Episode Summary
Han Muzhi and the constables race to save Luo Shu and Qi Menglin from a collapsed mine. After a desperate rescue effort, they break through, and Han Muzhi and Luo Shu share an emotional reunion. Han Muzhi learns of Luo Shu's hidden feelings and declares his love, giving her his mother's bracelet. Qi Menglin, heartbroken, realizes Luo Shu loves Han Muzhi. Luo Shu later visits Wang Mao's grave and then finds Han Muzhi teaching, further solidifying her admiration.
Spoiler Alert
Disaster strikes! Qian Dayou leads Han Muzhi and the constables to the abandoned mine where Luo Shu and Qi Menglin are trapped. They arrive to find the mine entrance collapsed from an explosion. Qian Dayou is terrified, and Han Muzhi, in a fit of rage, berates him for the situation. They realize that moving the rocks carelessly could cause a further collapse.
Han Muzhi, desperate to save Luo Shu, takes charge. He orders his men to start digging and sends others to search for alternate entrances to the mine. They soon discover a dry well that might offer a way in. Inside the mine, Wang Mao sacrificed himself to protect Luo Shu and Qi Menglin during the explosion. Although they survived, they're now trapped with the only exit blocked. Luo Shu encourages everyone to stay calm and wait for rescue.
Han Muzhi leads the effort from the well, having the constables haul out rocks. It's backbreaking work, but Lianshu offers them money, and Han Muzhi promises commendations once they break through. Meanwhile, Luo Shu, weakened and fading, reminisces with Qi Menglin about her past with Han Muzhi. It's clear she's deeply in love, though she doesn't explicitly name him to Qi Menglin.
The rescue effort is grueling. Han Muzhi and his men are exhausted, doubting they're digging in the right direction. But Han Muzhi, driven by his love for Luo Shu, refuses to give up. He hammers at the rock with all his might. Qi Menglin hears the faint sounds and realizes help is on the way. He rallies everyone, and they start banging on the walls to signal their location. Han Muzhi hears the response and redoubles their efforts.
Finally, they break through! Han Muzhi is overcome with emotion and embraces Luo Shu tightly. Lianshu helps Qi Menglin out, and seeing the tearful reunion between Han Muzhi and Luo Shu, realizes that Luo Shu's heart belongs to Han Muzhi. Qi Menglin is heartbroken.
Later, Chen Meiqing stays by Zaohua's body, giving her makeup for a beautiful send-off. He advises Han Muzhi not to miss his chance with Luo Shu, revealing that Luo Shu had previously confessed her feelings but hid them to protect Han Muzhi's future.
Luo Shu and Xiao Doumiao visit Wang Mao's grave. Xiao Doumiao recounts Wang Mao's tragic story: his wife, Dongmei, was captured by Qian Dayou, and Wang Mao disfigured himself with a branding iron to hide his identity while seeking revenge.
Han Muzhi, now aware of Luo Shu's true feelings, confronts her. He declares his intention to break off his engagement with Liu Wan and spend his life with Luo Shu. He gives her his mother's bracelet as a token of his love, and Luo Shu is moved to tears. That night, they share drinks, and Luo Shu opens up about her desire to be free from her low social status and travel the world. Han Muzhi assures her that he's already submitted the paperwork for her release, and they look forward to a future together.
Meanwhile, a despondent Qi Menglin drowns his sorrows in alcohol by the river. Lianshu tries to comfort him, but Qi Menglin is consumed by his unrequited love for Luo Shu, haunted by memories of their shared struggles.
The next morning, Luo Shu goes to find Han Muzhi and discovers he's teaching at the county school. She watches him, admiring his eloquence and further deepening her respect for him.
