Chapter Summaries

Song Qingshu and Huang Rong broke into the Heavenly Prison to rescue Guo Jing, while Song fought Ouyang Feng and Huang freed her husband. After the rescue, Guo Jing learned Song Qingshu’s identity and praised him as a worthy match for Guo Fu.

• Song Qingshu and Huang Rong entered the Heavenly Prison, where Song subdued the guards and drew Ouyang Feng into battle.
• Ouyang Feng attacked Huang Rong, but Song Qingshu protected her while she rushed to Guo Jing’s cell.
• Huang Rong found Guo Jing brutally tortured and chained through the collarbones, then cut him free and supported him as he collapsed.
• Ouyang Feng recognized Song Qingshu and accused him of choosing Huang Rong over their friendship, while Huang Rong denied any impropriety between them.
• Guo Jing asked how Huang Rong knew Song Qingshu, then praised him as a young hero and said Guo Fu would be fortunate to marry him.

Song Qingshu reasoned with Ouyang Feng about his grievances against Guo Jing and Huang Rong, then used the opening to rescue them from the Heavenly Prison. Ouyang Feng let them go but hinted that he still had a plan to stop Guo Jing from escaping.

• Huang Rong recalled that she had once hoped to marry Guo Fu to Song Qingshu, but last night's encounter made that impossible to contemplate.
• Ouyang Feng accused Song Qingshu of turning against him to protect Huang Rong and renewed his grievances against her and Guo Jing.
• Song Qingshu argued that Yang Kang, not Huang Rong, had ultimately caused Ouyang Ke's death, and reminded Ouyang Feng that Yang Guo was a worthy son.
• Song Qingshu took Guo Jing and Huang Rong and fled the Heavenly Prison using Treading Sand Without Trace.
• Ouyang Feng watched them leave and declared that Huang Rong would not save Guo Jing, hinting that he intended to interfere.

Song Qingshu rescued Guo Jing from the Heavenly Prison and hid him and Huang Rong in the Military Governor's manor, where he removed Guo Jing's chains and treated his injuries. After Guo Jing fell asleep, Huang Rong thanked Song and asked what he thought of Madam Tang, leading him to answer suggestively and prompt her to ask when Madam Tang had made him happiest.

• Song Qingshu led Guo Jing and Huang Rong out of the Heavenly Prison, evaded their pursuers, and hid them in the Military Governor's manor.
• Huang Rong protested when Song Qingshu said she should be happy, but Song explained that Guo Jing's collarbone injuries could heal and had spared his martial arts from worse damage.
• Song Qingshu removed Guo Jing's chains and said he needed at least half a year to recover; Guo Jing thanked him and fell asleep after taking medicine.
• Huang Rong thanked Song Qingshu, realized he had carefully avoided worsening Guo Jing's injuries, and tried to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
• Huang Rong brought up Song Qingshu's relations with Madam Tang, and after he answered suggestively, she asked when Madam Tang had made him happiest.

Song Qingshu teased Huang Rong about his intimacy with Madam Tang, and Huang Rong became increasingly curious despite her fear of him and concern for Guo Jing. The chapter ended with them moving outside to play Truth or Dare, where Song Qingshu described why the previous night with Madam Tang had been especially satisfying.

• Song Qingshu held Huang Rong close while Guo Jing slept and told her that Guo Jing would not wake easily.
• Huang Rong decided she needed to take Guo Jing away as soon as possible, but she stayed to hear Song Qingshu explain his preference for Madam Tang’s identity.
• Huang Rong asked which time with Madam Tang had made Song Qingshu happiest, then agreed to play Truth or Dare with him.
• Huang Rong and Song Qingshu went to the outer room, where Song Qingshu said that his intimacy with Madam Tang the previous night had felt especially perfect.

Song Qingshu teased Huang Rong into answering an intimate question, then stopped her from leaving and demanded that she describe a happy time with Guo Jing. Huang Rong struggled to recall one, as memories of her encounter with Song Qingshu the previous night kept intruding.

• Song Qingshu flattered Huang Rong after she grew self-conscious about her age, and she questioned whether he valued her above the other women in his life.
• Huang Rong tried to postpone Song Qingshu's turn to ask questions, but he blocked her path and kissed her.
• Huang Rong pushed Song Qingshu away, then returned to the table after he insisted they honor their agreement to take turns.
• Song Qingshu asked Huang Rong to describe in detail the time Great Hero Guo had made her happiest.
• Huang Rong recalled her carefree newlywed days with Jing Gege on Peach Blossom Island but could not identify a specific happy occasion because thoughts of the previous night kept returning.

Song Qingshu and Huang Rong played a question game that led them to discuss her marriage to Guo Jing and Song Qingshu’s feelings for her. The chapter ended with Huang Rong choosing a great adventure rather than answer his intimate question.

• Huang Rong named Guo Jing’s proposal on Peach Blossom Island as her happiest memory, then asked Song Qingshu whom he loved most, and he claimed to love her most.
• Song Qingshu asked whether Huang Rong could ever retire in triumph after defending Xiangyang, prompting her to confront the grim prospects for the city and the Southern Song.
• Song Qingshu criticized Guo Jing for neglecting his family, and Huang Rong rebuked him before accepting his apology and affirming that she considered him a friend.
• Huang Rong asked whether Song Qingshu had improper designs on her, and he answered yes.
• Song Qingshu asked how often Huang Rong and Guo Jing were intimate, and she refused to answer and chose a great adventure.

Huang Rong chose a dare from Song Qingshu and sat on his lap, then asked about the Golden Snake Camp’s plans. His ambition to drive out the barbarians and restore China made her imagine a new regime, but she hesitated to support him because she was not his wife.

• Huang Rong chose dare after Song Qingshu warned her that she would have to follow his request.
• Song Qingshu asked Huang Rong to sit on his lap, and she reluctantly agreed.
• Huang Rong asked about the Golden Snake Camp’s ultimate plans, hoping to learn whether it might join the Southern Song.
• Song Qingshu declared that the camp aimed to drive out the barbarians and restore China.
• Huang Rong considered whether a new regime could overcome the Southern Song court’s corruption, but she concluded she had no reason to follow Song Qingshu over her husband, Guo Jing.

Song Qingshu and Huang Rong flirted while discussing his ambition to unify the north and the possibility that she might have to choose between him and Guo Jing. After trading personal questions, Song Qingshu leaned close to ask Huang Rong who was more desirable, him or Guo Jing.

• Huang Rong toasted Song Qingshu’s campaign with tea, and he made her drink with him in a mock nuptial-wine gesture.
• Song Qingshu said he would lead an army to Xiangyang if he unified the north and demand Huang Rong, prompting her to worry about Guo Jing’s choice between her and the people.
• Huang Rong said she would willingly find Song Qingshu beforehand if that could prevent a battle at Xiangyang.
• Song Qingshu and Huang Rong continued their question game, learning more about each other and growing closer.
• Song Qingshu leaned toward Huang Rong’s ear and asked whether he or Guo Jing was more desirable.

Huang Rong panicked when Song Qingshu appeared to know about her secret, then realized he had been teasing her about their earlier conversation. Song Qingshu apologized for mistaking her for Madam Tang the previous night, but his final remark made clear he did not intend to forget their encounter.

• Huang Rong feared Song Qingshu would expose her secret and decided to play along until she could confess to Guo Jing after returning to Xiangyang.
• Song Qingshu baited Huang Rong with a question about whose ambitions were greater, and she mistakenly thought he was asking about their physical attributes.
• Song Qingshu pointed out the kiss marks he had seen on Huang Rong while Guo Jing was imprisoned, revealing that he knew she had been with another man.
• Huang Rong denied that there had been a man and asked Song Qingshu to speak plainly.
• Song Qingshu apologized for mistaking Huang Rong for Madam Tang the previous night, but said their encounter had been unforgettable.

Song Qingshu pressured Huang Rong to become his secret lover, and she reluctantly agreed to negotiate conditions. She required him to protect Guo Jing, keep their relationship secret, and limit it to Kaifeng City.

• Huang Rong tried to put their night together behind her, but Song Qingshu said he wanted her to become his woman.
• Song Qingshu said he would not harm Guo Jing and claimed he could openly be with Huang Rong only after bringing his army to Xiangyang.
• Song Qingshu proposed that Huang Rong become his secret lover immediately, reminding her that she could not resist him.
• Huang Rong agreed to negotiate conditions, first demanding Guo Jing's safety and secrecy from everyone else.
• Huang Rong's third condition was that their relationship remain limited to Kaifeng City and that Song Qingshu not disturb her afterward.

Song Qingshu and Huang Rong negotiated terms for a secret, three-year affair, including his future help defending Xiangyang. He then proposed marrying Guo Fu to protect her from Guo Jing’s anger, leaving Huang Rong furious.

• Huang Rong rejected Song Qingshu’s demand for a lifelong relationship, and they settled on three years with limits on how he could disrupt her life.
• Huang Rong secured Song Qingshu’s promise to help Xiangyang if she asked, while he stipulated that she accompany him during his assistance.
• Huang Rong asked Song Qingshu to protect Guo Fu, who had cut off Yang Guo’s arm and risked punishment from Guo Jing.
• Song Qingshu suggested Guo Jing betroth Guo Fu to him, and Huang Rong angrily called him a bastard.

Song Qingshu tried to smooth over his flirtation with Huang Rong, but Guo Jing suddenly lost his sight from a strange poison. Song Qingshu claimed that he and Huang Rong were close like family, then told the blind Guo Jing that he and Guo Fu liked each other and could become family for real.

• Song Qingshu told Huang Rong he had only pretended to be interested in Guo Fu to give Guo Jing a way to spare her hand.
• Song Qingshu pressed Huang Rong against him, but she stopped him because Guo Jing was next door.
• Song Qingshu noticed a black aura between Guo Jing's brows and realized Guo Jing had been poisoned and gone blind.
• Huang Rong accused Song Qingshu of poisoning Guo Jing, but Guo Jing defended him and asked her to apologize.
• Song Qingshu described himself and Huang Rong as close friends and told Guo Jing that he and Guo Fu liked each other and could become family.

Song Qingshu used his connection to Yang Guo to promise that Guo Fu’s role in Yang Guo’s lost arm would be settled, while Guo Jing’s poison suddenly flared. Song Qingshu began treating Guo Jing, and Huang Rong reluctantly showed him a small kindness as he worked.

• Guo Jing welcomed Song Qingshu’s interest in Guo Fu, but Huang Rong tried to prevent the match and Guo Jing said he would first ask his daughter’s wishes.
• Guo Jing explained that Guo Fu had cut off Yang Guo’s arm, and Song Qingshu said he would take responsibility for resolving the matter because he had once saved Xiaolongnü.
• Guo Jing worried that Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü’s master-disciple relationship violated propriety, then spat black blood as the poison in his body surged.
• Huang Rong pleaded with Song Qingshu to save Guo Jing, and Song Qingshu sealed Guo Jing’s acupoints and sent true qi into him.
• Huang Rong wiped sweat from Guo Jing’s forehead, then reluctantly offered her handkerchief to Song Qingshu after he complained through voice transmission.

Song Qingshu temporarily suppressed Guo Jing’s poison and promised to find an antidote within three days, while Huang Rong struggled with her secret betrayal and feared Guo Jing would recover enough to discover it. After learning Ouyang Feng had likely poisoned Guo Jing, Song Qingshu and Huang Rong set out to obtain the antidote.

• Song Qingshu reassured Huang Rong that Guo Jing’s fate might have been worse if Wanyan Liang had captured her, and she reluctantly agreed to give Song Qingshu what he wanted in the future.
• Song Qingshu suppressed Guo Jing’s poison for three days, but Guo Jing remained blind and without his internal strength.
• Song Qingshu promised Guo Jing’s eyesight and cultivation could return after the poison was cured, and Huang Rong learned that Ouyang Feng was the likely culprit.
• Guo Jing recalled that Ouyang Feng had given him medicine while he was captive, and Huang Rong proposed stealing the antidote.
• Song Qingshu agreed to seek the antidote, and Huang Rong joined him as they set out.

Song Qingshu and Huang Rong left Guo Jing to investigate Ouyang Feng and discussed the danger of their relationship being discovered. Song Qingshu promised not to force Huang Rong and began explaining how they might obtain the antidote from Ouyang Feng.

• Song Qingshu covered for Huang Rong when Guo Jing asked about a suspicious sound, then led her outside to investigate Ouyang Feng.
• Huang Rong teased Song Qingshu about how he would arrange her, but recoiled when he pretended to take her invitation seriously.
• Huang Rong warned Song Qingshu that their behavior had nearly exposed them to Guo Jing, and Song Qingshu apologized and promised not to force her again.
• Huang Rong agreed to call Song Qingshu by his given name when they were alone, and he said they had a way to obtain Ouyang Feng's antidote despite their enmity.

Song Qingshu and Huang Rong devised a plan to use the Nine Yin Manual’s Soul Transfer to make Wanyan Liang obtain Ouyang Feng’s antidote, though reaching him would be difficult. Song Qingshu then visited Madam Tang, who was startled to see Huang Rong with him.

• Huang Rong questioned how Song Qingshu could obtain the antidote when Ouyang Feng would refuse to give it to them.
• Song Qingshu proposed using Soul Transfer on Wanyan Liang so he would ask Ouyang Feng for the antidote.
• Huang Rong warned that Soul Transfer could leave Wanyan Liang looking vacant and that his guards would make him hard to approach.
• Song Qingshu recalled that Song Yuanqiao and the others were being held in Huan Yi Yuan and decided to investigate there rather than risk alerting Murong Bo.
• Madam Tang waited jealously for Song Qingshu, then welcomed him when he appeared at her window, only to freeze at the sight of Huang Rong behind him.

Song Qingshu asked Madam Tang to lure Wanyan Liang to her chambers so he could use his hypnosis technique on him. Wanyan Liang arrived alone in the courtyard, unaware of Song Qingshu’s plan, and Madam Tang urged him to close the door.

• Huang Rong watched Madam Tang embrace Song Qingshu and struggled with her resentment and lingering discomfort.
• Song Qingshu explained that he needed Madam Tang to invite Wanyan Liang over, and assured her she would not have to accompany him.
• Madam Tang realized Song Qingshu still cared for her and embraced him, while Huang Rong silently scorned her.
• Wanyan Liang received Madam Tang’s note, felt little desire for her because of Song Qingshu’s Soul Transfer technique, but decided to visit anyway.
• Wanyan Liang left his guards outside Madam Tang’s courtyard, entered her chambers, and heard her ask him to close the door.

Song Qingshu used Soul Transfer to control Wanyan Liang and sent him to obtain Ouyang Feng’s antidote while Huang Rong wrestled with her feelings and jealousy. The chapter ended with Ouyang Feng wondering whether to hand over the antidote, suspecting Wanyan Liang had begun to distrust him.

• Song Qingshu subdued Wanyan Liang with Soul Transfer after Wanyan Liang shut the door, then sent him away to find Ouyang Feng.
• Huang Rong realized Song Qingshu wanted her heart rather than simply using Soul Transfer to control her, but she remained confused about her feelings for him.
• Song Qingshu lounged with Madam Tang and teased Huang Rong about being jealous, then made Huang Rong massage his shoulders.
• Madam Tang praised Song Qingshu for making Huang Rong obedient, prompting Huang Rong to confront her.
• Wanyan Liang asked Ouyang Feng for the poison antidote, and Ouyang Feng suspected that Wanyan Liang had grown wary of him and hesitated over whether to give it.

Ouyang Feng gave Wanyan Liang a false antidote to Man's Milk, while Song Qingshu and Huang Rong took the real antidote from the unconscious prince. They left to save Guo Jing, with Huang Rong warning Song Qingshu about Madam Tang before he teased her about being jealous.

• Ouyang Feng gave Wanyan Liang a porcelain bottle and secretly planned for the supposed antidote to kill him if he used the poison.
• Song Qingshu hid as Wanyan Liang entered Madam Tang's room, knocked him unconscious, and took the milky-white bottle.
• Huang Rong took the bottle and hurried to save Guo Jing, while Madam Tang agreed to stay behind with the unconscious Wanyan Liang.
• As Song Qingshu and Huang Rong left, she warned him that Madam Tang was calculating and might harm him.
• Song Qingshu teased Huang Rong for being jealous, then said they should give the antidote to Guo Jing.

Huang Rong brought Guo Jing the antidote, but he collapsed after taking it, leading her to accuse Song Qingshu of trying to kill him. Song Qingshu kept Guo Jing alive and discovered that the apparently harmless antidote had been mixed with something that worsened the poison, leaving Huang Rong unsure whether she could trust him.

• Huang Rong brought the antidote to Guo Jing and explained how Song Qingshu had obtained it.
• Guo Jing swallowed the pill, but his condition worsened and he collapsed as the poison surged through him.
• Huang Rong accused Song Qingshu of arranging Guo Jing's death, but Song Qingshu insisted Guo Jing was still alive and continued treating him.
• Song Qingshu forced Guo Jing to vomit black blood containing part of the pill, then examined the antidote and said it was not poisonous by itself.
• Huang Rong wondered whether Song Qingshu had caused Guo Jing's collapse or was sincerely trying to save him.