The Legend of Zhuohua Recap, Plot, Synopsis

The Legend of Zhuohua Synopsis

The female official, Mu Zhuohua, resists the traditional marriage system and is determined to pursue her career.

Liu Yan, the god of war,  is suffering from failure and bears the feud of his country.

They are redeemed by each other, and fall in love with each other. They work together to guard the country.

The Legend of Zhuohua Recap

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Mu Zhuohua pretended to be reading, fearing that Mrs. Mu would accuse her of neglecting her duties. Just as luck would have it, Master Mu was marrying a concubine, allowing Mu Zhuohua to escape scrutiny, and Mrs. Mu was too preoccupied to pay her any attention. Seizing the moment when everyone was focused on the newcomers, Mu Zhuohua, accompanied by her personal maidservant Guo Juli, escaped. Mu Rong wanted to see his 18th wife whom he was marrying, so he lifted the red veil. Mu Zhuohua was also reading in the carriage, and Guo Juli wondered why she was reading while on the move. Mu Zhuohua explained that if she didn't study well, she would end up getting married. She believed that once a woman was married, her life would be ruined. She planned to become a county official in the future and not just a county official's wife.

Mu Zhuohua, along with Guo Juli, arrived in the capital city of Dingjing. They coincidentally met Lord Ding returning to the city. Mu Zhuohua told Guo Juli that Lord Ding was very formidable, and she wanted to get to know him and find out why he was so powerful. When Mu Zhuohua saw her pursuers approaching, she asked Guo Juli to sit tight as she urged the carriage faster. Guo Juli reminded her that they were approaching the Grand Demon, but Mu Zhuohua didn't care and was determined to take a chance. She called out for her mother and acted as an undutiful daughter. As they passed the Grand Demon, the guards, following their master's orders, let her go. Mu Zhuohua hurriedly left, leaving her pursuers in confusion.

Guo Juli couldn't believe Mu Zhuohua had dared to confront the Grand Demon's convoy. She was feeling a bit scared now. After observing the situation, Mu Zhuohua realized that the person in the carriage wasn't Lord Ding. She sensed that Lord Ding's return to the capital this time was out of the ordinary. The person in the carriage was indeed not Lord Ding; he had sent his steward Zhang to pretend to be him and return to the city. Lord Ding himself had other matters to attend to and didn't want to attract attention. Liu Yan stood before Yuan Chengming's grave, instructing his subordinates to find out who had erected the grave, determined to uncover the truth of what happened back then.

Mu Zhuohua arrived at Flower Alley, intending to rent a house and stay there to prepare for an exam. Upon hearing that she was a female scholar, Old Lady Lu thought it was commendable and offered her help. Old Lady Lu took Mu Zhuohua to see the room, explaining that the previous occupant had died. Guo Juli was a bit scared, but Mu Zhuohua assured her that it was fine for them to stay there. Mu Zhuohua noticed that Old Lady Lu's eyes were yellow and her hands were cold, so she gave her a homemade sachet. Guo Juli was puzzled as Mu Zhuohua wasn't supposed to reveal her medical skills, but Mu Zhuohua explained that they needed money due to their expenses and the need to earn a living.

The courtesan Song Yun approached Mu Zhuohua after hearing about her medical skills from Old Lady Lu. Mu Zhuohua invited Song Yun into her room and examined her. Song Yun was surprised that Mu Zhuohua didn't seem curious about her identity. Mu Zhuohua mentioned she probably lived across the street. Song Yun asked if Mu Zhuohua wasn't repulsed by her profession, given that the street was lined with courtesans. Mu Zhuohua replied that, in her eyes, all patients were the same. Mu Zhuohua diagnosed Song Yun's condition as a result of a harsh abortion procedure and inadequate recovery. Song Yun explained that she was an aging courtesan, and no one cared about her.

Liu Yan received a letter from He Xin, which informed him about Yuan Chengming's past travels.

Mu Zhuohua prescribed a treatment for Song Yun, but Song Yun would need to buy the medicine herself. Song Yun gave Mu Zhuohua a silver coin and left. Seeing Song Yun, Mu Zhuohua was reminded of her mother and shared her determination not to end up like a flower (courtesan), but to become a towering tree and protect herself. Mu Zhuohua and Guo Juli were out in the night market when they ran into Song Yun. Song Yun asked Mu Zhuohua if she could come to the Little Qin Palace to provide her expertise, knowing it was a difficult request. Despite the challenge, Mu Zhuohua agreed to visit the palace. Upon arriving at the Little Qin Palace, Mu Zhuohua saw Yun Xiangyue's condition and realized she couldn't compete for the title of "Flower Selection," but Yun Xiangyue was determined to proceed.

Yun Xiangyue, due to her health condition, had her maid Su Yun pose as her to entertain Liu Yan. Liu Yan tasted the tea Su Yun had brewed for him and recounted having had this kind of tea before. He mentioned his close friend surnamed Yuan. Hearing this, Yun Xiangyue thought about using the opportunity to escape, but Liu Yan's subordinates intercepted her. Seeing the situation, Yun Xiangyue explained to Liu Yan that she also had her reasons and was acting in self-defense. Liu Yan viewed her actions as compromising her integrity for survival, and Yun Xiangyue retorted that he wasn't any different.

Liu Yan reflected on a past event where his friend Tan Lin died before him while trying to save him, and he was powerless to help.

Yun Xiangyue revealed to Liu Yan that her father, known for his loyalty and valor, could never have betrayed the country. She began to share her story but was suddenly attacked by assassins. Despite Liu Yan's efforts, she was poisoned and died. Liu Yan ordered his men to guard Yun Xiangyue's body and not let anyone touch her blood. He himself, however, left the scene while feeling the effects of the poison. In his weakened state, he entered a room and was luckily seen by Mu Zhuohua, who mistook him for a villain and was restrained by him. After Mu Zhuohua clarified her intentions, Liu Yan released her. She assumed he was a client from the Little Qin Palace and offered to perform acupuncture on him.

Misunderstanding her intentions, Liu Yan refused to undress, so Mu Zhuohua took the initiative to remove his shirt and noticed his attire was unusual. Mu Zhuohua prescribed medicine for Liu Yan and assured him that following the prescription for a month would bring improvement. She told Liu Yan that if he continued to feel unwell, he could find her at Flower Alley, where Song Yun knew she lived. Liu Yan's subordinates located him, but he dismissed them. He left Yun Xiangyue's body there, hoping that the officials in the capital would investigate the matter.

Returning home, Mu Zhuohua found Guo Juli standing asleep and worried about her. The guards informed Liu Yan that an hour ago, Yun Xiangyue's maid Su Yun had also died from poisoning. Liu Yan thought the perpetrator was ruthless to the point of not sparing even a maid. He Xin was ordered to monitor Mu Zhuohua's house from above and found Guo Juli standing there in a dazed state, finding it amusing. The next day, Mu Zhuohua had a dream about Liu Yan, waking up startled. There was a knocking at the door, as officials came to question her. Liu Yan had a good night's sleep but was concerned about the sachet's safety. He had a doctor examine it and confirm that it was harmless.

Mu Zhuohua was suspected of poisoning Yun Xiangyue and had to explain herself. She told the officials that she had no grudge against Yun Xiangyue, whom she had only met once. Liu Yan consulted Dr. Zhao about the medicine prescription Mu Zhuohua had given him and was impressed by her knowledge and meticulousness. After returning home, Mu Zhuohua pondered how Yun Xiangyue had struggled to survive despite being in a courtesan's life, only to meet her tragic end. Guo Juli asked if Mu Zhuohua knew who killed Yun Xiangyue, and Mu Zhuohua sensed someone on the roof, so she quickly wrote her thoughts and shared them with Guo Juli. The two acted in sync, pretending they were already aware of the culprit's identity.

Liu Yan's subordinate, Zhi Jian, came to find Mu Zhuohua and informed her that a patient wanted to see her. Guo Juli was stopped by another guard, Mo, at the door, so Mu Zhuohua had to go alone to meet Liu Yan. Upon seeing Liu Yan, Mu Zhuohua immediately knelt down and begged for his mercy. Liu Yan was curious about when she had discovered his identity. Mu Zhuohua explained that she had figured it out the previous night by observing his scars and the high-quality materials used for his pants, which indicated his noble status. Liu Yan asked why she hadn't exposed him when she first recognized him. Mu Zhuohua explained that she kept it secret to avoid misunderstandings and because Liu Yan's subordinates were watching, and revealing his identity might cost her life.

Liu Yan brought Mu Zhuohua to see Yun Xiangyue's body and asked her to perform an autopsy. Despite her fear, Mu Zhuohua reluctantly complied. Guo Juli stood outside with Zhi Mo, continuously eating snacks. Zhi Mo's gaze made Guo Juli think he wanted some snacks, so she offered him hers, but he declined. Confused, she muttered that if he wanted them, why didn't he take them? Mu Zhuohua had Liu Yan describe the symptoms Yun Xiangyue experienced before and after being poisoned. Through this conversation, Mu Zhuohua realized that Liu Yan had interacted with Yun Xiangyue. She then checked his pulse and asked about his medical history.

Zhi Jian informed her that Liu Yan had been poisoned by the Abyssal Flower before and had survived by taking Snow Dust Pill. This information clarified things for Mu Zhuohua. She examined Yun Xiangyue's clothes and concluded that the poison was applied to the clothing, specifically using a type of medicine called "Huan Yang Powder." Mu Zhuohua explained that this poison worked by entering the body through the clothing. She suspected that the culprit was well-versed in Liu Yan's medical history, as usual poisons would have been neutralized by the Snow Dust Pill in his system. She found it odd that Yun Xiangyue had exchanged clothing with her maid, which suggested the maid had been bribed.

Mu Zhuohua suggested questioning the maid, but Zhi Jian revealed that the maid had been silenced. Upon hearing this, Mu Zhuohua was greatly frightened. Seeing her fear, Liu Yan ordered Zhi Mo to escort them back home. After returning, Mu Zhuohua told Guo Juli that their days ahead might not be peaceful. Zhi Jian reported the results of the investigation to Liu Yan. Mu Zhuohua marveled at her ability to excel academically despite her father's numerous wives. Liu Yan instructed Zhi Jian to inquire about the Huan Yang Powder and to keep an eye on Mu Zhuohua. Zhang Steward lamented that the Ding Prince's residence was vast and that it would be better with a lady of the house.

Mu Zhuohua and Guo Juli wandered the streets. Guo Juli was curious about Mu Zhuohua's intentions, and she explained that she wanted to establish connections so that if Liu Yan was ever needed, he could assist them. They coincidentally encountered Emperor Liu Jv on the city wall, and he expressed gratitude for Liu Yan's assistance in governing the country. The conversation shifted to Liu Jv's daughter, Princess Rou Jia (Liu Jiao), who had returned. Guo Juli was puzzled by the mention of "Shen Nü" (Divine Maiden) in relation to the princess. Mu Zhuohua explained that Liu Jiao's fiancé had died in a battle five years ago, leading her to open medical clinics to help the people.

While Guo Juli was distracted buying candied hawthorn, Mu Zhuohua was caught by Zhou Steward, and they both ran when they saw him. Mu Zhuohua encountered Liu Jiao while running and joined her in solving riddles, winning a prize together. Liu Jiao invited Mu Zhuohua to choose a lantern first. Mu Zhuohua mentioned that she learned riddles from Liu Jiao during her childhood. Zhou Steward approached but hesitated to intervene. Liu Jiao realized Mu Zhuohua was using her to solve problems, but she wasn't upset and even invited her to a poetry event at the Wen Zheng Tower.

Liu Yan and Emperor Liu Jv enjoyed a drink and conversation. Liu Yan was willing to sacrifice himself for the emperor's health and safety, but the emperor reminded him of his responsibilities and encouraged him to live well. Liu Yan brought Zhou Steward forward, thinking he could be useful. Mu Zhuohua and Guo Juli arrived at the Wen Zheng Tower, where they heard that Shen Jinghong had won five consecutive contests and was a strong candidate for the championship. The topic was about the dangers of nurturing a tiger, and Liu Chen couldn't understand why his uncle, Liu Yan, used his name in the riddle, while Liu Yan found it amusing.

Mu Zhuohua expressed her thoughts on the topic of "nurturing a tiger as a menace," and Liu Yan, sitting next to her, overheard her words. Wen Shi Zong, Mao Sui Jian, volunteered to answer first, stating that tigers were fierce and should be eliminated. Mu Zhuohua sensed that this person dared to disrespect Liu Yan, possibly knowing that Liu Yan had suffered severe injuries. The Battle of Juma River five years ago had surrounded Liu Yan, leaving him gravely injured, but luckily, someone arrived in time to save him. She couldn't understand why so many people accused Liu Yan of seeking glory recklessly. She voiced her doubts, and Liu Yan was drawn into reminiscence, recalling the scene of the Battle of Juma River.

Amidst discussions, Shen Jinghong arrived at the Wen Zheng Tower. Before answering the question, he humiliated Wen Shi Zong and the others. Shen Jinghong then altered the phrase "as a menace" to "to be used" in the topic "nurturing a tiger as a menace." He believed that as long as the tiger-raiser had great ambitions, the tiger could be put to great use. Tigers were naturally fierce creatures, but those who raised them could utilize them fearlessly. Mu Zhuohua sensed that Wen Zheng Tower might have some background, deciding not to confront them. She prepared to leave with Guo Juli but saw Zhou Steward waiting nearby. Unsure of what to do, Mu Zhuohua found Liu Yan walking up behind her, causing Zhou Steward to leave.

Mu Zhuohua approached Liu Yan, who was about to leave, and initiated a conversation. She declared that she was now under his protection. Liu Yan asked what she meant by being "under his protection." He signaled Mu Zhuohua to look across, where Zhi Jian was with Zhou Steward, saluting them. Mu Zhuohua stared at Zhou Steward, surprised. Liu Chen didn't understand why Liu Yan did this, and Zhi Mo explained that Liu Yan was fishing. Liu Yan informed Mu Zhuohua that he had discovered Zhou Steward's intentions and understood that she wanted to attach herself to him for personal gain. Mu Zhuohua questioned what was wrong with pursuing personal gain and shared how arduous it was for a woman like her to reach Wen Zheng Tower, considering the unfriendly environment for women officials in their era.

Hearing her grievances, Liu Yan softened. He instructed Zhi Jian to escort Mu Zhuohua and Guo Juli home. On his way back, Liu Yan met Tan Lin's father. He learned that Tan Lin's son, Xiao Hu, had died of typhoid fever last month. Liu Yan wondered why the father hadn't sought his help. Tan Lin's father believed it wouldn't have made a difference and shared his regret that Tan Lin had died in battle and never returned, despite Liu Yan's promise to bring him back. Liu Yan was deeply saddened by Tan Lin's father's words. Just then, Liu Jiao walked up to him and asked why he was at Ji Shan Tang (Ji Shan Hall).

Liu Jiao had established many pharmacies and schools and had helped many impoverished families. She overheard a girl outside wanting to study but being prevented by her father. Liu Jiao allowed the girl to study and told her father to leave. Shen Jinghong arrived at Ji Shan Tang, hoping to find Liu Jiao. Shen Jinghong had received help from Liu Jiao since childhood and wanted to teach at Ji Shan Tang and assist others. Liu Jiao told him that exams were approaching and advised him to prepare well. Shen Jinghong assured her he would and invited her to join the poetry competition.

Zhi Jian escorted Mu Zhuohua and Guo Juli back home. Mu Zhuohua wanted to thank him and invited him for a meal, but Zhi Jian drew his sword and warned them not to harm Liu Yan. He vowed to kill them both if they posed any threat to Liu Yan. Mu Zhuohua and Guo Juli were frightened, and Guo Juli was furious at Zhi Jian's threat. Zhao Daifu informed Liu Yan that his health was deteriorating and advised him not to be impatient in handling matters. Liu Yan had an inner turmoil, realizing that if he didn't resolve his issues, he wouldn't be at peace even in the afterlife. Zhao Daifu mentioned that he hadn't heard of "Huan Yang San" and Liu Yan wondered if he was being manipulated by Mu Zhuohua.

The imperial examination was only ten days away. Every day, Mu Zhuohua diligently studied at home, focusing on preparing for the exam. Guo Juli hurriedly brought Mu Zhuohua to Fuyun Temple, which was known for its efficacy. Many people came here to seek blessings from the Bodhisattva, hoping for good results in their endeavors. Mu Zhuohua and Guo Juli knelt before the Bodhisattva. Guo Juli prayed for Mu Zhuohua's success in the exam, and Mu Zhuohua was deeply moved by Guo Juli's sincere request. Guo Juli mentioned a poetry competition, hinting that they might witness Shen Jinghong's triumphant scene. Mu Zhuohua caught a glimpse of a figure resembling Liu Yan and quickly found an excuse to leave.

As expected, Mu Zhuohua found Liu Yan on the back hill. Liu Yan inquired about the formula for "Huan Yang San." Mu Zhuohua told him that the key ingredient in the formula was the extremely rare and expensive "Zhi Xian Fruit." She suggested that he inquire about the consumption of Zhi Xian Fruit at the imperial medical institute. Liu Yan thought it was a good idea but still had suspicions about Mu Zhuohua. Shen Jinghong awaited Liu Jiao's arrival and played the qin. Liu Chen quietly stood behind him, listening to his performance.

Liu Yan believed that Mu Zhuohua's visit to Ding Jing was not solely for the imperial examination. Mu Zhuohua revealed that she knew about "Huan Yang San" because of her mother. She found it odd that her mother had so much knowledge. These mysteries puzzled her, and she hoped Liu Yan could help her unravel them. Shen Jinghong's poetry earned praise from everyone. Guo Juli noticed that Mu Zhuohua hadn't arrived yet and was anxious. She found Zhi Mo and asked if he had a good memory. She requested him to write down Shen Jinghong's poems. Zhi Mo claimed his handwriting was ugly, but Guo Juli assured him it didn't matter. After he finished writing, Zhi Jian jokingly said that his handwriting was painful to the eyes.

Mu Zhuohua asked Liu Yan if he could show a bit more concern for her. Liu Yan asked how he could show concern. Mu Zhuohua said she was a bit short on money lately. Liu Yan took out his purse and gave her some money. Mu Zhuohua thanked him with delight. Zhi Mo handed the written poems to Guo Juli. As he was about to leave, Guo Juli tried to stop him, but her grip accidentally dislocated his wrist. Shen Jinghong visited Princess Liu Jiao, and she praised his performance today. She believed it was great that Shen Jinghong had caught Liu Chen's attention and hoped he would excel in the exam and become a valuable talent.

Seeing Mu Zhuohua return with so much money, Guo Juli asked if she had provoked a tiger. Mu Zhuohua told her not to provoke a tiger, and at most, she had just straightened the tiger's whiskers. Mu Zhuohua felt that Liu Yan was very suspicious and hadn't completely trusted them yet. She knew "Huan Yang San" was useful to him, so her goal was to gain Liu Yan's trust. Guo Juli thought Mu Zhuohua was clever for earning so much money, but Mu Zhuohua was troubled by "Huan Yang San." She speculated that Liu Yan was currently investigating three leads: the Zhi Xian Fruit, her mother's gentleman friend, and Vice General Yuan's remains.

Mu Zhuohua told Guo Juli that her mother had informed her that her maternal grandfather had worked at the imperial medical institute. She wondered if "Huan Yang San" might have been developed by her maternal grandfather. She was worried that Liu Yan might seek revenge against her. Just as they were contemplating this, a knock on the door interrupted them. Guo Juli answered and found Zhi Jian. He asked Mu Zhuohua to ride with him. Terrified, Mu Zhuohua confessed that she didn't know how to ride a horse, and Liu Yan reprimanded Zhi Jian for not bringing them properly. Liu Yan instructed Mu Zhuohua to give the medicine box to Zhi Mo and mount his horse. Riding on the galloping horse, Mu Zhuohua felt scared, and Liu Yan held her protectively.

Mu Zhuohua noticed two puncture wounds on the corpse and analyzed the situation to Liu Yan. The person's skull was exceptionally hard, and the only weapon that could pierce it was the "Storm Pear Blossom Needle." This needle was as thin as a cow's hair but capable of piercing bones. Zhi Mo, who had been silent, commented that he knew about it. Zhi Jian added that only the royal family possessed these roaming needles. Liu Yan, feeling upset, asked them not to speak recklessly. He recalled his childhood with his elder brother, Liu Ju, and knew that Liu Ju had such a roaming needle. Seeing Liu Yan in this state, Mu Zhuohua couldn't believe that the usually unshakable prince had moments like this.

As they were about to leave, they encountered assassins at the door. Zhi Jian urged Liu Yan to go ahead while he and the others stayed behind. Liu Yan took Mu Zhuohua and ran into the woods. In a moment of crisis, Mu Zhuohua scattered a powdery substance toward the pursuer. Liu Yan asked if it was poison, and she told him it was lime powder. Mu Zhuohua felt as if she had caught a cold, so Liu Yan took off his cloak and wrapped it around her. Sensing Liu Yan's intention to engage in a "begging the monarch" strategy, Mu Zhuohua scattered the remaining lime powder, and soon, moles appeared. Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan fought against the attackers and were joined by the royal guards in time.

Liu Ju confronted his mother about her treatment of Liu Yan. She confessed that all she did was for Liu Ju's sake and believed that only if Liu Yan died would Liu Ju be at peace. Liu Ju informed his mother that a mother's debt should be repaid by her son. He reminded her of the time she had intentionally caused Liu Yan to fall into water, leading to his lifelong illness. If she would do the same now, he would also follow suit. The Queen Dowager was furious at Liu Ju's words, feeling that everything she did was for him. Mu Zhuohua was upset as she feared missing the imperial examination. Liu Yan advised her to wait for the next opportunity if she couldn't make it this time. Mu Zhuohua revealed she had been preparing for so many years and couldn't wait for another chance.

Mu Zhuohua injured her foot and limped while walking. Seeing her condition, Liu Yan offered to carry her. Mu Zhuohua felt it was inappropriate, but Liu Yan suggested that if she wanted to miss the imperial examination, she could continue waiting there. Reluctantly, she let Liu Yan carry her. Liu Yan remarked that she was very light, and Mu Zhuohua explained that as a commoner, she had often gone hungry, making her frail. Her goal was to achieve fame to ensure she wouldn't go hungry in the future. Liu Yan advised her to eat more. That night, Mu Zhuohua developed a fever. Liu Yan instructed Zhi Mo and Zhi Jian to prepare medicine.

Zhi Jian instructed Zhi Mo to take the medicine inside. Liu Yan looked at the medicine and then at Zhi Mo. They exchanged looks, and Liu Yan asked if Zhi Mo knew how to administer the medicine. Zhi Mo admitted he didn't, but Zhi Jian was in a bad mood. Liu Yan decided to feed the medicine himself and asked Zhi Mo to comfort Zhi Jian. Zhi Jian felt that Liu Yan didn't trust the Queen Dowager's intention to kill him. He had wagered his life, and fortunately, the result was good. The Queen Dowager had sent someone to save him, but their investigation had still come up empty. Zhi Jian recounted the time when their clan members had ignored their brotherhood while fighting over inheritance. It was Liu Yan who had entered the mansion and saved them, giving them a chance at survival. That night, he lost his mind, Zhi Mo lost his voice, and Liu Yan lost everything.

Liu Yan watched Mu Zhuohua sleeping and felt that the path of the imperial examinations was not an easy one, nor was any path easy. Mu Zhuohua dreamed of her mother, telling her how much she missed her. She now understood the importance of education, as her mother had advised. Her mother felt regretful for not securing a better future for her and urged her to strive for it herself. Mu Zhuohua woke up abruptly, and Liu Yan assured her they were on the way back, telling her not to worry and that she would make it to the imperial examination. Looking at Liu Yan's face, Mu Zhuohua wondered if he had been taking care of her all these days.

Liu Yan rushed back with Mu Zhuohua for the imperial examination, as time was running out. He instructed Zhi Mo to inform Guo Juli to get ready and wait at the entrance of the examination hall, while he quickly accompanied Mu Zhuohua to the exam. Many examinees, including Shen Jinghong, witnessed this scene and wondered if there was something suspicious about Liu Yan personally escorting her. They quickly thought that if there was something fishy, Liu Yan wouldn't openly accompany her like this. To show her gratitude for Liu Yan escorting her, Mu Zhuohua took him aside and told him about her medical skills. Considering Liu Yan's age, Mu Zhuohua felt that he wouldn't resort to unethical actions.

Mu Zhuohua mentioned that her medical skills were good and she could treat him at a reasonable price. This angered Liu Yan, who stormed off. Mu Zhuohua was puzzled by his reaction, and Guo Juli thought it might be because of Mu Zhuohua's offer of affordable treatment. Shen Jinghong approached Mu Zhuohua and commended her, believing that anyone favored by Princess Rou Jia must have exceptional qualities. Scholars like Wenshi Zong overheard their conversation and speculated about Mu Zhuohua's background. Liu Ju told Liu Yan that he would never let go of the person plotting against him from behind, but he hadn't informed the Queen Dowager about the danger Liu Yan faced.

Liu Ju didn't want Liu Yan to approach the Queen Dowager, and Liu Yan understood his intentions and left. However, Liu Yan felt that this matter was connected to the Queen Dowager, so he ordered Zhi Jian to investigate Vice General Yuan's residence and personal belongings again. Mu Zhuohua had complete confidence in the exam questions and answered them calmly. Liu Yan arrived at the examination venue, where Liu Chen told him that it was quite difficult for the female candidates of this session to become scholars. Liu Chen believed that even if women achieved good ranks, they would still be confined to household duties. Liu Yan criticized this as a detrimental cultural norm in their country. While Mu Zhuohua was answering the questions, she noticed Liu Yan patrolling the examination site, and their eyes met, creating ripples in her heart.

Liu Chen looked at the jade pendant hanging from Liu Yan's waist and asked when he could have one for himself, as he had asked many times before. Liu Yan replied that he wasn't short of a jade pendant, as he had promised to give one to Mu Zhuohua as a reward for her good performance. After the exams, a teacher tasked with grading the papers was astonished by the precision of one exam paper. Liu Chen and Liu Yan made a bet on whether it was Shen Jinghong's paper, with Liu Yan's jade pendant at stake. Liu Yan knew that Liu Chen had been eyeing his jade pendant for a long time, and Liu Chen lost the bet. The second round of exams quickly followed. Mu Zhuohua knew this wasn't her strong suit, but she tried to follow her teacher's advice and stay on topic.

After the exam, many candidates had strayed from the topic, while only a few managed to stay on track. During the nighttime exam, many struggled to stay awake. Shen Jinghong looked at the stationery set that Princess Rou Jia had given him before the exam. The decision-making exam followed, and Mu Zhuohua felt anxious as this was her least confident subject. Watching the collected answer sheets, Mu Zhuohua felt anxious. After the exams, Guo Juli came to pick up Mu Zhuohua and noticed that she smelled bad. Guo Juli asked her how the exam went, and Mu Zhuohua believed that regardless of her performance, she had put in her best effort. Now, she just wanted to eat something delicious.

The Queen Dowager learned that Liu Yan had personally used his command token to escort Mu Zhuohua to the examination. She realized that Liu Ju had prevented her from taking action against Liu Yan, but she also couldn't allow him to uncover her secrets. She instructed her maids to investigate Mu Zhuohua's background and lineage in great detail. The Queen Dowager felt justified in her actions, believing that everything she did was for Liu Ju and Liu Chen. However, Liu Ju and Liu Chen continued to side with Liu Yan, which frustrated her. She needed to protect herself while navigating these complex circumstances. The day of the exam results arrived. Mu Zhuohua appeared nonchalant, but she was actually very anxious. Guo Juli urged her to check the list of successful candidates, but Mu Zhuohua hesitated.

Liu Ju inquired about Princess Rou Jia's future plans, as the five-year period of her chastity for her deceased fiancé had come to an end. Princess Rou Jia avoided discussing this topic and quickly left, using an excuse. Liu Ju didn't press further and allowed her to leave. Mu Zhuohua, Mrs. Mu, and Song Yunyun enjoyed drinking, chatting, and dancing together, having a wonderful time. Mu Zhuohua passed the imperial examination, and they celebrated together. Mu Zhuohua felt fortunate in this lifetime, and Mrs. Mu was delighted since Mu Zhuohua had rented her house. They had a joyful time drinking and chatting. Princess Rou Jia's attendant, Man Er, informed Mu Zhuohua that she was invited to participate in a poetry competition the next day. Guo Juli was worried about the quality of Mu Zhuohua's poetry.

Zhi Jian reported to Liu Yan about the situation with the Huan Yang Powder. He assured Liu Yan that Mu Zhuohua and the mastermind behind it were not connected. Liu Yan retorted by asking Zhi Jian if he wanted to link him with Mu Zhuohua, to which Zhi Jian quickly denied.

Liu Yan felt surrounded by crises, but he concluded that since Mu Zhuohua was so afraid of death, it was best to leave it at that. Shen Jinghong attended a gathering of literati, and they all admired him greatly. They felt that Shen Jinghong was ambitious and far-sighted, and they were full of remorse for their own shortcomings. They discussed another remarkable person on the list, and that person was Mu Zhuohua. They believed that she was the highest-ranked female examinee this year. In the Classics category, she was tied with Shen Jinghong, and they all found this remarkable.

They noted that only two individuals had error-free answers in the Classics category, so if Mu Zhuohua's answers were also correct, she could tie with Shen Jinghong. However, Liu Chen believed that this was the extent of women's capabilities this year. Shen Jinghong reasoned that it was natural for young girls to fear death, which was human nature, so it was understandable that Mu Zhuohua hesitated to participate. But to their surprise, Mu Zhuohua appeared before them. The scholars of Wenshi Zong felt humiliated by her presence. Mu Zhuohua congratulated Shen Jinghong for securing the top spot, and some individuals present began to mock Shen Jinghong. Mu Zhuohua felt she had merely praised Shen Jinghong, but the others took this as an opportunity to criticize her. Princess Rou Jia overheard Mu Zhuohua's words and found them admirable.

As the host of the event, Princess Rou Jia believed that Mu Zhuohua had genuine talent. Shen Jinghong apologized to the princess for his behavior, taking responsibility for the incident. Princess Rou Jia agreed that he was at fault and pointed out that as a member of the academy, he should set an example for others. This way, they would avoid inappropriate behavior and refrain from defaming a young girl. Shen Jinghong realized that reading thousands of books paled in comparison to Princess Rou Jia's broad experiences. Her enlightening words made him realize his mistakes. He recognized that Mu Zhuohua's statement wasn't wrong; their disdain for her was not only questioning her abilities but also doubting the examiners' integrity and the fairness of the court.

Liu Chen believed that Mu Zhuohua's metaphors were debatable and her intentions had some differences. Liu Yan told him to express his opinion but not to drag him into it. Princess Rou Jia sided with Mu Zhuohua, stating that one's background shouldn't be used as a basis for judgment. Liu Yan agreed that human nature was inherently biased, making it difficult to disregard a person's appearance and status when evaluating them. Liu Chen also concurred with Liu Yan and established new competition rules. Liu Yan wasn't sure if his newfound inclination towards Mu Zhuohua had influenced the rules he had formulated, which favored her. Liu Yan advised Mu Zhuohua to be cautious as prominence attracted attention.

Liu Chen was determined to prove that the person he admired was undoubtedly superior to any woman. Liu Yan told him to wait and see. Mu Zhuohua participated in the hairpin competition, aware that the grand prize was Cang Ling's Record, the last work of the late Cang Ling. She was willing to risk her life to obtain it, and she decided not to heed Liu Yan's advice to keep a low profile. Mu Zhuohua used all her skills to compete in the event, hoping to secure the prize. She knew she had submitted only four lines of poetry with great effort and wondered if she would win Cang Ling's Record. Princess Rou Jia believed that Mu Zhuohua's participation as a woman was already challenging. She sided with Mu Zhuohua and hoped Shen Jinghong could understand her perspective.

Liu Yan was taking a walk by himself outside and unknowingly arrived at Mu Zhuohua's doorstep. Mu Zhuohua was happily gardening, and upon seeing Liu Yan, she quickly stood up. Liu Yan asked her about her gardening, and Mu Zhuohua told him that she was transplanting. The flowerpot Princess Rou Jia had given her was too valuable, so she moved the peony into her own ceramic flowerpot and kept the one given by Princess Rou Jia as a treasure. Mu Zhuohua felt that although Liu Yan often said he wouldn't help her, he was actually tough on the outside but soft-hearted, and he would still assist her. Faced with her praise, Liu Yan told her that he didn't help for nothing, and Mu Zhuohua gave him the newly planted peony as compensation.

Liu Yan brought the peony back to his residence, and Zhi Jian was amazed that someone had given him flowers. Zhi Mo reported to Liu Yan that the Empress Dowager had not found any clues. Zhi Jian silently rejoiced that Liu Yan had already arranged for Mu Zhuohua's ancestry to be erased. As Mu Zhuohua had the imperial examination the next day, she was very nervous. To ease her tension, Guo Juli took her to burn incense and pay respects to Mu Zhuohua's deceased mother, hoping for a smooth exam. The tense and serious palace examination began, with the topic being "governing by inaction." Mu Zhuohua looked at the question, thought carefully for a moment, and then calmly began answering. Just as she was about to finish, her paper was accidentally knocked over by an inkstone.

Everyone, including Liu Chen, thought that Mu Zhuohua might end up near the bottom in the exam rankings. Mu Zhuohua knew she hadn't touched the inkstone and couldn't understand why it was knocked over. She remembered her mother's words – not to entrust her destiny to others. She thought that even though the situation was challenging, she wouldn't give up. After the exam, Shen Jinghong came to comfort her. In the face of his consolation, Mu Zhuohua felt she had done well in the exam. Shen Jinghong greatly admired her attitude. The second round of the palace examination came quickly, and Mu Zhuohua met with the Emperor.

Upon seeing Mu Zhuohua, Emperor Liu Ju felt that despite her young age, she had a very stable mentality. Regarding the mistakes she made during the exam, Emperor Liu Ju decided to give her another chance. When faced with the questions he posed, she answered with ease, and Emperor Liu Ju was very satisfied with her responses. Liu Yan, following the Emperor's orders, announced the results of the palace examination. As expected, Shen Jinghong took the first place. Mu Zhuohua got the third place. She was surprised and momentarily stunned, but after Liu Yan's reminder, she quickly knelt down to express her gratitude. Mu Zhuohua was extremely happy to achieve the third place; it was a recognition of her hard work.

To celebrate the successful exams, Emperor Liu Ju hosted a banquet. During the banquet, he wanted to arrange a marriage between Shen Jinghong and Princess Rou Jia. Although Shen Jinghong liked Princess Rou Jia a lot, he respected her choice, and she declined the offer gracefully. Mu Zhuohua asked Shen Jinghong why he admired the princess but didn't want to marry her. Shen Jinghong explained that admiration and marriage were two different things. Mu Zhuohua agreed with his perspective and admitted that she also admired the princess. Mu Zhuohua was preparing to leave the palace, and Liu Yan stopped her. He was also leaving the palace, so they left together. Liu Yan felt that what happened today was indeed a crisis, but Mu Zhuohua handled it perfectly, which was no easy feat.

Liu Yan told Mu Zhuohua that he was the one who knocked over her inkstone during the palace exam. Mu Zhuohua was deeply saddened, fearing that if she hadn't managed the situation well that day, she might not have the opportunity to take exams in the future. Liu Yan acknowledged the difficulty of her future path, and if she couldn't even handle this, more challenges would arise. Mu Zhuohua was angry at his actions, and Liu Yan realized he had made a mistake. He apologized to her. Seeing Liu Yan's sincerity, Mu Zhuohua's anger dissipated. Liu Yan explained that he didn't want to involve her in his past affairs. He gave her a jade pendant as he said this.

Princess Rou Jia felt that the rice porridge was too thin; the children were growing, so more rice should be added. Her attendant informed her that the price of rice had risen, and the Jishan Hall didn't have much money left. Princess Rou Jia decided to use her own money. The attendant thought Shen Jinghong might not come to Jishan Hall anymore because Princess Rou Jia had publicly declined the marriage proposal. Unexpectedly, they heard Shen Jinghong's voice as he spoke to the children. The imperial decree had arrived, and Liu Chen came to congratulate him. Liu Chen wanted to celebrate with Shen Jinghong, but Shen Jinghong had to give the children a lesson first, so they agreed to meet later.

Mu Zhuohua also completed her exams, and they were preparing to move to Zhujue Street. Guo Juli told her that the rent there was too expensive, and after paying the rent, they wouldn't have much money left. Mu Zhuohua reassured her, saying she would work hard to earn money. She had Guo Juli send some medicine to the Lu family and Song Yun. They moved into their new home, and Guo Juli marveled at how big it was, though it was expensive. Mu Zhuohua promised to earn enough money to indulge herself with plenty of pig trotters. She understood that from now on, she couldn't leave her destiny in the hands of others; she had to take control of her own life.

Outside Mu Zhuohua's door, there was a person in black clothes. Zhi Jian happened to see it from outside the house and threw a stone to wake her up. Mu Zhuohua pushed open the door and looked around, but found no one. The Empress Dowager couldn't find out Mu Zhuohua's ancestry, and she indirectly questioned Princess Rou Jia. Princess Rou Jia wasn't wary and revealed the information. The Empress Dowager's maid Peilan observed Mu Zhuohua for several days and found nothing unusual, so the Empress Dowager decided not to waste more time on her. Mu Zhuohua woke up early and eagerly went to report to the Hanlin Academy.

As soon as Mu Zhuohua arrived at the academy, she heard people talking about how inappropriate it was for a woman to wear official attire. She confronted them, leaving them speechless, and Shen Jinghong also supported her. Liu Chen came to the Hanlin Academy to relay the Emperor's decree. Mu Zhuohua was about to teach at the academy. For some reason, Liu Chen always seemed to dislike her and used the opportunity to criticize her. Shen Jinghong comforted her, believing the planted Cassia flower in the courtyard would eventually grow into a towering tree. Mu Zhuohua was glad he could comfort her, and Shen Jinghong quickly changed the subject, asking her about the content they planned to teach the young princes.

Mu Zhuohua was drawing maps at home, preparing diligently to teach the princes. She felt Shen Jinghong had the support of the Crown Prince Liu Chen, and Sun Yunqian was related to the other two princes, while she was on her own, so she had to work harder. Mu Zhuohua and Guo Juli said they were visiting their neighbors, but they were actually trying to gather information about her mother's whereabouts. After a day of searching, they found houses with apricot trees, but none of them had both apricot trees and a pond. They only had one household left to check – their next-door neighbors, but nobody knew who owned that house. Mu Zhuohua decided to use a ladder to climb over the courtyard wall to find out.

Mu Zhuohua entered the neighboring courtyard and saw a person sitting there, whose back was quite familiar. She heard the person call out "Zhi Mo," and realized it was Liu Yan. Now that she was there, she couldn't leave. Liu Yan eventually noticed her and asked her to follow him. He inquired why she happened to live next door, and Mu Zhuohua made up an excuse about cheap rent. Liu Yan didn't believe her reason, so she finally confessed that it was because she admired him that she chose to live next door, hoping to be close to him.

The people from the Hanlin Academy came to celebrate at the Xiaoqin Palace, mocking that Mu Zhuohua definitely wouldn't dare to come. They had already planned that if Mu Zhuohua were to come, they would believe that she had come to visit the brothels at night as Miss Mu. Mu Zhuohua had self-awareness; she knew she was late and wanted to punish herself with a few drinks. Shen Jinghong looked at her and realized she was a woman. He wanted to drink on behalf of Mu Zhuohua, but unexpectedly, Mu Zhuohua started drinking with them. Shen Jinghong felt that his worries were unnecessary, so he stopped talking much. Song Yun saw Mu Zhuohua surrounded by a group of people drinking and quickly fabricated that their boss had a collection of poems, inviting Mu Zhuohua to take a look. Mu Zhuohua got up and pulled Shen Jinghong along to see it.

The others were not interested; they thought today's banquet was for celebrating them. One by one, they left. Wasn't this dampening their spirits? Seeing this, Shen Jinghong had to stay behind and ask Mu Zhuohua to leave. They still didn't want Mu Zhuohua to stay either. Shen Jinghong deliberately said that they didn't want to drink with him, which made those people let Mu Zhuohua go. Liu Ju brought Liu Yan tea and, in fact, they discussed the situation in Beiliang. Liu Yan shared his thoughts with Liu Ju, who strongly agreed. Song Yun brought sobering soup for Mu Zhuohua and asked if she really wasn't feeling dizzy.

Mu Zhuohua told Song Yun that she was actually feeling a bit dizzy, but as soon as she entered the Hanlin Academy, those old hands were trying to make her embarrassed. She must not play into their hands. Song Yun asked if Mu Zhuohua had someone in her heart now, but Mu Zhuohua told her that she prioritized her official career and hadn't considered such matters. Song Yun felt that Shen Jinghong cared a lot for Mu Zhuohua. Mu Zhuohua assured her that there was no one in her heart. Just as Mu Zhuohua left Song Yun's room, she bumped into Shen Jinghong, leading to rumors that they were having a secret meeting at Xiaoqin Palace. Soon, this news reached Princess Rou Jia and Liu Yan. Princess Rou Jia didn't believe the rumor at all. She thought both of them were focused on their official careers. Liu Yan shared the same view.

He believed that Mu Zhuohua was determined to pursue her official career, and in South Chen, women couldn't hold official positions once married. Mu Zhuohua wouldn't give up her career because of this. Liu Yan had Zhi Jian spread the news about their intention to negotiate with Dongxia. This would certainly provoke Beiliang's involvement. Mu Zhuohua faced exclusion in the Hanlin Academy. When she came for her meal, she was told there was none, even though there was food in the lunch box. Shen Jinghong rushed over upon hearing this. Seeing him, the servant girl distributing the food gave it to him. However, Shen Jinghong gave the food to Mu Zhuohua, which angered the servant girl.

Mu Zhuohua thought about how she had just confessed her love to the prince. Now, rumors were spreading about her and Shen Jinghong. She sought to see Liu Yan and explain herself, but Liu Yan refused to meet her and sent her away. Mu Zhuohua had Guo Juli deliberately break a carriage near where Liu Yan would pass. Pretending not to know, she intercepted Liu Yan. Liu Yan repeatedly asked her why she was blocking him. Mu Zhuohua assured him that the rumors were false and asked him not to be angry. She explained the situation to Liu Yan, hoping to clear things up. Liu Yan said he understood, but Mu Zhuohua wondered if he truly did.

Mu Zhuohua began giving lessons to the princes, aiming to teach them geography. Liu Chen, however, found fault with her and remarked that she was teaching without books. Mu Zhuohua told him that she had memorized the content. Liu Chen told her to start teaching, wanting to see her abilities. Mu Zhuohua lectured on professional knowledge for a while, and apart from Liu Chen, the other two princes agreed with what she said. Those two princes ridiculed Liu Chen and his companions for their incompetence, leading to a quarrel. Seeing that the Crown Prince and the Third Prince were about to fight, Mu Zhuohua was anxious like an ant on a hot pan.

Zhi Jian came to inform Liu Yan that the Crown Prince and the Third Prince had started fighting. Liu Yan asked him who was teaching today, and Zhi Jian told him it was Mu Zhuohua. Liu Yan's face turned dark, and he hurriedly went there. The Empress Dowager blamed all the faults on Mu Zhuohua, and the three princes pleaded for her. However, the Empress Dowager didn't listen to their pleas. She had never liked Mu Zhuohua and now had a reason to take action against her. She was determined not to spare Mu Zhuohua. No matter how Mu Zhuohua tried to explain, the Empress Dowager refused to listen. She believed Mu Zhuohua had improper conduct, seducing the princes. She intended to dismiss her from her teaching position and give her twenty strokes of the cane. Just as Mu Zhuohua was about to explain, the Empress Dowager ordered them to take action.

The three princes tried to intercede, but the Empress Dowager didn't listen to them at all. Seeing the situation worsening, they took turns kneeling to plead with her. But the Empress Dowager remained stubborn and ordered the servants to punish them severely. Liu Yan rushed there in haste and asked the Empress Dowager what wrong Mu Zhuohua had done to make her so furious. The Empress Dowager told him that Mu Zhuohua had improper conduct, seducing the princes and sowing discord among them. Hearing this, Liu Yan decided to take a different approach. He suggested handing Mu Zhuohua over to the Three Departments for investigation and handling. Although this seemed like he wanted to punish her severely, it was actually a way to make the Empress Dowager fear that her private motivations would become known.

Indeed, the Empress Dowager realized that the matter that seemed insignificant was becoming known to all. Liu Yan continued by saying that since the Empress Dowager was a person of great stature, she needn't bother with someone like Mu Zhuohua. He was using a retreat to advance strategy, attempting to intercede for Mu Zhuohua. Without saying a word, Princess Rou Jia arrived. The Empress Dowager asked her if she was also there to plead for Mu Zhuohua. Princess Rou Jia claimed she had come to see the Empress Dowager, but in truth, she was there to plead for Mu Zhuohua. Pei Lan came to inform the Empress Dowager that Mu Zhuohua had been taken to Lord Ding's residence. The Empress Dowager realized that Liu Yan was genuinely concerned this time.

Liu Yan had brought Mu Zhuohua to Lord Ding's residence and had Doctor Zhao examine her injuries. Doctor Zhao reassured him that Mu Zhuohua had a strong foundation and just had a slight fever. Zhang, the steward, saw Liu Yan carrying a woman into the residence and was very pleased. The household hadn't seen a woman for a long time. Zhang was happy and hoped that Mu Zhuohua would stay there. He suggested to Liu Yan that since Mu Zhuohua had injuries and it wasn't convenient for her to stay alone, she should stay in the residence. Liu Yan agreed. Zhi Jian informed Liu Yan that his plan had worked; the people of Beiliang were starting to take action. Liu Yan prepared Zhi Jian and his team for the upcoming events.

Zhi Jian told Liu Yan that Zhang, the steward, must have a reason for having Mu Zhuohua stay in the residence and was likely trying to matchmake between them. Liu Yan finally understood Zhang's unusual behavior and sent Zhi Jian to fetch Guo Juli. Zhi Jian hesitated, as he believed Guo Juli was terrified of Liu Yan and would run away like a mouse seeing a cat. He suggested sending Zhi Mo instead. Upon hearing that her mistress was injured, Guo Juli hurriedly went to visit Mu Zhuohua with Zhi Mo. Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan analyzed the situation's ins and outs. Mu Zhuohua felt she had given them a handle due to her actions and resolved to be more careful and not act recklessly.

Princess Rou Jia summoned Shen Jinghong and asked him to evaluate a string of pearls. Shen Jinghong found them elegant and luxurious. She then brought out various pieces of jewelry for him to assess. Shen Jinghong thought they would look stunning on the princess. However, Princess Rou Jia clarified that they weren't for her but for Mu Zhuohua. She couldn't personally deliver them, as it would upset the Empress Dowager even more. Upon hearing that Shen Jinghong had come to see Mu Zhuohua, Liu Yan hastily brought medicine, using it as an excuse to make Shen Jinghong leave. Mu Zhuohua found the medicine too bitter and asked Guo Juli to replace it with a new one. Unfortunately, Liu Yan caught her in the act.

Mu Zhuohua had almost recovered, and Liu Chen came to visit her at Lord Ding's residence. He directly told her that he didn't like her, and others didn't know about her medical skills. He believed that if she hadn't saved him, nobody would blame her. Mu Zhuohua explained to him that a compassionate doctor wouldn't stand by and let someone die. Moreover, the incident happened in her own classroom, so it would be her trouble. Liu Chen didn't want to owe anyone any favors, so he asked if there was anything she wanted that he could fulfill. Mu Zhuohua told him she didn't need anything. Liu Yan had something to discuss with Liu Chen, so Mu Zhuohua left.

Liu Chen asked Liu Yan why he had given the jade pendant to Mu Zhuohua and what made her deserving of it. Unable to come up with a better solution, Liu Yan reluctantly gave Liu Chen the Guāngkǎi set he wanted. Both Shen Jinghong and Sun Yunyun were assigned to different tasks, and Mu Zhuohua didn't know what to do with the tricky situation. She realized that she couldn't rely on Liu Yan for everything and was determined to rely on her own efforts. She wanted to become someone who could help Lord Ding, Liu Yan, through her efforts. Zhi Mo overheard this conversation from outside her room and reported it to Liu Yan and Liu Chen. Liu Chen now thought that Mu Zhuohua might not be as bad as he had thought.

Princess Rou Jia sent someone to invite Mu Zhuohua to her residence to enjoy the flowers and tea. Mu Zhuohua thought it wouldn't be appropriate to be too hasty in accepting the invitation. She wore the hairpin the princess had given her. Not knowing what to bring as a gift in return, Mu Zhuohua brought some pastries she had made. Princess Rou Jia asked her about the reason behind the Empress Dowager's outburst that day. Mu Zhuohua felt understood by the princess, even though she didn't feel wronged. However, the princess was unaware that the Empress Dowager's actions were driven by personal motives, seeking to hurt Mu Zhuohua. Princess Rou Jia asked if Mu Zhuohua was from Huai Prefecture. Mu Zhuohua was worried that her earlier claim of being from Yanzhou would be exposed, but the princess didn't pursue it. She understood that the female imperial examination was difficult, and imperfections were acceptable.

Liu Ju and Liu Yan were in the middle of a serious conversation when the Empress Dowager interrupted them. She had Pei Lan bring a piece of clothing she had personally sewn to Liu Yan. Seeing this situation, Liu Ju's face showed a faint smile. The Empress Dowager didn't want Mu Zhuohua to continue teaching the princes and proposed that she teach young girls instead. Liu Yan refused on the grounds that Mu Zhuohua was already assigned as the reception historian for Beiliang. The Empress Dowager reluctantly agreed. Princess Rou Jia told Mu Zhuohua that she didn't have a younger sister and wished for one like her. Mu Zhuohua was delighted by this and promised to treat the princess like an older sister. The princess even asked Mu Zhuohua to call her "older sister," but Mu Zhuohua thought it might upset the Empress Dowager.

Princess Rou Jia felt that they didn't need to care about the Empress Dowager's opinions. However, a maid named Man Er overheard and was terrified of being caught. She quickly made an excuse that the princess had had too much to drink and needed to leave with Mu Zhuohua. Just as Mu Zhuohua left, she bumped into Liu Yan. Grateful to him, she invited him to dinner as a way to thank him. Liu Yan informed her that if she successfully completed her duties as the reception historian, she would be promoted to the sixth-rank position in the Ministry of Rites. Mu Zhuohua was overjoyed and promised to share the burden with him. Liu Yan noticed the pastries she had made were good. Mu Zhuohua explained that she used to share food with Guo Juli when they were both in the Mu Residence.

Mu Zhuohua felt that Liu Yan treated her better than her own father did. Liu Yan humorously responded that he couldn't have such a grown-up daughter. Mu Zhuohua, under the influence of alcohol, joked that she could help him have a daughter. Liu Yan looked at her drunken but cute appearance, and a different kind of emotion welled up within him. He wondered if Mu Zhuohua would be even more genuine towards him if he weren't a prince but an ordinary person. Mu Zhuohua visited the next room to find Liu Yan, and he taught her Beiliang dialect. After giving her some tasks, he left for the palace. Zhi Mo was taking care of her at the residence, and at noon, Guo Juli brought delicious food to Lord Ding's residence. Liu Chen also reported Shen Jinghong as the reception historian.

After learning the Beiliang dialect, Mu Zhuohua enjoyed the meal at Lord Ding's residence and found it delicious. She shared her life at the Mu residence with Liu Yan, stating that Guo Juli was the only one she considered family. Liu Yan believed that with her intelligence, she could win her father's favor. However, Mu Zhuohua emphasized that she didn't care about the approval of unrelated people. Liu Yan asked if she cared about his affection for her, to which Mu Zhuohua responded that her admiration for him was unwavering. When she returned home, Mu Zhuohua told Guo Juli about Liu Yan's odd behavior and speculated that he might want her to cure him. She planned to investigate further after her current tasks were completed.

Princess Rou Jia was playing cuju alone when Shen Jinghong approached her to ask for leave. He had to prepare for receiving the Beiliang envoy. She asked for his thoughts on the sudden visit, and he suspected that there was an ulterior motive behind it. Mu Zhuohua and the others were preparing to welcome the Beiliang envoy. They waited for a long time before the envoy arrived. They greeted the third prince of Beiliang, Ye Mu Jing, at the city gate. Ye Mu Jing arrogantly claimed that he wanted to enter, but the gate was too small for his retinue. He provocatively commented on the lack of men in Nan Chen and questioned a woman's ability to hold an official position.

In a brief exchange, Shen Jinghong and Mu Zhuohua effectively silenced Ye Mu Jing. He led his party through the city gate and into the palace. A eunuch delivered an imperial decree to Ye Mu Jing, inviting him to a banquet. Ye Mu Jing was required to leave his weapons behind before entering the palace. As he approached the gate, Zhi Jian noticed that the hand of a mute servant was different from others, but Ye Mu Jing diverted Zhi Jian's attention. Ye Mu Jing brought valuable gifts from Beiliang to the banquet, and the Emperor was pleased to accept them and granted him a seat. Liu Yan remarked to Mu Zhuohua that she was quite daring for confronting Ye Mu Jing openly at the city gate. She felt safe with Liu Yan by her side, and he advised her to stay close to him.

As a token of gratitude for the welcoming banquet, Ye Mu Jing offered his younger sister, Ye Mu Zhen, the most beautiful woman in Beiliang, to Liu Ju. However, Liu Ju declined, citing her young age and distant residence. Ye Mu Jing explained their custom that once a gift was given, it couldn't be taken back. He proposed marrying Ye Mu Zhen to a suitable man instead, suggesting Lord Ding, Liu Yan. With no other option, Liu Yan suggested that the Emperor adopt Ye Mu Zhen as his daughter, making her a princess. Princess Rou Jia supported the idea and offered Ye Mu Zhen to stay at her residence, helping her acclimate to the capital. The Emperor approved, and Ye Mu Jing reluctantly agreed.

Mu Zhuohua asked Liu Yan if he didn't find it regrettable to let go of such a peerless beauty. Liu Yan replied that declarations of love might be deceptive. Mu Zhuohua found Liu Yan's strategies ingenious, especially how he had invited Ye Mu Jing for a hunt to prepare for potential conflict. Beiliang had refrained from aggression due to Liu Yan's presence, and they were likely assessing his readiness to fight.

Liu Yan and Mu Zhuohua joined forces to face Ye Mu Jing's party. Mu Zhuohua felt uncomfortable due to the bumpy carriage ride and went to the river to wash her face. Liu Yan followed her, and Ye Mu Zhen joined them. When Liu Chen tried to intervene, Ye Mu Jing stopped him, claiming it was a matter between men and women. Liu Chen argued that it wasn't just about gender but about two countries. He mentioned that Beiliang used women as bargaining chips, but it was uncertain whether Nan Chen would accept them. An argument escalated into a sword fight between Liu Chen and Ye Mu Jing. Ye Mu Zhen followed Liu Yan to the riverbank, where Zhi Jian reminded her of her role as the Emperor's adopted daughter.

Mu Zhuohua noticed that the mute servant's hand was shaped like a claw and asked Liu Yan if it resembled an eagle's claw. Liu Yan informed her that he had sent Zhi Jian to investigate, but Zhi Jian hadn't returned yet, indicating that the mute servant might have escaped. Liu Yan believed that Ye Mu Jing's visit had a purpose, and it would be strange if he didn't take action. Aware of Liu Yan's aversion to alcohol, Mu Zhuohua had prepared a special antidote for him in advance. As expected, Ye Mu Jing consistently tried to get Liu Yan to drink. Liu Yan's calm demeanor while drinking made Ye Mu Jing wonder if Liu Yan had already recovered from his illness. To test this, Ye Mu Jing and his sister, Ye Mu Zhen, continuously urged Liu Yan to drink.

At the end of the drinking session, Liu Yan staggered, preparing to leave. Unexpectedly, he saw Ye Mu Zhen approaching, prompting him to head towards the river. Coincidentally, Mu Zhuohua was also by the river and noticed Liu Yan's drunken state, so she helped him up. Taking advantage of his inebriation, Liu Yan no longer suppressed his feelings and kissed Mu Zhuohua. Mu Zhuohua was both shocked and delighted by the kiss. After handing Liu Yan over to Zhi Jian, she quickly left. Observing her hasty departure, Mu Zhuohua didn't understand why she ran so fast. After a couple of steps, she remembered Liu Yan's unhealed injuries and gave Zhi Jian some pills, instructing him to give them to Liu Yan every two hours. Zhi Jian couldn't help but comment that she had taken advantage of quite a few carriage rides.

That night, Mu Zhuohua lay in bed, reminiscing about her moments with Liu Yan, feeling a flutter in her heart. She realized that not only women could be a source of trouble, but men could be as well. The next day, after Liu Yan woke up, he inquired about Zhi Jian's findings regarding the mute servant's hand. Zhi Jian reported that he hadn't found the mute servant and suggested that the person might have fled. Liu Yan ordered a thorough search for the mute servant. Zhi Jian also mentioned to Liu Yan that Mu Zhuohua might have done something suspicious; she usually loved to hitch rides on carriages, but last night, she ran faster than a rabbit. Liu Yan located Mu Zhuohua and noticed that she looked tired, with dark circles under her eyes, likely due to her demanding tasks.

Mu Zhuohua asked if Liu Yan was just checking whether her dark circles were noticeable. Liu Yan told her that he couldn't remember some things from the previous night due to being drunk. Mu Zhuohua, feeling dejected by his response, murmured that she had forgotten as well, thinking it might be for the best. Meanwhile, the mute servant observed Princess Rou Jia secretly, and a child threw a stone that injured him. Hearing the commotion, Princess Rou Jia rushed over, took the mute servant to the Benevolence Hall, and tended to his wounds. The mute servant was captivated by a portrait of Xue Xiaotang on the wall and was told by Maner that Xue Xiaotang was their General Xue. The mute servant recalled the scene of the princess painting the portrait—it turned out that he was General Xue.

Seeing Liu Yan, Mu Zhuohua hid herself. Liu Yan remarked to Zhi Jian that she was avoiding him. Guo Juli, after buying steamed buns, was approached by Zhi Mo, who gave her a package of delicious food. Juli happily accepted it and found a note from Mu Zhuohua asking Zhi Mo what it meant. Zhi Mo informed her that it was Liu Yan's alias. Juli was puzzled why Mu Zhuohua had written the prince's alias, but Zhi Mo just smiled and didn't say anything. The Empress Dowager advised Pei Lan to find something for Liu Yan to do, fearing that he might uncover her secrets. Ye Mu Jing told Liu Ju that if they wanted peace between their families, Princess Rou Jia should marry him. Liu Yan responded that if Ye Mu Jing wanted to use the princess as a bargaining chip, then Nan Chen wasn't afraid of another battle.

The Empress Dowager told Princess Rou Jia that as a princess, she needed to consider the country's safety. Princess Rou Jia expressed her willingness to sacrifice for the nation's well-being. Mu Zhuohua learned about this and worriedly went to watch Princess Rou Jia. She unexpectedly encountered Ye Mu Zhen instead. Ye Mu Zhen tried to provoke Mu Zhuohua but was thwarted. Ye Mu Jing boasted that Nan Chen lacked real men and only he was worthy of Princess Rou Jia. Shen Jinghong didn't want Princess Rou Jia to marry Ye Mu Jing or compete in archery with him, so he blindfolded himself and still hit the bullseye. Ye Mu Jing claimed the competition was a tie after witnessing this.

Inside the Xiaoqin Palace, Ye Mu Jing and his colleagues from Beiliang were drinking together. He told them that what happened today showed that their Nan Chen couldn't afford to lose. Just as he was saying this, Liu Yan found him and invited Ye Mu Jing to have a drink and discuss matters. Ye Mu Jing found it strange that he had been poisoned by the Abyssal Lotus Flower but hadn't died. Liu Yan explained that Nan Chen was vast and abundant in resources, so he naturally wouldn't die. Ye Mu Jing argued that Nan Chen had lost its elite soldiers in the Battle of Juma River, and he questioned how Liu Yan had the audacity to continue living. Liu Yan shared the story of his closest comrades with him, emphasizing that if he bore the weight of so many loyal friends' lives, he too would be reluctant to die.

Liu Yan knew that someone must have leaked information about the Battle of Juma River to Ye Mu Jing. This informant was beyond their control, and they didn't even know who it was. Liu Yan proposed a deal to Ye Mu Jing: if Ye Mu Jing revealed everything he knew, Liu Yan would agree not to wage war on Beiliang for ten years. Initially reluctant, Ye Mu Jing was persuaded by Mu Zhuohua and the others, mentioning that Ye Mu Jing urgently wanted to return to Beiliang for important matters. He reluctantly revealed that the informant was Xue Xiaotang. After divulging this information, Ye Mu Jing left with a big laugh. Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan analyzed the situation and suspected that Ye Mu Jing's statements might not be entirely true; he might be trying to sow discord within Nan Chen's ranks.

In her inner thoughts, Liu Yan was determined not to let Ye Mu Jing have his way. Mu Zhuohua reassured Liu Yan, encouraging him to persevere as success was certain. She was about to leave after speaking, but Liu Yan stopped her, questioning why she always avoided him. Mu Zhuohua assured him that he wasn't a formidable beast but that his presence unsettled her emotions. She quickly departed after saying this. Ye Mu Zhen was bidding farewell to her brother, Ye Mu Jing. He told her that he had set things in motion and encouraged her to fan the flames further. Mu Zhuohua and Shen Jinghong discussed the matter and coincidentally encountered Liu Yan and Liu Chen.

Mu Zhuohua felt extremely awkward and used an excuse to ask Liu Chen how his leg was doing. Liu Yan asked her why she was avoiding him. Mu Zhuohua denied avoiding him. Liu Chen reassured her that he wasn't one to hold grudges and not reciprocate kindness. He had already spoken to Liu Ju, giving Mu Zhuohua the liberty to teach at the academy whenever she wanted. Mu Zhuohua was delighted to hear this and perceived Liu Chen as sincere. Liu Chen was equally pleased and smiled. Watching them converse so happily, Liu Yan deduced that this was why Mu Zhuohua was distancing herself from him. Liu Yan and Liu Chen played chess together and chatted about Mu Zhuohua. Liu Chen felt that Mu Zhuohua had contributed to the matter involving Ye Mu Jing and asked Liu Yan why he hadn't sought rewards for her.

Liu Yan felt a twinge of jealousy and curtly replied with just two words, "No need." Shen Jinghong and Mu Zhuohua, due to their reception of officials, were both promoted: Shen Jinghong to the fifth official rank and Mu Zhuohua to the sixth official rank. Mu Zhuohua knew her promotion was due to Liu Yan's support. Coincidentally, during Liu Yan's rest day, Mu Zhuohua visited the Dingwang Residence and presented him with an inkstone. Liu Yan advised her not to get involved in the princes' conflicts. Mu Zhuohua was unsure how to respond. She distanced herself for the sake of her career and didn't want Liu Yan to obstruct her path. Seeing her reaction, Liu Yan decided not to say more.

As Mu Zhuohua left and noticed Liu Yan's lack of happiness, she resolved to prepare sincere gifts for him the next day. Early the next morning, Mu Zhuohua prepared pastries despite the rain and delivered them to the Dingwang Residence. The steward Zhang informed her that Liu Yan had gone to bed early and couldn't be seen. In truth, Liu Yan was bedridden due to illness. Upon returning home, Mu Zhuohua confessed to Guo Juli that she had misunderstood the situation and regretted distancing herself. Liu Yan was avoiding her now, and even though she felt uncomfortable about it, she asked Juli if Liu Yan had given up on her. The southern region was facing a locust plague, and Liu Ju was worried. Liu Chen volunteered to go and provide relief to the affected areas. Liu Ju dispatched Mu Zhuohua and Shen Jinghong to join him, hoping they could assist.

Mu Zhuohua and Liu Chen went to Yunnan for disaster relief. Upon learning this, Liu Yan chased to the city gate and saw Mu Zhuohua's carriage. He stopped in his tracks, watching her departure. Princess Rou Jia heard that Shen Jinghong had also gone to the southern regions, so she took her maid Man Er along. Zhang, the steward, found it strange that Mu Zhuohua hadn't visited Liu Yan in the past few days. Liu Yan explained that as an official of the court, Mu Zhuohua couldn't be around him all the time. Zhi Jian handed Liu Yan a paper that Mu Zhuohua had written. When Liu Yan opened it, he saw his name written on it. Zhang believed that Mu Zhuohua must have penned it while thinking of Liu Yan, but Liu Yan didn't want to admit it. Zhang was about to inquire with Mu Zhuohua, but Liu Yan told him that Mu Zhuohua had already gone to the southern regions.

Liu Yan believed that Mu Zhuohua had her own ambitions, and he couldn't prevent her. When Liu Chen and the others arrived in the southern regions, they faced granaries without a single grain. Liu Chen expressed his disbelief at calling these granaries. The overseer quickly knelt down, pleading with Liu Chen not to blame him. He explained that the county magistrate had fallen ill due to excessive work and that he was standing in for him. Mu Zhuohua asked if the county magistrate's surname was Zhuang. If so, she doubted that he had fallen ill for the sake of disaster relief. Observing that the people outside the gate didn't appear malnourished at all, Liu Chen ordered them to bring everyone inside the hall. He knew that using an iron fist wouldn't yield much grain.

Thankfully, Princess Rou Jia's Jishan Hall had provided them with a lot of food, but it wouldn't last long. Mu Zhuohua believed that the key was with the local gentry. She asked Liu Chen how to handle the food—whether to distribute it directly to the refugees or to make porridge. Shen Jinghong suggested sending the food to Princess Rou Jia's Jishan Hall. The princess was skilled in managing such situations. Liu Chen agreed with the suggestion and instructed Shen Jinghong to deliver the food to the Jishan Hall, while asking Mu Zhuohua to stay behind and assist him. Zhi Jian informed Liu Yan that the Falcon Team had searched the entire Dingjing City but hadn't found any trace of Xue Xiaotang. He knelt, feeling guilty for his failure. Liu Yan believed that Xue Xiaotang, being a seasoned wanderer, would be better at hiding than they were.

Liu Yan deduced that since Princess Rou Jia had gone to the southern regions, Xue Xiaotang probably went there too. He instructed Zhi Jian to pack and head to the south. The Empress Dowager got wind of Liu Yan's pursuit of Xue Xiaotang and ordered Pei Lan to have him killed before he found Xue Xiaotang. Liu Chen urged officials to donate grain, but they all declined. He asked Mu Zhuohua for a solution, but she was frustrated that she couldn't come up with a good one. Princess Rou Jia saw the masses of refugees gathered at Jishan Hall and assured them that she would distribute the food as porridge.

Shen Jinghong added some rice bran and wheat bran to the porridge. Two plump individuals in the crowd protested, questioning why they had to add those ingredients. Shen Jinghong explained that this was to prevent those with hidden food reserves from getting even fatter and hoarding supplies. Mu Zhuohua pondered how to secure more food and finally devised a plan—to capture the leader first. Princess Rou Jia noticed a mute servant and felt like she had seen this person multiple times. She followed the servant and murmured "Xiao Tang." Shen Jinghong asked if she was calling General Xue.

Thinking the princess might be mistaken, Shen Jinghong realized that she was serious. However, he thought Princess Rou Jia had seen wrongly. She assured him she hadn't. In the street, Guo Juli bumped into Zhang, the steward, and asked what Zhi Mo liked to eat. She intended to invite him for a meal. Zhang informed her that Zhi Mo was not in Dingjing. Mu Zhuohua saw someone who looked a lot like Liu Yan and followed, but she dismissed it, thinking it was her imagination. Liu Yan couldn't possibly be there. Mu Zhuohua came up with a plan to secure food, but it inadvertently brought crisis to her Mu family. When Mu Zhuohua arrived at the family home, she told her father that opening the granaries was the solution. Persuaded by her, he agreed. After she left, her father still didn't realize that the visitor was his daughter; he simply found her familiar.

The situation in Jiangnan has been alleviated. The common people have been giving gifts to Princess Rou Jia and Mu Zhuohua, recognizing their efforts during these days. Mu Zhuohua also understood why the princess established the Jishan Hall – to provide a way out for more people. She used to believe that holding an official position was for herself, but now she felt the need to do it for others as well. Zhuang Wenfeng's wife, who is also Mu Zhuohua's younger sister, learned that Mu Zhuohua had returned. Since Mu Zhuohua hadn't come home, she personally visited Mu Zhuohua and offered her tea as a substitute for wine. Unexpectedly, the tea was spiked with a sedative. Mu Zhuohua fainted after drinking it. This whole situation was orchestrated by Zhuang Wenfeng, who had threatened her.

When Mu Zhuohua woke up, she found herself in an unfamiliar place. Zhuang Wenfeng entered the room, startling her. She quickly learned about the current situation. She pretended that she also wanted to see Zhuang Wenfeng and assured him that she didn't intend to escape. She explained that she had been knocked out and sent there. Learning this, Zhuang Wenfeng was enraged and demanded to know who was responsible for it.

Mu Zhuohua speculated that her younger sister might have done it. She explained the details to Zhuang Wenfeng, who became angry and ordered his men to bring her sister before him. Her sister tried to explain, but Zhuang Wenfeng didn't listen. He had her confined, not allowing anyone near her. Mu Zhuohua made an excuse to freshen up and asked Zhuang Wenfeng to wait outside. She found evidence linking Zhuang Wenfeng to the disappearance of official grain. However, Zhuang Wenfeng suddenly appeared behind her. Fortunately, Zhi Jian arrived in time to save Mu Zhuohua. Zhuang Wenfeng and his men pursued them, but Zhi Jian signaled for help.

Liu Yan and Zhi Mo arrived promptly upon seeing the signal. When Mu Zhuohua saw Liu Yan rushing to her rescue, she was touched and overwhelmed. She ran to him and hugged him. Liu Yan inquired about her injuries, and Mu Zhuohua, curious, asked why he had come. Before Liu Yan could answer, he fainted. Zhi Mo arrived and took Liu Yan and Mu Zhuohua back in a carriage. Mu Zhuohua understood that Liu Yan's luck was unbalanced due to his injury and provided acupuncture to temporarily stabilize him. She sought her father, hoping he would give her the Qinghe branch. She intended to use it to save Liu Yan. Mr. Mu hesitated to part with the valuable item. Mu Zhuohua realized his concerns were related to Zhuang Wenfeng and assured him that she could handle it. He finally agreed to hand over the Qinghe branch.

Liu Chen interrogated Zhuang Wenfeng, who continued to maintain his innocence. He shifted blame onto Zhou, the steward, although Liu Chen knew Zhou was just an executor who couldn't make such decisions. Zhuang Wenfeng persisted in his evasions and tried to provoke Liu Chen. Just as Liu Chen was about to lose his temper, he remembered Mu Zhuohua's warning that Zhuang Wenfeng was cunning. Liu Chen told Zhuang Wenfeng that if he wouldn't confess, he could return to Dingjing, and justice would be served there. Mu Zhuohua recounted her childhood experiences with Guo Juli to Zhi Mo. She asked him to treat Juli well and not bully her. As Mu Zhuohua shared her mother's story, Liu Yan listened, pondering certain matters. He shared information about her mother with her, and in turn, Mu Zhuohua explained why she had been avoiding him.

Liu Yan came to know that Mu Zhuohua had been avoiding him because she had developed feelings for him. Mu Zhuohua denied it, but she admitted that she was afraid of becoming too outstanding as that might lead her to fall in love with him. Hearing this, Liu Yan turned Mu Zhuohua to face him and asked why her face had turned red. Mu Zhuohua, unsure how to respond, quickly fled the scene. Mu Zhuohua's father, Mu Rong, was discussing the men that Mu Zhuohua had brought back with his wives. They joked that she hadn't brought back just one man and her skills were evident. Some of them even teased her, which angered Mu Rong, who ordered them to leave.

The nineteen wives of Mu Rong were curious about the men Mu Zhuohua had brought back and approached her home. They saw Zhi Jian and Zhi Mo at the entrance and didn't find them attractive. They also expressed less than favorable opinions about Mu Zhuohua. When they were about to enter to see Liu Yan, Zhi Mo yelled at them, scaring them away. Liu Yan overheard their comments from his room and found them amusing. He felt their observations weren't entirely baseless. Liu Yan stayed at Mu Zhuohua's house, and they enjoyed happy days together. He painted a kite for her, and Mu Zhuohua thought the woman he drew on the kite was as beautiful as herself. Liu Yan teased her for inflating his ego.

Seeing Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan flying kites together, Mu Rong rushed over. He advised Mu Zhuohua not to spoil a man and reminded Liu Yan that as the man behind Mu Zhuohua, he should support her instead of letting her indulge in kite-flying. During their conversation, Mu Rong inadvertently mentioned Mu Zhuohua's mother, which saddened her. Liu Yan intervened and took Mu Zhuohua away. Mu Rong thought Liu Yan was just a young dandy and not worthy of his daughter. Mu Zhuohua informed Liu Yan that her recovery was nearly complete, and they were planning to leave. However, before departing, she wanted to retrieve her mother's ashes.

Mu Rong refused her request, stating that her mother had already enjoyed wealth and glory in life and didn't need an extravagant funeral. Mu Zhuohua was incensed by his response and was about to say something when Mu Rong raised his hand to strike her. Fortunately, Liu Yan arrived in time to prevent it. Upon seeing Liu Yan, Mu Zhuohua exclaimed, "Your Highness." Confused, Mu Rong asked who this "Your Highness" was. Mu Zhuohua asked him how many lords there were in Dingjing and, realizing his mistake, Mu Rong quickly knelt to greet the prince.

Seeing Mu Rong kneel, the wives of Mu Rong were astonished. Mu Rong explained that the person before them was Lord Ding. Zhou informed a few thugs that they must use Princess Rou Jia as bait to lure Xue Xiaotang out before Liu Yan found him. Holding her mother's ashes, Mu Zhuohua wondered if her mother regretted marrying into the Mu family. Liu Yan comforted her, assuring her that her mother had her. Zhi Jian reported a riot among the refugees, and Princess Rou Jia had gone missing. They rushed to find her. Meanwhile, Liu Chen and Shen Jinghong also got wind of the situation. Just as they were about to confront Princess Rou Jia, Xue Xiaotang appeared. He saved the princess but fell off a cliff himself. Seeing Xue Xiaotang die before her, Princess Rou Jia fainted from the shock. Shen Jinghong stayed by her side to care for her.

When Princess Rou Jia woke up, her first words were about Xue Xiaotang. This left Shen Jinghong, who had been by her side day and night, feeling a bit disheartened. The refugees outside were rejoicing as the relief grain from the court had arrived, ending their hunger. Mu Rong's mother learned that her son had been arrested. In her anger, she vented on Mu Zhuohua's younger sister, physically abusing her. Mu Zhuohua arrived in time to save her. Due to her sister's ordeal, she blamed everything on Mu Zhuohua. Mu Zhuohua intended to visit her teacher, Mr. Shang, and Liu Yan wanted to accompany her. Startled, she quickly said she didn't want to go anymore. Unable to resist Liu Yan, they visited Mr. Shang together.

Mr. Shang asked Mu Zhuohua if she truly had feelings for Liu Yan. Mu Zhuohua admitted it, but she said she shouldn't have such feelings for him. Her journey had been full of hardships, and she was afraid that if she fell in love with Lord Ding, everything would go in vain. Mr. Shang told her that when a woman loves someone, she must sacrifice her own desires; it's the fault of the world, not her own. Mu Zhuohua understood this, but she couldn't change the current situation. She decided to bury her feelings for Liu Yan deep in her heart. Before leaving, Mu Zhuohua told Mr. Shang that if he ever felt unhappy, he could find her in Dingjing, and she would show him due respect. Mr. Shang assured her that doing well in his official duties was showing him respect.

Liu Yan asked Mu Zhuohua to go ahead; he had something to discuss with Mr. Shang. Mr. Shang also had something to tell Liu Yan. He believed that Liu Yan's feelings for Mu Zhuohua, if directed towards anyone else, would be fortunate, but in Mu Zhuohua's case, they were mostly restraints. Liu Yan knew that Mu Zhuohua's heart was with Lord Ding, but he was determined to make her happy. He promised Mr. Shang that he wouldn't hold her back and that meeting Mu Zhuohua in his lifetime was fortunate enough; he didn't seek much more. Mr. Shang was pleased with Liu Yan's sincerity and thought highly of him. Mu Zhuohua followed behind Liu Yan, lifting her hand to hold it over his head, enjoying the sight of their shadows together.

Liu Yan was about to take Mu Zhuohua's hand when Zhi Jian ran over and interrupted them. Embarrassed that she was seen, Mu Zhuohua shyly ran away. Zhuang Wenfeng was brought back to Dingjing under custody, and the commoners threw rotten vegetables at him along the way. The people offered gifts to Princess Rou Jia, and Liu Chen encouraged her to accept them. Seeing this scene, Mu Zhuohua was gratified that Zhuang Wenfeng had been caught. Shen Jinghong told Mu Zhuohua about why Zhuang Wenfeng had risen to his position. He felt that Zhuang Wenfeng's arrest might mark the beginning rather than the end. Seeing her son being brought back to Dingjing in custody, Zhuang's mother vented her anger on Mu Zhuohua's younger sister, physically abusing her.

Her sister blamed Mu Zhuohua for everything, feeling it was unfair that she could rise to power and oppress others while she had to suffer such a fate. She knew Mu Zhuohua was the escape concubine of the Zhuang family and had changed her identity. She planned to report her in Dingjing. Mu Zhuohua returned home with her mother's ashes. Looking at the mansion where Lord Ding resided, the place her mother had lived before, tears streamed down her face as memories flooded in. Zhi Mo came to visit Guo Juli, bringing her delicious food. Seeing Zhi Mo after a long time, Guo Juli excitedly asked her many questions. The two enjoyed sweets together, but Zhi Jian noticed and asked Zhi Mo why she, who usually disliked sweets, was eating them.

From Guo Juli, Mu Zhuohua learned that Liu Yan had been accused because he left Dingjing for Jiangnan. She boldly expressed her thoughts to Emperor Liu Ju. He informed her that he knew Liu Yan's character well, and that's why he rejected those accusations against him. Liu Ju visited the imprisoned Zhuang's mother. On her accusations, he saw a potential case of grave injustice. He listened to her accusations against Zhuang Wenfeng and Zhuang Zixian, backed by evidence. After hearing this, he fainted. Zhuang Zixian felt he was being unjustly treated. The emperor didn't heed his advice and sentenced both him and Zhuang Wenfeng to death.

The emperor also rewarded Mu Zhuohua's sister and bestowed upon Mu Zhuohua the title of Household Minister and Shen Jinghong the title of Minister of Personnel. Princess Rou Jia also received rewards, which she converted into rice and distributed through Ji Shan Tang. Mu Zhuohua was grateful for her achievements today and thanked Liu Yan. Liu Yan acknowledged that her success was a result of her own efforts. Liu Yan realized that Mu Zhuohua and her sister had been in cahoots for a while. Mu Zhuohua asked him if he blamed her for not informing him earlier. Liu Yan assured her that some decisions were better made individually, not everything needed to be shared. Mu Zhuohua visited her sister, telling her that she didn't need to rely on others anymore.

Mu Lao Ba was very grateful to Mu Zhuohua for everything she had done. Mu Zhuohua felt that it wasn't her credit; she should thank herself for living for her own sake. Mu Lao Ba took out a handkerchief with a plum blossom pattern and gave it to Mu Zhuohua. She told Mu Zhuohua that it was returning to its rightful owner. Mu Zhuohua looked at the plum blossom on the handkerchief and realized it was her mother's. She was very happy and held the handkerchief to her chest. Zhi Mo informed Mu Zhuohua that Zhuang Wenfeng and Zhuang Zixian had died, having committed suicide out of fear of punishment. Liu Chen found this suspicious and invited Shen Jinghong to drink together, expressing his dissatisfaction with the outcome.

Mu Zhuohua also told Liu Yan that the deaths of Zhuang Wenfeng and Zhuang Zixian were definitely not suicides, but their deaths were not unjust. While they were talking, a petal fell onto Mu Zhuohua's neck. Liu Yan stood up and helped her remove it. Liu Yan sent people to investigate Zhuang Wenfeng's situation in Jiangnan, as he, a mere county magistrate, dared to wield so much power. Mu Zhuohua put on her new official uniform and felt very happy looking at herself in the mirror. At her new workplace, Mu Zhuohua met Lord Ding. He told her that the Ministry of Revenue was the best department, and they needed a good temper to do good deeds. Lord Ding escorted Mu Zhuohua to her seat, and Fang Guanzheng came to apologize to her.

He felt that Mu Zhuohua's verbal sparring against Beiliang, investigating corrupt officials, was due to his narrow-mindedness. Mu Zhuohua didn't think an apology was necessary; it was just a difference of opinions. The Empress Dowager learned about Mu Zhuohua's plea for Liu Yan when she was accused, realizing that what was once just a performance for them had turned into genuine affection. The Empress Dowager decided that she wouldn't take action against Liu Yan unless he intervened against Liu Hao. But if she saw Liu Yan prospering and being successful everywhere, she couldn't just sit back and watch. Mu Zhuohua received an invitation from Princess Rou Jia to attend the Unity Festival, where young men and women exchanged gifts as a tradition.

Guo Juli didn't know what the Unity Festival was, so Mu Zhuohua explained that it was a time when young people exchanged gifts. Guo Juli suggested that Mu Zhuohua could give Liu Yan a gift, given that he had saved her. Mu Zhuohua wondered why she should give him a gift, but Guo Juli pointed out that he had saved her. When Shen Jinghong was about to find Princess Rou Jia, he saw her caressing a portrait of Xue Xiaotang with great care. Shen Jinghong turned to leave but accidentally cut his hand on a tree branch. Despite the injury, he returned home and drank alone. The emotional pain was far worse than the physical wound.

Mu Zhuohua went to the streets to find a flute to give to Liu Yan. Guo Juli found out from Zhi Mo that Liu Yan liked playing the flute. Mu Zhuohua and Guo Juli stood in front of a shop selling flutes. Sun Yunyun walked by them, and Guo Juli noticed a pleasant fragrance on her, presumably from expensive spices. When they entered the shop, Sun Yunyun joined them. Interestingly, both Mu Zhuohua and Sun Yunyun liked the same flute. Sun Yunyun offered a high price, but the shopkeeper refused to sell, even for ten thousand coins, believing she came from a prestigious family. The shopkeeper then told Mu Zhuohua that she could exchange something if she couldn't pay, and Mu Zhuohua realized her talent was her most valuable asset. The shopkeeper recognized Mu Zhuohua's identity and asked her to write a poem.

At the Unity Festival, many women started gossiping when they saw Mu Zhuohua. The Empress Dowager appeared with Princess Rou Jia, Liu Chen, and Liu Yan. Seeing the Empress Dowager, Mu Zhuohua felt fear again. Liu Chen greeted Mu Zhuohua, but she pretended not to see him. Liu Chen was puzzled by Mu Zhuohua's behavior, and Liu Yan explained that if he acknowledged her, he would become unpopular among the women. As the legitimate granddaughter of the Sun family, Sun Yunyun received attention from the Empress Dowager. She brought a flute named "Lingxi" to give to Liu Yan, but he declined, stating that he doesn't accept gifts. Mu Zhuohua gave Liu Yan the flute "Du You" as a gift, and he happily accepted it.

The Empress Dowager instructed Liu Yan and Sun Yunyun to perform a duet. Sun Yunyun asked Liu Yan if she could give him "Lingxi" in case he didn't have his flute with him. Many noblewomen discussed the talented and handsome couple, Liu Yan and Sun Yunyun. Liu Yan stood up and had Zhi Jian bring "Du You," the flute that Mu Zhuohua had given him. Holding "Du You," Liu Yan told Sun Yunyun that he cherished this flute and started playing it. Sun Yunyun finally understood the situation and looked at Mu Zhuohua, who was happily drinking tea. Sun Yunyun quickly realized and knew that Mu Zhuohua's poetry and literary skills were not outstanding, but she was tasked with composing a poem. Princess Rou Jia knew this was challenging for Mu Zhuohua and interceded on her behalf with the Empress Dowager.

Ignoring Princess Rou Jia's plea, the Empress Dowager insisted that Mu Zhuohua must compose a poem. Mu Zhuohua had no choice but to reluctantly compose a poem with the lotus as the theme. As soon as Mu Zhuohua finished speaking, everyone started discussing, finding her poem hard to understand. Liu Yan explained the poem on behalf of Mu Zhuohua. Princess Rou Jia had intended for Mu Zhuohua to relax, not expecting it to become so troublesome. Mu Zhuohua told the princess that this was just how her poetry was, and there was no need to conceal it. Following Liu Yan's lead, Sun Yunyun learned that not all blooming flowers bear fruit. Shen Jinghong came to see Princess Rou Jia, but she was not present. Instead, Ye Muzhen, also known as Princess Jing'an, wanted to give Shen Jinghong a gift, but he declined.

When Princess Rou Jia returned, Shen Jinghong offered her a gift, but she refused. He told her that the gift held special meaning for her and asked her if she didn't want to open it. Upon opening it, she found a portrait of Xue Xiaotang, which left her shocked that Shen Jinghong had given her such a gift. Princess Rou Jia invited Shen Jinghong to play chess with her. Both Zhi Mo and Guo Juli gave each other the same gift, a pig's elbow. Zhi Jian teased them when they passed by, and Liu Yan commanded them to find Xue Xiaotang. However, Luyuan Shi informed them that there was no longer any Snow Dust Pill available. He suggested that they take turns using acupuncture to dissolve the stagnated blood within Xue Xiaotang's body.

Sun Yunyun purchased Mu Zhuohua's collection of poems and tried to study it, but she didn't understand. She sought her brother's help to decipher it. He explained that it was a riddle, meaning "It's none of my business." Realizing she was being made fun of, Sun Yunyun reported to her mother, Madam Sun. Madam Sun believed that her daughter had come a long way for Liu Yan and couldn't have been bullied. She wanted to visit the Empress Dowager and seek her support. Sun Yunyun disagreed and wanted to compete with Mu Zhuohua on equal terms, feeling that her talents were not inferior.

Sun Yunyun also came to the Revenue Ministry to observe, and the discussions revolved around her. Li Daren informed Mu Zhuohua that Sun Yunyun was a new observer from the Revenue Ministry. When Sun Yunyun saw Mu Zhuohua, she told her about going with Liu Yan and brought the pastry she had made to give to Liu Yan, but he declined. She informed Mu Zhuohua that this pastry was from Liu Yan, and she wanted her to eat it. Mu Zhuohua already understood what was happening and burst out laughing. Li Daren's group believed that Mu Zhuohua was someone who dealt with big matters and wouldn't get upset over this. Seeing Sun Yunyun's expression, Mu Zhuohua took her aside and gave her a private lesson. However, Sun Yunyun started to doze off while listening. She told Mu Zhuohua it was getting late, so they decided to continue tomorrow. Sun Yunyun couldn't hold on any longer and inquired about Mu Zhuohua's poem at the Poetry Assembly, where her "Peony Flower" received many votes, and people might think Lord Ding wrote it. Mu Zhuohua's brief response infuriated Sun Yunyun. She had repeatedly tried to provoke Mu Zhuohua, but each time, Mu Zhuohua handled it well.

Mu Zhuohua found evidence that Sun Yunyun had been secretly giving laxatives to someone. She told Sun Yunyun that she had been patient with her before, but if she continued like this, she shouldn't blame her for being rude. Mu Zhuohua warned her that if this affected the Ministry of Revenue, she wouldn't hesitate to take action. When Sun Yunyun saw the Empress Dowager approaching, she quickly pretended to be upset. As expected, the Empress Dowager thought she was bullying the newcomer, so Mu Zhuohua reluctantly confessed and was punished to kneel for an hour.

Zhi Jian reported this matter to Liu Yan, who instructed him to bring medicine to Mu Zhuohua promptly. Princess Rou Jia brought dinner to Shen Jinghong, knowing that he liked sweets. She brought many pastries.

Shen Jinghong was very happy that Princess Rou Jia brought him sweets. Princess Jing'an arrived and interrupted their conversation. She asked Shen Jinghong to teach her poetry from the Central Plains. Sun Yunyun watched Mu Zhuohua kneeling on the ground and told her that she and Liu Yan were a perfect match. Mu Zhuohua told her that who Liu Yan wanted to marry was his own business and had nothing to do with her. Liu Yan happened to overhear this conversation, and he angrily left with the medicine. He then had Lord Li deliver it to Mu Zhuohua. Lord Li comforted Mu Zhuohua and told her to use the medicine properly. Mu Zhuohua didn't know that it was from Liu Yan and told Lord Li that if she couldn't finish it, she would return it to him.

Liu Yan brought officials from the Ministry of Revenue and told them that in the future, someone else should deliver the documents instead of Mu Zhuohua. The next day, Lord Li handed the documents to Sun Yunyun to deliver, leaving Mu Zhuohua surprised. For several days in a row, Sun Yunyun continued to deliver the documents, and Mu Zhuohua wondered what was going on since she used to be the one doing it. Sun Yunyun was seen by Mu Zhuohua holding an umbrella for Liu Yan, and though she felt uncomfortable, she couldn't say anything. When she returned home, Guo Juli noticed that Mu Zhuohua was unhappy and gave her a spider as a gift for the Qixi Festival. Mu Zhuohua told Juli that she didn't want to celebrate the Qixi Festival at all.

Mu Zhuohua asked Juli if she would feel sad if the person who always brought her delicious food, Zhi Mo, suddenly gave it to someone else. Juli told her that if it were Zhi Jian himself, she wouldn't feel sad. Mu Zhuohua realized that she used to think Liu Yan was indifferent to anyone, but now she couldn't do the same. After teaching three royal princes, Mu Zhuohua overheard them discussing the Empress Dowager's proposal of marriage to Liu Yan and Sun Yunyun. This troubled her deeply.

Liu Chen thought that Shen Jinghong had a good relationship with Mu Zhuohua and asked him about her preferences. Shen Jinghong was curious why Liu Chen didn't ask Mu Zhuohua directly, but Liu Chen said he wanted to give her a surprise. Shen Jinghong told Liu Chen that Mu Zhuohua's favorite thing was money, but Liu Chen wanted to come up with something more than just money. Guo Juli took Mu Zhuohua to the street to celebrate the Qixi Festival, even though Mu Zhuohua initially didn't want to go. Mu Zhuohua saw Sun Yunyun and Liu Yan together, so she asked Juli to go ahead and do something on her own.

Juli gave a piece of sweets to Zhi Mo, who said it was delicious. Zhi Jian overheard the sarcasm and realized that he didn't actually like sweets but was lying to make the girl happy. Mu Zhuohua released a sky lantern, hoping it would represent her past affection for Liu Yan. Liu Yan happened to arrive behind her and heard what Mu Zhuohua said. She admitted to him that she had feelings for him. However, when Sun Yunyun appeared, Mu Zhuohua realized that her feelings for Liu Yan were insignificant, and Sun Yunyun could actually help him. They were the perfect match. Liu Yan told Mu Zhuohua that he didn't want to marry Sun Yunyun, and he had already refused the Empress Dowager's offer. Mu Zhuohua also realized that Liu Yan had done many things for her, but she felt that she was a selfish person. She had already made up her mind not to let love interfere with her life, and she couldn't respond to Liu Yan's feelings. Liu Yan and Mu Zhuohua made a pact: if he didn't marry, she wouldn't marry either, and they would stay by each other's side.

Sun Yunyun witnessed Liu Yan and Mu Zhuohua sharing an intimate moment, and she reported Mu Zhuohua's change of status to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager summoned Mu Zhuohua, and realizing she couldn't escape, Mu Zhuohua knelt on the ground and awaited her fate. Just as the Empress Dowager was about to call for someone to remove Mu Zhuohua, His Majesty Liu Ju and Liu Yan arrived. Seeing the presence of the Emperor and Lord Ding, Sun Yunyun immediately revealed Mu Zhuohua's true identity. Lord Ding spoke up in defense of Mu Zhuohua, mentioning that he had informed Liu Ju about Mu Zhuohua's change of status earlier. Liu Ju was also compassionate and valued talent more than Liu Yan did. He had sent Mu Zhuohua to Jiangnan for disaster relief to test her, as she was his right-hand person in training the new emperor.

Liu Ju was displeased that Sun Yunyun had not reported matters to him as the head of the Ministry of Revenue but had gone to the Empress Dowager instead. He told her to return to being the daughter of the Sun family and not occupy a government position without doing actual work. Xue Xiaotang's illness had recurred, and she showed symptoms of impending death. The Imperial Physician was doing everything possible to save her. Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan hurried back, with Mu Zhuohua using her acupuncture skills to try to save Xue Xiaotang, but the results were not promising. Early in the morning, Sun Yunyun was waiting at the entrance of the Ministry of Revenue for Mu Zhuohua. She told Mu Zhuohua that a woman interacting with a group of men every day would tarnish her reputation.

Mu Zhuohua told Sun Yunyun that in her heart, her official career would always come first. Just then, Liu Yan arrived and said that he knew he didn't hold a significant place in Mu Zhuohua's heart, but she didn't need to remind him every day. This angered both of them, and Sun Yunyun left in a huff. Liu Yan playfully pinched Mu Zhuohua's cheek, which was witnessed by Lord Li. Liu Yan distributed ice blocks to various departments to relieve the summer heat, and they all expressed gratitude except for the Ministry of Revenue.

Liu Yan inquired about the Ministry of Revenue's plans for dealing with the locust plague in Jiangnan, and one after another, officials came with unsatisfactory answers. Lord Li was troubled, and when he saw Mu Zhuohua, he believed that the Ministry of Revenue's hope lay in her. Lord Li sent Mu Zhuohua to find Liu Yan, who wondered why the Ministry of Revenue had sent her. He asked for her opinion on the Jiangnan disaster relief, and Mu Zhuohua responded. Liu Yan was very satisfied with her response and invited her to have a meal with him. They had a sweet meal together, and Liu Yan told her that he would wait for her after work.

Wen Dayuan became the head of the Ministry of Revenue, and when he saw Mu Zhuohua, they exchanged pleasantries. Wen Dayuan realized that he had been too rigid in his views about men and women in the workplace. He asked Mu Zhuohua if she was married, and she replied that she was solely devoted to serving the country and had no intention of marrying. When Wen Dayuan noticed that she was unmarried, he asked her what she thought of him. Mu Zhuohua admitted that she had always seen him as an elder brother and was struggling with how to reject him. Liu Yan arrived and told Mu Zhuohua that he had a way to help her discourage Wen Dayuan's advances.

The next day, officials continued to press Mu Zhuohua about marriage, and she repeatedly refused. Liu Yan took her aside and explained that if she offended him, Wen Dayuan would stop pursuing her. Officials from the Ministry of Revenue arrived and witnessed Liu Yan scolding Mu Zhuohua. This incident quickly reached Wen Dayuan's ears, and he decided to keep his distance from Mu Zhuohua. Liu Chen also came to inquire why Liu Yan had scolded Mu Zhuohua so harshly and pleaded on her behalf. Liu Yan noticed that Liu Chen had special feelings for Mu Zhuohua and asked if he had a girl in mind since he was of marriageable age. Liu Chen thought Mu Zhuohua would be a good match, but Liu Yan bluntly told him that Mu Zhuohua was not suitable. Liu Chen understood this and knew that both the Empress Dowager and Liu Ju wanted him to marry a daughter from a prestigious family. Liu Chen went to the Ministry of Revenue to find Mu Zhuohua but was told that she had gone to dine with Shen Jinghong at Xiaoqin Palace.

Mu Zhuohua and Shen Jinghong had finished drinking at the Xiaoqin Palace and were preparing to leave. Shen Jinghong offered to escort her home, but Mu Zhuohua saw Zhi Jian and Zhi Mo waiting not far away. She declined Shen Jinghong's offer and walked toward Liu Yan's carriage. Mu Zhuohua asked Liu Yan what he meant by calling her "rotten peach blossoms." Liu Yan replied that she should interpret it herself, and Mu Zhuohua felt that Liu Yan was referring to himself as her peach blossom, indicating that he was interested in her. Just then, the carriage hit a stone, causing Mu Zhuohua to fall into Liu Yan's arms, and it triggered his memory of kissing her while drunk at the hunting ground. He regretted not remembering sooner, as it would have saved them from taking a detour.

Sun Yunyun was angry with her brother Sun Yunfeng for apologizing to Mu Zhuohua. Sun Yunfeng told Sun Yunyun that she shouldn't have reported Mu Zhuohua. Mu Zhuohua was virtuous and kind in both her official duties and personal conduct, and she shouldn't just see illusions in her eyes. Lord Xue had been waiting at Liu Yan's home for Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan for some time. He informed Mu Zhuohua that he had found another Snow Dust Pill in Princess Rou Jia's possession. Mu Zhuohua went to find the princess and explained her intentions, suggesting that if Lord Xue woke up, it might be a pleasant surprise for her. The princess believed that saving a life was more important than a mere Snow Dust Pill.

Mu Zhuohua hurriedly gave the Snow Dust Pill to Lord Xue, and it had an immediate effect. Liu Yan gifted Mu Zhuohua a house that had belonged to her maternal grandfather. He told her that she could dispose of everything in the house as she pleased. Mu Zhuohua took Liu Yan's hand and asked if she could also dispose of him, to which Liu Yan lovingly replied that she could do whatever she wanted. While exploring the house, Mu Zhuohua found a clue in a book that made her recall a apricot flower on her mother's handkerchief. This apricot flower never withered even when soaked in water for a long time, indicating the use of a special preserving agent, possibly left by her maternal grandfather to convey a message before his house was seized.

Mu Zhuohua looked at the apricot tree in front of her and began digging with a hoe. She unearthed a sheepskin scroll buried in the soil next to the tree. The scroll revealed that the Reversal Yang Elixir was developed by Mu Zhuohua's maternal grandfather. However, he later realized that the drug had severe side effects and wanted to destroy it, but the Empress Dowager stopped him. The Empress Dowager used the Reversal Yang Elixir to poison Liu Yan's mother, Consort Yun, which indirectly led to the downfall of Mu Zhuohua's maternal grandfather during the house seizure. After Lord Xue woke up, he recognized Liu Yan and told him the truth about the events of the Battle of Juma River five years ago.

On the eve of the Battle of Juma River five years ago, the Empress Dowager secretly summoned Lord Xue and told him that Liu Yan harbored rebellious intentions against Emperor Liu Ju. She pressured Lord Xue by using Yuan Chengming's wife and daughter as hostages, demanding Liu Yan's military plans. Lord Xue then revealed all the details to Liu Yan. Liu Yan learned that Liu Ju was torn between protecting the Empress Dowager and himself. Zhi Jian reported that someone had arrived at the palace, and Liu Yan thought that the timing was perfect. He, along with Mu Zhuohua and Lord Xue, entered the palace.

The Empress Dowager recounted her childhood and the care she provided to Liu Yan. Liu Yan expressed his gratitude to her. Liu Ju and Princess Rou Jia were engaged in conversation, and the princess reminded Liu Ju that he could ask Liu Yan for help in taking care of the Empress Dowager. Liu Ju seemed to realize something and was momentarily stunned. Finally, the Empress Dowager revealed her true intention for inviting Liu Yan. She wanted him to leave the capital, and the dinner was a farewell gesture. Liu Yan spoke frankly, but the Empress Dowager pretended to be ignorant of her actions.

Liu Ju sensed that something was amiss as he returned to Dingjing Palace with Princess Rou Jia. Indeed, he witnessed the confrontational situation between Liu Yan and the Empress Dowager. Liu Ju wanted to take Liu Yan away, but the Empress Dowager didn't allow them to leave. She insisted that since Liu Ju had returned, they should bid farewell to Liu Yan together. Liu Ju became agitated and started coughing violently, and the Empress Dowager asked him not to get upset. Liu Ju revealed that his anger was for her, and she finally admitted that without Liu Ju's return, Liu Yan would have died long ago. She mentioned that if it weren't for Consort Yun saving Liu Yan by performing a cesarean section, he would have died. Also, if it weren't for Liu Chen saving him five years ago, he would have perished as well.

The Empress Dowager told Liu Ju that if it hadn't been for her efforts to save his father, the former emperor, she would have killed Liu Yan a long time ago. Liu Ju asked her how she could bear to push an innocent child into freezing water. The Empress Dowager believed that she was originally a wife, but when her husband left, he entrusted her with taking good care of Liu Yan. She regarded him as her husband, but he saw her only as an empress. His beloved person was Consort Yun, so when Consort Yun died, the former emperor wanted to die alongside her. The Empress Dowager recalled the former emperor's anxiety while waiting outside when Consort Yun gave birth to Liu Yan. She harbored deep hatred from that moment and embarked on an irreversible path.

Liu Yan believed that even if the Empress Dowager hated him, she shouldn't have made a mockery of the lives of his thirty thousand soldiers and destabilized the southern court. However, the Empress Dowager still refused to admit her actions until Lord Xue presented her with the token she had given him. She then claimed that since they were all Liu Yan's people, they deserved to die. The Empress Dowager believed that it was time to eliminate all potential threats but didn't anticipate that Liu Ju had already removed their people. He feared the current situation and had silenced those who knew the truth early on. Liu Ju asked Liu Yan if he could forgive the Empress Dowager, but Liu Yan responded that he couldn't forgive her.

Liu Ju was so infuriated by the Empress Dowager's actions that he coughed up blood and passed away. Before dying, he urged Liu Yan to spare the Empress Dowager and take care of his children, emphasizing the importance of living well. Lord Xue witnessed this and quickly left, running into Princess Rou Jia. He rushed to hug her in excitement, but to his shock, she used a dagger to kill him. Princess Rou Jia told him that during their betrothal, he had said he was willing to sacrifice his life for her, and now she was fulfilling his wish. She believed that he had collaborated with the Empress Dowager for years and caused the deaths of many, making his death justified. As Princess Rou Jia prepared to leave, she heard the news of the Emperor's death and hurriedly went to see him.

The various princes also received the news and rushed back. Princess Rou Jia fed the Empress Dowager a poison, and when the Empress Dowager questioned her, she mentioned that her father had passed away. The Empress Dowager refused to accept this reality, considering Princess Rou Jia's words insolent. She attempted to strike Princess Rou Jia but was thrown onto the bed by her. She finally realized that Princess Rou Jia had pretended to be obedient all along, even her favorite Pei Lan was under the princess's control. Princess Rou Jia revealed that everyone, including herself, was just a pawn in her hands. She asked the Empress Dowager if she remembered the spy from Beiliang, and the Empress Dowager finally understood that she was that spy.

Princess Rou Jia remembered that her mother, Xinger, was killed by the Empress Dowager. Xinger had been married to Liu Ju to secure his position by marrying a high-ranking official's daughter. Princess Rou Jia believed that if her mother had not been favored, she wouldn't have been killed. Liu Ju, fearing that Princess Rou Jia might meet a tragic fate as well, had her imperial aunt take her to grow up in Jiangnan. After growing up, Princess Rou Jia found a way to return to Dingjing Palace and cleverly arranged Pei Lan by the Empress Dowager's side. Even Lord Xue was intentionally lured by Princess Rou Jia. She orchestrated everything, including delivering the military plans to Beiliang. Lord Xue had promised to reveal the truth to the Emperor after their affairs were settled, but Liu Ju unexpectedly intercepted him, disrupting her plans.

Princess Rou Jia informed the Empress Dowager that in the past five years, her Ji Shan Tang had expanded, and she had continuously gathered intelligence. Everything had been her design. She knew she couldn't compete directly with the Empress Dowager, so she used Lord Ding and the Empress Dowager's rivalry to her advantage. When she learned that Liu Yan had already discovered the Eagle Claw, she went to see Ye Mu Jing to make him state his demands for marrying her. She knew Liu Yan wouldn't agree, but her father, Liu Ju, remained silent, and she realized that familial bonds couldn't be relied upon—she had to rely on herself. She had also prepared a retreat plan for herself, which involved Mu Zhuohua. She deliberately let Mu Zhuohua discover Beiliang's intention to retreat.

The Empress Dowager listened to her step-by-step plan, seething with anger, but she couldn't utter a word because Princess Rou Jia had drugged her, rendering her speechless. The only thing she hadn't anticipated was that Liu Ju would choose to return to the palace late at night to ease the relationship between Liu Yan and the Empress Dowager, only to die suddenly. Liu Yan, due to Liu Ju's passing, fell seriously ill and was bedridden, with Mu Zhuohua taking care of him. Mu Zhuohua knew that Liu Yan was blaming himself, but no one could have expected that Liu Ju would use such a method to improve the relationship between him and the Empress Dowager. Mu Zhuohua also informed Liu Yan about Xue Xiaotang's death, suspecting that it was the Empress Dowager's people who killed him. However, Liu Yan told her that he had more important matters to attend to and wouldn't surrender.

Shen Jinghong congratulated Princess Rou Jia for avenging her father, and Princess Rou Jia felt that without his assistance, she wouldn't have achieved her goals so quickly. Shen Jinghong recalled how Princess Rou Jia had saved him when he was young and how she had indoctrinated him about the unfairness of society from an early age. Princess Rou Jia had always told him to study diligently, as passing the imperial examinations was the only way to change their circumstances. When someone told Shen Jinghong about Princess Rou Jia being granted in marriage by the Emperor, he was in disbelief. Shen Jinghong made efforts to enter the capital to take the imperial examination, thinking that he could finally help her.

In front of Shen Jinghong, Princess Rou Jia threw Xue Xiaotang's portrait to the ground, telling Shen Jinghong that she had known from a young age not to trust anyone in this world and that she had to rely on herself. She instructed Shen Jinghong to stay by Liu Chen's side and cooperate with her from within. She aimed to become the Empress of Dingjing, promising Shen Jinghong that once her plans succeeded, he would become the Prime Minister. Shen Jinghong thought that being a Prime Minister under Liu Chen was also a good position, but what he truly desired was Princess Rou Jia's heart. Princess Rou Jia told him that she had no heart. In her heart, she thought of her several younger brothers who should have returned from the imperial palace by now and instructed Shen Jinghong to imitate the late Emperor's handwriting to write a testament.

The princes and ministers gathered in the main hall, waiting to hear the testament, but Liu Yan hadn't arrived yet, leaving them uncertain about whether to proceed. Wei Elder believed that, as the only Prince in Dingjing, the testament should wait until Liu Yan arrived. Just as they were discussing it, Liu Yan arrived, and he began to read the testament. The testament declared that the second prince, Liu Yu, would inherit the throne. Zhou, a respected minister, expressed doubts and believed that the testament might have been falsified. This led to discussions among the ministers.

Liu Yan informed them that he had been present when the late Emperor wrote the testament and that there was a discrepancy. He believed that someone had altered the testament. The ministers didn't believe him, so Liu Yan revealed that there were two versions of the testament, with one in his possession. He suggested that they compare the two testaments. In front of all the ministers, Liu Yan found the testament left by Liu Ju and Wei Elder read out its contents. This testament stated that Liu Chen would inherit the throne. Still, the ministers were skeptical, and Liu Yu persisted, thinking that Liu Yan might be biased because of his affection for Liu Chen.

Liu Yan told them that this matter was the work of a Beiliang spy, and he had only changed one testament to intentionally create chaos in Dingjing, playing right into Beiliang's hands. He ordered the three princes to reside in his Dingwang Mansion and advised the ministers not to discuss this matter until the truth was uncovered. Meanwhile, Princess Rou Jia continued to plot her way to power, and Liu Chen ascended the throne.

Liu Yu and the Third Prince saw Liu Yan approaching. Liu Yu asked if he had come to pass judgment on him. Liu Yan told him that he hadn't sent him to the dungeons yet because he didn't want some people to resort to private punishment. He told the Second Prince, Liu Yu, that he knew deep down that Liu Ju had never favored him, and he was just holding onto some resentment. The Second Prince asked him why, if Liu Ju favored Liu Chen, he hadn't been crowned as the heir yet. Liu Yan explained that it was because the late emperor wanted to test and refine Liu Chen's character. Liu Yan felt that he, as the uncle, had not done well enough, leading to disharmony among the three princes. He advised the Second and Third Princes to return to their respective fiefdoms and live their lives peacefully.

After saying this, Liu Yan collapsed, and Zhi Jian and Zhi Mo quickly helped him up. Zhao, the palace physician, diagnosed Liu Yan and informed him that his condition had reached a point of no return. Zhi Jian couldn't believe it and asked if Zhao had made a mistake, but Zhao himself wished he had. Mu Zhuohua happened to come looking for Liu Yan, and Zhi Jian thought her medical skills were excellent, so he suggested she take a look at Liu Yan. Liu Yan stopped them and insisted that Mu Zhuohua should not be informed of this matter. Mu Zhuohua looked at Liu Yan with worry, but he pretended to be fine and urged her to leave because he had to attend the morning court session the next day. Mu Zhuohua wanted to stay with him a little longer, but Liu Yan insisted on resting.

After Mu Zhuohua left, Liu Yan thought that he shouldn't be greedy, and leaving now was his best choice. While he could still manage his health, Liu Yan had been helping Liu Chen with state affairs. Zhang, the steward, suggested that if Liu Yan could take Zhi Jian and Zhi Mo with him, why couldn't he take him too? Liu Yan told him that he wanted to grow old with him but now he didn't have much time left. He left his mansion to Zhang, and the servants in the estate could take care of him. Zhi Jian asked if Liu Yan was really not planning to tell Mu Zhuohua about his condition, as she would eventually figure it out, and it would break her heart.

Zhi Jian felt that their mutual support over the years was not easy, and Mu Zhuohua was not someone who could withstand great challenges. It would be great if she could accompany Liu Yan for the rest of his journey. Liu Yan believed that hating someone was better than missing them. On the other hand, Liu Chen had just ascended to power, and there were hidden currents in the capital. The reason they were lying low for now was because Liu Yan, the Lord Ding, could still keep things under control. If he died in the capital, it would descend into chaos, so they decided to postpone revealing the truth to Liu Chen. Liu Yan told Zhang that he had transferred all his assets to Mu Zhuohua's name, and he would tell her when the time was right.

Zhi Jian told him that Mu Zhuohua was waiting for him in the study, and she had come several times, only to miss him each time. Liu Yan took one last look at the sleeping Mu Zhuohua and left. He told Mu Zhuohua that it was getting late, and Liu Yan wouldn't be coming back, so she should return home. Mu Zhuohua realized that she hadn't seen Liu Yan for a long time. Princess Rou Jia came to visit the Empress Dowager again. She saw that the Empress Dowager was in this state but still sharp-minded. Her uncle told her that there were ways to make the Empress Dowager's life worse than death. Then, she acted innocent and told her uncle that if Liu Yan found out about the forged edict, she would be doomed, and she would leave the Ji Shan Hall to him.

As expected, her uncle, upon hearing this, told her that he would not be implicated, and he hung himself in his room. Zhi Mo brought many delicious dishes to Guo Juli, but she didn't know that Zhi Mo intended to leave with the prince. Mu Zhuohua hadn't seen Liu Yan attend the morning court for several days. When she left the court, she overheard courtiers discussing the Second Prince's decision to tour the neighboring states. When she returned home, Guo Juli told her that there was a letter in the courtyard. She found a farewell letter from Liu Yan and walked through every corner of the courtyard, reminiscing about her time with Liu Yan. Zhi Jian, watching Liu Yan in this state, felt that it would be better to bring Mu Zhuohua over. Liu Yan felt that he was already a withered tree and didn't want to burden Mu Zhuohua further.

Mu Zhuohua found Liu Yan, and he asked her why she had come here when the late emperor had just ascended the throne, and there were many affairs in the court. Mu Zhuohua questioned why he had come here when he knew there were many affairs. Liu Yan told her that he had made it clear in his letter that he was tired of matters of the heart. Mu Zhuohua felt that at this point, Liu Yan's words were meant to hurt her, and Liu Yan told her he left because he was weary. Mu Zhuohua watched him leave, standing outside his door, waiting for him.

She waited from day to night, and when it rained at night, Guo Juli stood with her at the door, using his hand to shield her from the rain as they waited for Liu Yan. Zhi Mo came out wanting to persuade them to leave, but Mu Zhuohua asked him to take Guo Juli away. Juli insisted on staying with Mu Zhuohua, so Zhi Mo had no choice but to go back and get an umbrella for them. He silently stood by their side. Guo Juli couldn't withstand the rain and fainted, so Zhi Mo quickly carried her back inside. Mu Zhuohua couldn't hold out any longer under the heavy rain, and just as she was about to collapse, Liu Yan came out and took her back inside. Liu Yan looked at Mu Zhuohua sleeping in bed and mumbled about why she wouldn't let him go. Eventually, they would be worlds apart, and she would undoubtedly be sad.

Princess Rou Jia stood in front of her mother's grave and said that although she didn't know why Liu Yan had left Dingjing, it was an opportunity for her. She wouldn't let anyone stand in her way. While walking, she accidentally twisted her ankle, and Shen Jinghong happened to arrive and carried her to a nearby tree, where he administered some medicine. Princess Rou Jia told him that Liu Yan had left Dingjing, and Mu Zhuohua was not there. This was their chance to take action. Shen Jinghong told her that he saw it as an opportunity to implement the system of rewarding loyal subjects. Princess Rou Jia continued by saying that he should first criticize the drawbacks of the current system in front of Liu Chen to make him take it seriously. She also promised to provide him with a list of her own people to place strategically in the court when the time was right.

Shen Jinghong wanted to carry the princess away, but she refused. He asked if she didn't want to return home, and only then did she allow him to carry her. When Mu Zhuohua woke up, she saw Liu Yan and asked him if he had been taking care of her all along. Liu Yan denied taking care of her and told her that it was Guo Juli who had been looking after her and had made the porridge she was holding. He put down the porridge and urged Mu Zhuohua to return to Dingjing. Mu Zhuohua asked if he wanted her to leave, and Liu Yan told her that he didn't want to see her, so she should leave. Mu Zhuohua didn't believe him.

She thought that if he didn't want to see her, why had he brought her back. Liu Yan told her that even for cats and dogs, he wouldn't let them get drenched in the rain. After hearing this, Mu Zhuohua cried sadly, and Liu Yan left. Zhi Jian told Liu Yan that Mu Zhuohua had already left, and when Liu Yan came out of the room, he indeed saw no trace of her. Just as he was about to leave, Mu Zhuohua appeared behind him, and she could see that Liu Yan was anxious. Liu Yan asked her why she had returned after leaving, and Mu Zhuohua had realized when she left that Liu Yan's illness had worsened. She believed that they could now walk forward side by side. Liu Yan told her that he was a dying man and not worth her time.

Mu Zhuohua told him that whether he was worth it or not was her decision to make, and he couldn't decide for her. She told Liu Yan that in the past, she had made decisions for herself, and from now on, she would protect him. The two of them shared a deep kiss under the setting sun. Mu Zhuohua checked Liu Yan's pulse, and Liu Yan told her not to waste her efforts. Medicine was of no use to him anymore; he was just clinging to life. Mu Zhuohua believed that acupuncture might still work and insisted on trying. Despite her best efforts, Liu Yan's condition did not improve. Mu Zhuohua still did not give up, and with the help of Zhao, the palace physician, they finally managed to neutralize the poison in Liu Yan's body.

Liu Chen and Shen Jinghong were chatting together when Shen Jinghong mentioned the system of rewarding loyal subjects. He believed that ordinary people, without the protection of this system, would remain stagnant for their entire lives. He also told Liu Chen that prominent families sought to create a vast network of interests in the court through intermarriage. He spoke about the disadvantages of these powerful families, leading Liu Chen to decide that if they were not removed, they would become a perpetual threat.

Mu Zhuohua prepared a bath for Liu Yan, and as she looked at the scars on his back, she realized that his visit to the brink of death at Guimen Pass must have been more than just an ordinary experience. Liu Yan comforted her, patting her hand, saying it was all in the past. Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan stood together in a pavilion, with Mu Zhuohua admiring the beautiful scenery and imagining their future happy life.

Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan went out to eat together, and Mu Zhuohua was afraid that Liu Yan wouldn't eat enough, so she kept adding food to his bowl. The innkeeper, observing their affection, assumed they must have recently gotten married. During the meal, they listened to a storyteller at the inn narrating the heroic deeds of Lord Ding. Mu Zhuohua asked how he had achieved all of that, and Liu Yan described the battlefield scenes he had witnessed. Mu Zhuohua thought that Liu Yan truly deserved his title as a military genius. She asked if he would use these skills against her in the future, but Liu Yan assured her that he couldn't harm her, even if she were as fragile as porcelain.

Zhi Jian called Guo Juli out and offered her a dessert made from papaya as a gesture of affection, but Juli was too engrossed in eating to pay much attention.

While Liu Yan was sleeping, he dreamt of the words spoken by the Empress Dowager. He woke up suddenly and told Mu Zhuohua about his dream, recounting the situation on the day of the palace coup. At that time, he had been overwhelmed and hadn't had the energy to think deeply about it. Now, as he recollected, he noticed several inconsistencies. He told Mu Zhuohua about his doubts, especially concerning the Battle of Juma River and the substitution of the will. He suspected that someone had been behind these actions and remembered a eunuch who had been with Liu Ju and had committed suicide after Liu Ju's death. That eunuch must have known something unspeakable. Mu Zhuohua understood what Liu Yan was implying; he wanted to return to Dingjing.

Liu Yan informed her that Dingjing was not stable, and he couldn't just stand by. He was determined to investigate these matters thoroughly. Liu Chen, under the influence of Shen Jinghong's instigation, decided to swiftly remove the influential families. Many officials in the court opposed Liu Chen's decision, but Shen Jinghong skillfully silenced them with a few words. Liu Chen strongly supported Shen Jinghong's proposal and told the ministers that his mind was made up, and they shouldn't waste their breath. Just when the dispute seemed intractable, Liu Yan returned, and Liu Chen told him that someone wanted to control him, keeping him awake at night.

Liu Yan effortlessly resolved the situation with a few words, making them unsure of how to respond. Liu Chen also realized that they all seemed to be acting for their own self-interest despite their pretenses of righteousness. Liu Chen identified the main issue as the system of rewarding loyal subjects, but Liu Yan quickly shook his head, and Liu Chen didn't continue. After the morning court session, Liu Yan told Liu Chen that it wasn't the right time yet. Liu Chen shared Shen Jinghong's information about the actions of the prominent families and believed they should eliminate them as soon as possible. Liu Yan was unsettled by Shen Jinghong's revelation, and his doubts grew.

Liu Yan visited the Empress Dowager, believing she held information about the true mastermind behind the Battle of Juma River. However, he found that the Empress Dowager could no longer speak. He handed her a piece of paper and a pen, urging her to write down the name of the other mastermind. In response, the Empress Dowager bit his arm.

Back at home, Liu Yan described his visit to the Empress Dowager to Mu Zhuohua. She noticed the bite mark on his arm and recalled that Princess Rou Jia had a similar mark on her arm. She explained to Liu Yan that this was a clue from the Empress Dowager, hinting at the true mastermind. Mu Zhuohua informed Liu Yan about the bite mark on Princess Rou Jia's arm. Together, they pieced together Princess Rou Jia's actions and realized that she was involved in everything. He Xin came to report to Liu Yan that the eunuch by Liu Ju's side also had connections with Princess Rou Jia. This provided an explanation for the substitution of the will. Mu Zhuohua wondered if Shen Jinghong, who had shown great admiration for Princess Rou Jia, might also be manipulated and hoped he wouldn't suffer the same fate as Xue Xiaotang.

Mu Zhuohua asked Zhi Jian if he realized that his impulsive actions would only cause Zhi Mo to lose her only family. Zhi Jian believed he already knew who his enemy was and couldn't wait any longer. Mu Zhuohua told him that in Liu Yan's heart, their relationship was more important than seeking revenge. She reminded him that it was easy for one person to die, but living was much more challenging. Zhi Jian remembered when Zhi Mo celebrated his birthday and he had been angry, thinking there was no point in celebrating when their parents were gone. Zhi Mo had told him that even if she were gone someday, he should still celebrate his birthday. Zhi Jian approached Guo Juli and asked her to take care of Zhi Mo while he looked after her. He couldn't help but feel guilty, thinking he was making his younger brother bleed for him.

When Shen Jinghong heard that Princess Rou Jia had been assassinated, he rushed to visit her. Princess Rou Jia already knew that someone from Liu Yan's side, Zhi Jian, was suspected of the assassination. However, she felt that without evidence, nothing could be done to her. She believed that since Liu Yan already suspected her, they couldn't afford to wait idly. They needed to take proactive action. Princess Rou Jia told Shen Jinghong that the close relationship between Liu Chen and Liu Yan was highly disadvantageous for them, so she instructed Shen Jinghong to find a suitable opportunity to sow discord between them. The Empress Dowager, feeling that she had no place left in the world, chose to end her life.

Liu Yan advised Princess Rou Jia to take care of her health, as it had been the Empress Dowager's last concern. The Empress Dowager's mother also arrived in Dingjing, and Princess Rou Jia wanted to accompany her to pay respects to the late Emperor and Empress Dowager. Liu Chen heard about the formidable nature of the "Zhuxie Sword" from the Empress Dowager and wanted to see it for himself. The Empress Dowager warned him that when the "Zhuxie Sword" appeared, it indicated instability in the Southern Court. After hearing this, Liu Chen decided not to pursue it further. Princess Rou Jia was aware of the sword's power and her close relationship with the Empress Dowager, and she thought about obtaining the sword. Shen Jinghong informed her that Liu Yan's presence was detrimental to their plans, and she agreed that it was time to drive a wedge between Liu Yan and Liu Chen.

Shen Jinghong began spreading rumors among the common people that Liu Yan was planning to leave Dingjing. Liu Yan realized that Shen Jinghong had indeed been manipulated by Princess Rou Jia. One was the so-called "Goddess" Princess Rou Jia, and the other was a respected scholar from a humble background. Their partnership seemed perfect, and they were trying to force Liu Yan out of Dingjing. Shen Jinghong, in front of Liu Chen, mentioned that Liu Yan had been staying in the capital for too long, implying he might be meddling in politics. Liu Chen told them that these allegations had been made since the late Emperor's time, and they had heard enough of them. He believed in Liu Yan's character and appointed him as the King of Policy, allowing him to sit in front of the court to discuss policies. Upon hearing this news, Princess Rou Jia congratulated Liu Yan, and he humbly remarked that he had benefited from adversity.

Liu Yan shared some of Princess Rou Jia's childhood stories, hoping to awaken her conscience. He told her that her late father's greatest wish was for them to live in harmony as a family. Princess Rou Jia couldn't hold back anymore and asked Liu Yan why he didn't return to Fengdi. Liu Yan explained that the time was not right yet. Mu Zhuohua asked Shen Jinghong if he remembered his initial aspirations when he first started serving in the government. Shen Jinghong replied that he remembered and wished for a peaceful and prosperous country. Mu Zhuohua hoped that he wouldn't forget the words he had just spoken. Shen Jinghong asked why she mentioned it, but Mu Zhuohua remained silent and left. Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan found evidence of Sun Ru colluding with Zhuang Wenfeng and reported Sun Ru to the court. Liu Yan believed that Sun Ru was being falsely accused. However, Shen Jinghong disagreed with Liu Yan's viewpoint and, during a court session, spoke firmly about the need for a thorough investigation. He also suggested abolishing the system that favored prominent families. After the court session, Sun Yunyun confronted her father, Sun Ru, about his involvement with Zhuang Wenfeng. Sun Ru became furious and ordered her to stay out of it.

Mr. Shang's Qingrong Policy had been widely discussed among the lower-ranking scholars. Shen Jinghong showed the Qingrong Policy to Liu Chen and explained the harm of the favoritism system, stating that the prominent families had become a scourge in the Southern Court. After Shen Jinghong's repeated explanations, Liu Chen also recognized the harm of the favoritism system and decided it could no longer be tolerated. Meanwhile, Princess Rou Jia was practicing archery, and Shen Jinghong offered to teach her archery techniques. To celebrate planting the seeds of doubt in Liu Chen and Liu Yan's hearts, she invited Shen Jinghong to sit down for tea and a chat. Shen Jinghong informed her that Mr. Shang had become a symbol of abolishing the favoritism system, so they didn't need to worry about Mu Zhuohua not supporting them.

Liu Yan and Mu Zhuohua were also analyzing the current situation. Liu Yan believed that this matter was not directed at Mr. Shang but at Mu Zhuohua herself. Sun Ru also saw the Qingrong Policy and sent his steward to warn Mr. Shang. To prevent Mu Zhuohua from worrying, Liu Yan had already sent people to protect Mr. Shang. While fishing by the river, Mr. Shang noticed a young man nearby who caught his attention. He asked the young man if he was really there to fish since he didn't even have any bait. As expected, the young man was sent by Sun Ru, who warned Mr. Shang to keep his mouth shut, or next time, he wouldn't just be there for fishing companionship.

Before leaving, the young man threw the Qingrong Policy at Mr. Shang's feet. Mr. Shang picked it up and muttered to himself, realizing that he was the bait in this situation. After school, Mr. Shang told his students, especially the girls, to study diligently and aim for success in the imperial examinations. He explained that this was the path to escaping their current circumstances. One of his students wondered why Mr. Shang, who usually left school as fast as a rabbit, was saying so much today. Mr. Shang watched as all his students left one by one and mumbled to himself that they had all left, and it was time for him to leave too.

At night, Mr. Shang was alone in his room reading a book when the room was suddenly surrounded by men in black. A sword was placed at Mr. Shang's throat. Liu Yan's team arrived too late, and when they found Mr. Shang, he had already been killed. Liu Yan informed Mu Zhuohua of this news, and she was deeply saddened, feeling that the old man had left in such a carefree manner, without leaving a single word behind. Mu Zhuohua understood that Mr. Shang had done this to prevent her from being used against him. Liu Yan also knew this but didn't know what to say. He could only hold Mu Zhuohua in his arms to comfort her. Mu Zhuohua recalled the moments she had spent with Mr. Shang when she was younger and lay on the bed with a heavy heart. Liu Yan's Falcon Team reported to him that two groups of people had visited Mr. Shang. The first was from Sun Ru, and the second group's whereabouts were unknown.

Shen Jinghong believed that if he hadn't forcefully pushed for the Qingrong Policy and involved Mr. Shang, he might not have met such a tragic end. Princess Rou Jia told him that Mr. Shang's death wasn't necessarily a bad thing for them. Mu Zhuohua wouldn't tolerate it, and she wanted Shen Jinghong to persuade Mu Zhuohua to stand with them. Shen Jinghong felt it was too soon, considering Mr. Shang had just died. However, Princess Rou Jia pressed him, asking if he didn't want to give the lower-ranking scholars an answer soon. Mu Zhuohua knelt devoutly before a Bodhisattva and prayed for Mr. Shang to ascend to heaven soon. Liu Yan watched Mu Zhuohua kneeling on the ground and felt immense pain, knowing that she had been skeptical of gods and Buddhas in the past.

Mu Zhuohua knew that Mr. Shang had died for her, and she couldn't mourn forever. She asked Guo Juli to bring her official robes, as she wanted to find Shen Jinghong. As soon as Mu Zhuohua stepped out of the house, she saw Shen Jinghong. She told Shen Jinghong that she was willing to take the first step toward abolishing the favoritism system. In the court, Mu Zhuohua spoke about the disadvantages of the favoritism system to Liu Chen. Shen Jinghong stood behind her and joined her request to abolish the favoritism system. Liu Yan told her that it was not yet time to directly confront the prominent families. Someone was watching from the shadows. Mu Zhuohua believed that someone should be imprisoned for this, but Liu Yan thought that person shouldn't be her. Mu Zhuohua and Shen Jinghong joined forces to oppose the prominent families, and Princess Rou Jia suggested that Shen Jinghong start with the Sun family. Shen Jinghong, out of respect for Sun Yunqian, asked Princess Rou Jia to spare him for now. She agreed.

Princess Rou Jia's maternal grandmother came to visit her and noticed that Shen Jinghong had visited her late at night. She felt that there was something special between the two of them. However, Princess Rou Jia told her that Shen Jinghong was just a teacher and student whom she had helped out of poverty. The maternal grandmother advised her to cherish the people around her, and Princess Rou Jia assured her that she understood. She then asked about the "Zhuxie Sword," which immediately made the maternal grandmother alert. She believed that Princess Rou Jia, being clever, should know what to ask and what not to.

Shen Jinghong approached Sun Yunqian, hoping for his assistance. While Sun Yunqian wanted to help, he couldn't go against his father's wishes. Shen Jinghong promised to protect the Sun family and asked for Sun Yunqian's support to bring prosperity to the people. Sun Yunqian expressed his desire not to bear the Sun surname, as he, too, was inspired by the idea of serving the people. However, his surname tied him to the family. He then showed Shen Jinghong a ledger, where everything he wanted was documented. He reminded Shen Jinghong not to forget his promise, and Shen Jinghong assured him that he would keep his word. Shen Jinghong presented the Tianxing ledger to Liu Chen in the court, and Liu Chen asked if there was any additional evidence.

Shen Jinghong believed that the Sun family's crimes were numerous, but the ledger he possessed was given to him by Sun Yunqian, hoping for leniency. Liu Chen was ready to spare Sun Yunqian's life, but Lord Zhou accused Sun Ru of treason and collaboration with the Northern Liang. Liu Chen, upon hearing this, became furious and immediately ordered the execution of Sun Ru. All male members of the Sun family were banished, and the female members were reduced to servitude. Shen Jinghong wanted to plead with Liu Chen to reconsider, but Liu Chen's mind was set, and he wouldn't listen to anyone.

Sun Yunqian found Shen Jinghong and beat him up, feeling that he had been used despite considering Shen Jinghong a confidant. He agreed with his father's assessment that he was foolish and called Shen Jinghong "Lord Shen" instead of his former nickname.

Princess Rou Jia approached Lord Zhou and told him that the Sun family had been destroyed, and since the Zhou family was the most prominent in the court, they could now cooperate. Shen Jinghong sought out Princess Rou Jia and inquired about the Sun family's involvement. She pretended not to know anything, so Shen Jinghong asked her directly when she began cooperating with the Zhou family. Princess Rou Jia thought that it was pointless to discuss this at this stage. Shen Jinghong, feeling that he had already promised to protect Sun Yunqian, questioned why he should protect him. Princess Rou Jia pointed out that he had spared Sun Yunqian's life already. Shen Jinghong left in anger, and Ruoer reminded Princess Rou Jia that Shen Jinghong was furious, but she didn't seem to care.

In the court, Mu Zhuohua delivered her speech, advocating for a more just and practical approach, pushing for both rewards and benefits. Liu Yan listened to her speech and nodded in agreement. After Mu Zhuohua finished speaking, the other ministers in the court also expressed their agreement. Mu Zhuohua realized the true intention of her teacher, Mr. Shang, only after reading the second volume of his work. Mr. Shang didn't entirely reject the favoritism system. Liu Yan also informed her that before Mr. Shang's death, two groups of people had approached him, with the second group being the ones who had killed him. After analyzing the situation, Mu Zhuohua believed that Princess Rou Jia was the only one capable of achieving their goals, but Liu Yan warned her not to fall into someone else's trap.

Mu Zhuohua understood that she had narrowly escaped falling into Princess Rou Jia's trap and decided to work with Liu Yan to find a better way for reform. Liu Chen also felt that Mu Zhuohua's arguments were well-founded, and he believed that her proposed method was worth trying. Liu Yan told Liu Chen that the favoritism system had always been a poison within the prominent families and needed to be eradicated. He viewed the current implementation as a transitional phase. Liu Chen agreed with this perspective. As Liu Yan looked at Princess Rou Jia, he felt that Liu Jusheng had entrusted his children to him, and he now had to live up to that trust. Princess Rou Jia rescued Sun Yunyun from a pit and indirectly revealed to her that their family's downfall was because of Mu Zhuohua.

After drinking, Sun Yunqian felt responsible for the family's situation and committed suicide with a sword. Sun Yunyun witnessed this and blamed Mu Zhuohua for everything.

After hearing the news of Sun Yunqian's death, Shen Jinghong questioned himself, wondering if he had made a mistake. He had promised to protect the Sun family, but he couldn't even save Sun Yunqian. Princess Rou Jia believed that the Sun family's fate was deserved, and as for his friend Sun Yunqian, she had left him a way out, but he chose to end his own life. She thought that death was a fitting end for the weak. Shen Jinghong asked her if she still remembered her initial intentions, and she replied that what she was doing now was to become the Empress and change the current situation. Shen Jinghong questioned why Sun Ru had to die while Zhou Cishan remained unharmed, and Princess Rou Jia told him it was a temporary measure, and Zhou would face consequences in due time.

Liu Yan found Princess Rou Jia and advised her to reconsider her path. He mentioned that when Liu Jusheng was alive, he had hoped for harmony among siblings and didn't want to see them fighting each other. However, Princess Rou Jia was not willing to change her course and wanted to see who would succeed. Mu Zhuohua and Shen Jinghong drank and reminisced about Sun Yunqian. Shen Jinghong felt guilty, considering Sun Yunqian as pure as a clear breeze and bright moon, but he had trusted the wrong person. Mu Zhuohua believed that Sun Yunqian's death was not entirely Shen Jinghong's fault; someone had played a role in it.

Mu Zhuohua also informed him that her teacher, Mr. Shang, had died because of Princess Rou Jia. She questioned whether Shen Jinghong truly understood Princess Rou Jia's character and cautioned him against assisting someone for his selfish desires. Mu Zhuohua visited Princess Rou Jia and expressed her belief that as women, they should support each other on this challenging path. However, Princess Rou Jia disagreed, and their paths had already diverged.

Mu Zhuohua tossed the hairpin that Princess Rou Jia had given her on the table, symbolizing the end of their past friendship. She told Princess Rou Jia that their relationship was now like that hairpin. After saying this, Mu Zhuohua turned and left. Princess Rou Jia, seeing her leave, commented that if Mu Zhuohua didn't appreciate it, she couldn't blame herself for being ruthless. Shen Jinghong walked the streets in a daze, trying to figure out what kind of person Princess Rou Jia really was. He recalled Princess Rou Jia's actions in Jiangnan, where she had fed the refugees, and compared it to her current behavior. He couldn't tell which one was the real princess. Shen Jinghong collapsed on the ground, and Ye Muzhen found him, noticing that he had a fever. She helped him to bed.

With no one else in her house, Ye Muzhen wanted to stay and take care of Shen Jinghong. He urged her to leave, but she insisted on staying until he had taken his medicine. Princess Rou Jia came to visit Shen Jinghong, who was weakly sitting on the bed. She wanted to show concern, but he rejected her, feeling that his humble dwelling was not suitable for her presence. Angered, Princess Rou Jia left. After she left, Shen Jinghong fainted again, and when he woke up, he saw Princess Rou Jia using alcohol to lower his fever. She admitted that her words earlier had been too harsh and told him that she understood he was upset. Princess Rou Jia decided to stay and take care of Shen Jinghong, and he didn't refuse, realizing that he was seriously ill.

Mu Zhuohua appeared absent-minded while talking to Liu Chen, who asked her what was wrong. She mentioned feeling sore and tired, and Liu Chen's attendants suggested that it might be her time of the month. Liu Chen understood and granted her half a day off to rest at home. Princess Dowager Ding prepared to return to Jiangnan, and Liu Chen went to see her off. She reminded him that he was at an age where he could get married and have children, a subject Liu Chen was avoiding. Ma'er reported this situation to Princess Rou Jia, who confirmed her suspicions. She believed that Liu Chen might turn against her and Liu Yan, and she began plotting her next moves. Princess Rou Jia asked her maternal grandmother for the Zhuxie Sword, but her grandmother refused, so she drugged her grandmother.

Liu Chen hosted a banquet in the palace to celebrate the holiday and show appreciation to the ministers. Liu Chen raised his wine cup and toasted to Liu Yan, but his gaze lingered on Mu Zhuohua. His steward reminded him that he should go and offer a toast to the Empress Dowager. Annoyed, Liu Chen reluctantly went to deal with the court ladies. Despite his reluctance, he went along. The Empress Dowager asked him to choose a woman, but Liu Chen thought of Mu Zhuohua. Princess Rou Jia noticed his affection for Mu Zhuohua and inquired if he had someone in his heart. Liu Chen denied it. As he was about to leave, Ye Muzhen called out to him, insisting on toasting him. Unable to escape, Liu Chen had to drink and left.

Mu Zhuohua's servant deliberately spilled a cup of water on her, soaking her clothes. The servant asked her to go to the warming pavilion to rest while she fetched new clothes. Mu Zhuohua was unaware that she had fallen into someone else's trap. After drinking the wine Ye Muzhen gave him, Liu Chen stumbled around and coincidentally saw Mu Zhuohua heading towards him. Seeing Liu Chen in such an intoxicated state, Mu Zhuohua rushed forward to support him, unaware that Liu Chen had been drugged. Mu Zhuohua tried to call for help, but the door was locked. In an effort to control himself, Liu Chen used a hairpin to prick his arm.

Sun Yunyun found Liu Yan and told him that she was willing to become his concubine if he wanted to marry Mu Zhuohua. Liu Yan assured her that he wouldn't let Mu Zhuohua suffer and pushed her away. The palace maid informed the Empress Dowager and Princess Rou Jia about a couple engaged in inappropriate activities in the warming pavilion. The Empress Dowager, furious, went to investigate, eager to see who had dared to be so audacious. Upon entering, they found Liu Chen throwing a tantrum and breaking things. Ye Muzhen suggested that no one else but the Emperor would dare to defy them in such a way. Princess Rou Jia wore a triumphant expression, thinking that she had succeeded, unaware that it was all a charade put on for her benefit.

Liu Yan realized that her schemes had repeatedly failed, and she was unlikely to give up. Liu Yan and Mu Zhuohua enjoyed desserts together and chatted. Liu Yan wondered why Mu Zhuohua wasn't afraid of others knowing about their relationship anymore. Mu Zhuohua believed that Liu Yan felt the same way. They expressed their love for each other and were very happy.

Shen Jinghong learned that Princess Rou Jia was behind the incidents in the warming pavilion. She thought she did nothing wrong and had only pushed them into their own traps. Shen Jinghong left after hearing this, and Princess Rou Jia hugged him, reminding him not to forget their agreement.

Shen Jinghong wanted Princess Rou Jia to stop, questioning whether their actions were really meant to benefit the Southern Palace. He couldn't believe she would even use Mu Zhuohua. Princess Rou Jia told him she wouldn't back down and thought Shen Jinghong lacked foresight. They parted ways angrily.

Ye Muzhen came out and told Princess Rou Jia that she wanted chaos in the Southern Palace, and Northern Liang also hoped for chaos in the Southern Palace. They would see who emerged victorious. Mu Zhuohua asked Guo Juli to buy some festive items and decorate the courtyard to give Liu Yan a legitimate status. Guo Juli went to the market and purchased many items, preparing the courtyard.

Guo Juli bought two ducks, and Mu Zhuohua thought they were for making duck soup. Guo Juli told her they were actually for betrothal gifts. When Liu Yan tried to visit Mu Zhuohua's house, she drove him away, leaving him puzzled.

Princess Rou Jia continued to speak ill of Mu Zhuohua in front of Sun Yunyun, who didn't want to see Liu Yan being misled by Mu Zhuohua. Mu Zhuohua was busy preparing for the wedding when suddenly the Emperor summoned her. Someone had accused her of having a deep relationship with Prince Yipin. Unable to defend herself, Mu Zhuohua was surrounded and attacked by many officials. Zhi Jian informed Liu Yan, who rushed to rescue Mu Zhuohua. In front of the Emperor and numerous officials, Liu Yan admitted to his private relationship with Mu Zhuohua and declared her as his concubine.

Liu Yan accompanied Mu Zhuohua back home, and now they no longer had to hide their relationship. They walked openly down the street, holding hands. Upon arriving at Mu Zhuohua's home, Liu Yan noticed that the decorations were all about happiness and good fortune. He finally understood that Mu Zhuohua had been avoiding him these past few days to prepare all of this. Mu Zhuohua gave Liu Yan a purse she had embroidered herself as their engagement gift. Liu Yan was delighted and quickly fastened it to his waist. Mu Zhuohua felt her embroidery skills weren't good enough, but Liu Yan didn't mind. He felt that if he had known Mu Zhuohua would give him a proper status, he wouldn't have admitted to being her concubine. Mu Zhuohua asked if he regretted it, and Liu Yan replied that he had already given himself to her, so what use was there in regretting it.

Liu Yan said that now everyone in the capital knew he belonged to her. Mu Zhuohua thought he was being arrogant, but Liu Yan assured her that she could also be dominant. Holding Mu Zhuohua, Liu Yan led her to the bed. They shared a passionate night together. The next day, Liu Chen summoned Mu Zhuohua to discuss the household accounts. She didn't know what was wrong with the accounts but obediently sat down for the discussion. Liu Yan couldn't wait for Mu Zhuohua to return and asked Zhi Jian about her whereabouts. Zhi Jian told him that Mu Zhuohua had been called by Liu Chen.

Mu Zhuohua told Liu Chen that it was late, and she wanted to leave, but he insisted that she stay and have dinner with him. Liu Yan, upon learning of this, hurried to their location, but Liu Chen refused to see him. Mu Zhuohua explained that she was discussing the household accounts with Liu Chen. Liu Yan thought it shouldn't take until midnight, but Mu Zhuohua told him not to be petty, as it was the duty of a courtier to handle such matters. Princess Rou Jia believed that even the great heroes of history had difficulties with love, including her uncle Liu Yan. The seeds of love had been sown, and they were waiting to sprout. Ma'er reminded Princess Rou Jia that Shen Jinghong hadn't visited for a long time. Princess Rou Jia found Shen Jinghong and tried to seduce him, but he rejected her.

Shen Jinghong told Princess Rou Jia that it was time for her to leave and turned away from her. Princess Rou Jia left angrily. Ma'er thought Shen Jinghong didn't know what was good for him, considering that Princess Rou Jia had humbled herself to see him. Princess Rou Jia told her that Shen Jinghong still had a use for her. Liu Chen wanted to appoint Shen Jinghong as a minister, but Liu Yan disagreed, suggesting that the older minister, Lu Yao, would be more suitable. They argued about it in the court. The ministers, considering Princess Rou Jia's advice to support Liu Yan's proposal, believed it would reveal Liu Chen's true nature when he was confronted by Liu Yan's aggressive stance.

The ministers agreed with Liu Yan's proposal, making Liu Chen feel embarrassed in front of them. He accused Liu Yan of being disrespectful in the court and fined him three years' salary. Princess Rou Jia, upon learning of this, commented that Liu Chen had a fiery temper, and Liu Yan had brought this upon himself. Ma'er also told Princess Rou Jia that Ye Muzhen had been frequently meeting with Shen Jinghong, who had been going to the Small Qin Palace to get drunk and returning home late at night. Princess Rou Jia went to the Small Qin Palace and invited many men to join her for drinks, intending to provoke Shen Jinghong. Shen Jinghong left immediately upon seeing this, and Princess Rou Jia lost interest in drinking further.

Ye Muzhen came to find Shen Jinghong with wine from Northern Liang. Shen Jinghong told her that he had once wanted her heart, but she had told him she had no heart. Now, his heart had no room for anyone else. Ye Muzhen told him that Northern Liang women were like that—bold and unapologetic in pursuing what they wanted. She admired Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan's courage. Ye Muzhen informed Shen Jinghong that Princess Rou Jia was a ruthless woman, and if she were him, she would keep her distance. She also revealed that Princess Rou Jia was responsible for the deaths of thirty thousand soldiers in the Battle of Jumah River. Liu Chen disagreed with allocating military funds to Liu Yan, leading to another argument between them.

Princess Rou Jia took something and went to visit the Empress Dowager. The steward informed her about the argument between Liu Yan and Liu Chen, and Princess Rou Jia thought that Liu Yan wasn't giving Liu Chen enough face. She also sought out Shen Jinghong, asking him what she had done to offend him, as he was drinking alone and playing chess without acknowledging her. Princess Rou Jia asked if it was because she had used Mu Zhuohua, and whether Mu Zhuohua was more important to him than she was. Shen Jinghong asked her how far she was willing to go for her imperial throne, even if it meant doing anything at any cost. She told him that their chess game was reaching its conclusion and asked if he would help her finish it, but Shen Jinghong refused.

Princess Rou Jia didn't give up and told Shen Jinghong that he would eventually realize that her choice was the right one. Worried that the ministers might not willingly support her, she sent them a gift along with some letters to present during court sessions. This would eliminate the obstacles to her rise to power. Liu Yan began coughing again, and Mu Zhuohua asked him why. Liu Yan thought it might be because of the argument with Liu Chen. Mu Zhuohua told him that Liu Chen's current position was different, and he might be under a lot of pressure, so perhaps a different approach to communication would be better.

Liu Yan asked Mu Zhuohua what she would do if he were no longer there in the future. Mu Zhuohua humorously replied that she would find a young and handsome man to visit his grave every day. Liu Yan told her that there was still a long life ahead of them, and even without him, she should live it well. During the morning court session, the ministers began accusing Prince Liu of various wrongdoings, including excessive killings and misuse of military power. Liu Chen was furious upon hearing this. Mu Zhuohua quickly stepped forward to explain and defend him.

Judge Zhou presented the palace records from the day of the late emperor's death, revealing that Liu Yan had moved troops into the palace, and the records needed to be updated. Liu Chen was enraged and ordered Liu Yan to be taken to the dungeon for further judgment. The guards arrived at Liu Yan's residence, where Zhi Jian and Zhi Mo wanted to accompany him. Liu Yan, however, urged them not to take any hasty actions and to help clear his name. Mu Zhuohua rushed to the royal palace but arrived too late; Liu Yan had already been taken away. She advised Zhi Jian and Zhi Mo not to act rashly and to help vindicate Liu Yan.

Princess Rou Jia informed her Imperial Grandaunt, Nanchen, that a change was imminent, and she advised her to back down while she still could. However, Princess Rou Jia asked her Imperial Grandaunt for the Exorcism Sword, and when she refused, Princess Rou Jia stated that even without it, she could still ascend to the throne. In the court, the ministers requested Liu Chen to execute Liu Yan. Princess Rou Jia cautioned them not to take it lightly until the last moment. Liu Chen ordered a servant to present the evidence provided by the ministers to Liu Yan for his explanation. Liu Yan, resigned to the situation, told the servant that it didn't matter since Liu Chen already believed it, rendering his defense pointless.

Liu Chen, upon learning this, became even angrier, feeling that Liu Yan didn't respect him at all. Mu Zhuohua informed Liu Chen of Princess Rou Jia's crimes, but he didn't believe her. He thought that Mu Zhuohua had a audacious nerve to falsely accuse her own elder sister. He asked Mu Zhuohua for evidence, but she couldn't provide any. Mu Zhuohua sought out He Xin and told him that the only chance to save Liu Yan might be the Exorcism Sword of the State. However, it was with Princess Nanchen, and there was no way to obtain it. Princess Rou Jia told Judge Zhou that this wasn't enough, and Liu Chen hadn't made up his mind to kill Liu Yan yet, and there were people who wanted to save him.

Liu Yan's soldiers learned that he had been imprisoned, and they decided to march on Dingjing to rescue him. Liu Chen, infuriated upon hearing this and encouraged by the ministers, became even more furious. Shen Jinghong suggested that Liu Yan should address the soldiers. Liu Yan went outside and told all the soldiers that they were there to protect the people and Nanchen. He asked them to consider him as their protector if they still recognized him.

Princess Rou Jia arrived at the dungeon to see Liu Yan. She immediately started mocking him, saying that he didn't look too good. Liu Yan realized that she was desperate at this point. She presented a poisoned wine to Liu Yan, urging him to drink it. Liu Yan asked her not to rush and suggested they talk first. He asked her if she intentionally provided intelligence to Xue Xiaotang during the Battle of Jumah River, and she admitted to it. However, Liu Yan's will was too strong, and he survived. Nevertheless, this made him a powerful tool that could bring down the Empress Dowager.

Princess Rou Jia told him that she never sought revenge; she wanted power and the supreme position in Nanchen. She inquired if Liu Yan had any last words, especially for Mu Zhuohua. Liu Yan warned her not to mention Mu Zhuohua; otherwise, he would strangle her. He Xin and the others distracted the guards, allowing Mu Zhuohua to reach the bedside of the Grand Princess. She woke her up and pleaded for help in saving Liu Yan, explaining that only the Exorcism Sword in her possession could rescue him. The Grand Princess pointed to her cane at the bedside, revealing that the Exorcism Sword was concealed within it.

Princess Rou Jia approached Liu Yan with the poisoned wine, pressuring him to drink it. Meanwhile, Mu Zhuohua arrived at the Ministry of Justice with the Exorcism Sword. Unfortunately, it was too late, as Liu Yan lay lifeless under a white shroud in the pouring rain. Mu Zhuohua held Liu Yan's lifeless body and cried out in grief. Seeing the Exorcism Sword beside her, Princess Rou Jia thought that even with the sword, she had won since Liu Yan was dead. She questioned Mu Zhuohua's choices at this point, but Mu Zhuohua remained resolute. She then noticed Shen Jinghong standing at the door, but he left disappointed.

Meng'er informed Princess Rou Jia that the Grand Princess had left with Mu Zhuohua. Princess Rou Jia realized that the Grand Princess probably had no intention of returning to the Princess's residence. With the Exorcism Sword already unsheathed, she decided to give it to her. Liu Chen, alone, recalled a sword that Liu Yan had once gifted him. A sudden thunderclap startled him. The Chief General came to inquire about Liu Yan's burial, suggesting a simple ceremony since he was a criminal. Meanwhile, upon hearing of Liu Yan's death, Sun Yunyun went mad, wearing a red wedding dress and causing a scene on the streets.

Mu Zhuohua finally woke up after three days of sleep. Her first question upon waking was about Liu Yan. Zhi Jian told her that Liu Yan had been buried in a park three days ago, unjustly killed. Mu Zhuohua was determined to seek revenge. During the morning court session, Liu Chen ordered everyone to leave, except Mu Zhuohua, who requested a few days off. She visited Liu Yan's former residence and, lost in thought, seemingly didn't hear Guo Juli calling her. While looking through one of Liu Yan's books, she found a jade pendant. Suddenly, she understood its significance and went to a forest where she indeed found Liu Yan. Liu Yan thought she was Mu Zhuohua, who was fearless, and reminded her that she once said she could live well even without him. Mu Zhuohua told him that she had overestimated herself.

Mu Zhuohua woke up from her dream, realizing that it was just a dream. She called Guo Juli to prepare to return to Dingjing. Zhi Jian compiled a list of noble families associated with Princess Rou Jia, which he handed over to Mu Zhuohua. She believed that framing Liu Yan was just her first step, and now she was about to vindicate him. This would make everyone think that Liu Chen had wronged the loyal minister of the royal family, and Princess Rou Jia could then force Liu Chen to abdicate, as she was aiming for the throne. However, Princess Rou Jia believed that the situation was already determined, and Mu Zhuohua couldn't change it.

Mu Zhuohua ordered Zhi Jian to immediately go to the military camp at the border and monitor Princess Rou Jia's every move. Shen Jinghong instructed a servant to steal the National Jade Seal and handed it over to Princess Rou Jia. She expressed admiration for the seal and touched Shen Jinghong's face in gratitude. Princess Rou Jia wore red clothing, and Shen Jinghong commented that he wished to see her in imperial robes. Zhou, a senior official, visited Princess Rou Jia, and upon seeing Shen Jinghong present, he questioned how a leader from a humble background like Shen Jinghong could compose nursery rhymes. Shen Jinghong retorted, reminding Zhou that he hadn't even qualified to enter the door. Zhou, angered by this, slammed his hand on the table. Princess Rou Jia intervened, urging Shen Jinghong to show respect since Zhou was highly esteemed.

Zhou asked when she had acted against Liu Yan, now that he was deceased. Princess Rou Jia informed him that the final piece was still missing, but it would be set in motion tonight. She watched an infuriated Shen Jinghong and told him that these were temporary measures. Zhou was just her pawn, and after her ascension, she would eliminate the powerful noble families and bring prosperity to Nanchen. Princess Rou Jia visited Ye Muzhen's home to taunt her. Ye Muzhen warned her not to be too complacent, as Shen Jinghong's heart might not be with her. Princess Rou Jia showed Ye Muzhen a South Pearl necklace that she had gifted her, asking why she hadn't worn it. Ye Muzhen replied that she had seen through Princess Rou Jia's pretense of kindness and didn't want the necklace to soil her neck. Enraged, Princess Rou Jia used the necklace to strangle Ye Muzhen.

Shen Jinghong witnessed this scene, and Princess Rou Jia asked if it pained his heart. Shen Jinghong merely commented that it was a waste of a fine South Pearl necklace. She extended her reddened hand, claiming it hurt, and Shen Jinghong assured her that he would bear all her pain and injuries in the future. Mu Zhuohua looked at the jade pendant from her engagement with Liu Yan, vowing to protect what he wanted to protect. During the morning court session, the Chief General reported that Ye Muzhen's body had been found in the moat, angering Liu Chen. He didn't know who dared to act so recklessly, and he ordered an investigation.

Meng'er helped dress up Princess Rou Jia, who admired the South Pearl hairpin Shen Jinghong had given her, stating it complemented her outfit perfectly. Liu Chen couldn't understand why Ye Muzhen's sister, Ye Mujing, had arrived in Nanchen immediately after Ye Muzhen's death, supposedly seeking revenge for her sister. He inquired about Zhou, the Minister of War, and how he had obtained his position, given that Northern Liang was already encroaching on Nanchen. Zhou simply replied that he didn't know. Mu Zhuohua advised him to send a highly respected individual to stabilize the military camp, but Liu Chen was unsure whom to send. The Chief General reported that a large group of commoner students had gathered outside the palace gates, demanding the return of the National Jade Seal and justice for the nation.

Under pressure from Zhou and others, Liu Chen ordered the retrieval of the National Jade Seal to silence public opinion. The Chief General, however, knelt down and begged for mercy, revealing that the National Jade Seal had already been lost. Zhou, feeling the pressure from Shen Jinghong's gaze, stepped forward and requested that Liu Chen abdicate in favor of a more suitable ruler. Mu Zhuohua questioned why Liu Chen was not focused on the nation's crisis but instead insisted on entering the palace, suggesting he might be seeking his own downfall. Princess Rou Jia, dressed in a grand manner, held the National Jade Seal in her left hand and a sword in her right as she slowly walked into the imperial palace. She declared herself as a legitimate member of the Liu family, leaving Liu Chen astonished.

Princess Rou Jia told Mu Zhuohua that she admired her talents and believed that if Mu Zhuohua changed her allegiance, she wouldn't have to serve a weak and ineffectual ruler. Liu Yan arrived at the palace just in time, and Zhou, still arrogant, believed that the situation was already decided, and Liu Yan could accompany the "incompetent ruler" to the afterlife in the Western Paradise.

It turns out that all of this was a scheme by Liu Yan and Liu Chen. Their conspiracy was designed to expose Princess Rou Jia and bring her to justice. Seeing that their plan had been exposed and there was no way out, Princess Rou Jia drew her sword, intending to strike at Liu Chen. However, Shen Jinghong stepped in front of him and plunged the sword into his own body, taking full responsibility for all the crimes. Princess Rou Jia couldn't believe that he would sacrifice himself for a worthless cause. Shen Jinghong told her that he did it for her. Facing Mu Zhuohua, he said that he would apologize to the world with his blood. He referred to Princess Rou Jia as "Jiao Jiao" for the first time and told her to look back. Holding the lifeless body of Shen Jinghong, she remarked that he died well and that he had betrayed her first.

Princess Rou Jia believed that everything Shen Jinghong said about loyalty and commitment was all lies. She thought that he, like Xue Xiaotang, was just a pawn in her hands. Mu Zhuohua wondered why Princess Rou Jia was deceiving herself like this. She believed that in the world, besides Shen Jinghong, who else could love her as deeply as he did? When Shen Jinghong agreed to cooperate with them, he also requested Mu Zhuohua to spare Princess Rou Jia's life after his death. However, Princess Rou Jia didn't believe Mu Zhuohua's words, thinking that Shen Jinghong was just a pawn, and she arrogantly claimed that she could save herself. Love meant nothing to her; her heart was set on power and authority.

Liu Yan advised her to stop deluding herself, but Princess Rou Jia felt she had done nothing wrong. She believed that her actions were for the greater good of the people. Mu Zhuohua told her that it was because of Shen Jinghong that she realized women could be strong and fearless, not just delicate flowers. She pointed out that everything Princess Rou Jia did was ultimately for herself. Princess Rou Jia countered by asking if she would be willing to sacrifice a hundred lives for the sake of thousands. Mu Zhuohua believed that Princess Rou Jia saw the people as mere pawns and not as her own children. With no other options, Princess Rou Jia gazed at the emperor's throne, took poison that she had prepared, and sat on the throne, passing away.

Mu Zhuohua wanted Liu Yan to take a rest. She admired him for diligently fulfilling his duties even while being ill, addressing him as "Politicking Lord" and commending his dedication. Liu Yan quickly changed the subject, asking if Mu Zhuohua had known about his plan to fake his death. Mu Zhuohua knew that Liu Yan would never leave his jade pendant unattended and understood that he must still be alive. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Liu Yan and Liu Chen began planning. Liu Yan informed Mu Zhuohua that their top priority was to stop Princess Rou Jia, as the consequences would be dire otherwise.

Mu Zhuohua realized that their arguments and fights were all just an act. She thought it was a shame that they didn't pursue careers in acting. Liu Yan instructed Liu Chen to admit his guilt at the right moment, but Liu Chen was reluctant to joke about Liu Yan's life. Liu Yan explained that it was the only way to make Princess Rou Jia feel secure enough to act as she pleased. He believed that Mu Zhuohua wouldn't let him take such risks if she found out, so they kept it a secret from her. Mu Zhuohua heard what Liu Yan said and asked how he could gamble with his life like that. Liu Chen had no choice, as he had been guarding Liu Yan's bedside since he fell into a coma, hoping for his recovery.

Now, Mu Zhuohua couldn't help but worry about Liu Yan. What if Liu Chen genuinely believed what they had said and tried to take Liu Yan's life? Liu Yan had watched Liu Chen grow up, and he believed in his intelligence, honesty, and kindness. Mu Zhuohua urged him not to make jokes about his own life anymore. Zhi Jian confessed his feelings to Guo Juli, telling her that he liked her. Juli replied that she knew, just as Lord Ding liked Lady Mu. Zhi Jian assured her that he would treat her better and better, but Juli felt that things were already good as they were. Liu Chen didn't seek great accomplishments or fame; he just wanted to fulfill his duty to the nation and its people. Princess Zhen, the Grand Princess of Zhen, returned to Jiangnan with Princess Rou Jia's ashes, and Zhi Jian joined Liu Chen as the leader of the Imperial Guards. Liu Chen held a wedding for Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan, and he announced that women could also hold official positions.

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