Episode Summary
Du Yangxi, newly married to Shou Hua through a deceitful switch by the Li family, initially mistreats her out of anger. However, after witnessing her kindness, talent, and filial piety, he falls deeply in love. Shou Hua, aware of his initial neglect, continues to ignore him as a lesson. Du Yangxi tries to win her over, seeking advice from friends and writing letters, but their relationship remains strained. Meanwhile, Du Yangxi gains favor with the Emperor and befriends a fellow scholar, Yan Zimei.
Spoiler Alert
The Imperial Examination results are in, and Du Yangxi, a brilliant scholar, has earned the prestigious title of "Tanhua" (the third-highest ranked Advanced Scholar). As the newly-minted Advanced Scholar parades through the streets, he catches the eye of Yu Xiu'e, a noblewoman watching from her carriage. This fleeting glance sparks a deep infatuation within her. Soon, marriage arrangements are underway between the Du and Li families. Originally, Du Yangxi was to marry the Li family's third daughter, but because Kang Ning married Chai An, and Lady Li was unwilling to part with her Tanhua son-in-law, she deceives him by substituting her eldest daughter, Shou Hua, in a classic bait-and-switch.
Du Yangxi's mother, honoring an old promise, reluctantly agrees, but the groom himself is furious. Despite marrying Shou Hua, he treats her coldly. On their wedding night, he deliberately ignores her, refusing to lift her veil and going straight to sleep. Shou Hua spends the night alone. The next day, Du Yangxi leaves for a gathering at Dongjing Temple without a word to his new bride.
Despite this mistreatment, Shou Hua dutifully greets her mother-in-law in the morning and hides Du Yangxi's neglect. Seeing Du's mother spinning yarn, Shou Hua offers to help, learning patiently even though she has no prior experience.
On the day of the traditional "returning to the parents' home" visit, Shou Hua returns alone. Her maid, Chun Lai, quickly informs the other family members, and Shou Hua's sisters are outraged, vowing to confront the Tanhua. Lady Li is equally furious, calling Du Yangxi an ungrateful wretch for disrespecting her daughter. However, Shou Hua stops them, saying she has a plan to "tame" her husband. Kang Ning feels guilty, but Shou Hua reassures her that there's no need for apologies between sisters.
Meanwhile, Ling Yao helps a drunken Sang Yanrang back to his residence, where he suffers from alcohol-induced stomach bleeding. Fortunately, Shou Hua sends for medical help and cares for him. Fan Lianghan and Chai An summon Du Yangxi to Pan Tavern, where he accuses them of being "wife-controlled" for taking Shou Hua's side.
Du Yangxi explains that his anger isn't directed at Shou Hua personally, but at the Li family's deceit. Chai An reminds Du Yangxi to cherish his new wife, praising her beauty, talent, and character.
Later, Fan Lianghan locks Du Yangxi in his house to force him to spend time with Shou Hua. Du Yangxi complains to his mother, but she scolds him and tells him to apologize to his wife. He reluctantly goes to their room and is astonished to find it beautifully decorated with Shou Hua's own paintings and calligraphy.
Du Yangxi also overhears Sang Yanrang praising Shou Hua, and he notices how well-organized his room and clothes are, all thanks to Shou Hua's efforts. When Shou Hua brings food for Sang Yanrang, Du Yangxi is instantly smitten by her beauty and kindness, his previous resentment completely forgotten. However, Shou Hua, determined to teach him a lesson, continues to ignore him.
Realizing Shou Hua's exceptional qualities – her talent, kindness, filial piety, and care for his friend – Du Yangxi feels incredibly lucky to have married her. He eats dinner with Sang Yanrang, feeling increasingly foolish and jealous, joking that his wife seems more suited to Sang Yanrang. Sang Yanrang, angered by Du Yangxi's earlier neglect, throws him out.
That night, Du Yangxi tries to talk to Shou Hua, but she ignores him and insists on sleeping separately, even using a cough as an excuse to send him to another room. Filled with regret, Du Yangxi seeks advice from Fan Lianghan and Chai An. Fan Lianghan suggests kneeling in apology, while Chai An advises appealing to Shou Hua's love of literature by writing her a poem.
Du Yangxi excitedly writes a letter, but Shou Hua replies with a blank sheet of paper. Chai An, misinterpreting this, makes up a reason that leads Du Yangxi to believe Shou Hua is reciprocating his feelings. He writes again, but their relationship remains strained.
As the Cold Food Festival arrives, Kang Ning and others give Shou Hua several food boxes filled with dishes prepared by their mother and sisters. Du's mother arranges for Sang Yanrang to dine with them. Du Yangxi, observing Shou Hua's busy preparations, feels his affection grow even stronger. However, Du Yangxi has also caught the Emperor's eye and receives special favor from the Minister of Personnel, Yu Shouxin, who invites him to ride in his carriage. Other Advanced Scholar, envious of this attention, gossip about him. Just as Du Yangxi is about to confront them, a stranger, Yan Zimei, speaks up in his defense. Du Yangxi gratefully thanks him, and they share a drink together.
