Chapter Summaries

Nanxing returned to the Tang Family residence after spending the night away from Pei Shen, and told Tang Zhuyun and Xiu'er how she had left after finding the Ninth Princess crying beside him. She insisted she no longer wanted Pei Shen, while Yanran went to visit Cui Xiaoqiu and began to speak to him.

• Xiu'er found Nanxing at the Tang Family residence and brought her to see the worried Tang Zhuyun.
• Nanxing said she had visited Huaishang, learned that Mianmian was Madam Yao's distant relative from an imperial merchant family, and left after watching Mianmian try to win Huaishang over.
• Nanxing recounted finding the Ninth Princess crying beside Pei Shen and leaving the study after Pei Shen mistakenly told her to go.
• Nanxing said she did not want Pei Shen, and Tang Zhuyun took her and Xiu'er back to the prince's residence to wait for him.
• Yanran went to the Cui Family residence to see Cui Xiaoqiu and started telling him something.

Yanran learned that she was born into the Xiao Family rather than being the Prince of Jin and Tang Zhuyun’s biological daughter, but she chose to keep treating them as her parents. She planned to tell her elder brother and have him investigate the peddler who revealed the secret, while Cui Xiaoqiu urged her to talk to Tang Zhuyun.

• Yanran gave Cui Xiaoqiu the paper revealing her origins, and he said he thought it was probably true.
• Yanran accepted that she was not the Prince of Jin and Tang Zhuyun’s biological daughter and insisted the secret would not change how she felt about them.
• Yanran decided not to tell the Prince of Jin or Tang Zhuyun, but planned to tell her elder brother and ask him to investigate the peddler.
• Cui Xiaoqiu sent someone to investigate the peddler before Yanran’s elder brother returned.
• Cui Xiaoqiu advised Yanran to talk to Tang Zhuyun, but Yanran refused because she did not want her mother to worry; she fell silent when Cui Xiaoqiu asked about her own questions.

After learning from an anonymous letter that she was not the Prince of Jin’s biological daughter, Yanran struggled with her origins while clinging to her love for her adoptive family. Meanwhile, Nanxing asked Tang Zhuyun to take her away from Pei Shen, who arrived to collect his wife but was barred from entering.

• Yanran told Cui Xiaoqiu that she would not investigate her birth parents, but broke down crying over not being her father and mother’s biological daughter.
• Cui Xiaoqiu comforted Yanran and urged her to let her family know how she felt instead of bottling it up.
• Yanran met Pei Shen at the residence entrance, told him Nanxing would soon no longer be his wife, and ordered the guards not to let him in.
• Nanxing asked Tang Zhuyun to take her with her, while Xiu'er supported the request.
• Tang Zhuyun acknowledged Pei Shen’s mistake but said they should hear him out before deciding what to do about the marriage.

Yanran told Tang Zhuyun that she knew she was not the Prince of Jin’s biological daughter, and Tang Zhuyun explained the story of her birth as the Prince of Jin rushed to investigate the note that revealed the truth. Nanxing met with Pei Shen, rejected his explanations and reconciliation, and he tried to persuade her to accompany him to the palace by reminding her of her mission.

• Yanran revealed that she knew she was not the Prince of Jin’s daughter and showed Tang Zhuyun the torn piece of paper that had exposed the secret.
• Tang Zhuyun explained Yanran’s birth and reassured her that her birth mother had loved her, while Xiu'er and Nanxing tried to comfort her.
• The Prince of Jin comforted Yanran, demanded the letter, and hurried off to investigate the person who had tried to turn her against him.
• Pei Shen arrived, and Nanxing agreed to speak with him privately but coldly refused to go to the palace with him to confront Jieyu Li and the Ninth Princess.
• Pei Shen admitted his fault and asked Nanxing to visit Jieyu Li with him, then reminded her that her mission required her to keep watch over him and ensure he continued serving the Prince of Jin.

Nanxing firmly ended things with Pei Shen, while Tang Zhuyun and Yanran talked about the pregnancy and Yanran’s origins. Tang Zhuyun revealed that Xiao Pang was still alive, and Yanran asked whether he was good or bad.

• Nanxing rejected Pei Shen’s pleas, told him to leave, and said she wanted everything she had left at his residence thrown away.
• Nanxing insisted to Xiu'er and Tang Zhuyun that she had genuinely broken things off with Pei Shen and was not trying to scare him.
• Tang Zhuyun joked with Yanran about the baby’s sex and described a dream in which the baby’s sex was pixelated.
• Tang Zhuyun asked permission to explain Yanran’s origins, then told her Xiao Pang was still alive.
• Yanran fell silent and asked Tang Zhuyun whether Xiao Pang was a good person or a bad person.

Tang Zhuyun comforted Yanran about Xiao Pang while the Prince of Jin suspected someone had been secretly backing Xiao Wu. Tang Zhuyun returned the tiger tally to Ren Yingying before preparing to leave for the northwest.

• Yanran asked Tang Zhuyun about Xiao Pang, and Tang Zhuyun explained that he had wanted to see her but urged her not to press him for answers.
• Linlin took Yanran away, and Tang Zhuyun and Xiu'er talked about the letters Xiu'er received from Song Jingyang.
• The Prince of Jin told Tang Zhuyun that he suspected someone else had helped Xiao Wu rise in the imperial harem, but his investigation had hit a dead end.
• Tang Zhuyun advised the Prince of Jin to resume investigating after they reached the northwest, and they discussed preparations for the journey.
• Tang Zhuyun returned the tiger tally to Ren Yingying at the Prince of Min's Residence and warned her that Qu Nian would punish her if he returned.

As Tang Zhuyun prepared to leave for the capital, she gathered surgical supplies from Ren Yingying and said goodbye to her friends and family. Tang Mingfan privately pledged his support to the Prince of Jin, asking him to protect Tang Zhuyun and become a wise ruler.

• Tang Zhuyun asked Ren Yingying for surgical supplies in case Xiyou needed an operation, and Ren Yingying gave them to her while asking her to bring Xiyou back in a few years.
• Tang Zhuyun visited her friends discreetly before returning home with the Prince of Jin and her family for a farewell meal.
• After the meal, Tang Zhuyun grieved over having drawn Tang Mingfan and her family into the Prince of Jin's political struggle, while Meng Yulan and Xiu'er comforted her.
• Tang Mingfan told the Prince of Jin he worried about Tang Zhuyun and asked him to yield if they ever quarreled.
• The Prince of Jin promised to give way to Tang Zhuyun, but Tang Mingfan declared that he had chosen the Prince of Jin's side and urged him to rule wisely.

The Prince of Jin promised Tang Mingfan that he would protect Tang Zhuyun as he pursued power, while Tang Mingfan advised him to avoid provoking the suspicious emperor and to prioritize A-Yun during childbirth. Meanwhile, Nanxing explained why she still could not trust Pei Shen, leaving her relationship with him unresolved.

• The Prince of Jin and Tang Mingfan exchanged promises as Tang Mingfan entrusted A-Yun to his care and the Prince of Jin pledged to protect her and the Tang Family.
• Tang Mingfan warned the Prince of Jin to let rumors pass, avoid displaying ambition to the emperor, and rely on his letters for news from the capital.
• The Prince of Jin promised to put A-Yun before their unborn child when she gave birth.
• Meng Yulan tried to persuade Nanxing, while Xiu'er argued that Nanxing's past made her situation different from theirs.
• Nanxing reflected that Pei Shen had dismissed her concerns and failed to explain himself, leaving her unable to risk trusting him again.

Meng Yulan urged Nanxing to give Pei Shen another chance, revealing that they had once concealed their love for other people while facing marriage proposals. Nanxing decided to return to Pei Shen, but Xiu'er suddenly suffered severe stomach pain, and Tang Zhuyun reacted with alarm over Song Jingyang.

• Xiu'er argued that Nanxing should not be pressured to forgive Pei Shen before she was ready.
• Meng Yulan told Nanxing and Tang Zhuyun that she had nearly married Pei Shen, but they had both been in love with other people and covered for each other for two years.
• Meng Yulan urged Nanxing to let Pei Shen make amends, and Nanxing said she would think about it.
• Meng Yulan privately admitted she had also tried to persuade Nanxing because her staying would benefit the broader situation.
• Nanxing told Xiu'er she would return to Pei Shen, realizing that her pain came from still caring about him.
• Xiu'er suddenly cried out that her stomach hurt, while Tang Zhuyun asked what had happened to Song Jingyang.

Tang Zhuyun learned that Song Jingyang had been badly burned and reassured Xiu'er when she suffered stomach pain during her pregnancy. As the group prepared to leave the capital, Pei Shen mistakenly thought Nanxing was going with them, then learned they would see Tang Zhuyun off the next morning.

• The Prince of Jin told Tang Zhuyun that Song Jingyang had survived a fire but suffered severe burns to half his face, and Tang Zhuyun suspected the fire had been deliberate.
• Nanxing brought Xiu'er to Tang Zhuyun with stomach pain, but Tang Zhuyun examined her and found only slight bleeding; Xiu'er relaxed and felt better.
• Tang Zhuyun persuaded the Prince of Jin to travel with Xiu'er so they could look after her, and he said Huaishang would bring Mianmian to see her that evening.
• The Prince of Jin went to visit Nanny Rong, and Tang Zhuyun packed warm bedding, snacks, and silver for her.
• Pei Shen told Nanxing he had arranged to travel northwest with her, but she corrected him and said they were going to see Tang Zhuyun off; he realized someone had helped him and was allowed to come along.

Nanxing and Pei Shen reconciled while discussing the Wen Family’s bid to support the Prince of Jin and Huaishang’s visit to the prince’s residence. The chapter ended with Huaishang speaking to the Prince of Jin while Mianmian chatted with Tang Zhuyun.

• Nanxing treated Pei Shen’s wound, and Pei Shen tried to win back her affection by promising not to let any female mosquitoes near him.
• Nanxing admitted she felt conflicted about their relationship, and Pei Shen told her he would follow her lead and could not bear to lose her again.
• Pei Shen revealed that Huaishang was visiting the prince’s residence to help his master and that Mianmian belonged to the wealthy Wen Family of Jiangnan.
• Nanxing and Pei Shen discussed the Wen Family’s offer of tribute and the possibility that they wanted Wenshu to marry Huaishang.
• Huaishang spoke with the Prince of Jin while Mianmian talked with Tang Zhuyun.

Huaishang told the Prince of Jin that Mianmian’s spending terrified him, while revealing that the Wen Family had offered the Prince a million taels each year for five years. The Prince accepted the support but remained wary of the Wen Family’s political intentions, and Huaishang was left resisting Mianmian’s pursuit and the prospect of a marriage alliance.

• Huaishang complained that Mianmian’s monthly allowance of 4,166 taels made him fear he could not afford to marry her.
• The Prince of Jin learned that the Wen Family had offered him a million taels a year for five years, after Huaishang persuaded Wen Li to increase the offer.
• The Prince of Jin considered how the Wen Family’s money could strengthen him, while warning that the family might support another side too.
• Huaishang said Mianmian was pursuing him after learning he had remained loyal to the Prince of Jin, but he still dreaded her spending.
• The Prince of Jin joked that Mianmian might help Huaishang reach his savings goal, then refused to promise against a marriage alliance because the Wen Family’s money was at stake.

Mianmian explained why she wanted to marry Huaishang and asked Tang Zhuyun to secure the Wen Family’s future, while Tang Zhuyun’s party prepared to leave the capital. At the Ten-Li Pavilion, they met Ren Yingying and others, and the farewell took an unexpected turn when Madam Qin’s chow chow became attracted to Qu Nian.

• Mianmian told Tang Zhuyun that she planned to use her savings to marry Huaishang, whom she admired for his character and prospects, and hoped he would help protect her family.
• Mianmian revealed she invested twenty thousand taels a year in ships and spent the rest of her allowance on her household and personal purchases.
• The Prince of Jin’s party left the capital, and Tang Zhuyun spotted Qiao Jiao tending to a man guarding the city gate.
• At the Ten-Li Pavilion, Ren Yingying greeted Linlin and met Xiyou, while Qu Nian silently judged her enthusiasm.
• Madam Qin arrived with a female chow chow that took a fancy to Qu Nian.

Ren Yingying and Qin Li argued over whether Qu Nian and Fluffball should mate, while Qu Nian fled their attention and clung to the hope of changing back. Tang Zhuyun’s party departed for the border city, and Cui Xiaoqiu watched Yanran’s carriage leave from a distant mountaintop.

• Fluffball approached Qu Nian, who ran to Ren Yingying, and Xiu'er explained that Fluffball was in heat.
• Ren Yingying welcomed Fluffball as a potential daughter-in-law, but Qu Nian rejected her and fled while Qin Li resolved to bring him back for breeding.
• Tang Zhuyun reminded Madam Qin to continue her medicine, and Qin Li realized the remaining poison treatment mattered to her.
• Pei Shen and the Prince of Jin mocked Qu Nian, who heard them and silently vowed to remember their words once he changed back.
• Tang Zhuyun, Yanran, and Xiu'er left in a carriage, and Cui Xiaoqiu watched Yanran depart from a mountaintop, hoping to become better before they met again.

Tang Zhuyun reassured Xiu'er that Song Jingyang’s injury was limited to his face and said Ren Yingying might be able to repair it. The Prince of Jin returned to Red River Town, where the party waited for safer boats, and Tang Zhuyun began to suspect something was unusual about his behavior.

• Tang Zhuyun told Xiu'er that Song Jingyang’s face had been injured and suggested Ren Yingying could treat it, prompting Xiu'er to worry about the results and Song Jingyang’s mother.
• Tang Zhuyun revealed that Ren Yingying had removed her birthmark and now drew it back on each day, then confirmed that Ren Yingying was skilled at repairing faces.
• Tang Zhuyun worried that Song Jingyang’s position in Qingzhou could worsen if the emperor favored the Prince of Yong, and resolved to ask the Prince of Jin to send him more help.
• The Prince of Jin returned and told Tang Zhuyun that boats had been found, but the party would wait several days for the icy river to become safer.
• After a local prefect arrived with gifts, Tang Zhuyun noticed the Prince of Jin was unusually easy to persuade and wondered why his behavior felt off.

On Lantern Festival, Tang Zhuyun and Xiu'er learned about Red River Town’s Temple of Lady Shen and decided to visit for blessings for mothers and babies. The next morning, they arrived to find the temple closed, leaving Xiu'er angry and confused.

• Tang Zhuyun and Xiu'er noticed few women were touching door studs and learned that local women prayed for children at the Temple of Lady Shen.
• Xiu'er said she wanted to seek blessings for mothers and babies, and Tang Zhuyun agreed to go with her the next morning.
• Yanran returned from the festival with lanterns and revealed that Song Jingyang had sent her a hundred taels to buy one for Xiu'er.
• Xiu'er took her carp lantern and wrote to Song Jingyang, telling him she was happy with his gift and hoped he would stay safe.
• The next morning, Tang Zhuyun and Xiu'er reached the Temple of Lady Shen and found it closed.

Tang Zhuyun learned that the Prince of Jin had closed Lady Shen Temple to pray secretly for her and their child. She joined him in the temple, and they prayed together.

• Xiu'er learned from a woman that the prefect's wife had closed Lady Shen Temple to pray for a child.
• Tang Zhuyun decided to return the next day, but a guard said the Prince of Jin's attendants had closed the temple gates.
• Tang Zhuyun found the Prince of Jin kneeling alone in the main hall, offering incense and praying for her and their child.
• Tang Zhuyun entered, teased the Prince of Jin for sneaking off and shutting the temple, then knelt beside him.
• Tang Zhuyun and the Prince of Jin lit sandalwood incense together and filled the temple's incense burner.

Tang Zhuyun visited Lady Shen Temple, learned about Madam Shen’s extraordinary life, and continued the journey with the Prince of Jin after the river thawed. Their travels took a dangerous turn when Tang Zhuyun discovered their drinking water had been poisoned.

• The Prince of Jin led Tang Zhuyun out of the smoky temple hall, and Xiu'er joined them to offer incense.
• Tang Zhuyun and Xiu'er read Madam Shen’s life story carved on a rock, and Tang Zhuyun realized the names at the end were written in simplified Chinese.
• Tang Zhuyun told Yanran about Madam Shen, but Yanran and Xiu'er questioned why Madam Shen had not remarried and criticized her husband for leaving so soon after their wedding.
• After spending two more days in Red River Town, Tang Zhuyun and her companions continued by boat, where Jiaojiao suffered from seasickness; Tang Zhuyun later prepared medicine for the emperor and sent it to the capital.
• Three days after switching back to carriages, Tang Zhuyun detected poison in the water at a restaurant, and the Prince of Jin ordered the restaurant sealed.

Tang Zhuyun and the Prince of Jin investigated who had poisoned her cup, suspecting a young woman was deliberately provoking them. That night, they met the woman, who knew the Prince of Jin and claimed she would have warned Tang Zhuyun if she had been in danger.

• Tang Zhuyun, the Prince of Jin, and their guards searched the restaurant and its recent visitors for the poisoner but found no clues for several days.
• A guard reported that a young woman with a capital accent had been seen asking questions near the restaurant before the poisoning.
• Xiu'er speculated that the culprit might be a Xiao Family remnant, while the Prince of Jin recalled the family’s four elite guards and Linlin suggested the poisoner was toying with them or making a show of force.
• The Prince of Jin guessed the poisoning might be a bargaining chip and expected the young woman to approach them.
• That night, a guard brought a beautiful young woman to Tang Zhuyun and the Prince of Jin, who recognized her; she said she had been nearby during the poisoning and would have warned Tang Zhuyun, then asked Tang Zhuyun to speak up for her.

Jinghua arrived at the Prince of Jin’s residence, where her attempted poisoning and skill at vocal imitation made Tang Zhuyun wary of her. Jinghua finally revealed that Qu Nian’s condition was poor and asked Tang Zhuyun to help him.

• Jinghua introduced herself to Tang Zhuyun as Qu Hua, Qu Nian’s younger sister, and the Prince of Jin confronted her about what had happened earlier.
• The Prince of Jin explained that Jinghua had learned vocal imitation from childhood, and she demonstrated by perfectly copying his voice and fooling a guard.
• Jinghua imitated a goshawk, startling Eighth Master off his perch and leaving him dangling upside down by his chain.
• Jinghua dropped her playful manner and told the Prince of Jin that Qu Nian was in bad condition.
• Jinghua asked Tang Zhuyun, whose medical skills she had heard were exceptional, to help her brother.