Episode 1 recap: Identity Swap Between Huang Bei Shuang and Ge Xin Wei
In the first episode, the story unfolds in a vast desert where water resources are extremely scarce, leading various tribes to battle over oases. The three major city-states—Yun Pei, Tian Du, and Ma Sui—hold significant power, while other tribes resort to marriage alliances for resources. The release of a mysterious book, *The Wonders of the Desert*, ignites a fierce competition for its possession. In response, Na Zhan (played by Ji Ling Chen) from Yun Pei hosts an extravagant marriage alliance banquet. Meanwhile, turmoil in Ma Sui forces its citizens to flee, seeking refuge in Tian Du.
Ma Sui's ninth princess, Ge Xin Wei (played by Hanikezi), escapes with her mother to the outskirts of Tian Du, hoping for protection. However, when rebels from Ma Sui pursue them, Tian Du remains indifferent and orders its soldiers to shoot arrows. Tragically, Ge Xin Wei's mother is struck and, with her last strength, urges Ge Xin Wei and her nurse to flee to Yun Pei.
Determined to seek revenge, Ge Xin Wei plans to infiltrate Yun Pei by joining the marriage procession to the city. Paradoxically, Huang Bei Shuang (played by Guan Chang), who is meant to marry into Yun Pei for protection, is instead planning to escape, stealing valuable items. She unexpectedly encounters Ge Xin Wei and her nurse.
Huang Bei Shuang fabricates a story about being chased by desert bandits, but Ge Xin Wei sees through her lie. Upon learning that Huang Bei Shuang is part of the very procession she seeks to join, Ge Xin Wei shares her tragic story. Huang Bei Shuang sympathizes but also resents her own fate, believing that marriage alliances won't resolve their problems.
Ge Xin Wei insists that the smaller tribes have no choice but to seek the protection of larger city-states. Huang Bei Shuang, unwilling to go through with the marriage, seeks another chance to escape. Ge Xin Wei, realizing the importance of Huang Bei Shuang's marriage opportunity, offers to accompany her, expressing her own desire to be part of the alliance, despite knowing she lacks the status for it.
Suddenly, an idea strikes Huang Bei Shuang: they should swap identities, allowing Ge Xin Wei to pose as the future lady of Yun Pei. Ge Xin Wei warns her to think carefully, as this would make Huang Bei Shuang a fugitive princess from Ma Sui, facing great challenges in the desert. Undeterred, Huang Bei Shuang firmly commits, declaring she is willing to face any hardships ahead.
The two women publicly swear to exchange identities. From that moment, Ge Xin Wei becomes Huang Bei Shuang, while Huang Bei Shuang assumes the role of Ma Sui's ninth princess. They vow to keep their identities secret for the sake of the marriage alliance, with Ge Xin Wei giving Huang Bei Shuang her royal seal, and Huang Bei Shuang handing over her marriage decree to Ge Xin Wei.
With the marriage decree in hand, Ge Xin Wei instructs her maid to confirm her new identity as Huang Bei Shuang. The onlookers accept this without question and express their loyalty to her. However, the bandit leader Ruo Wen (played by Gao Yang), armed with a portrait of Ge Xin Wei, lies in wait to capture her, robbing them in the process.
When Ruo Wen mistakenly captures Ge Xin Wei, he realizes he has the wrong person and scolds his subordinate Man Hu for the misinformation, demanding accurate details about the desert's most beautiful woman. Ge Xin Wei cleverly claims to be Ruo Wen's woman, threatening him to let her go. Ruo Wen laughs maniacally, revealing his identity, and Ge Xin Wei is swiftly knocked unconscious.
Meanwhile, Huo Qing Yun (played by Fang Yi Lun) wanders alone in the desert, injured, and unexpectedly encounters the marriage procession. Huang Bei Shuang offers him ten bags of water, impressed by his kindness towards horses, sensing their intelligence. Suddenly, Huo Qing Yun collapses, and Huang Bei Shuang helps him onto a carriage.
Upon waking, Huo Qing Yun spots the *Wonders of the Desert* in Huang Bei Shuang's possession. He falsely claims to be a merchant who has discovered that she is from the marriage alliance, deliberately stating he also plans to go to Yun Pei while cautioning them to stay safe on their journey.
Comments(Episode 1)