The hunter promises to escort Ziqing to Prince An, proposing a trade: the release of the child captured at the mansion in exchange for aiding Ziqing’s visit to the Prince. Handing his fan to the child who opens the door, the hunter requests it be delivered to the household’s master. They gain entry, yet the hunter, known as Weisheng, flees. Meanwhile, Prince An is occupied with instructing a group of children.
Ziqing persuades Prince An to command the army for a month, allowing her to visit Bei Yue, who remains unconscious. Meanwhile, Master Lu’s daughter distracts Dr. Gu, and a mysterious hand is seen tampering with Bei Yue’s medicine. When Bei Yue’s condition worsens, Master Lu is summoned. His pulse is erratic, and without the use of internal arts, his survival is doubtful. The disrupted blood flow threatens brain damage. With no time to spare, Mrs. Lu opts to transfer her internal arts energy to Bei Yue, despite the grave risk to herself. Eventually, she collapses, coughing up blood.(One day I will find the importance of coughing up blood in ancient chinese dramas, I just need to watch a ton of them though)
Dr. Gu is suspicious because Bei Yue, who was recovering well the day before, now seems to be in danger, leading him to surmise that Lu Manor is no longer a safe place.
Ziqing’s children’s army has undergone three months of training, and she is now reviewing their progress. She believes they are prepared to serve as guards in the mansion. Meanwhile, Xin’er’s brother, Haonan, is eager to participate in their training and intends to instruct the children as well.
The King returns to Bei Yue’s mansion, disregarding Ziqing’s responses as he passes by her. The doors then open to unveil Prince An, who informs that Bei Yue is in good health but requires undisturbed rest. He mentions that there was a misunderstanding between King and Bei Yue in the juidicial office. The King extends an invitation to An to visit the palace, but he declines, choosing instead to remain in the mansion. Ziqing admits she neglected to mention her plans to concentrate on Bei Yue, leaving Prince An to oversee the mansion. An says he came to take care of the country. King retorts that if he is incapable of managing the country, An explained that his decision not to compete for the country was not due to a lack of ability, but rather a desire to avoid political involvement. (wow, the slap) The king persists in his attempts to bring An to the palace with the lure of drinks, but An remains steadfast in refusal. Ultimately, the king departs.
It becomes clear that the King harbors fear towards An due to his significant influence in the military, bolstered by numerous proteges in key positions. Ziqing confides in An about her concerns for Bei Yue and her decision to depart to be by his side. In response, An commends Ziqing for her competence in safeguarding the nation.
Ziqing departs for the island, and beneath the deck, the islander hunters lie in wait. Bei Yue begins to stir, his fingers twitching. In five days, he will awaken.
Master Lu intends to pass on the title of family head to Bei Yue. As he discusses this with his wife, his daughter, eavesdropping from the shadows, concocts a scheme against Bei Yue with her brother-in-law.
The strangers at the manor are accused of stealing a precious herb, and despite her mother’s objections, the younger daughter confronts Bei Yue’s men. She discovers the herb by Bei Yue’s bedside and accuses Gu and Shadow of the theft.
They take them hostage, and the mother, fearing Bei Yue might seize control of the house, aligns with her daughter and son-in-law to keep Gu and Shadow captive until Master Lu’s return. The son-in-law is entrusted with Bei Yue’s temporary care as they plot to get rid of Bei Yue.
