Cui Shiyi, the crown princess-to-be who was sent to the mansion to be a protégé by her elders. Cui Shiyi fell in love, without knowing it, with the Jr. Nanchen King, Zhou Shengchen during her stay.
Shi Yi was betrothed at birth. On her 10th birthday, her mother requests divorce. Heartbroken, she faints and becomes mute from grief.
Years later, Lu Feng brings Shi Yi to Nancheng Prince’s mansion. She admires Zhou Shengchen and formally becomes his 11th disciple.
Prince Pingqin mistakes Shi Yi for Zhou Shengchen’s bride. Misunderstandings arise because she cannot speak, resolved only when Zhou Shengchen arrives.
Xiao Yan flees Daliang; Zhou Shengchen protects him in a fight. Shi Yi, anxious, calls out unexpectedly: “Master!”
Liu Zixing reunites with Shi Yi but she stays formal and distant, observing proper etiquette.
Shi Yi visits home, chats with her mother, and plans to bring books from home to the mansion library.
Liu Zixing kills Zhao Teng, claiming responsibility. Xie Yun and Feng Qiao capture Liu Yuan. Zhou Shengchen comforts Emperor Liu Hui.
Shi Yi calls Zhou Shengchen by name for the first time. Hearts race, and subtle romantic tension begins.
Shi Yi must leave for a wedding and family matters. Zhou Shengchen takes her to Bai Ma Temple to relax.
In the Yongcheng battle, Xie Yun is gravely injured. General Gan dies protecting him. Zhou Shengchen arrives, repelling the enemy alone.
Trapped in Daliang, Zhou Shengchen stays calm, planning to return later while hiding his identity.
Zhou Shengchen promises Shi Yi he will reveal when and where he dies if misfortune strikes.
During a rainy night, Zhou Shengchen stands outside Shi Yi’s door. They exchange small talk without addressing feelings.
Drinking mutton soup, Shi Yi learns two men refuse to join the prince, frustrated that fame offers no wealth or future.
Zhou Shengchen gives Shi Yi a white eagle feather arrow. Feng Qiao gives Xie Yun knee guards.
Lu Wenjun announces the Empress Dowager arranges Shi Yi’s marriage. Shocked, she must accept. Zhou Shengchen hears and leaves heartbroken.
Shi Yi cries in Zhou Shengchen’s arms, asking him not to attend her wedding. She bids farewell to Xie Chong and her master at the city gate.
At the banquet, Jin Zhen’er tries to trick Shi Yi into writing a letter to Zhou Shengchen. Shi Yi refuses, fearing exposure.
The Empress Dowager appoints Liu Zizhen as emperor. Zhou Shengchen stays in the palace for Shi Yi’s sake, touching her deeply.
Outside, Zhou Shengchen and Shi Yi talk under the moon. She realizes he always considers her, feeling moved and sad.
Liu Zixing reports the emperor’s death. Lu Zheng seeks the throne. Shi Yi voices her opinion, but they part on bad terms.
At a feast, Zhou Shengchen pretends to be drunk to leave but is ambushed by soldiers accusing him of attempted regicide.
Prince Pingqin tries to rescue Shi Yi at the Eastern Palace but fails.
Desperate, Shi Yi is escorted to prepare for a ritual. Yang Shao promises to help her escape, leaving her the choice to flee.
