General Yue leaves the capital, watched on by Yuan Qi. Commander Xun is also preparing to leave Langya mountain, and Ping Jing sends him off.
Back in the palace, Minister Xun and Empress Dowager Xun correct the King when he asks the Empress Dowager to prepare gifts for the Chang Lin lord (Ping Jing). The King wants to adhere to formalities, and Minister Xun accedes to his request. (it’s so nice that the King still reminisces Ping Jing!!). She is obviously very annoyed (haha who cares.)
An Ru helps Yuan Qi prepare for his day at court, and he remarks that she hasn’t been wearing the ornaments that Empress Dowager Xun had given, and he probes on the past rumours that An Ru’s family had planned for her to be in the imperial harem. She is uncomfortable with his words, and he smiles that he understands her.
Yuan Qi speaks to the King about the military situation, and convinces him that the East Border is safe – there is no need to call the Ping Jing. (it’s so nice to see how the King always tries to include Ping Jing!)
Reading the situation, Yuan Qi requests permission from the King to visit Ping Jing. The King is overjoyed, saying that the present has already been prepared as well. Bowing to the King, Yuan Qi seems to be a bit jealous!
An Ru’s maid is visibly uncomfortable when she sees Yuan Qi, but still greets him with An Ru. Yuan Qi suggests that An Ru continues to visit some nice scenery place (sorry missed it), and says that he will join her once he leaves Langya mountain.
Away from the public eye, Yuan Qi stews in his room. He remarks that his plan has to be sped up, angry over the continued presence of Chang Lin. He Cheng informs him that Lady Qin is here, and Yuan Qi is annoyed that they keep coming when he has reminded them to keep a low profile. He knows that Lord Moqi is keeping an eye on him, and doesn’t like that.
General Yue’s subordinate chides him to stop thinking so much, and to just enjoy his trip outside. But General Yue is unable to take his mind off military matters, and tries to offer an analysis – and his subordinate goes to sleep haha.
Pei’er goes back to An Ru’s room to get a hand warmer, and notices He Cheng bringing Lady Qin into the manor. Pei’er snoops into their conversation, and she recalls An Ru saying that someone had betrayed military secrets. A presence of the eavesdropped is betrayed to He Cheng, who notices the hand warmer left on the table.
Pei’er rushes back to An Ru, and hurriedly asks to leave. He Cheng brings the hand warmer out, and An Ru tells Pei’er to thank him – and with that, he knows that she was the eavesdropper.
Lin Chen carefully looks through Lin Xi’s medical book, and compliments her on her work. She doesn’t want to put her name on the book, because having a female’s name would bias others from even reading her book. She asks for Langya’s name to be put in the book, and they thank Lin Chen.
A young disciple notifies that Yuan Qi has arrived in Langya mountain for Ping Jing, and Lin Chen remarks that this is quite unexpected!
Lin Xi and Ping Jing go out to welcome Yuan Qi, and Yuan Qi remarks that he did not expect Lin Xi to be here as well.
Yuan Qi says that nothing escapes from Langya Hall, and Ping Jing must have been updated on the worldly affairs. Ping Jing says that he has no intention of leaving the mountain, and inquires if the King has summoned him – but this is quickly shot down by Yuan Qi. Yuan Qi simply says that the King is asking him for some points on the east border’s military strategy. Yuan Qi hints for Lin Xi to leave, but Ping Jing tells her that she doesn’t need to.
Yuan Qi offers to send Ping Jing’s letter personally to the King, but Ping Jing cleverly tries to turn it down, saying that his ideas would pale in comparison to Yuan Qi’s. They agree that getting back the 3 states would be a good idea, and eye each other suspiciously while drinking tea.
Ping Jing tests the waters by asking after his marriage, and Yuan Qi apologises for not inviting him to the wedding. Ping Jing then takes the opportunity to tell Yuan Qi that he intends to marry Lin Xi – and that he enjoys his life away from the capital. Yuan Qi is overjoyed!! that Ping Jing is going to get married and seems so intent on settling down outside of the Capital, and promises to send word to the King.
Yuan Qi leaves Langya mountain, and Ping Jing advises him to carefully think about the military situation as a passing word. Once Yuan Qi leaves, Ping Jing apologies to Lin Xi, and she looks at him forlornly.
Ping Jing is deep in thought, and is joined by Lin Jiu, who observes that someone does not want Ping Jing back in the capital. Ping Jing insists that Yuan Qi is not like that – but Lin Jiu says that people can change, like how Ping Jing has.
Behind him, Lin Xi and Qian Xue observe Ping Jing. Lin Xi says that Ping Jing understands not to do much, but Qian Xue offers that at the end of the day, Ping Jing has the blood of a military family.
An Ru and her convoy have stopped at a hut, and Pei’er is very listless. She asks Min’er for advice on what to do if she says something that no one would believe, and might even lose her life over it, but Min’er brushes her off cheerfully.
Ping Jing looks through many books to find out more about the Dong Hai battle, and Lin Xi knows that he is also trying to find out more about Yuan Qi.
An Ru waits for Yuan Qi’s arrival, and her maid nervously approaches her, dropping the snacks accidentally. An Ru feels something amiss, and An Ru concernedly asks Pei’er what is wrong. Min’er tries to plead for Pei’er that her family’s death in the Dong Hai fight had affected her, but An Ru sees that Pei’er is fearful of something.
An Ru is insistent on knowing what Pei’er fears, and bowing deeply, Pei’er agrees to tell An Ru – but for Min’er’s sake, Pei’er will only speak to An Ru alone. An Ru agrees.