Episode Summary
Lu Yun and Prince Changyi unsuccessfully try to convince Prince Hengyang of a potential betrayal within his ranks. Lu Yun's attempts to woo Luo Lingyu with gifts fail, but he later offers to help her win the Flower Goddess competition in exchange for a kiss, which she surprisingly accepts. Prince Changyi begins to suspect Zhou Yangling's true identity, while Lu Yun already knows both she and Luo Lingyu are women.
Spoiler Alert
The tension ratchets up in this episode of "Les Belles," as alliances are tested and hidden identities begin to unravel. Lu Yun and Prince Changyi meet with Prince Hengyang at Xunmei Residence to discuss the troubling connection between the Fan family and the military. Prince Hengyang, still harboring suspicions about his near-assassination, believes Lu Yun and Prince Changyi leaked his movements. Lu Yun has traced the leak back to the Fan family and suspects someone close to Prince Hengyang, but the prince is stubbornly confident in the loyalty of his inner circle. He pointedly states he has no desire to compete with Prince Changyi for the throne, a sentiment the latter echoes. Despite this apparent agreement, Prince Hengyang remains distrustful of Lu Yun and Prince Changyi.
Meanwhile, Lu Yun has a chance encounter with Luo Lingyu and her maid, Lingxi, as they leave Xunmei Residence (where Luo Lingyu was actually seeking a teacher). Ever the opportunist, Lu Yun showers Luo Lingyu with attention, buying a ridiculous amount of candied haws from a street vendor to impress her. She's completely unfazed, and Lu Yun is left scrambling to pay for his extravagant gesture. Luo Lingyu and Lingxi swiftly ditch him.
Back at the residence, Luo Lingyu has acquired some new clothes from Xunmei Residence. She invites Zhou Yangling to try them on, and the effect is stunning. Zhou Yangling, who has been presenting as male, looks radiant in women's attire. Prince Changyi arrives to speak with Zhou Yangling and is visibly flustered by the transformation. Zhou Yangling, caught off guard, is relieved when Prince Changyi mistakes her for "Mr. Luo's sister," completely oblivious to Zhou Yangling's true gender.
Lu Yun, however, is far more perceptive. Having previously noticed Luo Lingyu and Zhou Yangling's close interaction, he correctly deduces their close relationship and that they are both women. Prince Changyi, though sometimes naive, isn't a fool. While eating, he observes Zhou Yangling's mannerisms and starts to suspect that she might be his teacher, Zhou. He orders his attendant to retrieve a portrait of his betrothed, initially made when seeking a wife for him.
Luo Lingyu's dance training for the upcoming competition is in full swing, and she's pushing herself hard, even with an injured foot. Lu Yun, concerned, secretly sends her medicine, asking the dance instructor to deliver it discreetly. Later, Luo Lingyu receives a secret message from Yinchuan, leading her to Lu Yun. He proudly presents her with the appointment letter for the Flower Goddess competition judge. He explains that the other two judges have deeply entrenched connections, making Luo Lingyu's chances slim. He, however, can help. His price? A kiss. Lu Yun anticipates resistance or negotiation, but Luo Lingyu simply steps up and kisses him. Stunned by this unexpected turn of events, Lu Yun is initially thrilled, then questions her boldness. Luo Lingyu coolly clarifies that it was merely a transaction, and given Lu Yun's good looks, she doesn't consider it a loss. She leaves, leaving Lu Yun worrying that he might be mistaken for a womanizer.
