Late at night, Xu Qi’an’s jade mirror emitted a message. Member No. 6, Hengyuan, informed the group that the orphans he had previously rescued and placed in the Anji Shelter had been discovered by the authorities. Fearing for the children’s safety, Hengyuan rushed over, only to find the government officials cleaning the shelter rather than targeting him.
Puzzled, Hengyuan questioned how the court had learned about the orphans and why they were so amicable. Xu Qi’an claimed ignorance in the group chat but immediately recalled reporting Hengyuan’s concerns to Wei Yuan. Realizing it might have been Wei Yuan’s doing, Xu Qi’an decided not to interfere further.
Meanwhile, the night watchmen received a tip about a monster sighting in Dahuang Mountain. Wei Yuan ordered Li Yuchun to lead Xu Qi’an and the team to investigate. During the mission, Xu Qi’an learned more about Wei Yuan’s extraordinary past. Wei Yuan, renowned for his strategic brilliance and unmatched martial skills, had once single-handedly defended against an army of a million, achieving victory against all odds. However, after founding the night watchmen, he had voluntarily abandoned his martial arts, leaving his legendary feats as a distant memory.
At Dahuang Mountain, Xu Qi’an encountered Chu Caiwei, who was using her aura-sensing skills to determine if suspects were lying. Despite questioning numerous people, she found no useful clues. Xu Qi’an reviewed the case file: the victim, Liu Han, had died in his study, sitting upright in a chair, with no signs of struggle. The death had been instantaneous and mysterious.
Together, Xu Qi’an and Chu Caiwei questioned Zhou Chixiong, a night guard who claimed not to have seen any intruders during his watch. He also noted that there were many soldiers on duty that night, yet no signs of a struggle or footprints were found near the study. This perplexing case left Xu Qi’an deeply intrigued.
While patrolling the area, Xu Qi’an and his colleagues reached Sangbo Lake. His peers recounted its storied history: the founding emperor of Dafeng had discovered a national treasure, the Sword of State, at Sangbo. After meditating here for three years, he emerged with greatly enhanced martial skills, ultimately uniting the Central Plains. Since then, emperors had held annual sacrifices at Sangbo to honor this tradition.
Lin’an, concerned that Xu Qi’an might encounter the Eldest Princess nearby, ordered her guards to restrict the night watchmen’s movements. As Xu Qi’an stood by the lake, he felt inexplicably uneasy, hearing faint cries for help that grew louder and clearer. Curious yet alarmed, he asked his colleagues if they could hear the voice, but they heard nothing. Overwhelmed by a splitting headache and growing dread, Xu Qi’an strained to focus on his surroundings.
The sacrificial ceremony began, with attendees reverently burning incense. Suddenly, the waters of Sangbo Lake churned violently, and the Sword of State burst through the roof of the nearby hall. Chaos erupted as a rain of arrows descended. Amid the pandemonium, someone shouted “Protect the Emperor!” Wei Yuan, ever vigilant, commanded his men to guard the Empress.
The Empress, Xiao Xue, had once shared a mutual affection with Wei Yuan before political pressures forced her into the palace. Their unresolved feelings remained hidden beneath their respective duties.
Amidst the chaos, Xu Qi’an noticed arrows flying toward Lin’an. He immediately leaped forward, shielding her with his body while deflecting the incoming arrows. Held tightly in Xu Qi’an’s arms, Lin’an experienced an unprecedented sense of security.
As the disturbance subsided, the Sword of State returned to its original resting place. Emperor Yuanjing entered the hall alone to reinforce the seal, muttering mockingly to himself that, despite being a Grade 1 Prime Minister, longevity was fleeting.
Back in the group chat, Xu Qi’an sought answers about the secrets beneath Sangbo Lake. The members shared numerous theories, but the truth remained elusive. Meanwhile, in her quarters, Lin’an deliberated over her next move. At the ceremony, Xu Qi’an had called her “Eldest Princess,” indicating he had likely deduced her true identity. She feared how he might react upon learning the full truth.
A perceptive maid proposed a solution: why not win Xu Qi’an’s loyalty by taking him as a consort? Lin’an considered the suggestion, pondering how to ensure Xu Qi’an’s continued obedience while avoiding his resentment should the truth come to light.
