Episode Summary
Shen Huizhao and Hao De reconcile after a period of distance, but their happiness is interrupted by Fang Yuchan's arrest for attacking her new husband, Lu Sheng. The Lu family is accused of deception, while Yuchan faces a death sentence. Hao De discovers a technicality that could reduce Yuchan's sentence, but Huizhao faces impeachment for alleged favoritism. A secret plan is hatched to resolve the issue, ultimately leading to Qiao Du's arrest.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Shen Huizhao noticing that his wife, Hao De, hasn't come to see him. He uses this as an excuse to visit her, but is met with a formal, distant reception that leaves him feeling uneasy. Meanwhile, Hao De is busy helping Fang Yuchan with her quest for a husband. Yuchan, possessing great beauty, is seeking a partner of equal attractiveness, making the search difficult. Many suitors are presented, but none meet her standards.
A matchmaker suggests Lu Sheng, the ninth son of the prominent Lu family, known for his handsome appearance and scholarly talents. Because Lu Sheng is currently away at school, Yuchan is advised to meet his twin brother, Lu Shilang, who supposedly looks identical. Yuchan is immediately smitten with Shilang's imposing figure from afar and shyly agrees to the match.
Later that night, Hao De visits Huizhao in his study to discuss the matchmaking. She mentions her upcoming involvement in the wedding preparations, expressing some nervousness. Huizhao acts aloof, hoping to encourage Hao De to be more affectionate. However, Hao De remains equally reserved, seemingly intent on fulfilling their earlier agreement to be a respectful, but emotionally distant, couple. This leaves Huizhao feeling anxious and frustrated.
After Yuchan's grand wedding to the Lu family, Hao De can't help but feel envious, reflecting on her own rushed and unhappy marriage to Huizhao. The distance between them persists. Huizhao, wanting to improve their relationship but unsure how to please his wife, seeks advice from the husbands of Hao De's sisters.
Hao De, bored at home, finds herself missing the days when she'd accompany Huizhao to review case files. However, determined to "teach him a lesson," she maintains her indifferent facade. Huizhao attempts to woo Hao De with an elaborate garden setup, complete with flowers, incense, tea, and pastries. His clumsy attempt almost backfires, forcing him to confess his true intentions.
Touched by Huizhao's efforts, Hao De helps him tidy the study. Huizhao sincerely expresses his feelings, and the couple finally reconciles, enjoying a loving and intimate relationship. Their newfound happiness is short-lived, as news arrives that Yuchan has been arrested for attempting to kill Lu Sheng.
The Shen family is shocked to learn that Lu Sheng had sustained an injury, making him unable to personally attend the wedding. Lu Shilang had been sent to impersonate the groom. When Yuchan saw Lu Sheng's true, injured appearance, she was horrified and accidentally stabbed him.
In court, the Lu family denies any deception. Huizhao accuses them of intentionally concealing Lu Sheng's condition. While the Lu family may be at fault, Yuchan's act of attempted murder is considered a grave offense. Hao De visits Yuchan in prison, who explains that the stabbing was a mistake during their wedding night and begs for Hao De's help.
Hao De learns that Yuchan faces a death sentence. Desperate to save her, Hao De notices her wet nurse, Old Mrs. Cui, acting suspiciously and burning paper offerings. Old Mrs. Cui, influenced by someone, reveals that Yuchan was still technically in a mourning period when she got engaged. Hao De relays this information to Huizhao and Du Yangxi, hoping it might reduce the sentence to exile.
At the Si Fu Zhai, Lady Li is overjoyed to see her daughters happily settled. However, the mood shifts when news arrives that Huizhao is being accused by imperial censors of showing favoritism in Yuchan's case. Hao De seeks advice from Shou Hua on how to handle the situation. Qiao Du suggests that if Yuchan were to die, all the problems would disappear, but this must be kept secret from Huizhao. Hao De, after careful consideration, agrees to Qiao Du's proposal.
Meanwhile, Lu Sheng remains unconscious, his condition worsened by a tampered prescription orchestrated by the scheming Xue Guang, under the medical care of Doctor Liu. Hao De devises a plan to fake Yuchan contracting malaria. Qiao Du and his men prepare to move Yuchan, but Xue Guang suddenly appears, accusing them of illegally releasing a prisoner and ordering their arrest.
