Episode Summary
Jiang Si is abducted by Du Er of the Nightingales, sparking a rescue attempt by Yu Qi. Their confrontation leads to a reconciliation between Jiang Si and Yu Qi, and the discovery of incriminating documents linking court officials to the Nightingales. Jiang Qiao attempts to run away to avoid a forced marriage, and family tensions rise as Madam Xiao's schemes are revealed. Yu Qi and Jiang Si find a letter that hints at a plot during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Hunt, mirroring events from Jiang Si's past life.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Jiang Si unexpectedly meeting Du Er, also known as "Poison Ear," instead of who she anticipated. Jiang Si attempts to leave immediately, but Du Er restrains her. Long Dan, witnessing Jiang Si's interaction with a member of the Nightingales, becomes convinced she's the Saintess of Southern Wu and prepares to shoot her. However, Du Er notices, and at the same moment, Jiang Si turns to see Yu Qi aiming a bow at her, triggering a traumatic flashback to her previous life where Yu Qi killed her with an arrow.
In the midst of Jiang Si's distress, Yu Qi, prioritizing her safety, grabs Long Dan's injured arm, preventing him from harming her. Du Er seizes the opportunity to knock Jiang Si unconscious and abduct her. Yu Qi follows them, instructing Long Dan to return to the Capital City and summon reinforcements.
Jiang Si awakens to find herself alone with Du Er. He reveals his surname is "Du," attempting to coax her into confessing her identity. However, Jiang Si astutely deduces Du Er's true identity, surprising him.
Concerned for Du Er's safety, Jiang Si claims she can rescue the captured Sang Qi. Meanwhile, Yu Qi infiltrates the inner courtyard, engaging in combat with the Nightingales' guards and sustaining injuries. Du Er discovers Yu Qi's presence and uses Jiang Si as a hostage, threatening Yu Qi to surrender. During a struggle with his subordinates, Du Er attempts to kill Yu Qi with a crossbow. Jiang Si fights back, freeing herself and subduing Du Er with a hairpin, but showing no intention of harming him, instead urging him to flee.
Yu Qi, deeply concerned for Jiang Si, tries to lead her away after confirming she's unharmed. He inadvertently discovers a hidden box beneath the floor, marked with the Nightingales' insignia. The Capital City authorities raid the Nightingales' stronghold, detaining everyone inside, including Zhou Yi, a court official from the Ministry of Rites.
Yu Qi questions Jiang Si about her meeting with Du Er. Jiang Si, hesitant to reveal the full truth, explains that Du Er intercepted her letter. Yu Qi, assuming she was meeting another man, becomes jealous and angrily shouts. Jiang Si, frustrated, finally confesses that she intended to meet Yu Qi. The two reconcile and embrace, witnessed by A'Man and Long Dan outside the window.
Due to Madam Xiao's manipulations, Jiang Anmou forces Jiang Qiao to proceed with her marriage to the Xiao family, despite Jiang Qiao's pleas. Jiang Qiao becomes despondent, refusing to eat or drink. Madam Xiao seeks Jiang Pei's help, attempting to persuade her to talk to Jiang Qiao. However, Jiang Pei, aware of Madam Xiao's true nature, refuses. Madam Xiao's attendant, Mama Li, persistently tries to reason with Jiang Pei, witnessed by Jiang Qiao, who misinterprets it as Jiang Pei siding with Madam Xiao, leading to strained relations between the sisters.
Yu Qi and Jiang Si open the recovered box, discovering contracts detailing large gambling debts owed to Du Er's gambling den. The contracts stipulate that the debtors can offset their debts by performing a task. Many of the contracts involve prominent court officials, including Zhou Yi. Yu Qi also finds a letter written in the Southern Wu language, containing information about the Mid-Autumn Hunt. Yu Qi suspects the Nightingales plan to act during the hunt. Jiang Si recalls that in her previous life, the Emperor died during the hunt, though it was officially reported as death by illness. The letter's contents remind Jiang Si of the solar eclipse that occurred during the hunt in her previous life, matching the timing mentioned in the letter.
Jiang Qiao, seeing no way out, attempts to run away from home. Madam Xiao, anticipating this, has been monitoring her and catches her in the act. The incident brings together the Old Madam and members of the second branch of the family. Jiang Qiao confesses to her escape attempt and raises the issue of the family seal. The Old Madam, recalling Madam Xiao's visit, realizes that Madam Xiao had secretly used the seal. To extricate herself, the Old Madam relinquishes authority to the second branch of the family and departs.
