Episode Summary
Jiang Si uses Ji Chongyi's confession and Jiang Zhan's faked death to expose the truth about the fire and Cui Mingyue's actions. Jiang Zhan returns home alive, revealing he was rescued by Lu Chuchu. The episode revolves around the court hearing, Jiang Si's clever plan, and the reunion of Jiang Zhan with his family.
Spoiler Alert
The heat is on in the capital! After Zhang Sheng's father appeals to Prince Qi, the Emperor orders the Capital City authorities to investigate the fire. The Grand Princess, desperate to protect her daughter, Cui Mingyue, keeps her confined at home, claiming she's severely injured. However, to truly clear Cui Mingyue's name, the Grand Princess has Ji Chongyi brought to her residence. Ji Chongyi's father, fearing the Grand Princess's power, doesn't put up much of a fight. He's already written off Ji Chongyi and is now focused on Qiao Niang's unborn child, believing it to be the future of the family.
At the Grand Princess's residence, a terrified Ji Chongyi realizes she intends to pin the entire blame on him. In a desperate attempt to save himself, he throws Jiang Zhan under the bus, claiming Jiang Zhan knocked over the candlestick that started the fire.
Meanwhile, the Jiang family is in turmoil over Jiang Zhan's situation. Jiang Si is determined to find her brother, but the Old Madam blames Jiang Si for Jiang Zhan's supposed death, believing her leniency led to this tragedy. Adding to the chaos, Shi Jiu, a guard from the Grand Princess's residence, surrounds the Dongping Marquis Residence, declaring Jiang Zhan a suspect in the arson and forbidding the Jiang family from leaving. Jiang Si protests, but Shi Jiu is ready to use force. Yu Qi suddenly appears and rescues the Jiang family. Madam Xiao seizes the opportunity to bring up the old marriage arrangement with Zhen Heng. The Old Madam, desperate to save the Jiang family, even promises to marry Jiang Si to anyone who can help. Feeling that Jiang Si is too young and inexperienced to handle the crisis, the Old Madam reinstates Madam Xiao's control over household affairs.
Before the official court hearing, Jiang Si meets with Qiao Niang. Ji Chongyi has already confessed everything to Qiao Niang, and she, in turn, relays the full story to Jiang Si. Jiang Si is heartbroken to learn of the torture her brother endured and finally understands Cui Mingyue's deep-seated hatred for Jiang Zhan. Qiao Niang also reveals that the Grand Princess has brought Ji Chongyi to her residence and intends to have him accuse Jiang Zhan. Even if the accusation fails, Ji Chongyi will be the one facing charges of false accusation, leaving the Grand Princess unscathed.
Armed with this knowledge, Jiang Si goes to the Capital City authorities the next day and accuses Ji Chongyi and others of harming her brother, Jiang Zhan. Ji Chongyi tries to weasel his way out, but Jiang Si refutes every piece of evidence he presents. He tries to shift the focus by claiming Jiang Zhan's disappearance makes him the prime suspect. Jiang Si claims she saw Jiang Zhan, and he told her everything. Ji Chongyi, who saw Jiang Zhan dead with his own eyes, doesn't believe he's alive and nearly slips up. Jiang Si, using the excuse of a "dream" from her brother, reveals the details of Jiang Zhan's torture and presents key evidence. Ji Chongyi panics, and under Jiang Si's relentless pressure, he cracks and confesses the truth. Jiang Si details the cause of death for each person, and her account is verified. Shi Jiu, the Grand Princess's guard, tries to interfere, and Ji Chongyi still refuses to admit guilt without concrete proof. Just then, Jiang Zhan dramatically appears, claiming he's come to drag Ji Chongyi to hell with him. Ji Chongyi is utterly shocked and terrified, fainting on the spot.
Jiang Si brings Jiang Zhan home. Jiang Ancheng, who has been grieving the loss of his son, is overjoyed to see Jiang Zhan alive. Jiang Zhan explains to Jiang Si and Jiang Ancheng how he survived. He faked his death, was thrown into the river, and was rescued by Lu Chuchu. Because of his severe injuries and the difficult mountain terrain, he couldn't return home immediately. Lu Chuchu cared for him diligently, and a touched Jiang Zhan carved a wooden horse for her. After recovering, Jiang Zhan returned to Ling'an and, learning about the Capital City investigation, devised this plan.
