Xiao Shu He confronts Duan Ziang while pursuing Ji Bei assassins, leaving their bond fractured. After the Ji Bei Emperor's death, Ziang is honored for his deeds, rising as commander and later crowned Emperor. Vowing to unify the land, he must choose between love and loyalty. Meanwhile, Shu He is captured and imprisoned in the Ji Bei palace, where the two meet again.

Xiao Shu He struggles between restoring his homeland and love, admitting that without the hatred of a fallen nation, he could have truly loved Duan Ziang. During the Lantern Festival, Ziang takes Shu He to the night market, lost in affection. Meanwhile, a rescue plan unfolds, but Shu He's escape attempt is exposed, leaving Ziang to suspect he has been betrayed all along.