Episode Summary
Du Yangxi discovers that Yan Zimei, who claims to be Shou Hua's former lover, is trying to win her back. After initial suspicion and anger fueled by planted evidence, Du Yangxi teams up with Shou Hua to expose Yan Zimei's deception. They, along with the other sons-in-law and Mother Li, confront Yan Zimei and Matchmaker Yang, revealing their scheme. The episode ends with the family resolving the conflict, but with some lingering tension between the sons-in-law.
Spoiler Alert
Du Yangxi initially believed Yan Zimei to be a respectable and chivalrous man. However, during a drinking session, a drunken Yan Zimei reveals a shocking secret: he claims to have been once betrothed to Shou Hua, the eldest daughter of the Li family, before fate intervened. Now, hearing that Shou Hua is widowed, Yan Zimei has come to Bianjing to find her, unaware that Du Yangxi is Shou Hua's second husband.
This revelation throws Du Yangxi into turmoil. He confides in his brothers-in-law, Chai An and Fan Lianghan, expressing his desire for a lifelong, faithful marriage. He fears that if Shou Hua had a past relationship or lingering feelings for another, she wouldn't be the woman he seeks. Chai An and Fan Lianghan, witnessing Du Yangxi's unwavering devotion, worry about the potential fallout if the truth isn't uncovered.
Meanwhile, Fu Hui and Kang Ning, having learned about Yan Zimei from their husbands, rush to warn Shou Hua. However, Shou Hua remains calm, asserting her innocence and confidence that Du Yangxi's investigation will reveal nothing untoward. The three sons-in-law form an alliance, and Chai An's servant, De Qing, is tasked with tailing Yan Zimei. De Qing discovers Yan Zimei crafting a pair of golden arm bracelets, intended as a gift for his "old lover."
Shou Hua, back at her residence, recalls a young man peeking at her in her youth, suspecting a connection to Yan Zimei. When Matchmaker Yang visits to discuss hiring servant girls, Shou Hua, without any suspicion of Yang, doesn't mention Yan Zimei to Du Yangxi, further fueling his doubts.
Later that night, Du Yangxi discovers Shou Hua wearing arm bracelets, which intensifies his suspicions. The next morning, Du Yangxi intercepts Matchmaker Yang, who intentionally drops a handkerchief in front of him. The handkerchief is identical to one Yan Zimei had shown earlier, and it contains a love poem referencing the "golden arm bracelets."
Enraged, Du Yangxi confronts Shou Hua, throwing ink, tearing clothes, and threatening divorce. Chun Lai, overhearing the commotion, runs to the Li family to report the incident. Mother Li, furious that her daughter is being mistreated, initially wants to confront Du Yangxi, but reconsiders, fearing irreparable damage to the families' relationship.
That evening, Du Yangxi visits Mother Li to announce his intention to divorce Shou Hua. He's confronted by the four Lady Lis and their servants, but refuses to reveal the reason for the divorce, wanting to protect Shou Hua's reputation. Chai An suspects a hidden motive and, after dismissing the naive Fan Lianghan, learns the truth from Du Yangxi: he and Shou Hua are staging a play.
Matchmaker Yang, while Mother Li is away on business, visits Shou Hua again. Shou Hua directly accuses Yang of colluding with Yan Zimei to deceive her. Yang praises Yan Zimei's supposed devotion, attempting to arrange a secret meeting between Shou Hua and Yan Zimei.
On the day of the Xiangguo Temple fair, Mother Li and her daughters depart, leaving Shou Hua behind. Yan Zimei arrives to meet Shou Hua, using flattery and sweet talk to win her over. Shou Hua pretends to agree to a relationship, prompting Yan Zimei to boast about how he tricked Du Yangxi and made him believe the bracelets were a gift to Shou Hua.
Meanwhile, Mother Li orders the carriage to turn back. Shou Hua, feigning anger upon learning Yan Zimei already has a wife, is told by Yan Zimei that his first wife is in their hometown, and Shou Hua will become his wife once he takes up his official post.
Shou Hua throws tea in Yan Zimei's face. Du Yangxi, Chai An, and others, who were hiding, emerge and confront Yan Zimei, each landing a punch. They interrogate Matchmaker Yang, who reveals Yan Zimei's entire plan. It turns out Du Yangxi had suspected Yan Zimei's scheme all along and collaborated with Shou Hua to expose him.
Because of concerning the reputation of Tan Hua's wife, they did not send Yan Zimei to the Police. The group only gave Yan Zimei a good lesson. Mother Li, now aware of the full story, is pleased with her sons-in-law's actions. However, Chai An and Du Yangxi are angry at Fan Lianghan for betraying their alliance for his wife. The three sons-in-law have a falling out, but their wives eventually lead them home, with Chai An even being kicked out of the carriage by Kang Ning, leaving him to chuckle ruefully.
