A village is ransacked even though it has turned over its pearls to the Emperor's men. A girl escapes and is taken in by a masked man who has an unusual relationship to the current Emperor.
The Emperor is bored. The Lantern Festival trigger's his melancholy nostalgia but all does not go smoothly for Fang JianMing. HaiShi sees a chance for revenge and later sees something that shakes her serenity.
The Emperor is keen to welcome his brother back but doesn't wish for the princess to arrive. Fang ZhouYing leads the escort. HaiShi wants to gain experience but JianMing denies her repeated requests.
HaiShi rescues Princess TiLan so the Emperor takes out his ire on Fang JianMing and ZhuoYing as he is unable to find HaiShi. JianMing tries to expel HaiShi from the Pavillion. The Emperor gets a surprise when TiLan removes her veil.
ZhuoYing becomes infatuated with Zhe Liu at the Fabric Office - but he is not her only admirer. HaiShi has to come to terms Uncle Zhao's death, following orders and her role at the Pavilion. A venture out gives her perspective.
The Emperor overhears maids complaining and sends an edict to Consort Shurong. ZhuoYing sends HaiShi to collect his official robe from the Fabric Office. HaiShi has to find a way to get around the body examination for the imperial exam.
HaiShi's commentary enrages the Emperor and causes ripples and repercussions in the court. JianMing begins to acknowledge his own feelings. A couple of bunnies bring smiles where they were lacking before.
TiLan is banished to the South Palace but makes the best of it. Ju QiQi tries to remind Fang JianMing of their engagement. ZhuoYing slips ZheLiu a present while she is blindfolded. HaiShi slips into women's clothing to escape notice.
HaiShi hears of JianMing's pending nuptials and asks the Emperor for a transfer. The Emperor is disinterested in Consort Shurong's plight but makes Eunuch Mu take care of Xiaoguai and calls on Zhe Liu for advice caring for it.
TiLan is injury worsens as she stubbornly continues her task. The Emperor laments the sudden pessimistic turn that JianMing has taken without knowing why. HaiShi works through her pain as she prepares for her departure.
A traitor in the North tries to lead HaiShi astray. JianMing prepares for a naval battle in the south. HaiShi recognizes a face among the Huku warriors.
HaiShi bargains for the prisoners' freedoms. A mole tries to assassinate Fang JianMing, who receives word that HaiShi has been a captured. The Huku lord desires HaiShi first as a warrior and later as a woman.
Salia arranges for her people to work together with the soldiers to rescue Fang HaiShi and take back Lanzi. HaiShi promises to marry E Erji after visiting the prison one more time.
A kite brings the Emperor's attention back to Ti Lan. ZhuoYing almost catches General Su but then confronts an unexpectedly familiar face. The lone survivor from the Fabric Office remains in mourning.
Fang HaiShi returns to Huangquan Pass. JianMing bids farewell to Ju QiQi's remains and discusses Zhe Liu's future. Zhunian's envoy asks TiLan to influence the Emperor to provide aide.
After arriving at the capital, Fang HaiShi is significantly rewarded for accomplishments in the North but she is more concerned about getting a little closer to JianMing. Ti Lan takes a drastic and dangerous step that triggers the Emperor.
Ti Lan suffers the consequences of her actions until her body is able to take it any longer. Zheliu moves into the Manager's room and discovers something jarring. JianMing and HaiShi return to her home village and meet her mother.
HaiShi sees a new side of JianMing. Assassins follow HaiShi and JianMing to the seaside village where they cause trouble. An unlikely suspect is implicated. Ju ZheLiu meets with JianMing and turns over what she had found.
General Tang asks the Emperor to treat TiLan kindly. HaiShi tells ZheLiu of ZhuoYing's feelings. An old woman confronts JianMing's carriage and calls out for justice. Fang HaiShi confesses to JianMing.
A relative returns to the family and it is a cause for celebration. General Tang returns to the north but Fang HaiShi stays behind temporarily. TiLan scolds the Emperor but it is later revealed why she hasn't shaken off her illness.
ZhuoYing helps HaiShi arrange to meet Zhuo YouDu for advice on perfumes. ZhuoYing witnesses a minor spat. Chu LinLang tries to meet up with JianMing but he evades her nimbly. A little jealousy might be floating in the air.
Youdu lends HaiShi a hand with her inquiry. LinLang's runaway horse provides an opportunity. The Emperor begins to repair his relationship with TiLan. HaiShi drinks a little too much.
The Princess makes a request and the Emperor issues an edict. Prince JinChang hijacks Fang HaiShi into wedding preparations even as her heart is breaking. Zhou Youdu tries to ease her burden.
A mysterious man visits Chu JiCheng. TiLan's health is not improving so a trip to a hot spring is arranged. The Wind Walker recognizes ZhouYing and calls him by his real name.
After fighting the wizards, ZhuoYing gives into his grief. HaiShi is sent after him with untenable orders. Fu Yi discovers HaiShi's gender. JiCheng plots.
ZhuoYing, or rather Duo Han, re-integrates into his native tribe. JianMing confesses his desired future to the Emperor. A wedding is planned and a threat is issued.
HaiShi resists the sudden turn her destiny has taken - unbelieving when it is told to her, incredulous when JianMing confirms it, and distraught when the Emperor explains it. TiLan is conflicted and many ministers reject the idea.
Consort Chunrong turns the court around with her scathing denunciation of the criticisms levied against Lord Qinghai. She reminds everyone that loyalty and honor are demonstrated through actions, not simply words.
HaiShi searches in vain for a way to undo Bixi while the Emperor's people search for a cure to the poison killing JianMing. HaiShi volunteers to travel south to supervise and aid in relief. TiLan finds a clue that might save JianMing.
Officials of Jubei Town underestimate Madame Pearl, assuming she is a mere figurehead, but HaiShi knows how to get the job done and sets out to gather information and solve the problem.
HaiShi finds information on JianMing's health elusive. JianMing refuses to consider the Emperor's suggestion to find a cure. Erji proposes a union between his daughter and Duo Han, but he hasn't let go of the memory of ZheLiu.
ZheLiu hears of Duo Han's upcoming wedding. The Emperor makes a bold statement that pushes HaiShi to make a precarious decision. Aides speculate on the Emperor's relationships with his two consorts. Physician Li voices his concern.
HaiShi's mother is held hostage in order to force her to surrender Lang Huan. The Emperor is distraught to learn that his brother has betrayed him. Fu Yi quietly dismantles the imperial guards stationed around the palace.
A lot of risks have to be taken before JianMing can earn his health and freedom back but both the Emperor and HaiShi support him completely. HaiShi bids farewell to TiLan and returns Lang Huan to the sea. SuoLuo visits TiLan.
HaiShi and JianMing begin their new life away from the politics and intrigue they had once been embroiled in. The Emperor is now on his own, with a very pregnant TiLan by his side. SuoLuo dotes on his sister - until he doesn't anymore.
The attack on the capital puts both the Emperor, TiLan and her child in peril. TiLan goes into labor. HaiShi brings reinforcements. JianMing makes a life-saving sacrifice leaving HaiShi to take the reigns.
