Episode Summary
Hao De and Shen Huizhao's investigation into Zheng Su'e's case leads them to suspect Xue Guang, Shen Huizhao's mentor. Despite initial doubts, evidence mounts against Xue Guang's son, Xue Sizu. Xue Guang eventually brings his son to court, where Su'e identifies him as her attacker through a bite mark. Su'e is freed, and Shen Huizhao deals with household issues while his relationship with Hao De grows, leading to jealousy over a new military officer.
Spoiler Alert
The search for justice for Zheng Su'e continues. Hao De, determined to uncover the truth, personally visits Su'e in prison, hoping she'll reveal the identity of her attacker. However, Su'e, a timid woman from the countryside, remains tight-lipped, clearly terrified of someone powerful. Du Yangxi and Shen Huizhao suspect the perpetrator is either from a noble family or a high-ranking official. The key is to find out who Su'e truly fears.
After much persuasion from Hao De, Su'e writes the character "Xue" in a book. Hao De and Shen Huizhao, taking Su'e with them, search every household with the surname Xue, but Su'e denies them all. Hao De suddenly remembers one more Xue household: that of Xue Guang, the Minister of Justice. He insists on visiting.
Although Shen Huizhao doesn't believe his mentor is involved, he accompanies Hao De to the Xue residence. Notably, there's no plaque with the character "Xue" at the entrance. Xue Guang claims he's lived a frugal life for his 40 years in office, with simple food and clothing. He says he only has a lame old servant and didn't want a plaque, fearing ridicule for an official living in such a modest place.
Shen Huizhao and Hao De start to doubt their suspicions, truly believing Xue Guang to be an upright official. However, Su'e, hiding in the carriage, trembles with fear upon seeing Xue Guang through the window. While Shen Huizhao and Hao De don't notice this, Xue Guang wears a knowing smile.
Back at the KaiFeng Prefecture, Shen Huizhao orders that, without concrete evidence to overturn the verdict, Zheng Su'e's original sentence of death by strangulation should be upheld. Hao De is frantic, but after she leaves, Shen Huizhao tells his assistant Qingshi to investigate thoroughly, as he's already harboring doubts about his mentor.
Meanwhile, Xue Guang furiously slaps his son, Xue Sizu, accusing him of rape and murder. Xue Sizu, unfazed, retorts that his father has forced his family to live in poverty. Fearing Shen Huizhao's reputation for impartiality, Xue Sizu begs his father to ensure Su'e's death sentence.
Late at night, Hao De falls asleep in Shen Huizhao's study. He carries her to bed, increasingly smitten with her. The next day, Hao De still sympathizes with Su'e, especially after learning her tongue was cut out and her teeth were broken. Coincidentally, Du Yangxi thanks Shou Hua for her strategic advice on a case, and Shou Hua's plan gives Hao De an epiphany.
Shen Huizhao visits Xue Guang again, deliberately bringing up the Zheng Su'e case. Xue Guang realizes Shen Huizhao has discovered the truth, but he arrogantly provokes him, leaving Shen Huizhao utterly disillusioned. Before leaving, Shen Huizhao returns a notebook Xue Guang had given him, stating that the hardest thing to judge isn't the case itself, but the human heart, and that there can be no compromise on matters of justice.
Realizing he can no longer stop Shen Huizhao, Xue Guang, to protect his career and reputation, personally escorts his son to the KaiFeng Prefecture. Hao De visits Zheng Su'e, appealing to her reason and emotions. Finally, Su'e confesses that it was a member of the Xue family who assaulted her. Although Xue Sizu has prepared his defense, Su'e, at Hao De's instruction, bites him hard. The bite mark matches the one left during the assault, confirming Xue Sizu's guilt and leading to Su'e's release.
Afterward, Zheng Su'e returns to her hometown with her mother-in-law and child. Hao De gives her a bracelet and tells her to live a good life. Shen Huizhao and Hao De's relationship deepens. Shen Huizhao, extremely displeased with the gossiping and meddling of the housemaid Aunt Liuma, angrily rebukes her and prepares to dismiss her. Hao De intercedes on Aunt Liuma's behalf, leading Aunt Liuma to repent and vow to serve diligently.
Shortly after, Hao De sees a young military officer, Qiao Du, training in the courtyard. Hao De is very attentive to Qiao Du, and wants to introduce him to her unmarried older sister, Qiong'nu. Shen Huizhao witnesses this and is consumed by jealousy, treating Qiao Du with deliberate difficulty, something his servant Qingshi clearly sees through.
