Arc 8Departure for Yi Prefecture
Gu Moran prepared to leave the capital for Yi Prefecture while navigating the emperor’s suspicion, a concealed Northern Territory visitor, and his household’s plans. The arc ended with Gu Moran and the six women traveling south by boat as he grew closer to Shen Ling'er.
- Gu Moran learned that the emperor intended to send him and Gu Mochen to their fiefs, then accepted an order to depart for Yi Prefecture within seven days.
- Gu Moran let Gu Mochen copy his plan for funding military households, and Gu Mochen resolved to use it to gain money and influence in Anyang despite Zhou Huaili’s warnings.
- Noble Consort Chen gave Gu Moran a palace token, a travel permit, and a military-route map, and warned him to favor waterways while leaving the capital.
- Gu Moran’s household prepared for the move, received military manuals from the Grand Commandant, and concealed Tuoba Mang under the alias Tuo Qing during official inspections.
- Gu Moran left the capital with his household after the emperor ordered him to depart, and he delayed the convoy at a hot spring retreat where he grew closer to Xie Wanqing.
- Gu Moran gave each of his six wives a gift, and Xie Wanqing later joined him at the hot spring, where they kissed while the others kept their distance.
- Uncle Fu reported a boat with two blue lanterns, and Gu Moran sent the convoy as a decoy while he and the six women traveled south by water.
- Gu Moran and Shen Ling'er shared intimate moments aboard the rocking boat as he cared for her cramps, while Su Yao, Lin Qingdai, and Murong Xue overheard them.