Chapter Summaries

Plot points and events

• Shen Shixu learns that local officials Xu Guangyi and Wu Dazhi have repeatedly declined promotion so they can continue serving Qu City’s people. Inspired by their example, he resolves to remain committed to preventing wrongful convictions.
• After resting, Shen and Xiao Jinyi meet the newly released Song Zhuoyang, whose family was murdered and who was falsely imprisoned for the crime. Song thanks them for clearing his name and agrees to help catch the real culprit.
• Shen proposes using Song as bait: notices announcing his exoneration will be posted, and Song and Jiang Miaokong will appear in crowded places while Shen and Xiao secretly protect them.
• As Song and Jiang tour Qu City, the crowd recognizes and welcomes Song. A disguised man watches from afar, then slips into an alley.
• The watcher is He Chenyang, who realizes the officials may have uncovered his connection to Song. Rather than leave town, he becomes jealous of Song’s bond with Jiang and plans to kill Jiang. He buys medicine, grinds it into powder, and prepares it in a bamboo tube.

Character developments and interactions

• Shen Shixu broadens his sense of purpose: what began as ambition to honor his family has become a long-term commitment to justice. His conversation with Xiao Jinyi reflects new confidence in that mission.
• Song Zhuoyang is weakened by grief and false accusation, but remains grateful and determined to help bring his family’s killer to justice.
• Jiang Miaokong shows tenderness and pain toward Song despite his usual dismissive talk about him, revealing the depth of their romantic bond.
• He Chenyang is exposed as the likely murderer and driven by resentment and envy. Seeing Jiang’s loyalty intensifies his cruelty and redirects his plan toward Jiang.
• Xiao Jinyi supports Shen and joins the protection plan.

Significant themes

• Perseverance in public service: Xu and Wu’s dedication inspires Shen to see justice as work that may outlast one lifetime.
• Justice and wrongful accusation: Song’s release restores his name but cannot erase the suffering caused by the false charge.
• Loyalty and chosen family: Jiang remains Song’s one surviving source of support, a bond that He Chenyang envies.
• Jealousy and revenge: He’s resentment turns Song’s recovery into a new motive for violence.

Key plot points and events

• Jiang Miaokong and Song Zhuoyang return to Jiang’s rented courtyard after spending the day in the city. Song thanks Jiang for standing by him; Jiang says he is helping because Song once helped him and because he wants justice for Xianghe.
• He Chenyang sneaks into the courtyard, while Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi watch from hiding, waiting to see what he will do.
• He Chenyang blows a drugging powder through a bamboo tube into the kitchen. Jiang collapses, and Song rushes to investigate.
• He Chenyang, who looks almost exactly like Song, holds the unconscious Jiang hostage. He says he intends to hurt Jiang because doing so will make Song suffer.
• Song asks why He Chenyang murdered his family. He Chenyang explains that he resented Song because their mothers and they themselves looked alike, yet Song’s family had a loving, secure life while He Chenyang and his mother endured misery.
• He recounts how his father secretly sold his mother to men, later forced her into prostitution, and how she became mentally ill. He Chenyang describes killing or causing the deaths of his abusive grandmother, half-sister, stepmother, and father. His account ends with only him and his mother remaining.

Character developments

• Jiang Miaokong shows care and loyalty toward Song, though he disguises his emotional attachment as gratitude and friendship. He is drugged before he can finish cooking.
• Song Zhuoyang is protective of Jiang and confronts his family’s killer, seeking the truth even while Jiang is in danger.
• He Chenyang reveals the resentment and trauma behind his violence. His jealousy is rooted in the contrast between Song’s loving family and his own abusive, exploitative household.
• Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi demonstrate caution and coordination by laying a trap and waiting for He Chenyang to expose his intentions.

Significant themes

• Jealousy and unequal lives: He Chenyang’s hatred grows from seeing someone who resembles him enjoy the family life he was denied.
• Cycles of abuse and revenge: He Chenyang’s victimization helps explain his bitterness, but his response becomes a chain of deliberate violence.
• Family, care, and loyalty: Jiang’s devotion to Song contrasts sharply with the cruelty He Chenyang describes in his own family.
• Appearance versus identity: The uncanny resemblance between Song and He Chenyang underscores how outward similarity can conceal radically different histories.

Character interactions

• Jiang and Song share a tender moment: Song expresses gratitude, while Jiang offers a guarded explanation for his commitment.
• He Chenyang uses Jiang as leverage to torment Song, while Song tries to distract him and draw out the motive for the murders.
• Song briefly meets Xiao Jinyi’s eyes and understands that help is nearby, though the chapter ends before the confrontation is resolved.
• He Chenyang’s confession frames his history as an explanation for his hatred, while leaving the immediate danger to Jiang unresolved.

Key plot points and events

• Xiao Jinyi interrupts He Chenyang as he threatens Jiang Miaokong, disarming and striking him while Song Zhuoyang pulls the unconscious Jiang to safety.
• Shen Shixu explains that Jiang was given a mild sedative. After water is splashed on his face, Jiang wakes, and Shen advises him to drink plenty of water.
• Shen reveals that He Chenyang is Song Zhuoyang’s cousin, stunning both men. He Chenyang initially refuses to believe him.
• He Chenyang’s past is laid bare: bitterly jealous of Song’s comfortable life despite their resemblance, he developed a consuming hatred and ultimately murdered the Song family—unaware that they were his own relatives.
• Shen has He Chenyang’s mother, Fang Keru, and her brother, Mr. Fang, brought in. Mr. Fang recognizes He and condemns him, connecting the two generations’ harm to the Fang sisters.

Character developments

• Song Zhuoyang reacts with intense fear for Jiang, showing how deeply he cares for him. He is also confronted with the shocking truth that his family’s killer is his cousin.
• Jiang Miaokong wakes confused and sore, but learns he is safe and begins following Shen’s practical advice.
• He Chenyang is exposed as a man whose hardship and envy hardened into hatred and violence. Discovering his victims were his relatives compounds the horror of his actions, though he rejects the revelation.
• Mr. Fang is overwhelmed by grief and anger when he sees He Chenyang. Fang Keru, despite her confusion, recognizes her brother and is frightened by his anger.

Significant themes

• Jealousy and resentment: He Chenyang’s comparison with Song Zhuoyang turns envy into hatred and devastating violence.
• Family ties and inherited harm: The revelation makes the murders an especially painful betrayal, while Mr. Fang condemns the damage caused across generations.
• Care and protection: Song’s frantic concern for Jiang contrasts with He’s cruelty and Shen’s calm, practical intervention.
• The limits of explanation: He Chenyang’s difficult life helps explain his resentment but does not excuse his crimes.

Character interactions

• Xiao Jinyi protects Jiang by restraining He; Song tends to Jiang, while Shen treats him and later confronts He with the family connection.
• Song’s protective embrace is so tight that Shen has to tell him to let Jiang go.
• Shen’s revelation forces Song and He to face their unexpected kinship.
• Mr. Fang’s furious accusation and Fang Keru’s fearful reaction bring the family’s suffering into the confrontation directly.

Key plot points and events

• Fang Keru confirms that Fang Father is her brother—and that He Chenyang murdered his own aunt’s family. He Chenyang is devastated by the truth and remembers Song Mother’s earlier kindness, wondering whether she had known he was an impostor.
• Overcome by guilt, He Chenyang kneels before Song Zhuoyang in apology, then takes a fallen dagger and kills himself. Xiao Jinyi shields Shen Shixu from the blood.
• Fang Keru briefly seems to regain her clarity before fainting. After she wakes, her madness has worsened, leaving her unable to remember the tragedy.
• The case is closed. Song Zhuoyang leaves Qu City with Jiang Miaokong, who will travel with him and serve as Shen Shixu’s guard while learning painting. Fang Father takes responsibility for caring for Fang Keru, though grief and illness have badly weakened him.
• Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi prepare to leave for the Capital. Fang Father sees them off, urging Song Zhuoyang to build a peaceful life and promising continued support.

Character developments and interactions

• He Chenyang finally recognizes the harm caused by his malice and is consumed by remorse; he ends his life after bowing to Song Zhuoyang.
• Song Zhuoyang remains wounded and hateful toward He Chenyang, but accepts Jiang Miaokong’s support and chooses to leave Qu City and begin again.
• Fang Father grieves for both his lost family and his sister, yet takes her in and offers Song Zhuoyang practical and emotional support.
• Fang Keru, unable to understand the revelations, briefly recalls her family before retreating further into madness.
• Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi reflect on the tragedy together; Xiao’s instinctive act of protecting Shen underscores their closeness.
• Jiang Miaokong supports Song Zhuoyang, while Fang Yue and others join Fang Father in seeing the travelers off.

Significant themes

• The consequences of malice: Shen Shixu’s observation that the human heart is unfathomable resonates with He Chenyang, who realizes his choices helped bring about the catastrophe.
• Irreversible loss and regret: The characters can understand the past, but cannot undo it.
• Mercy and imperfect healing: Fang Keru’s memory loss shields her from unbearable grief, while Song Zhuoyang seeks recovery by leaving the place of tragedy.
• Family, care, and moving forward: Fang Father’s support offers a fragile path toward peace for those who remain.

Key plot points and events

• Shen Shixu realizes he and Xiao Jinyi left Jiang Bin and Zhang Ming behind during the investigation. The two later catch up only after they have finished being sick from the journey.
• A bridge closure forces Shen Shixu’s group to detour, and they take shelter for the night in an abandoned temple.
• Inside, they meet an elderly man and his sick grandson. The child is coughing badly, so Xiao Jinyi uses his Cold Ice Palm to cool the boy’s medicine and helps him drink it.
• Shen Shixu and the others are fascinated by Xiao Jinyi’s martial arts. Xiao promises Shen a gift for when they return, prompting Shen to decide he should prepare a gift in return.
• The old man offers the travelers meat-filled flatbreads. Grateful and hungry after days of dry rations, they eat eagerly. Jiang Bin shares his pastries with the boy, who happily thanks him.

Character developments and interactions

• Shen Shixu is considerate toward the old man, apologizes for the group’s poor manners, and takes Xiao’s promised gift to heart.
• Xiao Jinyi shows compassion by helping the child and reveals another martial skill. His kindness deepens his bond with Shen.
• Jiang Bin repays the old man’s generosity by sharing pastries with the child; the boy reminds him of An Chengyu.
• The old man is initially wary of the armed strangers but relaxes when Shen reassures him. He responds to their hunger with generous hospitality.
• Jiang Bin and Zhang Ming are frustrated that they could not keep up with Shen and Xiao, while Xiao privately criticizes their failure to follow.

Significant themes

• Compassion and mutual generosity: Xiao helps the sick child, and the old man feeds the travelers; Jiang Bin returns the kindness by sharing sweets.
• Trust and reassurance: The old man’s fear eases through Shen’s gentle words and the group’s considerate behavior.
• Growing affection and reciprocity: Xiao’s gift to Shen inspires Shen to plan one in return.
• The hardships of travel: Detours, missed lodging, and monotonous dry rations make the temple’s shelter and food especially welcome.

Key plot points and events

• While traveling, Shen Shixu and his companions meet an elderly man and his sick young grandson. The boy’s smile at receiving a gift persuades the old man not to take it back.
• Shen prompts 011 to uncover their story. The boy was accidentally poisoned by a woman seeking revenge on the old man’s abusive son, who had stolen her married lover and caused his death. The woman intended to poison the son, not the child; though the boy survived, he was left frail and prone to severe coughing.
• Once he learned what his son had done, the old man broke the son’s legs, sold the family’s assets, and dismissed the son’s concubines. He then set out with his grandson for the Capital, hoping to find treatment and support from his elder brother.
• 011 reveals that the old man’s nephew, a capable Imperial Guard company commander, will eventually adopt the boy. The old man trusts him, and both he and the child are likely to find security in the Capital.
• When the old man explains his journey, Jiang Bin and Zhang Ming invite him and the boy to travel with their group. The old man accepts, offering to cook for them in return.

Character developments and interactions

• The old man is shown as caring and self-sacrificing: despite a troubled life and an irresponsible son, he prioritizes his grandson’s comfort and future.
• Shen Shixu is curious but respectful of the strangers’ privacy. After hearing their circumstances through 011, he feels relieved by the prospect of their eventual safety and asks the old man about his journey.
• Jiang Bin creates an opportunity for the group to help by suggesting they travel together. Zhang Ming puts the old man at ease by framing the offer as repayment and pointing out that the child can ride in their carriage.
• The old man is initially reluctant to burden them but accepts once he sees that the arrangement will protect his grandson. His offer to cook turns the kindness into a mutual exchange.
• Jiang Miaokong and Song Zhuoyang are startled when they hear 011’s voice; Jiang Bin and Zhang Ming hush them and explain the unusual source of the “gossip.”

Significant themes

• Care and responsibility: The old man takes responsibility for his grandson after his own son’s wrongdoing.
• Justice and consequences: The son faces punishment for his cruelty, while the woman who poisoned the child is still turned over to the authorities despite her motive.
• Kindness and mutual aid: The group’s practical offer of companionship and shelter helps ease the old man’s burden.
• Hope and chosen family: The boy’s likely adoption by a loving, capable cousin offers him a safer future beyond his birth family.

Chapter summary

Key plot points and events

• Shen Shixu and his companions return from their journey well-fed, thanks to Old Zhang’s cooking and Xiao Jinyi and Song Zhuoyang hunting for food.
• Shen Zexi meets them at the city gates. He greets Shen Shixu affectionately, teases him for gaining weight, and thanks Old Zhang for caring for the group.
• Shen Zexi learns that Song Zhuoyang is the man Jiang Miaokong had risked himself to help. He urges Song to treat Jiang well, prompting Song to renew his determination to cherish him.
• Shen Shixu reflects on the devotion between Jiang Miaokong and Song Zhuoyang, and on Xiao Jinyi’s exceptional attentiveness toward him.
• Shen Shixu recognizes that Xiao Jinyi’s behavior likely means he has romantic feelings for him. The clearest sign was Xiao Jinyi kissing his cheek while he pretended to sleep.
• Though Shen Shixu decides to keep his distance, he keeps instinctively turning to Xiao Jinyi, who has noticed the change.

Character developments and interactions

• Shen Shixu and Shen Zexi: Their reunion is warm and playful. Shen Zexi’s “plump and sleek” remark embarrasses Shen Shixu, who jokes that it makes them sound like pigs being fattened.
• Old Zhang: He is warmly thanked for feeding and caring for the travelers.
• Jiang Miaokong and Song Zhuoyang: Song learns of Jiang’s sacrifice and responds with deep gratitude and renewed commitment. Jiang is flustered by Song’s gaze, though his red ears betray his feelings.
• Xiao Jinyi and Shen Shixu: Xiao Jinyi’s constant care—arranging the trip, bringing Shen Shixu fruit, and following his requests—makes his feelings increasingly apparent. Shen Shixu recognizes them but chooses distance, while Xiao Jinyi knows Shen is pulling away.
• Jiang Bin: He once complained about Xiao Jinyi favoring Shen Shixu with fruit and was quickly put in his place. His knowing looks further reinforce Shen Shixu’s suspicions.

Significant themes

• Care shown through action: Old Zhang’s cooking, Song’s attentiveness to Jiang, and Xiao Jinyi’s practical devotion all express affection through service.
• Unspoken romantic feelings: Song and Jiang’s mutual attachment is visible despite Jiang’s reluctance to admit it; Xiao Jinyi’s feelings are likewise clear to Shen Shixu.
• Avoidance and uncertainty: Shen Shixu understands Xiao Jinyi’s intentions but responds by trying to create distance, even as habit and comfort draw him back toward Xiao.

Key plot points and events

• Xiao Jinyi reflects that his kiss was deliberate: he knew Shen Shixu was awake and wanted to reveal his feelings. Though Shen Shixu’s subsequent distance hurt him, he resolves to persist without becoming overbearing.
• Shen Zexi and Jiang Bin persuade Uncle Zhang to join them for a meal before helping him find his elder brother in the Capital. Uncle Zhang needs his brother’s help to save his sick grandson.
• At the Heavenly Fragrance House, Shen Zexi notices its declining business and considers taking it over.
• After the meal, the group splits up: Shen Zexi checks his shop accounts; Jiang Bin and Zhang Ming escort Uncle Zhang and his grandson; Jiang Miaokong shows Song Zhuoyang around the Capital. Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi return to the Shen Residence together.
• In the study, Xiao Jinyi openly confirms that he loves Shen Shixu and says he will not give up, while leaving the choice to Shen Shixu.
• Shen Shixu admits he feels drawn to Xiao Jinyi but fears their unequal status and the Emperor and Empress’s likely opposition—and the danger that rejection could bring to his family. He argues they are unsuitable.
• When Xiao Jinyi asks whether Shen Shixu would accept him if his parents approved, Shen Shixu answers that he would.

Character developments and interactions

• Xiao Jinyi shifts from secretly acting on his feelings to speaking candidly. He is determined to pursue Shen Shixu, but tries to respect Shen Shixu’s choice.
• Shen Shixu moves from avoidance toward acknowledging his attraction. His hesitation stems less from lack of affection than from practical and political fears.
• Shen Zexi shows care for his younger brother, encouraging him to rest and eat well. He also takes charge of helping Uncle Zhang navigate the Capital.
• Uncle Zhang reluctantly accepts the group’s hospitality and guidance because he is unfamiliar with the city and anxious about his grandson.
• The meal reveals a subtle tension between Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi: Shen Shixu seems more distant, and Xiao Jinyi takes the seat beside him before Shen Shixu can invite Jiang Miaokong.
• Shen Zexi notices the awkwardness between them but does not press the issue.

Significant themes

• Persistence balanced with respect: Xiao Jinyi believes courtship requires perseverance, but recognizes that excessive pressure could push Shen Shixu away.
• Love versus social constraints: Shen Shixu’s feelings conflict with concerns about gender expectations, imperial approval, status, and the safety of his family.
• The risks of vulnerability: Shen Shixu is willing to consider love, but only if its consequences can be made safe.

Plot points

• After Shen Shixu reluctantly agrees to consider Xiao Jinyi’s proposal, Xiao Jinyi rushes to the palace to seek his family’s approval.
• In front of Emperor Wu’an, Empress Lin, and the Empress Dowager, Xiao Jinyi announces that he loves Shen Shixu, the newly appointed Top Scholar and Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.
• Xiao Jinyi admits that Shen has not accepted his confession, though he believes Shen has feelings for him and is holding back because of the family’s likely opposition.
• Emperor Wu’an refuses to consent. He argues that Xiao Jinyi’s relationship is unlike his uncle’s established marriage, while Empress Lin warns that the prince’s status could damage Shen’s reputation, career, and prospects for a family.
• Xiao Jinyi acknowledges these risks but declares that he is willing to give up his status and reputation rather than lose Shen. He promises to make clear that he was the one who pursued Shen.

Character developments and interactions

• Xiao Jinyi moves from private confession to openly defending his love before his family. His determination remains, but he is forced to confront the consequences his rank could impose on Shen.
• Shen Shixu does not appear at court, but his hesitation shapes the confrontation: he is concerned about Xiao Jinyi’s family and the practical costs of their relationship.
• Emperor Wu’an reacts with shock and anger, then focuses on the future and social consequences of the match.
• Empress Lin is initially stunned but voices the clearest concerns about Shen’s independence and reputation.
• The Empress Dowager is comparatively calm and urges Xiao Jinyi to stand, while Xiao Yuanqi quietly supports his brother.

Significant themes

• Love versus duty, status, and public reputation.
• The unequal power between a prince and an official—and the risk that the less powerful partner will be judged or harmed.
• Devotion and sacrifice: Xiao Jinyi insists that love matters more to him than rank or prestige.

Key plot points and events

• Xiao Jinyi declares that he will protect Shen Shixu’s reputation and spend his life with him, even if it means overcoming any obstacle. Emperor Wu’an and Empress Lin recognize that he will not be dissuaded.
• Emperor Wu’an grants the marriage, but punishes Xiao Jinyi for the unprecedented match: he must exchange his military merit for the decree and endure 120 strokes in total. Twenty are administered immediately; the rest are postponed until after the Empress Dowager’s birthday.
• Xiao Yuanqi carries the decree to the Shen residence. It grants Shen Shixu marriage to Xiao Jinyi, lets him keep his government post, and gives him the title Lord Qian’an, ensuring he cannot be treated with contempt.
• Shen Shixu is stunned by the decree and immediately asks after Xiao Jinyi. Learning of the punishment, he asks Xiao Yuanqi to take him to the palace so he can see Xiao Jinyi.
• The announcement shocks the capital and its officials. Shen Zexi hears the news and returns home, only to discover that Shen Shixu is away.

Character developments and interactions

• Xiao Jinyi proves the depth of his devotion through his willingness to surrender his military merit and suffer the punishment. Even while being beaten, he worries more about Shen Shixu’s reaction than his own pain.
• Emperor Wu’an balances his disapproval of the situation with affection for his son, ultimately granting the marriage while imposing a severe penalty.
• Empress Lin advocates for Xiao Jinyi, persuading the emperor to delay part of the punishment until after the Empress Dowager’s birthday.
• Xiao Yuanqi supports his younger brother by delivering the decree and reassuring Shen Shixu. He is pleased to see that Shen Shixu genuinely cares for Xiao Jinyi.
• Shen Shixu, though shocked by the public decree, responds with concern for Xiao Jinyi and hurries to see him.
• The decree’s public reading and the news spreading through the capital turn the couple’s relationship into a major political and social event.

Significant themes

• Devotion and sacrifice: Xiao Jinyi’s commitment is demonstrated through concrete personal and political costs.
• Family loyalty and favoritism: Emperor Wu’an and Empress Lin protect their son, while Xiao Yuanqi actively helps him.
• Public legitimacy and status: Shen Shixu’s title and continued office give official protection and recognition to a marriage that defies convention.
• Love under social pressure: The couple’s union is publicly affirmed, but its novelty provokes widespread astonishment.

Key plot points

• Xiao Jinyi receives all one hundred strokes of his punishment at once, choosing to avoid a second session and hoping his injuries might win Shen Shixu’s sympathy. Though they look severe, he insists they are manageable.
• Shen Shixu arrives at the palace, worries over Xiao Jinyi, and helps him back to the Azure Waves Palace. He tells him the imperial decree approves their marriage, lets him keep his post, grants him the title Lord Qian’an, and forbids others from looking down on him. No wedding date is set; it will likely follow the Crown Prince’s wedding.
• Bai He reports that he has shaped public opinion so Xiao Jinyi—not Shen Shixu—is blamed for pressuring the Emperor into the match. Xiao Jinyi rewards him. Palace officials have also delivered many gifts to Shen Shixu’s residence.
• Shen Zexi is bewildered by the sudden news that his younger brother and Xiao Jinyi are to marry. He receives the gifts, stores them, and waits to speak with Shen Shixu.
• Back at home, Shen Shixu explains what happened. Shen Zexi asks whether he truly likes Xiao Jinyi, and Shen Shixu admits that he does, though his feelings are not yet as strong as Xiao Jinyi’s.

Character developments and interactions

• Xiao Jinyi is openly devoted to Shen Shixu, accepts pain to secure their marriage, and takes pleasure in being called Shen Shixu’s future consort. His concern with public perception also shows his protectiveness toward Shen Shixu.
• Shen Shixu responds to Xiao Jinyi’s injuries with genuine concern and begins to acknowledge his own feelings honestly.
• Shen Zexi shifts from confusion and shock to seeking a clear answer from his brother; their candid exchange underscores their trust.
• Bai He loyally carries out Xiao Jinyi’s plan, while Quan Xi delivers the palace gifts and exchanges courteous formalities with Shen Zexi.

Significant themes

• Love and sacrifice: Xiao Jinyi’s punishment becomes a public demonstration of his commitment.
• Reputation and protection: He directs blame toward himself to shield Shen Shixu from criticism.
• Honesty and family trust: Shen Shixu freely explains the situation and admits his feelings to his brother.
• Status and acceptance: The imperial title and decree formally protect Shen Shixu’s standing as Xiao Jinyi’s future spouse.

Key plot points and events

• Shen Zexi accepts Shen Shixu’s feelings for Xiao Jinyi and explains why the family will not oppose their marriage. When Shen Shixu was born, a Daoist predicted that he did not belong in this world but could remain if allowed to grow freely and eventually entered an extraordinary, loving marriage. After Shen Shixu nearly died as an infant, the Daoist’s talismans stabilized him, and the family took his prediction seriously.
• Shen Zexi reveals that the family has quietly allowed Shen Shixu to follow his own path, believing his marriage to Xiao Jinyi fulfills the prophecy. Shen Shixu realizes the Daoist may have recognized that he was reincarnated from another world and helped him survive in this one.
• Shen Zexi nearly gives away his surprise at learning the truth, but covers himself. He tells Shen Shixu to write to their parents about the marriage himself, since they may be startled by how young he is and by his marrying into Xiao Jinyi’s family.
• Shen Shixu writes his parents a detailed account of how he and Xiao Jinyi got together and sends the letter home.
• Though tempted to avoid the attention at court, Shen Shixu decides to attend. The officials’ curiosity shifts instead to Chief Imperial Censor Lord Qiu, who arrives with conspicuous, uneven black eyes. Shen Shixu’s system, 011, reveals that Lord Qiu was beaten by his mother and wife. The officials gather around Shen Shixu, eager for the gossip.

Character developments

• Shen Zexi shows that his family’s acceptance is rooted in longstanding concern for Shen Shixu’s safety. He is supportive of the marriage, but is also startled by the revelation of Shen Shixu’s past-life memories and hides his reaction.
• Shen Shixu learns that his family’s permissive upbringing was shaped by the prophecy. He understands his reincarnation in a new way and takes responsibility for informing his parents about his marriage.
• Shen Father and Shen Mother, though absent, are described as loving and unlikely to oppose the match, even if they may react strongly to the news.
• Lord Qiu becomes an unexpected source of comic spectacle, while 011 continues to provide entertaining insider gossip.

Significant themes

• Fate and choice: The prophecy frames the marriage as destined, but Shen Shixu’s own feelings for Xiao Jinyi also matter.
• Belonging and survival: Shen Shixu’s reincarnation and the Daoist’s intervention raise the idea that he was initially an outsider whom this world might reject.
• Family acceptance: The Shen family prioritizes Shen Shixu’s happiness and safety over status or convention.
• Gossip and public scrutiny: Shen Shixu expects to attract attention at court, but the officials’ curiosity is easily redirected by a more amusing spectacle.

Character interactions

• Shen Zexi confirms that he accepts Shen Shixu’s relationship with Xiao Jinyi and urges him to tell their parents himself.
• Shen Shixu questions Shen Zexi’s briefly changed expression, showing his perceptiveness; Shen Zexi avoids revealing what he has learned.
• At court, the officials quietly cluster near Shen Shixu to hear 011’s account of Lord Qiu’s black eyes, turning private gossip into a shared spectacle.

Plot and key events

• Court gossip reveals why Lord Qiu was beaten by his mother and wife: for decades, he badly misrepresented each woman’s words to the other. Their concern and respect came across as criticism and contempt, leaving them resentful despite neither wanting a feud.
• A misunderstanding over Madam Qiu’s injured wrist finally brought the women face to face. They compared past incidents, uncovered Lord Qiu’s role in their strained relationship, and joined forces to beat him.
• Lord Qiu attends court bruised because he has never taken leave. His colleagues silently tease him as he tries to disappear into the floor.
• Shen Shixu and 011 compare Lord Qiu’s lack of tact with Xiao Jinyi’s considerate treatment of Shen. Their exchange lets the officials infer that Shen and Xiao’s feelings are mutual, despite rumors that Shen was forced into the marriage.
• The officials decide not to publicize what they have learned, wary that the rumors may have been deliberately spread. They plan to caution their families instead.
• Court business resumes: several neighboring states have sent congratulations and gifts for the Crown Prince’s wedding. The officials ask whether the visiting envoys should attend the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration the next day.

Character developments and interactions

• Lord Qiu is exposed as socially blunt and careless with other people’s words, with his poor communication having damaged his family relationships for years.
• Old Madam Qiu and Madam Qiu move from long-standing unease to mutual understanding once they speak directly. Their alliance against Lord Qiu marks a major change in their relationship.
• Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi are shown to share genuine affection. Xiao’s attentiveness and loyalty are praised by both Shen and 011.
• The ministers enjoy the gossip but remain politically cautious, choosing discretion over spreading information that could intensify the marriage rumors.

Significant themes

• Communication and misunderstanding: Care can be distorted when messages are relayed carelessly.
• Reconciliation through direct conversation: The Qiu women resolve years of resentment by speaking to each other directly.
• Affection shown through actions: Xiao’s everyday kindness to Shen contrasts with Lord Qiu’s destructive handling of family communication.
• Public rumor and political caution: The court recognizes that gossip about the royal marriage may have a deliberate source and avoids giving it further fuel.

Key plot points and events

• Emperor Wu’an approves the small countries’ request to attend the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, ordering palace staff to teach their representatives proper etiquette.
• On the banquet day, Shen Shixu prepares gifts for the Empress Dowager: a white jade Guanyin statue from the Crown Prince and a set of prayer beads he found.
• Shen arrives at Hong’an Palace wearing blue-and-red brocade robes that match Xiao Jinyi’s. He realizes Xiao Jinyi arranged the matching outfits well in advance.
• Shen and Xiao Jinyi are seated together beneath the Crown Prince. Xiao Jinyi explains that Shen can pay his respects to the Empress Dowager and Empress another day, once the other families have left.
• Xiao Lie and Bai Lixi arrive in matching clothes of their own, prompting teasing from Xiao Lie.
• Foreign delegations arrive, including princesses who were secretly brought along as attendants. Their presence suggests marriage-alliance ambitions, potentially aimed at the Crown Prince.
• Shen’s supernatural companion, 011, reveals that the Western Di princess is pregnant and that the father is a guard traveling with her delegation. The news shocks the ministers, and Xiao Jinyi reacts angrily at what he sees as an insult to his eldest brother.

Character developments and interactions

• Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi appear increasingly close: Xiao Jinyi plans their coordinated clothing, walks in with Shen, and shields him from awkward protocol and unwanted conversations. Shen is comfortable asking him about palace customs.
• Xiao Lie and Bai Lixi share their own matching outfits. Xiao Lie playfully teases Xiao Jinyi, while Shen and Bai exchange amused, resigned looks.
• Xiao Jinyi shifts from affectionate attention toward Shen to fierce protectiveness of the Crown Prince when he hears about the Western Di princess.
• Shen notices the suspicious connection between the princess and her guard after 011 identifies him.

Significant themes

• Intimacy expressed through gestures: Coordinated clothing and Xiao Jinyi’s quiet consideration show affection without overt declarations.
• Court status and etiquette: Shen is adjusting to his changed rank and position within the imperial household.
• Diplomacy and hidden motives: The foreign princesses’ unannounced arrival turns a celebratory banquet into a setting for political maneuvering.
• Appearance versus reality: The Western Di delegation presents itself as pursuing a formal alliance, while the princess’s private circumstances and the guard’s presence reveal a concealed scandal.

Key plot points and events

• Xiao Yuanqi arrives and teases Xiao Jinyi about matching outfits, but Jinyi points out that foreign princesses are considering marriage alliances with members of their household.
• Northern Rong’s delegation is searching for a suitable husband for Princess Naqi Yuer. She has ruled out the Crown Prince and Xiao Jinyi, and, after assessing the remaining princes, has settled on the Fourth Prince as a reasonable choice.
• Western Di’s Princess Gesar Drolma wants to marry the Crown Prince—or, failing that, Prince Jing, Xiao Jinyi. Her brother, Prince Zhuo’er, believes her beauty and ability to bear children could overcome Jinyi’s existing love for Shen Shixu.
• Shen Shixu’s special ability relays the Western Di pair’s private schemes to him, alerting Xiao Jinyi and the others. The banquet’s guests grow furious, though Jinyi restrains himself because of the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration.

Character developments

• Naqi Yuer emerges as perceptive and pragmatic: she has investigated Great Qian’s royal family and chosen a match she believes could work, while remaining focused on building friendly relations between the countries.
• Xiao Jinyi’s affection for Shen Shixu is evident in his concern about being called “no good” and his anger at the Western Di plot. He must contain his temper in public.
• Shen Shixu calmly takes in the information passed to him, while Xiao Yuanqi and the ministers react with indignation.
• Gesar Drolma is revealed to be carrying a secret pregnancy and intends to end it after the banquet.

Significant themes

• Marriage as diplomacy: The two delegations treat marriage as a means of securing political ties and influence, though Northern Rong is more open to friendship without a match.
• Love versus political expectations: The Western Di plan assumes Jinyi’s relationship with Shen Shixu can be displaced by a woman and the expectation of heirs.
• Contrast in diplomacy: Northern Rong approaches Great Qian cautiously and pragmatically, while Western Di’s contempt and scheming provoke anger.

Character interactions

• Xiao Yuanqi needles Xiao Jinyi, then recruits Shen Shixu to help with the political problem; Xiao Lie and Bai Lixi enjoy watching the brothers bicker.
• Aqike checks that Naqi Yuer has a plan and cares more about her well-being than securing a particular match.
• Gesar Drolma challenges Zhuo’er’s assumptions about marrying into Great Qian, but ultimately accepts his reasoning.
• Shen Shixu’s information-sharing exposes Western Di’s intentions to Jinyi and the assembled ministers, turning private plotting into a brewing diplomatic confrontation.

Plot points and events

• Emperor Wu’an and Empress Lin open the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, and gifts are presented by the imperial family, officials, and foreign delegations.
• Western Di’s gifts seem meager beside Northern Rong’s. Zhuo’er then announces that Western Di seeks a marriage alliance and offers Princess Gesar Drolma—specifically proposing her marriage to Prince Jing, Xiao Jinyi.
• Xiao Jinyi rejects the proposal, insisting that he loves Shen Shixu and that they are soon to marry. Zhuo’er argues that the match would help Xiao Jinyi produce descendants because Shen is a man.
• At the emperor’s prompting, Shen Shixu rebukes Zhuo’er for misunderstanding a Great Qian saying and mocks Western Di’s lack of learning.
• Gesar Drolma insults Shen. Xiao Jinyi immediately kicks her across the hall, leaving her injured and bleeding.
• Bai Lixi identifies the blood as evidence that Gesar Drolma is close to miscarrying: she is already pregnant, making Western Di’s marriage offer a deliberate insult. Duke An condemns the delegation and raises the possibility of war.

Character developments and interactions

• Xiao Jinyi openly affirms his devotion to Shen and reacts fiercely to the attempted marriage arrangement and Gesar’s insult.
• Shen Shixu uses the emperor’s invitation to defend his relationship and publicly humiliate Zhuo’er with a pointed, culturally framed retort.
• Empress Lin is furious at Western Di’s scheme, while Emperor Wu’an restrains her and lets Shen answer before responding himself.
• Bai Lixi turns the confrontation by revealing Gesar’s pregnancy, exposing the deception to the assembled court.
• Zhuo’er and Gesar Drolma lose control of their diplomatic overture: their proposal is rejected, and their actions provoke outrage among Great Qian’s officials.

Significant themes

• Loyalty and chosen love: Xiao Jinyi rejects political pressure in favor of his commitment to Shen.
• Diplomacy and national honor: Western Di’s offer is treated not as a sincere alliance but as an attempt to deceive and insult Great Qian.
• Knowledge as power: Shen uses cultural understanding to counter Zhuo’er’s argument, while Bai Lixi’s medical expertise exposes the truth.
• Public humiliation and escalating conflict: Insults and violence transform a birthday celebration into a diplomatic crisis that may lead to war.

• Western Di’s marriage proposal collapses: After Gesar Drolma’s pregnancy and miscarriage are exposed, Zhuo’er disowns her and blames her for acting alone. To placate Great Qian, he then offers to marry Princess Qingyang, treating the proposal as if it were a favor.
• Xiao Jiayun rejects Zhuo’er: Her sister Xiao Jiayi rises to defend her, but Jiayun stops her and answers for herself. She explains that she and Jiayi remain unmarried because their parents want them to marry for love—not because anything is wrong with them. She warns Zhuo’er not to covet Jiayi and sharply tells him to recognize his own low standing. Jiayi applauds her sister’s rebuke.
• The Empress Dowager calls out Western Di: Emperor Wu’an halts the increasingly disgraceful banquet, while the Empress Dowager declares that Western Di has shown contempt for Great Qian and suggests sending troops.
• A threat of war becomes a negotiation: Wu’an tells Xiao Jinyi that he may marry A-Xu after conquering Western Di, provoking panic among the envoys. A senior Western Di envoy pleads for mercy and offers three cities. Wu’an never truly intends to launch a campaign, but uses the threat to secure concessions. Crown Prince Xiao Yuanqi and other guests publicly advocate restraint, helping signal that the crisis can be settled peacefully.
• Shen Shixu drives up the price: Shen Shixu unexpectedly argues that three cities are insufficient and urges Great Qian to conquer all of Western Di. Facing the threat, the envoy adds Altai to the territory being ceded. Wu’an accepts, and Shen Shixu mocks Western Di’s prince and princess as foolish.
  Character developments and interactions: Jiayun shifts from her usual composure to open anger and forcefully defends both herself and Jiayi. Jiayi’s loyalty is clear, while Zhuo’er’s attempt to save face only exposes his arrogance and disregard for Gesar Drolma. Wu’an, the Empress Dowager, Yuanqi, and Shen Shixu work—sometimes through public disagreement—to pressure Western Di into a better settlement. The chapter’s humor and tension come from the contrast between Western Di’s repeated blunders and Great Qian’s calculated show of force.
  Themes: The chapter emphasizes personal dignity, sisterly loyalty, and the importance of marrying by choice. It also explores imperial power and diplomacy: a threat of war can be used as leverage, while restraint is presented as a way to protect ordinary people—without letting an insult go unanswered.

Plot points and events

• Xiao Jinyi privately observes that Great Qian has benefited from Western Di’s missteps, while the subdued Western Di delegation is led away after the earlier confrontation.
• Emperor Wu’an, pleased with Northern Rong’s restraint, asks what they want. Princess Naqi Yuer proposes trade—Northern Rong livestock and horses for Great Qian’s salt, tea, and medicines—and a marriage alliance.
• Naqi Yuer names the Fourth Prince, Xiao Jihe, as her preferred match. Though surprised, he agrees, and Emperor Wu’an approves the marriage.
• After the Empress Dowager, Emperor, and Empress leave the banquet, Naqi Yuer and Xiao Jihe talk enthusiastically about travel and promise to explore their respective homelands together after their wedding.
• Xiao Jinyi worries that peace with Western Di has delayed his own marriage. Meanwhile, Bai Lixi frets that Shen Shixu may know—and perhaps have revealed—an embarrassing private detail about him and Xiao Lie.
• Shen Shixu leaves the banquet slightly drunk. Xiao Jinyi takes him to Azure Waves Palace, while Shen’s household is notified; Shen Zexi is dismayed that his brother will not come home.

Character developments and interactions

• Naqi Yuer shows diplomatic sincerity and decisiveness, kneeling to make her proposal and openly choosing Xiao Jihe.
• Xiao Jihe moves from bafflement to genuine interest, recognizing Naqi Yuer’s intelligence and shared love of travel. Their conversation quickly becomes warm and reciprocal.
• Emperor Wu’an is cautious about repeating the problems of a foreign marriage alliance, but prioritizes his son’s happiness once Xiao Jihe agrees.
• Xiao Jinyi reveals his eagerness to marry Shen Shixu; Shen’s private thoughts humorously contrast with that urgency.
• Bai Lixi and Xiao Lie share a small reassuring moment when Xiao Lie serves him deboned fish, easing Bai Lixi’s embarrassment.

Significant themes

• Diplomacy and pragmatism: trade and marriage are presented as ways to strengthen relations, while the Western Di incident makes the court wary.
• Personal choice and compatibility: Xiao Jihe and Naqi Yuer’s shared interests make their arranged political match feel promising.
• Humor and romantic tension: Xiao Jinyi’s impatience, Shen Shixu’s teasing inner thoughts, and Bai Lixi’s worries bring comedy to the banquet’s closing scenes.

Plot points and events

• Drunk and flushed, Shen Shixu teases Xiao Jinyi with talk of bathing together, prompting Xiao to prepare a flower-petal bath.
• Shen’s drunken mood swings between wanting to bathe, soak his feet, and dance. He spins until dizzy, blames Xiao, and tugs Xiao’s ears in playful aggression.
• Xiao carries him to the bath, but Shen changes his mind, insists on bathing alone, and threatens to twist Xiao’s ear if he stays.
• Shen falls asleep in the tub. Worried he might catch a chill, Xiao carries him to bed, dries him with his eyes closed, and covers him.
• Xiao becomes aroused despite trying to behave, gets a nosebleed, and sleeps in a separate chamber to avoid taking advantage of Shen.
• The next morning, Shen wakes naked, remembers little, and worries they may have slept together. Concluding he was likely only seen unclothed, he is still mortified. Xiao enters as Shen struggles to find his clothes.

Character developments

• Shen’s drunkenness reveals a clingy, impulsive, and mischievous side, but he remains protective of his boundaries and insists on bathing alone.
• Xiao is eager for intimacy but shows restraint: he cares for Shen when he falls asleep and chooses to sleep separately rather than risk crossing a line.
• Shen’s morning embarrassment highlights his concern about what happened and his uncertainty about his feelings and the night’s events.

Significant themes

• Desire versus restraint: Xiao’s attraction is strong, but he prioritizes Shen’s safety and consent.
• Trust and boundaries: Shen’s playful behavior does not erase his ability to refuse intimacy, and Xiao respects his refusal.
• Comic vulnerability: Shen’s chaotic drunken antics and Xiao’s flustered reactions create humor alongside romantic tension.

Character interactions

• Shen slaps Xiao away when he tries to kiss him, then alternates between inviting and rejecting closeness while drunk.
• He carries out playful “bullying,” tugging Xiao’s ears, while Xiao indulges him and looks after him.
• Xiao’s careful care of the sleeping Shen contrasts with his private struggle to control his desire; the morning’s encounter leaves Shen anxious and embarrassed.

• After their overnight stay in the palace, Shen Shixu enjoys a breakfast Xiao Jinyi has thoughtfully arranged to suit his tastes. The two return to the Shen Residence, where Shen Zexi initially suspects impropriety but relaxes when Xiao Jinyi explains that Shen slept in his bedchamber while he stayed in the side hall. Shen Zexi reminds them to be careful until they are married.
• Shen Zexi tells Shen Shixu that his young disciple, An Chengyu, has a painful cavity from eating too many sweets and is taking a few days off lessons. Shen recognizes that the boy’s sweet tooth—and Shen’s own recent absence—are likely to blame, so he decides to visit him.
• Jiang Miaokong and Song Zhuoyang join the visit, bringing dried sweet potatoes as a gentler treat for An Chengyu. Their thoughtfulness reflects how quickly Jiang and the young disciple have become friends, despite An being their senior fellow disciple.
• Jiang jokes that Xiao Jinyi, once married to Shen, will be their “master’s husband” and should give them gifts when they begin calling him by that title. Xiao agrees, then playfully asks why Song should receive one too. Song proudly says he and Jiang are a couple, so he deserves a share—leaving Jiang embarrassed.
  Character developments and themes: Xiao’s care for Shen is shown through his tailored breakfast and willingness to provide for Shen’s disciples. Shen is attentive to An Chengyu’s wellbeing, while the younger disciples show affection through friendship and practical kindness. The chapter emphasizes family-like bonds formed through marriage and discipleship, alongside gentle teasing and romantic intimacy.