Episode Summary
Yu Qi is unexpectedly granted the title of Prince Yan after defending Jiang Si from the Crown Prince. Jiang Ancheng discovers Yu Qi's true identity and worries about his daughter's future. Jiang Si and Yu Qi's relationship faces challenges due to his new status and misunderstandings. The Crown Prince schemes to use Cui Mingyue to win over Yu Qi. 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 the adorable Yanyan, while Jiang Yi peacefully embroiders nearby. Jiang Ancheng, feeling his age after straining his back during playtime, wants to call Jiang Si to join them. However, he's alarmed to learn that Jiang Si isn't home but has gone to Prince Qi's residence. Jiang Ancheng, a protective father, doesn't want his daughter entangled with royalty; he simply wishes for her happiness and safety. Jiang Yi tries to reassure him, revealing that Jiang Si already has someone she cares for. Jiang Ancheng is shocked, and despite Jiang Zhan's attempts to silence her, young Yanyan blurts out the name: Yu Qi! Jiang Ancheng is now worried about Yu Qi's handsome looks and high status, fearing his daughter might be hurt in the future by the many women who will inevitably pursue him.
Meanwhile, at a royal banquet, the Crown Prince, still harboring resentment towards Jiang Si (likely due to a previous incident involving Cui Mingyue), tries to publicly humiliate her. Jiang Si, however, is not one to back down. She cleverly retorts, embarrassing the Crown Prince. Enraged, the Crown Prince rises to throw a bowl at her, but Yu Qi intervenes, splashing wine in the Crown Prince's face. Prince Qi observes this with secret delight. The princes' brawl escalates and reaches the Emperor's ears. He's furious and ready 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, punishing him along with the other princes.
Yu Qi, however, isn't thrilled with his new title. He wants to avoid courtly power struggles and live life on his own terms. The Emperor explains that Ling'an is full of people who are quick to judge, and without a title, Yu Qi would be vulnerable. The Emperor is secretly pleased, as this incident provided the perfect excuse to bestow the title. Back at the palace, Consort Xian is also angry with Yu Qi, believing him to be unlucky, as his return has brought punishment upon her as well.
Jiang Ancheng, curious about Yu Qi's background, seeks information from "Number 3," Yu Qi's close colleague. Number 3 struggles to explain, leading Jiang Ancheng to mistakenly believe Yu Qi's family history is something to be ashamed of. He assures Number 3 that he doesn't care about Yu Qi's family, as long as Yu Qi is of good character and treats his daughter well. Number 3 finally reveals Yu Qi's true identity as the Seventh Prince. Jiang Ancheng and Jiang Zhan are stunned. Instead of being happy, Jiang Ancheng is even more worried. Yu Qi's status is so high that if he mistreats Jiang Si, she won't even have the option of divorce.
Jiang Si, upon returning home, is anxious about the consequences Yu Qi might face for defending her against the Crown Prince. She's relieved to see him unharmed, but she still plays coy, trying to maintain some distance. Meanwhile, Jiang Zhan confronts Lu Chuchu, angry that she kept Yu Qi's true identity and their close friendship a secret. Lu Chuchu is hurt and disappointed by his reaction.
That night, Jiang Si gazes at a doll Yu Qi gave her, pondering their intertwined destinies and wondering if they can truly be together in this life. The next day, Yu Qi is about to visit Jiang Si when Bao Ping intercepts him, taking him to see his newly prepared Prince Yan residence.
Xie Yinlou has resigned from his post in Ling Shui and plans to settle in Ling'an to continue pursuing Jiang Yi. Jiang Yi, however, is still emotionally scarred from past events and content with her current life. Despite this, Xie Yinlou remains determined to wait for her.
Prince Qi deliberately invites Jiang Si to a gathering. The Old Madam is eager for Jiang Si to attend, but Jiang Ancheng is reluctant, fearing she'll be mistreated by the noble families. That evening, Yu Qi and Jiang Si arrange a secret meeting through A'Man and Long Dan. However, Long Dan misunderstands Yu Qi's message, causing Jiang Si to leave in anger.
The Crown Prince, hearing of Yu Qi's return, rushes to Grand Princess to discuss a plan. Cui Mingyue learns of Prince Qi's banquet, intended to find a suitable match for Yu Qi, and wants to attend. Grand Princess, realizing Cui Mingyue's interest in Yu Qi, strongly opposes. The Crown Prince, however, sees an advantage in Cui Mingyue and Yu Qi being together, hoping to win Yu Qi over to his side.
Jiang Si attends Prince Qi's banquet. Outside, she encounters Ji Chongyi's sister, Ji Fanghua, and the Prime Minister's granddaughter, Kou Lingbo. They attempt to humiliate Jiang Si, but she cleverly turns the tables on them. As the banquet begins, with Prince Qi warmly welcoming his guests, the Crown Prince unexpectedly arrives. The Crown Prince proceeds to disrupt the feast and tries to provoke Yu Qi, but Yu Qi skillfully deflects his attempts.
