Episode Summary
Jiang Ancheng forces his children to swear not to avenge their mother, but Jiang Si refuses. Yu Qi rejects a politically motivated marriage, remaining devoted to Jiang Si. Secrets about Yu Qi's birth and a conspiracy involving Grand Princess are revealed. Jiang Si faces humiliation and punishment at the hands of Consort Xian but uncovers crucial information. Yu Qi confronts his mother, further straining their relationship, and confirms the auspicious nature of his birth.
Spoiler Alert
This episode of "Si Jin" is packed with familial duty, forbidden love, and political maneuvering within the Imperial court.
The episode opens with Jiang Ancheng, concerned for his children's safety, forcing them to kneel before their ancestors' tablets and swear an oath not to avenge their mother's death. Jiang Yi reluctantly agrees, and Jiang Zhan, initially defiant, is eventually cowed by the threat of being disowned. However, Jiang Si remains steadfast in her desire for revenge, even if it means expulsion from the family.
Meanwhile, the Emperor consults with Yu Qi about a troubling prophecy from the Imperial Observatory. The astrologers claim that a marriage between Yu Qi and Jiang Si would bring disaster to the nation. They propose a solution: Yu Qi should marry both Jiang Si and Cui Mingyue, whose complementary natures would supposedly avert the catastrophe. Yu Qi, however, refuses, declaring his love for Jiang Si alone.
Grand Princess, upon learning of Yu Qi's refusal and his investigation into past events at the Imperial Observatory, gives Xu Momo a subtle warning, showing her displeasure. Yu Qi also gets hold of some information and realizes that there are people who know about the false accusations against Jiang Si's father 20 years ago.
In a dramatic nighttime confrontation, Jiang Ancheng reveals a long-held secret to Yu Qi. He confesses that he was on duty at the Imperial Observatory the night Yu Qi was born and had initially recorded the event as highly auspicious. However, he was replaced, and the record was altered to portray the birth as a bad omen. Jiang Ancheng overheard a conversation revealing that the change coincided with Cui Xu's military defeat. Grand Princess used the fabricated prophecy to cover up the defeat and prevent Yu Qi's mother, Consort Xian, from being promoted. Jiang Si overhears this entire conversation, finally understanding her father's opposition to her relationship with Yu Qi.
The next day, Yu Qi and Jiang Si are determined to clear their names and expose the truth. Consort Xian, humiliated by Yu Qi's public rejection of the arranged marriage, summons Jiang Si to the palace, intending to punish her. Yu Qi also goes to the Imperial Observatory, and handles the people who try to make things difficult for him.
Jiang Si's visit to Consort Xian turns into a battle of wills. Jiang Si refuses to be intimidated, angering the Consort, who orders her to be beaten. Jiang Si fights back with spirit, managing to glean information about the close relationship between Grand Princess and the Empress. Jiang Qian finds Madam Xiao and takes her away, telling her that she must help Jiang Si when she is in danger in the future. Consort Xian keeps Jiang Si at the palace and makes her copy the "Nu Ze" until she gives in.
Prince Qi's wife tries to befriend Jiang Si, but Jiang Si sees through her act. Lin Momo overhears Jiang Si's words to Prince Qi's wife and tells Consort Xian. Consort Xian's impression of Prince Qi's wife becomes worse, and her impression of Jiang Si changes.
Yu Qi arrives at the palace to find Jiang Si, encountering Prince Qi's wife on her way out. She seizes the opportunity to sow discord between Yu Qi and his mother, revealing that Jiang Si has been beaten. Furious, Yu Qi confronts Consort Xian, escalating the tension between mother and son, and takes Jiang Si away.
Jiang Si informs Yu Qi that the Empress and Grand Princess are very close, and Grand Princess recommended the Empress for her position, proving that Grand Princess can easily place Southern Wu spies in the palace. Yu Qi also discovers the truth about the celestial events on the night of his birth: it was indeed a highly auspicious occasion. The episode ends with the conspiracy deepening, and the stakes for Yu Qi and Jiang Si higher than ever.
