Xuan Lie rushed to the prison to visit Luo Zhizhou, only to find that he had already died. Noticing that Luo Zhizhou’s hand bore no old scars, Xuan Lie grew suspicious. He deliberately made harsh remarks and ordered the body to be cremated. Meanwhile, Shao Qimin attempted to take Jun Qiluo away, but they were blocked by numerous guards who claimed that the King had ordered Jun Qiluo’s arrest. Seeing this, Jun Qiluo stepped forward, signaling Shao Qimin to leave first while she calmly followed the guards, ready to face her uncertain fate.
Anxious and desperate, Xuan Lie sought an audience with the King to inquire about Jun Qiluo’s whereabouts. The King, visibly displeased, reprimanded Xuan Lie for his growing disregard for the monarch due to his concern for Jun Qiluo. Faced with the King’s reproach, Xuan Lie proposed a condition: if he could successfully marry in three days, he hoped the King would allow him to take Jun Qiluo away. The King responded with a demand of his own: Jun Qiluo, as a descendant of the Hundred Craftsmen, must serve their cause, or she would face execution. Xuan Lie firmly stated that he would ensure Jun Qiluo’s loyalty.
After returning with Jun Qiluo, Xuan Lie confessed that he already knew everything. Jun Qiluo, surprised, asked why he hadn’t questioned her about it. Xuan Lie gazed at her affectionately, explaining that she had been too young at the time to have any motive to kill his parents, and he chose to trust her unconditionally. At that moment, Luo Qi hurried in to report that the King had sent troops to surround the area, clearly worried that Xuan Lie might secretly take Jun Qiluo away. Xuan Lie pondered for a moment and then instructed Luo Qi to spread rumors that the Jun family, in pursuit of wealth, had defected to Beixuan. This would serve as a cover while they secretly planned to rescue Jun Qiluo.
Luo Qi was deeply concerned, fearing that the situation would escalate. However, Xuan Lie appeared confident, explaining that the more exaggerated and bizarre the rumors, the less likely people would believe them. Luo Qi found this reasoning sound, as the Jun family, being the wealthiest, would never betray their loyalty for mere money. Although Jun Qiluo’s family was imprisoned, her father remained remarkably calm. He reassured everyone not to worry, as he had already expressed his desire to meet with the King and was confident he could persuade the King to investigate the matter thoroughly and clear their names.
Meanwhile, Dong Yin overheard people discussing rumors about Xuan Lie and Jun Qiluo and nearly lashed out in anger. Fortunately, Luo Zhizhou stopped her, reminding her that their current situation was delicate and they needed to remain composed. Dong Yin deeply respected and cared for Jun Qiluo, who held a place in her heart as important as Luo Zhizhou. She vowed to find a way to rescue Jun Qiluo. Luo Zhizhou revealed that he, along with Consort Li and Dong Yin, had devised a plan to save him. Consort Li had arranged for a terminally ill prisoner to take Luo Zhizhou’s place, ensuring his safety while providing financial support to the prisoner’s family.
At the same time, a eunuch arrived and took Prince Yi away, claiming that the King had decided to adopt him out to Prince Yu at the border. Consort Li, though unwilling, was powerless to stop it. Sun Zhaomin approached Xuan Lie, confessing that while she genuinely regarded Jun Qiluo as a sister, she would never marry Xuan Lie. She asked if he had a solution, and Xuan Lie revealed that he did, but it required Lady Sun’s cooperation. Sun Zhaomin then discussed with her mother, Lady Sun, the idea of adopting Jun Qiluo as a daughter. After all, the King’s decree only specified that a Sun family princess should marry, without naming which one. Lady Sun agreed, seeing it as both a gesture of loyalty to the King and a way to assist Sun Zhaomin.
Shao Qimin rushed back, intending to take Jun Qiluo away, but she persuaded him to leave first. Shortly after, Xuan Lie returned, only to find that Jun Qiluo had quietly departed amidst the chaos caused by Dong Yin. Sensing something amiss, Xuan Lie hurriedly gave chase but failed to find her. Jun Qiluo, alone, walked to the edge of a cliff, contemplating that only her disappearance could truly free Xuan Lie from his burdens. With that thought, she resolutely leaped off the cliff. Xuan Lie, witnessing this, desperately lunged forward, trying to catch her, but ultimately failed. Overwhelmed with grief, Xuan Lie attempted to jump after her but was restrained by Luo Qi and others. Consumed by the immense sorrow of losing Jun Qiluo, Xuan Lie found himself unable to move on.
