Episode 1 recap: Songhuanbei Approaches the Cross-Dressing Yun Shu
In the first episode, the Great General of Xizhou, Yun Shu, has been cross-dressing as a man for years without anyone ever suspecting his true gender. This is because Yun Shu is ruthless and merciless in his actions, with a terrifying reputation that makes people afraid to even look at him directly, despite his beautiful appearance.
Yun Shu attends the funeral of Zhang Gongong, but immediately cuts off one of Zhang's hands and orders it to be sent back to Empress Gui. This greatly upsets some of Zhang's associates, who intend to confront Yun Shu, but the skilled Yun Shu simply kills them on the spot.
At that moment, someone tries to ambush Yun Shu, but the musician Songhuanbei throws himself in front of the blade to shield Yun Shu. Yun Shu is surprised that this stranger would willingly sacrifice himself. Songhuanbei had heard of Yun Shu's fearsome reputation, but was willing to take the risk in hopes that Yun Shu would take him in.
While Yun Shu does take Songhuanbei in, the battle-hardened general suspects he has ulterior motives. Yun Shu orders an investigation into Songhuanbei's background and discovers that he had indeed known someone was planning to assassinate Yun Shu, and had deliberately positioned himself to intercept the attack. Rather than expose Songhuanbei, Yun Shu decides to play along to see what he is after.
Yun Shu later visits Empress Gui in women's attire to pay respects, and also presents the severed hand of Zhang Gongong. Although Zhang's death was officially due to corruption, his even more scandalous misdeeds have been kept from the public, making it a royal scandal. Yun Shu also gathers evidence against a more villainous figure, Wang Kui, and plans to eliminate him as well.
The Empress then summons Yun Shu again, this time for a special task. Upon returning, Yun Shu discovers Songhuanbei hiding in a secret chamber, claiming to have brought a late-night snack. Yun Shu warns Songhuanbei not to try any tricks, unaware that Songhuanbei has already deduced Yun Shu's true identity as a woman in disguise, and suspects the general's mansion may be linked to the downfall of the Mo family.
Songhuanbei knows that Yun Shu keeps many male companions but never shares his bed. He tries to offer his services, but is rebuffed by Yun Shu. However, Yun Shu has been ordered by the Empress to investigate the secretive Qianji Guild, an independent intelligence agency. So Yun Shu has Songhuanbei stripped, and discovers a tattoo, which Songhuanbei claims is just a shadow from the candlelight. Yun Shu orders Songhuanbei to clean up and serve him the next day.
Comments(Episode 1)