A Meal of Intentions
Xuan Lie prepares a sumptuous feast and invites Jun Qiluo to share it with him. Jun, curious about the occasion, asks if there’s a special reason for the meal. Xuan Lie dismisses her concerns with a smile, saying it’s just an act of hospitality. After the meal, Xuan Lie ventures out with Luo Qi to explore the royal city’s black market, hoping to acquire rare goods.
The market, typically bustling, falls silent at the sight of Xuan Lie, with merchants avoiding him out of fear. Luo Qi instructs Xuan Lie to step aside, allowing him to handle the inquiries. Once Xuan Lie is out of sight, a vendor secretly produces the coveted red beans Xuan had been searching for.
A Thoughtful Gift
Xuan Lie later presents Jun Qiluo with an elegant necklace crafted from Beixuan’s rare black jade and Yan’nan’s unique red beans. He personally fastens it around her neck, and the necklace glows softly against her skin, a testament to his care and thoughtfulness.
Palace Intrigue
In the royal palace, a dispute erupts between the Crown Prince Yu Shizi and Prince Yi Shizi, leading to a physical altercation. Lady Li, Yu’s stepmother, rushes to mediate but struggles to maintain peace, especially as the Queen openly sides with Yu Shizi. Under pressure, Lady Li has no choice but to force Yi Shizi to apologize.
Luo Zhizhou later visits Lady Li, bringing her comfort with delicacies from Xixiang. He vows to protect her and Yi Shizi at the upcoming hunting event, even though Xuan Lie, the King’s favored candidate for Wolf Lord, is like a brother to him. Reflecting on his past romance with Lady Li, Luo Zhizhou feels a mix of regret and longing.
A Confession Beneath the Stars
Later, Xuan Lie sits alone in a pavilion, lost in thought. Jun Qiluo quietly joins him, listening as he shares memories of his father, who often visited this spot. His father had warned him of the isolation that comes with power and gifted him a golden silk armor in his youth. Xuan blames himself for his father’s death, believing his father might have survived had he not taken the armor.
Jun reassures him that his father would never hold such a grudge against him. Xuan opens up further, asking Jun to share a secret in return. After some hesitation, she reveals her true identity as the eldest daughter of the Jun family, not a servant. Xuan, unsurprised, admits he had already guessed as much.
As the evening deepens, the two share drinks. Xuan, in a drunken haze, rests his head on Jun’s lap, whispering his exhaustion before falling asleep. The next morning, Dong Yin and others find them in this compromising position. Jun hastily explains it was unintentional, and as they part, Xuan drapes his cloak over her shoulders as a gesture of care.
Speculation and Business Deals
Dong Yin secretly wonders if Jun Qiluo and Xuan Lie are destined to become a couple, joking that she might soon have to call Jun “Madam.” Jun, however, firmly denies any romantic connection, insisting their paths are different.
Meanwhile, in Xixiang, Jun Jingjuan, dressed as a man and using Jun Feifan’s name, secures a lucrative trade deal with Xixiang merchants. Her bold move satisfies the delegation and prevents the second branch of the Jun family from exploiting the opportunity during Jun Qiluo’s absence.
The Empress Dowager’s Warning
The Empress Dowager summons Lady Li to discuss the recent events. She reassures her that the Queen has already reprimanded Yu Shizi and offers her delicacies from Xixiang. The Empress Dowager also promises to find a skilled archery tutor for Yi Shizi at the hunting event. However, Lady Li understands the underlying message: a subtle reminder to stay in her place amidst the court’s political strife. Resigned, she laments the unavoidable power struggles in the palace.
Jun’s Next Venture
Jun Qiluo reveals she has purchased seeds from Yan’nan and plans to find fertile land with running water to cultivate them. Xuan Lie, eager to spend more time with her, offers to accompany her on the search. Their journey continues with mutual understanding, while the tension in the palace remains palpable.
