In Episode 24, Mu Wuxia's public sacrifice leads to the reinstatement of the imperial exam. Meanwhile, Jiang Taohua navigates deadly games between Prince Wuyin and Shen Zaiye, choosing betrayal with purpose.
🏛️ 1. A Nation Kneels with Wuxia
The episode begins with the grief-stricken Mu Wuxia mourning Li Jiaohan’s death. The young scholar’s suicide becomes the spark that ignites a revolution. Wuxia kneels in the snow before the palace, demanding the return of the imperial exam system.
“The abolition of exams blocks the path for talent… If noble clans grow unchecked, rebellion brews.”
The court debates. The Emperor is hesitant, worried about backlash from the noble families. But public pressure surges. Shen Zaiye sees opportunity.
“Let the people become Prince Wuxia’s armor.”
📜 2. Victory and Its Price
Ultimately, the Emperor concedes. An edict is issued:
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The imperial exam will be held after the new year.
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Prince Wuxia and Minister Qin are appointed chief examiners.
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Shen Zaiye will supervise the examination halls.
The news spreads like wildfire. Commoners rejoice. Scholars cry with joy. But Shen Zaiye remains cautious:
“We’ve only won the first move. The real battle begins now.”
🕊️ 3. Zaiye and Taohua Drift Further
Zaiye's heart remains with Jiang Taohua, but their paths continue to diverge. When she visits him under Prince Wuyin’s orders, their conversation is full of unspoken pain.
Taohua asks him to protect Qingtai’s secret:
“In others’ eyes, she is already dead.”
Zaiye presses her:
“Is Qingtai all we can talk about now?”
She replies coldly:
“There is only one thing in this world that cannot be forced—and that is love.”
Their bond, once inseparable, now feels irreparably broken.
🧠 4. Taohua’s Hidden Game
Prince Wuyin assigns her to keep tabs on Zaiye:
“Visit him. Make sure he’s distracted.”
Taohua immediately understands:
“He wants me to restrain Shen Zaiye. But I will do the opposite.”
She decides to play the role, but remain loyal to truth. Every smile she offers is now a calculated move in a larger game.
🥀 5. Echoes of Love and Regret
In a hauntingly tender moment, Zaiye watches Taohua leave:
“If I said I regret it all… would you turn back?”
But she doesn’t. And the emotional weight is devastating.
“Shen Zaiye, you and I stand on different sides… better to set things right and follow our destined path.”
Zaiye watches her fade into the distance, whispering:
“Since you’ve chosen to walk alone, I will no longer try to stop you… but I will stand behind you, always.”
🧨 6. Wuyin's Three-Bird Strategy
Meanwhile, Prince Wuyin is pressured by his Beiyuan allies. His brother Mu Wuxia is gaining fame, threatening the plan to control the court.
Empress Lv delivers a chilling warning:
“If I hadn’t pushed you, you’d never have raised a hand against your own brother.”
Wuyin agrees to continue the three-bird plan, which aims to:
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Remove Wuxia,
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Dismantle Shen Zaiye,
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And sabotage the new exam system.
“I will make sure every piece is used to its full value,” he promises darkly.
🎭 7. The Meng Family Splits Further
Zhenzhen returns to her home to challenge her cousin Huairui, who she suspects of plagiarism again. She warns him:
“Better to give up now than disgrace the family.”
He retorts:
“If I pass, the Meng family will welcome me soon enough.”
Zhenzhen’s father realizes the political storm brewing is bigger than any one exam.
👁️ 8. Zhan Lu’s Discovery
While tailing Zaiye, Zhan Lu unexpectedly discovers Qingtai alive, confirming Taohua’s survival as well. She confronts Taohua:
“Why didn’t you tell us you were alive?”
“Because Prince Wuyin knew. And this place is dangerous.”
Zhan Lu pleads:
“Can’t you do something about my brother? He’s been losing his mind without you.”
💔 9. Shen Zaiye’s Grief
Zaiye is collapsing under the emotional strain. He works tirelessly on exam logistics, but refuses food or rest. His aides beg him to care for himself.
Zhan Lu brings Taohua’s food. He tries to resist, but she insists:
“I prepared all this. You have to eat—for me.”
But even as he eats, his heart breaks:
“There is only one thing in this world that cannot be forced—and that is love.”
🔚 10. A Farewell in Silence
Taohua finally says goodbye:
“Chancellor Shen, this is where we part.”
She walks away—no more illusions, no more lies. Zaiye watches her go, a man broken by his own choices.
💬 Overall Impressions
Episode 24 marks a historic turning point in the story:
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The imperial exam returns, breaking centuries of aristocratic control.
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But victory comes with moral compromise, emotional devastation, and political enemies now fully awakened.
This episode is not just about policy—it’s about the personal cost of reform.
Taohua’s transformation is nearly complete: from victim to player, from pawn to queen.
🔚 Final Verdict
“Episode 24 is a masterstroke of political drama, emotional intensity, and quiet rebellion. In the name of justice, hearts are shattered. In the name of love, alliances are betrayed.”