Episode Summary
Jiang Si's father learns of her feelings for Yu Qi and worries about their future due to Yu Qi's status. At a banquet, Yu Qi defends Jiang Si from the Crown Prince, leading to him being titled Prince Yan by the Emperor. While the Emperor is pleased, both Yu Qi and his mother, Consort Xian, are upset by this development. Jiang Ancheng discovers Yu Qi's true identity as the seventh prince and is concerned about the implications for his daughter. Jiang Si worries about Yu Qi, while also contemplating their future together. Xie Yinlou continues his pursuit of Jiang Yi.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with a heartwarming scene: Jiang Ancheng and Jiang Zhan are playing with little Yanyan, while Jiang Yi peacefully embroiders nearby. Jiang Ancheng, being a bit older, strains his back during the playtime. He suggests calling Jiang Si to join them, but he's worried to learn she's not home and has gone to Prince Qi's residence. Jiang Ancheng, not wanting his daughter to marry into the royal family, only wishes for her happiness and safety. To reassure him, Jiang Yi reveals that Jiang Si already has someone she loves. Jiang Ancheng is surprised, and despite Jiang Zhan's attempts to silence her, Yanyan blurts out the name: Yu Qi.
Jiang Ancheng's concern grows, fearing that the handsome and high-ranking Yu Qi might attract many women, potentially leading to his daughter being mistreated in the future.
Meanwhile, at a banquet, the Crown Prince tries to embarrass Jiang Si to get revenge for Cui Mingyue. Jiang Si, however, fires back with a sharp retort, leaving the Crown Prince fuming. He stands up, ready to throw a bowl at her, but Yu Qi intervenes, splashing wine in the Crown Prince's face. Prince Qi secretly revels in the chaos. The princes' brawl escalates to the Emperor, who is furious and intends to punish them all. However, the eunuch Bao Ping points out that Yu Qi, not yet officially titled, can't be punished under royal rules. The Emperor, seizing the opportunity, asks Bao Ping about available titles and grants Yu Qi the title of Prince Yan, subjecting him to the same punishment as the other princes.
Yu Qi, however, isn't pleased with his new title. He doesn't want to get involved in royal conflicts, only wanting to pursue his own goals. The Emperor explains that in the current cutthroat environment of Ling'an, Yu Qi would be vulnerable without a title. The Emperor is secretly pleased with the turn of events, having found a perfect excuse to bestow a title upon the seventh prince. Back at the palace, Consort Xian is also angry with Yu Qi, believing him to be unlucky and causing her to be punished as well.
Jiang Ancheng, eager to learn more about Yu Qi, seeks out "Number Three," Yu Qi's close colleague. Number Three struggles to explain the situation. Jiang Ancheng, misinterpreting the hesitation, assumes Yu Qi's background is unfavorable but assures Number Three that he doesn't care about his family, as long as Yu Qi is of good character and treats his daughter well. Number Three finally reveals Yu Qi's true identity as the seventh prince, shocking both Jiang Ancheng and Jiang Zhan. Jiang Ancheng isn't thrilled by this revelation; he worries that if Yu Qi mistreats his daughter, she won't even have the option of divorce due to his royal status.
Jiang Si, upon returning home, is also worried about the consequences Yu Qi might face for hitting the Crown Prince. She's relieved to see him unharmed, but still acts aloof, intentionally keeping her distance. Jiang Zhan confronts Lu Chuchu, angry that she didn't tell him about Yu Qi's true identity and their close friendship. Lu Chuchu is upset by his words.
That night, Jiang Si gazes at a doll Yu Qi gave her, pondering their previous lives and wondering if they can truly be together in this one. The next day, Yu Qi intends to visit Jiang Si, but Bao Ping intercepts him, taking him to see his newly prepared Prince Yan residence.
Finally, Xie Yinlou quits his post in Ling Shui and decides to settle in Ling'an to continue pursuing Jiang Yi. Jiang Yi, however, remains heartbroken from past events and content with her current life, but Xie Yinlou is determined to wait for her.
