Recaps

Wang Yang took charge of investigating the Northern Spy ring after questioning the risks of arresting Bai Guan without evidence. After the spies were exposed and the case reached a formal hearing, Wang Yang answered Kong Changyu’s accusations by presenting the brocade deal as his own legitimate business and demanding repayment from the Rebel Prince.

• Wang Yang stopped Hu Xiezhi from immediately arresting Bai Guan and outlined the risks of acting without stronger evidence.
• Wang Yang arranged for Bai Guan to be summoned with other officials, and Bai Guan calmly accompanied the clerk to the Provincial Deputy’s office.
• Wang Yang’s investigation led to the arrest of eight people, the closure of two covert bases, and the seizure of spy documents, weapons, and supplies.
• Hu Xiezhi convened a joint hearing, where Wang Yang denied helping plan the rebellion and explained why he had been away when it began.
• Wang Yang said the Prince of Badong had seized his brocade shipment, owed him twenty-two million, and that Kong Changyu had extorted twenty Gold Beads from him.
• Wang Yang asked the hearing officials to recover the money and Gold Beads, leaving them stunned.

Wang Yang agreed to visit the imprisoned Prince of Badong despite warnings that the meeting could complicate the case. At the prison, the prince repeatedly tried and failed to catch Wang Yang, leaving them seated across the bars as he admitted he could not let go of the chance to get him once.

• The joint hearing established Kong Changyu's false accusation, and the Prince of Badong demanded to speak with Wang Yang before answering questions.
• Wang Yang agreed to meet the prince, and Wang Yi arranged the visit after they discussed the risk of being associated with a falling tree.
• Wang Yang greeted the Prince of Badong in prison, but kept his hand beyond the prince's reach when the prince tried to grab him through the bars.
• The prince lunged again with a makeshift straw cudgel, but the chains and bars kept him from reaching Wang Yang.
• The Prince of Badong admitted he could not get past the desire to catch Wang Yang, and Wang Yang sat down across from him.

Wang Yang visited the imprisoned Prince of Badong, and they reconciled over their past mistrust and shared a laugh. The Prince of Badong asked Wang Yang to help his household and Kong Changyu’s family, then won one last wager before sending Wang Yang away.

• The Prince of Badong asked whether Wang Yang had ever sincerely supported him, and Wang Yang explained that he had not trusted the Prince to rule well.
• The Prince of Badong acknowledged that his own suspicion and schemes had justified Wang Yang’s lack of sincerity, and they laughed together over their insults and a poem.
• The Prince of Badong asked Wang Yang to help spare the people of his residence and assist Kong Changyu’s family, and Wang Yang agreed.
• The Prince of Badong challenged Wang Yang to find a way for him to leave the cell without moving his hands or feet, then explained that he could be carried out after dying.
• Wang Yang admitted defeat and said he admired the Prince of Badong, who sent him away and lay down for a nap.

Wang Yang left the Commandery Prison, where an Eastern Palace attendant soon arrived with an order to execute the Prince of Badong. Wang Yang stopped the poisoned wine from reaching him, forcing the attendant to withdraw, but the Prince warned that Wang Yang had put himself in serious danger.

• Wang Yang left the Commandery Prison with Chen Qing Shan and noticed a fine black carriage arriving at the gates.
• Xu Longju presented an Eastern Palace token to gain access to the Prince of Badong, while Hu Xiezhi learned of the token and chose to leave the matter to Wang Sanqi.
• Xu Longju offered the Prince of Badong poisoned wine or white silk, and the Prince accepted the wine while questioning whose order it was to kill him.
• Wang Yang and Chen Qing Shan entered the cell, and Wang Yang knocked the poisoned wine from the guard’s hand with his fan.
• Wang Yang identified himself as a member of the Langya Wang clan, and Xu Longju withdrew with the Eastern Palace guards after warning that the wine belonged to the Crown Prince.
• The Prince of Badong told Wang Yang that he was in serious trouble.

Wang Yang persuaded the imprisoned Prince of Badong to write a remorseful confession and helped construct a justification for his rebellion, risking his own position to honor their friendship. Meanwhile, Ru Faliang burned two imperial decrees and secretly reported on Wang Yang to the Son of Heaven, who judged that Wang Yang could be entrusted with a young heir.

• Wang Yang urged the Prince of Badong to seek survival through a humble confession instead of publicly cursing his father and elder brother.
• Wang Yang told the Prince of Badong to blame Li Jingxuan for inciting the rebellion and explain that he had sent Wang Yang to pacify the barbarians as a gesture of repentance.
• The Prince of Badong realized Wang Yang had earlier stopped him from issuing a proclamation to preserve a possible path to surrender, then bowed to Wang Yang in gratitude.
• Ru Faliang learned that Wang Yang was unharmed and that Wang Yi had ordered Li Zaifu to help defend the Commandery Prison.
• Ru Faliang burned the decrees intended to reward and appoint Wang Yang and wrote a secret report to the Son of Heaven.
• The Son of Heaven read Ru Faliang's report and said Wang Yang could be entrusted with a six-foot orphan.

Baoyue confronted Xiao Luan about whether he would defend Wang Yang at court, and learned that the debate over Jingzhou’s affairs could protect him from punishment. In Northern Wei, Liu Yin was released from confinement after answering questions and denying that he had seen the ornate Soul Bottle shown to him.

• Baoyue confronted Xiao Luan in the West Garden and demanded that he support Wang Yang at the next court assembly.
• Xiao Luan denied planning to take Wang Yang’s credit and explained that the assembly would also consider dealing with the barbarians, making Wang Yang’s punishment harder to pursue.
• Baoyue worried that the Crown Prince’s followers and meddlesome officials might still target Wang Yang, while Xiao Luan predicted Liu Shilong would attend the assembly and help steer the discussion.
• In a locked safe house in Leling Town, Liu Yin spent three days answering questions about Jingzhou and tried to identify which questions his captors truly cared about.
• The Beast Mask man showed Liu Yin a picture of an ornate Soul Bottle; Liu Yin said he had only seen ordinary gray earthenware bottles, and the man let him leave the room.

The Imperial Court rewarded those who suppressed the Jingzhou rebellion, appointing Wang Yi acting Governor of Jingzhou and granting promotions to commanders, officials, and tribal leaders. The court also honored Baoyue and Xiao Luan, while imposing punishments on rebel leaders and their associates.

• The court appointed Wang Yi General Who Assists the State, gave him acting tally authority and supervision over six provinces, and made him acting Governor of Jingzhou while he retained his Cavalier Attendant post.
• Liu Tan became Chief Clerk of Jingzhou and Governor of Southern Commandery, while Liu Senglin was appointed Protector-General of Southern Commandery and Central Troops Staff Officer.
• The court promoted Xiao Zizhen, Kong Xiuzhi, Zhang Ji, Li Zaifu, Yang Fu, and other defenders, while Li Dang declined a commandery promotion and kept his post with increased pay and land.
• The court granted tribal leaders new military titles, gave Liu Cheng a prestigious entry-level office, pardoned Jingzhou officials who returned to allegiance, and appointed Yu Qianlou Governor of Xinchang after Yu Yi declined a court post.
• Xiao Luan was promoted to Chancellor but declined, while Baoyue was invested as Lady of Linwu County with the ceremonial privileges of a princess.
• The court sentenced Liu Chaozhi to beheading, banished the families of the Prince of Badong's advisers, and exterminated Liu Yin's household; Tian Anzhi received a prison-guard appointment for presenting Wang Chongtian's head.

Court officials challenged Wang Yang’s reward and accused him of false testimony for defending the Prince of Badong, but Erudition Doctors Du Qianguang and Liu Jing fiercely defended his merits and attacked the accusers. Their speeches left the assembled officials wary of prolonging the dispute.

• Shen Yue accused Wang Yang and the Prince of Badong of inventing a story to escape punishment, while Kong Zhigui called for a new investigation and Kong Tuo impeached Wang Yang.
• Qiu Xiong supported the accusations against Wang Yang.
• Du Qianguang, Liu Jing, Cui Yan, He Chen, and Tan Yuanzong recommended Wang Yang for admission to the Academy of State Sons, citing his talent in the classics.
• Du Qianguang defended Wang Yang’s military achievements, condemned Shen Yue’s presumption, and warned Kong Zhigui that reopening the case could destabilize Jingzhou.
• Du Qianguang attacked Kong Tuo and Qiu Xiong for seeking to punish a meritorious servant, and Liu Jing argued that the court was applying inconsistent standards to Wang Yang.
• The officials hesitated to challenge Du Qianguang and Liu Jing further, especially with Liu Shilong present.

The court deliberated on Wang Yang’s role in pacifying the Jingman and the Prince of Badong’s rebellion, then approved a recommendation to reward Wang Yang and punish the prince without executing him. The edict spread across the realm, while Wang Yang’s coming arrival in Jiankang frightened Wang Tai.

• Liu Jing challenged Kong Tuo and Qiu Xiong over their accusations against Wang Yang, and Xiao Luan ordered all three removed from court and impeached.
• The Eight Seats recommended granting Wang Yang the title of Marquis of Guanzhong and admission as an Imperial Academy Student, while stripping the Prince of Badong of his status and confining him to his residence.
• No official submitted a Counterproposal, and the throne approved the deliberation.
• The edict circulated through government offices across the realm, carrying Wang Yang’s name alongside the Prince of Badong’s.
• Lu Xi confronted a scholar who criticized Wang Yang’s learning, and the scholar was beaten again that night.
• Wang Tai heard that Wang Yang had been granted a title and was coming to the capital, then dropped his spoon in fright.

Wang Rong praised Wang Yang’s scholarship to Wei Zhun, arguing that he had mastered the Five Classics and surpassed ordinary scholars. After examining Wang Yang’s works, Wang Rong wondered whether the young scholar’s extraordinary learning meant he had been born knowing.

• Wang Rong asked Wei Zhun to assess Questions and Answers on the Book of Documents, and Wei Zhun praised its bold, foundational arguments while noting that scholars disputed Wang Yang’s interpretations.
• Wei Zhun listed criticisms of Wang Yang, but Wang Rong laughed at Liu Man’s judgment and explained that most critics could not understand Wang Yang’s depth.
• Wang Rong told Wei Zhun that Wang Yang had mastered the Five Classics, excelling in the Spring and Autumn Annals and Book of Documents, while Wang Rong believed himself stronger in the Three Rites.
• Wang Rong theorized that Wang Yang combined earlier schools’ arguments with his own insights, and questioned whether Comprehensive Study of the Southern Barbarians was truly his work.
• Wang Rong reflected that Wang Yang’s mature scholarship seemed unlikely for an eighteen-year-old and wondered whether some people were born knowing.

Wang Rong explained why he believed Wang Yang’s scholarship and character surpassed other scholars, while Wei Zhun revealed the irregularities in Wang Yang’s household registration. Wang Rong destroyed the evidence and told Wei Zhun that Wang Yang’s conduct, not his records, was what truly revealed him.

• Wei Zhun questioned Wang Rong’s high praise of Wang Yang, citing Du Wenqian’s accusation that Wang Yang flaunted his learning.
• Wei Zhun gave Wang Rong a copied household record and described how he had obtained it through Zhang Su.
• Wang Rong showed Wei Zhun Chu Zhen’s report that Wang Yang appeared in the provincial register but not in any county register, and had no commandery authorization for his residence registration.
• Wei Zhun suggested using the irregularities to pressure Wang Yang into serving their purposes, but Wang Rong burned the report and copied record.
• Wang Rong explained that genealogies and household records could not reveal Wang Yang’s inner character, and praised his courage, generosity, and way of sharing benefits.

Wang Rong explained to Wei Zhun that the Son of Heaven was quietly testing and supporting Wang Yang while preparing him for great responsibility, and that his choice between the Eastern Palace and His Highness could shape the nation’s future. Wei Zhun was left reeling, while Wang Rong warned that Wang Yang choosing wrongly would be a profound loss.

• Wei Zhun urged Wang Rong to protect and promote Wang Yang, but Wang Rong said Wang Yang should choose his own path without excessive interference.
• Wang Rong revealed that the Son of Heaven was watching Wang Yang and had positioned Du Qianguang, Liu Tan, Wang Yi, and Hu Xiezhi to test and support him.
• Wang Rong explained that the Son of Heaven withheld open favor to protect Wang Yang from jealousy and let his reputation grow through proven achievements.
• Wang Rong predicted that Wang Yang could become chief minister before twenty-five and rise to the Three Platforms by twenty-eight.
• Wang Rong said Wang Yang’s choice between the Eastern Palace and His Highness mattered because the Son of Heaven could not decide which political path would best serve the nation.
• When Wei Zhun asked what would happen if Wang Yang chose wrongly, Wang Rong said it would be a great pity.

Wang Yang celebrated the security of his new identity and honorary title while preparing for his eventual move to Jiankang. After settling Little Ba’s affairs and hiring a former palace maid, Wang Yang and Xie Xinghan shared a playful, flirtatious moment.

• Wang Yang received authentic-seeming Langya Wang genealogy records and household registration through Baoyue, and learned he had been granted the honorary title of Marquis of Guanzhong.
• Wang Yang and Liu Cheng established the Ten Thousand Mountains Trading House and planned a freight network across Jingzhou, while Liu Cheng left for Jiankang with Lema and three other barbarian women.
• Wang Yang resolved to spend the New Year in Jiangling before attending the Academy of State Sons in Jiankang, despite his reluctance to leave Jingzhou and his concerns about money.
• The Imperial Court approved twenty-two million cash for Wang Yang, who gave it all to Little Ba as support after Little Ba lost his imperial-clan status and was sent back to the capital.
• Little Ba gave money to Kong Changyu’s family and dismissed the Prince of Badong’s staff; a former maid from the Prince’s Residence asked to join Wang Yang’s household, and he hired her.
• At a lamb hot pot meal, Xie Xinghan questioned Wang Yang about the maid he had saved, and Wang Yang teased her by calling her the prettiest maid he had seen.

Wang Yang faced a visiting gentleman, Xie Xuan, who tested him with questions about scholarship, self-knowledge, poetry, and an insulting letter. After Wang Yang answered each challenge with wit, Xie Xuan left after revealing that his younger sister was the fourth Xie sibling, leaving Wang Yang’s smile frozen.

• Wang Yang welcomed officials involved in the Ten Thousand Mountains freight route when Xie Xuan barged into the gathering and presented him with a rare continuation of the Grand Historian.
• Wang Yang identified the book and explained why only seven of Feng Shang’s chapters remained, impressing Xie Xuan enough to offer it as a gift in exchange for answers to three questions.
• Wang Yang answered Xie Xuan’s question about his strengths by saying his talents depended on the situation, then defended his response with a saying of Confucius.
• Wang Yang turned Xie Xuan’s challenge to name a price for his poetry into a poem about April’s skies, winning the room’s applause.
• Xie Xuan presented a scroll bearing the words “You idiot,” and Wang Yang defused the insult by asking why the sender had signed without writing the letter’s contents.
• After Wang Yang declined to meet his sister, Xie Xuan revealed that his surname was Xie and that his sister was the fourth in the family, leaving Wang Yang stunned.

After Xie Xuan took Little Xie away, Wang Yang’s story shifted to Zhang Fu, a dismissed petty clerk struggling to find work in Jiangling. Wang Yang offered Zhang Fu a position as his gate attendant, and Zhang Fu prepared to accompany him and his family to Jiankang.

• Xie Xuan took Little Xie and the Xie Family’s four guards away, while Wang Yang dismissed the idea that he would regret refusing her.
• Zhang Fu, formerly a petty clerk who had served Liu Yin, remained unemployed and read at home while his family urged him to find work.
• Old Dong argued that Zhang Fu should work at Spirit Creek, but Zhang Fu’s wife and mother-in-law opposed the idea.
• Old Dong returned with neighbors to announce that Young Master Wang wanted Zhang Fu as a gate attendant.
• Black Han offered Zhang Fu eight hundred coins a month, clothing, removal from the clerk register, and a place accompanying Wang Yang to Jiankang; Zhang Fu accepted and bowed in thanks.

Wang Yang and his companions sailed from Jingzhou to Thunder Pool and explored Great Thunder Bank, where Wang Yang explained its history and military importance. Their sightseeing was interrupted by county officials seeking their Transit Passes and closing the road for an honored guest, Sixth Gentleman Xiao.

• Wang Yang persuaded Le Pang and Yu Yuling to visit Great Thunder Bank, and the party raised its sails to cross Thunder Pool.
• Wang Yang moored the boats at Xinye County and led Chen Qing Shan, Little A-Wu, Le Xiaopang, and Yu Yuling to tour Great Thunder Bank.
• Wang Yang explained Thunder Pool's history and strategic importance while Le Xiaopang asked how he would defend it with five thousand men.
• Xinye County constables demanded to inspect the party's Transit Passes, but Wang Yang had Ma Yong and the guards push them aside.
• The County Commandant blocked the road to Great Thunder's mouth and told Le Xiaopang it was closed for Sixth Gentleman Xiao.

Le Xiaopang and his companions were stopped by the County Commandant, who sought to inspect Chen Qing Shan’s Transit Pass while searching for Night Butterfly, a fugitive accused of abducting a child. Wang Yang refused the inspection, and after Chen explained Night Butterfly’s reputation, the group continued their outing, planning to visit Lesser Thunder Mouth and Zhou Yu Temple.

• Le Xiaopang backed away from visiting Sixth Gentleman Xiao after learning he was the son of the Danyang Yin.
• The County Commandant demanded to inspect Chen Qing Shan’s Transit Pass, and Wang Yang led the group away when he heard the search was for Night Butterfly, who was accused of abducting a child.
• Chen Qing Shan explained that Night Butterfly was a famous, elusive swordswoman who had fought Zhou Fengshu and was rumored to capture criminals.
• Chen Qing Shan considered retrieving her long spear, but Wang Yang sent Zhang Fu on an errand and persuaded her not to carry a heavy weapon openly through town.
• Wang Yang cheered the group up by proposing they visit Lesser Thunder Mouth and Zhou Yu Temple before finding a restaurant.

At Zhou Yu Temple, Wang Yang turned Xiao Hong’s insult into a joke, but Xiao Hong then used a wanted-criminal accusation to target Chen Qing Shan. Xiao Hong ordered his expert Zheng Boqin to seize her.

• Wang Yang, Yu Yuling, and Le Xiaopang visited Zhou Yu Temple and discussed Zhou Yu’s legacy.
• Xiao Hong arrived with County Magistrate Mo and mocked Wang Yang, Yu Yuling, and Le Xiaopang as Chu bumpkins.
• Wang Yang answered Xiao Hong’s teasing with jokes about their supposed fated connection, earning the approval of Le Xiaopang and Yu Yuling.
• Xiao Hong claimed Chen Qing Shan might be the wanted criminal Night Butterfly and demanded to inspect her transit pass.
• Wang Yang called Xiao Hong Red Dragonfly, provoking laughter before Xiao Hong ordered Zheng Boqin to seize Chen Qing Shan.

Wang Yang’s party clashed with Xiao Hong at Zhou Yu Temple, where Xiao warned them that the waters at Great Thunder Mouth ran deep. After encouraging Le Xiaopang and Yu Yuling to press on, Wang Yang learned that Xiao Hong’s wealth, local influence, and powerful family made him a formidable opponent.

• Zheng Boqin attacked Chen Qing Shan, but Xiao Hong called off the melee after Zheng concluded she was not Night Butterfly.
• Wang Yang startled Xiao Hong with a sudden feint and then opened a folding fan, turning the threat of another fight into a joke.
• Xiao Hong warned Wang Yang to be careful at Great Thunder Mouth and departed, while Le Xiaopang and Yu Yuling felt discouraged by the gap in their social standing.
• Wang Yang restored the youths’ spirits and led the party toward Heavenly Harmony Tower, where Zhang Fu met them with information.
• Zhang Fu reported that Xiao Hong owned a major smelting yard, lent money at ruthless rates, and controlled a growing group of businesses and dependents.
• Zhang Fu revealed that Xiao Hong’s father and brothers held powerful positions, leaving Le Xiaopang intimidated even as he vowed to eat more bowls of rice.

After Zhang Fu reported that Young Duke Shen planned to welcome his young aunt, Le Xiaopang excitedly identified the woman as one of the Three Beauties of the Imperial Capital and recounted her family history. The group learned that Shen Tanliang had once held a commandery dukedom and that Lady Shen had nearly married the Prince of Jin'an, while Le Xiaopang remained absorbed in his admiration of her.

• Zhang Fu told Wang Yang that a member of the Langya Wang clan was staying nearby and that Young Duke Shen planned a Spring Splendor Banquet to welcome his young aunt.
• Le Xiaopang seized Zhang Fu's wrist and excitedly concluded that the young duke was Shen Tanliang and his aunt was one of the Three Beauties of the Imperial Capital.
• Le Xiaopang described Lady Shen's father, Shen Changzhi, her frail health, and how Shen Wenji had taken her into his household.
• Le Xiaopang explained that Shen Tanliang had inherited the previous dynasty's Duke of Guangxing Commandery title, though the new dynasty had abolished his fief.
• Le Xiaopang revealed that the Prince of Jin'an had sought to marry Lady Shen, but her heart ailment had prevented the match.
• Wang Yang and Yu Yuling teased Le Xiaopang about his repeated praise of Lady Shen and his criticism of the Elder Princess of Pengcheng.

Le Xiaopang struggled to write a letter to Lady Shen until Wang Yang dictated a humorous message that earned the three men an audience. During their screened meeting, Wang Yang noticed mirrors arranged around the hall, while Lady Shen secretly watched his searching gaze in a mirror of her own.

• Le Xiaopang insisted on writing to Lady Shen, and Wang Yang agreed to dictate after Yu Yuling's formal draft failed to satisfy him.
• Wang Yang dictated a joking letter about a miser who refused to entertain guests, and Le Xiaopang sent it with the men's calling cards to the Shen residence.
• The three men learned that Young Duke Shen had gone boating, but Lady Shen invited them into the residence soon after receiving their cards.
• Lady Shen greeted them from behind several screens, explaining that illness kept her from appearing in person.
• As Le Xiaopang spoke with Lady Shen, Wang Yang noticed mirrors positioned around the hall and searched for their reflections.
• Lady Shen watched Wang Yang through a small mirror and turned it facedown when his eyes fixed on its concealed position.

Lady Shen invited Wang Yang, Le Xiaopang, and Yu Yuling to the Spring Splendor Banquet, and the three agreed to pay the fee and compete in cuju. Wang Yang assembled and trained a six-man team, then took charge of its strategy as they prepared to win a place at the feast.

• Lady Shen invited Wang Yang, Le Xiaopang, and Yu Yuling to the Spring Splendor Banquet and offered to cover their fees, but Le Xiaopang refused her offer and the three agreed to attend.
• Lady Shen helped Le Xiaopang recruit Ding Dafu, Xiu Lingyou, and Ji Jiaofu to complete their six-man cuju team.
• Wang Yang and his teammates devoted the next few days to intensive cuju practice, with Le Xiaopang focusing on shooting, Xiu Lingyou on winning the ball, and Wang Yang on speed and agility.
• Wang Yang became the team's captain and assigned positions and tactics, placing himself between midfield and defense to organize play and cover gaps.
• The six teammates joined hands and shouted together as they prepared for the competition.

Wang Yang’s team dominated the Spring Splendor Banquet’s cuju rounds and advanced to the final against Xiao Hong’s team. Before the match began, Xiao Hong addressed Ji Jiaofu as “Bizi,” leaving him frozen.

• Wang Yang instructed Le Xiaopang, Yu Yuling, Xiu Lingyou, Ji Jiaofu, and Ding Dafu on how to play as a steady team.
• Xiao Hong taunted Wang Yang and Chen Qing Shan, then left after a dog startled Wang Yang.
• Young Duke Shen told Wang Yang that the woman with the dog was his Langya Wang clanswoman, the Prince of Badong’s fiancée.
• Wang Yang’s team defeated its opponents through the cuju rounds and reached the final against Xiao Hong.
• Xiao Hong warned Wang Yang he could make him lose before the match, then addressed Ji Jiaofu as “Bizi,” and Ji Jiaofu froze.

Xiao Hong forced Ji Jiaofu to withdraw from Wang Yang’s Cuju team, but Young Duke Shen stepped in as his replacement. After falling behind, Wang Yang reorganized the team, and Le Xiaopang scored their first point.

• Xiao Hong pressured Ji Jiaofu to leave the match, and Ji Jiaofu apologized to Wang Yang and the others before withdrawing.
• Wang Yang accepted Ji Jiaofu’s explanation, while Xiao Hong taunted the team for being a player short.
• Young Duke Shen volunteered to play, and Xiao Hong challenged whether the host was allowed to take the field.
• Xiao Hong’s team scored three goals as Young Duke Shen’s unfamiliarity with the formation disrupted Wang Yang’s team.
• Wang Yang rallied the team and urged Young Duke Shen to hold his position and pass the ball.
• Wang Yang set up Le Xiaopang to score, restoring the team’s rhythm as the spectators cheered.

Wang Yang’s team won the Cuju match after Xiao Hong stormed off in protest, and Wang Yang arrived at the Spring Splendor Banquet’s peach grove. There, Lady Shen recognized his role in writing Le Xiaopang’s letter and began explaining how she had guessed.

• Xiao Hong grew increasingly rough during the match, and Le Xiaopang clashed with him after Xiao Hong shoved him aside.
• Shen Tanliang warned that anyone who played dirty would be removed; Xiao Hong accused him of favoritism, kicked the ball away, and left.
• Ju Zheng declared Wang Yang’s team the winners, and the crowd cheered as Xiao Hong watched from afar.
• Wang Yang’s team followed servants to the peach grove, where the Cuju players and pitch-pot winners gathered for the banquet.
• Wang Yang drew position five beside Xiu Lingyou and a quiet young woman who greeted him before revealing she was Lady Shen.
• Lady Shen teased Wang Yang about the letter he had dictated for Le Xiaopang, then said only someone like him would have dictated it.