Episode Summary
Fang Yuchan arrives claiming an old marriage promise, but Hao De asserts her position. A murder case unfolds, revealing Madam Deng as the killer. Fang Yuchan's attempts to seduce Shen Huizhao fail. Hao De "divorces" Shen Huizhao, but they reconcile after she declares her love again. Shen Huizhao explains his cold behavior is to help Hao De grow.
Spoiler Alert
The drama intensifies in episode 26 of "Perfect Match" when Fang Yuchan, a niece of Shen Huizhao's mother, suddenly arrives at the Shen household. She carries a jade pendant, a token of a long-ago arranged marriage promise, and demands that the Shen family honor the agreement. The Shen Matriarch is shocked, and with Old Mrs. Cui (a senior servant) advocating for Yuchan, she's torn about whether to welcome her into the family. However, Hao De strides in, snatches the jade pendant, and thanks Yuchan for returning the "lost item." Hao De asserts that she is Shen Huizhao's rightfully wedded wife.
Humiliated, Fang Yuchan runs out crying. The Shen Matriarch, feeling pity for the seemingly orphaned Yuchan, suggests that even if she can't be the primary wife, she should be taken in as a concubine. Hao De firmly rejects this, stating that daughters of the Li family marry men who commit to having only one wife – no concubines or maids allowed. She refuses to set a precedent that could negatively impact her sisters' marriages, fearing their husbands might follow suit.
Hao De points out that all women desire their husbands' undivided attention, reminding the Matriarch of her own pain seeing her husband with multiple concubines. The Matriarch, struck by the truth of Hao De's words, backs down and decides not to interfere. Shen Huizhao, although pretending to distance himself from Hao De, secretly worries about her and eavesdrops outside the door, relieved when he confirms she isn't being punished.
Shen Huizhao had hoped Hao De would give up due to his coldness, but instead, she becomes even more proactive. He also can't deny he needs her help with his cases. The next day, Shen Huizhao visits Hao De, only to find her, despite being ill, interrogating suspects in the Deng family case. A Deng family servant, Yao Niu, confesses to having an affair with the deceased Lady Ji and claims they faked her death to elope.
The scandal spreads like wildfire, ruining Lady Ji's reputation. The Deng family protests outside the court, demanding the release of Deng Jingfu. Hao De, overhearing Yao Niu's confession, becomes suspicious and offers Shen Huizhao a strategy. Inspired, Shen Huizhao pretends to find traces of poison on the body, forcing the true culprit to confess.
Yao Niu panics, fearing a murder charge, and shifts the blame to Madam Deng, claiming she paid him fifty guan to give false testimony and frame Lady Ji. To prove his claim, he reveals where the money is hidden. A maid, A Tao, details Lady Ji's murder. Madam Deng finally admits to killing Lady Ji with a silver needle to make way for her son to marry a woman from a higher-ranking family, unaware that Lady Ji was still alive. Deng Jingfu tries to plead for his mother, but Shen Huizhao sentences Madam Deng to death by slow slicing.
Meanwhile, Fang Yuchan, unable to see Shen Huizhao, is persuaded by Old Mrs. Cui to try and meet him under the pretense of showing him an heirloom from her father. She dresses pathetically to gain sympathy. However, Hao De intercepts her, thwarting her seduction plan.
Shen Huizhao finally meets with Fang Yuchan and bluntly tells her that entering the Shen household would bring her no riches, but a high risk of death. Terrified, Yuchan agrees to accept a dowry and be matched with another suitable man.
Hao De, still facing Shen Huizhao's coldness, becomes furious and heartbroken. She declares she's going to "divorce" him and leaves the Shen household. Du Yangxi tries to reason with Shen Huizhao, but Shen Huizhao reveals he is acting this way to force Hao De to grow stronger and more independent.
Back at her family home, Hao De discusses strategies with her sisters. Kang Ning, skilled in managing her husband, advises Hao De to use a "carrot and stick" approach. The Li family returns the betrothal gifts, saddening Shen Huizhao. But then, Hao De pops out of a box, once again declaring her love. Finally moved by Hao De's unwavering devotion, Shen Huizhao agrees to let her stay, and the couple reconciles.
