A Search for Suitable Conditions
Jun Qiluo’s attempts to find the perfect environment for her seeds prove unsuccessful due to temperature incompatibility. Seeing her frustration, Xuan Lie suggests a hot spring nearby that might meet her requirements. Together, they set off to investigate.
Upon arrival, they encounter He Woshan and his team mining in the area. While exploring, Jun Qiluo discovers traces of crystal stones, which excite her. However, Xuan Lie dismisses the stones as worthless. Jun proposes a wager: if the crystals prove valuable, Xuan Lie must join her in extracting them. He agrees, intrigued by her confidence.
An Unexpected Encounter
Jun Qiluo initially mistakes He Woshan for his twin brother, He Jiyao, and apologizes for the confusion after Luo Qi jokingly explains the relationship. He quips that the Jun Qiluo known to He Jiyao is a lady, while Xuan Lie knows her as a man, teasing that she truly is “unpredictable.” Xuan Lie, though silent, seems lost in thought over this comment.
Royal Discussions on the Mines
Back at the palace, the King summons Xuan Lie and Xi Changkun to discuss the mining site. Although the King had promised Xi Changkun control over the mines, Xuan Lie voices his concerns about unexplored dangers. He recommends sending He Woshan to investigate the mines’ safety first. The King accepts Xuan Lie’s suggestion, much to Xi Changkun’s displeasure.
Later, the King questions Xuan Lie about the identity of the mysterious Yan’nan woman, to which Xuan Lie admits he hopes to use Jun Qiluo to locate Jun Feifan. The King warns him to tread carefully. Xuan Lie reassures him, stating he finds Jun Qiluo trustworthy after spending time with her. However, Luo Qi’s earlier comment lingers in Xuan Lie’s mind, making him suspect that Jun Qiluo might actually be Jun Feifan in disguise.
A Princess’s Trust
Meanwhile, He Jiyao attempts to persuade Princess Xuan Qingkou to return. She gives Shao Qimin, whom she affectionately calls “Qingming,” her token to help him navigate Beixuan without trouble, despite He Jiyao’s concerns that it might become a liability. She dismisses his worries, trusting that Qingming would never harm her. Her faith convinces He Jiyao to back down.
Crystal Stone Innovations
At the mining site, Jun Qiluo sets up a simple teaching area to train Dong Yin and other women workers in weaving techniques. She plans to use the crystal stones as innovative components for textile tools. However, the limited quantity of crystals poses a challenge. Seeking solutions, Jun sketches a detailed design of an elder’s unique tattoo she had seen at the market, believing it might lead to clues about the stones’ origins.
Xuan Lie studies the design but grows suspicious, sensing Jun might be attempting to divert his attention away from the mining site. He decides to remain cautious.
Palace Schemes Unfold
In the palace, Crown Prince Yu Shizi and Prince Yi Shizi race on horseback while the Queen cheers them on. However, Yu falls from his horse and is saved by Luo Zhizhou. The King arrives, ordering immediate medical attention for Yu. This incident, unbeknownst to others, was a carefully orchestrated plan by Luo Zhizhou and Lady Li to create tension and bolster their positions in court.
The Potential of Crystal Stones
He Woshan later shares with Xuan Lie that the crystal stones might be forgeable into weapons, though there is no documented evidence to support this. Intrigued yet uncertain, Xuan Lie and Jun Qiluo revisit the mines. When the stones prove resistant to refinement, Xuan Lie considers abandoning the project to pursue incense stones instead.
Jun Qiluo, however, remains resolute in her belief in the crystals’ potential. She instructs workers to grind the crystals into spindles, intending to use them for refining other minerals. Her determination and ingenuity impress Xuan Lie, who begins to admire her persistence and creativity.
A Sudden Danger
Just as progress is being made, the mine suddenly begins to shake. The unexpected tremor leaves Xuan Lie uneasy, hinting at dangers yet to come.
