She Crowned Him A War God… Then Shattered Their Betrothal

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Transcript

00:00:00On the battlefield, amidst a flurry of snow, the fifth prince of Dongling, Lu Fenglian, has won a great victory.

00:00:07Slung over his shoulder is his captive, the daughter of the desert warlord, Tuoba Fei Yuan.

00:00:12She struggles and curses all the way, let go of me, you bastard.

00:00:15The soldiers, however, raise their arms and cheer, celebrating their prince's triumphant return.

00:00:21All of this is witnessed by one person in a tent, his fiancée and the mastermind behind this victory,

00:00:26the military strategist, Xu Yueli. It was thanks to her strategy that the army won so easily.

00:00:32She decides to personally meet this captured enemy princess.

00:00:35Inside Prince Lian's tent, Tuoba Fei Yuan is pinned to the ground, but shows no fear, her eyes filled with hatred.

00:00:42The prince, intrigued, lifts her chin. She yells defiantly, you dog.

00:00:47If you have the guts, kill me. If I so much as frown, I am not the daughter of the desert warlord.

00:00:51Her fiery words only pique the prince's interest.

00:00:54He says playfully, you're the first person who has dared to curse me.

00:00:58Interesting. However, this flirtatious scene is seen clearly by Xu Yueli from outside the tent.

00:01:03Her handmaiden, Zisu, complains on her behalf, my lady, the prince is soon to be married to you.

00:01:09How can he be flirting with the daughter of a traitor now?

00:01:12Three days later, as Xu Yueli is sewing under the lamplight,

00:01:15Zisu bursts in furious.

00:01:17It turns out that Tuoba Fei Yuan was pardoned by the prince for revealing the location of the remaining enemy forces.

00:01:22Not only that, but for the past few days, the prince has been inseparable from her.

00:01:27Merely giving her a light scolding for tearing up his military books.

00:01:31And even injuring the soldiers sent to hunt down her father.

00:01:34Hearing this, Xu Yueli finds it absurd.

00:01:36How could such an action win the respect of the troops?

00:01:39Suddenly, she remembers something, and her face turns pale.

00:01:42The general leading the attack on the Tuoba king that day, was my older brother.

00:01:46Just as she says this, a soldier rushes into the tent in a panic.

00:01:50Bringing devastating news, strategist.

00:01:53General Chu is in trouble.

00:01:54One moment, we hear that Tu Yueli's brother has met with disaster.

00:01:58The next, the army doctor delivers the diagnosis.

00:02:01Gravely telling Tu Yueli, Lady Li,

00:02:03I'm afraid the general, will no longer be able to perform his manly duties.

00:02:08The handmaiden is horrified.

00:02:09The Gua Gong mansion has been loyal for generations.

00:02:12And now the general is the only male heir.

00:02:15This means the end of their family line.

00:02:17Overcome with grief and rage, Chu Yueli ignites with fury.

00:02:20Draws her dagger, and storms out.

00:02:23At this moment, on the military training grounds.

00:02:26The one responsible for her brother's ruin, the enemy princess Yuanor,

00:02:29is being protected by Prince Huoyi.

00:02:31Chu Li rushes forward with her blade, roaring.

00:02:34She has destroyed my brother's entire life.

00:02:36I will make her pay in blood.

00:02:38But to her utter shock, Huoyi grabs her wrist.

00:02:40Blocking her and scolding her in return.

00:02:43Yuanor has just lost her family.

00:02:45So, what if she's a bit extreme?

00:02:47Can't you be more tolerant of her?

00:02:49Even more ridiculously, Yuanor shows no remorse.

00:02:52And declares arrogantly, huh.

00:02:54Chu Xiaoha killed my father and brother.

00:02:56I only castrated him.

00:02:57He got off easy.

00:02:59Chu Li argues back that her father and brother were guilty of treason and deserved to die.

00:03:03While Yuanor, for harming a loyal general, deserved death even more.

00:03:07But Huoyi refuses to listen.

00:03:09Even accusing Chu Li of becoming callous.

00:03:11He actually says,

00:03:13Yuanor is truly just an innocent little girl.

00:03:15You used to be the most understanding person.

00:03:17How have you become so harsh now?

00:03:19These words are the final straw that breaks Chu Li.

00:03:22Her heart turns cold, and she replies icily,

00:03:25Your highness is mistaken.

00:03:26I am just this harsh.

00:03:28With that, she violently breaks free.

00:03:30And, with a backhand strike, stabs Yuanor.

00:03:33Seeing this, Huoyi loses all composure.

00:03:36Cradling the fallen Yuanor and shouting,

00:03:38You wretched girl!

00:03:39Are you all dead?

00:03:40Get a doctor!

00:03:41Watching this scene,

00:03:42Chu Li finally understands that in Huoyi's heart.

00:03:45She is worth far less than this traitor's daughter.

00:03:48He actually intended to kill her.

00:03:50Seeing the man she loves ready to kill her for another woman.

00:03:53Ali's heart turns to ash.

00:03:55She asks Prince Jing if he intends to avenge that woman.

00:03:58And he replies without hesitation.

00:04:00Do you think I wouldn't dare?

00:04:01His heartless words leave Ali completely disillusioned.

00:04:04Just then, the red, robed woman whimpers.

00:04:07I'm in so much pain.

00:04:09Instantly capturing all of the prince's attention.

00:04:11The worry and ache in his eyes are overflowing.

00:04:14A stark contrast to his coldness toward Ali.

00:04:17He lifts the woman into his arms.

00:04:19And, in front of everyone,

00:04:20walks away without a backward glance.

00:04:23Leaving his fiancée Ali standing alone.

00:04:25Heartbroken, Ali rushes to see her gravely injured brother.

00:04:28Her brother, having heard what just happened.

00:04:31Is deeply worried about her impending wedding next month.

00:04:34Ali forces back her sorrow.

00:04:36And instead comforts her brother.

00:04:38Telling him to rest well.

00:04:39That night, an intoxicated Prince Jing stumbles into Ali's tent.

00:04:43He grabs her hand.

00:04:44And, for the first time, bows his head an apology.

00:04:48I was wrong today.

00:04:49I shouldn't have yelled at you.

00:04:50Don't be angry with me, please.

00:04:52When Ali remains unmoved.

00:04:54He suddenly drops to his knees.

00:04:56Humbly pouring out his heart about how he was never loved as a child.

00:05:00And only Ali was his comfort.

00:05:02He repeatedly promises that his heart belongs only to her.

00:05:05And that after they marry, he will love only her.

00:05:07Just as Ali's defenses are about to be broken by this emotional display.

00:05:11The prince's tone shifts.

00:05:12And in an almost dreamlike voice, he utters the cruelest words.

00:05:17I think.

00:05:18I've fallen in love with that other girl.

00:05:20One moment, she's hearing Prince Jing's deep confession.

00:05:23The next, he's telling her he loves someone else.

00:05:26Ali finds it utterly ironic.

00:05:27It turns out the prince was attracted to the rebellious spirit of the girl named Ware.

00:05:32Ali can't help but recall that it was because he once said he liked gentle women.

00:05:36That she restrained her sharp edges and suppressed her true nature.

00:05:39But now, is he here to break off their engagement for some arrogant young girl?

00:05:43Faced with Ali's question, the prince panics.

00:05:46He hurriedly grabs her, promising never to break the engagement.

00:05:50And begging her for time.

00:05:51Swearing he will forget Ware and fall in love with her again.

00:05:54Heartbroken, Ali ultimately chooses to give him one more chance.

00:05:58But she never imagined the prince's promise would be so cheap.

00:06:01He had barely left when Ali saw him outside the camp, holding hands with that red, robed woman.

00:06:06She heard the woman pout, you're already engaged to her, why are you still taking me to the capital?

00:06:11The scene is like a sharp knife stabbing viciously into Ali's heart.

00:06:15To add to her humiliation, the woman is an old acquaintance of hers, Chuyuele.

00:06:19She watches as Chuyuele breaks free from the prince, walks straight up to her.

00:06:24And, with eyes full of hatred and provocation, declares in front of everyone.

00:06:29Chuyuele, for the wound from that stab, one day I will repay you with interest.

00:06:33You just wait.

00:06:34Her former sister, now her rival in love, publicly betrays and humiliates her.

00:06:39Plunging Ali into complete despair.

00:06:41Seeing her fiancé fawning over another woman right in front of her.

00:06:45And even planning to leave her alone in the military camp for that woman.

00:06:49The red, robed to Obafu Yuen completely explodes.

00:06:52She angrily shouts at the general.

00:06:54I, to Obafu Yuen, will never share a husband with another woman.

00:06:58If you can't be with me and only me for a lifetime, then you can get lost now.

00:07:02In her struggle, she slaps him hard across the face.

00:07:05The slap thoroughly enrages the general.

00:07:08He says coldly, I think you're tired of living.

00:07:10And then forcibly carries her to his carriage.

00:07:13This entire scene is witnessed by the general's official fiancé Ali.

00:07:16Who is dressed in striking red armor.

00:07:18Her handmaiden and another prince both feel it's an injustice.

00:07:22Believing this is a public humiliation for her.

00:07:25But Ali remains exceptionally calm.

00:07:27With a determined look, she says.

00:07:29The ones who should feel ashamed are them, not me.

00:07:31With that, she gracefully mounts her horse.

00:07:34And resolutely rides away alone.

00:07:36Inside the carriage, the general discovers Ali is missing.

00:07:39And is instantly alarmed.

00:07:41When his agitant reports that Lady Lee has left on her own.

00:07:45He becomes furious.

00:07:46What?

00:07:46Leaving the army without permission is a capital offense.

00:07:49It seems I've truly spoiled her.

00:07:52Losing control due to his personal feelings.

00:07:54He immediately issues an order.

00:07:56Pass on my command.

00:07:57The entire army is to set off immediately and return to the capital.

00:08:00A drama sparked by a love triangle has now altered the course of the entire army.

00:08:05Furious about Ali's unauthorized departure.

00:08:08The prince storms back to his mansion.

00:08:10He believes he's been too lenient with Ali.

00:08:13And is determined to teach her a lesson this time.

00:08:15Making her come to him and admit her mistake.

00:08:18He waits confidently.

00:08:19Certain that Ali will come begging for his help regarding her brother.

00:08:22Who also left his post without permission.

00:08:25However, 10 days pass.

00:08:26And there's no movement from the Gwagong mansion.

00:08:29The prince's patience wears thin.

00:08:31When he learns that General Chu's injuries are not serious.

00:08:33And that he has even had an audience with the emperor.

00:08:36His pride is dealt a massive blow.

00:08:39Enraged, he concludes that Ali is plotting something behind his back.

00:08:42And immediately heads to the Gwagong mansion to confront her.

00:08:46At the mansion.

00:08:47Seeing Ali finally approach.

00:08:49The prince mistakes the wooden box she is holding for a gift to appease him.

00:08:53And his contempt grows.

00:08:54Before she can speak.

00:08:56He begins his interrogation from a position of superiority.

00:08:59I have given you several days to reflect.

00:09:01Do you know where you went wrong?

00:09:02He accuses her of being petty and jealous.

00:09:05And then threatens her with her brother's military offense.

00:09:08Trying to force her into submission.

00:09:10Your brother, Chu Xiaoha, deserted his post in the army.

00:09:13That is a capital crime.

00:09:15However, Ali maintains a stunning composure throughout.

00:09:18Upon hearing the words, military law.

00:09:20She doesn't panic.

00:09:22Instead, a faint smile plays on her lips.

00:09:24And she turns his words back on him.

00:09:27Asking with sharp eyes.

00:09:28Is your highness here merely to discuss military law with me?

00:09:31If that's the case.

00:09:32Then what about Tuoba Fiyuen?

00:09:34Who injured a general's soldiers without cause?

00:09:37What crime should she be charged with?

00:09:38This question instantly silences the once arrogant prince.

00:09:42One moment, he was rendered speechless by Ali's comeback.

00:09:45The next, the prince confronts her again in her room.

00:09:48He defends his new love, Shiener.

00:09:50Claiming that since her family was just destroyed.

00:09:53Her extreme actions are understandable.

00:09:55And even accuses Chu Yueli of becoming narrow-minded.

00:09:58Chu Yueli is enraged by this double standard.

00:10:01And sharply retorts,

00:10:02If that's the case, how about we let her stab you next time?

00:10:05Pushed into a corner, the prince decides to lay his cards on the table.

00:10:09He confesses that Shiener is the only woman he has ever truly wanted to marry.

00:10:13But he offers not to break their engagement on one condition.

00:10:16Chu Yueli must accept Shiener as a co-wife.

00:10:19And after the wedding, he will never touch her.

00:10:22Leaving her to live as a widow for the rest of her life.

00:10:25This insulting proposal makes Chu Yueli see the man before her for the selfish and hypocritical person he truly is.

00:10:31Yet the prince continues, smugly believing that by only taking two women,

00:10:35he is better than most men in the world.

00:10:37He then threatens her with the safety of the Guo Gong Mansion.

00:10:40Trying to force her to comply.

00:10:42Just as Chu Yueli, utterly disheartened, is about to refuse.

00:10:46The door is suddenly pushed open.

00:10:47The red, robed Shiener bursts in, holding a dagger.

00:10:51And with a vicious look, she tells her.

00:10:53If you want to marry into the prince's mansion, then you'll have to let me cut you with this first.

00:10:57A battle for dignity and love has now become unavoidable.

00:11:01Seeing his old love and new flame facing off with the dagger.

00:11:04The prince hurries forward to intervene.

00:11:06Trying to persuade Ollie to be reasonable and take the blow.

00:11:09He even arrogantly declares that besides him,

00:11:12no one else in the entire capital would dare to marry her.

00:11:14But he never expected that what Ollie brought, was not a gift to please him.

00:11:19But an imperial edict she had personally requested from his father, the emperor.

00:11:23The prince is enraged.

00:11:25He assumes Ollie is using the emperor to break him and Yuanur apart.

00:11:28And berates her for being despicable.

00:11:30Yuanur, at his side, fans the flames.

00:11:33Mocking Ollie for pretending to be a well-mannered lady.

00:11:36However, when the prince angrily unfurls the edict,

00:11:38the words written on it make him freeze instantly.

00:11:41He stares at the edict in disbelief.

00:11:43Then looks at Ollie, who is calmly sipping her tea.

00:11:46The anger on his face gradually gives way to shock and heartbreak.

00:11:49It turns out the edict was not for a marriage or an obstacle as he had imagined.

00:11:54It was Ollie's own request to have their engagement annulled.

00:11:56This proud woman, faced with betrayal and humiliation,

00:12:00chose not to cry or beg.

00:12:02Instead, she ended this long, dead relationship with the most resolute and dignified method.

00:12:06Taking control into her own hands.

00:12:09He finally understood that this time,

00:12:11Ollie truly no longer wanted him.

00:12:13Learning that Chuyuele had personally requested the annulment edict.

00:12:17The prince is both shocked and furious.

00:12:19Feeling utterly deceived.

00:12:21The princess Shiener at his side adds fuel to the fire.

00:12:24Snatching the edict and attempting to tear it up.

00:12:26Only to be stopped by Chuyuele's sharp rebuke.

00:12:29Insolence.

00:12:30To destroy an imperial edict is a crime punishable by 10,000 deaths.

00:12:33Enraged, Shiener immediately challenges Chuyuele to a duel.

00:12:37Chuyuele calmly accepts and sets the terms with her life on the line.

00:12:41If she is injured, regardless of life or death,

00:12:44the Guagong mansion will not pursue the matter.

00:12:47News travels fast.

00:12:48Chuyuele's brother rushes in to stop her.

00:12:50But is persuaded by his sister's determined gaze.

00:12:53Even the prince, who had been favoring Shiener,

00:12:56can't help but urge her to show mercy and not to harm Ollie.

00:12:59Everyone withdraws to the courtyard to await the outcome of the duel.

00:13:01Her brother has already sent for a female physician.

00:13:05Fully expecting his sister to be injured.

00:13:07The prince even explains to him that Shiener grew up in the desert.

00:13:10And is vicious in her methods.

00:13:12Implying Chuyuele is in grave danger.

00:13:14Just when everyone is certain that Chuyuele is doomed.

00:13:17A loud crash echoes from within.

00:13:19The door is blasted open from the inside.

00:13:22And princess Shiener is sent flying out with the door panel.

00:13:25Landing heavily on the ground and spitting blood.

00:13:27This stunning reversal leaves everyone speechless.

00:13:29It turns out that the seemingly fragile Chuyuele is, in fact, a hidden master of martial arts.

00:13:36Seeing Shiener gravely injured, the prince rushes to her side.

00:13:40On the other side, Chuyuele calmly admits that she was the one who struck her.

00:13:44But assures him it's not a fatal blow.

00:13:46The prince is furious.

00:13:48Demanding to know how many masters the Gwagong mansion has hidden away.

00:13:51Chuyuele unafraid.

00:13:53Tells him to search for himself.

00:13:55The prince tries to use their engagement to pressure her.

00:13:57But Chuyuele cruelly reminds him that the imperial edict has been issued.

00:14:01The engagement is void.

00:14:03And then delivers the final blow with the words.

00:14:05Besides, I was the one who left you first.

00:14:08At the urging of Chuyuele's brother.

00:14:10The prince finally gives up the argument and departs in a rage.

00:14:13Carrying the unconscious Shiener.

00:14:15But his hateful glare before leaving suggests this is far from over.

00:14:19Her brother worriedly asks his sister if she regrets annulling the engagement.

00:14:22As it might mean no one will dare to marry her in the future.

00:14:25Chuyuele, however, firmly asks back.

00:14:28Brother, is marriage the only path for a woman?

00:14:31Her eyes shine with an unprecedented light as she declares.

00:14:35Don't worry brother.

00:14:36I am not as fragile as you think.

00:14:38From now on, I will protect the Gwagong mansion.

00:14:40At this moment, she is no longer anyone's fiance.

00:14:44But a true heroine fighting for her own fate and that of her family.

00:14:47Inside Prince Lufengjin's chambers, a storm is brewing.

00:14:50The heroine, Yuanur, has just warned him that the woman named Dolly is far more skilled in martial arts than he is.

00:14:56But he completely dismisses it.

00:14:58Before he can argue, his mother, Royal Consort Rue, arrives with her handmaiden.

00:15:03When Yuanur fails to kneel in greeting, the handmaiden immediately berates her.

00:15:07Yuanur, a woman of fierce spirit, refuses to submit to the rigid etiquette of the court.

00:15:12At Lufengjin's urging, she completely loses her temper.

00:15:15Not only does she refuse to kneel, but she publicly confronts him.

00:15:20Reminding him of his promise not to let her become one of the vicious, scheming women of the palace.

00:15:25Even yelling that his words are like farts.

00:15:27This outrageous statement thoroughly enrages Royal Consort Rue.

00:15:30She immediately orders Yuanur to be dragged out and given 50 strokes of the king.

00:15:35As she's being taken away, Yuanur desperately cries out to Lufengjin, calling him a coward.

00:15:40Lufengjin is heartbroken and tries to intervene.

00:15:43But his mother threatens him with Yuanur's life.

00:15:46He can only fall to his knees in anguish, forced to watch the woman he loves being punished.

00:15:51However, an even bigger shock awaits him.

00:15:53After the punishment, Royal Consort Rue reveals a stunning secret.

00:15:57His title as the God of War of Dongling was earned by framing his rival, Prince Emo.

00:16:02And the mastermind behind it all was none other than the woman he believed to be a fragile,

00:16:06helpless girl who knew no martial arts.

00:16:08Oli, who is, in fact, Yuanur herself.

00:16:10One moment, Lufengjin learns his title as the God of War was secured through Oli's schemes.

00:16:17The next, his royal mother is giving him a deep analysis of the stakes.

00:16:20It turns out the Gua Gong Mansion commands the 100,000 strong Chu family army.

00:16:26And Chu Yueli is the key to that army.

00:16:28If he angers her and breaks the engagement now,

00:16:31Lufengjin will lose this crucial military force.

00:16:34And will no longer be able to stand against his rival, Prince Emo.

00:16:37Lufengjin, however, is dismissive.

00:16:40He arrogantly believes Oli is utterly devoted to him.

00:16:43Merely throwing a tantrum to get him to comfort her.

00:16:45And decides to discipline her lightly as a lesson.

00:16:48His mother agrees, but reminds him to be measured.

00:16:51As their ultimate goal is to secure the Chu family army.

00:16:54Soon, this slight discipline is carried out in the courtyard.

00:16:58The punished woman is beaten until she faints.

00:17:00While the royal mother watches coldly before turning away.

00:17:03Later, Lufengjin enters Oli's bedchamber.

00:17:05Faced with the woman who was injured because of him.

00:17:08He feels no guilt.

00:17:10Instead, he is angered by Oli's accusation that he is so afraid of his mother.

00:17:15He completely ignores the fact that Oli had strategized for him.

00:17:18And helped him conquer lands.

00:17:20And coldly accuses her of doing nothing but throwing tantrums.

00:17:23Amidst Oli's tearful threats.

00:17:25He leaves without a backward glance.

00:17:27Leaving her alone.

00:17:29She struggles to get out of bed to chase him.

00:17:31But collapses to the floor from her injuries.

00:17:33Able only to lie on the cold ground.

00:17:35Desperately crying his name.

00:17:36The fifth prince, accompanied by his attendant, joyfully goes to find Oli.

00:17:41He is absolutely certain that after not seeing him for several days.

00:17:45Oli must be missing him terribly.

00:17:47Perhaps even hiding in a corner secretly wiping away tears.

00:17:50Sure enough, he sees Oli sitting all alone in the courtyard.

00:17:53Looking desolate.

00:17:55The fifth prince is even more pleased.

00:17:57Pitifully remarking on how miserable Oli seems.

00:18:00And strides forward, ready to console the beauty.

00:18:02But to his utter astonishment.

00:18:05As he gets closer.

00:18:06He sees another person sitting at the table.

00:18:08His masked fourth brother.

00:18:10The fifth prince freezes on the spot.

00:18:12His fourth brother ignores him completely.

00:18:14Directly making a suggestion to Oli and presenting her with a gift.

00:18:18The fifth prince tries to frame the issue as a conflict between brothers.

00:18:21Only to be shut down by his fourth brother with a curt.

00:18:24This has nothing to end with you.

00:18:26After his brother leaves.

00:18:27The fifth prince's anger finally erupts.

00:18:30He grabs Oli, questioning her with possessiveness and contempt.

00:18:33Arrogantly stating that in all of Dongling.

00:18:36No one would dare to marry her but him.

00:18:38However, Oli just looks at him calmly.

00:18:40When the fifth prince demands to know what his brother gave her.

00:18:43She slowly raises the wooden box in her hand.

00:18:45And with two words.

00:18:47Shatters all his fantasies.

00:18:49A betrothal gift.

00:18:50Prince Jing comes to the Guo Gong Mansion once again.

00:18:53Unwilling to accept Oli's rejection.

00:18:55He arrogantly assumes that Oli's previous annulment was just a tactic to play hard to get.

00:19:00And graciously offers that if she goes to his father the emperor and retracts her request.

00:19:05He will give her another chance.

00:19:07He even brings up his feelings for another woman, Yuanher.

00:19:09To prove that keeping the position of his official consort for Oli is a sign of his immense generosity.

00:19:14However, Chiu Yueli has long seen through his hypocrisy.

00:19:17She points out sharply that the only reason he's keeping that position for her is because the emperor would never allow Tuoba Feiyuan to become the official princess consort.

00:19:25His true intentions exposed.

00:19:27Prince Jing flies into a rage.

00:19:29He begins to threaten her with the safety of the Guo Gong Mansion.

00:19:32Claiming that only he can protect the Chu family.

00:19:35Chiu Yueli, unafraid, firmly rejects him and asks him to leave.

00:19:40After Prince Jing storms off.

00:19:42Chiu Yueli presents the betrothal gift he left to her brother.

00:19:45Inside the wooden box is the command tally that can mobilize the 100,000 strong Jianbei army.

00:19:52The siblings immediately realize the extreme danger of Prince Jing's intentions.

00:19:56This tally is a hot potato.

00:19:58If the emperor were to find out, it would bring disaster upon their entire family.

00:20:02Just then, a guard from outside reports,

00:20:04General, someone from the palace is here.

00:20:07Faced with this mounting crisis.

00:20:09Chiu Yueli's eyes narrow.

00:20:10She immediately decides that her brother must return the tally at once.

00:20:14While she goes to meet the visitor from the palace.

00:20:17Lady Ali of the Guo Gong Mansion is invited to the palace by the royal consort Tzu.

00:20:22It turns out that rumors about her and Prince Jing's intimate affairs

00:20:25in the military camp have spread throughout the capital.

00:20:28Severely damaging the reputation of the Guo Gong Mansion.

00:20:31The royal consort uses this as leverage.

00:20:33Forcing Ali to publicly request an annulment of their engagement

00:20:36at the celebratory banquet that evening.

00:20:39In order to save face for all parties involved.

00:20:41Faced with what seems like an impossible predicament.

00:20:44Ali appears to submit, kneeling to accept the command.

00:20:47However, she then cleverly shifts the conversation.

00:20:50Asking if her rival in love, Tua Bufayuan,

00:20:53the other subject of the rumors, will be attending the banquet.

00:20:56Upon learning that she will not.

00:20:58Ali feigns a grievement and says to the consort,

00:21:00Your highness said you would help me vent my anger.

00:21:03If she is not there, how can I?

00:21:04This statement plays right into the hands of the royal consort.

00:21:07Who is eager for some drama.

00:21:09She immediately agrees to have Tua Bufayuan invited.

00:21:11Promising to make sure Ali is satisfied.

00:21:14Ali's plan has succeeded.

00:21:16The stage is now set for a dramatic showdown at the banquet.

00:21:20Meanwhile, Prince Jean has already grasped the entire situation.

00:21:24He sips his tea calmly.

00:21:25Fully confident in the woman he has chosen.

00:21:27Certain that she will not be defeated so easily.

00:21:29At a royal banquet, a group of noble ladies gathers.

00:21:33Spreading vicious and embellished rumors about the lady in white, Miss Shui.

00:21:37And her alleged affair with Prince Jean.

00:21:40Their whispers are filled with salacious speculation.

00:21:43They slander Miss Shui for her supposed indecency in the prince's tent.

00:21:46And even suggest she deliberately spread the rumors herself to force him into marriage.

00:21:51Claiming she has no shame.

00:21:53These words reach the ears of the lady in red, Tua Bufayuan.

00:21:55Who is deeply in love with Prince Jean.

00:21:58Already fiercely jealous, Tua Bufayuan is enraged.

00:22:01She is convinced this is all a scheme by Miss Shui.

00:22:03She abruptly stands, smashes her cup on the floor.

00:22:06And confronts Miss Shui in front of everyone.

00:22:09Attempting to drag her before Prince Jean for a public showdown.

00:22:12Miss Shui struggles, and in the scuffle.

00:22:14She is violently pushed to the ground by Tua Bufayuan.

00:22:17At that very moment, Prince Jean and another masked man arrive.

00:22:21Witnessing this highly misleading scene.

00:22:23At a royal banquet, a group of noble ladies gathers.

00:22:27Spreading vicious and embellished rumors about the lady in white, Miss Shui.

00:22:30And her alleged affair with Prince Jean.

00:22:33Their whispers are filled with salacious speculation.

00:22:36They slander Miss Shui for her supposed indecency in the prince's tent.

00:22:40And even suggest she deliberately spread the rumors herself to force him into marriage.

00:22:44Claiming she has no shame.

00:22:46These words reach the ears of the lady in red, Tua Bufayuan.

00:22:49Who is deeply in love with Prince Jean.

00:22:51Already fiercely jealous, Tua Bufayuan is enraged.

00:22:54She is convinced this is all a scheme by Miss Shui.

00:22:56She abruptly stands, smashes her cup on the floor.

00:23:00And confronts Miss Shui in front of everyone.

00:23:02Attempting to drag her before Prince Jean for a public showdown.

00:23:05Miss Shui struggles, and in the scuffle.

00:23:08She is violently pushed to the ground by Tua Bufayuan.

00:23:10At that very moment, Prince Jean and another masked man arrive.

00:23:14Witnessing this highly misleading scene.

00:23:16The prince, shocked and furious, rushes forward.

00:23:19And demands of Tua Bufayuan.

00:23:21Ae weh, what are you doing?

00:23:22A huge misunderstanding, sparked by malicious gossip, has just erupted.

00:23:27The prince, shocked and furious, rushes forward.

00:23:30And demands of Tua Bufayuan.

00:23:31Ae weh, what are you doing?

00:23:33A huge misunderstanding, sparked by malicious gossip, has just erupted.

00:23:38One moment, Prince Jean sees Ae Yuan push the lady in white to the ground.

00:23:42The next, Ae Yuan rushes toward him in a fit of rage.

00:23:45Slaps him, and calls him a dog.

00:23:48Demanding to know if he had an affair with the other woman.

00:23:50The lady in white, kneeling on the floor.

00:23:52Tearfully explains that they were only discussing strategies with others present.

00:23:56And that nothing improper occurred.

00:23:58But Ae Yuan refuses to listen, continuing to pressure the prince.

00:24:02Pushed to his limit, the prince finally loses his patience and roars.

00:24:06Get back to the mansion now.

00:24:07You're telling me to get lost?

00:24:09Ae Yuan is completely enraged.

00:24:11She cannot believe the prince would treat her this way for another woman.

00:24:14She lunges at him again, but is pushed away and even slapped in the chaos.

00:24:18Her heart shatters.

00:24:20She covers her face and murmurs.

00:24:22You hit me?

00:24:23You hit me for her.

00:24:24Just as the scene spirals out of control, the emperor and empress arrive.

00:24:28Everyone hastily kneels.

00:24:30The lady in white seizes the opportunity and immediately cries out to the emperor.

00:24:34Claiming her innocence has been slandered.

00:24:36And begging him to order an examination to prove her virtue.

00:24:39Stating she would rather die than live with this shame.

00:24:42The conflict has now been pushed to its absolute peak.

00:24:45Before the emperor and empress.

00:24:47Chuyuele calmly clarifies that she was forcibly brought here for a confrontation by Tuoba Feiyuen.

00:24:52Feiyuen, in turn, righteously declares that she and prince Dongling Jin are in love.

00:24:57And accuses Chuyuele of being the third party.

00:25:00Hearing this, the empress sharply retorts that Chuyuele and prince Jin were engaged long ago.

00:25:04So, who is the real third party?

00:25:07Feiyuen, however, twists the logic.

00:25:09Throwing out the absurd theory that the one who is not loved is the third party.

00:25:13Chuyuele seizes the opportunity.

00:25:15Following her logic with a tearful question.

00:25:18Does the one who is not loved deserve to die?

00:25:20This performance successfully wins the sympathy of everyone present.

00:25:24Instantly turning public opinion in her favor.

00:25:27Angered by the crowd's murmuring.

00:25:29Feiyuen causes a scene in the court.

00:25:30The empress, enraged, orders her to be dragged out and given 50 strokes of the king.

00:25:36As prince Dongling Jin pleads for Feiyuen, Chuyuele kneels once more.

00:25:40She reveals to the emperor an even more vicious rumor.

00:25:43That she and prince Jin were spending every night together in the camp.

00:25:47And begs him to clear her name and that of the Guo Gong Mansion.

00:25:50The emperor, a shrewd ruler, immediately understands this is a deliberate slander against a meritorious official.

00:25:56He publicly declares that General Chuyue and Oli are heroes of Dongling.

00:26:00And if anyone dares to spread this rumor again, they will be executed without mercy.

00:26:05This decisive action not only saves Chuyuele, but also puts a complete end to the turmoil.

00:26:11To realize her political ambitions.

00:26:13A cunning royal mother orchestrates a two-pronged psychological manipulation against her son.

00:26:18Jiner and his love interest.

00:26:20A foreign princess.

00:26:22First, she visits the princess's chambers.

00:26:24Seemingly to comfort her.

00:26:26But instead constantly belittles her.

00:26:28She then vividly recounts all the crazy things Jiner had done for his former lover.

00:26:32Chuyuele finding ancient wood for her chin.

00:26:35Braving a deadly mountain for her.

00:26:37And even transporting snow for her while he had a high fever.

00:26:40This narrative successfully ignites the princess's jealousy and insecurity.

00:26:44Completely shattering her confidence.

00:26:46Next, the royal mother encounters her son Jiner in the courtyard.

00:26:49And immediately changes her tune.

00:26:51She portrays Chuyuele as a conniving woman.

00:26:54Who would stoop so low as to ruin her own reputation just to gain his sympathy.

00:26:59Manipulated by his mother.

00:27:00Jiner instantly develops a deep resentment for Chuyuele.

00:27:03The mother then seizes the moment.

00:27:05Pointing out to him the most important political task at hand.

00:27:08Winning over the foreign princess to gain control of her family's 100,000 strong army.

00:27:13Under his mother's meticulous planning.

00:27:15Jiner completely subordinates his personal feelings to political interests.

00:27:19Willingly becoming a pawn in his mother's power games.

00:27:22The Gwagong mansion faces a crisis of life and death.

00:27:25The eldest son, due to a recurring injury, is unable to perform his family's signature,

00:27:29Chuyue family spear technique, in an upcoming martial arts contest against the third prince of Dongzhou.

00:27:35If he loses, the family's military authority will be revoked by the emperor.

00:27:39At this critical juncture, his sister, Chuyuele, steps up, determined to fight in her brother's place.

00:27:45However, both siblings know that with Ali's current skill level, the chances of winning are slim.

00:27:50Just then, an invitation arrives from the mysterious Prince Emo.

00:27:54At his mansion, the siblings witness a spear technique that is based on their family's style, but is far more advanced.

00:28:00Prince Emo offers to help the Gwagong mansion win the contest with this technique, but proposes a shocking condition.

00:28:05He slowly walks toward Ali and says, both affectionately and commandingly,

00:28:10Ali, I have no designs on the Gwagong mansion.

00:28:13I simply want to marry you, that's all.

00:28:15Faced with Ali's astonishment, he further explains that she was the one who ruined his face years ago,

00:28:20making him unmarriageable, and therefore, she must take responsibility for his lifelong happiness

00:28:25and become his princess consort.

00:28:27A negotiation for the family's honor has instantly turned into a sudden and forceful marriage proposal.

00:28:32The fifth prince waits bitterly outside the Gwagong mansion, only intending to gloat at Ali's misfortune.

00:28:38When he sees her returning from Prince Mo's residence, he immediately confronts her, citing their engagement.

00:28:44He tries to persuade Ali to join forces with him against their political rival, his fourth brother, Prince Emo.

00:28:50He even proposes a deeply insulting arrangement.

00:28:53They can proceed with the wedding as planned, but he will also marry another woman at the same time,

00:28:58and promises not to touch Ali for three years.

00:29:00Faced with this, generous offer Ali scoffs.

00:29:03With a steady gaze, she tells the fifth prince,

00:29:06Your highness, I truly do not want to marry you.

00:29:08She further reveals that Prince Emo has promised to help the Gwagong mansion through its crisis unconditionally,

00:29:14without asking for anything in return.

00:29:16These words completely enrage the fifth prince.

00:29:19He loses control, grabs Ali, and belittles her, saying no one would marry her if she left him.

00:29:25Ali forcefully shoves him away,

00:29:26and retorts sharply that neither she nor the Gwagong mansion needs him to survive.

00:29:31A wait intended to see someone else's humiliation ends up with the fifth prince becoming the biggest joke himself.

00:29:37Faced with the decline of her family's power,

00:29:39Chuyuele is determined to find a new backer for herself.

00:29:42She confides in her handmaiden that she plans to get close to the mysterious Prince Emo,

00:29:47to gauge the strength of the third prince of Dong-ho.

00:29:49Her words are overheard by Prince Ling, who is deeply in love with her,

00:29:53and his anger is instantly ignited.

00:29:56Prince Ling storms over, demanding to know why she would seek help from another man instead of him,

00:30:00and warns her not to court death, or else she and the Gwagong mansion will face public humiliation.

00:30:07Chuyuele calmly retorts that Prince Ling's mansion has a tigress in it,

00:30:10and she has no desire to be mistreated.

00:30:13Her words filled with a sense of helplessness and disappointment in him.

00:30:16After Prince Ling storms off, Chuyuele, though resolute on the surface,

00:30:21feels a wave of turmoil.

00:30:22That night, alone in her room,

00:30:24she finds herself recalling a time when Prince Ling had tenderly asked her to be his princess consort,

00:30:29and her heart is thrown into chaos.

00:30:32She pushes open the door to get some air,

00:30:34and as she looks up, she sees a shocking sight.

00:30:36The very man who had hurled harsh words at her during the day,

00:30:39is now sitting quietly in the large tree in the courtyard,

00:30:42silently watching over her.

00:30:44In the quiet courtyard, the masked prince proposes to Lady Li.

00:30:48Lady Li, however, is hesitant.

00:30:50Worried that the emperor would not approve of the match,

00:30:53the prince confidently promises that if she agrees,

00:30:56he will marry her with the grandest of ceremonies,

00:30:58and protect her completely.

00:31:00Yet, right after this heartfelt declaration,

00:31:03the prince inexplicably slumps over the table and falls asleep.

00:31:06Annoyed and helpless, Lady Li is about to leave.

00:31:09But after a moment's hesitation, her heart softens.

00:31:13She brings out a blanket, gently drapes it over him,

00:31:16and sits quietly by his side, watching over him, back in her room.

00:31:20She is restless, unsettled by this sudden stirring of her heart.

00:31:24The next morning, she steps outside to find the prince long gone,

00:31:28leaving only the neatly folded blanket on the table.

00:31:30As she stands there lost in thought,

00:31:32her handmaiden comes to remind her

00:31:34that today is the important day of the martial arts contest

00:31:37against the third prince of Dongzho.

00:31:40The tenderness of last night and the challenge of today intertwined,

00:31:43making Lady Li's feelings even more complex.

00:31:46In the dead of night,

00:31:46The masked prince M.O., Lubei Ma,

00:31:49sneaks into the courtyard of the Gwagong Mansion,

00:31:52lazily leaning against a tree.

00:31:54He makes a direct invitation to his beloved, Chiyuele.

00:31:57If you're not comfortable here,

00:31:58you can just come back with me to the northern frontier.

00:32:01Chiyuele, bound by etiquette, warily keeps her distance.

00:32:04While her mind races,

00:32:06analyzing whether his words imply he has given up his claim to the throne.

00:32:09At Prince Mo's invitation,

00:32:11they sit down at a stone table.

00:32:13He mentions that the only time in his life

00:32:15he was ever trapped was because of her.

00:32:17Hearing this,

00:32:18Chiyuele immediately apologizes for the scheme

00:32:20that led to him being stranded

00:32:22in the northern frontier for five years.

00:32:24But Prince M.O. changes the subject,

00:32:26asking about her feelings for another man, Lufongine.

00:32:29Chiyuele frankly admits she used to like him very much.

00:32:33But then her gaze becomes incredibly firm.

00:32:35She tells Prince M.O. that once she decides to let go,

00:32:38that feeling will not even leave a shadow behind.

00:32:41Hearing this resolute answer,

00:32:42a light flashes in Prince Mo's eyes.

00:32:45He leans forward slightly,

00:32:46looks directly at her,

00:32:48and makes an even bolder request.

00:32:50If that's the case,

00:32:51Oli, from now on, try to like me.

00:32:53On the training grounds of the Gwagong mansion,

00:32:56an emotional storm involving three people is brewing.

00:32:58The prince arrives with his jealous princess consort to observe.

00:33:02But his eyes are involuntarily drawn to Oli,

00:33:04the woman in the black and red martial attire.

00:33:07Seeing this,

00:33:08the princess consort's jealousy flares.

00:33:09And she begins to argue publicly with the prince.

00:33:13Her words are filled with contempt for Oli and accusations against the prince.

00:33:17Mocking Oli for only knowing how to use her feminine wiles to seduce men.

00:33:21And scolding the prince for being a dog.

00:33:23Enraged,

00:33:24the prince not only cruelly compares his consort to Oli,

00:33:27saying she is not even one ten-thousandth as good as Oli.

00:33:30But in his fury,

00:33:31he ultimately slaps her heart across the face.

00:33:34Throughout this entire ordeal,

00:33:35Oli,

00:33:36the center of the storm,

00:33:37remains seated.

00:33:38Her expression impassive.

00:33:40As if everything happening before her has nothing to end with her.

00:33:43Her calm silence stands in stark contrast to the intense conflict of the other two.

00:33:47Leaving the true nature of this drama shrouded in mystery.

00:33:51The god of war,

00:33:51Prince Lian,

00:33:52has found a new love in Chuyuele.

00:33:54And has mercilessly imprisoned his former flame,

00:33:57Tooba Feiyuen.

00:33:58He sends a guard to present his personal weapon,

00:34:00a red-tasseled spear,

00:34:01to Chuyuele.

00:34:02And uses the opportunity to send a message to his rival in love,

00:34:06the fourth brother.

00:34:07He sarcastically remarks that he must be too ugly,

00:34:10to win the beauty's favor.

00:34:11This maneuver stirs his own jealousy,

00:34:13causing him to crush the cup in his hand on the spot.

00:34:16At that moment,

00:34:17the third prince from an enemy state arrives to issue a challenge.

00:34:20Prince Lian's mother,

00:34:21Royal Consort Rue,

00:34:23immediately seizes the opportunity.

00:34:25She requests that the emperor decree a marriage between the third prince,

00:34:28and Chuyuele if he wins.

00:34:29Her true aim is to gain control of the 100,000-strong Chuyue family army through this union.

00:34:35To thwart this conspiracy,

00:34:37and to prevent the woman he loves from falling into another's hands.

00:34:40Prince Lian steps into the arena himself to face the third prince.

00:34:44A battle for love,

00:34:45military power,

00:34:46and the fate of the nation has just begun.

00:34:48To help her distracted brother,

00:34:50Lufon Jean,

00:34:51win the martial arts competition,

00:34:53Ali comes up with a plan.

00:34:54She knows that she is his greatest weakness.

00:34:56So she decides to take a risk and deliberately approach the mysterious Prince M.O. to provoke her brother.

00:35:02On the pretext of thanking him for the gift of a spear.

00:35:05She walks toward Prince M.O. with a cup of wine,

00:35:07ready to put on a show.

00:35:09However,

00:35:09the shrewd Prince M.O. sees right through her intentions.

00:35:12He warns Ali that using him comes at a price.

00:35:15With that,

00:35:16Prince M.O. plays along.

00:35:17Suddenly reaching out and pulling her to the ground.

00:35:20Staging an accidental and intimate-looking scene.

00:35:23This act instantly ignites Lufon Jean's rage.

00:35:26And draws gasps and murmurs from the noble ladies present.

00:35:29His mind in turmoil.

00:35:30Lufon Jean is soundly defeated in the subsequent competition.

00:35:34Only then does Ali realize that Prince M.O. was willing to ruin his own reputation to help her.

00:35:38And she is deeply moved.

00:35:40Just then,

00:35:41the victorious third prince of Dong-O arrogantly challenges the entire arena.

00:35:45Ali takes a deep breath,

00:35:47her eyes filled with determination.

00:35:49And steps forward,

00:35:50ready to fight in her brother's place.

00:35:52Faced with the third prince of Dong-Jo's dismissive attitude of not fighting with women,

00:35:57Ali remains composed and cleverly shifts the contest from a battle of brute force

00:36:00to a test of exquisite skill and precision.

00:36:04She sets the rule,

00:36:05one must pierce through eight of ten layers of silk gauze with a spear,

00:36:08without damaging the ninth layer.

00:36:10This seemingly impossible task peaks the third prince's competitive spirit.

00:36:14And he confidently accepts the challenge.

00:36:16Under the worried gazes of the crowd,

00:36:18the third prince makes his move first.

00:36:20His spear thrust is as swift as a dragon.

00:36:23But he fails by a narrow margin,

00:36:25piercing nine layers.

00:36:26Despite his failure,

00:36:27his incredible skill amazes the onlookers.

00:36:30Highlighting the extreme difficulty of the challenge.

00:36:33Everyone believes Ali is now doomed to lose.

00:36:35However,

00:36:36when it is Ali's turn,

00:36:37she remains calm and collected.

00:36:39Her spear thrust appears gentle yet is incredibly precise.

00:36:43When the eunuch inspects the gauze,

00:36:44it is indeed exactly eight layers,

00:36:47no more,

00:36:47no less.

00:36:48This masterful control of power leaves the entire court in an uproar.

00:36:52The third prince is utterly stunned and defeated.

00:36:55Ali has won this contest perfectly with her wisdom and skill.

00:36:58Defending the honor of Dongling,

00:37:00Ali's unexpected victory in the martial arts competition stuns everyone present.

00:37:04She seizes this opportunity to make a request to the emperor.

00:37:07She asks for permission for her brother to lead the two family army to the border

00:37:11to support their grandfather,

00:37:12who is currently defending against foreign enemies.

00:37:15However,

00:37:15this patriotic request is cleverly obstructed by the empress.

00:37:19Using the excuse that her brother is not yet married,

00:37:22she suggests that he should start a family before departing.

00:37:25Her real motive is to keep this important military force in the capital,

00:37:28preventing it from leaving her control.

00:37:30At this delicate moment of political maneuvering,

00:37:33the defeated third prince,

00:37:34upon learning that Ali is unmarried,

00:37:37proposes to her on the spot,

00:37:38making the situation even more complicated.

00:37:41This sudden proposal is not just a personal pursuit of Ali,

00:37:43but possibly a test for a political alliance.

00:37:46And sitting aside,

00:37:47the masked prince,

00:37:48Lu Beima,

00:37:49who has been silently watching Ali,

00:37:51crushes the cup in his hand the moment he hears the proposal.

00:37:54This silent action betrays his extreme anger and jealousy,

00:37:58foreshadowing a more intense emotional and political storm to come.

00:38:01The sixth prince,

00:38:02Lu Fenglien,

00:38:03is furious.

00:38:04That his beloved Chuyuele

00:38:05is being overly friendly with other princes.

00:38:08His royal mother,

00:38:09Rui Fei,

00:38:10however,

00:38:10points out with sharp insight,

00:38:12that this is all a carefully orchestrated plot by Chuyuele.

00:38:15Her goal is to get revenge,

00:38:16and force him to leave his new favorite,

00:38:18Tuoba Fei Yuan,

00:38:19so that he will come crawling back to her.

00:38:22Enraged,

00:38:22Lu Fenglien is about to confront Chuyuele,

00:38:25when he receives news that Tuoba Fei Yuan

00:38:26has left him a letter and run away.

00:38:28He gallops to the city gate,

00:38:30only to overhear a conversation between the Tuoba sisters.

00:38:33It turns out they had approached him with the intention,

00:38:36of using his power to seek revenge on their family's enemies,

00:38:39Chuyuele and her brother.

00:38:40However,

00:38:41in the process of this revenge scheme,

00:38:43Tuoba Fei Yuan,

00:38:44who is meant to be just a pawn,

00:38:46has genuinely fallen in love with Lu Fenglien.

00:38:48Hearing all this,

00:38:49Lu Fenglien,

00:38:50instead of being angry,

00:38:52rushes forward and declares his love for Tuoba Fei Yuan.

00:38:55He admits his mistakes and tearfully swears,

00:38:57that for the rest of his life,

00:38:59he wants only her.

00:39:00In a passionate embrace,

00:39:02a relationship that began with a conspiracy,

00:39:04seems to have finally found its way to true love.

00:39:07Late at night,

00:39:07a guard reports to Ali,

00:39:09that the third prince of Dong-Oh has been beaten up,

00:39:11but is claiming to the public that he accidentally fell.

00:39:14This piques Ali's suspicion.

00:39:16Later,

00:39:16in her own courtyard,

00:39:18she discovers a mysterious man in a mask,

00:39:21gravely injured,

00:39:21the very prince she was thinking of.

00:39:23The man uses his injuries as an excuse,

00:39:26playfully asking Ali to take him in,

00:39:28and treat his wounds.

00:39:29As she tends to his injuries,

00:39:31she confirms that he was the one who hurt the third prince.

00:39:34The man readily admits it,

00:39:36stating that he did it because the third prince had his eyes on Ali.

00:39:39He further reveals that his five-year confinement in the northern frontier,

00:39:43was not entirely due to Ali's scheme,

00:39:45but was also a necessary measure to quell the chaos and protect the people.

00:39:49Just as Ali feels a pang of guilt for her past actions,

00:39:52the man suddenly becomes emotional.

00:39:54He grabs her hand and asks her,

00:39:55with a mix of passion and pain.

00:39:58If she still remembers her childhood promise to marry him,

00:40:01this long-buried promise leaves Ali in a state of shock and complex emotions.

00:40:06The masked prince,

00:40:06after being injured,

00:40:08shamelessly refuses to leave Ueli's private chambers,

00:40:11insisting that she had promised to marry him when they were children.

00:40:14Ueli has no memory of this and dismisses it as nonsense.

00:40:17However,

00:40:18that night,

00:40:19she has a vivid dream,

00:40:20in which she recalls kissing a young boy and making that very promise.

00:40:23Waking up in shock,

00:40:25Ueli is mortified at being brainwashed.

00:40:27Just then,

00:40:28her handmaiden,

00:40:29Zissou,

00:40:30reports,

00:40:30that her rival,

00:40:31Tuoba Feiyuen,

00:40:32has been acting strangely out of love.

00:40:35Staying at the city gate all night until Prince Jean coaxed her back,

00:40:38Ueli's sharp instincts tell her something is amiss.

00:40:41She believes someone is manipulating Tuoba Feiyuen from behind the scenes,

00:40:45and immediately sends someone to investigate.

00:40:47Soon after,

00:40:48she receives an invitation for a hunt from the 8th Princess of Dongo.

00:40:51At the hunting grounds,

00:40:53she finds Tuoba Feiyuen,

00:40:55who has clearly followed Prince Jean there.

00:40:57A grand drama involving an old promise,

00:41:00a current rival,

00:41:01and a potential conspiracy has just begun.

00:41:03On a path in the woods,

00:41:05a richly dressed woman stops Tu Ueli out of jealousy,

00:41:08verbally abusing her and accusing her of seducing men with her beauty.

00:41:11And by playing hard to get,

00:41:13in a fit of rage,

00:41:15she even draws a dagger,

00:41:16intending to disfigure Tu Ueli's face.

00:41:18However,

00:41:19she never expected that the seemingly delicate Tu Ueli is a hidden master of martial arts.

00:41:24Tu Ueli not only easily deflects the attack,

00:41:27but also injures the woman's hand in the process.

00:41:29Having failed in her physical attack,

00:41:31the woman resorts to a more vicious psychological assault.

00:41:34She triumphantly reveals a shocking secret.

00:41:37She had once tried to assassinate a man named Chu Xioha,

00:41:40and when she was on the verge of defeat,

00:41:42it was none other than Tu Ueli's beloved A. Jean,

00:41:44who stepped in to help her trap Chu Xioha,

00:41:47allowing her to gravely injure him.

00:41:50She even gleefully describes the look of despair in Chu Xioha's eyes at that moment,

00:41:54learning that the man she loves had betrayed her,

00:41:56and helped her rival harm her own people.

00:41:58This cruel truth completely shatters Tu Ueli's defenses,

00:42:02turning her shock into a towering rage,

00:42:04and ultimately awakening her intent to kill.

00:42:06In a forest clearing,

00:42:09the princess in pink is whipping the white, robed woman,

00:42:11Tu Ueli Fei Yuen,

00:42:12out of an old grudge.

00:42:14Meanwhile, the lady in blue, Lu Phongine, watches.

00:42:17Her heart filled with a mix of emotions.

00:42:20She regrets her years of misplaced devotion,

00:42:23which not only harmed her brother,

00:42:25but also let her enemies go free.

00:42:27A desire for revenge against both Tu Ueli Fei Yuen

00:42:29and herself ignites within her.

00:42:31The armored prince Jing arrives,

00:42:33desperate to save Tu Ueli Fei Yuen,

00:42:35but he is stopped by the mysterious masked man

00:42:37known as the fourth brother,

00:42:39who blocks his path with an unseen force.

00:42:42Prince Jing pleads with the fourth brother to let him pass,

00:42:45but the masked man dismissively calls

00:42:46the violent whipping Amir sparring session,

00:42:49clearly siding with the princess.

00:42:51On the ground,

00:42:52Tu Ueli Fei Yuen cries out to Prince Jing for help.

00:42:55Seeing his beloved being tormented and unable to do anything,

00:42:58Prince Jing is enraged,

00:43:00creating a tense standoff with the formidable fourth brother.

00:43:03In the royal hunting grounds,

00:43:04Princess Tu Ueli lies injured on the ground,

00:43:07crying to her beloved,

00:43:08the fifth prince Lufongin,

00:43:10and accusing Chu Ueli and her companions of attacking her.

00:43:13Lufongin, believing her story,

00:43:15is furious,

00:43:16and is about to confront them.

00:43:18However, Chu Ueli's brother,

00:43:19General Chu,

00:43:21and the masked fourth prince step forward to defend her.

00:43:24Just as the situation reaches a stalemate,

00:43:26with both sides refusing to back down,

00:43:28a guard steps forward as a witness,

00:43:30and reveals the truth,

00:43:32it was Princess Tuoba,

00:43:33who, out of jealousy,

00:43:34tried to slash Chu Ueli's face with a dagger.

00:43:37After her attack was blocked,

00:43:39she resorted to injuring her own neck to frame Chu Ueli,

00:43:41with her lie exposed in front of everyone.

00:43:44The enraged Princess Tuoba continues to argue,

00:43:47claiming that Chu Ueli had deliberately followed them there,

00:43:50to seduce Lufongin.

00:43:51Having been played for a fool,

00:43:53Lufongin turns to Chu Ueli with a complicated expression,

00:43:56and asks if she really came just for him,

00:43:59turning the end of a dramatic scene,

00:44:00into an awkward emotional confrontation.

00:44:03Prince Jean, Lufongin,

00:44:04had eagerly assumed that Ueli came for him,

00:44:07only to be publicly mocked by the princess in pink,

00:44:09for being so full of himself.

00:44:11His fifth brother further twists the knife,

00:44:13by bluntly stating that Ueli has no feelings for him.

00:44:16This series of blows leaves Lufongin utterly defeated.

00:44:19At the same time,

00:44:21his true love,

00:44:22the injured Tuoba Feiyuen,

00:44:23feels her heartbreak as she watches him pay attention only to Ueli.

00:44:27She confronts him,

00:44:28demanding to know why he failed to keep his promise to protect her,

00:44:32feeling completely let down.

00:44:34Seeing this,

00:44:34Ueli calmly steps forward and sharply rebukes Tuoba Feiyuen,

00:44:38pointing out that she was the one who started the fight despite being less skilled.

00:44:42She then exposes her hypocrisy,

00:44:44mocking her for on one hand,

00:44:46looking down on women who rely on men,

00:44:48and on the other,

00:44:49demanding that Prince Jean avenge her.

00:44:51These words leave Tuoba Feiyuen utterly humiliated in front of everyone.

00:44:55In a fit of extreme shame and anger,

00:44:58she furiously declares that she has never relied on men,

00:45:01and will seek her own revenge.

00:45:02Then storms off,

00:45:03breaking things off with Lufongen for good.

00:45:06In the corridor of the Jueyue Pavilion,

00:45:08Tuoba Feiyuen and Lufongin have a fierce argument.

00:45:11She feels wronged by her humiliation,

00:45:13and even more heartbroken and angry that Lufongin sided with her rival,

00:45:17Chuyuele.

00:45:18In a fit of rage,

00:45:19she breaks up with him,

00:45:21declaring she doesn't need him.

00:45:23Enraged,

00:45:23Lufongin impulsively agrees to end their relationship.

00:45:27Furious,

00:45:27Tuoba Feiyuen storms out of the pavilion,

00:45:30draws a guard sword,

00:45:31and,

00:45:32with one strike,

00:45:33splits the Jueyue Pavilion,

00:45:34clock in two,

00:45:35completely severing their connection.

00:45:37Meanwhile,

00:45:38the other protagonist of this drama,

00:45:40Chuyuele,

00:45:41learns of the incident,

00:45:42though she appears gentle on the surface.

00:45:44Her eyes reveal an unexpected coldness and determination.

00:45:48She tells her confidant that,

00:45:49even if Lufongin didn't intentionally cause harm,

00:45:52he was still an accomplice.

00:45:54She is resolved to make those who have wronged her pay the price.

00:45:56A quest for revenge,

00:45:58sparked by a love triangle,

00:45:59is about to begin in the shadows.

00:46:00In the courtyard of the prince's mansion,

00:46:04Prince Jean practices his archery,

00:46:06hitting the bullseye every time in preparation for the upcoming autumn hunt.

00:46:10His subordinate suggests that if they could recruit the highly skilled general Chu,

00:46:14they would surely win the top prize.

00:46:16Before he can finish,

00:46:17Princess Tuoba Feiyuen from the desert appears.

00:46:20She apologizes for their previous argument,

00:46:22and,

00:46:23to prove her own worth,

00:46:24performs a stunning feat of archery on the spot.

00:46:27She shoots an arrow that splits the one Prince Jean had just lodged in the bullseye,

00:46:31earning his admiration.

00:46:33Just then,

00:46:33an imperial edict arrives,

00:46:35ordering Prince Jean to immediately lead troops to Hong County to suppress a rebellion.

00:46:39Tuoba Feiyuen sees this as her chance to make a name for herself,

00:46:43and volunteers to go with the army.

00:46:45Prince Jean readily agrees.

00:46:47Elsewhere,

00:46:47Prince Jean's true strategist,

00:46:49Chuyuele,

00:46:50hears the news.

00:46:51A look of gravity crossing her face.

00:46:53She knows that this proud and skilled desert flower is no simple character,

00:46:57and her presence is bound to bring great turmoil to this campaign.

00:47:01Prince Lufongin leads his army deep into a forest.

00:47:04Faced with an unknown enemy situation,

00:47:06his subordinates advise a cautious retreat.

00:47:09However,

00:47:09Princess Tuoba,

00:47:10who is traveling with them,

00:47:12is vehemently against retreating,

00:47:14fearing it would be a loss of face for her.

00:47:15When a subordinate mentions that the Y is Lady Li,

00:47:18would never let them take such a risk,

00:47:20the remark ignites Tuoba's jealousy.

00:47:23She begins to mock Lufongin,

00:47:25insinuating that all his military achievements were thanks to Chuyuele.

00:47:28At first,

00:47:29Lufongin maintains his composure and orders a retreat.

00:47:33But Tuoba continues to provoke him with taunts like,

00:47:36Do you want to live under Chuyuele's shadow forever?

00:47:38You are the invincible god of war.

00:47:40Ultimately,

00:47:40he is successfully goaded into abandoning his rational judgment,

00:47:43and orders the entire army to advance recklessly.

00:47:47Meanwhile,

00:47:47the true strategist,

00:47:49Tuuele,

00:47:50deduces from battle reports alone that this is a trap to lure them in.

00:47:53Just as she reaches this conclusion,

00:47:55a messenger arrives with urgent news.

00:47:58Prince Jin's army has been ambushed and is trapped in the mountains.

00:48:00A disaster,

00:48:02sparked by impulsiveness and jealousy,

00:48:04has now unfolded.

00:48:06After a devastating battle,

00:48:07the gravely wounded Ajin leads his remaining troops to hide in a forest,

00:48:11consumed with guilt for the loss of 30,000 soldiers.

00:48:15Meanwhile,

00:48:15Yuanur,

00:48:16the woman traveling with him,

00:48:17is in hysterics,

00:48:18not over the loss of life,

00:48:20but because of a small scratch on her face.

00:48:22At that moment,

00:48:23the surviving soldiers arrive,

00:48:25blaming Yuanur entirely for their defeat.

00:48:27They are filled with rage and swear to kill her for revenge.

00:48:31At this critical moment,

00:48:33Ajin stands up and takes all the responsibility upon himself.

00:48:36But the soldiers have lost all faith in him.

00:48:39Instead,

00:48:39they speak of the brilliant strategist,

00:48:41Lady Li,

00:48:42believing only she can save them.

00:48:44Hearing this,

00:48:45Yuanur's jealousy flares,

00:48:46and she begins to slander Lady Li,

00:48:48completely enraging everyone.

00:48:50Just as the internal conflict is about to explode,

00:48:53with the soldiers demanding Yuanur be sent to the front lines,

00:48:56an army suddenly appears in the distance.

00:48:58It is Lady Li,

00:48:59who has arrived with reinforcements at their most desperate hour.

00:49:03Seeing Chu Yueli,

00:49:04who has come to rescue him at this life or death moment,

00:49:07Ajin is stunned.

00:49:08He finally realizes how deeply he had misunderstood her.

00:49:12Prince Jin,

00:49:13Liu Fenglian,

00:49:14awakens from his injuries on his sickbed.

00:49:16He learns from his attendant that it was Ali who,

00:49:18risking her own life,

00:49:20led the Chu family army to save him from being surrounded.

00:49:23He is deeply moved by this profound love.

00:49:26Mistakenly believing that Ali's feelings for him have never changed,

00:49:29he immediately decides that after the autumn hunt,

00:49:32he will grandly marry Ali as his official princess consort.

00:49:35However,

00:49:36in another part of the Gua Gong Mansion,

00:49:38a different truth is revealed.

00:49:40Ali confesses to her brother that she saved Prince Jin not out of love,

00:49:43but to use the opportunity to show the world the incompetence of the god of war of Dongling,

00:49:48thereby destroying his reputation.

00:49:49She has long since moved on from her past feelings for him,

00:49:52and has already requested permission from the emperor to become a female general.

00:49:57Faced with her brother's concern that no good family would want to marry a female general,

00:50:01Ali's eyes are firm.

00:50:03She tells him she no longer wants to be trapped in matters of love,

00:50:06and wishes to build her own legacy,

00:50:08and protect her family and the Gua Gong Mansion with her own strength.

00:50:12A deep misunderstanding and a clear eye decision stand in stark contrast.

00:50:16The villainous Prince Tuoba Shuang conspires with his subordinate to spread a rumor

00:50:20that Chiyuele was gravely injured while saving Lu Beima,

00:50:24intending to test and strike at his friend, Lu Beima.

00:50:27Meanwhile,

00:50:27in her own chambers,

00:50:29Chiyuele is stopped by the masked Lu Beima.

00:50:31He uses the rumor to playfully probe her true feelings.

00:50:34Chiyuele,

00:50:35however,

00:50:35calmly confesses that her journey was not to save him,

00:50:38but to defeat him in the autumn hunt,

00:50:40completely destroying his reputation as the god of war,

00:50:44and thereby severing all ties with the Jing princely mansion.

00:50:47Faced with Chiyuele's resolute stance,

00:50:49Lu Beima,

00:50:50far from being angry,

00:50:52affectionately proposes to her.

00:50:53He explains that he has been waiting for her to willingly agree,

00:50:56rather than being forced by an imperial edict.

00:50:59He even mentions their childhood promise,

00:51:01and vows that if she just gives him the word,

00:51:03he will set everything aside and be at her command,

00:51:06to help her achieve all her plans.

00:51:09A test that began with a conspiracy has ultimately turned into an unexpected declaration of true love.

00:51:15A prince attempts to reconcile with Ali,

00:51:17a woman who once adored him.

00:51:19He humbles himself,

00:51:20apologizes,

00:51:22and invites her to join his team for the autumn hunt,

00:51:24as they always used to.

00:51:26However,

00:51:26Ali's attitude is now cold and resolute.

00:51:29She not only rejects him outright,

00:51:31but also cruelly shatters all his fantasies.

00:51:33She clarifies that her past rescue of him in Hung County,

00:51:37was not a thousand,

00:51:38mile journey to save her husband,

00:51:40but merely a calculated move to prove her own abilities.

00:51:43And she advises him to stop being so full of himself.

00:51:46Amidst the prince's shock and pleading,

00:51:48Ali further declares that her heart no longer has a place for him,

00:51:51and admits she has fallen for the more capable prince MO.

00:51:54This revelation completely breaks the prince's psychological defenses.

00:51:58Under Ali's barrage of sharp retorts and sarcasm,

00:52:00he flies into a rage,

00:52:03calls her vicious and shameless,

00:52:05and storms off.

00:52:06An attempt at reconciliation has ended in a final, complete rupture.

00:52:10The foreign princess, Tuoba Feiyuen,

00:52:12unable to see her beloved,

00:52:14the regent prince Lufenglian,

00:52:15confronts him directly.

00:52:17In his study,

00:52:18the two have a fierce argument.

00:52:20Feiyuen questions his coldness

00:52:21and threatens to end their relationship.

00:52:23Lufenglian retorts that he was gravely injured saving her,

00:52:26yet she never once came to visit.

00:52:29Feiyuen explains tearfully that she tried,

00:52:31but was blocked by the royal consort Rui.

00:52:33In a fit of anger,

00:52:34she reveals what she believes to be the truth

00:52:36that the other woman,

00:52:38Chu Yueli,

00:52:38rescued him not for his sake,

00:52:40but to prove that she was stronger than him.

00:52:42This accusation strikes a deep blow to Lufenglian's pride.

00:52:46Enraged,

00:52:47he orders his guards to lock Tuoba Feiyuen in the woodshed.

00:52:50As she is being dragged away,

00:52:51she continues to cry out,

00:52:53trying to make him see that he is being used.

00:52:55Lufenglian is left alone,

00:52:57his face a mask of fury and complex emotions.

00:53:01After making a mistake,

00:53:02Tuoba Ziyue apologizes to Prince Jean.

00:53:05To make amends,

00:53:06she offers to introduce him to a highly skilled desert flower,

00:53:10to help him win the autumn hunt.

00:53:12This princess in red,

00:53:13upon her arrival,

00:53:14indeed impresses the prince,

00:53:16with her superb equestrian and archery skills.

00:53:19However, later in the tea room,

00:53:20this desert flower reveals her ruthless nature,

00:53:23merely because a handmaiden failed to kneel in time,

00:53:26she strikes her down with a single palm,

00:53:28gravely injuring her.

00:53:29She then confronts Tuoba Ziyue,

00:53:31revealing a shocking secret.

00:53:33Not only is she Ziyue's master,

00:53:35but all the unique behaviors

00:53:36that had attracted Prince Jean were taught by her.

00:53:39With her superior skill and cunning,

00:53:41she completely dominates Ziyue,

00:53:43and warns her not to even think about competing with her.

00:53:45What seemed like an introduction of a capable ally was,

00:53:48in fact,

00:53:49a cruel warning,

00:53:50that the student could never surpass the master.

00:53:53At the autumn hunt,

00:53:54Ali and her companions are in the forest,

00:53:56when they are confronted by the provocative Prince Jean

00:53:59and his entourage,

00:54:00citing the decline of Ali's family,

00:54:02and the fact that her brother is now crippled.

00:54:04The prince tries to force her into submission,

00:54:06graciously offering to forgive

00:54:08and forget her past transgressions.

00:54:10Ali, composed and calm,

00:54:12flatly refuses,

00:54:13stating that their paths are different,

00:54:15and they cannot conspire together.

00:54:17The Tuoba lady with Prince Jean

00:54:18speaks up condescendingly,

00:54:20mocking all women

00:54:21for wanting to show off in front of men,

00:54:23calling them clowns seeking attention.

00:54:25Ali seizes on the flaw in her argument,

00:54:27and sharply retorts,

00:54:28asking if she herself is not a woman.

00:54:31When the Tuoba lady declares,

00:54:32I have never seen myself as a woman,

00:54:34Ali pinpoints the core of her flawed thinking,

00:54:37the deep,

00:54:37seated belief that women are inferior.

00:54:40The Tuoba lady is left speechless.

00:54:41After this verbal joust,

00:54:44Ali ceases to engage with them,

00:54:45and leaves with her companions.

00:54:47Leaving the Tuoba lady with a dark expression,

00:54:49her pride clearly wounded.

00:54:51At the royal hunting grounds,

00:54:53the mysterious masked Prince Emo arrives.

00:54:56He ignores the crowd,

00:54:57and immediately provokes Ali with his words,

00:54:59even brazenly proposing to her in public,

00:55:01and subtly mocking her god of war,

00:55:03brother's incompetence.

00:55:05Just as the confrontation is about to escalate,

00:55:07the emperor and empress arrive,

00:55:09and the competition begins.

00:55:11To liven things up,

00:55:12Prince Emo volunteers to demonstrate his archery skills.

00:55:15He gallops on his horse,

00:55:16and from the most difficult angle,

00:55:18releases an arrow that hits the bullseye,

00:55:21earning thunderous applause.

00:55:22Immediately after,

00:55:23Ali's brother the renowned god of war,

00:55:25also takes the field.

00:55:27However before the watchful eyes of the entire court,

00:55:30his arrow misses the target completely.

00:55:32This huge mistake sparks whispers among the ministers,

00:55:35who reveal the god of war's shameful past.

00:55:38He once led an army of 30,000 against a few thousand rebels,

00:55:41and was defeated,

00:55:43only surviving because Ali saved him.

00:55:45The god of war's failure,

00:55:47the emperor's displeasure,

00:55:48and Prince Emo's success create a scene filled with irony and impending crisis.

00:55:53At the royal martial arts competition,

00:55:56a noble lady first wins acclaim with her superb archery.

00:55:59Later, in the spectator's gallery,

00:56:01the male lead and the female supporting character are in conversation.

00:56:05Their words dismissive of another woman, Ali,

00:56:07whom they consider too delicate,

00:56:09and not the kind of strong partner he admires.

00:56:11However, when the heroine Ali makes her entrance,

00:56:14the scene shifts dramatically.

00:56:16At first, she clumsily fumbles with her bow,

00:56:19seemingly unable to even draw it,

00:56:21which draws ridicule from the officials.

00:56:23Just when everyone expects her to make a fool of herself,

00:56:26she performs a stunning, high, difficulty move.

00:56:29As her horse rears up,

00:56:30she stands on its back and fires three arrows at once,

00:56:33all of which hit the bullseye.

00:56:35This incredible reversal leaves all her mockers speechless.

00:56:38The male lead, who had previously looked down on her,

00:56:41is deeply shaken.

00:56:43He removes his mask,

00:56:44his eyes filled with a new curiosity and a desire to conquer,

00:56:48and murmurs to himself,

00:56:49Ali, just how many more secrets are you hiding from me?

00:56:52A tense confrontation unfolds in the forest.

00:56:55The female general, Shu Ueli, sits atop her horse,

00:56:58looking down coldly at her husband, Prince Emo.

00:57:01She finally reveals the truth she has suppressed for years.

00:57:04She was once a highly skilled martial artist from a family of generals.

00:57:08But because of his dismissive comment that it was improper for a young lady,

00:57:12she was forced to hide her talents,

00:57:13smooth her sharp edges,

00:57:15and willingly become an ordinary woman of the inner chambers.

00:57:18She bitterly declares,

00:57:20I was born a mountain,

00:57:21but for you,

00:57:22I was willing to become a gentle stream.

00:57:24Exposing his selfishness and the harm he had caused her.

00:57:27Deeply shaken by these words,

00:57:29Prince Emo witnesses an even more jealousy-inducing scene that night.

00:57:32He secretly observes Shu Ueli alone in a tent with his brother, Prince Jing.

00:57:36At that moment,

00:57:38Shu Ueli's older brother also arrives to see her.

00:57:41Stumbling upon the delicate situation.

00:57:43Outside the tent,

00:57:44Prince Emo,

00:57:45hearing the conversation among the three,

00:57:47believes his wife has betrayed him.

00:57:49Jealousy and regret surge through him.

00:57:51He clenches his fists so tightly that his veins bulge.

00:57:54A much larger emotional storm is about to break.

00:57:57In the dead of night,

00:57:58the fifth prince confronts his masked fourth brother,

00:58:01demanding to know if he has been with Ueli.

00:58:03The fourth brother,

00:58:04far from denying it,

00:58:06openly admits it and deliberately provokes him.

00:58:08General Chu,

00:58:09who is nearby,

00:58:10tries to cover for Ali by claiming she is changing her clothes.

00:58:14But the fourth brother immediately pulls back the tent flap.

00:58:17To reveal Ali inside,

00:58:18instantly exposing the lie.

00:58:20Enraged,

00:58:21the fifth prince tries to use his royal status.

00:58:24And court rules to pressure him.

00:58:26But the fourth brother is unfazed.

00:58:28Instead,

00:58:28he drops a bombshell.

00:58:30He is going to marry Ali.

00:58:31This news shocks everyone present.

00:58:33Then,

00:58:34acting as the master of the Guo Gong Mansion,

00:58:36he dismissively tells General Chu to entertain the fifth prince,

00:58:40this outsider,

00:58:41before pulling Ali into the tent,

00:58:43and leaving him standing there,

00:58:45utterly humiliated.

00:58:47The fifth prince ends this failed confrontation,

00:58:49in a fit of rage and confusion.

00:58:51In the late hours of the study,

00:58:53the female general Ali is diligently reading.

00:58:56When the masked prince appears to harass her,

00:58:59refusing to leave,

00:59:00with a series of playful yet deeply affectionate confessions,

00:59:03he expresses his fear of her being stolen away by someone else.

00:59:07In the midst of their flirtatious banter,

00:59:09Ali becomes flustered by his proximity.

00:59:11And a memory flashes in her mind,

00:59:13of a young boy rescuing her from a fire.

00:59:15On impulse,

00:59:17she reaches out and removes the prince's mask.

00:59:19As it falls away,

00:59:20a handsome face is revealed.

00:59:22Ali is stunned to realize that the prince before her

00:59:24is the very boy who saved her all those years ago.

00:59:27And the prince,

00:59:28who had been using his disfigurement,

00:59:30as an excuse to win her sympathy,

00:59:32is now utterly panicked.

00:59:34He stammers.

00:59:35I'll come see you again tomorrow.

00:59:36And flees in haste.

00:59:38Ali is left alone.

00:59:40Holding the mask and looking at a book with the title,

00:59:42The Most Handsome Man in the World.

00:59:44Feeling both annoyed and amused,

00:59:46as she processes this long hidden secret.

00:59:47A royal consort has already laid a trap.

00:59:50Planning to eliminate both Chuyuele and Prince Emo during the hunt.

00:59:54In order to seize control of the Chou family's army.

00:59:57Unaware of the danger,

00:59:58Chuyuele,

00:59:59though feeling uneasy,

01:00:00enters the forest with Prince Emo.

01:00:02In the woods,

01:00:03Prince Emo begins a direct and passionate pursuit of Chuyuele.

01:00:07He apologizes for his previous loss of control.

01:00:10And straightforwardly proposes to her.

01:00:12Chuyuele tries to refuse him by stating her lifelong ambition

01:00:15to become a female general.

01:00:17And never marry.

01:00:18But Prince Emo playfully misinterprets her.

01:00:20Teasing her about whether she wants a fleeting romance with him.

01:00:24He then, under the guise of protecting her,

01:00:26exchanges his dagger for hers.

01:00:28And unilaterally declares it a token of their engagement.

01:00:31This bold and slightly roguish declaration of love.

01:00:34Leaves the usually composed Chuyuele feeling both annoyed and amused.

01:00:37Their relationship quietly begins to change amidst the perilous forest.

01:00:41A sinister plot lurks behind the autumn hunt.

01:00:44During the autumn hunt,

01:00:45a young prince is determined to win first place.

01:00:48To prove his strength to the woman he admires,

01:00:50Ali.

01:00:50And to make her regret not joining his side.

01:00:53However, at the victory banquet,

01:00:55when the spoils of the hunt are presented in the main hall,

01:00:58everyone is stunned.

01:00:59It is Ali and the mysterious masked Prince Emo who appear together.

01:01:02And, in the name of the Gua Gong Mansion,

01:01:05present the final prize of the hunt,

01:01:07a massive black bear.

01:01:08Their success delights the emperor.

01:01:10But shocks and displeases the empress and others who have been opposing them.

01:01:14The eunuch publicly announces that the Gua Gong Mansion is the winner of the hunt.

01:01:18However, the atmosphere between the two victors is strangely tense.

01:01:22They take their seats separately.

01:01:23With no joyful exchange between them.

01:01:26Only a sense of distance and confrontation.

01:01:28Behind this seemingly cooperative victory,

01:01:30there seems to be a more complex relationship and an unsolved mystery.

01:01:34At the palace banquet,

01:01:36a soldier rushes in frantically to report.

01:01:38That Prince Jean has gone missing.

01:01:40And is presumed dead after being attacked by a pack of frenzied bears.

01:01:44While trying to rescue Chiyuele.

01:01:46Upon hearing this,

01:01:47the prince's mother immediately concludes.

01:01:49It is a trap set by Chiyuele.

01:01:51And furiously confronts her in front of the court.

01:01:54At that moment,

01:01:55the masked Prince Emo,

01:01:56who had been silent,

01:01:58suddenly stands up.

01:01:59He informs everyone.

01:02:00That he too had encountered the frenzied bears in the hunting grounds.

01:02:04And was only able to escape thanks to Chiyuele's help.

01:02:06Prince Mo's testimony not only clears Chiyuele of suspicion.

01:02:10But also confirms the real and immense danger of the bear pack.

01:02:14This makes the once aggressive royal mother realize.

01:02:16That her son is not caught in a conspiracy.

01:02:19But is in genuine peril.

01:02:21She instantly panics.

01:02:22Her anger turning to extreme fear.

01:02:24An interrogation aimed at Chiyuele has been completely overturned.

01:02:27By Prince Mo's unexpected testimony.

01:02:30On the grand hall of the palace.

01:02:32The daughter of the traitor Tuoba.

01:02:34In a fit of rage over the whereabouts of her beloved A. Jean.

01:02:37Confronts Chiyuele.

01:02:39Only to be pushed to the ground in front of everyone.

01:02:41Chiyuele then proceeds to list Tuoba's crimes before the emperor.

01:02:45Successfully having her imprisoned.

01:02:47After settling this personal score.

01:02:49Chiyuele cleverly turns the situation to her advantage.

01:02:52Citing the need to quell the thousand mile journey to save her husband, Rumor.

01:02:56She requests an official title to go and rescue the trapped prince Jean.

01:03:00The emperor is delighted.

01:03:01He not only grants her request.

01:03:03But also gives her command of the imperial dragon guard.

01:03:06To demonstrate her capability and awe the court.

01:03:09Chiyuele takes a spear.

01:03:10And with a powerful display of internal energy.

01:03:13Strikes the ground.

01:03:15Causing it to crack and burst into flames.

01:03:16Her hidden martial prowess stuns everyone present.

01:03:20Including the royal consort who had been her enemy.

01:03:22With this masterful political maneuver.

01:03:24Chiyuele completely transforms her status and image within the palace.

01:03:29In a deep forest.

01:03:31A prince is viciously attacked by a black bear.

01:03:33And is on the brink of death.

01:03:35Just as he is about to be gravely injured.

01:03:37A skilled female warrior in black.

01:03:39Oli appears.

01:03:40She calmly fights off the bear and saves him.

01:03:43In the conversation that follows.

01:03:44Their complicated past is revealed.

01:03:47The prince.

01:03:47Disapproving of Ali's martial arts.

01:03:50Had made her hide her skills for years.

01:03:52After being rescued.

01:03:53The prince is filled with gratitude and regret.

01:03:56And tries to express his feelings.

01:03:58But Oli responds with icy resolve.

01:04:00She tells him that saving him was merely an order.

01:04:03And that there is no personal feeling involved.

01:04:05She then turns and leaves.

01:04:07Leaving the injured prince alone.

01:04:09In the solemn ancestral hall of their family.

01:04:11Oli reveals a series of shocking truths to her brother.

01:04:14Faced with the precarious situation of their family.

01:04:17With only the two of them left.

01:04:18And enemies surrounding them.

01:04:20She is determined to no longer hide her strength.

01:04:23And to take on the responsibility of protecting their family.

01:04:26She confesses that she has already avenged her brother's injury.

01:04:28It turns out that on the hunting grounds.

01:04:31She deliberately waited until Prince Jin's leg was crippled by a frenzied bear.

01:04:35Before she intervened.

01:04:37With the aim of leaving him severely injured.

01:04:39And unable to inherit the throne.

01:04:41Her brother is shocked.

01:04:42But is more concerned for his sister's safety.

01:04:44Oli then reveals an even deeper conspiracy.

01:04:47The danger on the hunting grounds.

01:04:48Was part of a larger plot.

01:04:50There were not only frenzied bears.

01:04:52But also assassins sent after her.

01:04:54She deduces that this was a scheme by the royal consort Ruin.

01:04:57Who had intended to eliminate both her and Prince Enloe.

01:05:00But ended up harming her own son.

01:05:01Prince Jin.

01:05:02In a classic case of hoist by one's own petard.

01:05:05In a quaint room.

01:05:07The mysterious masked prince and his princess consort.

01:05:09Engage in a game of emotional chess and confession.

01:05:13The prince begins by confidently.

01:05:15Almost flirtatiously.

01:05:16Probing his wife.

01:05:17Trying to get her to admit her feelings for him.

01:05:20The princess consort.

01:05:21However.

01:05:22Maintains a reserved and resistant demeanor.

01:05:24Expressing confusion over his current personality.

01:05:27Which is a far cry from the taciturn and aloof man of rumors.

01:05:31As the conversation deepens.

01:05:32The prince reveals the real reason he is not the disfigured man of legend.

01:05:36It was all for a profound promise.

01:05:38One life.

01:05:39One world.

01:05:39One pair.

01:05:40That he has worn the mask for years.

01:05:42It was a way to ward off any outside admiration or distractions.

01:05:45Solely to protect his unique love for her.

01:05:48Finally.

01:05:49The prince removes his mask.

01:05:51Revealing his handsome face.

01:05:53The princess consort.

01:05:54Deeply moved by his devotion and thoughtfulness.

01:05:57Sees the misunderstandings between them dissolve.

01:05:59Their relationship has now entered a new.

01:06:02More intimate phase.

01:06:03Prince Mo's brother, Lufon Jean, urgently summons Ali from her residence.

01:06:08Claiming that Prince M.O. is gravely ill.

01:06:10On the carriage ride to Prince Mo's mansion.

01:06:13He laughingly reveals the truth.

01:06:14Prince M.O. is not physically worse.

01:06:17But simply in a bad mood.

01:06:18Because Ali hasn't visited him.

01:06:20He even shows her a complaint letter Prince M.O. had written to him.

01:06:24Ali, feeling both exasperated and amused.

01:06:26Still agrees to see him.

01:06:28She arrives at his bedchamber to find him lying in bed.

01:06:31Wearing his mask and pretending to be on his deathbed.

01:06:33But the first words out of his mouth are a jealous accusation.

01:06:37Have you been to see that dog Lufon Jean?

01:06:38He then proceeds to theatrically list his symptoms.

01:06:41Bruising, nausea, loss of appetite to gain her sympathy.

01:06:45Ali calmly points to the official documents he's been working on.

01:06:48Exposing his charade.

01:06:49Caught in his act, Prince M.O. cleverly reframes his behavior as

01:06:53Working while injured out of loyalty to the country.

01:06:55And then, with a heartfelt gaze,

01:06:58He asks Ali if she is satisfied with such a responsible husband.

01:07:02Turning a childish prank into a tender, emotional test.

01:07:06Prince Jing, gravely injured while saving the woman he loves,

01:07:09Chuyuele,

01:07:10Is told by the imperial physician that he can no longer have children.

01:07:14In his agony, he seeks comfort from Chuyuele.

01:07:17Only to be met with her icy ridicule.

01:07:19She then reveals that before he saved her,

01:07:21She had been attacked by the royal family's secret assassins.

01:07:24Implying that he is somehow connected to the plot.

01:07:27Shocked, Prince Jing immediately goes to confront his mother.

01:07:30In the royal consort's chambers, the truth is unraveled layer by layer.

01:07:34His mother admits to sending assassins after Chuyuele.

01:07:37Believing she was conspiring with Prince Jing's political rival, Prince M.O.

01:07:41And jeopardizing his path to the throne.

01:07:44Even more shockingly, the frenzied bear incident that injured him,

01:07:47Was also a trap set by his mother to frame Prince M.O.

01:07:50And he was an unintended victim.

01:07:52In his despair and rage, Prince Jing finds a renewed determination to fight.

01:07:57Vowing to take back everything that belongs to him, especially his woman.

01:08:01At a royal banquet, the empress brings up the third prince's previous public proposal to Ali.

01:08:06Intending to push the marriage forward.

01:08:08Just as both the third prince and Ali are caught in an awkward position.

01:08:12The masked Prince M.O.

01:08:13Lou Bema suddenly steps forward.

01:08:15And in front of everyone, requests the emperor's permission to marry Ali.

01:08:19He then reveals a secret that has been kept for nine years.

01:08:22He was the one who saved Ali from a great fire.

01:08:25Not someone else as everyone believed.

01:08:27And she had promised to marry her savior when she grew up.

01:08:30The truth is confirmed by a burnt scar on his arm.

01:08:33Ali is stunned.

01:08:34Realizing she has been mistaken about her savior for nine years.

01:08:37And is overcome with guilt toward Lou Bema.

01:08:40However, because she has sworn an oath to avenge her parents and find their remains.

01:08:44She cannot accept the marriage proposal at this time.

01:08:47Lou Bema, understanding her situation, lovingly promises that since he has already waited

01:08:52nine years, he is willing to wait even longer.

01:08:55In a quaint room, Prince Lou Bema and Ali have a candid conversation.

01:08:59The prince reveals the true reason for his public proposal.

01:09:02It was to preempt another suitor.

01:09:04He also admits that he knew all along.

01:09:06That Ali planned to use the excuse of finding her parents' remains.

01:09:10To refuse all marriage proposals.

01:09:12Ali then questions why he didn't tell her the truth about the past sooner.

01:09:15The prince confidently replies that he believes she will eventually fall for him regardless.

01:09:20Touched by his words.

01:09:21Ali expresses her understanding of the grievances he has endured for years.

01:09:25The prince seizes the opportunity to ask for compensation.

01:09:29That she call him by his name, Bema in private.

01:09:31As their relationship softens.

01:09:33Ali asks the crucial question.

01:09:35Why did he, a stranger to her at the time.

01:09:38Risk his life to save her from the fire all those years ago.

01:09:40The video ends on a cliffhanger.

01:09:43As the prince, instead of answering.

01:09:45Meaningfully grabs her wrist.

01:09:47Lou Bema playfully brings up again how Chiyuele.

01:09:49As a child, had kissed him and promised to marry him.

01:09:53Simply because he was good looking.

01:09:55Through a series of warm childhood flashbacks.

01:09:58Their deep, innocent bond as childhood friends is beautifully illustrated.

01:10:02Moved by these memories.

01:10:04Chiyuele finally reciprocates Lou Bema's feelings.

01:10:06They share a passionate kiss.

01:10:08And she agrees to marry him.

01:10:10However, just as Chiyuele is dressed in her wedding gown.

01:10:14Happily preparing to marry.

01:10:15Her handmaiden rushes in with devastating news.

01:10:18The third prince of Dong-o was assassinated at the inn.

01:10:21And rumors are spreading that Chiyuele and Prince Mo are the culprits.

01:10:25The emperor has summoned them to the palace immediately.

01:10:27A sudden political conspiracy has cast a huge shadow over their happy wedding.

01:10:31Plunging their future into an unknown crisis.

01:10:34Before the emperor, a eunuch publicly accuses Ali and Prince Mo of retaliating

01:10:38against the third prince for his marriage proposal to Ali.

01:10:41First by injuring him.

01:10:43And then by setting a fire to murder him.

01:10:45Faced with these false accusations, Ali remains composed.

01:10:49She uses her medical knowledge to counter.

01:10:51Pointing out that the third prince was already poisoned before the fire.

01:10:54Which is why he was unconscious and unable to escape.

01:10:57She successfully elevates the incident from a personal grudge to a political conspiracy

01:11:01aimed at provoking war between the two nations.

01:11:04Capturing the emperor's full attention.

01:11:07Faced with the emperor's skepticism, Prince Mo steps forward and stakes his own life as

01:11:11a guarantee for Ali.

01:11:12The emperor is ultimately persuaded and gives them three days to uncover the truth.

01:11:17After leaving the imperial study, the trio immediately begins to strategize.

01:11:21Ali identifies the components of the poison.

01:11:23Prince Mo sends his men to the pharmacy to trace the clues.

01:11:27And she arranges for her brother to protect the key witness, the third prince.

01:11:31While she and Prince Mo head to the crime scene to search for more evidence.

01:11:34The masked prince and the clever lady in white investigate the scene of the fire at an inn.

01:11:39Through clues like black oil and Hongingsi, a plant that only grows in barbarian lands.

01:11:45They quickly deduce that the mastermind is Tuoba Mingwe.

01:11:47And suspect she has an accomplice within the palace.

01:11:50To lure out the enemy, they decide to set a trap.

01:11:53Later, the prince interrogates a captured female assassin.

01:11:57At first, she is defiant.

01:11:59But under the prince's brutal torture and psychological pressure,

01:12:03she finally breaks and confesses that her mastermind is indeed Tuoba Mingwe.

01:12:07Her mission was to seduce the prince and turn him into a pawn for her revenge.

01:12:11With the truth revealed, the prince now has a plan in motion to catch all his enemies in one fell swoop.

01:12:15Chuyuele is treating the poisoned and unconscious third prince.

01:12:22When one of the masterminds, royal consort Rue, arrives to apply pressure.

01:12:26She threatens Chuyuele, warning that if the real culprit isn't found within three days,

01:12:31both she and Prince Mo will pay with their lives.

01:12:34Chuyuele, however, turns the tables.

01:12:36Through clever questioning, she tricks the consort's handmaiden, Shio Momo,

01:12:40into revealing that she knows the poison's formula, thereby confirming the consort's involvement.

01:12:46She then spreads false information, claiming to have found the hiding place of the other conspirator,

01:12:50Tuoba Mingwe, and plans to capture her the next day to lure them out.

01:12:54As the consort sends someone to warn Tuoba Mingwe,

01:12:57Chuyuele receives new information from her own subordinate.

01:13:00A female assassin who was executed had mannerisms strikingly similar to an old acquaintance,

01:13:05Tuoba Fei-Yuen.

01:13:06Chuyuele decides to let the line run long to catch the big fish.

01:13:09Choosing not to act immediately, but to wait until all the conspirators have revealed themselves.

01:13:15The prince in purple learns from his subordinate,

01:13:17that the captured female assassin, Moronghua,

01:13:20not only has mannerisms strikingly similar to Tuoba Fei-Yuen,

01:13:24whom he once knew, but that rumors are also spreading,

01:13:27comparing him to his brother, Prince Mo.

01:13:30This fuels his suspicion and rage,

01:13:32believing that Moronghua has been deceiving him from the start.

01:13:35He personally goes to the Misty Rain Pavilion to interrogate her.

01:13:39There, the battered Moronghua acts erratically,

01:13:42sometimes lucid, sometimes insane.

01:13:44She alternates between cursing the prince as a dog,

01:13:47and affectionately declaring that she doesn't mind his past,

01:13:50wishing for them to be together forever.

01:13:52The prince sees through her act,

01:13:54recognizing it as the trained deception of an assassin.

01:13:57He finally loses control,

01:13:59grabs her by the neck,

01:14:00and demands to know her true motive for getting close to him.

01:14:03During an interrogation in the prince's courtyard,

01:14:06the lady in white, under pressure from the attendant,

01:14:09finally confesses that her initial approach to the prince

01:14:11was a ploy to avenge her sister,

01:14:13with the ultimate goal of stealing him away and destroying his family.

01:14:17However, she then tearfully professes that in the process of the charade,

01:14:21she genuinely fell in love with him.

01:14:23Upon learning the truth of her betrayal,

01:14:25the prince is heartbroken and enraged.

01:14:27Despite her tearful declarations of love,

01:14:30the pain of being deceived is too great for him to forgive.

01:14:33He ultimately orders her to be thrown into the dungeon,

01:14:36and sends his men to track down the true mastermind, her sister.

01:14:39A love that began as a quest for revenge has ended in imprisonment,

01:14:42and a final, bitter separation,

01:14:45urging her to leave immediately.

01:14:46However, this is all a trap set by Chuyuele and the masked male lead, Lubeima.

01:14:51Before they can react, sleeping gas fills the room,

01:14:54and they are both knocked unconscious.

01:14:55Chuyuele and Lubeima then enter and capture them.

01:14:59After the enemies are taken away,

01:15:01Lubeima expresses his deep affection for Chuyuele,

01:15:04and eagerly asks her to marry him,

01:15:06saying he can't wait any longer.

01:15:08Chuyuele hesitates due to a past oath,

01:15:11but shows her concern for his safety.

01:15:13Sensing her feelings,

01:15:14Lubeima gives her a year to overcome her reservations,

01:15:17and seals his promise with a gentle kiss on her forehead and a loving vow.

01:15:21A successful capture has also led to a heartfelt commitment.

01:15:25In the palace of Dongling,

01:15:28the emperor interrogates royal consort Rue,

01:15:31accusing her of plotting to frame Prince Lubeima and Ali,

01:15:34as well as attempting to assassinate the third prince of Dongzhou,

01:15:37to provoke a war between the two nations.

01:15:39At first,

01:15:40the consort vehemently denies everything,

01:15:43tearfully pleading her innocence,

01:15:44and even trying to shift the blame onto Lubeima and Ali.

01:15:47However,

01:15:48when the emperor threatens the safety of her own son,

01:15:51Gina,

01:15:52she breaks down,

01:15:53to protect him.

01:15:55She confesses to all the crimes,

01:15:57falsely claiming she acted alone out of jealousy of Ali.

01:16:00Ultimately,

01:16:01the emperor orders her to be stripped of her title,

01:16:03and confined to the cold palace.

01:16:05After the incident,

01:16:07Ali finds the troubled Lubeima outside the palace gates,

01:16:10and invites him for a drink,

01:16:11signaling a new development in their relationship,

01:16:13after surviving the crisis together.

01:16:16In a dark dungeon,

01:16:18Prince Lian,

01:16:19Lufeng Lian,

01:16:20is interrogating the captured Tuoba Fei Wan.

01:16:23Enraged by the deception of the Tuoba sisters,

01:16:25he demands to know their true motives.

01:16:27Tuoba Fei Wan calmly admits that their real target is revenge against the ones who destroyed their family years ago,

01:16:33Chiyuele and Chuxiouha,

01:16:35and that Prince Lian was merely a pawn in their plan,

01:16:38to further crush him.

01:16:39She cruelly reveals a truth.

01:16:41The woman he loves,

01:16:42Chiyuele,

01:16:42was nearby when he was attacked by a frenzied bear.

01:16:46However,

01:16:46she deliberately waited until his leg was crippled before she stepped in to save him.

01:16:50This revelation shatters Prince Lian.

01:16:53He furiously orders his men to lock Tuoba Fei Wan in the deepest part of the dungeon,

01:16:57while he is left to grapple with the immense pain of being betrayed by the woman he loves.

01:17:02In a dark prison cell,

01:17:04Prince Lufeng Lian sets a cruel test for two sisters,

01:17:07Tuoba Ming Wei and Chiyuele,

01:17:09forcing them to fight to the death.

01:17:10With only one allowed to survive until dawn.

01:17:13At first,

01:17:14the younger sister,

01:17:15Chiyuele,

01:17:16pleads with her sister and the prince to save her.

01:17:19But when she realizes only one of them can live,

01:17:21her survival instinct takes over.

01:17:24She chooses betrayal,

01:17:25picking up a sword to kill her sister.

01:17:27However,

01:17:28she never imagined that her sister's martial arts skills were far superior to her own.

01:17:32Tuoba Ming Wei easily counters her attack and ultimately kills her.

01:17:35The surviving sister,

01:17:37Tuoba Ming Wei,

01:17:38her eyes filled with hatred.

01:17:40Vows to take revenge on Lufeng Jean and the others who orchestrated this tragedy.

01:17:44A brutal test of survival has ignited an even fiercer flame of vengeance.

01:17:49A fifth prince with an injured leg confronts the woman he loves,

01:17:52accusing her of standing by and watching as he was mauled by a wild beast.

01:17:56The woman remains cold and indifferent.

01:17:58She not only exposes his past conspiracy with others to harm her brother,

01:18:02but also reveals a core lie,

01:18:04the life,

01:18:05saving grace,

01:18:06that formed the basis of their relationship was a sham.

01:18:08The real person who saved her was another prince,

01:18:11Lubeima.

01:18:11Just as the fifth prince's world is crumbling from this revelation,

01:18:15and he tries to salvage his dignity by claiming Lubeima is disfigured.

01:18:19The handsome and perfectly intact Lubeima himself appears.

01:18:23This dramatic entrance shatters the fifth prince's lies and pride completely,

01:18:26leaving him in a state of utter despair.

01:18:30Prince Lien confronts the male and female protagonists in a room,

01:18:34only to be shocked to find that the male protagonist,

01:18:36whom he believed to be disfigured,

01:18:38is perfectly fine and is intimately close with the heroine Ali.

01:18:42The couple's words reveal that Prince Lien had been misled by rumors all along,

01:18:46and they use this to humiliate him.

01:18:48Then, the heroine delivers an even more devastating blow.

01:18:51She informs him that his beloved,

01:18:53royal consort Rue,

01:18:54has been sent to the Cold Palace due to the exposure of their affair.

01:18:58And they will never see each other again.

01:19:00This news completely breaks Prince Lien.

01:19:02As he stumbles out of the mansion,

01:19:04his attendant brings the final piece of tragic news.

01:19:07Royal consort Rue has committed suicide in the Cold Palace.

01:19:10Overwhelmed by the successive blows,

01:19:12Prince Lien collapses, vomiting blood.

01:19:15His will to live shattered.

01:19:16The episode ends by revealing that a woman named Tuoba Mingwe is imprisoned.

01:19:20And she is the real desert flower.

01:19:22Implying that the entire affair was a grand conspiracy involving mistaken identities.

01:19:27The tone of the story suddenly shifts.

01:19:29As a lively princess playfully chases a reluctant general Chu through a courtyard.

01:19:34In a light-hearted, comedic scene.

01:19:36However, the camera then cuts to another prince, Lubema.

01:19:39Who is filled with sorrow and anxiety.

01:19:41Because his beloved, Ali, has not seen him for days.

01:19:44When Ali is summoned to him,

01:19:47he drops his vulnerable facade and makes a serious request.

01:19:50He invites her to be his military strategist.

01:19:52And to journey with him to the perilous southern and northern capital regions.

01:19:56To avenge her family.

01:19:58This gesture reveals his deep love and commitment to Ali.

01:20:01He is willing to go anywhere with her, even through fire and flames.

01:20:05Touched by his sincerity, Ali agrees.

01:20:07They finally embrace, reaching a mutual understanding.

01:20:10A relationship that began with a misunderstanding.

01:20:12Has it last found a new beginning in a shame?

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