Episode Summary
Luo Lingyu, a renowned beauty, plans to escape an arranged marriage to Fan Qingchen while a man named Lu Yun plans to infiltrate the groom's mansion to capture spies, hiding in Lingyu's wedding gifts. Lingyu escapes on a horse, unknowingly using one provided by Lu Yun.
Spoiler Alert
The series premiere introduces us to Luo Lingyu, the stunning and renowned beauty of Jingyang. She's the orphaned daughter of the once-prominent Luo family, and her beauty is so legendary that people travel from far and wide just to catch a glimpse of her. On the day of her Flower Letter Ceremony (a coming-of-age ritual), crowds gather outside the Luo estate, hoping to see her.
But Lingyu isn't just a pretty face. She's intelligent and ambitious. After her parents' death, the family fortune is being managed by the government, only to be released to her upon marriage. Lingyu is open to marriage, but on her terms: she wants a husband who will join her family (a matrilocal marriage), ensuring the continuation of the Luo lineage and a return to its former glory.
During the ceremony, showered with gifts, Lingyu makes a telling choice. She selects a simple wooden bracelet, a token of good luck from a young girl, over a priceless pearl. She explains to her younger sister, Hua'er, that choosing the pearl would make her appear greedy. The bracelet, however, represents genuine affection, a priceless sentiment.
Lingyu then visits her uncle and aunt, who are clearly motivated by money. The courtyard is overflowing with gifts from Fan Qingchen, a man betrothed to Lingyu since childhood, who is eager to marry her. Her uncle and aunt, practically drooling over the lavish gifts, are pushing for the marriage. Lingyu, realizing she can't avoid it this time, cleverly uses the situation. During the betrothal document signing, she asks if her mother's jewelry will be part of her dowry. Her aunt, eager to get her hands on Lingyu's inheritance, immediately produces an expensive headdress.
With the jewelry secured and the document signed, her uncle and aunt practically shove the paperwork at Fan Qingchen, sealing the deal.
Back home, Lingyu is already plotting her escape. She, her maid Lingxi, and her sister have a map and a plan. They'll need a boat at a specific location, and Lingyu will escape from Fan Qingchen's mansion. They pack essentials, including food and valuables, ready to put their plan into action the next day.
Meanwhile, Lu Yun, is also making plans. He and his men are targeting a group of Beichu spies hiding in Fan Qingchen's heavily guarded mansion. Lu Yun learns about the upcoming wedding and sees it as the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the mansion during the chaos. He and his guards sneak into Lingyu's courtyard and hide in the gift boxes that will be delivered to Fan Qingchen's house.
The next day, everything unfolds as planned. Lingyu and her sister climb over the wall and find several horses tied up. Lingyu chooses a strong, healthy one, assuming Lingxi had the foresight to select it. In reality, it's one of Lu Yun's horses, prepared for his own mission. Lingyu rides off, unknowingly aided by the very man who's about to complicate her life.
