Fan Changyu rescues Xie Zheng in the snow and evades the soldiers searching for him. In the turmoil, their fates become closely entwined.

Fan Changyu reopens the family pork shop and displays an unusual talent for business. To save her home, she asks Xie Zheng to marry into the family.

Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng face a crisis, stirring Zheng's emotions. Meanwhile, Qi Shu wistfully recalls playing chess with a mysterious figure.

Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu grow closer through hardship, and finally consummate their marriage. Qi Shu, under the alias An Xu, enters Luyuan Academy.

Changyu is upset about the hairpin and the betrothal letter. Gongsun Yin discovers Princess Qi Shu's identity but allows her to stay and study.

Xie Zheng starts wondering who the Fan family really are. Fan Changyu appears in court over Fan Da's property case, which takes an unexpected turn.

Fan Changyu escapes from prison to find someone and fights alongside Xie Zheng. Gongsun Yin saves Xie Zheng, and Changyu is set free.

Fan Changyu learns from Gongsun Yin that Xie Zheng will eventually leave, which upsets her. She teams up with Yu Qianqian to sell braised meat.

Wei assassins strike again at night. Li Huai'an finds the Fan shrine to the Marquis of Wu'an. Wei Xuan orders He Jingyuan to send troops to Chongzhou.

At court, Wei Yan suppresses Grand Tutor Li to consolidate his power. Fan Changyu reopens her braised meat stall, and business booms.

Fan Changyu is attacked by a butcher. Li Huai'an returns for a date with the Grand Princess. Yu Qianqian is pestered by a mysterious merchant.

Fan Changning meets Yu Bao'er at a tavern. Xie Zheng finds Zhao Xun and Qi Min stockpiling grain. Yu Qianqian gets Xie Zheng to pose as her husband.

Qi Min discovers Xie Zheng's true identity. On New Year's Eve, the Fan and Zhao families share a celebratory meal and a drunk Changyu tries to confess.

Qi Min learns Yu Bao'er's true birth date. On the night of the festival, Fan Changyu exposes Song Yan in public. Xie Zheng receives some urgent news.

Fan Changyu learns the truth about her origins from her grandfather. Yixiang Tower is framed. Yu Qiangian is arrested, and the county yamen office is captured.

Fan Changyu sneaks into the yamen and fights Sui Yuanqing to free the magistrate. Xie Zheng saves her in time. They later meet at the ferry.

Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng argue fiercely, parting on bad terms. Yu Qiangian decides to head south to avoid trouble, but is ambushed by bandits.

Bloodshed erupts in Lin'an as Fan Changyu lures the bandits away. Xie Zheng rushes over to help, only to find her badly wounded and unconscious.

Xie Zheng vows to marry Fan Changyu, who's still unconscious. When Changning goes missing, Changyu resolves to search for her sister.

Fan Changyu keeps searching for her sister Changning. With the battle and a rescue operation looming, Xie Zheng and He Jingyuan devise a plan.

Grand Tutor Tao schemes to get Fan Changyu to safety. Xie Zheng confronts Sui Yuanging, who takes Fan Changning hostage.

Xie Zheng pulls off a battlefield miracle, but the tide turns. Fan Changyu weeps with joy on learning that Changning is safe. Shi Yue hatches a plan.

Qi Shu discovers he has been unrealistic. Fan Changyu is reunited with her long-lost sister. Gongsun Yin gives Xie Zheng a warning.

Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu grow closer. Fan Changyu foils Shi Yue's plan. Xie Zheng pretends to punish Changyu for breaking army rules.

Before the battle, Qi Shu and Gongsun Yin reveal their feelings for each other. Fan Changyu goes to her husband's place, and kills Shi Hu.

Changyu goes looking for someone. Xie Zheng sends Xie Qi to protect her in secret. Xie Zheng saves Zhao Xun, who reveals his true identity.

Changyu goes looking for someone. Xie Zheng sends Xie Qi to protect her in secret. Xie Zheng saves Zhao Xun, who reveals his true identity.

Yu Qianqian escapes and meets Changyu outside the city. As the fighting intensifies, Fan Changyu turns back and leads the locals into battle.

He Jingyuan dies in battle. His last letter reveals who Fan Changyu's biological father is. Qi Min asks Sui Yuanqing to avenge his father.

Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu's relationship is at an impasse. Wei Xuan is removed from office. Li Huai'an apologizes, and reconciles with Changyu.

Li Huai'an claims Fan Changyu as his sworn sister to quell rumors. Xie Zheng guesses Qi Min faked his death and suspects there is a mole in the army.

Li Huai'an learns of Sui Yuanqing's escape and confronts Xie Zheng. Tutor Li's plan fails. Qi Shu returns. Fan Changyu gets closer to Xie Zheng.

Li Huai'an learns of Sui Yuanqing's escape and confronts Xie Zheng. Tutor Li's plan fails. Qi Shu returns. Fan Changyu gets closer to Xie Zheng.

Qi Min conspires with Grand Tutor Li, who suggests hosting a banquet. Qi Sheng intends to use the banquet to win over, or eliminate, Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng's public declaration of love causes a stir. He seeks the truth behind a palace coup from long ago. Yu Qiangian steals the tiger tally.

Though ill, Tutor Li attends the event and clashes with Wei Yan. A fire breaks out at Qingyuan palace and Gongsun Yin risks his life to save Qi Shu.

Intrigue swirls at court and in the martial world. Fan Changyu vows to clear her father's name. Xie Zheng exposes Wei Yan's role in Jinzhou's fall.

Qi Min leads rebels into the palace, where he confronts Wei Yan. Xie Zheng defeats Wei Yan, who reveals the truth about what happened 17 years ago.

Wei Yan kills himself to quell the rebellion. Qi Min dies. The young emperor ascends to the throne. Xie Zheng becomes regent, Fan Changyu a general.