Episode 2 recap: Yun Wei Shan obtained the gold medal qualification, but Gong Huan Yu selected Miss Jiang as the bride.
Gong Zi Yu brought the brides to the secret passage, but he was discovered by Gong Yuan Zheng. Gong Yuan Zheng immediately closed the passage and used poisonous smoke to harm the brides. While Gong Zi Yu was fighting against Gong Huan Yu, Yun Wei Shan noticed another person from Yun Feng. Yun Wei Shan intended to use a hairpin to kill Gong Zi Yu but was stopped by another woman who held him back and sought comfort from him. The other WuFeng assassin pretended to be afraid and ran to Gong Zi Yu's side. He held a hairpin against Gong Zi Yu's neck, demanding that Gong Yuan Zheng hand over the antidote. When Gong Yuan Zheng was about to kill her, he was saved by Gong Huan Yu, who captured the WuFeng assassin.
Gong Yuan Zheng claimed that he acted so forcefully to save Gong Zi Yu's life. However, Gong Zi Yu argued that Gong Yuan Zheng had clearly intended to harm him and that it wasn't just an accident. The WuFeng assassin was imprisoned in the dungeon. Gong Zi Yu was in great pain, but he insisted on pushing through despite being weaker than Gong Yuan Zheng. Gong Yuan Zheng went to the dungeon, as he was skilled in using poison. He deduced that the assassin before him was of the lowest Chī rank and that she was not afraid of death. Gong Yuan Zheng forcefully poured poisoned wine on her, causing her body to emit smoke and cry out in pain. She had come as a bride to fulfill Han Ya Qi's mission, and she loved Han Ya Qi enough to willingly die for him.
Gong Zi Yu arrived at the residence of the brides and went straight to Yun Wei Shan's room. Yun Wei Shan returned his mask to him, recognizing it as an important item crafted by a skilled artisan. She knew he would cherish it. The brides in this place had to drink a tea made from Bai Zhi Jin Cao because the area was covered in poisonous smoke. If women lived here for an extended period, it would affect their ability to conceive, so they had to take the tea. Miss Shang Guan watched Gong Zi Yu and Yun Wei Shan talk and drank the tea. Gong Zi Yu lied, claiming that the bowl had fallen into mouse droppings and took her soup away.
Gong Zi Yu sensed that something was wrong with the Bai Zhi Jin Cao tea and suspected that Gong Yuan Zheng had poisoned it. Gong Huan Yu found Gong Zi Yu and asked if he had found Yun Wei Shan because she had seen her with the mask the night before. Gong Huan Yu assumed that someone who possessed such a precious mask must be someone Gong Zi Yu cared about and loved. However, Gong Huan Yu stated that he wouldn't choose Yun Wei Shan.
Gong Zi Yu and his brother met their father. Gong Zi Yu explained what happened the previous night, but their father scolded him for acting without permission. He reminded Gong Zi Yu that they had planned to use his kind heart to lure out the assassins. Gong Zi Yu realized that he had been used and felt foolish for being seen as a hero. He was saddened by his father's lack of trust in him. Gong Zi Yu had the problematic Bai Zhi Jin Cao tea in his hand and suspected that Gong Yuan Zheng had drugged it. Gong Yuan Zheng admitted to changing the formula because the poison's effects were getting stronger. Gong Zi Yu was scolded by his father once again for his arrogance.
Gong Zi Yu was punished and confined to reflect on his actions. His father warned him that if he continued to act recklessly, he would no longer be allowed to stay in the palace. Gong Zi Yu was eager to leave the palace and had a heated argument with his father. Lady Wu Ji, the palace mother, advised Gong Huan Yu not to be angry with Gong Zi Yu as he had grown up and should be given some face. Gong Huan Yu cared about Gong Zi Yu the most, but he was no longer the obedient child he used to be.
The brides began having their pulses checked, and they drank the three bowls of soup in front of them. Their physical condition was evaluated, and this time they were ranked by gold, jade, and wood cards. Yun Wei Shan needed to obtain the gold card to be ranked first. Looking at the gold card in her hand reminded Yun Wei Shan of how they had escaped from death in WuFeng. They could only survive by obtaining the charm of the Mèi rank.
Gong Zi Yu was angry and wanted to leave when Gong Shang Jue returned on horseback. They had never gotten along. Gong Huan Yu did not choose Yun Wei Shan as a bride but someone else. Gong Hong Yu and Gong Shang Jue had tea together. Gong Shang Jue recommended Zheng Nan Yi, the daughter of the Zheng family, as a potential bride to preserve the bloodline of their friend's family, the Zhengs. Gong Hong Yu stated that Gong Shang Jue should have takena more active role in the selection process and not leave everything to Gong Huan Yu.
Meanwhile, Gong Zi Yu managed to escape from his confinement and went to find Yun Wei Shan. He wanted to apologize to her for his previous behavior and tell her that he cared for her deeply. Gong Zi Yu found Yun Wei Shan in her room, and they had a heartfelt conversation. Yun Wei Shan admitted that she had feelings for Gong Zi Yu but was unsure if he felt the same way. Gong Zi Yu reassured her that he did and promised to protect her no matter what.
As their conversation continued, Gong Zi Yu noticed that Yun Wei Shan's pulse was irregular and suspected that she had been poisoned. He quickly took her to the royal physician, who confirmed his suspicions. Gong Zi Yu was devastated and determined to find the antidote to save Yun Wei Shan's life.
Gong Zi Yu confronted Gong Yuan Zheng again, accusing him of poisoning Yun Wei Shan. Gong Yuan Zheng denied any involvement but revealed that he had discovered a plot against Gong Zi Yu's life. He believed that Yun Wei Shan was the one behind it and had poisoned herself to gain sympathy from Gong Zi Yu. Gong Zi Yu was torn between his love for Yun Wei Shan and his loyalty to his family.
In the midst of this turmoil, Gong Zi Yu received a message from an anonymous source, revealing that there was a traitor within the palace who was working against his family. The message urged him to investigate further and warned him to trust no one.
Gong Zi Yu decided to follow the lead and began investigating the palace. He discovered evidence that pointed to Gong Shang Jue as the traitor. Gong Zi Yu confronted his brother, and a heated confrontation ensued. Gong Shang Jue confessed to his betrayal, revealing that he had made a deal with a rival kingdom to overthrow their family and take control of the palace.
Gong Zi Yu was devastated by his brother's betrayal but knew he had to stop him to protect his family and the kingdom. With the help of loyal allies, Gong Zi Yu confronted Gong Shang Jue in a final showdown. After a fierce battle, Gong Zi Yu emerged victorious and captured Gong Shang Jue.
With the traitor exposed and defeated, Gong Zi Yu was hailed as a hero and his loyalty to his family was unquestioned. He was praised for his bravery and determination in protecting the kingdom. Gong Zi Yu used his newfound influence to implement reforms in the palace, ensuring that such treachery would never happen again.
As for Yun Wei Shan, she made a full recovery from the poisoning and stood by Gong Zi Yu's side throughout the ordeal. Their love for each other grew stronger, and they vowed to face any challenges together in the future.
In the end, Gong Zi Yu proved himself to be a capable and dedicated prince, willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of his family and kingdom. His journey taught him the importance of trust, loyalty, and true love, shaping him into a wise and just ruler.
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