Episode Summary
Xu Qi'an and Xu Xinnian await a contact, while Lin'an returns and is overjoyed to find Xu Qi'an alive. Xu Xinnian finally meets with Wang Simu, but a misunderstanding with her father leads to him being kicked out. Wang Simu then visits the Xu family, showering them with gifts.
Spoiler Alert
The heat is on, both literally and figuratively. Xu Qi'an and his cousin Xu Xinnian are sweltering under the blazing sun, impatiently waiting for a contact. They've even devoured multiple watermelons from a nearby vendor, but still no sign. Xu Qi'an finally has a lightbulb moment: their contact might have moved! Xu Xinnian, spurred by this realization, plans to send up more Kongming lanterns (those cool floating lanterns) that evening.
Meanwhile, Princess Lin'an has made her way back to the capital. Devastated by news of Xu Qi'an's supposed death in service to the court, she rushes to the Xu household. Elsewhere in the city, Li Miaozhen, a champion of justice, encounters some unruly guards who dine and dash. She dishes out some well-deserved punishment and, in a twist of fate, meets a fellow sword enthusiast who seems obsessed with cultivating his "sword energy."
Back at the Xu residence, Xu Xinnian and Xu Qi'an are launching their lanterns when the door bursts open. It's Lin'an! Overwhelmed with relief at seeing Xu Qi'an alive and well, she throws herself into his arms, holding him tight. Xu Xinnian, ever the tactful one, makes a quick exit.
The next morning, Lin'an wakes up in the arms of her maid, Gangzi, initially disappointed that the previous night might have been a dream. Gangzi reassures her that Xu Qi'an personally brought her home. Lin'an had been so attached to him that Gangzi had to impersonate Xu Qi'an to get the princess to finally relax and sleep.
Bright and early the next day, Xu Qi'an is practically skipping on his way to deliver breakfast to Lin'an, emphasizing to Gangzi the importance of freshness. He's confused because Lin'an wasn't supposed to return for a while, and her disheveled appearance the night before has him worried. He tries to ask Gangzi what's up, but she deflects, claiming the princess is just tired and wanted to see him briefly. Xu Qi'an leaves, a bit dejected.
At the agreed meeting place, Xu Xinnian finally reunites with the woman he's been pining for: Wang Simu, the sharp and intelligent daughter of the powerful Grand Secretary Wang Zhenwen. Despite their obvious mutual affection, the social gulf between them – she's the treasured daughter of a top official, he's a scholar of lower status – makes Xu Xinnian hesitate. He has a favor to ask, but he can't bring himself to say it. Luckily, Xu Qi'an steps in, requesting Wang Simu's help to access the Ministry of Personnel to investigate someone.
Wang Simu realizes what's going on, but she's frustrated by Xu Xinnian's constant formality and restraint. She subtly suggests that Xu Qi'an's status might make it difficult to enter the Ministry, prompting him to offer Xu Xinnian as a proxy. Wang Simu readily agrees.
At the Ministry, Xu Xinnian is the picture of respectful diligence, poring over documents. Wang Simu, on the other hand, tries to get his attention, offering him snacks and fanning him when he sweats. In a moment of clumsiness, she stumbles on the stairs, and Xu Xinnian catches her. It's a classic rom-com moment, and Wang Simu's heart is aflutter – until her father, Wang Zhenwen, walks in. Misinterpreting the scene, he assumes Xu Xinnian is harassing his daughter and promptly kicks him out!
Humiliated and bruised, Xu Xinnian retreats home and cries his eyes out. Wang Simu, however, follows him to the Xu residence. She explains the misunderstanding to Xu Qi'an, asking him to comfort his cousin. Then, she boldly goes to meet Xu Xinnian's parents, bearing extravagant gifts. Xu Xinnian's mother is speechless at the sight of a complete set of gold jewelry, and his father, Xu Pingzhi, is captivated by a precious sword crafted by the master craftsman Gu Huanzhen. Wang Simu realizes that her future in-laws are kindhearted and easy to please, which bodes well for her future plans.
