Episode 36 recap: Xie Wei and Jiang Xue Ning have a relationship.
Upon learning that the Prince of Pingnan has been killed and Xie Wei has once again achieved a great feat, Xue Yuan senses the approaching danger. He realizes that he cannot rely on the Empress Dowager and decides to seek cooperation with Xue Shu. Xue Shu is somewhat surprised by her father's sudden visit. Xue Yuan reminds her to be vigilant, as if the Xue family were to fall one day, she would not be able to protect herself. Initially, Xue Shu doesn't pay much attention to her father's warning. However, when she goes to the concubine's place to find the Emperor and witnesses how he unquestioningly follows the concubine's advice for the sake of the prince, she realizes that her father's words do hold some truth.
After agreeing to cooperate, Xue Yuan proceeds with his next move. He summons Zhou Yinzhi to gather information about Xie Wei. Zhou Yinzhi manages to locate You Fang Yin. While You Fang Yin is guarding the shop, Zhou Yinzhi and his men suddenly enter and forcefully take her away.
Due to excessive blood loss, Xie Wei faints. During his unconscious state, Jiang Xue Ning stays by his bedside. When Xie Wei regains consciousness, Jiang Xue Ning informs him that he can no longer play the piano. She promises to play for him every day instead. Although Jian Shu feels that Jiang Xue Ning's piano skills are lacking, Xie Wei defends her, saying that with practice and his guidance as her master, her skills will improve quickly.
Unexpectedly, the fake Xue Ding Fei realizes that he has truly escaped from the Prince of Pingnan. Xie Wei seeks his advice on what to do next, as returning to the capital is too dangerous. The fake Xue Ding Fei decides to live a carefree life.
Zhang Zhe arrives at the military camp and reads the Emperor's edict to the Yan family, Xie Wei, and his troops. The Emperor praises and rewards them. After announcing the edict, Zhang Zhe unexpectedly notices Jiang Xue Ning. Seeing the affectionate gaze between them makes Xie Wei feel uncomfortable.
After Jiang Xue Ning is taken away, the princess worries about her. When she sees that Jiang Xue Ning is unharmed, she invites her to her room for a long conversation. From Jiang Xue Ning's experience and the tender tone she uses when talking about Xie Wei, the princess realizes that Jiang Xue Ning has feelings for him.
Jian Shu bought a new piano, but when Xie Wei played it with one hand, he felt dissatisfied. He wanted to find an opportunity to make one for Jiang Xue Ning. However, he suddenly realized that Jiang Xue Ning didn't come to learn the piano today, so he asked Jian Shu to find out what she was doing.
After leaving the princess, Jiang Xue Ning coincidentally encounters Zhang Zhe. Zhang Zhe has figured it out. Jiang Xue Ning's cold words were all for his own good. He couldn't help but ask her if she would have chosen to leave if his mother hadn't passed away. However, Jiang Xue Ning tells him that there are no "what ifs" in the world, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. There is no turning back.
Zhang Zhe also realizes Jiang Xue Ning's feelings for Xie Wei. He advises her that the Emperor's intentions are unpredictable, and it would be better for her to stick to the original plan and return to the countryside. Otherwise, she could easily bring trouble to the Jiang family. After Jiang Xue Ning returns, she tells Xie Wei about her intention to go back. Xie Wei was already jealous of her meeting with Zhang Zhe. When he hears Jiang Xue Ning's words, he thinks she still has lingering feelings for Zhang Zhe. He suddenly loses his temper, claiming that Jiang Xue Ning belongs to him and no one can take her away. He forcefully kisses her. Since Jiang Xue Ning already knows Xie Wei's feelings for her, after he finishes kissing her, she kisses him back proactively. When Zhang Zhe expresses his desire for her, Jiang Xue Ning doesn't refuse. The two of them go from the floor to the bed and have a sexual encounter.
The next day, Jiang Xue Ning wakes up and finds that Xie Wei isn't by her side. Jian Shu approaches her and tells her that Xie Wei went out early in the morning to meet with General Xue Yuan. Yan Mu and Lv Xian are worried because the Xue family hasn't been eliminated yet. If Xie Wei and Yan Lin are ordered to return to the capital according to the imperial edict and the Emperor listens to Xue Yuan's slander, it would be troublesome if the two of them are held as hostages. Finally, they come up with a solution: they divide the Yan family's troops into three groups. One group returns to the border, one group stays stationed, and one group accompanies Xie Wei and Yan Lin to Tongzhou. While they are discussing, the three of them notice that Xie Wei is clearly absent-minded. It seems like he is trying to avoid something by coming to the military camp.
After Xie Wei returns, Jian Shu tells him that Jiang Xue Ning waited for him in front of her door the whole day. Before leaving, she left a message that if Xie Wei didn't see her today, he shouldn't expect to see her again. Upon hearing Jian Shu's words, Xie Wei goes to Jiang Xue Ning's door but hesitates for a long time without knocking. Lv Xian watches from a distance and understands Xie Wei's thoughts. Xie Wei is afraid of losing, so he is afraid to possess.
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