Episode Summary
Jiang Zhan's near-death experience motivates him to become stronger. The Jiang family is rewarded for recent events, while Cui Mingyue and Ji Chongyi are punished. Jiang Zhan is promoted, and his father receives a title. Yu Qi's secret actions to help Jiang Si are revealed. Cui Mingyue tries to use Yu Qi's identity to manipulate him, but fails. Lu Chuchu redirects Cui Mingyue's travel route. Yu Qi, Jiang Si, and others end up traveling to the same destination, Ling Shui, where Yu Qi plans to confront his accuser. Jiang Zhan overcomes his fear of water to rescue Lu Chuchu.
Spoiler Alert
The Jiang household is buzzing with activity. To celebrate Jiang Zhan's safe return, the family matriarch, Old Madam Jiang, throws a lavish family banquet. Guests include Yu Qi and Lu Chuchu. During the feast, Madam Xiao attempts to belittle Jiang Si, but Old Madam Jiang praises Jiang Si's earlier courage in standing up to the Grand Princess. The conversation shifts when Jiang Ancheng brings up Jiang Zhan and Lu Chuchu's shared experience in the wilderness, suggesting his son should take responsibility for her. It turns out Jiang Ancheng has taken a liking to Chuchu and wants her as a daughter-in-law, creating an awkward moment for Chuchu.
The ordeal has matured Jiang Zhan. He realizes his vulnerability stems from a lack of skill and vows to improve himself to bring honor to the family. Old Madam Jiang is thrilled, though the second branch of the family isn't keen on Jiang Zhan's newfound ambition. Yu Qi and Lu Chuchu, hearing of Jiang Zhan's resolve, offer to personally train him in martial arts. However, Jiang Zhan expresses his desire to join the Jinwu Guard instead of pursuing scholarly exams.
In a private conversation, Jiang Si thanks Lu Chuchu for her help. Chuchu reveals that everything was orchestrated by Yu Qi, who acted behind the scenes without seeking credit. Jiang Si is deeply moved by Yu Qi's selfless actions.
Jiang Zhan, true to his word, dedicates himself to training, mastering horsemanship and archery. Meanwhile, the Jiang family's recent events become the talk of the town, thanks to storytellers spreading the tale. Cui Mingyue faces demotion, going from a Princess to a lesser title, and is forced to leave Ling'an. Ji Chongyi also receives severe punishment, banned from the imperial examinations, effectively ruining his future. The Jiang family, on the other hand, receives generous rewards. Jiang Zhan is promoted to the Jinwu Guard, and Jiang Ancheng is granted a hereditary title extending five generations.
While Old Madam Jiang is overjoyed, Jiang Si sees the Emperor's actions as a calculated move to protect Cui Mingyue by offering the Jiang family a "sweet treat." This difference in perspective saddens Jiang Zhan, who feels his grandmother prioritizes the family's gains over his personal safety. Feeling down, Jiang Zhan seeks solace by the lake, where Lu Chuchu finds him. After another sudden disappearance that worried everyone, Jiang Zhan confides in Chuchu, who comforts him with her own life experiences, inspiring him to regain his spirits.
Cui Mingyue, forced to leave Ling'an, recalls Yu Qi saving her when she fell into the water and develops feelings for him. She demands Yu Qi see her off, threatening the Jiang family if he refuses. Jiang Si plans a celebratory trip, and Jiang Zhan suggests Ling Shui, coincidentally where Cui Mingyue has been banished.
Cui Mingyue is warm towards Yu Qi upon their meeting, but he remains cold and distant, rejecting her advances. She reveals her knowledge of his true identity, attempting to use it as leverage, and confesses her love, offering him a promising future. Yu Qi, however, remains unmoved. Realizing Jiang Si is the reason, Cui Mingyue threatens her, but Yu Qi still doesn't waver.
Lu Chuchu encounters A'Man on the street and learns of Cui Mingyue's imminent departure for Ling Shui. She rides ahead and switches the road signs at a fork in the road. Meanwhile, Yu Qi discovers that the person who slandered him as an "ill omen" is also in Ling Shui. Remembering Jiang Si's advice to make accusers pay, he decides to investigate. He encounters Jiang Si and the others on the road, realizing they share the same destination, and they decide to travel together.
Reaching a river, Yu Qi and Lu Chuchu go fishing. Jiang Zhan hesitates to join them due to his fear of water after a previous incident. When Lu Chuchu injures her foot, Jiang Zhan overcomes his fear, rushes into the river, and carries her out.
