Ah Zhu brings two bottles of wine to Ah Yan, claiming she’s never tasted it and wants him to drink with her. She shares that she has no parents and has never celebrated a birthday. Ah Yan confesses that despite having parents, he too has never celebrated. Ah Zhu probes Ah Yan about his trust in Princess Qingyang, questioning if he ever sensed sincerity in her actions. Annoyed by her questions, Ah Yan brushes her off, prompting Ah Zhu to declare she’ll ask Zhao Ming instead. As she moves to leave, her hand is cut by a sharp stone.
Ah Yan pours wine over her wound, saying it acts as a disinfectant. Later, Ah Yan confronts Qingyang, asking if her past claims of using him were genuine or heartfelt. Qingyang insists her feelings were true, no matter how many times he asks. Ah Yan, accusing her of having no heart, leaves in frustration. Qingyang, staring at the wine bottle Ah Yan dropped, drinks it in sorrow.
Tensions Rise at Qingyang’s Birthday Banquet
Ah Zhu gifts Zhao Ming a jade ring she crafted herself, engraving his name on it as a token to celebrate his union with Qingyang. Zhao Ming realizes this is what Ah Zhu has been working on for days. He expresses his gratitude, urging her not to drink alcohol again. Zhao Ming then carries Ah Zhu on his back to her quarters. As she rests on his back, Ah Zhu wishes time could slow down, hoping the journey would never end.
The day of Qingyang’s birthday banquet arrives. The King of Xi Lin attends and asks Qingyang to perform a dance for Zhao Ming. During her performance, Qingyang pulls a hairpin from her head and hurls it at Zhao Ming, attempting to assassinate him. Zhao Ming’s guards quickly subdue her and the King of Xi Lin. Zhao Ming orders the King’s execution. Later, in her chamber, Qingyang sets fire to everything, intending to end her life.
Ah Yan arrives in time, confronting Qingyang about her actions. She admits her harsh words were meant to drive him away, knowing her father would exploit him until his death. Ah Yan realizes he has been foolish, recalling her earlier accusations of his naivety. Overcome with emotion, he vows to stay by her side and protect her, even if he failed before. Moved, Qingyang embraces him, and they share a kiss as the flames engulf the room. From a distance, Zhao Ming and Ah Zhu watch the fire. Ah Zhu asks if the matter is resolved. Zhao Ming replies, “There will no longer be Ah Yan and Qingyang.”
The People Turn Against Zhao Ming
The Celestial Emperor asks the gods War, Obsession, and Desire about the whereabouts of the divine child. Hearing no news, he orders a drought upon Dongze, blaming Zhao Ming for the disaster. The people are soon left without food or water and turn to sacrifices, accusing Zhao Ming of being an incompetent ruler. Zhao Ming visits a sacrificial site and finds starving children among the offerings. Enraged, he overturns the altar, discovering the extent of their cruelty—sacrificing children. Zhao Ming takes 3,000 children to the Dongze palace to protect them.
Haotian commands Tianming to assist Zhao Ming, who tells him how to locate the Jun Tian Sword. Before departing, Zhao Ming entrusts Ah Zhu with the care of the children in the palace. Meanwhile, the gods War and Obsession manipulate the people, rallying them to storm the palace and kill Zhao Ming. The mob charges in, ready to take his life.
Amid the chaos, Ah Zhu is nearly attacked but is saved by Tianming, who pulls her onto the rooftop. Tianming reminds her of their bet, insisting she return with him as she has lost. Defiant, Ah Zhu refuses to leave, standing firm despite the danger.
