Bei Yue dispatches Ziqing to the Xiling Princess to discuss terms of surrender, leaving Bei Chen astonished. The Xiling Princess, displeased with Ziqing’s role as a negotiator, is reluctant to acknowledge her. However, Ziqing asserts her authority to negotiate by presenting a ring.
Ziqing secures an advantageous deal, yet the Xiling Princess insists on having the final say. She counters with a remark that could be summarized as “used goods” (referring to the earlier incident), questioning whether Bei Yue would ever desire a union with her.
Xin’er enters the scene, rushing towards Bei Yue and declaring that she has run away from home. It appears she causes trouble each time she arrives at Bei Yue’s. Subsequently, Ziqing goes missing.
Bei Chen, furious with Bei Yue, concocts a plan to tarnish Ziqing’s reputation through Xin’er. He deceives Xin’er, claiming his men discovered a cave full of boxes that Bei Yue must see, yet he is nowhere to be found. Xin’er pleads with Bei Chen to escort her there. Unbeknownst to them, Ziqing witnesses their departure and stealthily follows. Deep in the forest, Bei Chen unfurls his fan, signaling masked men to emerge, swords at the ready. They swiftly apprehend Bei Chen and Xin’er, alleging orders to execute Xin’er. In terror, she cries out and flees. Ziqing intervenes, scattering the assassins. Enraged, Xin’er strikes Ziqing’s servant. In retaliation, Ziqing slaps Xin’er, declaring her people untouchable, and departs with her entourage.
She returns to the camp and resumes her qin practice. Bei Yue comes to see her, and they discuss Xin’er. Alone, Ziqing contemplates whether this is all a dream and deems everyone around her inconsequential. The sound of the qin fills the air. Lige makes his return. The song of Lishang conceals a profound secret with the potential to impact the entire continent.
Only Ziqing has the skill to play the Lishang. As she begins to play the tune she has learned, Bei Yue emerges into the open, having been concealed behind a tree. He inquires if Lige had received his permission, as Lige was occupying Ziqing with playtime at such a late hour. It appears that Bei Yue suspects Lige harbors romantic feelings for Ziqing.
Bei Chen delivers a copy of the ceasefire agreement with Xiling to Lige. Lige vows to protect Ziqing for as long as he lives (mind speak).
Bei Yue is upset that Ziqing played the qin late at night with Lige, deeming it inappropriate. When Ziqing inquires whether he is jealous, a brief argument ensues. Ultimately, he dismisses the matter, stating she is free to do as she pleases, as he will no longer concern himself with it.
Regarding the islander hunters, it appears they have run out of funds.
While there is a celebration at Bei Yue’s camp, Ziqing favors playing the qin instead.
