Episode Summary
Luo Lingyu, free from her engagement, inspires Zhou Yangling to consider breaking her own imperial marriage. Lingyu sets her sights on winning the Flower Goddess competition to gain a reward from the Emperor, enlisting the help of the Lu family and a renowned instructor, Lady Qi. The Emperor decides the competition winner will marry the Prince Hengyang, who is already smitten with Lingyu. Lu Yun, missing Lingyu, tries various schemes to get closer to her. Meanwhile, a search of the Fan residence reveals hidden saltpeter, leading to Fan Qingchen's father's suicide and Fan Qingchen's apparent assassination.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Zhou Yangling, enjoying a visit with Luo Lingyu, who is positively glowing after her engagement was broken off. Lingyu feels like a weight has been lifted, and even the air feels fresher. Yangling confides in her friend about her own impending marriage – one arranged by the Emperor himself to the Prince Changyi. Lingyu is shocked, knowing that defying an imperial decree is unheard of, but Yangling is determined to break off the engagement.
Meanwhile, word has spread throughout Yue Prefecture about the Lu family's erudite tutor. The young women of the city flock to catch a glimpse of him, and he lives up to the hype, proving to be both charming and refined. Zhou Yangling's independent spirit attracts a large number of fans. A group of young ladies are buzzing with excitement about the upcoming Flower Goddess competition in Yue Prefecture. Any woman skilled in song and dance, and from a respectable family, is eligible to compete.
This conversation sparks an idea in Lingyu's mind. She's been trying to figure out how to claim her family's inheritance, and she learns that the winner of the Flower Goddess competition receives a reward from the Emperor. She's eager to enter, even though her family background currently disqualifies her. A'Tang admires Lingyu's boldness. Lingyu encourages A'Tang, who usually keeps to herself, to enter the competition as well, reminding her that she's free to do as she pleases.
Lingyu immediately seeks out Aunt Ying, hoping to gain the Lu family's support to enter the competition. Aunt Ying explains that she's not the only woman in the Lu household, but Lingyu, with her persuasive charm, manages to win her over. Aunt Ying takes Lingyu to see the Lu family matriarch, Old Madam Lu. Lu Yun happens to be there as well, and he and Aunt Ying both plead Lingyu's case. Finally, the Old Madam agrees.
The list of contestants for the Yue Prefecture Flower Goddess competition is presented to the Emperor. He notices a new name from the Lu family and is intrigued. The Prince Hengyang, who is also present, declares that Lingyu is the woman he admires. The Emperor, without having met her, decides that the winner of this year's competition will be given to him as a bride. The Prince Hengyang worries that Lingyu might not win, but the Emperor believes that a royal bride must prove her worth.
Since her engagement was broken, Lingyu has had less contact with Lu Yun. Lu Yun, however, is restless. Jin Chuan suggests he use the same tactics Lingyu once did. Lu Yun starts frequently visiting his neighbor, borrowing everything from pens and ink to paper, scrolls, and books. Lingxi, growing impatient, eventually shuts him down. Lu Yun then instructs Jin Chuan to visit the local fabric and jewelry shops, knowing that Lingyu will need supplies for the competition and might be short on funds. He secretly arranges to help her.
The Prince Hengyang, wanting to support Lingyu, personally selects several exquisite pieces of jewelry and headdresses and delivers them to the Lu residence. He asks Lingyu if she needs any assistance, offering to find her a dance instructor from the palace. Lingyu politely declines his help, determined to prepare for the competition on her own terms. She already has someone in mind to be her teacher. The Prince Hengyang, impressed by her eagerness and determination, encourages her to prepare diligently.
Lingyu seeks out Lady Qi, a renowned instructor from the music academy, to be her teacher. Initially, Lady Qi is unimpressed by Lingyu's meager tuition fee. However, Lingyu cleverly appeals to Lady Qi's desire to have her work recognized, promising to help her achieve overnight fame. Sharing a common goal, Lady Qi readily agrees.
Meanwhile, Fan Qingchen has been ordered by the Prince Hengyang to break off his engagement. Lu Yun seizes the opportunity and suggests to the Prince Changyi that they search the Fan residence, suspecting they might uncover something. The search reveals a large stash of undelivered saltpeter in the Fan mansion. Fan Qingchen's father, fearing exposure, commits suicide. Lu Yun and the Prince Changyi suspect that the Fan family has close ties to high-ranking officials in the Zhenbei army. They immediately order their men to find Fan Qingchen.
Fan Qingchen rushes to the Fan residence, seemingly unaware of what has transpired. Suddenly, a masked assassin in black appears, killing his subordinates. Fan Qingchen also falls, seemingly dead.
