Lin’an, feeling resentful of Xu Qi’an’s unwavering loyalty to the Eldest Princess, devised a scheme to tarnish her rival’s image in Xu Qi’an’s eyes. She instructed her maid to hire a few people to pretend to casually pass by Xu Qi’an and gossip about the Eldest Princess, accusing her of poor character, questionable medical skills, and an untrustworthy nature.
Guardians of the Dafeng Episode 13 Stills
Delighted with her plan, Lin’an imagined that once Xu Qi’an heard these rumors, he would become disillusioned with the Eldest Princess. At that point, she could reveal her identity and possibly win him over. However, just two minutes later, her subordinates reported that Xu Qi’an had detained the hired troublemakers and sought clarification. Shocked by his quick discernment of their lies, Lin’an observed from a distance as Xu Qi’an declared that he had uncovered reliable information suggesting the Second Princess was attempting to recruit him. Despite this, he emphatically affirmed his lifelong loyalty to the Eldest Princess, vowing never to serve another. Annoyed by his ramblings, Lin’an quickly dismissed him.
Following the incident with Earl Pingyuan, Jiang Jin Luo became intrigued by Xu Qi’an and demanded that the Chunfeng Hall release him. Jiang had also learned that Xu Qi’an was acquainted with individuals at the Sitianjian and considered leveraging this connection to obtain magical artifacts for future cases. However, when Jiang sent someone to Chunfeng Hall to retrieve Xu Qi’an, Li Yuchun outright refused. Though Li Yuchun often found Xu Qi’an irritating, he recognized his talent, especially given how sought-after he had become.
Frustrated by Li Yuchun’s refusal, Jiang Jin Luo personally visited Chunfeng Hall. However, Yang Yan, unwilling to let anyone poach his subordinate, confronted Jiang. Their dispute escalated into a public duel, attracting a crowd. The duel was an awe-inspiring display of martial arts between two top experts, leaving the spectators—including Li Yuchun—in stunned admiration.
Xu Qi’an, casually eating watermelon, noticed the commotion and curiously joined the crowd. He marveled at the evenly matched skills of Yang Yan and Jiang Jin Luo. When he asked about the reason for their duel, he was told it was over a highly talented recruit. Realizing they were fighting over him, Xu Qi’an couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride.
Shortly after, Wei Yuan summoned Xu Qi’an to ask about his preferences. On the way, Xu Qi’an analyzed the situation, concluding it was best for Wei Yuan to decide, ensuring he wouldn’t offend either side. To express his sincerity, he presented Wei Yuan with a poem he had written when first taking the entrance exam.
From Xu Qi’an’s perspective, he could learn a great deal under either Yang Yan or Jiang Jin Luo. When he returned to Chunfeng Hall, his colleagues surrounded him, eager to know what choice he had made. Xu Qi’an smugly detailed his eloquence and strategic thinking, leaving everyone in awe of his high emotional and intellectual intelligence.
Later, Li Yuchun called Xu Qi’an to his office. Believing he was about to be transferred, Xu Qi’an put on a heartfelt performance, expressing his deep attachment to Chunfeng Hall and likening it to a family. Moved by his words, Li Yuchun felt a pang of emotion. Meanwhile, Xu Qi’an speculated about his reassignment, only to have his hopes dashed when Li Yuchun handed him the transfer order: Wei Yuan had reassigned him under Li Yuchun’s direct supervision with a stipulation that he could not be transferred again for three years. Realizing he was effectively stuck, Xu Qi’an could no longer maintain his cheerful demeanor.
Guardians of the Dafeng Episode 13 Stills
Jiang Jin Luo, puzzled by Wei Yuan’s decision, sought an explanation. Wei Yuan explained that Xu Qi’an acted according to his instincts, often bending or breaking rules with his clever, free-spirited nature, making him difficult to manage. On the other hand, Li Yuchun was rigid, methodical, and firmly adhered to principles and discipline. Wei Yuan believed Li Yuchun’s mentorship could address Xu Qi’an’s shortcomings and provide balance to his unpredictable tendencies.
