Episode Summary
Luo Lingyu seeks refuge with a distant relative, Aunt Ying, at the wealthy Lu family estate. She plans to find a suitable husband among the Lu sons who will join her family and help her regain her inheritance. She focuses on the Third Young Master, Lu Yun, believing he's the most attainable option. However, Lu Yun secretly harbors resentment towards Lingyu due to a past encounter. Lingyu, unaware of their shared history, proceeds with her plan, aiming to secure a residence near Lu Yun's.
Spoiler Alert
Luo Lingyu, still reeling from her daring escape from an arranged marriage, finds herself relying on the kindness of a distant relative, Aunt Ying. Lingyu remembers Aunt Ying from her childhood, recalling fond memories of being held and played with. However, so much time has passed that Lingyu suspects Aunt Ying might not even remember her. This refuge is a gamble, but Lingyu has no other choice.
Arriving at the opulent Lu family estate, Lingyu and her younger sister are awestruck. They've never encountered such extravagant wealth and expansive grounds. Fortunately, Aunt Ying is a simple, good-natured woman. Upon seeing the two tearful young relatives and hearing their names, she welcomes them in and offers them temporary shelter.
Lingyu's sister presses her about their future plans. Lingyu admits she's taking things one step at a time. However, a new, ambitious idea sparks within her: if she can find a suitable match within the Lu family, perhaps she can secure a husband who will join her family, helping her regain control of her inheritance. With this goal in mind, Lingyu eagerly begins investigating the eligible bachelors of the Lu household.
Aunt Ying explains that the Lu family has many sons but few women. This news delights Lingyu, who sees it as an opportunity. She learns about the various sons, paying particular attention to two: Second Young Master Lu Xian, renowned for his handsome appearance, extensive knowledge, and refined manners, and Third Young Master Lu Yun, a son born out of wedlock, who has a reputation as a charming but somewhat scandalous playboy, with many rumors of romantic entanglements.
Lingyu analyzes her options. Lu Xian, the apple of his family's eye, would likely be a difficult prospect for a marriage that requires him to join her family. Lu Yun, on the other hand, lacking strong family ties, might be more receptive to her proposal, if she can win him over. Lingyu decides to focus her attention on the Third Young Master.
The next day, while accompanying Aunt Ying to admire the flowers, Lingyu has a pleasant encounter with the Lu family matriarch, who seems pleased with Lingyu's arrival. Meanwhile, Lu Yun learns from his attendants about an upcoming banquet and the arrival of a young woman from afar. He wonders if this might be the same woman he encountered on the boat a few days earlier. Intrigued, Lu Yun attends the banquet. As fate would have it, the woman he meets is indeed the very same one who had previously confined him to the ship's cabin during a storm.
Lu Yun remembers the heavy rain and the fact that he was injured at the time. He also blames her for his subsequent fall from a cliff, which nearly cost him his life. At the banquet, he pointedly asks Lingyu if she truly doesn't remember him. When she shakes her head, he offers her a bowl of fish soup, a seemingly polite gesture with an undercurrent of resentment. Lingyu is puzzled by his behavior, completely unaware that this handsome, well-dressed young man is the same disheveled, unfortunate individual she encountered on the boat.
Later that night, Lingyu's maid, Lingxi, and her sister report back with detailed information about the Lu family's sons. They both believe Second Young Master is the better choice, citing his popularity, family standing, and potential for future success. However, Lingyu disagrees. She recalls that during the banquet, Second Young Master's mother deliberately positioned him across from them, signaling her disapproval of any potential match. Lingyu also perceives the mother as having a harsh demeanor, suggesting future difficulties in their relationship. After careful consideration, Lingyu concludes that Third Young Master is the most suitable candidate.
To further her plan, Lingyu meticulously drafts a "Husband Selection Criteria" list, outlining her ideal partner. The first requirement is physical attractiveness – while she doesn't mind if he has a reputation for flirting, she wants someone pleasing to look at, given their daily interactions.
Showing her cleverness, Lingyu investigates the residences of the various sons. Aiming for proximity, she prepares special pastries to please the family matriarch, subtly hinting at her desire for a place to stay. Her ultimate goal is to secure a residence near Third Young Master Lu Yun's home, putting her in the perfect position to pursue her plan.
