Festival of Lights · Diwali
Zhao Ruxi navigated family danger, discovered Zhao Ruyu’s new system, and earned first place in the provincial examination. As her family considered marriage proposals, she and Xiao Lingyan discussed the coming war and the political crisis ahead.
Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan secretly became engaged while she prepared for the metropolitan examination and tried to protect him with a pill. As the border crisis escalated, Xiao Ge sent Zhang Changshen to investigate, then discovered that the recorded grain figures did not match Guo Jitong’s account.
Zhao Ruxi helped Xiao Lingyan survive the border campaign and arranged for her family to leave the capital as the princes’ struggle grew more dangerous. Xiao Lingyan rejected a politically useful marriage and chose to marry only for love, while Zhao Ruyu and Qi Xuan reacted to the changing marriage arrangements.
Zhao Ruxi passed the metropolitan examination in second place and rejected a capital ministry position in favor of serving in Anzhou Province. As she prepared to leave the capital, she gained Wu Zong’s support, while Xiao Lingyan reported the fallout from the examination sabotage and Zhao Yuanxun celebrated her success in Gusu.
Zhao Ruxi excelled in the palace examination and was named zhuangyuan, then completed her triumphant parade and banquet. She sought Kang Shilin’s help to secure a provincial posting, fearing that a Hanlin Academy appointment would leave her exposed to palace rivals and the emperor’s interest.
Zhao Ruxi secured an outside appointment, helped arrange Zhao Jingli’s marriage to He Yuqi, and prepared to leave the capital. After reaching Nanyang, she began investigating the local officials and reported for duty under Prefect Liu.
Zhao Ruxi challenged Cai Yaozong’s control of Nanyang’s records, secured responsibilities, and uncovered embezzlement while exploring a local wine venture. The arc left her investigating water disputes in Wang Family Village, where a couple’s plea for justice and Wang Houde’s payment to Chen Kang raised new suspicions.
Zhao Ruxi ousted Wang Houde, began building a distillery, and accepted Xiao Lingyan’s marriage proposal as they resolved to pursue the throne together. Kang Shilin approved their match, Xiao Ge decreed their betrothal, and Princess Xiangyang reacted angrily.
Zhao Ruxi received the imperial betrothal to Xiao Lingyan, survived an assassination attempt, and earned imperial recognition for her farming tools and plans in Nanyang. As she returned to the capital amid the princes’ rivalry, she faced Cen Peixuan’s attempt to dictate how she should behave.
Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan endured a succession crisis, Xiao Lingyan’s poisoning, and Xiao Lingheng’s rebellion while remaining committed to their marriage. After the rebellion was defeated and the Cen Family’s influence was curbed, Xiao Lingyan recovered enough to marry Zhao Ruxi at the Prince of Qi’s Residence.
Zhao Ruxi’s farming innovations and irrigation works earned her a return to official service, while she helped Xiao Lingyan recover without exposing her to pressure to bear an heir. As Xiao Lingyan resisted the throne and concubines, the couple prepared to consummate their marriage and considered gradual reforms for Great Jin.
Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan welcomed their first son and later twins while Zhao Ruxi expanded opportunities for women and strengthened her family’s ties. The arc ended with Xiao Ge urging Xiao Lingyan to take the throne, while Xiao Lingyan offered to shoulder more state affairs instead.
No recap yet. An arc gets one once it has 25 chapters.