Episode Summary
Hao De's plan to free Fang Yuchan is foiled by Xue Guang, who forces Yuchan to falsely accuse Shen Huizhao. Huizhao, however, anticipates this and sets a trap, exposing Xue Guang's corruption and leading to his downfall. Qiao Du is exiled. Huizhao and Hao De finally have their proper wedding. Meanwhile, Le Shan is tricked into marrying into the rival Yang family, leading to a confrontation.
Spoiler Alert
In this episode, the intricate plot to free Fang Yuchan takes a dramatic turn. Hao De's initial plan involved using hemp seeds to induce a malaria-like illness in Yuchan, allowing her to escape prison. A look-alike corpse would then be used to fake her death. However, the ruthless Xue Guang thwarts this scheme. Under intense pressure, threats and manipulation from Xue, Yuchan cracks. She confesses to a fabricated affair with Shen Huizhao, claiming he manipulated her into marriage to evade punishment and ordered Qiao Du to aid her escape.
Du Yangxi attempts to defend Huizhao, but Xue Guang is relentless. He accuses Huizhao of betraying the Emperor's trust, highlighting his hypocrisy: seducing a vulnerable woman, protecting his relatives, and now, orchestrating a prisoner's escape. With a witness (Huang) present, Xue Guang solidifies Huizhao's guilt, intending to recommend severe punishment. In a powerful moment, Huizhao removes his official hat, proclaiming his unwavering commitment to justice and his innocence. He willingly surrenders his official robes, submitting to any interrogation.
Hao De, upon hearing this plays along with the deception, feigning outrage and "breaking up" with Huizhao, returning to her family home. Later that night, Old Mrs. Cui meets with Mao Chun, a servant from the Shen household. She seeks reassurance about Yuchan's safety, having followed Mao Chun's instructions. However, Mao Chun, now under Xue Guang's influence, attempts to silence her permanently, but he is interupted.
The next morning, Xue Guang, brimming with arrogance, arrives at the KaiFeng Prefecture to personally interrogate Huizhao. To his surprise, he discovers that Huizhao, having made a formal pledge to the Emperor, will continue to oversee the case. Yuchan, Qiao Du, Old Mrs. Cui, and Mao Chun are brought before the court. Huizhao reveals Mao Chun's role in coercing Old Mrs. Cui to lie about Yuchan's mourning status (to avoid punishment) and his attempted murder the previous night.
Old Mrs. Cui and Mao Chun turn on each other, leading to Mao Chun's immediate flogging on Huizhao's orders. Huizhao explains that he had long suspected Qiao Du and, with Shou Hua's help, subtly fueled the situation to expose the mastermind behind the frame-up. Qiao Du breaks down, accusing Xue Guang of his callous disregard for human life.
Xue Guang stubbornly maintains his innocence until Lu Sheng unexpectedly appears. To protect Yuchan, Lu Sheng falsely claims her actions were accidental, not intentional murder. Moved by this, Yuchan recants her previous testimony, accusing Xue Guang of forcing her to falsely implicate Huizhao. Xue Guang finally realizes he's been outmaneuvered – it was all an elaborate trap set by Huizhao. Xue Guang's defense crumbles; he's stripped of his position, and Qiao Du is exiled.
With the crisis resolved, Huizhao goes to the Li Family to bring his wife home, facing resistance from Le Shan. Hao De is initially upset, thinking he's left, but then Huizhao arrives in a grand, red bridal sedan chair, ready for a proper, joyous wedding procession. Amidst cheers and music, Hao De, in her wedding attire, recalls a childhood encounter with Huizhao at a temple, finally fulfilling their long-delayed nuptials.
The episode concludes with a focus on Le Shan. On the second day of the third month, the Li Family is busy arranging her betrothal. Lady Li carefully selects He Guangyuan, the youngest son of a wealthy Bianjing merchant, as Le Shan's match. Lady Li chose him specifically because of his gentle nature, believing he'd be a good match for Le Shan's fiery personality.
However, a twist occurs. On the wedding day, the Li family's procession collides with another – that of the Yang family, their old rivals. Yang Xian, in a deliberate act of revenge, orchestrates a switch, and Le Shan unknowingly arrives at the Yang household. Furious at finding herself married to her family's enemy, she attacks Yang Xian. Yang Xian's father and other family members arrive, shocked by Le Shan's aggressive behavior. Fearing repercussions from Du Yangxi and Shen Huizhao's influence, Yang Xian's father sends people to both the Li and He families, and also to report to an official to discuss the situation.
