Episode Summary
Jiang Si is betrothed to Yu Qi, causing family conflict and heartbreak for Cui Mingyue. Jiang Si suddenly falls ill, mirroring her mother's mysterious death. Suspecting poison from Madam Xiao, Jiang Zhan and Yu Qi work to save her. Yu Qi finds a rare herb, and Jiang Si recovers. To expose Madam Xiao, Jiang Si fakes continued illness, leading to a confrontation and the revelation of Madam Xiao's plot.
Spoiler Alert
The imperial edict arrives, announcing Jiang Si's arranged marriage to Yu Qi. Her father, Jiang Ancheng, is vehemently opposed, fearing for his daughter's happiness in a marriage to nobility, where regrets are often too late. However, the rest of the Jiang family sees the union as a great honor and supports the match. Cui Mingyue is heartbroken by the news, realizing her own hopes of marrying Yu Qi are dashed forever. Jiang Si, learning of her father's disapproval, tries to reassure him, revealing her own feelings for Yu Qi. Meanwhile, Yu Qi contemplates Jiang Si's needs in his courtyard, while his servant, Long Dan, complains about the upkeep of the vast Prince Yan's residence, suggesting they hire more maids. Jiang Ancheng, overcome with emotion, hangs a portrait of his late wife, tearfully sharing the news of Jiang Si's impending marriage and reminiscing about their past happiness.
Later that night, Jiang Si suffers a sudden health crisis, coughing up blood. The next morning, her maid, A'Man, reports her deteriorating condition to Jiang Ancheng and the family matriarch, Old Madam Jiang. A'Man claims Jiang Si's health took a turn for the worse after drinking ginger soup sent by Madam Xiao, following an incident where another servant, Li Mama, had drenched Jiang Si in water. Jiang Ancheng and his son, Jiang Zhan, confront Madam Xiao, suspecting poison, but she denies it, even drinking the soup herself to prove her innocence. Madam Xiao then feigns grievance to the Old Madam, using it as an excuse to have A'Man punished. Jiang Ancheng and Jiang Zhan try to intervene, but the Old Madam sides with Madam Xiao, believing a mere servant shouldn't accuse a master.
A doctor is called, but can't find anything wrong with Jiang Si. This mirrors the mysterious illness that led to Jiang Si's mother's death. Madam Xiao claims it's a congenital condition, blaming A'Man for poor care.
Fearing for Jiang Si's safety, Jiang Zhan brings in Lu Chuchu to watch over her while he goes to find Yu Qi. Lu Chuchu meticulously examines Jiang Si's room. When Jiang Si suffers another attack, Lu Chuchu tries to summon help, but the household staff ignores her, and Li Mama is indifferent. Lu Chuchu has to use her sword to intimidate Li Mama into obedience.
Yu Qi arrives, panicked by Jiang Si's condition. He wants to call for an Imperial Physician, but Lu Chuchu dismisses them as useless, unable to diagnose the problem. Yu Qi, remembering his vow to protect Jiang Si, feels helpless and guilty. Jiang Si awakens, realizing she's been poisoned, and urges Yu Qi to find a rare herb called "snake hidden grass." Yu Qi braves a stormy night, scaling a cliff to find the herb for Jiang Si. After taking the medicine, Jiang Si recovers. Yu Qi wants to announce her recovery, but Jiang Si suspects Madam Xiao is behind the poisoning. To lure her out, Jiang Si pretends to remain poisoned, spreading rumors that a cure has been found.
Madam Xiao, hearing about the antidote, panics and plots to administer more poison. She uses Fang Qin, Li Mama's niece and a servant in the Old Madam's household, to poison the Old Madam. Then, she and her entourage arrive at Jiang Si's courtyard, claiming to be searching for a lost golden bracelet. Madam Xiao deliberately knocks over Jiang Si's medicine. At that moment, Jiang Si emerges from her room. The truth is revealed, and Li Mama and Fang Qin are punished. The Old Madam scolds Jiang Si for using her own body as bait, causing unrest in the household. Jiang Si finally reveals she was poisoned, not sick. Jiang Ancheng is furious, accusing Madam Xiao of similarly harming Jiang Si's mother, a charge she vehemently denies, while those from the main branch of the family voice their condemnation of her.
