The clash at Ximin Mountain saw General Zhuge Yue struck by an arrow, after which Chu Qiao plunged with him into the icy lake. Three months passed, and Chu Qiao awoke within the confines of the Yanbei camp, her memories vanished. There, Yan…

With the glint of steel, Chu Qiao pressed a blade against Huan Huan, demanding she assist in returning to the icy expanse of the frozen lake.

The icy water swallowed Chu Qiao as she plunged into the frozen lake, only for a shadowy figure in a mask to pull her free. It was then that they revealed themselves: the man she believed lost, the supposedly deceased Zhuge Yue.

Zhuge Yue brought remedies to tend to Chu Qiao’s wounds. She persistently questioned him about the identity of the enigmatic man, and he fabricated a story, claiming to be Yue Qi. However, Li Ce swiftly revealed the deception.

Concerned about Chu Qiao’s origins, the Empress dispatched Zhan Ziyu to uncover the truth. To safeguard her, Li Ce arranged for Chu Qiao to assume the guise of Princess Fu, a long-lost princess of the imperial house.

Having returned to Yanbei, Yan Xun took a brutal measure. He had the esteemed physician put to death and then employed her body in a macabre deception, presenting it as Huan Huan himself—a chilling display intended to solidify his authority…

Chu Qiao encountered Ming Lu, a servant within the Crown Prince’s household. Driven by a desire for vengeance – her father had perished fighting alongside the Xiuli Army – Ming Lu sought retribution. Ultimately, however, she yielded to Chu …

Zhao Kuo informed Chu Qiao that remnants of the Xiuli Army still existed, and the news that Commander He Xiao had fallen into the hands of Yanbei stirred a fresh spark of hope within her.

A pact formed between Chu Qiao and Li Ce: she agreed to covertly instruct a cadre of assassins on his behalf, and he, in return, pledged to discover a means of freeing He Xiao.

Entering Biantang, Zhuge Yue found himself obliged to conceal his identity behind a mask, assuming the guise of the King of Ximeng. During the ensuing banquet, Chu Qiao discerned beneath the disguise the familiar face of the missing Zhuge Y…

Suspecting Zhuge’s intended course, Chu Qiao maneuvered to draw him forth; ultimately, Yue compelled Zhuge Yue to reveal himself before Chu Qiao.

Zhuge Yue approached Li Ce with a request, seeking his assistance in locating Steward Zhang.

Arrangements made through Queen Lingyue revealed that Great Yong and Yanbei were conducting a prisoner exchange at Lin City. Consequently, Chu Qiao, Zhuge Yue, and Li Ce resolved to journey there.

Upon reaching Lin City, Chu Qiao intentionally ignited a blaze, intending to free He Xiao amidst the ensuing confusion. Unbeknownst to her, however, every aspect of the situation lay firmly within Cheng Yuan’s grasp.