Episode Summary
Jiang Si faces sabotage during a competition to win the princes' hearts but reveals her hidden painting and impresses the Emperor. Despite objections from Consort Xian, Yu Qi declares his love for Jiang Si by giving her all six of his flowers. An imperial decree announces Jiang Si's betrothal to Prince Yan, causing both joy and jealousy within the Dongping Marquis Residence. Cui Mingyue is upset and asks his mother to help her to get Yu Qi.
Spoiler Alert
In episode 27 of "Si Jin," things get complicated in the competition for the princes' affections. The Sixth Prince and his mother, Consort Zhuang, are surprised to see Jiang Si, a woman who has been previously divorced. Consort Zhuang, who had heard rumors of Consort Xian's mistreatment of Yu Qi, starts to believe them. Consort Xian also finds it improper for Jiang Si to be included, as her status only qualifies her to be a concubine, not a primary wife. Meanwhile, the Grand Princess visits the Emperor to support her daughter. During their conversation, Yang Nianzhi from the Imperial Observatory arrives with a report. He claims that Yu Qi is cursed and should not marry someone with a "solitary fate," or it will bring misfortune to the nation. The Emperor, however, remains unconvinced and allows Yu Qi to choose his own bride, but he does order an investigation into the woman.
The painting competition for the ladies begins. Jiang Si, worried about sabotage, marks her work. Cui Mingyue's painting impresses the Emperor, earning her a jade bracelet. She confidently shows it off to Jiang Si, boasting of her victory. However, when Jiang Si's painting is revealed, it's blank. Jiang Si is questioned, and she recalls an examiner who had seen her cooking. The examiner denies it, but Yu Qi defends her. Jiang Si then detects the scent of a special herb on the paper that makes ink disappear. By splashing water on the canvas, she reveals her painting of a black peony. The Grand Princess tries to use the unconventional color to criticize Jiang Si, but Jiang Si's explanation wins over the Emperor.
The Emperor investigates the ink incident, but the ink has been disposed of, leading to the examiner's arrest. Jiang Si's composure and talent impress Consort Zhuang. Lan Xingwen is appointed as the new examiner, and Jiang Si continues to excel in the subsequent tests, gaining the Emperor's favor.
In the flower-giving ceremony, the Prince of Shu surprises everyone by giving his first flower to Jiang Si. Yu Qi then gives all six of his flowers to Jiang Si, shocking Consort Xian, who disapproves of Jiang Si as a potential wife.
Consort Xian confronts Yu Qi about his decision, but he stands firm, declaring his love for Jiang Si. The Emperor admires Yu Qi's boldness, something he himself couldn't do in his youth.
Back home, Jiang Si tells Old Madam Jiang about receiving six flowers from Prince Yan, worrying her grandmother. Madam Xiao also arrives, spreading negative rumors about Jiang Si. Old Madam Jiang fears that Jiang Si's success will endanger the Dongping Marquis Residence.
Cui Mingyue returns home and argues with her parents about Jiang Si. She burns flowers in her courtyard, begging her mother to help her win over Yu Qi.
An imperial decree arrives at the Dongping Marquis Residence, causing anxiety, especially for Old Madam Jiang. The eunuch announces Jiang Si's betrothal to Prince Yan. The household celebrates, and Old Madam Jiang is overjoyed, seeing it as a chance for the family to rise in status. Madam Xiao, however, is furious that her own daughter's marriage prospects are poor while Jiang Si is to marry a prince.
