Episode Summary
Luo Shu recounts her tragic past to Qi Menglin, solidifying their bond. Their investigation into the fire that killed her parents leads to a gambling house, a poisoned pastry, and a confrontation with Qi Menglin's brother, Qi Yanjin. Suspicions arise about Qin Yi's involvement, and Luo Shu decides to leave, seeking safety, but Qi Menglin's family promises to help uncover the truth.
Spoiler Alert
This episode dives deep into Luo Shu's tragic past and intensifies the mystery surrounding her family's demise. The alliance between Luo Shu and Qi Menglin grows stronger as secrets are revealed and new dangers emerge.
Luo Shu's Heartbreaking Past: Luo Shu, determined to uncover the truth about the fire that killed her parents, confides in Qi Menglin. She recounts her harrowing childhood: being sold to the Qin family, taken in by the kind Fifth Madam, and taught the refined arts. However, her life took a dark turn when the Fifth Madam was forced to leave for Mingke Brothel, taking Luo Shu with her. Luo Shu reveals that she considered Qin Yi a brother, but he betrayed her trust, using her to bring down the Fifth Madam. This betrayal fueled Luo Shu's lasting resentment towards Qin Yi, who later became the head of the Qin family. He later tried to bring her back from Linfen's Mingke Brothel, claiming his past actions were unavoidable, but Luo Shu refused. Qi Menglin, deeply moved by her story, urges her to move on from the past.
The Investigation Heats Up: Luo Shu visits Uncle Guo and Aunt Guo, hoping they can shed light on who visited her house after the fire. They claim ignorance but recall Luo Shu's father, Luo Qingfeng, winning big at the Changsheng Gambling House on the day of the fire. Simultaneously, Qi Menglin inquiries about the whereabouts of thirteen-year-old stone lacquer at the military camp, but the person in charge there claims that he do not know anything about it, and tells Qi Menglin to seek approval from Governor-Governor Qi.
It's revealed that Lian Qi, who has been tailing Qi Menglin, had instructed the armory chief to withhold information. Uncle Guo and Aunt Guo are also lying to Luo Shu, their son being held hostage by the Qi family. When Luo Shu confronts the gambling house owner, he's abruptly arrested.
Family Conflict: Qi Menglin rushes home, hoping for his elder brother's help, only to be scolded. His second brother, Qi Yanjin, warns him against interfering with the military and helping Luo Shu. Luo Shu seeks Qi Menglin's help, and he suspects the Taiyuan government of arresting the owner. They seek help from Sun Qian, the son of the Taiyuan magistrate, who reveals that Zhao Naixian sent the constables. Zhao Naixian confessed to a drinking buddy that he was paid fifty taels of silver to make the arrest.
Qi Menglin and Luo Shu return to the gambling house, but the owner is missing. A dart with a message is sent to the staff, and they rush to rescue the owner, with Sun Qian and the constables arriving just in time. The owner finally reveals that a regular customer brought Luo Qingfeng to the gambling house, where he won a large sum before being killed in the fire that very night. The owner doesn't know the customer's identity, only his physical appearance.
Poison and Pursuit: Back at her room, Luo Shu receives her favorite pastry, supposedly from Qi Menglin. However, when Qi Menglin arrives and eats one, Luo Shu realizes it's poisoned. Suspecting a connection between her family's fire and Qi Menglin's family, they devise a plan to lure out the culprit.
Qi Menglin loudly announces Luo Shu's trip to Fahua Temple. As planned, someone attacks Luo Shu, but Qi Menglin catches the assailant. The attacker refuses to reveal his master, but Luo Shu spots someone on the mountain. They give chase, and the person falls into a trap. The captured man is revealed to be Lian Qi, Qi Yanjin's attendant.
Qin Yi's Schemes: Qin Yi gifts Qi Yanjin a valuable jade, hoping to secure this year's salt permits. He offers a hefty sum and a 30/70 profit split, but Qi Yanjin is evasive. Qin Yi resorts to threats, but Qi Yanjin warns him against harming Qi Menglin.
Confrontation and Departure: Qi Menglin confronts Qi Yanjin, accusing him of poisoning and attempting to assassinate Luo Shu. Qi Yanjin denies it, claiming he only sent Lian Qi to follow her out of concern. Qin Yi overhears the argument, a sinister smile on his face. Luo Shu, not wanting to endanger Qi Menglin, decides to leave. Xue Zhu informs Qi Menglin, having seen Qin Yi eavesdropping.
Qi Menglin tries to stop Luo Shu, but Qi Yanjin intervenes. Seeing Qi Menglin's devotion, Qi Yanjin finally agrees to help investigate the fire and Luo Shu's parents' deaths. Qin Yi tries to intercept Luo Shu, offering his help, but she ignores him. Lianshu arranges for Luo Shu to stay at an inn, under protection, but Qi Menglin remains worried.
