After days of grueling labor, Duan Wu and Cui Shi Qi, along with the other captives, are physically exhausted. Realizing that staying in this dire situation isn’t an option, Duan Wu seizes an opportunity and injures the overseer with a stone. Cui Shi Jiu’s men finish off the job, and with the overseers defeated, they open the gates, urging the enslaved miners to escape.
The miners, long oppressed by Cui Ba, hesitate, fearing capture and execution if they leave. Some believe staying in captivity might offer a better chance of survival. Duan Wu’s pleas fail to convince them. Observing the miners’ plight, Cui Shi Jiu, having lived among them and endured the same hardships, takes out the Cui family token. She assures them that the token represents Cui Ba’s authority and that no one will hold them accountable for escaping. Finally, encouraged by her words, a large group of miners rushes to flee.
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Meanwhile, Zhang Jinran and his guards surround the Bafang Tower. Cui Ba feigns ignorance, denying the existence of enslaved miners. Once Duan Wu ensures the miners’ safe escape, she ventures deeper into the prison to find Yan Zi Jing. As expected, Yan Zi Jing is imprisoned, bound in the center of a toxic pool. Duan Wu attempts to rescue him, but Yan Zi Jing shakes his head, warning her of the poisonous water. Despite the risk, Duan Wu rushes to his side, unties him, and helps him escape. Just as the pursuers close in, Kang Ju arrives just in time to save them.
Zhang Jinran uncovers evidence of Cui Ba’s secret mining operations and mistreatment of workers. He hands the case over to the authorities for investigation. Cui Shi Jiu, previously unaware of Cui Ba’s activities, agrees to testify against him. To ensure transparency, Zhang Jinran personally oversees the case.
Duan Wu’s courageous act of saving Yan Zi Jing deepens their bond. Later, she questions if his poisoning and capture were part of a larger plan. Yan Zi Jing admits it was. By allowing himself to be poisoned and taken captive, he hoped to uncover the whereabouts of the missing miners. However, he confesses he underestimated the risks and feels a sense of dread when he reflects on what could have happened if Duan Wu hadn’t rescued him.
Though Yan Zi Jing usually appears strong and determined, his vulnerability during recovery reveals his desire for comfort and support. Duan Wu gently reminds him never to gamble with his life again, as there are people who care deeply for him. Moved by her words, Yan Zi Jing nods, his eyes brimming with tears.
Zhang Jinran later meets with Yan Zi Jing and reveals the connection between Cui Ba and the Li Long Bandits. Years ago, the bandits intercepted a tribute crafted by the Yan family and replaced it with counterfeits. Zhang Jinran plans to investigate further and asks Yan Zi Jing for assistance. Driven by the Yan family’s tragic downfall and his thirst for justice, Yan Zi Jing agrees to work with Zhang Jinran.
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Once Yan Zi Jing recovers, he presents a collection of jewels and offers the caravan members a year’s salary if they wish to return home. Surprisingly, no one chooses to leave. Even Cao Tou, previously scheming to steal the funds, abandons his plans and pledges loyalty.
Yue Yunxiu, suffering from a severe hand injury, decides to part ways with the caravan to seek treatment. Zhang Jinran arranges for the palace physician to assist her and escorts her in his carriage. Meanwhile, Duan Wu and Yan Zi Jing’s budding romance becomes evident to everyone in the caravan. Yan Zi Jing, no longer hiding his feelings, openly declares their relationship.
