Recaps

Shen Tingjue returned to Xiao Hanye’s life and used his new Imperial Guard command to challenge corrupt officials and weaken powerful clans. As Xiao Hanye tried to keep him at a distance, Shen’s memories began to return, leaving him to insist that the man who had cut ties was not Lin Zhao.

• Shen Tingjue recognized Xiao Hanye from his dreams, claimed they had been lovers, and entered the Imperial College after learning the Crown Prince still studied there.
• Shen Tingjue caused trouble at the Imperial College, grew close to Xiao Hanye, and took the Crown Prince’s snow wolves and belongings to force him back from Mount Li.
• Shen Tingjue gained command of the Imperial Guard Bureau, challenged its officers, and confronted Xiao Hanye about whether he had found another lover.
• Shen Tingjue helped arrange royal marriages and bought Red Sleeve Pavilion, then uncovered the Imperial Guard’s debts and forced Wang Zhonggui to repay them.
• Shen Tingjue spent the night with Xiao Hanye, while Xiao Hanye ordered a military campaign against bandits and an investigation into unrest in the Southern Four Commanderies.
• Shen Tingjue framed Zhao Zhichao to weaken the great clans, and Xiao Hanye protected him as Zhao lost his post and the Tiger Roar Battalion came under the Imperial Guard.
• After Xiao Chongrui’s visit triggered painful memories, Shen Tingjue dreamed of falling into a ravine, recognized Xiao Hanye, and said the Shen Tingjue who had cut ties was not Lin Zhao.
• Xiao Hanye stayed with Shen Tingjue until dawn, and Shen later attended the Imperial College’s snow-viewing gathering and set up a stove to grill food.

Shen Tingjue and Xiao Hanye’s relationship became a matter of family and court discussion as Shen pushed to reopen Zhan Lingxiang’s case and build a free academy. After assassins attacked Shen and the Chancellor, Shen used his hidden fighting skills and brought the threat before the Emperor, leaving officials to question his past.

• Shen Tingjue found Sang Wen dead at Spring Garden, and the investigation revealed that Sang Wen was Zhan Lingxiang, who had sought evidence to clear her father’s name.
• Xiao Hanye reopened the Zhan Ru case, dismissed Wang Zhonggui pending investigation, and suspended the Minister of Justice.
• Shen Tingjue confessed his love for Xiao Hanye to the Empress Dowager and Eldest Princess, who welcomed the match, while Xiao Hanye struggled to explain his feelings.
• After scholars condemned Xiao Hanye on Danyang Mountain, Shen Tingjue proposed a free academy, won the Emperor’s support and funds, and persuaded Xie the Grand Secretary to lend books.
• Shen Tingjue grew troubled about his relationship with Xiao Hanye, stopped taking his medicine, and sought out the Crown Prince for comfort.
• Shen Tingjue escorted the injured Chancellor home, fought off assassins who attacked their carriage, and asked Xiao Hanye to carry him back after the Imperial Guard Bureau arrived.
• At court, Shen Tingjue suggested the attack might target the Emperor and pointed suspicion toward Xie the Grand Secretary, while Ji Zhang questioned Shen’s extraordinary fighting skills.