposing Dou Chun, which ultimately led to Wei Yunqi's death.

After Tan Lin voluntarily confessed, Wang Kunwu told Yuan Mo that he had a heart-to-heart conversation with Tan Lin, who strongly hoped that Yuan Mo would help overturn the Wei family’s case. The Honglu Temple awarded Sifang Hall’s West Courtyard with a certificate of merit, and symbolically gave a reason for commendation to the East Courtyard as well. An Xiuyi believed that the East Courtyard didn’t need to accept charity.

Wang Kunwu used the reward money to provide some extra funds for his brothers. Yu Deshui formally invited Yuan Mo to join Sifang Hall, but Yuan Mo was still haunted by the tragic deaths of his parents in the desert and was frustrated by the unjust outcomes of his efforts for justice. Therefore, he only believed in getting paid for his work. A Shu reminded Yuan Mo not to throw wine bottles on the bed. When she looked closer, she found that Yu Deshui had come to visit.

A Shu developed a new type of rouge and asked Shen Bailian from Sifang Hall to try it. Shen Bailian noticed that it smelled the same as the ones sold in the stores, but it seemed to be missing an ingredient. A Shu suggested that they go into business together, with her making the rouge and Shen Bailian handling sales to wealthy women.

After becoming busy, A Shu sometimes returned home very late, and despite Yuan Mo's repeated questioning, she didn’t offer any explanation. Yuan Mo saved up thirty guan of silver and planned to rent a larger residence so he wouldn’t have to sleep on the floor anymore. With Ji Mingli's help, he found a broker at Yaren Fang. Yuan Mo explained his requirements: the house should be secluded, have a courtyard, and be able to accommodate two bedrooms.

The broker, thinking Yuan Mo wanted to hide a beautiful woman, recommended a residence in Xiangguifang. After they agreed on the terms, Yuan Mo took out a chest of loose coins. As the broker worried about how to carry the money, Yuchi Hua arrived with people to arrest Yuan Mo, accusing him of selling inferior rouge that caused disfigurement.

In court, A Shu begged Yuan Mo to help her get out of trouble, fearing that if she were caught by the authorities, her identity would bring disaster. Yuan Mo firmly denied any involvement in making the rouge, placing all the blame on A Shu. Seeing that Yuan Mo wouldn’t help her, A Shu secretly applied some powder to her palm, making it look like she had been abused.

According to the laws of Dayong, a master who mistreats their servant could also face punishment. With Yuchi Hua fanning the flames on the side, Yuan Mo was in danger of going to prison. Shen Bailian leisurely greeted Yuan Mo from inside the jail. Yuan Mo scolded Shen Bailian for leading A Shu astray.

A noblewoman who regarded Shen Bailian as a close friend and noticed that her face was not severely damaged paid for Shen Bailian's bail, leaving Yuan Mo alone and confused. Half of Yuan Mo's money, which was meant for renting the house, was returned to the victims, while the remainder was taken by A Shu.

When A Shu learned that Yuan Mo was facing a year in prison, she felt guilty and looked at the empty courtyard, feeling even worse about how she had wronged him. The next day, A Shu, seeing that Shen Bailian had already been released, took the remaining silver to seek Ji Mingli’s help. Ji Mingli informed her that Yu Deshui had his own plans for rescuing Yuan Mo.

Yu Deshui mentioned to Duke E that Yuan Mo was the surviving son of Yuan Hanjing and that the plaintiff had already withdrawn the lawsuit. After verifying that Yuan Mo had not been involved in making the rouge, the Ministry of Justice agreed to release him. Yu Deshui also requested in front of Duke E that Yuchi Hua be temporarily transferred to Sifang Hall, where she wouldn’t be overly burdened, thus achieving his purpose while earning some favor.

Yuan Mo was in a miserable state in prison. Yu Deshui brought a roast chicken to visit him. As Yuan Mo hurried to eat, Yu Deshui, seeing his disheveled condition, proposed that Yuan Mo join Sifang Hall to atone for his actions. Yuan Mo immediately refused, but Yu Deshui didn’t press the issue. He took the roast chicken outside and invited Yuchi Hua to drink. Yu Deshui had prepared a thirty-year-old vintage wine and kept describing its aroma to Yuchi Hua.

Yuan Mo, hearing this, became restless. Yu Deshui pretended that a bug had flown into the wine and poured a full bowl of wine right outside Yuan Mo's cell door. Seeing that Yuan Mo still didn’t relent, Yuchi Hua began to describe the harsh conditions of exile to the frontier. In less than a month in prison, Yuan Mo had already suffered enough and couldn’t bear to think of the misery of exile. He finally yielded to Yu Deshui.

Yu Deshui then demanded that after Yuan Mo was released, he immediately join Sifang Hall, report daily, and start as a low-ranking clerk. After Yuan Mo was imprisoned, A Shu felt guilty and had a craftsman make a bed for him. When Yuan Mo returned home the next day, he casually mentioned that A Shu had caused him a lot of trouble. A Shu, realizing her mistake, packed her things and quietly left.

When Yuan Mo went to Sifang Hall to complete his onboarding, Ji Mingli and Shen Bailian teased him. Suddenly, they heard Yuchi Hua arguing with Yu Deshui, complaining about being assigned a meaningless position. Yu Deshui, with his silver tongue, quickly justified his actions.

Yu Deshui assigned Yuchi Hua to the West Wing, where she would work alongside Wang Kunwu to oversee duties. An Xiuyi requested that Yuchi Hua be reassigned to the East Wing, as the two had known each other since childhood. However, Yuchi Hua preferred the West Wing, where she could be on equal footing with An Xiuyi. Yuchi Hua insisted on sharing a desk with Wang Kunwu to demonstrate their equal status.

However, Wang Kunwu pointed out that Yuchi Hua would only have real authority when working on joint cases with the Jingzhao Prefecture. Wang Kunwu then assigned Yuan Mo a task in the city. Lazy as usual, Yuan Mo tried to find excuses to avoid going out, but with both Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua pressuring him, he reluctantly headed out.

Once in the market, he used a megaphone to announce that Wang Kunwu was coming, which scared the townspeople into staying indoors. Yuan Mo then used the deserted market as an excuse to finish his work early. The next day, Wang Kunwu scolded Yuan Mo for damaging his reputation. As An Xiuyi happened to pass by, hoping to witness the commotion, Wang Kunwu and Yuan Mo quickly changed their attitudes to avoid being looked down upon by the East Wing.

Otherwise, Wang Kunwu would have continued reprimanding Yuan Mo. Yu Deshui announced that the once-every-five-years examination for foreign scholars was about to begin. Sifang Hall was tasked with assisting the Ministry of Personnel in verifying the candidates' credentials. Many sons of the elite from Yanle would be participating, and though Wang Kunwu was reluctant, he accepted the task. A Shu was temporarily staying in the Lingxiao Room at Ruyi Tower. Lingxiao generously offered A Shu a peaceful stay.

When Lingxiao was forced to host Long Bina, the son of a Yanle chieftain, she was visibly unhappy. A Shu, noticing this, secretly added powder to the wine served to Long Bina. Before the drug took effect, Long Bina, ignoring Lingxiao's discomfort, began to mistreat her. Furious, A Shu, armed with a hidden weapon, was ready to teach him a lesson. However, Long Bina’s personal guard, Long Ge, was hiding in the room.

The moment A Shu entered, Long Ge threw a dart, injuring A Shu's back. She hurriedly hid in a corner of Ruyi Tower. Moments later, Long Bina started having severe diarrhea. After not seeing A Shu return home for several days, Yuan Mo began to realize he might have said too much and felt a bit worried. Injured, A Shu couldn’t return to Ruyi Tower and ended up collapsing in an alley.

Yuan Mo set off fireworks as a signal while searching for her. When they finally reunited, Yuan Mo carried the unconscious A Shu home. He used a magnet to remove the silver needles from her body and then cared for her as she rested. When he asked why she was so determined to make money, A Shu explained that she had relied on earning her way to reach Changle and was used to fending for herself.

Yuan Mo wanted to ask more about her injury, but A Shu had already fallen into a deep sleep. The next morning, Yuan Mo, almost late, noticed several foreign scholars whispering outside Sifang Hall. He approached them and learned that Ji Mingli and Shen Bailian had secretly accepted money to forge academic credentials. Yuan Mo, threatening to report them to Wang Kunwu, forced them to share some of the silver with him.

Just as the three were happily counting the money, they were caught red-handed by Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua. Thanks to Yu Deshui's plea for leniency, the three had three years of their salaries deducted. Yuan Mo returned home, dejected, where A Shu demanded her monthly wages as a maid. They sat down to do the math and concluded that A Shu owed Yuan Mo twenty guan of silver, to be gradually reduced through daily service.

A Shu, with her clever ideas, started making expensive breakfasts, setting up wake-up reminders, and arranging for a sedan chair to transport Yuan Mo, leaving him both amused and exasperated. As the examination approached, many scholars attempted to cheat. Yuchi Hua stationed herself at a popular inn where the scholars liked to gather. There, she unexpectedly ran into her cousin Bai Suqin and her fiancé Mu Yikuan.

Mu Yikuan was from Yanle but was well-versed in Dayong culture, making them a well-matched pair. The West Wing heard that An Xiuyi was preparing to interact with Long Bina, suspecting that he intended to secretly accept bribes. Wang Kunwu reminded everyone to focus on their own duties and not to gossip about others.

Wang Kunwu and An Xiuyi decided to have an archery contest, with the wager being half a year’s salary. As the competition began, Yuchi Hua arrived with Bai Suqin and Mu Yikuan to watch the fun, suggesting that the contest should be between the East and West Wings. In the first round, Mu Yikuan hit a pigeon, scoring a point for the West Wing.

Long Bina missed his shot entirely, and when it was Yuan Mo's turn—who knew nothing about archery—he became the laughingstock. First, he nearly hit Yuchi Hua with a wildly thrown knife, and then he cut his own finger before he could even throw. Yuan Mo, too embarrassed to continue, prepared to step down, but Wang Kunwu stopped him. Seeing the hidden throwing knife in Wang Kunwu's sleeve, Yuan Mo gained some courage. Ultimately, the West Wing won by one point.

Unconvinced by the outcome, Long Bina pulled out a dagger after the contest and aimed it at a pigeon. Mu Yikuan blocked the dagger, stating there was no need to harm animals out of frustration. This only made Long Bina angrier, feeling humiliated that someone with a lower status in Yanle was talking back to him. He grabbed Mu Yikuan by the collar, ready to teach him a lesson, but Yuchi Hua intervened.

She demanded an apology, but Long Bina was dismissive until An Xiuyi quietly informed him of Yuchi Hua’s family background. Reluctantly, Long Bina apologized to Mu Yikuan. Later, Long Ge investigated the pigeon that Long Bina had shot, discovering that it had been drugged with Jingkuang powder, a substance unique to Yanle. He also noticed that A Shu, who had been present that day, bore a striking resemblance to someone he had previously injured.

Long Bina then requested that An Xiuyi investigate A Shu’s identity thoroughly after the exams concluded. On the day of the annual exams, Sifang Hall was tasked with maintaining order at the exam site. When Mu Yikuan presented his exam ticket, Long Bina ambushed him from behind, mocking his status and taunting him that even if he ranked first, it would be in vain. Bai Suqin urged Mu Yikuan not to lower himself to argue with such a disrespectful person.

A Shu arrived at the exam site to sell snacks. When it was Yuan Mo's turn, A Shu told him he had to pay 200 wen before eating anything. The hot weather forced Yuan Mo to comply reluctantly. On the way home, A Shu had a feeling someone was following her, so she tried to hide and escape. However, Long Bina intercepted her from another direction and harshly interrogated her about her true identity.

Due to his lack of martial skills, Long Bina ended up being taught a lesson by A Shu, who then poisoned him before demanding that he pay her one guan of silver every month. She then walked away nonchalantly. After leaving the exam site, Mu Yikuan accompanied Bai Suqin to the market. Remembering an urgent matter, he left Bai Suqin with her maid, Hongye.

An Xiuyi and Long Ge later discovered that Long Bina had died of poisoning in the street. A Shu was immediately arrested. Yu Deshui initially evaded Long Ge’s inquiries, but he was troubled about how to report the matter. An Xiuyi suggested handing over A Shu, but Yuan Mo believed she wouldn’t harm anyone. Wang Kunwu proposed assisting Jingzhao Prefecture in a thorough investigation, but An Xiuyi insisted the West Wing should avoid involvement.

Yu Deshui agreed to let the East Wing handle it. Ji Mingli suggested secretly gathering evidence to exonerate A Shu. Yuchi Hua and An Xiuyi interrogated A Shu, who denied killing Long Bina. When Long Ge tried to use underhanded methods, An Xiuyi, concerned for Yuchi Hua’s safety, intervened.

Yuan Mo began searching for clues in the streets, and Wang Kunwu learned from the coroner that Long Bina’s fatal injury was a blow to the back of the head, making it clear that someone had framed A Shu. Yuan Mo asked Yuchi Hua for help in meeting A Shu. Yuchi Hua locked Yuan Mo in the same cell as A Shu, which technically didn’t violate any rules.

Yuan Mo brought A Shu some incense and asked why she had provoked Long Bina. A Shu replied that she was just trying to make money to pay off her debts as quickly as possible. Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu discovered that Long Bina had no academic records. Yu Deshui informed them that Long Bina had already been pre-appointed to a government position.

Yuan Mo recalled how Long Bina had mocked Mu Yikuan before the exams and began to suspect him. However, Mu Yikuan explained that he had gone to the Hongwen Pavilion at the time. When Wang Kunwu asked about A Shu’s past, Yuan Mo admitted that he didn’t know everything about her.

Mu Yikuan and Bai Suqin were about to get married when Yuchi Hua suddenly intervened to stop the ceremony. Yuan Mo asked Director Bai to bring out an essay written by Mu Yikuan and discovered that the ink used had a foul smell, typical of cheap, inferior ink used by commoners. In contrast, Director Bai’s ink had a pleasant fragrance.

On the day Long Bina was murdered, the essay Mu Yikuan wrote at the Hongwen Pavilion also had a foul smell, indicating that it had been written earlier at home. Bai Suqin questioned Mu Yikuan about what had really happened, and Yuan Mo recounted the events of the past two years. When Mu Yikuan first arrived in Changle, he quickly learned the court game of archery in order to make connections with the powerful.

Eventually, he seized the opportunity to meet Bai Suqin and, through various efforts, gained the favor of Director Bai, which gave him a chance to pass the annual exams and become an official. Unfortunately, Long Bina’s sudden appearance disrupted all his plans. Mu Yikuan realized that he had to remove this obstacle to achieve his dream of rising from a humble background. Hongye also confirmed Yuan Mo's analysis.

Mu Yikuan had given her a sum of money, asking her to find a way to get close to Bai Suqin. All the subsequent events were part of Mu Yikuan's meticulous plan. Bai Suqin fainted on the spot, and Hongye bluntly revealed that she had witnessed Mu Yikuan running out of the alley on the day Long Bina was murdered.

Finally relieved, Yu Deshui agreed to share some of the credit with the East Wing and asked An Xiuyi to help Jingzhao Prefecture close the case. Wang Kunwu, uninterested in taking credit, simply reminded them about how to explain the situation to the Yanle delegation. Long Ge wanted to take Mu Yikuan back to Yanle, but An Xiuyi informed him that they were in Dayong's territory, and Yanle had no authority to act recklessly.

Frustrated, Long Ge sought revenge on A Shu. On her way back home, A Shu’s driver suddenly disappeared. When A Shu got out to investigate, Long Ge ambushed her from behind and threw a powder into her eyes, causing her vision to go black. Yuan Mo found A Shu crawling back home and urgently asked her how to concoct an antidote. A Shu explained that Long Ge had used a special Yanle powder called Shiming San, which had no antidote.

The next day, Yuan Mo sent people everywhere to search for Long Ge but to no avail. Wang Kunwu suggested giving Long Bina a grand burial, although others thought it unnecessary. Yuan Mo believed it might lure Long Ge out and agreed with Wang Kunwu’s plan. While boiling water at home, A Shu nearly scalded herself, but Yuan Mo arrived in time to help.

A Shu said she would quickly adapt to living with blindness and wouldn’t be a burden on Yuan Mo. Yuan Mo scolded her for being too distant, reminding her that since they shared a household registry, they were practically family. Yuan Mo held an elaborate funeral for Long Bina, and as expected, Long Ge took the bait.

Yuan Mo was able to obtain the antidote and later took A Shu to the city gate at night to enjoy the dazzling lights. A Shu, overwhelmed with emotion, threw herself into Yuan Mo's arms. The next day, to celebrate A Shu regaining her sight, Yuan Mo took her shopping for new clothes. A Shu suspected that Yuan Mo had ulterior motives, so he reluctantly added fifty taels to his account.

Yuchi Hua and Bai Suqin planned to go to Nanshan to escape the summer heat, but they were knocked unconscious by their carriage driver and went missing. Wang Kunwu and Yuan Mo suspected that the maid, Hongye, was involved and went to the prison to question her. Mu Yikuan claimed ignorance but admitted that he had feelings for Bai Suqin and didn’t want anything bad to happen to her, so he shared some details about Hongye.

The first time Mu Yikuan saw Hongye, she was being beaten by a Hu merchant in the street. Unable to bear it, he gave all his silver to free her. Later, Hongye mentioned that she had been locked in a cellar for several years. Following this lead, Wang Kunwu divided his men into two teams to search systematically. A Shu accidentally recognized a hurriedly moving Hongye, knocked her out, and rescued the frozen Yuchi Hua and Bai Suqin.

Wang Kunwu used crushed ice to revive Yuchi Hua’s frozen limbs. An Xiuyi, puzzled by the method, asked why hot water wasn’t used instead. Wang Kunwu explained that hot water would actually trap the cold inside the body, a common military remedy. Slowly, Yuchi Hua regained consciousness. Faced with irrefutable evidence, Hongye finally confessed to her crimes. It turned out that she and Mu Yikuan were lovers.

To help Mu Yikuan achieve his goal of passing the imperial exams, she became a maid to get close to Bai Suqin. When Long Bina became an obstacle, Hongye killed him after his altercation with A Shu. Despite everything, Mu Yikuan truly fell in love with Bai Suqin and planned to marry her, which drove Hongye to extreme measures. Feeling betrayed, Hongye falsely accused Mu Yikuan of killing Long Bina and resented Bai Suqin, leading to the kidnapping. She could not forgive Mu Yikuan for betraying her feelings.

The truth came to light, but instead of being relieved, Yu Deshui became even more worried, blaming the East Wing for investigating the case too thoroughly. Originally, they had framed Mu Yikuan as the murderer, which was a result of internal conflict within Yanle. Now that Hongye had been exposed, the fragile peace between Dayong and Yanle was on the verge of collapsing.

With Yanle’s senior official Kang Yunhai and his advisor Ma Zhiwen entering Dayong, there was no telling what trouble they might stir up. A Shu asked Yuan Mo to teach her how to play chess. Suddenly, Yuan Mo inquired whether A Shu would go to greet the Yanle envoys who were about to arrive in Changle. A Shu replied that Yanle's high officials had destroyed her family and left her wandering the streets, so all she felt was hatred.

Yu Deshui arranged for the East Wing to receive the Yanle envoys and planned to assign Yuan Mo to investigate a human trafficking case. Wang Kunwu wanted to fight for this responsibility, but Yu Deshui did not change his mind, repeatedly explaining that Yuan Mo was better suited for the investigation. Wang Kunwu sensed that Yu Deshui had other concerns, so he went back to the archives to review Yuan Mo’s background.

He discovered that Yuan Mo was the son of Yuan Hanjing, who, along with his wife, was killed during a mission to Yanle in the fifth year of Anle. This happened during the rebellion led by the powerful minister Long Tuqi, so Yuan Hanjing’s death was likely connected to Long Tuqi. Yu Deshui, wanting to avoid any suspicion of bias, deliberately reassigned Yuan Mo.

On the day Kang Yunhai arrived in Yanle, An Yuandao led the Sifang Hall in welcoming the delegation. However, the Yanle envoys were dressed in mourning clothes and refused to dismount from their horses even at the city gate. An Xiuyi ordered the formation to block their path, and only then did the Yanle envoys stop advancing.

Kang Yunhai, using the murder of Long Bina in Dayong as a pretext, tried to make things difficult for them, demanding that Dayong officials also wear mourning clothes to express their condolences. An Yuandao was at a loss for words, but Yuan Mo suddenly signaled for the central gate to be closed, forcing the mourning Yanle envoys to enter through the side gate like the local people.

Realizing he had lost the argument, Kang Yunhai reluctantly ordered his men to remove their mourning clothes. During the formal talks, Kang Yunhai made his intentions clear: he had to take Long Ge and the murderer Hongye back to Yanle. An Yuandao explained that Hongye was a citizen of Dayong and had committed her crime there, so she should be punished according to Dayong's laws.

However, Kang Yunhai was firm in his stance, insisting that since it was the first time such a high-ranking heir from Yanle had been involved in an incident in Dayong, both Long Ge and Hongye had to be taken back for punishment—neither could be left behind. Yu Deshui quietly advised An Yuandao that Kang Yunhai had clearly come prepared and that they needed to find a compromise.

They could allow Long Ge to be taken back to Yanle for trial, but Hongye must remain in Dayong. However, Kang Yunhai made it clear that he would not accept any negotiations. Ma Zhiwen discovered that Yuan Mo was Yuan Hanjing’s son. Long Ge was then placed under house arrest at the Yanle Pavilion, where Kang Yunhai ordered the guards to be as lenient as possible and to fulfill all of Long Ge’s requests.

As for taking Hongye back to Yanle, they would come up with another plan later. Yu Deshui scolded Yuan Mo for showing off at the city gate. Yuchi Hua asked who would represent the Sifang Hall in the negotiations with the Yanle envoys. An Xiuyi volunteered, stating that only the East Wing was suitable for the task.

Yuchi Hua sarcastically commented on An Xiuyi’s good connections, and An Xiuyi quickly explained that he had earned his position through his own abilities. Yu Deshui found the situation both amusing and frustrating but tried not to show it too openly. That night, Long Ge secretly slipped out of the Yanle Pavilion, broke into the prison, and killed Hongye. He was caught by the guards afterward.

The next day, they brought Long Ge back to the Yanle Pavilion to face judgment. Kang Yunhai pretended to be unaware of the situation, displaying an innocent expression, then scolded Long Ge for disregarding the peace and safety of the nation, and publicly executed him. With the two key criminals hastily dealt with, Yu Deshui could only instruct the Sifang Hall to prepare for the next round of negotiations.

Wang Kunwu informed Yuan Mo that he had already reviewed Yuan Mo's file and the details of Yuan Hanjing and his wife’s deaths in the desert. At that time, Long Tuqi was causing chaos, and Kang Yunhai was one of his key subordinates. Wang Kunwu suggested that perhaps Kang Yunhai could provide information about the circumstances surrounding Yuan Hanjing's death. Yuan Mo, however, expressed that he had long lost hope and no longer harbored any expectations.

Wang Kunwu noticed that Yuan Mo was trying to numb himself and found it difficult to accept that Yuan Mo was bringing up the matter so suddenly. That night, Yuan Mo dreamed of his father appearing and disappearing, and he woke up with a start, shouting loudly. A Shu quickly ran to his bedside, asking whether Yuan Mo’s reluctance to teach her chess was because it reminded him of his father.

She mentioned that being able to remember one's parents’ appearances was a blessing, as she had never even seen hers. A Shu then warmed a pot of wine, which Yuan Mo drank before going back to sleep. The next day, during the envoy negotiations, Yuan Mo quietly sneaked into the side room where Wang Kunwu was, listening in on the discussions.

Soon after, A Shu climbed in through the window, Yuchi Hua jumped down from the roof, and Shen Bailian, along with Ji Mingli, who had been hiding under the table, also appeared. The group gathered together to eavesdrop while Wang Kunwu took notes. Kang Yunhai and An Yuandao took their seats to oversee the negotiations, while Yu Deshui and Ma Zhiwen discussed the specific details.

Due to the unexpected incident with Long Bina, Ma Zhiwen demanded a reduction in the tea tax. An Yuandao refused, and Ma Zhiwen tried to pressure him by threatening to reduce the supply of high-quality horses. An Yuandao remained firm, pointing out that Yanle lacked grazing grass and relied on Dayong’s supply. Ma Zhiwen quietly lowered his demands, and An Xiuyi immediately objected, but it was all a coordinated act with Yu Deshui playing good cop, bad cop.

Together, they managed to convince Ma Zhiwen to agree to the trade terms. As the negotiations were about to conclude, Ma Zhiwen added a request for a piece of oasis land to use as a resting place for their horses. Yu Deshui, worried that Yanle had other intentions, suggested taking a break before making a decision.

Just after stepping out of the meeting hall, Kang Yunhai received a secret order that urgent matters required him to return to Yanle as soon as possible. He demanded that An Yuandao make a decision immediately. An Yuandao understood that the more panicked his opponent seemed, the more he needed to remain calm.

During the break, the West Wing began to gather information about the location of the oasis, and everyone they asked said it was just an ordinary piece of land. Yuan Mo decided to start investigating from Yanle’s enemy nations. Before the second round of negotiations began, Wang Kunwu suggested delaying the meeting by an hour.

An Yuandao hosted a banquet to entertain the Yanle delegation, but Kang Yunhai was not interested in attending, stating that Long Tuqi had sent another urgent message. An Yuandao explained that they would sign the contract after the banquet, and only then did Kang Yunhai agree to join. Shortly after, to further delay the negotiations, An Xiuyi proposed playing a game of chess with Kang Yunhai.

Kang Yunhai, known as the Chess Sage in Yanle, initially refused despite the others urging him on. After drinking a cup of wine, Kang Yunhai finally agreed but on the condition that if he won, the tea price would be reduced by another ten percent. Meanwhile, Yuchi Hua invited Vice Envoys Yuluo and Yueying to drink and discussed Yanle’s desire to acquire the oasis. After getting drunk, Vice Envoy Yuluo revealed Yanle’s ulterior motives.

An Xiuyi, knowing that his chess skills were nowhere near Kang Yunhai’s level, tried his best to prolong the game. Yuan Mo, growing anxious while watching, whispered a few strategies to A Shu, who then stepped forward to continue the match against Kang Yunhai. Kang Yunhai recognized the moves as those created by Yuan Hanjing. A Shu confessed that Yuan Mo had taught her, prompting Kang Yunhai to produce a jade chessboard carved by Yuan Hanjing before his death.

He declared that if Yuan Mo could defeat him, he would return it to him. Yuan Mo, with no other choice, took over the game and managed to turn the situation around, ultimately winning. An Yuandao could no longer delay and had to present the agreement. Just as he was about to stamp the seal, Wang Kunwu burst into the meeting hall with Director Bai, stopping the signing. Director Bai exposed Yanle’s conspiracy, but Kang Yunhai, unfazed by the crisis, decided to continue the negotiations at a later time.

The next day, Yuan Mo presented the newly drafted trade agreement to Kang Yunhai and simultaneously inquired about the mysterious deaths of Yuan Hanjing and his wife in the desert. Kang Yunhai did not hide anything, explaining that sixteen years ago, during Long Tuqi’s rebellion, Yuan Hanjing and his wife insisted on protecting the Princess of Yanle, ultimately being assassinated by the Faceless Man.

Kang Yunhai speculated that Yuan Hanjing might have offended a powerful figure in Dayong, leading to the Faceless Man being hired to carry out the murder. Yuan Mo did not fully believe Kang Yunhai's theory. Kang Yunhai then mentioned that he had no intention of immediately returning to Yanle, which made Yuan Mo realize that Kang Yunhai had other plans and directly confronted him.

Kang Yunhai admitted that he was worried Dayong would convene with the surrounding desert nations to discuss the ownership of the oasis. If this were to happen, Yanle would have no place to stand. Kang Yunhai was impressed by Yuan Mo's intelligence. Ji Mingli and Shen Bailian bought colorful ribbons to celebrate with Yuan Mo, but they mistakenly gave them to An Xiuyi instead.

Wang Kunwu immediately acknowledged An Xiuyi's contributions, admiring his willingness to step forward despite knowing the odds were against him. Yuan Mo made a great contribution, and An Yuandao suggested promoting him to be Wang Kunwu's assistant. Yu Deshui was more than happy to agree. An Xiuyi then directly asked how to handle the gathering of the five desert nations to discuss the oasis.

An Yuandao, seeing that An Xiuyi was aiming too high and oversimplifying matters, had him hand over a plan he had drafted. Yu Deshui was surprised to find An Xiuyi's ideas quite insightful. Kang Yunhai received a secret letter from Long Tuqi, instructing him to assist the Faceless Man's leader, the White-Clothed Guest, while in Dayong. Ma Zhiwen mentioned that no one knew what the White-Clothed Guest looked like or how old he was.

Since winning back the chessboard, A Shu noticed that Yuan Mo seemed more cheerful. She casually asked what secrets Kang Yunhai had revealed. Yuan Mo explained that his parents had died in the desert to save the Princess of Yanle, but even if the person they saved wasn’t a princess, they would have risked their lives to help. Duke E arranged for his daughter Yuchi Hua to meet potential suitors, inviting many martial artists to his residence to showcase their skills.

He even had Bai Suqin pick first, and those she didn’t favor were left for Yuchi Hua to choose from. Yuchi Hua found it unbearable and dragged Bai Suqin out of the Yuchi residence. When Duke E pressed her on her plans for marriage, Yuchi Hua casually dismissed him, claiming she already had someone in mind. Duke E then ordered the steward to investigate. When Yuan Mo returned home, he found Yuchi Hua chatting with A Shu in the courtyard.

Yuchi Hua announced that she planned to stay for a while, which Yuan Mo was reluctant to agree to. Knowing that Yuan Mo was investigating the Faceless Man, Yuchi Hua offered to obtain files from the Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple. Yuan Mo immediately agreed. A few days later, while walking down the street, Wang Kunwu was followed and attacked by a group of young men.

These were the martial artists participating in the Yuchi residence’s match-making event, who all assumed Wang Kunwu was the man Yuchi Hua was interested in. Wang Kunwu found the situation absurd. Upon hearing about it, An Xiuyi advised Wang Kunwu not to flatter himself, revealing that he and Yuchi Hua had been childhood sweethearts. Only then did Wang Kunwu realize that An Xiuyi had feelings for Yuchi Hua.

Yuan Mo suggested that Wang Kunwu explain to Duke E that he was Yuchi Hua's suitor to stop the constant matchmaking efforts. Wang Kunwu refused, but when Yuchi Hua offered to help find the Faceless Man’s files, Wang Kunwu agreed to visit Duke E’s residence to clarify the situation. After hearing Wang Kunwu’s explanation, Duke E finally stopped forcing Yuchi Hua into matchmaking. Now completely free, Yuchi Hua hosted a banquet for her colleagues at Sifang Hall.

During the banquet, she revealed some information about the White-Clothed Guest. This person was mysterious and meticulous, never revealing his true appearance. Over the past five years, he had expanded the Faceless Man’s influence into every corner of the desert, even infiltrating the criminal underworld. Several of Wang Kunwu's brothers had also fallen to his blade. Yuan Mo believed that as long as the White-Clothed Guest was still alive, they would eventually find him.

After the banquet, they encountered an old blind woman searching for her son. They approached her, and she explained that her son had gone out a few days ago and had not returned. A Shu immediately took it upon herself to assign the task to Yuan Mo. Ji Mingli’s tenants had also mysteriously disappeared. These tenants, like the old woman’s son, were undocumented individuals.

There were rumors that these undocumented people often worked as laborers in Renyi Fang, so they sent Shen Bailian to investigate. Through an acquaintance with a noblewoman, Shen Bailian learned that some undocumented people would attend night gatherings at the Red Lotus Pavilion. Yuan Mo, A Shu, Wang Kunwu, and Yuchi Hua infiltrated the crowd. Wang Kunwu intended to expose the tricks of the Red Lotus Daxian but ended up embarrassing himself instead.

Back at Sifang Hall, the group began analyzing the tricks used by the Red Lotus Society. A Shu mentioned that accurately guessing the amount of silver in a money pouch wasn’t that difficult. Yuan Mo didn’t believe her and casually took out his money pouch, challenging A Shu to guess. After weighing it briefly, A Shu correctly stated the amount. Upon counting, it matched perfectly, surprising everyone with A Shu’s skill.

A Shu explained that for those at the lower rungs of society, such a skill wasn’t difficult—it was almost a professional skill. Wang Kunwu then remembered that everyone had been searched before entering the Red Lotus Society, so it wouldn’t have been hard to determine how much silver each person was carrying. After Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua left, A Shu remained unhappy. Yuan Mo asked her why.

A Shu revealed that she couldn’t stand seeing refugees being deceived because she had once been a refugee herself. She pleaded with Yuan Mo to save all the refugees, and after some thought, Yuan Mo agreed. A Shu, overjoyed, hugged Yuan Mo from behind. Early the next morning, Yuan Mo went to discuss with Yu Deshui how to rescue the refugees. Yu Deshui pointed out that the refugees were scattered across several tribes, making it difficult to save them all.

He also noted that Yuan Mo usually had little interest in national affairs and was curious why he suddenly cared so much about this. However, he reminded Yuan Mo that the biggest issue at hand was the alliance of the five desert nations. Yuan Mo remained unconvinced.

Wang Kunwu believed that since the refugees came from the five desert nations, the only way to solve the problem at its root was to successfully form the alliance, which would bring unity and prosperity to the nations, preventing people from being displaced. Handling the alliance was also Sifang Hall's responsibility. As for the refugee disappearances, Yuchi Hua took it upon herself to involve the Jingzhao Prefecture.

When Yuchi Hua returned to the Jingzhao Prefecture to request soldiers, she was told that since she had been transferred to Sifang Hall, she could no longer command the soldiers from Jingzhao Prefecture. Although she tried to lower her stance, Adviser Lin stated that the refugees gathering at the Red Lotus Society was merely a form of spiritual solace—no one had died, no one was injured, and no property was lost.

Moreover, since the Jingzhao Prefecture was responsible for the entire Chang’an area’s security, they simply didn’t have extra manpower to spare. Yuchi Hua had no choice but to leave empty-handed. Wang Kunwu took Yuan Mo to search for books about the five nations, but Yuan Mo was uninterested in studying and only wanted to rescue the refugees. Suddenly, An Xiuyi and Lin Susu burst into the archives and took away all the documents.

Wang Kunwu initially tried to stop them, but An Xiuyi challenged him on his knowledge of the current systems of the five nations and their trade relations with Dayong. Unable to answer, Wang Kunwu had no choice but to watch as the East Wing took away all the materials. This reminded Wang Kunwu that the West Wing’s understanding of the five nations was still too limited.

To quickly familiarize everyone, systematic teaching was needed, and the only person capable of this was Yu Deshui. Yu Deshui arranged for the lessons to take place at the Ruyi Tower, with a unique approach—having the Ruyi Tower workers perform a dramatization of the conflicts between the five nations. Through this performance, Wang Kunwu and Yuan Mo gained a basic understanding of the situation.

The Moon Shadow Nation, in an effort to form good relations with Mo Bei, had married their princess to the Khan of Mo Bei. Shortly after, the Khan died, and the princess was forced to marry the new Khan, disrupting the familial hierarchy. The Queen of Moon Shadow demanded that the princess be returned, but the new Khan severed all ties with Moon Shadow. Long Tuqi then stirred up trouble between the two nations.

The East and West Abyss were divided over a struggle for the throne, while Yuluo and the East and West Abyss were at odds over the boundaries set by a river that frequently caused disputes due to its fluctuations, leading to a hostile relationship between the two nations. After grasping the basic situation, An Xiuyi proposed that the West Wing invite the five nations.

The East Abyss envoy demanded that Yuluo retreat ten steps before them, the Yuluo envoy refused to appear before the East Abyss envoy, the Moon Shadow envoy insisted that Mo Bei treat them as elders, and the East Abyss envoy couldn’t share a seat with the West Abyss envoy. Such harsh conditions made the alliance seem impossible. However, Yuan Mo created a map based on each nation’s requirements.

By constructing Sifang Hall’s courtyard according to this map, they managed to satisfy everyone’s demands. After much effort, they finally invited the envoys from the five nations to Sifang Hall, where each found a suitable seat according to their conditions. Yu Deshui announced that each envoy should first present their specific trade requirements, which would then be summarized by Sifang Hall and passed on to the five envoys for review. Everything proceeded smoothly, and the alliance seemed within reach.

However, just as An Xiuyi was about to declare that Dayong and the five nations were to become brotherly allies, the envoys from Moon Shadow, Mo Bei, and the East and West Abyss suddenly turned hostile, causing Yu Deshui to turn pale. The carefully planned alliance collapsed in an instant. Kang Yunhai had anticipated that the five nations intended to target Yanle, but fortunately, no agreement was reached.

He then instructed Ma Zhiwen to send secret letters to their allies within the nations, urging them to prevent the alliance from forming. An Yuandao harshly reprimanded An Xiuyi and also commented on Yuan Mo’s map. Taking advantage of the conversation, Yuan Mo brought up the Red Lotus Society refugee case again, and Yu Deshui finally decided to take action. Yuchi Hua, still unable to borrow any soldiers, was frustrated. A Shu suggested finding Chen Xinliang, who had been scammed by the Red Lotus Society, to learn more about the situation inside the society.

A Shu and Yuchi Hua infiltrated the Red Lotus Society once again. A Shu spoke briefly with a woman named Xiao'e, who explained that the Red Lotus Grand Immortal had just distributed silver and that this time they would be healing the sick and saving lives. After the gathering began, the Red Lotus Grand Immortal signaled for those with illnesses to step forward for assistance.

An elderly man with a crooked neck staggered to the foot of the Red Lotus throne. As a cloud of smoke began to spread, the old man claimed to feel much better and even started walking faster. A Shu sniffed the air carefully and realized that the smoke was cinnabar, containing harmful sulfur. The Red Lotus Grand Immortal accused A Shu and Yuchi Hua of lacking sincerity and ordered the followers to capture them.

To create a distraction, Yuchi Hua suggested they split up and escape separately. Yuchi Hua easily scaled a wall and escaped, but A Shu, who didn't know light-footed skills, had already used up her last bit of medicinal powder. Just as she was about to be caught by the followers, Xiao'e threw a torch over the wall and then helped A Shu climb over it to escape.

Yuan Mo arrived to assist but was mistaken by Xiao'e for one of the followers and was knocked unconscious with a random object. A Shu looked closely and realized it was Yuan Mo. Back home, Yuan Mo scolded A Shu for acting on her own without discussing it with him.

Xiao'e decided to join the mission to destroy the Red Lotus Society, revealing that she had been brought into the society by her uncle's family and had long discovered that the Red Lotus Society was manipulating people's minds. Duke E Guo, having heard that Yuchi Hua was determined to deal with the refugees, decided to marry off his daughter first, to avoid her getting involved in daily conflicts. As for Wang Kunwu, he could continue to be considered.

Wang Kunwu arranged for several assistants from the West Wing to investigate the Red Lotus Society. An Xiuyi volunteered to join, sincerely wanting to help the refugees, but more importantly, to make up for his mistakes. He also presented an accurate map of the society's location. Wang Kunwu agreed to let An Xiuyi join but required everyone to dress as refugees. Before they set off, A Shu prepared some herbal medicine for Yuan Mo for bruises and external injuries.

Yuan Mo prayed for safety in front of the white snake A Shu was raising. A Shu used ventriloquism to pretend to scare Yuan Mo, who suddenly realized that the magic bottle could talk because of ventriloquism. This reminded A Shu of the time when Wang Kunwu was investigating the copper coins, noticing that Chen Xinliang's stomach was constantly moving, clearly indicating that he was a key figure.

Before the operation began, An Xiuyi and Lin Susu couldn’t find the address, but the others were already in position. The Red Lotus Grand Immortal selected some people through butterflies to go to the "desired land. " Yuan Mo was not chosen and could only follow the refugees out of the room. Yuchi Hua and A Shu blocked the road, ready to rescue the selected refugees, but they realized they had stopped the wrong carriage.

As they were about to return to check, Wang Kunwu quietly returned to the hall alone. The magic bottle began firing hidden arrows. Wang Kunwu simply cut off the dragon head on top of the magic bottle and was about to examine its internal structure when he was suddenly knocked unconscious by a strong black wind powder. Before completely passing out, he saw Xiao'e slowly emerging from the magic bottle, signaling to have Wang Kunwu detained separately.

Yuan Mo and several refugees were placed on a boat. Xiao'e reported to Chen Xinliang that Wang Kunwu had damaged the mechanism but had been subdued. Chen Xinliang rewarded her with a pill, which Xiao'e reluctantly swallowed, and was assigned to continue monitoring the hall. While An Xiuyi was fretting about not finding the address, he saw Chen Xinliang passing by on a boat, looking extremely secretive.

An Xiuyi and Lin Susu boarded another boat in the capital, but the oars were too short, making it impossible to row. A Shu and Yuchi Hua returned to the hall and found Xiao'e, whose behavior was suspicious. A Shu immediately noticed traces of black wind powder on Xiao'e, confirming that she was an accomplice of the Red Lotus Society, and took her back to Jingzhao Prefecture.

Xiao'e remained steadfast during Yuchi Hua’s interrogation, even threatening to disrupt the peace between Yanle and Dayong. Yuan Mo and some refugees were taken to a remote village, where the Red Lotus Society demanded they hand over their silver. Those who didn’t comply were severely beaten with sticks. Afterward, men and women were separated and imprisoned.

Yuan Mo was recognized as a government official, so he convinced the guards to prepare food for the refugees, hoping to sell them as slaves for a higher price. Kang Yunhai quickly arrived at Sifang Hall to demand the release of Yanle's citizens. Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu were brought before Chen Xinliang, who had already uncovered their true identities.

Yuan Mo noticed that Chen Xinliang's subordinates wore thick leather boots, indicating that they had been operating in the desert for years. He also observed that they were skilled in ventriloquism and cruel methods, leading him to suspect that Chen Xinliang was indeed the Faceless Man. Chen Xinliang neither confirmed nor denied this.

As for Wang Kunwu, who was eager to avenge his brothers, Chen Xinliang told him not to rush, assuring him that one day the White-Clad Guest would find them both. A Shu and Yuchi Hua led a team to search the Red Lotus Society's hall, but there was no progress for a long time. Frustrated, A Shu broke the magic bottle, revealing some tools inside.

The bottom of the magic bottle was a wooden board, which fell through when pressed, revealing a cellar underneath. Descending the steps, A Shu discovered that the cellar was extremely cold. She couldn't imagine how Xiao'e could have lived in such an environment for so long. On the wall, there was a small hole sealed with mud, containing a small bottle with a few pills inside, but all of them were only half-consumed.

After Xiao'e was detained for twelve hours without any evidence found, she had to be released. Kang Yunhai arrived at Jingzhao Prefecture to pick her up, and the citizens of Yanle cheered. A Shu and Yuchi Hua suddenly stopped them, presenting the small bottle found in the cellar. Initially, Xiao'e didn't care, but when A Shu pretended to smash the bottle, Xiao'e became nervous.

An Xiuyi then declared that the citizens of Yanle were suspected of crimes and should remain in custody. Yuan Mo tried to obtain some clues from Qing Er by telling him that his elderly mother was living alone without care. Qing Er hesitated, seeming both unsure and fearful, but still did not agree to help Yuan Mo. Xiao'e confessed that she was deeply poisoned but desired freedom.

Yuchi Hua managed to obtain a special pardon for her, and Xiao'e began to reveal the truth. She was an orphan, adopted by Chen Xinliang from a young age, who taught her many tricks and mechanisms. As she grew older, she was forced to enter the magic bottle to control its mechanisms. Xiao'e expressed a desire to live freely outside, but Chen Xinliang forcibly made her swallow a pill, causing her intense pain ever since.

Only Chen Xinliang had the antidote. She also revealed that Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu were being held at Lantian County's Green Wave Manor, a place Chen Xinliang often used to trade slaves. Qing Er secretly sneaked into the place where Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu were being held, trying to find out about his mother. Yuan Mo asked him to first help Wang Kunwu find the antidote, and then they could think of a plan.

Xiao'e revealed that a Hu merchant would be coming to Green Wave Manor for a transaction. Yuchi Hua bribed the Hu merchant and prepared to go there personally. An Xiuyi volunteered to assist, and A Shu, wanting to repay Yuan Mo for saving her life, also decided to go along. Qing Er, under Chen Xinliang's control, pretended to deliver the antidote, but Yuan Mo saw through the deception. The next day, An Xiuyi and A Shu arrived as scheduled.

While selecting slaves, An Xiuyi directly purchased all the slaves at a high price. Chen Xinliang noticed something was amiss and lured An Xiuyi to the backyard, where he imprisoned him. A Shu quickly escaped, sending a signal to Yuchi Hua for help. A group of refugees, seeing the officers, urgently called for help, but Yuchi Hua couldn't enter the manor immediately. A Shu led them to hide in a thatched house.

Chen Xinliang took Yuan Mo and An Xiuyi to threaten the officers, leaving Wang Kunwu, who couldn't move. He ordered Qing Er to stab Wang Kunwu, but Qing Er trembled in fear. Chen Xinliang snatched the dagger and approached Wang Kunwu, but suddenly, Wang Kunwu grabbed the dagger and held it to Chen Xinliang's neck. Chen Xinliang had no idea that Wang Kunwu had already recovered. By holding Chen Xinliang hostage, Wang Kunwu managed to rescue Yuan Mo.

A Shu and the refugees were trapped in the thatched house, surrounded by flames. Yuan Mo quickly found a cart, and together with Wang Kunwu and An Xiuyi, they broke down the wooden door and rescued A Shu and the refugees. Back at Sifang Hall, Yuchi Hua and Wang Kunwu organized the registration of each refugee, while A Shu tended to the severely injured.

She discovered that they had all been poisoned by the black wind powder, realizing that Chen Xinliang might have used it to incapacitate the guards and escape. She hurried to the prison to check and found that her suspicion was correct. Yuchi Hua and Wang Kunwu began chasing after the carriage transporting the refugees. When they were stopped at a checkpoint, Chen Xinliang used the antidote for the black wind powder as leverage.

Yuchi Hua and Wang Kunwu couldn’t get close. Suddenly, Chen Xinliang was stabbed from behind. It turned out that Lin Susu had quietly entered the carriage during the chaos and decisively struck at the critical moment. An Xiuyi scolded Lin Susu for being too reckless, his words revealing a sense of concern. Yuan Mo asked Wang Kunwu when he had obtained the antidote.

Wang Kunwu explained that he had held his breath from the start, never inhaling the black wind powder, and only pretended to be weak to prevent Yuan Mo from encountering any danger. Yuan Mo was pleased to see that Wang Kunwu considered him a close brother.

Yuan Mo was brewing medicine to clear A Shu’s lungs and detoxify her. The thick smoke filled the room, causing A Shu to think the courtyard was on fire. When she ran out, she saw Yuan Mo brewing the medicine for her, and her heart warmed. Yuan Mo complained that sparks had flown into his eyes, so A Shu carefully blew on them.

When Yuan Mo opened his eyes, A Shu realized he was perfectly fine and was just playfully teasing her. Wang Kunwu sat alone by the river on the outskirts of the city, reminiscing about his fallen brothers. Knowing that the White-Clad Guest had arrived in Dayong, he felt he was one step closer to avenging them. Yuchi Hua also came to the river to unwind, and they began to talk.

When Yuchi Hua asked about the events leading to his brothers’ deaths, Wang Kunwu explained that they had received intelligence that the Faceless Man was transporting a batch of goods through the desert. They disguised themselves as merchants and successfully thwarted the first attack, but were then surrounded by the White-Clad Guest. During the fight, Wang Kunwu was injured, and his brothers were killed in front of him.

Wang Kunwu barely managed to survive and escape the desert, determined to avenge his brothers. Yuchi Hua expressed support for Wang Kunwu’s quest for revenge and promised to help him achieve it. Xiao’e, upon learning of Chen Xinliang’s death, revealed the relationship between him and the White-Clad Guest. Originally, Chen Xinliang relied on superstition to amass wealth, but later he aligned himself with the White-Clad Guest, benefiting from his protection and aiding in the slave trade.

As for the true appearance and age of the White-Clad Guest, no one knew. Xiao’e also recalled that Chen Xinliang had recently been paying close attention to the Yanle girls who had been deceived and were now wandering. It seemed he was acting under the White-Clad Guest’s orders, though the details were unclear. Wang Kunwu believed there was no need to rush, as Chen Xinliang had mentioned that the White-Clad Guest would come to them eventually.

For now, the most important task was to resettle the refugees. Back at home, Yuan Mo began researching methods from the previous dynasty for resettling refugees. He worked non-stop, even continuing the next day at Sifang Hall. Wang Kunwu pointed out that the difficulty lay mainly in two areas: how to grant the refugees legal Dayong citizenship and how to get recognition from all the states without overstepping their authority.

The news of Lin Susu killing Chen Xinliang spread throughout Sifang Hall. Ji Mingli and Shen Bailian avoided her whenever they saw her. Lin Susu bragged about her feat to them and kindly reminded them that the West Courtyard was recruiting new members. Hearing the hidden message in her words, Ji Mingli and Shen Bailian spent a large sum at the Ruyi Tower to buy roasted lamb leg and asked Yuan Mo about the recruitment.

Yu Deshui announced the commendation results for the refugee rescue case. Yuchi Hua was praised for her outstanding performance, bravely leading the charge, and was promoted to the rank of Chief Law Officer of Jingzhao Prefecture. An Xiuyi, Yuan Mo, and Wang Kunwu, who risked their lives to infiltrate the bandits' lair, each received a 200-wen monthly pay raise. The others, who neither excelled nor erred, received neither rewards nor punishments.

Ji Mingli took this as further confirmation that those who didn’t contribute would be dismissed. After the announcement, Yuan Mo pulled Yu Deshui aside and asked what reward A Shu, who was not an official member of Sifang Hall and didn’t even have a formal identity, would receive for her significant contribution to the refugees. Yuan Mo requested that she be granted official Dayong citizenship.

Yu Deshui agreed to write a commendation letter, and once Yuan Mo and A Shu dissolved their master-servant relationship, the process should go smoothly. Lin Susu felt that An Xiuyi was treated unfairly, as he had endured more hardships but didn’t receive as much recognition as Yuchi Hua. An Xiuyi pointed out that the rewards were based on who contributed the most.

Yuchi Hua overheard them discussing her and remarked that although she started with an advantage, she used all her resources wisely. She also reminded An Xiuyi to avoid arrogance and impatience. Duke E Guo, upon hearing about his daughter’s heroic deeds, pretended not to care, but he was prouder than anyone else. However, his main concern remained Yuchi Hua’s marriage prospects.

Yuchi Hua happily returned home for dinner, but when Duke E Guo asked if she had any feelings for Wang Kunwu, she didn’t want to discuss it and left with a heavy heart. Yuan Mo asked A Shu if she would move out after getting her household registration. A Shu excitedly shared her dreams for the future. Seeing her longing for freedom, Yuan Mo resolved to help her achieve her dreams.

Ji Mingli and Shen Bailian, worried about being dismissed, spent the night organizing the refugee resettlement list. Wang Kunwu had no intention of firing them, but seeing their enthusiasm, he didn’t reveal his thoughts. Xiao’e’s health deteriorated, and she eventually passed away peacefully with A Shu by her side. Seeing A Shu’s grief over Xiao’e’s fate, Yuan Mo recognized his own obsessions and resolutely handed Xiao’e’s household registration book to Yu Deshui, ensuring A Shu’s resettlement.

Yu Deshui handed over the refugee resettlement plan drafted by Yuan Mo to Honglu Temple. An Yuandao couldn't stop praising Yuan Mo for his meticulous thinking, comparing him to Yuan Hanjing. However, Yu Deshui advised An Yuandao to encourage An Xiuyi more. An Xiuyi had risked his life to rescue the refugees, demonstrating commendable qualities. When An Yuandao heard that his son was injured, he expressed concern about his condition, but whenever they met, he couldn’t help but scold him.

The refugee resettlement notice was posted, allowing refugees from various states to claim temporary housing as needed. They could also recommend themselves for work based on their skills. Qing Er, along with his elderly mother, came to thank Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu for rescuing them. Yuan Mo inquired about Chen Xinliang, and Qing Er explained that Chen Xinliang had taken a special interest in female refugees, always keeping them isolated.

Qing Er found a female refugee who had been held captive. She was a bit embarrassed to speak but revealed that Chen Xinliang hadn’t molested the female refugees; instead, he made them remove their shoes and socks, carefully inspecting the soles of their feet as if looking for a specific mark. As more hands were needed to resettle the refugees, Wang Kunwu, noticing Qing Er's agility and intelligence, suggested he work at Sifang Hall. Qing Er was overjoyed.

Ma Zhiwen reported the destruction of the Red Lotus Society, but Kang Yunhai wasn’t concerned; instead, he worried that resettling the refugees might encourage the Five States to form an alliance. A Shu finally obtained her household registration in Changle. Her colleagues at Sifang Hall gathered at Yuan Mo’s house to celebrate. Yu Deshui was the overall organizer, and everyone had carefully prepared gifts. Even An Xiuyi brought dried grasshoppers for the little white snake.

A Shu felt very happy, as it was the first time in her life that so many people cared about her. Yuchi Hua urged Yuan Mo to express his feelings, but Yuan Mo was too embarrassed, awkwardly resorting to drinking instead. A Shu spontaneously performed a dance, lifting the atmosphere to a climax. Lin Susu remarked that such a lively scene had never occurred in the East Courtyard before.

An Xiuyi, however, commented that despite appearing respected, he was actually a true failure. Wang Kunwu reassured him, saying he had improved significantly, at least recognizing his own limitations. Yuan Mo was the first to get drunk. They helped him back to his room, and Yuchi Hua assisted by handing over a towel. Yuan Mo, mistaking her for A Shu, tightly held Yuchi Hua’s hands and made a heartfelt confession.

When A Shu brought the hangover soup and saw Yuchi Hua’s flushed face, she was puzzled, unsure of what had happened. When An Xiuyi returned home, An Yuandao inquired about his injury from rescuing the refugees, but An Xiuyi was ungrateful, harboring resentment for his father’s neglect since childhood, responding with words that stung. The next morning, after sobering up, Yuan Mo immediately checked to see if A Shu had moved out.

Seeing all the medicine bottles and the little white snake still there, he felt relieved. He wondered how A Shu would react to the confession she overheard the previous night, but she seemed to behave as usual, showing no signs of change. Yuan Mo assumed she was shy and, after breakfast, headed to Sifang Hall for roll call. Ji Mingli and Shen Bailian spread rumors about Yuan Mo’s confession to Yuchi Hua, causing quite a stir.

Yuchi Hua took leave, and Yuan Mo speculated it was because she caught a cold, leaving everyone else confused. As the refugees were being resettled, the various states proposed restarting the alliance talks. Yuan Mo planned to ask Yuchi Hua to expand the search for female refugees and was even preparing to buy her a gift to curry favor.

Seeing Yuan Mo’s divided attention between A Shu and Yuchi Hua, Wang Kunwu scolded him, calling him a scoundrel, leaving Yuan Mo bewildered. An Xiuyi was also infuriated, feeling that it was bad enough that Wang Kunwu liked Yuchi Hua, but even Yuan Mo did too. Despite growing up together with Yuchi Hua, An Xiuyi still couldn’t muster the courage to confess his feelings. Yu Deshui convened a meeting to discuss the alliance negotiations.

This time, they decided to change their approach, with the East and West Courtyards separately negotiating with the various states. The first to complete the negotiations would be promoted to Sifang Envoy. Among the Five States, Mo Bei and Yuluo were the leaders. The East and West Courtyards drew lots to divide the tasks, and Wang Kunwu drew the more challenging Mo Bei. An Xiuyi believed Yu Deshui deliberately gave Wang Kunwu the opportunity to gain merit.

Yu Deshui explained to An Xiuyi that the arrangement was made after careful consideration. An Xiuyi had high ambitions but was dismissive of minor matters, yet problems often arose from the details. If he managed to handle the trivial issues between Yuluo and Dongxi Yuan well, he would reap significant rewards.

When Yuchi Hua was doing roll call, Yuan Mo greeted her as usual, but Yuchi Hua told him to stay a whip's distance away, leaving Yuan Mo completely confused. Wang Kunwu arranged for Lao Ji to replace the carpet. When Lao Ji and Shen Bailian saw the table being moved, they thought they were going to be dismissed and gloomily prepared to leave. Wang Kunwu stopped them and introduced Qing Er, instructing them to properly train him in the work.

Realizing it was a false alarm, they quickly went from sad to happy. Wang Kunwu gave a detailed explanation of the entanglements between Yueying and Mo Bei. Yuchi Hua was preparing to handle Yueying’s specific matters, and Yuan Mo offered to assist, but he was flatly refused. Yuan Mo invited A Shu to a meal, purposely ordering dishes with romantic names, which A Shu thought was unnecessary.

Mo Bei’s prince, Duo Mi, who was nearby, noticed the awkward exchange between the two and joined their table to give his opinion. A Shu responded that everyone has different interests and shouldn’t be expected to share the same views. Impressed by A Shu’s composure, Duo Mi suggested they find time to enjoy some food together, but A Shu declined, stating she wasn’t interested in food.

As Duo Mi was about to leave, the head chef, Lao Duan, asked him to give a favorable review of his cooking. Duo Mi replied that he would only provide an honest opinion. Yuan Mo suddenly remembered that Duo Mi’s mother was the Yueying Princess, which explained his awkward position in Mo Bei and why he had come to Dayong to become a gourmet.

The next day, Yuan Mo went to Sifang Hall to look up information about Duo Mi, but Wang Kunwu pulled him aside to discuss the alliance negotiations with Mo Bei. The Mo Bei envoys were mainly concerned with trade benefits, while An Xiuyi found the negotiations with Yuluo to be relatively smooth. After negotiating with Wang Kunwu, the Mo Bei envoy Lord Ao sought out Yan Le to probe, asking for shared access to an oasis.

Kang Yunhai, using the offer to help Lord Ao’s nephew ascend to the throne as bait, urged Mo Bei to refuse the alliance. Seeing Lord Ao’s double-dealing, Yuchi Hua gathered some Mo Bei refugees to block him, causing Lord Ao to escalate the situation before shutting himself away to recover. Yuan Mo speculated that Lord Ao was merely trying to delay the alliance.

Wang Kunwu and Yuan Mo approached Duo Mi to hinder Lord Ao, but Duo Mi had already arranged to have a meal with A Shu. Upon hearing this, Yuan Mo rushed to intervene. The four ended up sitting at the same table. Wang Kunwu explained their purpose, but Duo Mi expressed that he had no interest in getting involved and only wanted to enjoy the world’s delicacies.

Yuan Mo brought up Duo Mi’s mother, pointing out that if the new prince ascended to the throne, Duo Mi might no longer be able to wander freely and could be forced into exile. The fate of his mother would be even worse. A Shu then sang a Mo Bei folk song, which caused Duo Mi to reconsider. While Lord Ao secluded himself to recover, Duo Mi organized a celebration with some refugees right outside his door.

During the day, they held wrestling matches, and at night, they had bonfire parties, preventing Lord Ao from getting any sleep. When Lord Ao came out to say that national affairs shouldn’t be trifled with, Duo Mi retorted that delays couldn’t be tolerated. Two days later, the steward reported that the courtyard was filled with buckets of manure and that the refugees helping Duo Mi were all joining in the revelry.

Unable to stand it any longer, Lord Ao requested a negotiation the next day at Sifang Hall. Wang Kunwu believed that although Lord Ao appeared to yield on the surface, he was still very resentful and would likely propose many harsh conditions, so they needed to be well-prepared. Yuan Mo, puzzled by why Yuchi Hua was always targeting him, bought a whip and asked A Shu to give him a beating and then let him go.

Yuchi Hua didn’t bother to explain, but Steward Jiang, thinking Yuan Mo was being unreasonable, tied him up and presented him to Duke E, who gave Yuan Mo a thorough scolding. Yuan Mo limped back to Sifang Hall, leaving Wang Kunwu bewildered. A Shu, who had made money selling rouge, brought Yuan Mo some snacks. Lin Susu mentioned that Yuan Mo was pursuing Yuchi Hua, which surprised A Shu.

Yuan Mo kept complaining to Wang Kunwu about being inexplicably beaten up, not understanding how he had offended Yuchi Hua. Wang Kunwu rebuked Yuan Mo for wanting too much at once, but after some pressing, Yuan Mo finally realized that during the citizenship ceremony, he had mistakenly taken Yuchi Hua for A Shu. When A Shu heard from Lin Susu that Yuan Mo was pursuing Yuchi Hua, she thought she had misplaced her feelings.

She went home and began packing to move out, but Yuan Mo arrived just in time to stop her. He explained that he had misspoken while drunk and repeated the confession he had made to Yuchi Hua to A Shu. A Shu, who had already vaguely guessed Yuan Mo's feelings, was even more pleased to hear it directly, especially since she had grown fond of Yuan Mo after spending some time together.

Yuchi Hua finally felt relieved, and the misunderstanding was resolved. However, she felt guilty that her father had beaten Yuan Mo. Wang Kunwu suggested buying a good jar of wine to apologize and then asked Yuan Mo who had fallen for whom first. Wang Kunwu answered that feelings develop naturally and can't be ranked in order. As the two walked down the street, a sudden heavy rain fell.

Wang Kunwu held an umbrella for Yuchi Hua, and An Xiuyi, who happened to pass by, instructed Lin Susu to book a room at Xiangyun Pavilion. While patrolling the streets, Yuchi Hua suddenly saw a carriage lose control in the crowded market. She rushed forward and managed to stop the panicked horse, only to find Shen Bailian sitting in the carriage with Lady Li, the wife of the Yuluo envoy.

Lady Li looked pale and appeared to be in discomfort, possibly due to heart trouble. Yuchi Hua asked Shen Bailian to get off the carriage and sent someone to take Lady Li to the medical clinic. An Xiuyi was on the verge of signing an alliance agreement with Yuluo’s Dongxiyuan, but when the Yuluo envoy heard about the incident in the street, he stormed off in anger.

Yu Deshui scolded Wang Kunwu for being lax in managing Shen Bailian, leading to rumors that Shen Bailian and Lady Li were having an affair. Meanwhile, Duo Mi was about to check into an inn when he suddenly received an arrow with a note attached, warning him to flee for his life. Shen Bailian explained that he and Lady Li were like siblings and didn’t care about what others said.

As for what happened that day, he had promised Lady Li not to disclose it. A Shu suggested sharing something irrelevant instead, so Shen Bailian mentioned that they had gone to Xiangyun Pavilion together that day. Lady Li particularly enjoyed a dish called “Immortal Soup” there, which always left her feeling ecstatic and refreshed. After hearing Shen Bailian's description of Lady Li's symptoms, A Shu speculated that she had been poisoned.

When Yuchi Hua heard the discussion about Xiangyun Pavilion, she mentioned that An Xiuyi had arranged for her to dine there. Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu, eager to solve the case and secure the alliance, took An Xiuyi's place in the private room at Xiangyun Pavilion. Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua stood guard outside while Yuan Mo and A Shu entered Xiangyun Pavilion. The server led them to their room, and Yuan Mo ordered a dish of Immortal Soup.

Before they even tasted it, just smelling the aroma made them feel euphoric. Suddenly, a bucket of cold water was splashed on their faces. Wang Kunwu, noticing that the two hadn’t come out for a long time, had sneaked into Xiangyun Pavilion and found the two of them poisoned. Yuan Mo guessed that the server had already identified them as impostors. A Shu discovered a type of poisonous plant called furong grass hidden among the charcoal under the soup pot.

Furong grass is a unique toxin from Yanle that causes hallucinations when ingested. Wang Kunwu immediately apprehended the innkeeper and the server, who claimed that the chef, Lao Duan, was responsible. They then found an extract of furong grass in Lao Duan’s room. They brought the furong grass to the Yuluo embassy, and Lady Li finally revealed her secret.

She and the Yuluo envoy had a son, but due to their frequent absence, he lacked discipline and died in a brawl. The Yuluo envoy regarded this as a shameful matter, so Lady Li didn’t dare mention it often, but as a mother, she couldn’t help but grieve in secret, even contemplating suicide. After meeting Shen, she found the comfort she needed.

Later, she heard about Xiangyun Pavilion and learned that drinking Immortal Soup would allow her to see her deceased loved one, so she frequently visited. That day, she had consumed too much, leading to poisoning, and Shen had been taking her to the clinic when they were discovered. After realizing it was all a misunderstanding, the Yuluo envoy was still willing to sign the alliance.

Meanwhile, Duo Mi, after drinking, vomited while passing by a stone bridge on his way back to the inn. He sent his attendant to the carriage to fetch some hangover medicine. When the attendant returned, he couldn’t find Duo Mi anywhere. The next day, a body was found floating by the riverbank, and the attendant, recognizing the belongings, confirmed that the deceased was Duo Mi. The following day, Lord Ao made a show of mourning at Sifang Hall.

Yu Deshui was extremely anxious, having just pacified the Yuluo envoy when now the Mo Bei prince had met with an accident. It was evident that someone was deliberately trying to prevent the alliance of the five nations. Yuan Mo, holding the evidence they found at Xiangyun Pavilion, vowed to catch the culprit.

Yuan Mo and A Shu went to Xiangyun Pavilion to check the inventory records. Since Lao Duan took over, the purchase of cabbage had drastically increased, indicating that the money was being spent elsewhere. They also noticed a significant amount of loofah sponges, which was far more than what would be needed just for washing dishes.

Following the address recorded in the ledger, Yuan Mo and A Shu disguised themselves as wealthy Yanle merchants and, using Lao Duan as a reference, requested to purchase a large quantity of loofah sponges. The shop owner knew that Lao Duan would never introduce strangers to his store for supplies, so he lured the two out through the back door, leading them to an underground cellar in the outskirts.

On the way, Yuan Mo, suspicious of the shop owner's intentions, left marks along the path. Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua followed the marks all the way to a fork in the road, where the trail suddenly disappeared. The shop owner, suspecting that Yuan Mo and A Shu were government officials, ordered his men to surround them.

Thinking quickly, A Shu claimed to have deep connections with Yanle Hall, pointing out that since Xiangyun Pavilion had been raided, they wouldn’t dare to do business unless they had strong backing. Yuan Mo also weighed in, analyzing the pros and cons, noting that with the current tight surveillance from the authorities, it would be wise to rely on Yanle Hall for business.

Sensing the shift in power, the shop owner quickly changed his attitude and began to greet them with a smile, bringing out the goods for inspection. A Shu noticed that the furong grass powder was very dry, suggesting it was grown in a sheltered environment rather than in the wild. Impressed by A Shu's knowledge, the shop owner brought out the purest furong grass.

Yuan Mo suggested loading the goods immediately, with the two of them accompanying the delivery as hostages to ensure the transaction. Just as the shop owner was about to arrange for his men to load the goods, Ma Zhiwen, claiming to be from Yanle Hall, also arrived at the cellar to collect supplies. Yuan Mo tried to cozy up to Ma Zhiwen, but was quickly exposed.

A fight broke out between the two sides, but Yuan Mo and A Shu were no match for their opponents. Suddenly, Nariji, a guard of Duo Mi, appeared and killed many of the men in black. Just as Yuan Mo and A Shu were about to exchange glances, they spotted Duo Mi hiding nearby. A Shu hurriedly asked about the mistaken belief that Duo Mi had died tragically.

Yuan Mo expressed that he never believed Duo Mi was dead from the start and had been searching for him these past few days. Just as they were speaking, a white-clad stranger suddenly shot Nariji with an arrow. Duo Mi was also in danger, but just then, Yuchi Hua broke into the cellar and protected the three of them.

Wang Kunwu engaged the white-clad stranger in combat, and although they were evenly matched, the white-clad stranger was skilled in using poison smoke. Suddenly, he scattered furong grass powder, causing Wang Kunwu to experience hallucinations. Yuan Mo and Yuchi Hua struggled to wake Wang Kunwu, but by the time they succeeded, the white-clad stranger had already fled. Accompanied by the four, Duo Mi buried Nariji.

He originally planned to live the rest of his life in confusion, but even though he didn't fight for anything, he was still schemed against. Duo Mi recounted the events of the past few days: Lao Duan suddenly pushed him into the river, muttering that only Duo Mi's death would bring the furong grass. In his panic, Duo Mi dragged Lao Duan into the river with him.

Lao Duan tried to strangle him, but after almost drowning, Duo Mi lost consciousness. When he awoke, Lao Duan was already dead. He didn't know who saved him, but he suddenly remembered that someone had once saved his life with an arrow and a note. Wang Kunwu suggested that since Duo Mi wasn’t dead, they should inform Sifang Hall to proceed with the alliance.

However, Yuan Mo thought it unnecessary to rush, arguing that forcing Lord Ao to form the alliance wouldn't be very meaningful. The white-clad stranger had caused trouble in Dayong multiple times, clearly with the support of Yanle. Only by eradicating them completely could they truly solve the problem of resettling the refugees.

Lord Ao set up a mourning hall for Duo Mi at the Mo Bei Hall, pretending to be grieving when, in reality, he was hoping that Duo Mi would make way for his nephew. Suddenly, Duo Mi sat up from the coffin, looking ghostly as he walked over to Lord Ao, accusing him of plotting against him. Lord Ao, terrified, quickly confessed that he was following Kang Yunhai’s orders.

Duo Mi forced Lord Ao to write a confession and pressed his bloody fingerprint on it. The next day, An Yuandao confronted Kang Yunhai with Lord Ao’s confession. Despite Kang Yunhai shamelessly denying everything, An Yuandao used reason to corner him, and Kang Yunhai didn’t dare to obstruct the five-nation alliance any longer. The following day, Dayong successfully signed the alliance agreement with the five nations.

Duo Mi invited Yuan Mo and A Shu to a farewell meal, announcing that with Dayong's mediation, his brother had agreed to escort him back to his homeland safely. Before leaving, he mentioned that he would eventually fulfill his marriage arrangement with the missing princess of Yanle.

The alliance of the five nations was successfully formed, and Sifang Hall began to award the accomplishments. The Eastern Courtyard was the first to sign the alliance agreement and awarded fifty ingots of silver. An Xiuyi was promoted to the position of Sifang Hall Inspector, a goal he had strived for years to achieve. Yu Deshui specifically asked An Yuandao to present the certificate. Additionally, a special position was created for Yuan Mo.

Yuan Mo felt unworthy of the honor and hesitated to accept it. Yu Deshui's face darkened, and Yuan Mo reluctantly took the position. Wang Kunwu received a transfer order from the Mingwei Mansion, requiring him to take up the new post the next day. When An Xiuyi returned home, he questioned why An Yuandao failed to recognize his efforts.

Although there was only one position for Inspector, An Yuandao had insisted on bringing Yuan Mo into the equation, seemingly to overshadow him. An Yuandao, in turn, became angry and criticized An Xiuyi for his narrow-mindedness, claiming he lacked the qualities needed for the Sifang Hall Inspector and regretted awarding the honor to him. Wang Kunwu hosted a dinner for his colleagues from the Western Courtyard, which everyone assumed was a celebration.

Yuchi Hua, having dressed up for the occasion, was surprised to learn from a notice from the Kingdom of E that Wang Kunwu was about to be transferred from Sifang Hall. As Wang Kunwu was handing out gifts, Yuchi Hua angrily interrupted, and it was then that everyone realized the transfer. Angry, Wang Kunwu took to wandering the streets, with Yuchi Hua following behind, asking if he was willing to leave Sifang Hall.

Wang Kunwu expressed his reluctance to leave without avenging his grievances, especially since the white-clad stranger had suddenly appeared. At that moment, Yuan Mo and A Shu arrived and threw some powder at Wang Kunwu, causing him to collapse to the ground, feeling weak all over. It turned out that Yu Deshui had shown the transfer order to Yuan Mo beforehand. Knowing that Wang Kunwu was unwilling to leave, Yu Deshui had A Shu prepare a paralyzing powder.

Feigning illness was just a temporary measure to keep Wang Kunwu from leaving. To make his stay official, Yuan Mo and A Shu sought clemency from the Duke of E. Although the Duke of E was somewhat favorable towards Wang Kunwu, his lack of openness with Yuchi Hua displeased him.

A Shu pointed out that Wang Kunwu did care for Yuchi Hua; recently, when Hong Ye had kidnapped Yuchi Hua and Bai Suqin, Wang Kunwu had saved them using military methods, preventing Yuchi Hua from being frozen to death. Back home, A Shu prepared some fine Lingxi wine to celebrate Yuan Mo’s promotion to Sifang Hall Inspector. Yuan Mo expressed that he did not desire a promotion.

His parents had worked diligently but had met a tragic end in the desert. Since A Shu came into his life, he had felt the warmth of home and wished to stay in Dayong forever. That night, they removed the curtains between their beds and merged them. A Shu slept with her head on Yuan Mo's arm, and the next morning, Yuan Mo’s arm was numb. He needed A Shu to feed him breakfast.

Sifang Hall received another transfer order for Wang Kunwu. Yuan Mo and his colleagues, looking disheartened, stood by Wang Kunwu's bed. Wang Kunwu, realizing he could not stay, began to say his farewells. Yuan Mo urged him to read the transfer order, which revealed that there was no need for him to leave Sifang Hall. It turned out that his colleagues had played a prank on him. Once his health was restored, Wang Kunwu specially thanked the Duke of E.

The Duke tested Wang Kunwu's skills and found his character and abilities commendable. He proposed that Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua discuss marriage. A farewell dinner was once again held for Wang Kunwu, who was to remain in his position. Yuchi Hua wanted to have a private conversation with Wang Kunwu, so she signaled for everyone else to leave early. Once they were alone, Yuchi Hua asked Wang Kunwu if his decision to stay was related to her.

Wang Kunwu directly told Yuchi Hua that he also had feelings for her. However, since he had not yet avenged his great grievance, he could not focus on romantic matters. Yuchi Hua believed that seeking revenge on the white-clad stranger and developing their relationship were not mutually exclusive. She even offered to help capture the white-clad stranger.

Wang Kunwu suggested that Yuchi Hua should find someone who cared more about her than he did, rather than wasting her feelings on someone dangerous. An Xiuyi, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, learned of Wang Kunwu's thoughts and asked Lin Susu to book the best terrace spot at Zui Xian Lou. The next morning, Yuchi Hua went to Wang Kunwu’s desk to clean it and reassured him to focus on capturing the white-clad stranger.

Despite her concern that he might die during his quest for revenge, she promised to ensure his safety. Wang Kunwu was both amused and exasperated. An Xiuyi presented an invitation to Zui Xian Lou. Yuchi Hua was preoccupied with eating, and An Xiuyi finally confessed his feelings. Yuchi Hua found it amusing; they had grown up together as close friends, and their relationship was not romantic.

An Xiuyi explained that they were well-matched in terms of social standing and positions, and there was no one more suitable. Yuchi Hua asked An Xiuyi to treat her as a lover and embrace and kiss her. An Xiuyi felt uncomfortable, and Yuchi Hua remarked that An Xiuyi was merely pretending to be mature and didn’t truly understand love. The white-clad stranger secretly infiltrated Yule Pavilion and informed Kang Yunhai that A Shu was the person Long Taqi was seeking.

Kang Yunhai did not believe him, recalling that a previous attempt to rescue Xiao E had been futile. The white-clad stranger revealed that he had received a confidential letter from Long Taqi, prompting Kang Yunhai to decide to investigate immediately. After breakfast, Yuan Mo and A Shu reluctantly went to work. A Shu planned to go shopping, but she was followed discreetly by Kang Yunhai’s subordinates, San Niang and Si Niang.

They passed by a shoe store where the shopkeeper’s wife accidentally spilled water on A Shu’s shoes. The shopkeeper’s wife was very enthusiastic and insisted on having A Shu choose a new pair of shoes. A Shu felt uncomfortable about having her shoes replaced by someone else, so the shopkeeper’s wife waited outside. While changing shoes, A Shu noticed a pair of smaller-sized shoes nearby and sensed something was off, as the shopkeeper’s wife was taller than her.

A Shu quickly found an excuse to leave, but the shopkeeper’s wife grabbed her arm and became serious. San Niang and Si Niang burst into the store, and both sides focused on A Shu. Yuan Mo suddenly arrived with officials to check the register, allowing A Shu to escape. In the evening, Yuan Mo prepared hot water for A Shu to wash her feet.

A Shu resisted, stating that a woman should not reveal her feet in front of a man. The next day, during an inspection, Yuan Mo returned to the shoe store to check the register. The shopkeeper’s wife had been replaced, and when asked about the previous day’s events, the new shopkeeper’s wife said the store had been closed.

Yuan Mo recalled the tall shopkeeper’s wife’s nervous demeanor and the sudden departure of Kang Yunhai’s subordinates, suspecting that both Yule Pavilion and the white-clad stranger were searching for A Shu. Yuan Mo shared his suspicions with Wang Kunwu. Given the coincidences, Wang Kunwu had no choice but to be suspicious but hoped to clarify things with someone from Yule Pavilion. Yuchi Hua mentioned that she had tracked Ma Zhiwen and had a discreet method to find out more.

Late at night, Ma Zhiwen visited a diviner's residence. Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu had bribed the diviner in advance. Ma Zhiwen indeed inquired about A Shu’s identity and whether she was the princess of Yule Pavilion. The diviner suggested not to investigate A Shu further, warning that it would bring misfortune. Ma Zhiwen fully believed this and left all his money with the diviner to rid himself of bad luck.

After Ma Zhiwen left the diviner’s residence, Wang Kunwu asked Yuan Mo to continue watching for any red-butterfly tattoos on A Shu’s ankles. Yuan Mo suggested that they first ensure A Shu’s safety. Wang Kunwu felt it was necessary to report to Yu Deshui. Back home, Yuan Mo inquired about the red-butterfly tattoo. A Shu recounted the difficulties she faced fleeing to Dayong. As they drank and talked, Yuan Mo soon fell unconscious.

While Yuan Mo was unconscious, A Shu revealed that she was indeed the princess of Yule Pavilion and that the white-clad stranger had targeted her, so she could not stay at Yuan Mo’s home. Yu Deshui informed An Yuandao of A Shu’s identity, and An Yuandao insisted on ensuring A Shu’s safety to prevent Long Taqi from taking rash actions.

Yuan Mo had heard from A Shu about the inn on the outskirts of Chang Le that one must pass through. He decided to go there alone to search for it. At the inn, which was known for its shady dealings, the owner saw Yuan Mo, who looked like a wealthy young man, and immediately sent a waiter to lead him upstairs. Then they began to rob him.

Yuan Mo, in his panic, fell from the second floor, but A Shu happened to be below and caught him. They quickly left on horseback. While taking shelter from the rain in the countryside, A Shu showed Yuan Mo the red-butterfly tattoo on her ankle, a totem of her mother's family. This tattoo was the reason she was constantly pursued. She had left without saying goodbye to avoid dragging Yuan Mo into danger.

Yuan Mo reassured her that he did not mind; he had already come to see A Shu as everything to him. However, given their current unstable situation, he suggested that they should hide in the countryside for now. After discussing their next steps, A Shu recounted how she had been rescued years ago.

Yuan Hanqing had risked his life to take her out of the palace when she was less than a year old, carrying her on horseback to the countryside where a farmer took them in. A Shu grew up there under an assumed identity. Yuan Mo stated that, apart from the two of them, no one else should know about A Shu's background, not even Wang Kunwu or Yuchi Hua.

Back at Sifang Hall, Yu Deshui immediately instructed everyone to start searching for the Yule Princess. Yuchi Hua had seen Yuan Mo riding hurriedly past the market the day before. Yuan Mo explained that he had a habit of needing to use the bathroom at home, so he was rushing back and couldn’t pay attention to anything else. Wang Kunwu asked if Yuan Mo had seen A Shu’s ankle.

Yuan Mo said he had checked carefully while washing A Shu’s feet and there was no red-butterfly tattoo. Next, Yuan Mo settled A Shu and brought her everyday necessities to Li Quan Fang, even bringing along Xiao Bai. While sneaking away, he was spotted by Lin Susu, who was patrolling outside. Lin Susu quickly informed An Xiuyi. At a time when they were searching for the Yule Princess, Yuan Mo suddenly hid A Shu as a refugee.

An Xiuyi suspected that A Shu might be the Yule Princess. Lin Susu suggested using Sifang Hall's name to conduct a search, but since A Shu was a woman, it would be inconvenient to check her ankle, so they decided to act secretly. In the evening, Yuan Mo prepared a meal of roasted leg of lamb and cherry pastries—A Shu’s favorite foods—and brought them to Li Quan Fang, along with a bouquet of fresh flowers.

After dinner, Yuan Mo was about to leave when A Shu deliberately started breaking furniture in the room, asking Yuan Mo to stay and repair it. While fixing the bath barrel, A Shu took a bath in front of Yuan Mo. Yuan Mo, feeling unsettled, accidentally fell into the bath barrel. The two of them ended up embracing and kissing. That night, Yuan Mo stayed in A Shu’s bed, and they spent a passionate night together.

The next morning, Yuan Mo was too distracted to go to work. An Xiuyi and Lin Susu had been lying in wait outside all night. They planned to break into A Shu’s residence after Yuan Mo’s shift, but they only saw the two of them holding hands, going out for a stroll, buying jewelry at the market, and watching a play at Ruyi Lou.

An Xiuyi and Lin Susu followed them for a day and night but could not figure out what Yuan Mo was up to. When Yuan Mo returned to Sifang Hall for roll call, An Xiuyi, accompanied by Lin Susu, questioned him about his unexplained absence. Yuan Mo explained that he was only responsible for the West Courtyard and that it was unnecessary for the East Courtyard to worry about him.

Meanwhile, An Xiuyi and Lin Susu, with their dark circles, became the subject of amusement. An Xiuyi continued to stake out in front of A Shu’s place. When A Shu went out to buy something, An Xiuyi sneaked into the courtyard. A Shu forgot her money pouch and returned home suddenly, prompting An Xiuyi to hide under the bed. A small snake, which had been released, bit An Xiuyi on the leg.

An Xiuyi jumped out of the window to escape, and Lin Susu hurriedly took him to the medical clinic. The doctor applied a plaster, which eased An Xiuyi’s condition, but he still had a crooked expression as he tried to stand. While strolling in the street, A Shu ran into her childhood friend A Shilan, who was promoting her weaving skills. Seeing that A Shilan had no place to stay, A Shu invited her to stay at her home.

That evening, when Yuan Mo came to deliver food, he expressed concern that A Shu might be deceived. He asked A Shilan how she had arrived in Dayong. A Shilan explained that she had come with the Mu Yun Sha caravan and had secured temporary lodging at Chang Le. Yuan Mo remained uneasy, but A Shu assured him that she completely trusted A Shilan.

Wang Kunwu believed that since Yule Hall had frequent interactions with the White-Clad Guest while Sifang Hall had no awareness of it, they must have missed many crucial clues. He instructed Yuchi Hua to review the previous information and they discovered a map of Yule Hall. Both Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua had previously stationed themselves at Yule Hall, and they found that the map was inaccurate; it was missing a wall.

The White-Clad Guest stealthily infiltrated Yule Hall, where Kang Yunhai reproached him for not showing respect. The White-Clad Guest suspected that Kang Yunhai had saved Duo Mi twice. Kang Yunhai denied it and suggested that the Faceless Man and Yule Hall conduct self-checks. After the White-Clad Guest left, Kang Yunhai instructed his subordinates to closely monitor Ma Zhiwen and report any unusual behavior immediately.

When Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua arrived at Yule Hall, they encountered the White-Clad Guest who was preparing to leave. A duel ensued, with Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua cornering the White-Clad Guest. Suddenly, a woman across from them shot an arrow. Yuchi Hua shielded Wang Kunwu, who turned around quickly, giving the White-Clad Guest the opportunity to escape. Wang Kunwu hurriedly carried Yuchi Hua back to the Yuchi residence.

The Duke of Eguo was heartbroken and reproached Wang Kunwu, saying he did not deserve Yuchi Hua's affection. Wang Kunwu stayed by Yuchi Hua's bedside, taking care of her. He confessed to the unconscious Yuchi Hua that he had long been in love with her but felt unworthy due to his unresolved vendetta and low status. A Shu and A Shilan spent the day strolling in the streets. That evening, they reminisced about their childhood, reflecting on their past experiences.

While Ji Mingli was handling foreign lodgings, Yuan Mo overheard a merchant from the Mu Yun Sha caravan, who had come from Yule Hall, and inquired about their arrival date in Dayong. Yuan Mo realized it did not match the lodging A Shilan had shown him, so he rushed to A Shu's residence. Wang Kunwu noticed Yuan Mo’s suspicious behavior and arrived early.

Yuan Mo tried to conceal the situation, but when Wang Kunwu mentioned that Yuchi Hua had been injured because of it, Yuan Mo had to reveal A Shu’s true identity. Shortly afterward, A Shilan came alone to Sifang Hall seeking refuge, claiming to be the Yule Princess. Ji Mingli hurriedly informed Yuan Mo. Yuan Mo was shocked when Ji Mingli revealed A Shilan’s name. Yu Deshui urgently reported to An Yuandao.

Wang Kunwu and Yuan Mo first questioned A Shilan about her true intentions, including how she escaped from the Yule Palace and arrived in Dayong. A Shilan’s account matched A Shu’s exactly, including details about being saved by Yuan Hanqing and his wife. Yuan Mo remained skeptical until A Shilan revealed the red-butterfly tattoo on her ankle, which was identical to A Shu’s. Yuan Mo stopped questioning further. Wang Kunwu suspected Yuan Mo had personal motives.

Since someone was willing to impersonate the Yule Princess, A Shu was temporarily safe. Yuan Mo explained that he just wanted to see A Shilan’s true motives and had not exposed her in person. After a long discussion, Honglu Temple had no suitable solution regarding the Yule Princess’s protection, and An Yuandao believed that Honglu Temple should not intervene until the situation was clarified. Therefore, the investigation was left to Sifang Hall.

A Shu confronted A Shilan about why she was impersonating the princess. Initially, A Shilan denied the impersonation. When A Shu showed her red-butterfly tattoo, A Shilan admitted she was acting on someone’s orders—the person who had sent A Shu to Huangsha Village. This person had instructed A Shilan to impersonate the princess in order to ensure A Shu's safety in Dayong.

When A Shu asked about the whereabouts of this person, A Shilan suggested it was better not to inquire, as it would be safer for both parties. Yu Deshui asked about the investigation results. Wang Kunwu said that apart from the red-butterfly tattoo on the ankle, there was no additional evidence. An Xiuyi believed that regardless of whether A Shilan was the Yule Princess or not, as long as she could be used by Dayong, it was fine.

They planned to support A Shilan as long as Long Tuqi stayed in the desert, but if Long Tuqi attacked Dayong, they would use the Yule Princess’s identity as leverage. Yuan Mo thought An Xiuyi was heartless and believed that the most important thing was to guard against any actions from Yule Hall. Kang Yunhai soon arrived at Sifang Hall demanding the Yule Princess. Yu Deshui stated that they had not yet confirmed the authenticity of the identity and had already sent the impostor away.

To mock Kang Yunhai, Yuan Mo and Shen Bailian gathered many foreign women to create a commotion at the entrance of Yule Hall. Kang Yunhai declared that he would interrogate them one by one and warned that anyone impersonating the princess would implicate their families. The women all fell to their knees begging for mercy. Kang Yunhai demanded that Yuan Mo apologize publicly, and Yuan Mo had no choice but to comply.

An Yuandao reprimanded Yu Deshui for allowing Yuan Mo to act so recklessly, which caused Kang Yunhai to lose his temper. Yu Deshui argued that it was thanks to Yuan Mo’s plan that Kang Yunhai was temporarily subdued. He suggested trying a different approach and using An Xiuyi’s idea to properly entertain A Shilan, neither confirming nor denying her identity.

If Yule Hall investigated further, A Shilan might serve as a balancing force or be blamed for impersonating the princess, which would be of no concern to Dayong. San Niang reported A Shilan’s situation to Kang Yunhai. The White-Clad Guest suddenly appeared and questioned Kang Yunhai about why the plan had failed again and if the inside information had been uncovered. Kang Yunhai revealed Ma Zhiwen, who insisted he had only served the goddess and had not leaked any secrets.

The White-Clad Guest did not listen to the explanation and immediately killed Ma Zhiwen. After A Shilan moved into a luxurious mansion, A Shu boldly moved back into Yuan Mo’s home. Wang Kunwu brought wild pigeons to Yuan Mo’s house to celebrate. After preparing pigeon soup, Wang Kunwu planned to use it to nourish the recently awakened Yuchi Hua. He carried the pot of soup to Yuchi Hua’s residence, and An Xiuyi did the same.

They both ended up being invited inside, only to find a young man, Huo Zian, feeding Yuchi Hua a premium snow lotus seed soup. Huo Zian was Yuchi Hua’s former classmate, from a wealthy family in Changle City that dealt in military supplies. As Huo Zian left, An Xiuyi escorted him out. Yuchi Hua expressed a desire to taste Wang Kunwu’s pigeon soup and praised his cooking skills.

When asked about Wang Kunwu’s confession of love during a moment of delirium, Wang Kunwu remembered Huo Zian’s background and status. He explained that he had been very busy at Sifang Hall and might have been dreaming. After leaving Yuchi Hua’s residence, Wang Kunwu saw the bright lanterns and umbrella shops on the street and suddenly remembered the night he had sheltered from the rain with Yuchi Hua. He regretted that his unfulfilled hopes for romance had to end there.

A Shu visited A Shilan and saw that A Shilan had woven many pieces of fabric, presumably to pass the time. Although A Shilan repeatedly said she had never enjoyed such a luxurious life, A Shu felt indebted and thought that A Shilan had suffered on her behalf. A Shu expressed a desire to ask her uncle to relieve A Shilan of her mission. A Shilan firmly opposed this, saying it would put her uncle in danger.

Yuan Mo took A Shu home and noticed that A Shu seemed worried. Yuan Mo expressed doubts about A Shilan’s motives, but A Shu insisted that Yuan Mo was overthinking and forbade any questioning of A Shilan. That night, the White-Clad Guest secretly appeared in A Shilan’s room. A Shilan assured him that she had fully gained A Shu’s trust and would proceed with the planned actions. The White-Clad Guest promised to fulfill his commitments.

The next morning, when Yuan Mo was preparing for his shift, A Shu, feeling unwell, stayed in bed. After giving some instructions, Yuan Mo went to Sifang Hall for work. A Shu hurriedly got up to retrieve a chess manual and then left. Honglu Temple increased its pressure on Sifang Hall. Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu bought authentic Yule snacks to visit A Shilan.

During their visit, Yuan Mo suggested that A Shilan take A Shu to meet her uncle in the suburbs when she had time. A Shilan responded that she would arrange it once she was free from surveillance. After they left, Yuan Mo realized A Shilan had lied. A Shu had mentioned that her uncle lived in a bustling market, and A Shilan’s reaction to the suburbs was telling.

Yuan Mo rushed home to inform A Shu, only to find that A Shu was not at home and the chess manual was missing. Yuan Mo suddenly realized that the chess manual had been given to him by Kang Yunhai, revealing that Kang Yunhai was actually A Shu’s uncle. Yuan Mo and A Shu hurried to Yule Hall to find Kang Yunhai, only to be told by the guards that Kang Yunhai was out on business.

A Shu was being followed by the White-Clad Guest’s subordinates at the market. They met in an abandoned house, where A Shu asked to relieve A Shilan of her mission. Kang Yunhai explained that he did not know A Shilan and had not arranged any tasks for her. A Shu finally realized she had been deceived. The White-Clad Guest and his men surrounded the abandoned house. A Shu decided to protect Kang Yunhai’s escape.

When Kang Yunhai hurried back to Yule Hall, the White-Clad Guest’s carriage suddenly stopped in front of him, stating that he had a great gift to offer. Kang Yunhai got into the carriage and found A Shu unconscious, lying inside. The White-Clad Guest revealed A Shu’s true identity. Kang Yunhai pretended to be shocked.

As they passed through the market, Kang Yunhai saw Yuchi Hua through the window and, using distraction as an excuse, asked the White-Clad Guest to take the back entrance while he exited the carriage early. Kang Yunhai deliberately bumped into Yuchi Hua, causing a chess manual to fall to the ground. Kang Yunhai mentioned that the chess manual was one of Yuan Mo’s prized possessions and hinted that many of Yuan Mo’s valuable items were in his hands.

He then quickly left, prompting Yuchi Hua to rush to Sifang Hall to inform Yuan Mo. Yuan Mo had already asked A Shilan about A Shu’s whereabouts, but A Shilan had not disclosed any information. After Yuchi Hua told Yuan Mo about her encounter in the street, Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu speculated that A Shu was being held at Yule Hall, and that Kang Yunhai was out of options.

Yuan Mo signaled to Wang Kunwu that they should come up with a plan to rescue her. Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu discussed various rescue strategies. When Wang Kunwu mentioned some common military tactics, Yuan Mo was inspired and decided to sneak into Yule Hall through the underground drainage system. The White-Clad Guest presented a Long Tuqi military insignia, ordering Kang Yunhai to publicly execute A Shu. Kang Yunhai couldn’t refuse, as doing so would immediately expose his identity.

Yuchi Hua led Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu to the Huo family workshop to inspect the drainage system map. Huo Zian generously agreed to help and even gave Yuchi Hua a specially designed steel-wire soft armor for protection. He also offered Yuan Mo a weapon of his choice. At the entrance to the drainage system, they found the underground water flow surging. Huo Zian explained that recent mountain floods had increased the water level.

Wang Kunwu, concerned that Yuchi Hua couldn’t swim, began considering alternative plans. However, Yuan Mo entered the drainage system alone. That night, Kang Yunhai gathered all the guards at Yule Hall, preparing to publicly execute A Shu. The White-Clad Guest was watching. Just as Kang Yunhai was about to act, Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua suddenly descended from the sky, heading straight for the hostage.

Upon getting closer, they realized that the White-Clad Guest had used a female guard to impersonate A Shu. Yuchi Hua was stabbed, but fortunately, she had worn the soft armor in advance. Yuan Mo emerged from the drainage system into Yule Hall and quickly found where A Shu was being held. However, he was outnumbered, and after a brief struggle, he was captured and tied up as well.

In the ensuing chaos, Kang Yunhai snuck into the room and freed the two of them. Meanwhile, Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua injured some of the White-Clad Guest’s subordinates. As the four of them attempted to leave Yule Hall, they were intercepted by the White-Clad Guest. The Jingzhao Prefecture heard the commotion and surrounded Yule Hall.

Since Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu had trespassed into a foreign embassy, they would face charges if discovered, so the four of them decided not to confront the White-Clad Guest and discreetly escaped through the back door. Kang Yunhai came out to greet the authorities, explaining that no disturbances had occurred at Yule Hall. However, the prefect, Lin Fuyin, didn’t believe him and personally went inside to check.

He found spearheads scattered on the ground, and Kang Yunhai explained they were used for soldier training. After the Jingzhao Prefecture left, Kang Yunhai scolded the White-Clad Guest for causing too much trouble, saying he couldn’t explain things to Long Tuqi. The White-Clad Guest, however, remarked that the real drama was just beginning. Yuan Mo felt guilty for repeatedly opposing Kang Yunhai.

A Shu comforted him, saying that both sides were acting in the interest of their respective countries, and Kang Yunhai would understand Yuan Mo’s position. Yuchi Hua felt that they could no longer keep Yu Deshui in the dark. The next day, the four of them told Yu Deshui and An Xiuyi about A Shu’s true identity. Yu Deshui became worried about how to deal with A Shilan.

An Xiuyi believed that the White-Clad Guest would undoubtedly use A Shilan to stir up more trouble and suggested they first imprison A Shilan in the Jingzhao Prefecture prison. A Shu agreed with the plan. Yuan Mo took A Shu to a new house, a courtyard near a bookstore. The two were happily imagining their future when Ji Mingli rushed in to inform them that A Shilan had been kidnapped.

The White-Clad Guest arranged for A Shilan to distribute money and food in the market, posing as Princess Yule. Kang Yunhai publicly declared A Shilan’s identity, and the refugees from Yule happily accepted the aid and left. An Yuandao believed they should find a way to expose the truth, but it was clear the White-Clad Guest had taken the lead for now.

Kang Yunhai took A Shilan to Honglu Temple to officially declare her as Princess Yule, asking for the temple's recognition. An Yuandao pointed out that just a day ago, A Shilan was a criminal of Dayong, who had been kidnapped during transport and suddenly turned into a princess. Dayong would need time to verify this. However, Kang Yunhai gave them only five days. If Dayong couldn't produce evidence by then, he would personally escort A Shilan back to Yule.

Wang Kunwu couldn’t understand why Kang Yunhai didn’t expose A Shilan, but Yuan Mo explained that Kang Yunhai must have his reasons and was likely following Long Tuqi’s plan for the greater good, to avoid raising suspicion. Moreover, A Shilan didn’t yet know that Kang Yunhai was A Shu’s uncle behind the scenes. A Shu couldn’t comprehend why A Shilan would impersonate a princess, so she went to the distribution site to ask directly.

A Shilan took A Shu to a secluded courtyard, ordered soldiers to guard the outside, and revealed the bitter reasons behind her impersonation of the princess. Years ago, when A Shu hastily left the village, Long Tuqi's cavalry came and interrogated the villagers about her whereabouts. Since the villagers knew nothing, they were massacred by the cavalry.

A Shilan had been hidden in a haystack by her parents and narrowly escaped, but she witnessed the brutal death of her parents and villagers. All of this, she believed, was caused by A Shu. From that moment on, she vowed to seek revenge. The White-Clad Guest promised to help her achieve this goal, so A Shilan joined the Faceless Men and eventually became a princess through a series of schemes.

Because A Shilan had secretly met with A Shu, the White-Clad Guest appeared in the room to inquire about the reason. A Shilan explained that the hatred in her heart was too overwhelming to contain. The White-Clad Guest did not scold her but encouraged A Shilan to always keep the fire of revenge alive. A Shu asked Yuan Mo to help her prove her identity as the real princess.

She could have ignored this matter if she hadn’t learned about the tragedy she had brought upon the villagers. But now, knowing the disaster she had caused, A Shu couldn’t continue to avoid her responsibility. Yuan Mo urged A Shu to recall any more details from the night she was sent away from Huangsha Village. A Shu remembered that Kang Yunhai had quietly appeared that night and given her a wooden box.

He had told her that the box must never leave her side, and that pressing a button on the box in times of danger could prove her identity as the princess of Yule. For many years, A Shu had nearly forgotten this detail, but she had always carried the box with her. Yuan Mo noticed that the box was unusually heavy. After pondering over it for a whole night, they finally managed to open it.

The next day, Kang Yunhai brought A Shilan to Honglu Temple for the formal handover of the escort document. With the five-day deadline up, An Yuandao had no choice but to recognize A Shilan’s identity. Just as they were preparing to hand over the document, Yuan Mo suddenly entered the hall and stopped them, declaring that the real Princess Yule was someone else.

A Shu, dressed in princess attire, walked into the hall and accused A Shilan of stealing her identity and life story. She presented the private seal of the late King of Yule as evidence. When the five nations' emissaries examined the seal, the Moonshadow envoy remarked that he had accompanied his mother on a diplomatic mission to Yule as a child and could confirm that the private seal belonged to the late King of Yule.

Yuan Mo also explained that his father’s writings had documented this fact. With the truth revealed, An Xiuyi declared that A Shilan would be imprisoned in the Jingzhao Prefecture jail, awaiting further punishment. An Yuandao and Yu Deshui discussed how to protect A Shu. Suddenly, A Shu approached the two of them, requesting a pardon for A Shilan.

She then went to visit A Shilan in prison, presenting the pardon and stating that if A Shilan revealed the true identity of the White-Clad Guest, she would be granted clemency. A Shilan, filled with anger, retorted that A Shu didn’t truly care about her and only wanted to ease her own conscience. She declared that only the White-Clad Guest could help her get revenge. Now that the truth had come to light, she no longer wished to live.

With those words, A Shilan ended her own life using a hairpin. A Shu, recalling how A Shilan was the only one who played with her in their childhood, broke down in tears. Honglu Temple, representing Dayong, officially recognized A Shu as Princess Yule and rewarded her with a mansion. Ji Mingli and Shen Bailian, reflecting on their experiences with A Shu, couldn’t help but feel deeply moved.

Wang Kunwu reminded them all to show proper respect to A Shu from now on. Yuan Mo accompanied A Shu as she paid tribute to A Shilan. A Shu vowed to fulfill A Shilan’s unfinished wishes and threw the bamboo dragonfly that A Shilan had given her as a child into the sky, hoping that A Shilan could finally find peace.

A Shu returned to her new residence to pack her belongings, while Yuan Mo was extremely reluctant to let her go. A Shu explained that since she had just been officially titled, she would have to receive envoys from various nations, and it would be more convenient to live in the Princess Residence. Yuan Mo still wanted to persuade her to stay, but Third Lady and Fourth Lady had already sent him away.

Envoys from various nations took turns meeting with A Shu, but she couldn’t keep track of all the different customs and rituals. She had to rely on Shen Bailian, who stood beside her giving physical cues. By the end of the day, A Shu was utterly exhausted. She had initially thought that being a princess would be an enjoyable experience, but it turned out to be full of rigid protocols, leaving her with no freedom.

In the evening, Yuan Mo came to the Princess Residence to see A Shu, but the guards stopped him. A Shu wanted to meet Yuan Mo alone, but Third Lady and Fourth Lady refused, forcing Yuan Mo to leave in frustration. Late at night, Yuan Mo climbed over the wall to enter the Princess Residence. Suddenly, Kang Yunhai came to visit.

A Shu worried that Kang Yunhai's sudden appearance would arouse the White-Clad Guest’s suspicion, but Kang Yunhai reassured her that it was appropriate for him to visit under the guise of an envoy. Avoiding contact would only seem suspicious. He explained that he had come to discuss important matters: the puppet ruler supported by Long Tuqi had suddenly fallen ill, and Long Tuqi had declared himself regent. He was now only one step away from seizing the throne.

While these developments were expected, Kang Yunhai was concerned about A Shu's safety. Yuan Mo suggested reporting to Yu Deshui to strengthen the security at the Princess Residence and having Yuchi Hua stay with A Shu for company. A Shu then asked whether it had been Kang Yunhai's doing when Duomi was rescued and she escaped from the shoe shop. Kang Yunhai admitted that he couldn’t openly oppose the White-Clad Guest, so he had to act in secret.

Yuan Mo apologized for his earlier rudeness toward Kang Yunhai, but Kang Yunhai brushed it off. He only advised Yuan Mo to protect A Shu and work toward becoming the Sifang Hall’s supervisor, just like his father Yuan Hanjing had done. That way, he could assist A Shu and help her stay in Dayong. The next day, Yuan Mo moved into a new house, and only Xiaobai was around to share a few words with him.

Wang Kunwu brought some cheap military wine to celebrate with Yuan Mo. Yuan Mo asked Wang Kunwu what plans he had with Yuchi Hua, but Wang Kunwu didn’t know how to respond. The two drank heavily, and Wang Kunwu ended up staying at Yuan Mo’s house to rest. A Shu had asked Yuchi Hua the same question.

Yuchi Hua revealed that when she was unconscious, Wang Kunwu had confessed his feelings, but later, when she subtly tested him, he completely denied it. This made her no longer want to deal with him. A Shu believed that someone as straightforward as Wang Kunwu might have been serious. Regardless, the two were close sisters, and A Shu mentioned that they would eventually get married together. Yuchi Hua promised to make A Shu’s wedding dress, and they both happily agreed.

The next day, after sobering up, Wang Kunwu remembered Yuan Mo’s words about not waiting too long and decided to confess his feelings to Yuchi Hua immediately. When he arrived at the Yuchi Residence, he overheard Huo Zian bidding farewell to Yuchi Hua. Huo Zian mentioned that he was heading to Mobei to mine a stone that could be used to weave soft golden armor.

Yuchi Hua expressed her hope that all soldiers could be protected by such armor, and Huo Zian promised to do his best to make that happen as a way to protect her. He had long noticed that Yuchi Hua only had feelings for Wang Kunwu, and he was content as long as she found happiness. Wang Kunwu entered and sincerely said goodbye to Huo Zian. Yuchi Hua still didn’t want to acknowledge him, but Wang Kunwu finally confessed his feelings.

He explained that he hadn’t dared to face his emotions before because he was afraid of losing the most important person in his life. While distributing money and food on the streets, A Shu encountered several refugees from Yule suffering from a pox infection. She arranged for Third Lady to find an abandoned courtyard and gather all the infected refugees there. Ji Mingli brought some Sifang Hall guards to help, using honeysuckle to disinfect and treat the sick.

Half a month later, the epidemic subsided, and Sifang Hall hosted a banquet to celebrate. They made plans to attend the upcoming Lantern Festival together. Yuchi Hua, who had never been interested in such events, now paid attention to beautiful places, thanks to her time spent with Wang Kunwu. After the banquet, Yuan Mo wanted to escort A Shu back to the Princess Residence, but Third Lady and Fourth Lady stopped him at the door.

Wang Kunwu, who had taken a drunken Yuchi Hua back to the Yuchi Residence, was caught by Duke E, who, seeing Wang Kunwu’s determination, further acknowledged him and instructed him to cherish Yuchi Hua for a lifetime. Elsewhere, Yi Yi asked the White-Clad Guest why, having already found the Yule princess, they didn’t just eliminate her.

The White-Clad Guest replied that the people of Yule valued their bloodline above all else. Controlling the princess would allow them to dominate Yule and even the Great Desert. What Long Tuqi wanted was also what the White-Clad Guest desired.

Yuan Mo once again sneaked into the Princess Residence but was caught red-handed by Third Lady and Fourth Lady, who had been on guard for a while. A Shu persuaded them to relax a bit, saying that Yuan Mo was not an outsider.

Third Lady argued that it was fine when they lived under the same roof before A Shu was officially titled as a princess, but now that her status had changed, she couldn’t mingle with Yuan Mo all the time. A Shu couldn’t convince them, so she simply pulled up a chair to chat with Yuan Mo right in front of them.

Yuan Mo began daydreaming about becoming the future prince consort of Yule, but Fourth Lady mocked him, saying he was being delusional. The Yule princess had already been betrothed to Prince Duomi of Mobei from birth. Moreover, ever since A Shu confirmed her identity, Duomi had been writing letters to the Princess Residence regularly. Yuan Mo, feeling alarmed, asked Fourth Lady to retrieve Duomi’s letters.

When they opened them, they found they were written in the Mobei language, which A Shu couldn’t even read. Yuan Mo, consumed by thoughts of opposing Duomi, asked Wang Kunwu whether being well-matched in social status was important in a relationship. Wang Kunwu replied that mutual affection was far more important. Confident in himself, Yuan Mo then asked to borrow money from Wang Kunwu to renovate his residence.

Wang Kunwu said all his money had already been spent on gifts for Duke E. Yu Deshui informed Yuan Mo and An Xiuyi that Honglu Temple was about to hold a selection process for Sifang Hall emissaries, hoping that the two of them could bring honor to Sifang Hall. Lin Susu inquired about the list of candidates for the Sifang Hall emissary position. Judging by their qualifications, none of them could compare to An Xiuyi.

An Xiuyi declared that becoming a Sifang Hall emissary was his lifelong aspiration, and he would spare no effort to achieve this honor. Yuan Mo went to borrow money from Yu Deshui to buy a gift for the Lantern Festival. Yu Deshui initially thought Yuan Mo was planning to honor him, but Yuan Mo clarified that it was for someone else, prompting Yu Deshui to angrily scold him for being ungrateful.

A Shu carefully selected a robe and boots, while Yuan Mo prepared a century-old ginseng to be given to Kang Yunhai through Fourth Lady. Kang Yunhai was deeply moved and praised both of them, but just then, a guard reported that the White-Clad Guest’s followers were gathering Longjiankui plants. Moreover, six months ago, a large batch of Longjiankui seeds had been transported to Dayong.

Longjiankui was a plant unique to Yule, and ever since A Shu was officially titled as princess, many old Yule officials had submitted petitions urging her to reclaim power. Kang Yunhai speculated that Long Tuqi was about to make a move. He then handed Fourth Lady a key, instructing her to open the safe at a critical moment. Lin Susu arranged for all of the East Courtyard to patrol the streets during the Lantern Festival.

An Xiuyi suggested they could relax a bit, and Lin Susu noticed that An Xiuyi was becoming more approachable. Yuchi Hua attempted to make lanterns herself but quickly realized she didn’t know where to start. Duke E offered to help her make them together. Meanwhile, the White-Clad Guest was working through the night to prepare poison bombs, planning to cause major chaos during the Lantern Festival.

Lin Susu specifically changed into women’s attire, intending to go to the Lantern Festival, but An Xiuyi had to work the night shift, so she stayed by his side. Refugees from the shelter invited A Shu to join them for the Lantern Festival. Fourth Lady found the situation suspicious, but A Shu thought Fourth Lady was being overly cautious. She used a sleeping powder to knock out Fourth Lady and took Yuchi Hua and Third Lady to the refugee shelter.

On duty, Ji Mingli encountered A Shu and Yuchi Hua and passed on a message to Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu that they wouldn’t be able to make it to their appointment. The Lantern Festival was bustling, but An Xiuyi and Lin Susu stayed behind at Sifang Hall to work. Lin Susu looked stunning in her women’s attire, and An Xiuyi couldn’t help but steal a few glances at her.

Kang Yunhai’s spy within the White-Clad Guest’s ranks was discovered and whipped. While the White-Clad Guest went to the Lantern Festival, the spy fled to the Yule Hall to reveal the White-Clad Guest’s upcoming plan. Kang Yunhai immediately woke Fourth Lady, instructing her to notify both Sifang Hall and Jingzhao Prefecture, while he sent out a signal of his own.

An Xiuyi ordered the immediate recall of all Sifang Hall soldiers to cancel their rest and disperse the citizens on the streets. As Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu were patrolling, they ran into An Xiuyi, who informed them of the White-Clad Guest’s plan. The group split up: Wang Kunwu stopped the carriage carrying the poison bombs, An Xiuyi was responsible for destroying them and notifying Jingzhao Prefecture, and Yuan Mo went to protect A Shu.

Wang Kunwu and An Xiuyi were going around intercepting people carrying wine jars. As soon as they spotted one, they would immediately subdue the person. However, some of the jars had already exploded, poisoning the nearby citizens. When Shitou, the informant who had provided the transportation information, saw Wang Kunwu fighting with the Faceless Man over a wine jar, he snatched it away and ran into a sealed room.

The poison bomb soon exploded, and Shitou sacrificed his life to save many others. Yuan Mo found A Shu and Yuchi Hua dancing with the refugees and informed them of the White-Clad Guest's plot. A Shu immediately ordered the refugees to return to their homes and lock their doors.

Yuan Mo believed that A Shu was the real target of the White-Clad Guest, so he left Wang Kunwu to continue dealing with the poison bombs while he and Yuchi Hua took A Shu away. As the carriage traveled halfway, they suddenly encountered an ambush set by the White-Clad Guest. Yuchi Hua and Third Lady used wooden boards to block the windows, and then, a large number of unknown allies suddenly appeared.

The Faceless Man was no match for them and had to retreat. Kang Yunhai arrived shortly after, explaining that he had secretly placed many agents in Dayong, and now they were proving useful. A Shu returned safely to the Princess Residence. The Prefect of Lin informed her that the civilian casualties were minimal and that all the poison bombs had been confiscated.

Yuchi Hua requested that the Prefect of Lin increase the troops protecting the Princess Residence, and he immediately made arrangements. Yuan Mo knew that A Shu was grieving over Shitou's death, so he, Wang Kunwu, and Yuchi Hua stayed in the Princess Residence to keep her company. On his way back to the Yule Hall, Kang Yunhai was stopped by the White-Clad Guest. After rescuing A Shu, his identity was completely exposed.

The White-Clad Guest killed both of Kang Yunhai's attendants without hesitation. Knowing that the White-Clad Guest was ruthless and wouldn't spare him, Kang Yunhai pleaded for A Shu's life. Suddenly, the White-Clad Guest removed his mask, revealing that he was Qing Er, who worked at Sifang Hall. Before Kang Yunhai could ask more questions, he was stabbed to death. Suddenly, vibrant fireworks bloomed over the sky of Chang Le City.

A Shu and Yuan Mo also went to the window to admire them. A Shu, seemingly struck by a sense of foreboding, felt deeply saddened. As a red-cheeked butterfly fluttered through the air, she thought of how Kang Yunhai had spent decades protecting her with his life. Lin Susu witnessed Qing Er killing Kang Yunhai and quietly tried to escape but was discovered by the White-Clad Guest.

She hid in a storeroom, with Qing Er close behind, but he didn’t find her. An Xiuyi also came to search the storeroom. Qing Er prepared to launch a sneak attack, but Lin Susu, hiding nearby, loudly warned him. Qing Er quickly stabbed Lin Susu to death and then took the opportunity to flee. An Xiuyi, cradling the dying Lin Susu who had sacrificed her life to save him, broke down in tears.

That night, the Lantern Festival in Chang Le City was filled with an overwhelming sense of tragedy. The next day, during the morning roll call, An Xiuyi appeared at Sifang Hall in a dazed and sorrowful state. A Shu mourned for her fallen Yule compatriots and discovered Kang Yunhai's body. Overcome with grief, she wept uncontrollably and silently vowed to seek revenge. When the coroner was preparing Kang Yunhai’s body, A Shu insisted on handling it herself.

To A Shu, Kang Yunhai was like a parent. If not for her, Kang Yunhai could have lived a carefree life, traveling the world. Ma Zhiwen was appointed as the new Deputy Envoy of Yule, replacing Kang Yunhai. The White-Clad Guest’s influence was, of course, behind this decision. After taking office, the White-Clad Guest immediately asked Ma Zhiwen whether he knew of a joint letter from Yule's old officials that Kang Yunhai had in his possession. Ma Zhiwen didn’t know, but he recalled seeing Kang Yunhai visit the Lin family’s treasury once.

Ma Zhiwen, under the White-Clad Guest's instruction, caused a loud disturbance in front of the Jingzhao Prefecture, demanding the return of Kang Yunhai's body. Yuchi Hua and Wang Kunwu warned Ma Zhiwen not to overstep his authority, and Ma Zhiwen didn't dare force his way in. Yuan Mo and A Shu discovered some powder under Kang Yunhai's fingernails, which was likely evidence related to the White-Clad Guest.

Fourth Lady handed over the key to the Lin family’s treasury, which Kang Yunhai had left behind. Yuan Mo and A Shu immediately prepared to verify its contents, while Wang Kunwu returned to Sifang Hall to deal with Ma Zhiwen, and Yuchi Hua stayed to guard Kang Yunhai's body. Ma Zhiwen had already incited envoys from Mo Bei and Yue Ying to gather in front of Sifang Hall.

Yu Deshui stated that Yule's diplomacy only recognized Kang Yunhai and that the claim of Ma Zhiwen’s title as Deputy Envoy had not been officially received by Dayong. Realizing his argument was weak, Ma Zhiwen began to stammer. Yu Deshui’s commanding presence made Ma Zhiwen look like a mere clown, and the envoys from Mo Bei and Yue Ying were invited into Sifang Hall for tea.

After learning the truth about the situation in Yule, they expressed their decision not to believe Yule’s one-sided claims anymore. Yuan Mo and A Shu arrived at the Lin family’s treasury and retrieved the item Kang Yunhai had left behind, which turned out to be a book of chess strategies. They didn't have time to analyze it before realizing that the White-Clad Guest was already standing outside. In a panic, they hid in a corner.

The White-Clad Guest found the cupboard empty and prepared to search the corners when Third Lady and Fourth Lady pretended to be officers outside, forcing the White-Clad Guest to leave. An Xiuyi deeply missed Lin Susu. He had always taken her presence by his side for granted, but now that she was gone, he found it hard to adjust to life without her. While burning incense, he discovered a notebook recording every experience they had shared.

An Xiuyi realized that Lin Susu had liked him for a long time and that he had also regarded her as an irreplaceable part of his life, but now it was too late. After mourning Lin Susu, An Xiuyi secretly moved all the ledgers from the West Courtyard and found that Ji Mingli had processed the permits for transporting Longjian Kui for Yule. An Xiuyi immediately took the evidence to court, demanding justice for Ji Mingli.

Additionally, the map Lin Susu was holding when she was killed had been drawn by Ji Mingli. All the evidence pointed to Ji Mingli, and An Xiuyi was furious. Yu Deshui had no choice but to order Ji Mingli to be detained in Jingzhao Prefecture, while the West Courtyard assisted An Xiuyi in further investigations. Yuan Mo carefully studied the chess strategies left by Kang Yunhai and found that a key winning move was intentionally missing.

Wang Kunwu noticed that the arrangement of the black pieces resembled a map of Yule Hall, and the missing piece was located at the Longbina ancestral hall. Shen Bailian, feeling that Sifang Hall had been plagued with bad luck lately, ordered everyone to jump over a fire basin. By accident, someone knocked over the basin, and black charcoal stuck to their boots.

Yuan Mo noticed that Shen Bailian's boots were identical to those worn by the White-Clad Guest, suggesting that the White-Clad Guest was hiding within Sifang Hall. The backgrounds of the minor officials were mostly transparent, so the issue likely stemmed from one of the recently hired servants. A Shu used the excuse of inspecting Yule Hall to enter the premises, while Yuan Mo had no choice but to sneak in through the drainage channels.

Both of them entered the Longbina ancestral hall, but neither dared to break the urns of ashes. As they pushed the urns around, one accidentally fell and made a noise, alarming Ma Zhiwen. Ma Zhiwen rushed into the hall, only to find that the Longbina urn had disappeared.

Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua visited the homes of the servants one by one, and they learned that Qing Er had been serving a woman who wasn’t his biological mother but someone he met on the way to Dayong. Suddenly, Qing Er returned home and mentioned that Ah Fu, another servant who joined at the same time, had mysteriously disappeared after the Lantern Festival. Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua hurried to Ah Fu's house. Qing Er sent his elderly mother to her room, but the body of Ah Fu was hidden in the wardrobe.

Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua went to Ah Fu’s house to search for clues. When they handled the permits, they noticed green stains on Wang Kunwu’s hand. Suddenly, they remembered helping Qing Er's mother wash clothes earlier, which had dyed their hands. Realizing the connection, they hurried back to Qing Er's house. There, they found the old woman poisoned and unconscious, and Ah Fu’s body hidden in the wardrobe.

At that moment, they finally realized that Qing Er was the White-Clad Guest. Just as they were about to leave to pursue him, they were surrounded by faceless men. Arrows rained down on them, but soon the chaos subsided. They then saw An Xiuyi and Lin Fuyin standing at the door, having arrived with soldiers to subdue the faceless men.

An Xiuyi explained that after calming down and carefully analyzing the permits signed by Ji Mingli, he noticed the handwriting was very similar to Qing Er’s. He also recalled someone mentioning that on the day of the Lantern Festival, Qing Er had helped sell maps, which made him realize that Ji Mingli had been wrongly accused.

Wang Kunwu and Lin Fuyin left to prepare wanted posters of the White-Clad Guest, while An Xiuyi told Yuchi Hua that after Lin Susu sacrificed herself to save him, he finally understood what true love was. He wished Yuchi Hua and Wang Kunwu happiness together and assured them he would no longer interfere.

After finding the letter of alliance, A Shu treated Yuan Mo to a good meal, repeatedly reminding him of little details about taking care of himself, as if she were about to leave. After dinner, when they returned to the Princess's residence, A Shu mentioned she needed to retrieve something from the Yan Zhi Pavilion, and told Yuan Mo, along with Third Lady and Fourth Lady, to wait outside.

However, A Shu never came back out, and after a long wait, Yuan Mo rushed into the shop, only to find the back door wide open. The shopkeeper claimed to have never seen A Shu. A Shu was walking alone down a secluded street when she was quickly spotted and captured by Yi Yi, who brought her before the White-Clad Guest.

A Shu immediately proposed a deal: she would give the White-Clad Guest the blood-signed letter of alliance in exchange for his help in eliminating Long Tuqi. The White-Clad Guest suspected that A Shu wanted to avenge Kang Yunhai and was playing tricks. A Shu explained that bestowing posthumous honor upon Kang Yunhai was her way of repaying him, but the most pressing issue was dealing with Long Tuqi.

Since only the White-Clad Guest had the power to rival him, A Shu proposed they work together. The White-Clad Guest, sensing A Shu’s sincerity, agreed and prepared to take the blood-signed letter. As he removed the dagger from A Shu’s body, a cloud of smoke suddenly filled the air—it was a poison powder A Shu had prepared. Unfortunately, the White-Clad Guest had long since developed immunity to all poisons.

Yi Yi quickly restrained A Shu, but Yuan Mo suddenly barged into the room holding a torch and the blood-signed letter. He offered to exchange the letter for A Shu. The White-Clad Guest agreed, and as A Shu was pushed back toward Yuan Mo, Third Lady and Fourth Lady on the roof began pouring large amounts of gunpowder into the room. Yuan Mo threw the torch onto the White-Clad Guest, and the room erupted into flames, allowing them to escape.

After the fire was extinguished, they only found a female corpse, and the White-Clad Guest had once again escaped. Yuan Mo was disappointed that the blood-signed letter had been destroyed in the fire, but A Shu reassured him that she had already memorized the names. The Jingzhao Prefecture soon posted wanted posters of the White-Clad Guest and began a city-wide search. A Shu finally sent off Kang Yunhai with a proper ceremony, burning his body and returning his ashes to Yule.

However, she lamented that she hadn’t been able to personally kill the White-Clad Guest. Back at the Princess's residence, A Shu was preparing to rest when Third Lady informed her that Yuan Mo had been waiting for a long time. When A Shu saw Yuan Mo, he questioned why she had gone to meet the White-Clad Guest alone. If not for the help of the hunting dog, she would have been killed.

A Shu explained that she couldn't let a chance for revenge slip by; too many people had died because of her. If she hadn't hidden in Huangsha Village all those years ago, the village wouldn’t have been massacred, and Ashilan and Kang Yunhai might still be alive and happy today. Therefore, she couldn't continue living passively. Yuan Mo realized that A Shu had already decided to return to Yule.

A few days later, news arrived from Yule that the puppet monarch supported by Long Tuqi had suddenly died. Long Tuqi sent a letter to Dayong requesting the princess’s return to discuss important matters. Honglu Temple received the letter and sought Yuan Mo’s opinion. Yuan Mo expressed that both publicly and privately, he hoped Dayong would continue to protect A Shu.

However, as the only remaining member of the Yule royal family, A Shu had a responsibility to return to Yule and save the people from their suffering. A Shu soon arrived at Honglu Temple, announcing her decision to return to Yule. With her mind set, no one dared to stop her. As winter set in, the weather grew colder, and more refugees poured in. A Shu’s supplies of cotton clothes and bedding were far from sufficient to distribute. An elderly woman mentioned that Long Tuqi allowed officials to exploit the people, forcing many to flee to Dayong as refugees.

Yuan Mo went to the refugee aid center to visit A Shu. Seeing her busy distributing food, he left the cherry pastries he had prepared earlier with Fourth Lady. As he returned to the city gate, he suddenly remembered the scene from years ago when his father bid him farewell before heading on a diplomatic mission to Yule. In that moment, he seemed to understand A Shu’s unwavering determination to return to her country—some missions simply must be borne.

Yuan Mo sold all of his cherished fine wine and used the money to buy a sacred tree from Yule, planting it in his new residence. As he thought about A Shu's impending return to Yule, he decided to sell the house as well, planning to accompany her on the journey. At the moment, preparations were underway for the selection of Sifang Hall envoys.

A Shu informed him that she was the one who had bought the new house, saying that once peace was restored between Dayong and Yule, the two of them could return to live in Dayong, making good use of the residence Yuan Mo had put so much thought into purchasing. Yu Deshui heard that Yuan Mo was planning to go to Yule and regretted promoting him to the position of Sifang Hall Inspector.

His original intention had been to encourage Yuan Mo to have more ambition. Years ago, he had promised Yuan Hanjing that he would ensure Yuan Mo would live a peaceful and safe life. Yuan Mo expressed his gratitude for Yu Deshui’s care over the years, but stated that after careful consideration, his decision to go to Yule was final and would not change.

A Shu gathered numerous books related to the Sifang Hall envoy exams, urging Yuan Mo to intensively study the material. She also arranged for Third Lady to teach him basic self-defense techniques to prepare him for the physical tests. As the exams drew near, a group in the western courtyard of Sifang Hall began placing bets on whether Yuan Mo or An Xiuyi would have the better chances of success.

Although they were all colleagues, the majority bet on An Xiuyi. Suddenly, A Shu placed a large bag of silver to bet on Yuan Mo. The others, guessing that A Shu had arranged extensive training for Yuan Mo, quickly changed their bets as well. The results of the Sifang Hall envoy exams were soon released. As expected, An Xiuyi came in first place and would be sent to Yule to escort Princess Long Shuang back to her country.

Yuan Mo, who was just one place behind, felt as though he had lost everything. Unwilling to accept this outcome, Yuan Mo rushed to Honglu Temple, explaining his ambitions and revealing the truth about Princess Long Shuang and his parents’ tragic deaths in a foreign land. He begged for another chance to retake the exam.

An Yuandao consulted with An Xiuyi, who did not object and suggested they both write a new proposal on how to conduct the diplomatic mission to Yule. After a short time, An Yuandao once again announced that An Xiuyi had won. Yuan Mo accepted his defeat. Just as he was about to leave Honglu Temple, An Yuandao told him to bring extra clothes to the desert because of the harsh environment.

Yuan Mo looked confused, only to realize that An Xiuyi had written on his exam paper that he would give the opportunity to Yuan Mo. An Xiuyi explained why he willingly withdrew from the position. Although he had always considered becoming a Sifang Hall envoy his ultimate goal, he realized after winning that he did not truly enjoy the idea of traveling far and wide, especially not to the harsh desert.

His previous efforts were merely to prove that he could succeed without relying on his influential family. Furthermore, Lin Susu had sacrificed her life for him, and she now rested in peace in Changle. His only wish was to stay in Changle and remain by Lin Susu’s side. Late that night, when An Xiuyi returned home, he noticed that the light in An Yuandao's room was still on. Upon entering, he saw a large red cloth covering the wall.

Lifting it, he found all the awards and certificates he had received since childhood. An Yuandao began recounting the story behind each certificate, and An Xiuyi finally realized that his father had not been indifferent to him. Rather, his father had been so dedicated to Dayong’s diplomatic affairs that he had missed some important moments in An Xiuyi's life. An Yuandao, disregarding his elder status, apologized to An Xiuyi, and at last, An Xiuyi let go of his long-held resentment.

To celebrate Yuan Mo's appointment as a Sifang Hall envoy and to send A Shu off, Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua joined them for a banquet. Originally, they just intended to have a few drinks, but the atmosphere lifted, and before long, all four of them were quite drunk. Yuchi Hua clung to A Shu, tearfully bidding her farewell. Meanwhile, Yuan Mo and Wang Kunwu performed a ritual of brotherhood, with Xiao Bao as their witness.

Yuan Mo, emboldened by the alcohol, asked Wang Kunwu to accompany him to Yule, likely thinking about the dangers of the journey and wanting Wang Kunwu to protect both him and A Shu. The next day, Yuchi Hua described the scene of the two brothers bowing before Xiao Bai and swearing brotherhood, which made Wang Kunwu laugh. Yuchi Hua mentioned that she also wanted to go to Yule, but unfortunately, the Duke of E would never agree.

Suddenly, Yuchi Hua had an idea. She suggested they secretly obtain the household registration records and register her marriage with Wang Kunwu, allowing her to accompany them to Yule legitimately. That night, the two of them snuck into the Duke of E's mansion and quickly found the household registration records. Just as they were about to take them, the Duke of E appeared, along with Steward Jiang. They staged an emotional scene, recounting the hardships of raising Yuchi Hua.

Yuchi Hua played along, pretending to cry, indirectly obtaining the Duke’s consent to the marriage. When Yuan Mo went to bid farewell to Yu Deshui, he saw that An Xiuyi was already dressed in the official robes of the Sifang Hall Master, signifying his formal assumption of the role. Yuan Mo then found Yu Deshui in the backyard, wearing plain clothes and tending to the fields.

Yuan Mo explained that he would be departing for Yule the next day and came to say goodbye. He told Yu Deshui that he was leaving his new house in Yu Deshui's care, and if something unfortunate were to happen in Yule, the house would serve as Yu Deshui's retirement residence. Yu Deshui, who had long regarded Yuan Mo as his own son, refused to allow him to speak of ill omens.

Yuan Mo knelt and performed the full bow of respect reserved for one’s parents, formally bidding farewell to Yu Deshui. Both were teary-eyed, neither daring to look at the other. The next day, An Yuandao officially presented Yuan Mo with the Sifang Hall envoy's staff, urging him not to dishonor his mission. Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua accompanied him as escorts, and the journey to Yule began.

From the backyard of Sifang Hall, Yu Deshui secretly watched, seeing Yuan Mo’s determined gaze and unwavering resolve. He felt comforted, knowing that he had fulfilled the trust Yuan Hanjing had placed in him by raising Yuan Mo into a responsible and capable man. Half a month later, the escort team arrived at the site where Yuan Hanjing and his wife had perished. Yuan Mo dismounted to pay his respects alone, while A Shu followed to mourn her benefactors.

As they looked out over the vast desert with its rolling sands, Yuan Mo finally understood his father’s choice—this world is so vast, and individuals are so small. Only by continuously moving forward can one live a life without regrets. Prince Duomi heard that the diplomatic team was passing through and insisted on meeting them in person. This public reception of Dayong's envoy was a clear indication that Duomi had gained some measure of real power.

After the meeting, Duomi invited Yuan Mo and his old friends to a private gathering, leaving Ma Zhiwen outside the camp. Yuan Mo requested that Duomi dispatch some troops for covert assistance, but Duomi explained that Long Tuqi had already intensified patrols in the northern desert. If Yule were to invade the north, it would be too late for Dayong to send reinforcements.

Moreover, Duomi had promised the khan that he would focus only on civilian affairs and not interfere in military matters. Moving troops recklessly would arouse the khan’s suspicion that Duomi sought the throne. In the end, Duomi could only provide them with some food supplies. Seeing Yuan Mo’s disappointed expression, Ma Zhiwen guessed that their mission had likely failed, so there was no need for further precautions.

On the way to Yule, they passed through Huangsha Village. A Shu insisted on entering the village for a look. The village was desolate, just as Ashilan had described. A Shu stood at the entrance for a long time, while Yuan Mo prepared to enter a house in the center of the village. Inside, the scene was unbearable, and as he was about to leave, A Shu insisted on going in.

Inside, the floor was littered with skeletons, buried under thick layers of dust. A Shu imagined the massacre that had taken place years ago, a tragedy too terrible to mention. She suddenly remembered Ashilan saying that Mutu had massacred Huangsha Village under Long Tuqi's orders to eliminate dissent. A Shu swore to kill Mutu and avenge the villagers, and Yuan Mo promised to find a way to help her.

When they arrived at the gates of Yule City, Mutu, the commander of the dragon cavalry, rode out to greet them. Accompanied by soldiers holding shields, he asserted his dominance. Yuan Mo refused to back down and ordered the soldiers of Dayong to raise their spears. Tensions were high as both sides entered the city gates. At the Yong Embassy, Mutu demanded that the Sifang Hall envoy group settle in immediately, while A Shu went to the Princess's residence.

Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua were worried about A Shu's safety. Yuan Mo reassured them that nothing would happen just after her return to Yule, and A Shu herself said she would comply with Mutu's arrangements. Yuan Mo then privately asked Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua to do something for him, while he went to the palace to meet Long Tuqi.

Long Tuqi presented Yuan Mo with a robe that Yuan Hanjing had left behind, saying that he and Yuan Hanjing had been close friends. After Yuan Hanjing's death, Long Tuqi had deployed many soldiers to search for him, eventually finding his remains, which had been picked clean by vultures, behind a hill. He had carefully preserved them. Seeing through Long Tuqi's false pretense of kindness, Yuan Mo said he had a gift to give in return.

Soon, a large crowd of Yule citizens gathered outside the palace, shouting for the princess to take power. Furious, Long Tuqi retreated to his chambers and declared his intent to kill A Shu. The White-clad Guest advised against acting rashly, pointing out that they had just publicly welcomed the princess back to the country. If something were to happen to her, the people would grow even more resentful. He promised to find a way to get rid of her.

Wang Kunwu, acting on behalf of the Sifang Hall envoy, met with the envoy from Yueying stationed in Yule. The Yueying envoy revealed that all the neighboring states were troubled by Yule, and that Long Tuqi was a brutal and temperamental ruler with no real strategy. Instead, he relied heavily on the White-clad Guest, leader of the Faceless Men, for intelligence.

Over the years, the White-clad Guest had hoped to allow the Faceless Men to move freely in and out of Yule, but Mutu believed that doing so would isolate Yule from the other nations. The rift between Mutu and the White-clad Guest had only grown deeper. Wang Kunwu returned to the Yong Embassy and relayed everything he had learned to Yuan Mo. The next day, Yuan Mo formally introduced A Shu to Long Tuqi.

Though outwardly respectful, Long Tuqi clearly didn't take A Shu seriously. A Shu demanded that he open the granaries immediately and distribute food. Long Tuqi refused, stating that stockpiling grain was a critical national strategy, and recklessly distributing it would only encourage laziness among the people. He complained that he had worked tirelessly for Yule for many years, and yet the princess not only failed to appreciate his efforts but also made things difficult for him at every turn.

The officials, unwilling to defy Long Tuqi, all sided with him. A Shu declared that she was prepared to take over the governance of Yule, but Long Tuqi had no patience to listen any further. A Shu then demanded that Mutu become her servant, forcing Long Tuqi to reluctantly agree. Back at the Princess's residence, A Shu intentionally made things difficult for Mutu, who in turn requested that Long Tuqi relieve him of his duties.

The White-clad Guest mocked him, deepening the animosity between the two. Long Tuqi ordered the White-clad Guest to quickly devise a plan to deal with the Dayong envoy. Yuan Mo took charge of a case involving a citizen of Dayong who had been falsely accused of robbery. He arranged for Wang Kunwu to escort the person back to their homeland. Wang Kunwu, however, was concerned that the White-clad Guest might harm Yuan Mo in his absence. Yuchi Hua immediately volunteered, offering to take over the escort duties herself.

Mutu could no longer tolerate A Shu's deliberate provocations. Sensing the opportunity, A Shu tried to sow discord, analyzing that Long Tuqi didn't truly value Mutu; otherwise, he wouldn't have assigned him to serve a powerless princess. Mutu, however, was not easily fooled. A Shu directly stated her intentions: she wanted to reclaim the throne. If Mutu helped her, there would be great rewards.

She then took out a map given to her by Prince Duomi, showing the location of the Faceless Men’s camp outside the city. Mutu, having long held a grudge against the White-clad Guest, saw this as an opportunity to secretly strike back and ordered his soldiers to disguise themselves as desert warriors to attack the Faceless Men. The White-clad Guest quickly reported the attack to Long Tuqi, but Mutu naturally denied any involvement, leading to a heated argument between the two.

Long Tuqi, suddenly enraged, suggested they should first work together to eliminate Long Shuang (A Shu). Mutu, having vented his frustration, even developed a slight sense of gratitude toward A Shu. However, A Shu bluntly reminded him that they were still enemies, but as long as Mutu helped her achieve her goals, she would not go back on her promises. Yuan Mo arranged a private meeting with the White-clad Guest.

Having been nearly blown up by gunpowder back in Dayong, the White-clad Guest didn’t trust Yuan Mo’s intentions. When Yuan Mo mentioned that he wanted to help A Shu avenge herself by eliminating Mutu, the White-clad Guest immediately guessed that Yuan Mo was trying to use him and refused without hesitation. Yuan Mo then threatened that if the White-clad Guest didn’t cooperate, his days in Yule were numbered.

Mutu’s recent destruction of a Faceless Men camp showed that he had already gained control of their movements, and more attacks would follow. The Faceless Men were already disliked by Long Tuqi, and Mutu’s pressure only increased the danger. Yuan Mo also reminded him that, back when his parents were killed, the White-clad Guest had been just a child and had been forced to join the Faceless Men due to Long Tuqi’s rebellion.

Touched by these painful memories, the White-clad Guest agreed to work with Yuan Mo. The next day, news reached the palace that the grain storehouses had been raided, with many citizens receiving grain and expressing gratitude to Princess Long Shuang for her generosity. Long Tuqi reprimanded the dragon cavalry for failing in their duties.

Abili, having been bribed by the White-clad Guest, provided additional evidence that framed Mutu as the culprit, leading to Mutu being thrown in prison as a scapegoat. The White-clad Guest tortured Mutu and then promised him freedom if he would accuse Yuan Mo of bribery. In the end, the White-clad Guest poisoned Mutu with a drug, and he handed over the evidence of bribery to Long Tuqi.

Furious, Long Tuqi shifted his anger to Yuan Mo, but maintaining peace in Yule was the priority. With Mutu dead, the White-clad Guest sought an official position, and Long Tuqi appointed him as the Warden of the Royal City, allowing the Faceless Men to move freely in and out of Yule. Soon after, the White-clad Guest led soldiers to arrest Yuan Mo and threw him into prison.

Long Tuqi ordered Yuan Mo's execution, but the White-clad Guest advised instead to use Yuan Mo to leverage control over Long Shuang, thus allowing him and Long Tuqi to jointly rule Yule. The White-clad Guest met with A Shu and laid out his demands. To save Yuan Mo, A Shu had no choice but to agree. She then gathered the citizens of Yule and publicly announced Long Tuqi's crimes.

The dragon cavalry, now under the control of the Faceless Men, stood by as the White-clad Guest killed Long Tuqi on the spot. He then declared that he too had royal blood and would rule Yule alongside the princess. It was revealed that the White-clad Guest was an illegitimate son of the Yule royal family. Having suffered years of mistreatment, he harbored deep resentment.

During Long Tuqi's rebellion, he narrowly escaped, and after witnessing Yuan Hanjing and his wife save the princess, he held a grudge against them. He betrayed their escape route to the Faceless Men and gradually rose to become their leader. Now, as the new King of Yule, the White-clad Guest feared nothing. A Shu, however, begged him to release Yuan Mo, offering to remain in Yule forever as a hostage in exchange.

The White-clad Guest led A Shu to the warehouse where Yuan Mo was imprisoned. Inside the room were barrels of gunpowder and wine jars. The White-clad Guest, wanting to exact revenge for the time Yuan Mo had bombed him in Dayong, demanded that A Shu personally light the fuse. Despite A Shu's desperate pleas, her words fell on deaf ears.

Yuan Mo urged A Shu not to bow down to the White-clad Guest, telling her that if fate allowed, they could be reunited as husband and wife in the next life. A Shu was then dragged out of the room by the White-clad Guest, and Abili ignited the explosives, turning the room into a sea of fire.

The White-clad Guest, preparing to parade with A Shu and ascend to the throne, secretly arranged for Abili to disguise himself as a desert warrior and assassinate A Shu, allowing him to take full control of Yule under legitimate pretenses. He promised Abili a large sum of money and a peaceful life in the mountains once the deed was done.

The next day, the White-clad Guest confidently boarded a decorated float, pulling A Shu along as they waved to the citizens of Yule. With a glance, he signaled Abili to make his move. Moments later, Yuan Mo, dressed in Abili’s clothes, stabbed the White-clad Guest, declaring that he was avenging his parents. A Shu followed up with a strike, avenging Kang Yunhai. Wang Kunwu then emerged from under the float and delivered another stab, avenging his brothers.

The Faceless Men surrounded the float, but Yuchi Hua and Duomi arrived with their troops, driving away the Faceless Men and proclaiming A Shu as the new Queen of Yule. Yuan Mo, once again in his role as the Sifang Envoy, met with A Shu privately. A Shu, feeling awkward, dismissed her attendants, Sanniang and Siniang, and embraced Yuan Mo without regard for her queenly demeanor. When officially receiving the emissaries from various nations, the two expressed their gratitude together.

It turned out that before Yuan Mo set out for Yule, he had secretly asked the nations to assist him in the background. In the warehouse where the White-clad Guest had planted the explosives, the citizens of Dongyuan had dug a tunnel. The citizens of Xiyuan had infiltrated the royal convoy in advance, allowing Wang Kunwu to replace the driver of the float.

The guards of Yueying had opened the city gates in time, allowing Yuchi Hua and Duomi to enter the royal city. Yuluo prison guards had watched over Yuan Mo while he was in prison. Of course, Mobei played a critical role, with Duomi's map and intelligence being key in bringing down the White-clad Guest. During the banquet celebrating the victory, A Shu, as queen, once again expressed her gratitude to the allied nations for their efforts in eradicating the White-clad Guest.

Many were still puzzled—though Yuan Mo had cleverly planned everything in advance, how did he and A Shu manage to communicate while separated by such great distances? A Shu called Abili forward, revealing that he was her childhood friend, "Little Fatty. " During Long Tuqi’s rebellion, Kang Yunhai had saved him, and he was later brought to the Yule royal palace to serve as a dragon cavalry soldier. After Mutu's downfall, he gradually gained the trust of the White-clad Guest.

When A Shu returned to Yule, the two immediately recognized each other. It was thanks to Abili's coordination from the inside that the nations were able to carry out their rescue plan. A Shu then officially announced that Yule would join the Alliance of Nations. After this tumultuous event, Yuan Mo realized that the Sifang Envoy’s mission wasn’t just to visit the nations, but to unite them. Seeing the nations living in harmony, he felt that his mission was complete.

He could now step down as the Sifang Envoy and marry A Shu with peace of mind. A month later, emissaries from the allied nations gathered as promised to attend Yuan Mo and A Shu’s wedding. Yu Deshui traveled thousands of miles to Yule, bringing the news that, after A Shu had written to Dayong explaining the deeds of Yuan Hanjing and his wife, Dayong had posthumously honored Yuan Hanjing as the Minister of Rites and had renovated their tomb.

Yuan Mo and A Shu held a grand wedding in Yule. Six months later, A Shu became pregnant. Wang Kunwu and Yuchi Hua were preparing to travel through the desert, but they planned to return to Yule when A Shu gave birth. As time passed, the vast desert unfolded a peaceful and prosperous scene.

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