Chunzhi takes up his father’s bow and helps Shen Run crush Hu Xing’s faction, as the Emperor forces Eunuch Xia and Hu Xing to their deaths. Before dying, Hu Xing reveals that Xie Shu

The Marquis of Danyang defies Hu Xing at a fatal banquet, sacrificing himself to break Hengtang’s balance of power. Shen Run’s death is revealed as a ruse planned with Feng En

When Old Madam Yuan forces Shaohui to take a concubine for the sake of a grandson, Xiuru chooses separation over a life at the mercy of scheming relatives, and the whole Lin family stands behind her

Through a play about a Tang general destroyed by the throne he served, Lanxiang finally shows Jinqi why their paths differ: she rejects the absolute power of emperors, fathers and husbands.

Six months after the rebellion, Jinqi is made Marquis Jing’an and the Lin household finds its footing, with Xiulai taking charge of the residence. But the episode belongs to the grave scene

With the rebellion crushed, Jinqi is hailed for his role in saving the capital and comes home badly wounded, carrying internal injuries that could shorten his life. In a long overdue heart to heart

The morning after their wedding feast, Shen Run is found stabbed in his bed, and Feng En, now Acting Commander, defects to Hu Xing and blames Qingyuan. As Hu Xing celebrates and wins over

As the Xie and Li families try to force Qingyuan into concubinage, Shen Run rides in with a red cloak and an imperial edict that restores her to the Chen name and grants their marriage.

Pei Yuting offers Shen Run evidence against Commissioner Hu in exchange for marriage, while a jealous Qingyuan watches. After a tearful night with Grandma Chen

Pei Yuting storms the Xie residence demanding compensation for Qinghe’s elopement. Qingyuan receives her mother’s bronze mirror from Third Madam, and Shen Run confronts her