Episode Summary
A storm forces the group to seek shelter, leading to romantic tensions between Jiang Zhan and Lu Chuchu, and Yu Qi and Jiang Si. Zhen Heng foils an assassination attempt. The group finds refuge at Shan'an Tang, run by the seemingly kind aunt Shen, but it's a trap. Jiang Si is kidnapped, and Yu Qi discovers aunt Shen is running a human trafficking ring. With the help of Qin Feng, whose wife is also a victim, Yu Qi uncovers evidence, rescues Jiang Si, and brings the criminals to justice. A'Rong, another captive, tragically sacrifices herself.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Jiang Zhan dramatically rescuing Lu Chuchu, carrying her to safety just as a thunderstorm breaks. In a moment of heightened tension, Jiang Zhan instinctively covers Chuchu's ears to shield her from the thunder, creating a subtly romantic atmosphere. Meanwhile, Jiang Si and Yu Qi find themselves caught in the downpour, taking shelter under a tree. Yu Qi seizes the opportunity, boldly taking Jiang Si's hand. She hesitates, a blush creeping onto her cheeks, but Yu Qi's firm grip prevents her from pulling away. Jiang Zhan, drawing from his childhood experiences of frequently scaling walls, expertly tends to Chuchu's sprained ankle.
The group later stumbles upon an ancient, towering tree adorned with red strings and wish plaques. An old man explains that it's a local tradition for young couples to make wishes for their future together. Inspired, everyone eagerly writes down their desires and hangs them on the tree, hoping for their dreams to come true.
Meanwhile, Zhen Heng carries out a cunning plan. He orchestrates a public execution for Sang, knowing it will draw out the Nightingales, a group of assassins. The Nightingales, having been tipped off, attempt an ambush, but they fall victim to Zhen Heng's trap. The ambush fails miserably, leaving the Nightingales decimated and scattering in fear.
As night falls and the storm intensifies, Jiang Si and her companions seek refuge in a seemingly benevolent place called Shan'an Tang. The welcoming aunt Shen readily offers them shelter and food, her hospitality putting them at ease. However, things take a sinister turn during the night. Shen Xin'er, aunt Shen's child, sneaks into Jiang Si's room and strangely caresses Jiang Si's hand. A sudden cough from Jiang Si startles Xin'er, who flees the room, only to enter Lu Chuchu's room next. A simple turn from Chuchu in her sleep is enough to send Xin'er running again.
The next morning, Jiang Si wakes up with a fever. Lu Chuchu, disturbed by the previous night's events, wonders if something supernatural is at play. aunt Shen, claiming to be a skilled healer, offers to treat Jiang Si with acupuncture, assuring everyone of a quick recovery. As Yu Qi and the others wait anxiously outside, aunt Shen emerges in a panic, claiming she's run out of essential herbs. She sends them on a wild goose chase to find the missing ingredients.
Yu Qi, suspicious, leaves Long Dan behind to keep watch. However, aunt Shen tricks Long Dan by slipping a laxative into his water. With Long Dan incapacitated, Shen Xin'er returns to Jiang Si's room, once again fixated on her hand. This time, Jiang Si wakes up and realizes that Shen Xin'er is a man in disguise. She tries to escape, but aunt Shen subdues her with a drug.
aunt Shen contacts her associates to arrange Jiang Si's abduction. Long Dan, weakened by the laxative, is powerless to intervene. When Yu Qi returns and realizes something is amiss, he rushes with Jiang Zhan to report the incident to the local authorities. However, the officials are corrupt and in league with the kidnappers, deliberately delaying any action. Impatient and desperate, Yu Qi decides to take matters into his own hands.
Shen Xin'er, captivated by Jiang Si's beauty, wants to keep her instead of selling her. aunt Shen, seeing Jiang Si as a valuable commodity, insists on selling her for a high price. Meanwhile, Yu Qi and Jiang Zhan encounter Qin Feng outside the county office. Qin Feng, disheveled and distraught, is also there to report a missing person – his wife, A'Rong.
The similarities between A'Rong's disappearance and Jiang Si's lead Yu Qi to suspect aunt Shen. He returns to Shan'an Tang with his companions, only to find it deserted. They discover evidence of drugging and a clue left behind by Jiang Si.
Jiang Si is imprisoned in a mountain hideout, where she encounters Qin Feng's wife, A'Rong. Jiang Si manages to overpower a guard during mealtime and attempts to escape with A'Rong. However, they are discovered. A'Rong sacrifices herself to buy Jiang Si time, but Jiang Si is eventually recaptured by aunt Shen. Discovering A'Rong is pregnant, aunt Shen decides to sell her quickly. A'Rong, unwilling to endure further humiliation, takes her own life.
Jiang Si is tied up in a room. Yu Qi suddenly appears, intending to rescue her, but Jiang Si insists on freeing everyone captive. She uses reverse psychology on Shen Xin'er during a meal, goading him into threatening aunt Shen. Xin'er falls for the trick and retrieves an account book, which Yu Qi seizes, along with rescuing Jiang Si. With the incriminating evidence in hand, Yu Qi immediately contacts Zhen Heng, who arrives with the Capital City guards to arrest everyone involved.
