Episode Summary
Le Shan outmaneuvers her in-laws, takes control of the family finances, and sets a challenge for Yang Xian: win the lion dance competition to prove his worthiness as a husband. Yang Xian, despite being ambushed during the competition, perseveres and wins, exposing his rivals' treachery in the process.
Spoiler Alert
The Yang household is thrown into turmoil as Le Shan boldly confronts Yang Demao. She issues a stern warning to Yang Zhu'niang and her husband, Jiang Chaozong: if they continue to stir up trouble and cause harm, she won't hesitate to retaliate. After this intense confrontation, Le Shan fakes a fainting spell, cleverly defusing the situation. Everyone believes she's been possessed, but Yang Xian sees through her act. He uses dog's blood, pretending to exorcise the evil spirit, to "wake" her up, and reminds her to be cautious of her mother-in-law, Lady Luo's, potential schemes.
The next day, Lady Luo, as expected, tries to discipline Le Shan. However, Le Shan is prepared. She personally takes Lady Luo to the home of Yinping's parents, revealing solid evidence that exposes the Zhang family's extortion attempt. Lady Luo is taken aback and starts to see Le Shan in a new light, wondering why she's working so hard to clear Yang Xian's name. Le Shan explains that she promised Yang Jieyu(Consort Yang) that she would ensure harmony and integrity within the Yang family, and help Yang Xian reform. Knowing Yang Xian's true nature, Lady Luo is moved. Le Shan seizes the opportunity and takes the family's golden seal from Lady Luo, effectively cutting off Yang Xian's access to funds for his extravagant lifestyle.
Yang Zhu'niang and Yang Wan'niang were expecting their mother, Lady Luo, to punish Le Shan, so they were utterly confused by Lady Luo's changed attitude. Meanwhile, Yang Xian is distressed to learn that Le Shan is now in charge of the household finances. He even threatens her with poison, but Le Shan doesn't back down, forcing him to drink the medicine. Qiong'nu, under the orders of Lady Li, visits and advises Le Shan to get along with Yang Xian. Le Shan agrees on the surface but has other plans.
As they spend more time together, Yang Xian finds himself increasingly attracted to Le Shan's bold and spirited personality. He's determined to spend his life with her. He asks Le Shan what it would take for her to willingly marry him. Le Shan smiles and proposes three tests. If Yang Xian passes them, she will agree to be his wife. Yang Xian eagerly accepts. Le Shan makes a solemn vow under the moon, stating that if she breaks her promise, she will be abandoned by everyone and die alone. Although Yang Xian doesn't entirely trust Le Shan, he's overjoyed. They sleep in separate beds, Yang Xian's heart filled with happiness.
Late at night, Le Shan goes for a walk and overhears whispers in the courtyard, finding a lost handkerchief. Yu Zan suspects a secret rendezvous and wants to report it to the mistress, but Le Shan tells her to hold back and observe. The next morning, Le Shan informs Yang Xian that before the annual Dragon Boat Race, there's a Lion King competition where the winner, who climbs high to pluck the "green," receives an official reward and great honor. Her first test for Yang Xian is to win this lion dance competition.
Jiang Chaozong learns about this and secretly plots to use the opportunity to get rid of Yang Xian. However, Yang Zhu'niang strongly opposes this. Jiang Chaozong pretends to reassure her, claiming he'll only send someone to teach Yang Xian a lesson and intimidate Le Shan. To pass the test, Yang Xian trains day and night, overcoming his fear of heights and practicing diligently on the plum blossom poles. His good friend, Zhao Liangcheng, is worried about him, and Le Shan, upon hearing this, also feels a pang of concern.
On the day of the lion dance competition, the Emperor and Yang Jieyu attend in person. The drummer suddenly suffers from stomach pain before the competition. Yang Xian uses a goading tactic to invite Le Shan to compete with him. Lady Li also cheers them on, boosting Yang Xian's confidence. However, during the competition, Yang Xian is ambushed and seriously injured. He grits his teeth and perseveres, ultimately winning with sheer determination. After the competition, everyone wants to hold the Yellow Team accountable. Jiang Chaozong rushes to mediate. However, due to the persistence of Yang Xian and others, the Yellow Team's plot, which involved hiding sharp knives in the lion dancer's shoes, is exposed. Yang Xian is furious and severely reprimands Jiang Chaozong, then takes Le Shan to meet the Emperor. Jiang Chaozong, humiliated and frustrated, becomes a laughingstock.
