Episode Summary
Jiang Si faces sabotage at her shop orchestrated by Cui Mingyue, but cleverly turns the situation around. Financial troubles lead Yu Qi to secretly provide funds, which Jiang Si initially resists. Yu Qi and Zhen Heng continue to vie for Jiang Si's affections. Jiang Zhan's brief disappearance causes alarm, and Yu Qi begins training him. Cui Mingyue's ruthlessness becomes evident, and a new plot against Jiang Zhan is hinted at.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Yu Qi interrupting a conversation between Jiang Si and Zhen Heng. Lady Zhen, seeing an opportunity to support her son, backs Yu Qi's claim that urgent matters in the Capital City require Zhen Heng's presence. Zhen Heng, aware of Yu Qi's jealousy, decides to take Yu Qi with him when he leaves. Meanwhile, Jiang Pei celebrates her wedding day, with her aunt and Jiang Qiao offering congratulations.
Jiang Si, wanting her brother Jiang Zhan to focus on his martial arts training, invites Lu Chuchu to the estate. Jiang Zhan and Lu Chuchu are seen chatting and enjoying refreshments in the garden, which is witnessed by Madam Xiao. Madam Xiao, feeling threatened and believing Jiang Si is trying to replace her during her confinement, seizes an opportunity to speak with the family matriarch, Old Madam Jiang. She attempts to sabotage the budding relationship between Jiang Zhan and Lu Chuchu, portraying Lu Chuchu as an unsuitable match. However, Old Madam Jiang, upon learning of Lu Chuchu's esteemed background as the daughter of the renowned General Huaihua, and her charitable nature, changes her mind. Madam Xiao's attempt to tattle is overheard by Jiang Zhan, exposing her scheming.
Later that evening, Yu Qi is shown alone and dejected. His attendant, Long Dan, suggests he follow Zhen Heng's example and send flowers to Jiang Si. The next day, Long Dan returns the Begonia flowers that Jiang Si had previously given to Yu Qi, much to the dismay of A'Man, Jiang Si's maid. A'Man, who had initially disliked Zhen Heng, starts to think he might be a better match for Jiang Si. Jiang Si had intended to clarify matters with Zhen Heng and Lady Zhen at the teahouse, but Yu Qi's interruption prevented her from doing so.
Trouble brews when Cao Xingyu approaches Cui Mingyue, urging her to target Jiang Si. He claims Jiang Si's lucrative shop was acquired through deceitful means. Cui Mingyue, seeking revenge, orchestrates a group of girls to stage a protest at Jiang Si's shop, claiming the products damaged their skin. The girls vandalize the shop, and Lu Chuchu attempts to intervene, only to be accused of being part of the "scam." Jiang Si arrives and effectively diffuses the situation, revealing evidence that exposes the girls' plot, turning the incident into a publicity opportunity. The instigators flee, but Jiang Si suspects a mastermind behind the attack.
Facing financial losses from the vandalism, Jiang Si struggles to find funds. In a surprising turn, Yu Qi's military dog, Er Niu, appears with a large sum of money in the form of banknotes. Jiang Si realizes Yu Qi sent the money.
Yu Qi searches for Er Niu and discovers Jiang Si sneaking into his courtyard through a dog hole. Jiang Si, concerned that Yu Qi might have resorted to loan sharks to help her, tries to return the money. Yu Qi insists the money is his and proposes a business partnership, effectively giving Jiang Si the funds.
Ji Chongyi's failed attempt to frame Jiang Si leads to repercussions. To appease Cui Mingyue, Ji Chongyi berates the lead instigator, and Cui Mingyue punishes the girl by damaging her vocal cords. Cao Xingyu, witnessing Cui Mingyue's ruthlessness, becomes wary. Cui Mingyue, looking down on both Ji Chongyi and Cao Xingyu, insults them. Cao Xingyu, unfazed, brings the Capital City authorities into the mix and suggests targeting Jiang Zhan.
Jiang Zhan goes missing, causing Jiang Si immense distress. Yu Qi is alerted and joins the search. When Jiang Zhan is found unharmed, Jiang Si takes him home. Yu Qi senses something unusual about Jiang Si's behavior and asks Qin Feng to look into her recent activities. Yu Qi decides to personally train Jiang Zhan in martial arts. Zhen Heng continues to send flowers to Jiang Si. Upon hearing that Jiang Si and Yu Qi are at the Western Suburbs horse track, Zhen Heng immediately heads there. The episode concludes with Jiang Si captivated by Yu Qi's impressive display of horsemanship and archery.
