Episode 26 recap: Investigate the truth behind Empress Zhao Jie.

Yuan Lu played a tune for Yang Ying, and Yang Ying asked if Yuan Lu had someone they liked. Without hesitation, Yuan Lu told Yang Ying that they did have someone they liked but would keep it hidden in their heart forever, never letting her know. Yang Ying asked Yuan Lu what kind of husband they should choose in the future. Yuan Lu believed that they should choose someone who liked them. Yang Ying wondered if, after going through so much, they could still find a husband in Wuguo who truly liked them. Yang Ying felt that if a husband found out that they were disguising themselves as a man, he probably wouldn't marry them. Furthermore, Emperor Anguo was ambitious, and if Wuguo encountered any crises, they wouldn't be safe either.

Yuan Lu suggested that Yang Ying become an influential imperial sister, just like the princess of the previous dynasty. Yang Ying thought Yuan Lu was being unrealistic. Yuan Lu believed that since they were destined to retire anyway, and since Yang Ying knew the inner workings of the Six Dao Hall so well, why not give it a try?

Yang Ying happily said that if Yuan Lu were still alive at that time, they would make Yuan Lu their husband, and they could live freely together. Yuan Lu jokingly said that they wouldn't have children with Yang Ying. Yang Ying suggested they adopt a son, and they started arguing.

Yu Shi San saw Sun Lang about to go out and quickly said that there was a cat fight outside, trying to prevent Sun Lang from leaving. Sun Lang found Yu Shi San's words strange. Yu Shi San asked Sun Lang to see if their outfit was better than Ning Yuan Zhou's. If they went to the temple, they would surely attract many people. Sun Lang thought Yu Shi San seemed to be going to seek a child.

Sun Lang teased Yu Shi San, saying that all the children they had would probably have the surname Jin. Yu Shi San and Sun Lang started arguing. Yuan Lu grew tired of their argument and reluctantly said they would be Yang Ying's backup husband. Yang Ying said it was just a joke, and Yuan Lu continued, suggesting that Yang Ying should set their sights on becoming the Empress. Yang Ying seriously told Yuan Lu that they should both wait patiently for the wedding night of Ning Tou and Ru Yi.

Yuan Lu pretended not to care, but deep down, they hoped to wait until that time. Ru Yi sneaked into the Second Prince's residence at night and discovered that the Second Prince harbored a deep hatred for the Empress. She couldn't help but clench her fist.

The Second Prince had a secret meeting with a beautiful woman and drank the tea prepared by Ru Yi. He was angered by the Second Prince's involvement in treason and selling out the country, and the fact that he killed Empress Zhao Jie to cover up the truth. Ru Yi knocked out the Second Prince in her fury.

When Ru Yi came out, she was discovered by Li Tong Guang, and they started fighting. Li Tong Guang recognized Ru Yi as his master and pleaded for her recognition. Ru Yi acknowledged Li Tong Guang as her disciple. Ru Yi asked Li Tong Guang about the truth behind Empress Zhao Jie's death, and Li Tong Guang revealed the truth to her. She finally understood why the Empress refused to leave with her—it was because she had lost all hope.

Ru Yi wanted to leave, but Li Tong Guang stopped her. Ru Yi learned from Jin Mei Niang that Li Tong Guang had created a secret chamber. Ru Yi asked Li Tong Guang to tell her what he truly felt for her. Ru Yi told Li Tong Guang that he had to give up his official position and abandon his glory. Li Tong Guang felt that he couldn't do it.

In reality, Ru Yi knew that Li Tong Guang had already lost his eagerness. The Li Tong Guang of the past wasn't as cold-hearted as he is now. He knew who was responsible for Empress Zhao Jie's death but didn't pay his respects or seek revenge for her. Ru Yi told Li Tong Guang that if he wanted to become a powerful figure, he couldn't have any weaknesses. They should each live their own lives.

As Ru Yi destroyed the jade carving that Li Tong Guang had made for her, he felt immense pain. Soon after Ru Yi returned, Ning Yuan Zhou came with ingredients for her, bringing her comfort. Ning Yuan Zhou helped Ru Yi identify the killer of Empress Zhao Jie, preparing for revenge.

Ru Yi expressed her unease about how An Huang hadn't taken the throne after so many years. It was truly frightening what his intentions were. Yang Ying visited the powerful figures in An Guo, hoping to persuade them to advise the Emperor to spare the Crown Prince and avoid a bloody battle. Ning Yuan Zhou wanted to make the Emperor suspicious of Deng Hui. Yu Shi San found Ning Yuan Zhou's cunning demeanor appealing.

Ru Yi wanted to kill the Emperor of An Guo and restore peace to the world. Ru Yi unintentionally overheard that Li Tong Guang might pose a threat to Yang Ying. When Yu Shi San and Li Tong Guang fought, Ru Yi couldn't hold on any longer. Ning Yuan Zhou came to rescue Yu Shi San, and Ru Yi arrived at the scene as well. Li Tong Guang believed that this was the only way to see his master, and as long as he had his master, nothing else mattered.

Ning Yuan Zhou initially thought Li Tong Guang was someone with potential, but now he saw him as a foolish person who would only lead the two countries into a deadlock.