Princess Huai’an was determined to recruit talented individuals, but Xu Qi’an repeatedly declared his unwavering loyalty to Princess Huaiqing. Frustrated, Huai’an ordered her maid to intimidate Xu Qi’an with threats of harsh punishment, though only to frighten him. However, Xu Qi’an, having spent time among the Nightwatchmen, was unfazed by such threats, familiar with all manner of torture devices. Despite Huai’an’s attempts, Xu Qi’an remained resolute, proclaiming his allegiance to the Crown Princess. Left with no choice, Huai’an had him released.
After being freed, Xu Qi’an, still aggrieved by the night’s ordeal and the fact he had not even glimpsed the Crown Princess, staged a sit-in outside Huai’an’s residence, insisting on meeting her. Amused by his audacious persistence, Huai’an decided to grant his request. When she stepped out, Xu Qi’an was instantly struck by her beauty, his heart racing and gaze fixed. He thought to himself that such a stunning woman was worth all his trouble.
Falling to his knees, Xu Qi’an expressed heartfelt gratitude to the “Crown Princess,” vowing to serve her loyally. Huai’an realized that Xu Qi’an did not even know what the real Crown Princess looked like. Seeing an opportunity, she decided to continue the charade and impersonated her elder sister to secure Xu Qi’an’s poetic talents for the upcoming poetry gathering.
Back at the Nightwatchmen headquarters, Xu Qi’an was surprised when Li Yuchun did not confine him to paperwork but instead allowed him to patrol the streets with his colleagues. However, the “patrol” turned out to be nothing more than playing mahjong. Bewildered, Xu Qi’an suspected that the Crown Princess had secretly intervened on his behalf.
Seeking confirmation, Xu Qi’an visited “the Crown Princess” (Huai’an) and shared his doubts. Seizing the chance to win his trust, Huai’an claimed she had indeed asked Wei Yuan to look out for him. Feeling deeply moved and reassured, Xu Qi’an became even more devoted, believing he had finally secured the backing of a powerful ally.
Later, Xu Qi’an returned to the Spring Wind Hall, where Li Yuchun reprimanded him for tardiness and dereliction of duty. To make an example of him, Li Yuchun summoned two Silver Gongs to prepare for punishment. Alarmed, Xu Qi’an invoked his connection to the “Crown Princess,” boldly challenging Li Yuchun’s authority and pointing out flaws in the Nightwatchmen’s code of conduct. He even had a colleague retrieve a “white paper” he had drafted, detailing these issues.
Li Yuchun, upon reviewing the document, discovered that Xu Qi’an’s criticisms were valid. Deflated, he presented the paper to Wei Yuan, who found the suggestions insightful. Wei Yuan even adopted some of the proposed improvements, including a redesign of the Nightwatchmen’s uniforms, and took credit for the ideas.
To focus on crafting poems for the “Crown Princess,” Xu Qi’an requested a few days off. At home, he threw himself into his work, drawing upon his entire repertoire of knowledge. In addition to writing poems for Huai’an, he also helped his cousin Xu Xinnian with his own tasks, leaving Xu Qi’an feeling overwhelmed. When his uncle, Xu Pingzhi, learned about Xu Qi’an’s connection to the “Crown Princess,” he eagerly asked for an introduction, hoping to secure a position. Xu Qi’an, exasperated by his uncle’s naivety, could only shake his head.
Meanwhile, Huai’an, still posing as her sister, began studying poetry diligently to provide sophisticated feedback on Xu Qi’an’s work and maintain the facade of her scholarly demeanor. Inspired by her elder sister’s intellectual reputation, Huai’an put significant effort into self-improvement.
One day, Huai’an heard that Xu Qi’an had gone to the Directorate of Celestial Studies, the same place her elder sister was visiting. Alarmed by the risk of her deception being exposed, Huai’an knew she had to act quickly to prevent disaster.
