Episode 28 propels The Princess’s Gambit into a dangerous new phase as Jiang Taohua and Shen Zaiye race to save Changjue. Meanwhile, Prince Wuyin’s plot expands, pulling Mu Wuxia and the empire itself toward a deadly trap.
🏅 1. A Scholar Rises – Li Dian Tops the Exam
Li Dian is announced as the top scorer in the imperial exam, to the Emperor’s delight. His political insight and scholarly depth impress not only the monarch but the court, and Prince Wuxia earns rare praise.
“Wuxia made a wise choice.”
But while Wuxia gains favor, Prince Wuyin simmers in resentment, believing the Emperor's acknowledgment is political face-saving, not heartfelt support.
💌 2. Taohua's Silent Desperation
Back in Prince Wuyin’s residence, Jiang Taohua receives news: her brother Changjue is facing military punishment in Luocheng. Wuyin smugly offers her a “chance” to say goodbye before his execution—an act of cruelty disguised as kindness.
“You want to see him again? Then ride. You might still make it.”
The catch? She must travel under Wuyin’s command—and possibly bring Shen Zaiye into the trap.
🧊 3. A Frosty Reunion: Zaiye and Taohua Clash
At the city gates, Shen Zaiye intercepts her, having tracked her movements. The conversation is tense and raw. Taohua accuses him of torture, betrayal, and manipulation. Zaiye counters with vulnerability.
“I want to hear your pain. I want to fight your battles.”
Taohua:
“Our fate has run its course. Why force it?”
Despite their emotional clash, Zaiye joins her—because of Changjue.
⚔️ 4. Changjue Imprisoned and Maimed
In Luocheng, we witness the brutal conditions Changjue endures. Defiant in the face of torture, he still protects the innocent and refuses to beg.
“They aren’t criminals. They were framed. I’ll say it again.”
Commandant Deng, the warden, seems caught between loyalty to Empress Lv and his conscience. He allows Changjue’s suffering but draws the line at execution—for now.
🐍 5. Prince Wuyin’s Masterstroke
Wuyin’s plan is finally revealed:
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He sends Shen Zaiye and Taohua toward Luocheng.
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He manipulates the Emperor into dispatching Mu Wuxia to the border to “earn military merit.”
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Bandits along the Qi–Beiyuan border are his men in disguise, led by General Cui Wei.
“We’ll wipe them out in one go.”
The trap is now fully set—for Zaiye, Taohua, Wuxia, and Changjue.
🧳 6. Everyone on the Move
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Taohua and Zaiye depart quietly with 30 shadow guards.
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Mu Wuxia rides out, unsure of his strength but trusting in strategy.
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Zhan Lu and Xiang Qingying insist on accompanying him.
Despite Zaiye’s protests and Taohua’s coldness, their paths converge—and their destinies entwine once more.
💔 7. Love Denied, Loyalty Confirmed
The emotional core of the episode is Taohua’s rejection of Zaiye. She admits she remembers everything—the betrayal, the pain, the love—and yet chooses to walk alone.
“I want nothing more to do with you. I don’t want to owe you anything.”
But Zaiye won’t leave her behind:
“I’ve never met Changjue, yet I consider him family.”
His actions speak louder than words.
🪤 8. The Border Tensions Rise
Wuxia receives secret orders from the Emperor and prepares to intercept bandits near Luocheng, unaware they are not bandits—but Beiyuan’s covert forces.
His young strategist instincts clash with inexperience. Yet he commands with a sense of justice:
“They’re just bandits. What’s there to fear?”
Wuxia has become a leader—but is he ready for war?
🧨 9. Zhan Lu’s Comedy Relief and Hidden Valor
Zhan Lu tags along, annoyingly loyal, clashing with Qingying but offering levity in a darkening story. Even the villagers mistake them for newlyweds—providing a humorous moment amidst growing dread.
“When I got married, I was even shier than you!”
“We’re not—wait, never mind…”
🐺 10. The Snare Tightens in Luocheng
Back in Luocheng, Commandant Deng is threatened by Empress Lv’s agents: return Changjue by nightfall or face punishment himself.
Meanwhile, Empress Lv’s forces prepare for total domination—three targets, one strike:
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Mu Wuxia from the east,
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Shen Zaiye and Taohua from the south,
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Changjue imprisoned in the heart of the city.
The final scene shows her agents celebrating:
“The fish are moving. Luocheng will get lively.”
💬 Overall Impressions
Episode 28 is a masterclass in political suspense and emotional layering. Every character moves like a chess piece—some knowingly, some blindly. What begins as a rescue mission may become a mass execution, all orchestrated by one prince’s ambition and a mother’s silent vendetta.
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Shen Zaiye shows growth: he's no longer cold strategy, but heart-led loyalty.
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Jiang Taohua is resolute and tragic, walking into fire to save her brother.
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Mu Wuxia steps up, stepping into the battlefield for the first time—not as a scholar, but as a future ruler.
🔚 Final Verdict
“Episode 28 is the calm before the inferno. With love shattered, loyalty tested, and the trap sprung—Luocheng may become the site where everything changes. Or ends.”