Episode Summary
Luo Shu and Han Muzhi's relationship deepens, while a family dispute erupts over Qiao Ruohui's death. Qiao Ruolan accuses her brother-in-law, He Shenwei, of murder and fights for control of the family winery. Luo Shu investigates, uncovering conflicting stories and a potential clue related to a secret fertility prescription. The episode ends with a mix of romance, suspicion, and a brewing battle for the truth and the winery's future.
Spoiler Alert
This episode dives deep into brewing romances, family feuds, and a suspicious death that leaves everyone questioning the truth.
Luo Shu and Han Muzhi's relationship continues to blossom. They clearly care for each other, offering support and companionship. Luo Shu, keeping a promise, prepares a feast for Han Muzhi, including his favorite shaomai. Qi Menglin, also fond of shaomai and harboring feelings for Luo Shu, mistakenly believes the meal is for him, inviting Han Muzhi to join. Han Muzhi, aware of Luo Shu's intentions, keeps quiet to spare Qi Menglin's feelings. Qi Menglin, completely smitten, is oblivious to the truth, even ignoring his friend's attempts to bring him back to reality.
Han Muzhi discovers Luo Shu's skill in chess, leading to a friendly match. As Luo Shu's emancipation papers are nearing approval, Han Muzhi inquires about her future plans. Their conversation flows easily, revealing a strong connection. Luo Shu wins the chess game, impressing Han Muzhi. He learns of her musical talent and asks for a performance, but she declines. Instead, Han Muzhi plays the flute, captivating Luo Shu with the melody.
Tragedy strikes as Qiao Ruohui dies after a long illness following a miscarriage. Her husband, He Shenwei, is preparing for the funeral when Qiao Ruohui's sister, Qiao Ruolan, storms in, accusing him of murder. He Shenwei takes the matter to the county office, seeking justice. Luo Shu and Qi Menglin are assigned to investigate.
Qiao Ruolan is adamant that He Shenwei is the culprit and demands an autopsy. He Shenwei refuses, but Qi Menglin sides with Qiao Ruolan, ordering the coffin to be opened. He Shenwei, in despair, attempts to kill himself by ramming his head against the coffin.
The coroner, Xu, confirms that Qiao Ruohui died of natural causes, not foul play. Qiao Ruolan refuses to believe it. He Shenwei pleads with her to let his wife rest in peace, revealing Qiao Ruohui's dying wish for him to continue the family's wine business. He presents Qiao Ruohui's will.
The will, read aloud by Chen Meiqing, states that He Shenwei will inherit the winery. Qiao Ruolan is furious, believing He Shenwei forced her sister to write it. She claims her right to the winery, which has been in the family for five generations. He Shenwei is heartbroken, reminding everyone of his and Qiao Ruohui's dedication to the business and the substantial dowry he provided for Qiao Ruolan.
Han Muzhi officially declares He Shenwei the rightful heir, dismissing Qiao Ruolan's claims. He Shenwei is grateful, while Qiao Ruolan vows to uncover the "truth" behind her sister's death. Luo Shu, returning late to the office, finds Han Muzhi waiting. They discuss the case, with Han Muzhi concerned about his judgment due to Qiao Ruolan's disrespect towards He Shenwei, particularly her insults about him being a live-in son-in-law. Luo Shu reassures him.
Qiao Ruolan, determined to disrupt the winery, offers the workers double their wages to leave. He Shenwei is forced to report this to the authorities. Luo Shu and Qi Menglin arrive to find He Shenwei begging Qiao Ruolan not to take the workers, as the winery's signature Jinrui wine needs to be brewed starting on the day of Bailu (White Dew, a solar term). Missing this crucial timing would ruin the batch. Qiao Ruolan demands the secret recipe for Jinrui wine, which Qiao Ruohui never shared with He Shenwei. She successfully lures all the workers away, much to Qi Menglin's disapproval.
Luo Shu, dressed in women's clothing, attempts to speak with Qiao Ruolan. She observes Granny Wang, a loyal servant of the Qiao family, delivering food. Qiao Ruolan initially avoids Luo Shu but eventually opens up after Luo Shu points out that her true goal isn't to seize the winery but to find out the truth about her sister's death.
Qiao Ruolan explains that her sister, dedicated to the winery, chose the poor scholar He Shenwei as a live-in son-in-law to ensure Qiao Ruolan could marry without worry. Qiao Ruolan investigated He Shenwei and found nothing suspicious. Her main concern is that He Shenwei never mentioned Qiao Ruohui's illness until after her death, fueling her suspicion. Luo Shu promises to investigate thoroughly.
Luo Shu and Qi Menglin visit He Shenwei, finding Doctor Hua Miao there as well. He Shenwei claims Qiao Ruohui was too weak to bear children but insisted on having a child with him. After the miscarriage, she became chronically ill and asked him to keep her condition secret from Qiao Ruolan. He claims he only found the will while sorting through her belongings.
Qiao Ruolan bursts in, accusing He Shenwei of lying. She questions why, if Qiao Ruohui intended to leave the winery to him, she wouldn't have shared the Jinrui wine recipe. Qi Menglin, frustrated with Qiao Ruolan's behavior, yells at her. Luo Shu calms Qiao Ruolan, promising justice for her sister. She asks for Qiao Ruohui's letters, hoping to find clues. Qiao Ruolan sends for the letters and reveals that Qiao Ruohui became pregnant after taking a secret prescription from Doctor Hua. Luo Shu shares these findings with Han Muzhi, who offers his assistance, but Luo Shu declines, not wanting to burden him.
