Episode 13 recap: Shen Du Saves Yan Xing and Gets Injured by Accident
In Episode 13, Yan Xing is surprised to find that Shen Du has brought Yun Que home, which leaves her feeling somewhat uneasy. The next morning, a maid reports that Yun Que has already assumed the role of the lady of the house, and the butler has instructed the staff not to disturb her. Yun Que even wants to take a look at the household accounts, but the butler quickly shuts her down, stating that only the official wife is allowed to see them.
When the butler turns around and sees Yan Xing, he rushes to greet her, his tone changing instantly. In reality, he hopes Yun Que will serve tea to Yan Xing, and Yun Que seems to catch on. Just after Yan Xing finishes her tea, Yun Que mentions that Shen Du told her to manage the accounts and has taken on all responsibilities.
Upon hearing this, Yan Xing decides to hand over the next set of accounts to Yun Que. The butler, seeing Yan Xing busy in the room, mistakenly thinks she’s going to her family home to sulk, but she actually has business to attend to at the Ministry of Justice. Shen Du hasn’t returned home for several days, leaving Jing Lin confused about what Shen Du is up to.
Outside Hongwen Academy, Yan Xing and Lu Chui Chui are waiting for the exam. Yan Xing wants to see Pan Chi, but learns he is on the list but hasn’t arrived yet. Just as she feels disappointed, Pan Chi shows up and reassures her that he won’t give up on the exam. While Yan Xing has been busy investigating a case, Pan Chi advises her to ask others for clues, especially those who seem a bit eccentric, as they might hold the truth.
Meanwhile, Shen Du is reviewing Yan Kuo’s notes and discovers a forged signature from his father, concluding that Yan Kuo is not the murderer. Prompted by Pan Chi, Yan Xing also thinks of a new approach. When Shen Du goes to find Yan Xing, he interrupts her conversation with Pan Chi and immediately pulls her back to the house.
Yun Que is still arguing with the butler about the accounts. The butler, trying to stir the pot, comments that Shen Du and Yan Xing are inseparable. Yan Xing reassures Yun Que that she and Shen Du will eventually part ways, but Yun Que oddly believes they make a good match. Shen Du insists that Yan Xing stay at the house, and she understands his intentions, agreeing to return once she finishes her case, wanting to avoid adding to his troubles. Unbeknownst to her, Shen Du’s attitude towards Yan Xing has softened significantly.
On the day of the final exam, someone is caught cheating. Although Pan Chi submits his paper late, he still manages to make it onto the list.
The Empress Dowager reviewed Pan Chi's essay and even asked Xu Wan to explain its deeper meaning. While the examiners thought it strayed off-topic, the Empress Dowager praised it enthusiastically. Xu Wan remained silent, fully aware that this exam was merely a test; there were people behind the scenes plotting something, and it wasn’t yet the right time to act—patience was needed.
While investigating a case, Yan Xing was attacked by a man in black. Fortunately, Shen Du arrived just in time, but he sustained injuries as well. Before the attacker fled, he slashed Shen Du’s chest and wrist. Yan Xing felt heartbroken and noticed that although the weapon was different from the ones found in the temple, there were some similarities. Meanwhile, Lu Chui Chui also narrowly escaped an attack from a man in black, thanks to a masked man who came to her rescue.
Lu Chui Chui thought the masked man was a heroic figure standing up against injustice and tried to advise him not to take lives lightly. Lai Luo Zhi, the masked man, misunderstood her intentions and thought she meant to harm him, not realizing she simply wanted to light lanterns for his blessing. Lu Chui Chui recalled a time when her mother was ill, and she failed to sincerely light lanterns, which she believed led to her mother’s passing. This moved Lai Luo Zhi, who reflected on how some things cannot be changed no matter how hard one tries.
As night fell, Yan Xing tended to Shen Du’s wounds. Looking at her, Shen Du felt an urge to get closer, and Yan Xing did not reject him. However, as soon as he leaned in, pain from his injury caused him to frown, and Yan Xing, distracted, hurriedly finished bandaging him before returning to her own room to sleep.
Lai Luo Zhi ordered protection for Lu Chui Chui while mockingly commenting on those who were helpless regarding the Chen Huo Moth case. The next morning, Yan Xing tried to wake Shen Du for breakfast, but he pretended to be gravely injured. Ultimately, Yan Xing ended up bringing him breakfast herself. Shen Du eagerly anticipated Yan Xing’s care, but instead, a maid arrived. Yan Xing then went to visit her sister Yan Cai Wei, who was soon to be married, feeling nothing but joy for her.
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