Time passes. Shuxiao gets promoted, but is unhappy about it. She joined the army to protect her family from political enemies and gain them allies at court; she feels trapped by her own success. Shuxiao asks about Xingyin’s Sky Drop Tassel; Liwei always wears his and often listens to Xingyin’s seashell.

The next day, Xingyin takes a walk. She runs into Liwei. Their conversation is awkward, as Liwei is still clearly jealous about Wenzhi. He confesses that he still loves her. They kiss, but are interrupted when a messenger summons Liwei to an emergency audience with his parents.

Xingyin returns to her room. Wenzhi is waiting for her, and tells her that he resigned from the army. After his final mission, he will return home; he asks her to come with him, his own confession of love. Xingyin considers the possibility of hope and new love, since she is beginning to doubt she will ever receive the Crimson Lion Talisman. However, before she can answer him, Wenzhi is also summoned to an emergency audience. Alone, Xingyin ponders her conflicting emotions.