Episode Summary
Luo Shu confronts Qi Menglin about his hunger strike, while Han Muzhi's attempts to secure grain are blocked by Qin Yi. Luo Shu suspects a conspiracy between Qin Yi and Liu Yiqing. Han Muzhi faces rejection and despair, leading to a drunken outburst. Luo Shu then confronts Qin Yi, who demands she marry him in exchange for the grain. Qi Menglin recovers and seeks permission to investigate. Luo Shu decides to take a risk, and Qi Menglin tries to get grain from his father.
Spoiler Alert
In this episode, the situation in Linfen grows increasingly desperate, forcing characters to make difficult choices and confront their feelings.
Luo Shu finds Qi Menglin in a terrible state after his hunger strike. Furious and heartbroken, she lashes out at him, calling him spineless and weak for resorting to such tactics. Luo Shu declares she would never marry someone so cowardly and storms off.
Meanwhile, Han Muzhi, accompanied by Constable Cai, approaches Qin Yi, begging him to sell grain at a high price to help the starving people. Qin Yi, however, insists on a cash-on-delivery deal. Han Muzhi, lacking the funds, tries to leverage Liu Yiqing's influence, but Qin Yi is unmoved. He demands that Luo Shu come to him personally, clearly setting a trap. Han Muzhi leaves, frustrated and with no solution.
Han Muzhi, with no option, plans to go to Liu Yiqing and ask for the disaster relief grain. Luo Shu, however, begins to suspect foul play. Qin Yi's hoarding of grain and Liu Yiqing's refusal to release aid seem too convenient to be a coincidence. Qi Menglin, spurred to action by Luo Shu's harsh words, ends his hunger strike. He sends Lianshu to check on Luo Shu, discovering she is with Han Muzhi, desperately searching for grain. Qi Menglin vows to uncover the truth behind her parents' deaths and begs his grandmother to intercede with his father, allowing him to investigate.
Han Muzhi reluctantly visits Liu Yiqing, who avoids him. However, Liu Wan, Liu Yiqing's daughter, invites Han Muzhi to a lavish banquet. Han Muzhi believes Liu Yiqing's delay in releasing grain to Linfen is due to his broken engagement with Liu Wan. He apologizes to her, pleading for her to intercede with her father and expedite the grain delivery.
Liu Wan is hurt. She knows Han Muzhi doesn't love her, but she insists she would never let personal revenge affect the lives of innocent people. She promises to speak to her father, then leaves abruptly, leaving Han Muzhi alone. That night, Liu Wan confronts Liu Yiqing, urging him to release the grain to Han Muzhi, but he advises her to stay out of it.
Overwhelmed by stress, Han Muzhi turns to alcohol, drinking heavily and lamenting his situation in the streets. Luo Shu finds him and tries to comfort him. Han Muzhi feels helpless, having sacrificed his love for the sake of his people, only to be met with failure. Luo Shu can only offer her silent support. Constable Cai arrives and manages to persuade Han Muzhi to return home, leaving Luo Shu deeply worried.
The next morning, Luo Shu bravely approaches Qin Yi. Qin Yi is overjoyed, but Luo Shu pleads with him to sell grain to Han Muzhi. Qin Yi realizes Luo Shu cares for Han Muzhi and becomes angry. Luo Shu warns him that if the disaster is resolved, his hoarded grain will be worthless. Qin Yi demands cash on delivery, and Luo Shu offers her own savings to help Han Muzhi. Qin Yi refuses, demanding that Luo Shu kneel and beg him. Without hesitation, Luo Shu kneels and humbles herself. Qin Yi agrees to sell the grain, but only if Luo Shu marries him. She refuses and turns to leave. Qin Yi gives her three days to reconsider, threatening that Han Muzhi won't get a single grain of rice if she doesn't agree.
Qi Menglin's condition improves, and Governor Qi summons him. Qi Menglin pretends to be severely injured, and his father, believing the act, shows concern. Qi Menglin apologizes, softening his father's heart. The guards around his courtyard are removed, and he's allowed to visit his grandmother.
Qin Yi sends his butler to the inn where Luo Shu is staying, spreading the rumor that she is going to marry Qin Yi. Han Muzhi and Constable Cai urge Luo Shu to reconsider. However, determined to secure grain for Linfen's people, Luo Shu decides to take a risk, asking Han Muzhi and Constable Cai to help her keep her plans secret. Qi Menglin comes to visit Luo Shu and overhears their conversation. He returns home to ask his father for military grain to give to Han Muzhi, but Governor Qi refuses, wanting to watch the situation unfold. He forcefully dismisses Qi Menglin, who is left distraught and refuses to eat.
