Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zu Chongzhi, a renowned mathematician and astronomer, meets Verdant Green Maiden on Dragon Tiger Mountain.
• Verdant Green Maiden reveals she has knowledge of calendars from thousands of years ago and offers to help Zu Chongzhi refine his Great Ming Calendar.
• Zu Chongzhi, initially skeptical, agrees after seeing Verdant Green Maiden's supernatural abilities and knowledge of celestial phenomena.
• Over several months, Zu Chongzhi revises the Great Ming Calendar with Verdant Green Maiden's help.
• Once completed, Zu Chongzhi presents the calendar to Verdant Green Maiden, who assures him of its accuracy but expresses concern about its implementation due to the chaotic state of the world.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She demonstrates her vast knowledge of celestial phenomena and calendars from ancient times, revealing herself to be an immortal. She helps Zu Chongzhi refine his calendar, showing kindness and understanding towards his dedication.
• Zu Chongzhi: Initially skeptical of Verdant Green Maiden's claims, he becomes fully dedicated to revising the calendar after witnessing her supernatural abilities. His dedication to creating an accurate calendar is unwavering, despite knowing it might not be implemented in his lifetime.

Significant Themes

• Dedication and Perseverance: Zu Chongzhi's unwavering dedication to creating an accurate calendar, despite knowing it might not be implemented, highlights his perseverance in the face of adversity.
• The Power of Knowledge: Verdant Green Maiden's vast knowledge of ancient calendars and celestial phenomena allows her to help Zu Chongzhi refine his calendar, demonstrating the power of accumulated knowledge.
• The Passage of Time: The theme of time is prevalent, with Verdant Green Maiden's knowledge of calendars from thousands of years ago and Zu Chongzhi's work on creating an accurate calendar that might not be implemented in his lifetime.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Zu Chongzhi: Their interaction is built on mutual respect and understanding. Verdant Green Maiden offers her help, while Zu Chongzhi, initially skeptical, becomes fully dedicated to the task after seeing her abilities. They work together to refine the Great Ming Calendar.
• Zu Chongzhi and the World's Chaos: Zu Chongzhi's awareness of the chaotic state of the world causes him to express concern about the implementation of his calendar, leading to a moment of dejection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zu Chongzhi, after completing the Great Ming Calendar, falls ill and dies.
• Verdant Green Maiden promises to ensure the calendar's use among the people.
• Verdant Green Maiden is tasked by Tian to protect Tao Hongjing, who will later compile the True Spirit Hierarchy Diagram.

Character Developments

• Zu Chongzhi's dedication to his work leads to his demise, but he finds solace in Verdant Green Maiden's promise.
• Verdant Green Maiden, despite her initial reluctance, agrees to help Tian protect Tao Hongjing, showing her willingness to aid others.

Significant Themes

• Karma and fate: The title "Great Karma" suggests that the characters' actions have significant consequences, both for themselves and the world.
• Dedication and sacrifice: Zu Chongzhi's single-minded pursuit of his work leads to his death, highlighting the costs of dedication.
• Trust and friendship: Verdant Green Maiden's decision to help Tao Hongjing, despite her initial reluctance, shows her trust in Tian and her willingness to form alliances.

Character Interactions

• Zu Chongzhi and Verdant Green Maiden: Zu Chongzhi entrusts Verdant Green Maiden with his life's work, and she promises to see it through.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Tian: Verdant Green Maiden is initially suspicious of Tian's request but agrees to help after considering the benefits and her trust in Tian.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Old Yellow Ox: They display a playful, almost sibling-like dynamic, with Verdant Green Maiden teasing Old Yellow Ox about his attempted desertion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden arrives at Huayang Pavilion on Maoshan, seeking Tao Hongjing.
• She announces herself as a True Person from Shu Han Crane Call Mountain, causing disbelief among the crowd.
• Tao Hongjing, sensing her noble aura, welcomes her despite the skepticism.
• Verdant Green Maiden reveals she's there to protect Tao Hongjing, but doesn't explain why.
• Tao Hongjing invites her to stay, and they spend nights discussing Daoist Magic, neglecting food and sleep.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows confidence in her identity as a True Person, displays intelligence and composure in handling doubters, and demonstrates her dedication to protecting Tao Hongjing.
• Tao Hongjing: Initially skeptical but impressed by Verdant Green Maiden's aura, he welcomes her and shows eagerness to learn from her, even neglecting basic needs.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs Reality: Verdant Green Maiden's true identity is initially doubted due to her youthful appearance, highlighting the theme of not judging by appearances.
• Nobility and Aura: Verdant Green Maiden's noble aura is a significant trait that sets her apart and commands respect.
• Dedication to Learning: Both characters display a strong dedication to learning and teaching, even at the cost of basic needs.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Tao Hongjing: They interact with mutual respect, with Tao Hongjing showing deference to her status as a True Person, and Verdant Green Maiden showing patience and willingness to teach.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the Crowd: She interacts with the doubting crowd with confidence and composure, using their lack of experience with True Persons to her advantage.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Old Yellow Ox: They have a casual, affectionate relationship, with the ox showing understanding and following her instructions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• News of Verdant Green Maiden's presence at Huayang Pavilion spreads, attracting visitors from various Daoist sects and Jiankang City.
• A Daoist from the Tai Ping Daoist temple recognizes Verdant Green Maiden and pays respects, revealing that she is the true Verdant Green Maiden from ancient times.
• Verdant Green Maiden initially agrees to answer questions about Daoist scriptures but later grows annoyed and stops.
• Tao Hongjing visits Verdant Green Maiden seeking guidance on his project to unify and categorize celestial deities.
• Verdant Green Maiden agrees to help Tao Hongjing and sends invitations to other Daoist sects to attend a meeting on Maoshan.
• The imperial court sends an envoy to request Tao Hongjing's departure from the mountain.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Initially bored and willing to answer questions, she later becomes annoyed and disinterested in teaching. She agrees to help Tao Hongjing out of a desire to earn merit.
• Tao Hongjing: Seeks guidance from Verdant Green Maiden and later invites other Daoist sects to Maoshan to work on his project.

Significant Themes

• The spread of Verdant Green Maiden's reputation and the attention it brings.
• The desire for knowledge and guidance among Daoists.
• Verdant Green Maiden's annoyance with the simplicity of the questions asked of her.
• The importance of unity and categorization among celestial deities.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden interacts with various Daoists who come to seek her guidance.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Tao Hongjing discuss his project, leading to her agreement to help him.
• The imperial court interacts with Tao Hongjing through an envoy, requesting his departure from the mountain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The newly crowned Emperor Xiao Yan sends an envoy to invite Tao Hongjing and Qing Nü (Verdant Green Maiden) to leave the mountain and serve the court.
• Qing Nü agrees to go, while Tao Hongjing declines.
• Verdant Green Maiden travels to Jiankang with the envoy and is welcomed by Xiao Yan.
• Verdant Green Maiden refuses Xiao Yan's offer to bestow office and title, stating she only came to deliver a calendar.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü (Verdant Green Maiden): She shows her true identity to the envoy, demonstrating her confidence and lack of concern for worldly matters. She agrees to go to Jiankang to discuss the Great Ming Calendar with Xiao Yan.
• Tao Hongjing: He declines Xiao Yan's invitation, stating he is no longer suitable for governing. He shows concern for Verdant Green Maiden's decision to leave the mountain.
• Xiao Yan: He shows respect for Verdant Green Maiden as a True Person, understanding her disregard for worldly titles. He is surprised by her intention to give him the Great Ming Calendar.

Significant Themes

• Respect for Immortals/Religious Figures: Xiao Yan and Tao Hongjing show respect for Verdant Green Maiden as a True Person, while the civil and military officials are astonished by her boldness.
• Power Dynamics: Verdant Green Maiden's disregard for worldly titles and her ability to make demands of the Emperor highlight the power dynamics between Immortals and worldly leaders.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü (Verdant Green Maiden) and the Envoy: They recognize each other, and the envoy shows deference to her.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Tao Hongjing: They discuss her decision to leave the mountain, with Tao Hongjing showing concern and Verdant Green Maiden reassuring him.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Xiao Yan: They have a straightforward conversation, with Verdant Green Maiden making demands and Xiao Yan showing respect for her as a True Person.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden presents the Great Ming Calendar to Emperor Xiao Yan, causing a stir among ministers and generals.
• Xiao Yan orders the calendar's accuracy to be verified, leading to its widespread acceptance.
• Xiao Yan sends a generous gift to Verdant Green Maiden and orders the posthumous title for Zu Chongzhi.
• Verdant Green Maiden stays in Jiankang for half a year, helping with the calendar's implementation.
• Verdant Green Maiden visits Zu Chongzhi's grave and returns to Maoshan.
• Verdant Green Maiden convenes a meeting with other Daoist sects to establish the True Spirit Karma Array Diagram.
• Xiao Yan continues to consult Verdant Green Maiden and Tao Hongjing on state affairs, causing dissatisfaction among court officials.
• Court officials incite a rebellion against Maoshan, but Verdant Green Maiden easily defeats them.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She demonstrates her power and influence, gaining respect from Xiao Yan and the Daoist sects. She shows kindness towards Zu Chongzhi and his descendants.
• Xiao Yan: He recognizes Verdant Green Maiden's importance and seeks her help in governing Da Liang. He shows respect and gratitude towards Verdant Green Maiden and Zu Chongzhi.
• Court Officials: They grow dissatisfied with Xiao Yan's reliance on Maoshan and attempt a rebellion, ultimately failing.

Significant Themes

• Divine Intervention: Verdant Green Maiden's actions highlight the role of deities in human affairs, both in establishing order (through the calendar) and protecting the innocent (defending Maoshan).
• Respect and Gratitude: Xiao Yan shows respect and gratitude towards Verdant Green Maiden and Zu Chongzhi, acknowledging their contributions to Da Liang.
• Power and Influence: Verdant Green Maiden's power and influence are evident in her ability to convene Daoist sects and defend Maoshan from attacks.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Xiao Yan: They maintain a respectful and cordial relationship, with Xiao Yan seeking Verdant Green Maiden's help and acknowledging her contributions.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Daoist Sects: Verdant Green Maiden convenes a meeting to establish the True Spirit Karma Array Diagram, demonstrating her leadership and influence among the Daoist sects.
• Court Officials and Xiao Yan: The court officials grow dissatisfied with Xiao Yan's reliance on Maoshan, leading to their attempted rebellion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) eliminates the private soldiers of court officials who disturb Huayang Pavilion.
• She visits each household, convincing them to stop their actions.
• After three years, the True Spirit Karma Array Diagram is completed with Qing Nü's help.
• Golden lotuses fall from the sky, blessing Maoshan and rewarding those involved.
• Qing Nü leaves Maoshan, and the other Daoist sect members also depart.
• Years later, Qing Nü arrives at the Liang Emperor Xiao Yan's deathbed, where he begs her to save him and the Liang Dynasty.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü demonstrates her power and influence, convincing court officials to cease their actions.
• She shows her strategic mind and persuasive skills in completing the True Spirit Karma Array Diagram.
• Qing Nü exhibits her manipulative side, adding a Main God position for herself in the diagram.
• She displays her compassion and understanding when facing the dying Emperor Xiao Yan.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: Qing Nü's actions showcase her power and influence over both mortals and deities.
• Manipulation and self-interest: Qing Nü's addition of a Main God position for herself highlights her self-interest and manipulation.
• Compassion and understanding: Qing Nü's reaction to Emperor Xiao Yan's plea shows her understanding and compassion, despite her initial indifference.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü interacts with the court officials, convincing them to stop disturbing Huayang Pavilion.
• She works with Tao Hongjing and other Daoist priests to complete the True Spirit Karma Array Diagram.
• Qing Nü's interaction with Heaven reveals her manipulative side and her desire for more rewards.
• She interacts with the dying Emperor Xiao Yan, showing understanding and compassion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) visits Xiao Yan, the former Liang Emperor, in Tai City.
• Xiao Yan shares his past, revealing his shift from revering Daoism to Buddhism and his four dedications to Buddhism.
• Qing Nü reveals that Xiao Yan will starve to death in Tai City and that the Liang Dynasty's future is bleak.
• Qing Nü confronts Hou Jing in Jiankang, severely injuring him but sparing his life.
• Xiao Yan dies in Tai City, and his remains are later discovered by Chen Baxian, who laments the impermanence of worldly affairs.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yan: Reflects on his past and accepts his impending death, showing a sense of resignation and wisdom.
• Qing Nü: Demonstrates her power and indifference towards worldly affairs, but also shows curiosity about Xiao Yan's spiritual journey.
• Hou Jing: Suffers severe injuries from Qing Nü's attack, leading to a decline in his physical condition.
• Chen Baxian: Captures Jiankang, kills Hou Jing, and discovers Xiao Yan's remains.

Significant Themes

• The impermanence of life and worldly affairs.
• The cyclical nature of dynasties and their eventual decline.
• The futility of relying on supernatural powers (Daoism or Buddhism) to save the world; only the people can save the world.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Qing Nü: Xiao Yan shares his past with Qing Nü, and she reveals his future to him.
• Qing Nü and Hou Jing: Qing Nü severely injures Hou Jing for destroying her house.
• Chen Baxian and Xiao Yan's remains: Chen Baxian laments the state of Xiao Yan's remains and reflects on the unpredictability of worldly affairs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden arrives in Ye City and meets Wei Bodhisattva, a young man with an unusual aura.
• Verdant Green Maiden manipulates Wei Bodhisattva into inviting her to his home by pretending to be injured and asking for compensation.
• Wei Bodhisattva's grandmother recognizes Verdant Green Maiden from an old portrait drawn by Wei Qing, leading them to believe she is a goddess.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She demonstrates her cunning and manipulative nature, using her acting skills to deceive Wei Bodhisattva and his grandmother.
• Wei Bodhisattva: He shows kindness and naivety, easily manipulated by Verdant Green Maiden. He is also revealed to have a humble family background.
• Grandmother Wei: She is devout and respects Verdant Green Maiden as a goddess, treating her with great deference.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: Verdant Green Maiden uses her acting skills to deceive Wei Bodhisattva and his grandmother, highlighting the theme of deception and manipulation.
• The impermanence of worldly affairs: The decline of the Wei Clan from a prominent family during the Han Dynasty to their current humble state illustrates the impermanence of worldly affairs.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Wei Bodhisattva: Verdant Green Maiden manipulates Wei Bodhisattva into inviting her to his home, showing her cunning and his naivety.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Grandmother Wei: Grandmother Wei recognizes Verdant Green Maiden as a goddess, leading to a respectful interaction between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden takes Wei Bodhisattva as her disciple after he can't return the money he borrowed from her.
• She teaches him spear techniques and military strategy.
• Wei Bodhisattva shares his family history, and Verdant Green Maiden travels to Maoling to consult Wei Qing's spirit about giving Wei Bodhisattva a proper name.
• Verdant Green Maiden returns and gives Wei Bodhisattva the name Wei Jue, with the courtesy name Mingda.
• She reviews his progress and decides he's ready to graduate from her tutelage.

Character Developments

• Wei Bodhisattva (now Wei Jue) shows dedication to his studies and improving himself, driven by his desire to live up to his ancestor's name and make his grandmother proud.
• Verdant Green Maiden demonstrates her kindness and willingness to help, going as far as consulting Wei Qing's spirit to give Wei Jue a proper name.

Significant Themes

• The importance of names and identity, as Wei Jue finally receives a proper name that reflects his lineage and worth.
• The power of determination and hard work, shown through Wei Jue's dedication to his studies despite harsh conditions.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Wei Jue's master-disciple relationship deepens as she teaches him and shows genuine care for his well-being and future.
• Wei Jue and his grandmother share a strong bond, with him working hard to make her proud and her supporting him wholeheartedly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nü encourages Wei Jue to forge his own path and join the army.
• Wei Jue joins the Northern Qi Army, becomes a Squad Leader, and earns rewards.
• Grandmother Wei passes away, and Qing Nü decides to leave Wei Jue.
• Qing Nü searches for douhua in Shouchun, finds a shop that sells it, but the taste doesn't match her memory.
• The shopkeeper shares his family's history of making douhua, and Qing Nü decides to visit the shop again in the future.
• Qing Nü asks the shopkeeper to pass down the memory of her visit to their later generations.

Character Developments

• Wei Jue grows from a young man to a Squad Leader in the army, showing determination and skill.
• Qing Nü remains a mentor figure to Wei Jue, guiding him and encouraging his independence.
• The shopkeeper in Shouchun is proud of his family's douhua-making history and is open to sharing it with Qing Nü.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change.
• The importance of tradition and passing down knowledge and skills.
• The search for personal growth and purpose.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Wei Jue: Qing Nü guides and encourages Wei Jue, while Wei Jue shows determination and respect for Qing Nü's wisdom.
• Qing Nü and the shopkeeper: Qing Nü shares her appreciation for the shopkeeper's family history and douhua, while the shopkeeper is open to sharing his family's story and offers hospitality to Qing Nü.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (VGM) encounters a troop of cavalry led by Lanling King (Gao Changgong) while traveling through a forest.
• The cavalry, initially rude, returns to apologize and compensate VGM for splashing mud on her.
• VGM reveals she knows Gao Changgong's identity, and they have a brief exchange.
• VGM and Gao Changgong meet again at a campsite, where she reveals her name and offers him a pot of ancient wine.

Character Developments

• VGM demonstrates courage and composure in the face of soldiers, showing she's not easily intimidated.
• Gao Changgong shows generosity and good humor, accepting VGM's teasing and offering her wine despite their brief encounter.

Significant Themes

• Encounters and Connections: The chapter explores the theme of chance encounters leading to connections, as seen in VGM and Gao Changgong's meetings.
• Power Dynamics: The interaction between VGM and the cavalry initially highlights the power imbalance, but VGM's calm demeanor and Gao Changgong's respect for her challenge this dynamic.

Character Interactions

• VGM and Gao Changgong's interactions are marked by a playful banter, with VGM teasing Gao Changgong and him responding with good humor.
• VGM's calm and collected demeanor contrasts with the deputy general's agitation, highlighting her unique presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nu) offers wine to Gao Changgong (Lanling King) but refuses to let him drink it, hinting at her unusual nature.
• Qing Nu reveals she's going to Luoyang to find her disciple, Wei Jue.
• She openly criticizes the Northern Qi Emperor, causing alarm among Gao Changgong's men.
• Qing Nu asks to be silenced but then requests a divination from Gao Changgong, predicting his early death.
• Despite the prediction, Gao Changgong remains unmoved and unwilling to rely on divination.
• Qing Nu decides to join Gao Changgong's journey to Luoyang, revealing her ox's extraordinary capabilities.

Character Developments

• Qing Nu: Shows her forthright personality, extraordinary strength, and indifference to life and death predictions. She also reveals her connection to Wei Jue.
• Gao Changgong: Demonstrates his perceptiveness, calm demeanor under pressure, and unwillingness to rely on divination for his fate.

Significant Themes

• The unreliability of divination and the unpredictability of fate.
• The value of directness and honesty in communication (as shown by Qing Nu).
• The importance of personal conviction and action over divine predictions (as shown by Gao Changgong).

Character Interactions

• Qing Nu and Gao Changgong: Their interaction highlights their unique personalities and values. Qing Nu's directness and Gao Changgong's calmness create a dynamic tension.
• Qing Nu and her subordinates: Qing Nu's strength and authority are evident in her interactions with her subordinates, who are easily sent flying with a light push.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lanling King Gao Changgong leads a force of five hundred light cavalry to relieve Jinyong City, besieged by the Northern Zhou and Turkic allied forces.
• Verdant Green Maiden accompanies them, riding her divine ox, and plays a battle song on her zither to boost the morale and luck of the Qi soldiers.
• The Qi forces, bolstered by Gao Changgong's arrival and Verdant Green Maiden's music, successfully repel the enemy, leading to a retreat of the Zhou and Turkic armies.

Character Developments

• Gao Changgong (Lanling King): Demonstrates his strategic prowess, courage, and determination to defend his kingdom. He is also surprised to learn about Wei Jue's identity.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows her magical abilities and care for the Qi soldiers by playing a battle song to enhance their luck and morale. She also displays her interest in Gao Changgong's appearance.

Significant Themes

• Music and War: The power of music to inspire and boost morale is highlighted through Verdant Green Maiden's battle song.
• Loyalty and Determination: Gao Changgong's commitment to defending his kingdom and the soldiers' willingness to fight alongside him reflect their loyalty and determination.

Character Interactions

• Gao Changgong and Verdant Green Maiden: They interact briefly, with Verdant Green Maiden playing her zither for Gao Changgong and his men, and Gao Changgong expressing amazement at her divine abilities.
• Gao Changgong and Wei Jue: They meet on the battlefield, with Gao Changgong surprised to learn Wei Jue's identity, and they plan to discuss further after the battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Jue returns home after a victory celebration and is attacked by an unknown assailant.
• The attacker is revealed to be Verdant Green Maiden, Wei Jue's master.
• Verdant Green Maiden visits to check on Wei Jue's well-being and meets Gao Changgong, the Lanling King, who arrives late at night.
• Gao Changgong asks Verdant Green Maiden to teach him the zither music she played during a previous battle.

Character Developments

• Wei Jue has risen to become a Sixth Rank General in the army, thanks to Verdant Green Maiden's teachings.
• Verdant Green Maiden shows her divine abilities by repairing the broken door with a wave of her hand.
• Gao Changgong demonstrates his ambition and determination by visiting Wei Jue late at night and asking for the zither music.

Significant Themes

• Master-disciple relationship: Verdant Green Maiden's visit highlights her care for Wei Jue's well-being and her pride in his accomplishments.
• Ambition and power: Gao Changgong's late-night visit showcases his determination to learn the zither music, suggesting his desire for knowledge and influence.
• Divine intervention: Verdant Green Maiden's abilities emphasize the supernatural elements in the story.

Character Interactions

• Wei Jue and Verdant Green Maiden: Their reunion is filled with joy and mutual respect, with Wei Jue expressing his gratitude for her teachings and Verdant Green Maiden showing pride in his achievements.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Gao Changgong: Their interaction is tense yet respectful, with Verdant Green Maiden challenging Gao Changgong's ambitions and Gao Changgong showing deference to her abilities.
• Wei Jue and Gao Changgong: Wei Jue is surprised by Gao Changgong's late-night visit and shows deference to his status as a Prince, while Gao Changgong shows interest in Wei Jue's military skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden suggests to Gao Changgong that he grant Wei Jue military merit for his service in Jinyong City.
• Gao Changgong agrees without hesitation, and Wei Jue is overjoyed.
• Verdant Green Maiden offers Gao Changgong a musical score, naming it "Lanling King Enters the Battle Song."
• Verdant Green Maiden tries to persuade Gao Changgong to ascend the throne to avoid a fatal calamity, but he refuses, remaining loyal to Gao Zhan.
• Verdant Green Maiden leaves Luoyang, and Gao Changgong is later placed under house arrest by Gao Wei.
• Verdant Green Maiden appears before Gao Changgong in Ye City, revealing the dire state of Northern Qi and asking if he regrets not accepting her proposal to ascend the throne.

Character Developments

• Gao Changgong: Stands by his loyalty to Gao Zhan despite Verdant Green Maiden's warning, leading to his eventual house arrest.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Remains persistent in her belief that Gao Changgong should ascend the throne to avoid calamity, but respects his decision.
• Wei Jue: Shows gratitude towards Verdant Green Maiden for her help in securing military merit and is promoted to Grand Governor.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Ambition: Gao Changgong's unwavering loyalty to Gao Zhan, even in the face of potential danger, contrasts with Verdant Green Maiden's ambition for him to ascend the throne.
• Fate and Divination: Verdant Green Maiden's divination foretells a fatal calamity for Gao Changgong, but he chooses to live his life according to his principles rather than following the divination.
• The Price of Indecision: Gao Wei's suspicion and paranoia lead to the decline of Northern Qi, highlighting the consequences of indecision and poor leadership.

Character Interactions

• Gao Changgong and Verdant Green Maiden: Their interactions revolve around Verdant Green Maiden's attempts to persuade Gao Changgong to ascend the throne, showcasing her persistence and his unyielding loyalty.
• Wei Jue and Verdant Green Maiden: Wei Jue expresses gratitude and respect towards Verdant Green Maiden, while she treats him with a mix of sternness and affection, as seen in their final exchange before she leaves Luoyang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Changgong, the Lanling King, is isolated and desperate, seeking help from Verdant Green Maiden to rebuild the Great Qi Army and resist the Zhou Scoundrels.
• Verdant Green Maiden refuses to help without a reason, stating that the past is different from the present.
• She suggests that Gao Changgong join the Zhou Army to save the common people, but he is hesitant due to his loyalty to the Qi imperial clan.
• Verdant Green Maiden visits Wei Jue, who plans to rescue Gao Changgong by attacking Ye City, but she discourages this impulsive plan.

Character Developments

• Gao Changgong: Struggles with his loyalty to the Qi imperial clan and the need to save the common people, showing a conflicted and introspective side.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Demonstrates her wisdom and impartiality, not swayed by emotions or past connections, and prioritizes the greater good.
• Wei Jue: Shows bravery and loyalty to Gao Changgong, willing to risk his life to rescue him, but also displays impulsiveness and a lack of strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Pragmatism: Gao Changgong's loyalty to the Qi imperial clan clashes with the pragmatic need to save the common people.
• The Greater Good: Verdant Green Maiden's focus on the well-being of the common people, prioritizing their interests above personal or imperial loyalties.
• Impulsiveness vs. Caution: Wei Jue's impulsive plan to rescue Gao Changgong contrasts with Verdant Green Maiden's cautious and strategic approach.

Character Interactions

• Gao Changgong and Verdant Green Maiden: Their interaction highlights Gao Changgong's desperation and Verdant Green Maiden's wisdom and impartiality.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Wei Jue: Their conversation reveals Wei Jue's bravery and loyalty, as well as his impulsiveness, while Verdant Green Maiden tries to guide him towards a more strategic approach.
• Gao Changgong and Wei Jue: Their bond is evident, with Wei Jue willing to risk his life to rescue Gao Changgong, showing the depth of their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden refuses to reveal her conversation with Gao Changgong to Wei Jue.
• Wei Jue plans to seize advantageous terrain before making a move, but Verdant Green Maiden discourages him.
• Gao Wei sends poisoned wine to Gao Changgong, who drinks it and falls ill.
• Verdant Green Maiden saves Gao Changgong and brings him to Northern Zhou.

Character Developments

• Wei Jue: Struggles with the decision to act against Gao Wei, showing loyalty to his ancestor's legacy but also considering Verdant Green Maiden's advice.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Demonstrates her power and wisdom, saving Gao Changgong and taking him to Northern Zhou.
• Gao Changgong: Shows concern for the common people of Great Qi, even in his final moments.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Wei Jue's loyalty to his ancestor, Wei Qing, and Gao Changgong's loyalty to the common people of Great Qi.
• Power dynamics: The struggle for power between Gao Wei, Gao Changgong, and Wei Jue.
• The consequences of one's actions: Gao Wei's impulsive decision to poison Gao Changgong leads to unforeseen consequences.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Wei Jue: Their interaction shows Wei Jue's respect for Verdant Green Maiden's wisdom and her ability to influence his decisions.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Gao Changgong: Their interaction reveals Gao Changgong's concern for the common people and Verdant Green Maiden's ability to save him.
• Gao Wei and Lu Lingxuan: Their interaction shows their shared delight in Gao Changgong's death and their manipulation of the situation to their advantage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nü reveals she's taking Gao Changgong to Northern Zhou.
• Wei Jue bids them farewell, expressing he'll support their decision but won't join them.
• Qing Nü and Gao Changgong arrive in Chang'an, where they visit the Gaomiao (Liu Bang's temple).
• They encounter Yuwen Yong's procession, deciding to follow him to the Middle Temple.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü: Shows understanding of worldly affairs, reveals she knew Liu Bang, and has multiple identities.
• Wei Jue: Demonstrates loyalty and understanding, supports Qing Nü's decision but chooses to stay in Great Qi.
• Gao Changgong: Realizes Qing Nü's involvement in worldly affairs, accepts her command.
• Yuwen Yong: Shows determination to unify the world, performs a sacrifice to Liu Bei.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Wei Jue's loyalty to Gao Changgong and Qing Nü, Yuwen Yong's determination to unify the world.
• Identity and change: Qing Nü's multiple identities, the changes in Chang'an over centuries.
• Power and legitimacy: Yuwen Yong's sacrifice to Liu Bei to display his right to rule.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Wei Jue: Qing Nü teases Wei Jue about his feelings for Gao Changgong, Wei Jue expresses his support but chooses to stay in Great Qi.
• Qing Nü and Gao Changgong: They reminisce about the past, Gao Changgong learns about Qing Nü's involvement in worldly affairs.
• Yuwen Yong and Liu Bei's Statue: Yuwen Yong performs a sacrifice, expressing his determination to unify the world and his connection to the Han legacy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Emperor Yuwen Yong declares his ambition to unify the universe in the Central Temple.
• Verdant Green Maiden, an enigmatic figure, appears and offers to provide famous generals to aid Yuwen Yong.
• She introduces Gao Changgong, the Lanling King, who was previously executed by Gao Wei.
• Yuwen Yong and Gao Changgong form an alliance, with Yuwen Yong promising to treat the common people equally and enfeoff Gao Changgong as Duke of Qi.

Character Developments

• Yuwen Yong: Reveals his ambition to unify the universe and shows a desire to rule justly, treating all citizens equally.
• Gao Changgong: Shows loyalty to his principles and a desire to serve a ruler who will treat the common people fairly. He agrees to ally with Yuwen Yong.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Remains mysterious, but her intentions appear to be helping Yuwen Yong and Gao Changgong form an alliance.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Principle: Yuwen Yong's ambition is tempered by his desire to rule justly, while Gao Changgong's loyalty is to his principles, not a specific ruler.
• Power Dynamics: The interaction between Yuwen Yong and Verdant Green Maiden highlights the dynamics of power, with Yuwen Yong asserting his authority as the Son of Heaven despite Verdant Green Maiden's mysterious abilities.

Character Interactions

• Yuwen Yong and Verdant Green Maiden: Their interaction is tense, with Yuwen Yong initially suspicious of Verdant Green Maiden's intentions and powers. However, he ultimately accepts her help.
• Yuwen Yong and Gao Changgong: They form a quick bond, with Yuwen Yong admiring Gao Changgong's principles and Gao Changgong recognizing Yuwen Yong's ambition. They agree to work together towards unifying the universe and treating the common people fairly.