Episode Summary
Tensions rise between Prince Hengyang, Prince Changyi, and Lu Yun, with suspicions of assassination attempts and romantic rivalries brewing. Luo Lingyu discovers Zhou Yangling's true identity and forms a close bond with her. Luo Lingyu also attempts to get closer to Prince Hengyang, while he becomes increasingly infatuated with her. A spy is captured, leading to a rescue plan hatched by Lu Yun and Prince Changyi, to be executed during Prince Hengyang's upcoming banquet.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with a tense encounter at Lu Yun's pavilion. Prince Hengyang is visiting when Prince Changyi arrives, calling out Lu Yun's name casually before even entering the courtyard. There's clear animosity between the two princes, and a loaded exchange ensues. Prince Hengyang pointedly asks if either Lu Yun or Prince Changyi were involved in a recent nighttime assassination attempt against him. Both deny it, but Prince Hengyang is visibly displeased and leaves abruptly.
Meanwhile, Luo Lingyu, grateful for Zhou Yangling's help during a previous incident, arranges a meeting. In a surprising twist, Luo Lingyu discovers that Zhou Yangling is actually a woman. The two, already bonded by past events, now declare themselves sisters, with Luo Lingyu promising to help Zhou Yangling should she ever need it.
Remembering Lu Yun's kindness, Luo Lingyu gifts him two exquisitely crafted crab lanterns, noting that his courtyard is often dimly lit at night. Lu Yun is delighted by the lifelike lanterns, especially the moving claws. He's clearly smitten, but his joy is tempered by a need to confirm that Luo Lingyu hasn't given similar lanterns to anyone else. Once assured he's the sole recipient, he's content.
Liu Tang visits Luo Lingyu, and they discuss recent events, including Prince Hengyang's unusually attentive behavior towards Luo Lingyu. Liu Tang is astonished, as the Fifth Prince (Prince Hengyang) is known for his aloofness. She immediately suspects Prince Hengyang has feelings for Luo Lingyu, playfully calling her "Fifth Sister-in-Law." Luo Lingyu, though not entertaining such grand ideas, is eager to escape Fan Qingchen. She asks Liu Tang about Prince Hengyang's hobbies, hoping to please him.
Prince Hengyang, who had previously invited Luo Lingyu to a banquet, waits impatiently for her arrival. He excitedly rushes to the door upon hearing someone outside, only to find an apricot seller, much to his frustration. He scolds his servants for their incompetence.
Prince Changyi visits Lu Yun's residence and encounters Zhou Yangling, who is still disguised as a man. Intrigued by the teaching tools in her basket, Prince Changyi asks to join her class. He remembers meeting her briefly in Yue Prefecture and is impressed by her easygoing nature, finding her to be a rare talent, free of the usual princely arrogance.
Prince Changyi attends Zhou Yangling's class, which focuses on identifying different grains. He's unfamiliar with leek seedlings and struggles to distinguish between crops and weeds. Zhou Yangling finds his clumsy yet earnest efforts endearing, especially his obliviousness to the mud on his face.
Luo Lingyu arrives at Prince Hengyang's residence to thank him. Prince Hengyang had previously mentioned needing someone skilled in banquet planning, and Luo Lingyu volunteers, sharing her innovative ideas. The Prince is thrilled and about to invite her to dinner when Lu Yun unexpectedly arrives, pointedly reminding Luo Lingyu that it's time for her to return home for dinner. Prince Hengyang is irritated by Lu Yun's intrusion and sees him as a rival, especially given Lu Yun's constant presence near Luo Lingyu.
After Luo Lingyu leaves, Prince Hengyang is in high spirits, even practicing swordsmanship with renewed vigor late into the night. His advisor notices his infatuation with Luo Lingyu and questions whether her selfless rescue of him was a calculated move. Prince Hengyang dismisses the idea, admitting that even if it were a ploy, he wouldn't mind, perhaps his bravery had attracted Luo Lingyu. He's never been so captivated by a woman. Fan Qingchen arrives for a late-night visit, ostensibly to report on the Fan family's contributions to the military front. However, Prince Hengyang notices a suspicious "tail" following Fan Qingchen.
This individual wears no identifying marks but resembles the group that attacked him the other night. Prince Hengyang, eager to determine if this person is a spy, deliberately keeps him alive, hoping to lure out his accomplices.
The captured man is actually Zhao Yuan, a spy sent by Lu Yun. Zhao Yuan was originally tracking Fan Qingchen, but the cunning Fan Qingchen detected him and used a late-night visit to Prince Hengyang's residence to his advantage.
Lu Yun, upon learning of Zhao Yuan's capture, is desperate to rescue him. Prince Changyi cautions him against acting rashly, as it would arouse Prince Hengyang's suspicion. He suggests a more careful plan. Prince Changyi's words give Lu Yun an idea: he can use the upcoming banquet hosted by Prince Hengyang as an opportunity to free Zhao Yuan.
