Recaps

After Princess Qingyi and Gu Anwei welcomed healthy twins, Gu Anwei declined a new official post and reconciled with his father as he embraced his family life. Meanwhile, Yiling teased Gu Wanning for not asking how she had saved Princess Qingyi, but Gu Wanning brushed her off.

• Xu Weibei wondered how to ease Gu Wanning’s fears about marriage and children, while Gu Anwei stayed awake watching over his wife with gratitude.
• Gu Anwei and Princess Qingyi’s twins, Tong and Chang, were healthy, and Gu Anwei declined the emperor’s new post to remain at the Ministry of Rites and spend more time with his family.
• Gu Anwei told Gu Wanning about his decision, thanked her for recommending him, and admitted that his own wishes mattered most.
• Gu Anwei felt he had reconciled with his father after becoming a father himself, and Gu Wanning agreed to attend the twins’ one-month celebration with Yiling.
• Yiling asked Gu Wanning why she had not asked how Yiling saved Princess Qingyi, and Gu Wanning replied that Yiling had made clear no one could ask before sending her away with fried peanuts.

Princess Yiling told Gu Wanning that she had used the Red Pearl to heal Gu Wanning’s second sister-in-law, then explained its supposed powers and her ability to nurture it with her blood. Gu Wanning warned Yiling to keep the secret safe, and the chapter ended with Gu Wanning wondering how Gu Wanqing was doing.

• Gu Wanning asked Yiling how she had saved her second sister-in-law, and Yiling revealed the Red Pearl.
• Yiling claimed the Red Pearl could bring the dead back to life and said she had used its powder to heal Gu Wanning’s second sister-in-law.
• Yiling showed Gu Wanning her cut finger and explained that her blood could nurture the pearl because she had Merfolk blood.
• Gu Wanning cautioned Yiling that the pearl’s secret could put her in danger and urged her never to reveal it to anyone else.
• Yiling said she had told Gu Wanning because she trusted her and hoped she would visit the Southern Border.
• Gu Wanning questioned whether Merfolk truly existed, then wondered how Gu Wanqing had been faring.

At Tong-ge and Chang-jie's full-month celebration, Gu Wanning learned that Gu Wanqing had become gaunt and was covered in bruises, despite insisting that the Prince of Qin treated her well. Gu Wanning confronted her about the injuries, then pointed out Gu Wanqing’s radiant smile to He Shi, leaving her to reconsider what she had seen.

• Gu Wanning heard that the Prince of Qin had taken Han Chun'er and was avoiding Gu Wanqing after Gu Yuanshi exposed the Prince's excessive household staff.
• At the celebration, Gu Wanning was shocked by how thin Gu Wanqing had become, and she worried about her and An-ge.
• Gu Wanqing arrived late and exposed bruises on her wrists and forearms while reaching for Gu Wanning's hand.
• Gu Wanning demanded to know whether the Prince had hurt Gu Wanqing and threatened to confront him, but Gu Wanqing denied it and told An-ge to play with his brothers.
• Gu Wanqing said the Prince planned to request that An-ge be named heir apparent when he turned eight.
• He Shi scolded Gu Wanning for confronting Gu Wanqing in public, but Gu Wanning asked her to look again as Gu Wanqing spoke to Princess Qingyi with a radiant smile.

Gu Wanqing exposed her injuries at a family celebration, then received word that the Prince of Qin had collapsed while having sex. Gu Wanning realized Gu Wanqing had likely arranged his death and left with a public alibi, while the family went to the Prince of Qin's Residence.

• Gu Wanning pointed out that Gu Wanqing's injuries were hidden beneath her fitted sleeves, and He Shi began to understand her implication.
• Gu Wanqing told Gu Wanning that she had hurt her own wrists that morning, then revealed a brief flash of killing intent.
• A servant from the Prince's Residence announced that the Prince of Qin had collapsed while having sex, and Gu Wanqing hurried away.
• Gu Wanqing left An-ge with He Shi, while Gu Anqi and his brothers went to the Prince of Qin's Residence.
• Gu Wanning pieced together that Gu Wanqing had exposed her abuse and created an alibi before arranging for the Prince of Qin to die in disgrace.

After the Prince of Qin died, Gu Wanning learned that Gu Xiaoxiao had been condemned with him and watched Gu Wanqing put on a convincing show of grief at his funeral. Xie Yun arrived as the empress’s representative, and the chapter ended by recounting how her cousin Xie Xuan’s family was kidnapped during a wokou raid.

• Gu Wanning learned that Gu Xiaoxiao had been ordered buried with the Prince of Qin after she tried to claim Han Chun’er’s favor and walked into danger herself.
• Gu Yuanshi sold his ancient books and sent the money to the Gu family’s old residence instead of trying to save Gu Xiaoxiao.
• Gu Wanqing mourned the Prince of Qin at his funeral while Gu Wanning secretly judged her acting and asked Er Ya why the procession was waiting.
• Xie Yun arrived at the funeral as the empress’s representative, having risen to the rank of Noble Lady.
• The account revealed that Xie Xuan had risen through the Southeast Navy and that wokou raiders had kidnapped the navy commander, his family, and Xie Xuan’s wife and children.

Gu Wanning learned that Linglong had allied herself with Xie Yun and ordered Gao Lan to watch her. She also discovered that Xu Weibei’s recent bad mood came from people repeatedly provoking him over his inability to perform, but the chapter ended before Gao Lan named them.

• Xie Xuan defeated the Japanese raiders, brought about a change of dynasty in Japan, and received rewards from the emperor, while Xie Yun was promoted to Noble Lady.
• Gu Wanning noticed that Linglong had come with Xie Yun and suspected that the two women planned to use their resentment against her and Xu Weibei.
• Gao Lan told Gu Wanning that Linglong was isolated and raising her daughter alone, and admitted that she had deliberately sought out Xie Yun.
• Gu Wanning asked Gao Lan to keep an eye on Linglong and learned that Xu Weibei was upset because people kept mocking him about being unable to perform.
• Gao Lan began explaining that a group of people had provoked Xu Weibei after a fight before the New Year, but he did not name them before the chapter ended.

Gu Wanning worried about the gossip and insults targeting Xu Weibei, while Xu Weibei struggled to hide his desire and sought advice on helping her overcome her fear of intimacy. The chapter ended with Zhou Jingyuan suggesting that a close female friend of Gu Wanning’s speak with her.

• Gu Wanning and Gao Lan discussed the recurring rumors about Xu Weibei’s physical condition and their inability to stop people gossiping.
• Xu Weibei crushed a cup and injured his hand after hearing the rumors again, then told his soldiers there was nothing wrong with him.
• Xu Weibei’s soldiers proposed that he prove himself with a woman, but he refused.
• Gu Wanning comforted Xu Weibei, who fled the bed after she embraced him and pretended he had diarrhea.
• Xu Weibei asked Zhou Jingyuan for advice, and Zhou Jingyuan recommended that one of Gu Wanning’s close female friends talk to her about intimacy.

Xu Weibei sent Third Concubine to speak with Gu Wanning about intimacy, but she misunderstood his intentions and brought medicine and supplies that embarrassed Gu Wanning. Gu Wanning refused them, and Third Concubine advised Xu Weibei to let her be, leaving him frustrated and his misunderstanding unresolved.

• Xu Weibei asked Third Concubine to discuss matters between men and women with Gu Wanning and offered to arrange a grand wedding for her and Gu Lao San.
• Xu Weibei repeatedly asked Gu Wanning whether Hua Ying had visited, making Gu Wanning suspect he was hiding something.
• Third Concubine visited Gu Wanning, sent Er Ya away, and opened her medicine chest to show her what she believed Xu Weibei had requested.
• Gu Wanning realized Xu Weibei had misunderstood her and refused Third Concubine's help.
• Third Concubine returned empty-handed and told Xu Weibei to let Gu Wanning do as she pleased, leaving him frustrated.

Gu Wanning prepared a spring outing while Yiling updated her on Third Concubine’s engagement and Second Concubine’s schemes against Shi’s family. The Jin family was left ruined, and Shi learned that the fortune she thought she had gained was gone.

• Gu Wanning invited the household to enjoy the spring scenery, and Yiling gathered the others while saying she planned to help Hua Ying prepare her dowry.
• Third Concubine told Gu Wanning that Gu Yuanshi had personally proposed to her on Gu Anfang’s behalf, and their wedding was set for the end of the year.
• Yiling told Gu Wanning that Second Concubine had used Concubine Yu’s affair with a young actor to take back the money and possessions Shi had sent to her natal family.
• Shi secretly sold the Jin family residence, unaware that Concubine Yu had handed their remaining wealth to the actor.
• Jin Huayu told Shi that the family had to rebuild its fortune from nothing, and Shi dropped her act.

After the Jin family’s affairs ended, Shi was sold into the mountains and Second Concubine moved in with Third Concubine. As the emperor fell gravely ill and Xu Weibei guarded the palace, he woke to find Gu Anqi staring at him and demanding an explanation.

• Shi returned home to find her mother gone and, with no money or other refuge, was sold into the mountains by her father’s principal wife.
• Second Concubine gave up on Jin Huayu and moved in with Third Concubine.
• The emperor fell gravely ill, and he ordered Xu Weibei to take command of the Imperial Guards while rumors of princes stirring spread.
• Gu Wanning stayed inside her residence as Xu Weibei’s men guarded it, while Gu Yuanshi and Gu Anqi kept watch in the palace.
• Xu Weibei dealt with a man who questioned his loyalty, patrolled through the night, and fell asleep exhausted in his quarters.
• Xu Weibei woke in daylight to find Gu Anqi pointing at his lower body and asking him to explain himself.

Xu Weibei explained to Gu Anqi that he had recovered but had been hiding it because Gu Wanning was afraid, and Gu Anqi promised to have his wife speak with her. Several days later, Yiling saved the emperor with his approval, and Xu Weibei returned to Gu Wanning, pulling her into their room to tell her something.

• Gu Anqi confronted Xu Weibei about pretending he could not perform, and Xu Weibei claimed his problem had been cured.
• Xu Weibei told Gu Anqi about the misunderstanding between him and Gu Wanning, and Gu Anqi laughed before saying his wife would talk to her.
• Yiling entered the palace with the emperor's approval and saved him from harm.
• Gu Wanning heard that the emperor had survived and was relieved.
• Xu Weibei returned to Gu Wanning and pulled her toward their room, insisting he had something to tell her.

Gu Wanning and Xu Weibei struggled over whether to have a child, since they found no safe contraception and Xu Weibei feared pregnancy would endanger her. After less than two months together, Gu Wanning became pregnant, leaving Xu Weibei anxious and blaming himself.

• Gu Wanning worried about Xu Weibei’s renewed sexual demands and began considering contraception and children.
• Gu Wanning and Xu Weibei disagreed about having a child: she might want one someday, but he wanted to avoid risking her health.
• After Third Concubine said no harmless contraceptive medicine existed, Xu Weibei repeatedly visited the Imperial Medical Academy to seek a prescription.
• The imperial physicians could not provide a suitable medicine, and rumors spread that Xu Weibei was seeking treatment for his former condition.
• Gu Wanning became pregnant less than two months into their renewed intimacy, and Xu Weibei feared the dangers of childbirth and abortion.

Gu Wanning put aside her worries about her child’s status and settled into an easy pregnancy, though she could not attend Third Concubine and Gu Anfang’s wedding. Gu Anfang hurried to see her and apologized, hoping to persuade her to attend for Hua Ying’s sake, but she teased him and refused before laughing at his offer to do whatever she wanted.

• Xu Weibei reassured Gu Wanning that their child would have proper status and promised to ask the emperor to acknowledge the child after birth.
• Gu Wanning had an easy pregnancy, but she told Third Concubine she would not attend the wedding because of the local taboo and the crowds.
• After returning from official business, Gu Anfang learned Gu Wanning would miss the wedding and rushed to see her.
• Gu Anfang apologized for his past behavior and explained that Hua Ying would be sad if Gu Wanning did not attend.
• Gu Wanning teased Gu Anfang about whom Hua Ying cared for more, then refused to go because of his tone.
• Gu Anfang lowered his voice and asked what he could do to change her mind, and Gu Wanning burst out laughing.

Gu Wanning revealed her pregnancy to Gu Anfang and allowed the Grand Princess to send gifts for the baby despite refusing to see her. She gave birth to Xu Weibei’s daughter, Xu Zi, and the chapter ended with Xu Weibei devotedly caring for his newborn daughter.

• Gu Wanning showed Gu Anfang her pregnant belly, and he was shocked to learn the child was Xu Weibei’s.
• Gu Wanning accepted the Grand Princess’s gifts for the baby but maintained that she would not meet her.
• On the second day of the second month, Gu Wanning gave birth to Xu Zi, her and Xu Weibei’s eldest legitimate daughter.
• After Xu Zi’s birth, the Grand Princess did not ask to see her, while Xu Weibei treasured his daughter and cared for her himself whenever he was home.

Gu Wanning watched Xu Zi become the beloved center of her family, while she remained wary of spoiling her. Years later, Linglong returned with a warning that Noble Lady Xie had sent her to abduct A Zi, but her grief and excuses left Gu Wanning unconvinced.

• At Xu Zi’s one-month celebration, Gu Yuanshi attended and gave her a collection of rare ancient books.
• Gu Yuanshi grew devoted to A Zi, and Gu Wanning realized he was making up to her for the guilt he felt over their past.
• By the age of three, A Zi was judging disputes among the household servants, delighting Gu Yuanshi and Xu Weibei.
• When A Zi was four, Linglong visited Gu Wanning and defended her earlier efforts to secure a proper status for A Yi.
• Gu Wanning condemned Linglong for acting selfishly and betraying Xu Weibei, but Linglong warned that Noble Lady Xie had sent her to abduct A Zi before breaking down in tears.

Gu Wanning rejected Linglong’s offer to lure Xie Yun away and warned her to stay clear of the Xie family. The emperor later punished the Xie family, and Xie Yun died in the cold palace after trying to reveal whom she had cursed.

• Gu Wanning told Linglong she would never be grateful for her offer and warned her to stay away from Xie Yun.
• Linglong left after Gu Wanning reminded her that her own family would support her if she fell.
• Gu Wanning never saw Linglong or A Yi again, and the mother and daughter became strangers to her.
• The emperor settled accounts with the Xie family and banished Xie Yun to the cold palace.
• Xie Yun was executed after she tried to tell the emperor whom she had cursed, but a eunuch silenced her before she could finish.