Episode Summary
Jiang Qian is wrongly accused of murder by Cao Xingyu, who is trying to cover up his own crimes. Jiang Si and Yu Qi work together to clear her name, exposing Cao Xingyu's plot and the Changxing Marquis's corruption. Yu Qi is injured protecting Jiang Si, leading to moments of closeness between them, but also jealousy when Zhen Heng arrives. Jiang Si is reminded of her past life with Yu Qi. Jiang Zhan helps Lu Chuchu, and they share a meal together.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with a heartbroken Madam Xiao tending to Jiang Qian's wounds. Witnessing her daughter's suffering, Madam Xiao is consumed by guilt. Meanwhile, Jiang Qian's father retreats to his concubine's chambers, showing no concern for his daughter. Jiang Qian finds herself envious of Jiang Si. Although Jiang Si's current position is not as high as the second branch of the family, Jiang Qian knows that if Jiang Si refuses a marriage, Jiang Ancheng will tirelessly advocate for her. In contrast, Jiang Qian's own father prioritizes his career over her well-being. Madam Xiao vows to protect her daughter and refuses to send her back to Cao Xingyu's household. Jiang Si suggests that Jiang Qian report Cao Xingyu to the authorities, but both Madam Xiao and Jiang Qian express fear of retaliation. Jiang Qian is especially worried that Cao Xingyu will harm her if she presses charges, and that remaining silent might be the only way to survive.
Meanwhile, Yu Qi brings all the female corpses discovered at the Changxing Marquis' Residence back for examination. The coroner finds that one woman's wounds differ from the others, and a unique button is discovered at the wound site. News of the button quickly reaches Cao Xingyu. Realizing that the button's expensive nature makes it impossible to frame a servant, Cao Xingyu goes to the authorities and accuses Jiang Qian of being the real murderer. He claims Jiang Qian had an affair with the servant An Zi and, in a fit of jealousy, killed the other women.
At home, a panicked Jiang Qian learns of the accusation. Before being taken away, she begs her mother to find Jiang Si, knowing that only Jiang Si can save her. Jiang Si rushes to the authorities, bringing Chi Ruiying with her. Cao Xingyu initially tries to maintain his lies, but panics upon hearing that Chi Ruiying has been summoned. He even contemplates killing her to silence her, but Yu Qi intervenes, getting injured while protecting Jiang Si from a poisoned dart. Jiang Si stays to care for the unconscious Yu Qi.
Yu Qi enjoys Jiang Si's care, but Zhen Heng suddenly appears and takes over the responsibility. Zhen Heng and Jiang Si get along well, making Yu Qi visibly jealous. He tries various methods to interrupt their conversation. After Jiang Si leaves, Zhen Heng openly praises her to Yu Qi.
The Changxing Marquis, in an attempt to help his son, orders his informant within the authorities to kill Chi Ruiying. The informant attempts to do so during a meal delivery, but is apprehended by Long Dan, who was waiting outside. It turns out Yu Qi had anticipated the presence of an informant and set a trap.
To express her gratitude, Jiang Si personally makes fish soup for Yu Qi. Jiang Zhan also accompanies his sister. Yu Qi praises the soup, and as he drinks it, Jiang Si is reminded of happy memories from her previous life with Yu Qi, where they shared sweet moments and talked about making delicious food together in the future. Yu Qi savors every bowl, and Jiang Si's mind is flooded with memories of their past happiness.
While strolling through the streets, Jiang Zhan overhears someone looking to buy a dagger used by Nie Yinniang (a legendary female assassin). He discovers the buyer is Lu Chuchu and playfully teases her, pretending to be a naive customer and exposing the vendor as a fraud. Lu Chuchu is grateful for Jiang Zhan's help and returns the money he previously lent her. Jiang Zhan invites her to eat, but is shocked by her large appetite and worries about the cost. At the restaurant, a storyteller recounts the tale of the ominous seventh prince, and Lu Chuchu listens intently.
