Episode Summary
Jiang Si is pursued by both Yu Qi and Zhen Heng, but rejects Zhen Heng. A hidden poem in a returned begonia touches Jiang Si. Jiang Si's shop suffers due to a powerful enemy's interference. Jiang Zhan is tricked and brutally murdered by Cui Mingyue under Ji Chongyi's scheme. Jiang Si sets fire to Cui Mingyue's boat in revenge. Ji Chongyi is injured, and the Grand Princess plans to use him as a scapegoat. Jiang Zhan's father grieves, and families seek justice against the Grand Princess.
Spoiler Alert
This episode throws us right back into the tangled web of relationships and conspiracies surrounding Jiang Si. Yu Qi, still harboring feelings for Jiang Si, overhears her conversation with Zhen Heng. He's a little embarrassed at being caught eavesdropping, but relieved to hear that Jiang Si isn't falling for Zhen Heng. However, his mood sours when he learns that Jiang Si returned the begonia he gifted her for her housewarming, suspecting that his servant, Long Dan, might have messed things up.
Seizing an opportunity, Yu Qi takes Jiang Si's hand, pretending the begonia was returned so she could check the soil, which he claims is loose. Jiang Si doesn't resist, letting him hold her hand. Yu Qi admits he wasn't actually resting that day, using the excuse of delivering Jiang Zhan's knight gear to check on Jiang Si. He finds her ability to predict the future through dreams unrealistic, but Jiang Si insists her dreams are vivid and real. Yu Qi also suggests a different approach to Jiang Zhan's rebellious behavior, proposing they take turns following him instead of keeping him confined at home.
Meanwhile, Zhen Heng confides in his mother, Lady Zhen, about Jiang Si's rejection. Lady Zhen is disappointed, believing Jiang Si is too good to let go. Zhen Heng assures her he won't give up and will continue pursuing Jiang Si.
Later that evening, Jiang Si is tending to the returned begonia when she discovers a hidden scroll in the soil. It turns out Long Dan, when delivering the plant, had Yu Qi write a poem on a scroll and buried it. Jiang Si is deeply touched by the poem's message.
Jiang Si's newly renovated shop is facing a crisis – no customers are coming, even with a half-price sale. She learns that a powerful figure has forbidden people from buying from her. Jiang Zhan wants to ask his friends for help, but Jiang Si strongly opposes, believing his drinking buddies are useless. This leads to a misunderstanding, with Yu Qi feeling slighted by his sister. He ends up drinking alone and encounters Zhang Sheng, a drinking buddy who encourages Jiang Zhan to do something drastic to prove himself to Jiang Si.
Zhang Sheng, having successfully set Jiang Zhan up, rushes to meet Ji Chongyi. It's revealed that Ji Chongyi orchestrated the whole thing, instructing Zhang Sheng to provoke Jiang Zhan. Zhang Sheng leads Jiang Zhan to a supposed "big client," who turns out to be Cui Mingyue. Ji Chongyi and Cao Xingyu are also present on the boat. Cui Mingyue forces Jiang Zhan to drink three坛 of wine, promising to leave Jiang Si alone if he finishes them.
Jiang Si, realizing her brother is missing, seeks Yu Qi's help to find him. Cui Mingyue's men brutally beat Jiang Zhan, shocking even Ji Chongyi and Cao Xingyu. Jiang Zhan is abused to the point of unconsciousness. Believing Jiang Zhan is dead, Cui Mingyue orders him thrown into the river. Jiang Si finally locates Cui Mingyue's boat and, overhearing the conversation, realizes her brother has been murdered. Overcome with grief, she sets the boat on fire.
Yu Qi arrives and, guessing Jiang Si's actions, provides an alibi, agreeing to say they were together all night. Only Cui Mingyue and Ji Chongyi survive the fire. Cui Mingyue is left with scars, while Ji Chongyi's legs are permanently damaged. The Grand Princess sends for Ji Chongyi, and Qiao Niang suspects she intends to make Ji Chongyi take the blame, refusing to let him go.
Families of the drowned children gather by the river to search for their loved ones. Jiang Zhan remains missing. Jiang Ancheng waits desperately for news of his son, filled with guilt and self-blame for failing as a father. The grieving families turn their anger towards the Grand Princess, knowing Cui Mingyue is responsible. Zhang Sheng's father, a follower of Prince Qi, is devastated by his son's death and seeks revenge, asking Prince Qi to help him accuse the Grand Princess.
