Episode 11 recap: Jun Bei Yue's Major Victory
In Episode 11, a soldier rushes into the hall with urgent news: the King of Xiling has requested a ceasefire and revealed that Chu Tiange plans to host a banquet at Sanjie Cliff as an apology to Jun Bei Yue. The ministers exchange glances; Sanjie Cliff is a treacherous place, towering into the clouds with winds strong enough to blow a person away. Choosing such a perilous location for a banquet seems illogical.
However, the King of Xiling has made this announcement publicly, and if Jun Bei Yue does not attend, it would not only be a loss of face but could also damage morale. Upon receiving the invitation, Jun Bei Yue contemplates his next move and promptly orders the preparation of 80,000 elite soldiers to guard against a potential surprise attack from Dongling.
At Sanjie Cliff, Chu Tiange leisurely sips wine, waiting for Jun Bei Yue's arrival. Just as Jun Bei Yue crosses the bridge, Chu Tiange suddenly strikes with three arrows. However, Jun Bei Yue effortlessly deflects them with his sleeve. The two then draw their swords and engage in a fierce duel. Despite Chu Tiange's aggressive and lethal attacks, he ultimately proves no match for Jun Bei Yue and is forced to retreat, wounded.
Meanwhile, Jun Bei Yue's 20,000 troops have already breached the capital of Xiling, setting up a standoff against Chu Tiange's 100,000 soldiers.
On another front, Xuan Yuan Li Ge, Han Zi Qing's master, is by the water teaching her the art of the guqin. The stirring melodies of the guqin resonate with the distant sound of battle drums. Suddenly, Xuan Yuan Li Ge suffers a relapse of an old illness, piquing Han Zi Qing's curiosity about his background. He finally confesses that he is a descendant of the Dongling royal family, and due to the customs of Dongling, those with the Xuan Yuan surname must adopt the Ying surname. Speaking of his past fills his eyes with sadness, as he reveals he is the last surviving male of his lineage due to the queen's rule, which has seen many male heirs perish.
Han Zi Qing recalls Jun Bei Yue's warning that Xiling and Dongling pose a significant threat to Tianque. With Xiling invading their lands and Dongling plotting to restore its power, she realizes that Dongling is taking advantage of the chaos to attack Tianque. Though Xuan Yuan Li Ge travels as a musician, he is actually a spy for Dongling, causing Han Zi Qing to feel wary of him.
Seeing her concern, Xuan Yuan Li Ge bluntly states that Jun Bei Yue is unlikely to take her as a consort, perhaps only valuing her status as a survivor from the isolated island. Despite the pain this causes her, Han Zi Qing still chooses to trust Jun Bei Yue.
With the urgency of war pressing on them, Xuan Yuan Li Ge devises a plan to launch a surprise attack on Tianque while it is engaged with Xiling. However, Jun Bei Yue has already anticipated Dongling's moves, and their forces find themselves ambushed by Tianque.
Xuan Yuan Li Ge was extremely anxious upon hearing the news and felt guilty for dragging Han Zi Qing into danger. He decided to send her away for her safety. Meanwhile, Xuan Yuan Zhao Xi volunteered to accompany them, but he had ulterior motives and intended to eliminate her.
At a critical moment, Xuan Yuan Li Ge arrived just in time to reveal Han Zi Qing's true value and used medicine to treat her. Although the master and disciple had differing stances, Xuan Yuan Li Ge still gifted Han Zi Qing the precious sheet music for "Li Shang" as they parted ways.
As Jun Bei Yue's army approached Dongling, he demanded that Xuan Yuan Li Ge personally escort Han Zi Qing to the city gate. On their way, Xuan Yuan Zhao Xi intercepted them, demanding military authority. Xuan Yuan Li Ge, firm in his orders, refused to compromise and chose to escort Han Zi Qing alone, knowing it was a perilous task. Grateful for her master's kindness, Han Zi Qing did not want to endanger Xuan Yuan Li Ge and decided to face Jun Bei Yue on her own.
Unexpectedly, Jun Bei Yue had no intention of killing her, which filled Han Zi Qing with guilt. Upon realizing her identity as a survivor from the isolated island, she mistakenly believed Jun Bei Yue had ulterior motives and confronted him. Jun Bei Yue candidly explained that he kept her close solely to protect her.
Disappointed, Han Zi Qing suggested collaborating to uncover the mystery of her origins and the isolated island. Though Jun Bei Yue felt troubled, he agreed to her proposal.
Later that night, Han Zi Qing learned that Jun Bei Yue had overworked himself to save her, which made her feel remorseful, and she主动 apologized.
As their misunderstandings cleared, their relationship deepened. Jun Bei Yue then assigned Han Zi Qing to negotiate with Xiling and gifted her a ring as a symbol of protection. The next morning, despite warnings, Han Zi Qing set off in simple attire, ready to meet Jun Bei Yue for their agreement at Chu Fei Yan.
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