Fourth Princess – Han Ziqing
Fourth Prince – Jun Bei Yue
Qin Master – Lige – Crown Prince of Dongling
Second Prince – Jun Bei Chen
Xiling is set to retreat. In response, Bei Yue resolves to dispatch troops to the Dongling border for defense. Meanwhile, the Prince of Xiling awaits Bei Yue atop a wind-swept mountain. (there is a stone table with stone chairs and teacup – no chinese series without tea) and Bei Yue arrives. There is a fight scene. These underhanded Xiling royals. We get back to Ziqing and Lige. and a fight scene of two armies overlap with Ziqing playing qin.
Returning to Bei Yue and the Xiling Prince, they engage in combat on a rope bridge. “It appears you truly wish to kill me,” Bei Yue remarks to the Xiling Prince. (were they just having fun before???) and he starts to get serious, even cuts his opponent’s sword into two. (Wow) The Xiling Prince dons tiger-like steel claws, and Bei Yue is clawed. However, Bei Yue counters with deft moves and severely wounds the Xiling Prince. It is revealed that Bei Yue’s army has invaded the Xiling Royal City.
Lige reveals to Ziqing that he is of Dongling royalty, which is governed by a queen. The male members of Dongling royalty have a history of dying young, and Lige is the sole surviving male heir, although he is also nearing death.
Lige is currently playing the qin, and another war scene is unfolding. He reveals to her that he is Bei Yue’s adversary and plans to invade their borders. Lige informs Ziqing that Bei Yue intends to use her islander status to avoid making her his principal wife. Ziqing accepts this and assures Lige that he stands no chance against Bei Yue.
Bei Yue sends a message to Xiling Princess – if you send 10000 horses you lost in the bet, I will release you and help you against Dongling. It seems he already foresaw this. Lige is informed that there is a problem and he runs to see to things. And coughs up blood. (What is his problem that all males die young in his family, hmm mysterious) Lige took Ziqing hostage to compel Bei Yue into attacking Xiling. Lige’s sister then appears to lead Ziqing away, harboring intentions to kill her. After distancing themselves, Ziqing confronts the princess, leading to a fight. The princess captures Ziqing, binds and whips her, and intends to break her fingers. However, upon learning of their army’s defeat, she attempts to kill Ziqing with a blade. At that moment, Lige intervenes with a sound strike, rescues Ziqing, and orders his sister to depart.
Bei Yue has sent a message demanding that Ziqing be handed over to him by Lige, otherwise, he threatens to conquer Dongling. Lige gives a music note saying once she learns it all, she will know the secrets. Lige does not want her to get back to Bei Yue, but Ziqing is refusing to stay with him.
Lige takes Ziqing to Bei Yue and she lets Lige go. She urges Bei Yue not to pursue Lige, reminding him that Lige saved her life. Despite this, Bei Yue is furious. (and a little bit jelaous?). Ziqing confronts Bei Yue – ” Do you keep me around because I am immune to poisons, because I am islander. I hate being used. And the totem on the blade – what does it represent”… Bei Yue informs her that her islander status poses a risk to the nation, which is why he retains her company. She proposes collaboration to delve into her history and depart for the island. Returning the blade, she exits the tent. (oh my, are they both in love with each other but not fessing up)
Xiling seeks peace, prompting Bei Yue to send Ziqing as his representative. Bei Yue entrusts her with a ring, which may offer protection due to his connection to it.
