Episode Summary
"Si Jin" Episode 7 centers on the fallout from Cao Xingyu's crimes and the complex web of relationships surrounding Yu Qi. Yu Qi's sibling relationship with Lu Chuchu is revealed, while his deception towards Jiang Si continues. The Changxing Marquis attempts to use his influence to save his son, but faces opposition from both the Capital City Department and the Swift Wind Guard. Ultimately, the Emperor becomes involved, leading the Changxing Marquis to betray his own son to protect his family's status.
Spoiler Alert
In episode 7 of "Si Jin," the drama intensifies as secrets and complex relationships are revealed. Lu Chuchu visits Yu Qi, and it's unveiled that they are actually siblings. Yu Qi, caught off guard, tries to avoid her, but his attempts fail. He eventually pretends to be delighted by her presence. From their conversation, Yu Qi realizes that Lu Chuchu has run away from an arranged marriage. Just as the siblings are talking, Jiang Si arrives with homemade soup for Yu Qi. The innocent Lu Chuchu, unaware of the underlying tensions, openly tells Jiang Si about Yu Qi's secret creation of the Red Feather Riders. Yu Qi quickly feigns severe injury, prompting Jiang Si to offer to feed him the soup. Lu Chuchu, seeing her brother taking advantage of Jiang Si's kindness, defends Jiang Si, leading Yu Qi to find an excuse to send Lu Chuchu away.
Meanwhile, at the Grand Princess Rongyang's residence, the Princess and her daughter, Cui Mingyue, discuss the scandalous affairs of the Changxing Marquis' Residence. Cao Xingyu's actions have disgraced all women, and even Cui Mingyue despises him. The Changxing Marquis himself arrives, bearing a precious gift. Princess Rongyang, aware that the Marquis is there because of Cao Xingyu's situation, plays it cool, expertly manipulating him.
Yu Qi returns to his duties at the Capital City Department, but his injured hand limits his abilities. Long Dan, while searching the Changxing Marquis' Residence, discovers a new piece of evidence: a bottle of potent aphrodisiac used by Cao Xingyu, containing ingredients that are now banned substances. Yu Qi deduces that Cao Xingyu must be guilty of even more serious crimes. As Yu Qi analyzes the case, Han Ran, the commander of the Swift Wind Guard, arrives with his men at the Capital City Department. The Changxing Marquis receives confirmation from Rongyang that she will help, but on the condition that Cao Xingyu must leave the capital after his release. Han Ran demands Cao Xingyu's handover, but Zhen Heng and Yu Qi refuse, as Cao Xingyu is a key suspect in their custody. The document Han Ran presents is vague, strengthening Yu Qi's resolve not to release the prisoner.
Jiang Si visits Chi Ruiying at the Capital City Department, hoping to relay a message to her family. However, Chi Ruiying reveals that her brother and sister-in-law only care about their own interests, having sold her to a brothel and then to Cao Xingyu.
Cao Xingyu remains uncooperative in jail, refusing to answer any questions. Yu Qi shows him the aphrodisiac found in his study, but Cao Xingyu denies everything. Anticipating this, Yu Qi shows Cao Xingyu the document from Han Ran, deliberately mentioning that the Swift Wind Guard intends to arrest him for treason. Upon hearing the name "Swift Wind Guard," Cao Xingyu loses his composure.
At the Nightingales' stronghold, the leader, Du Er, concerned about the escalating situation involving the Changxing Marquis' Residence and its potential connection to Southern Wu, calls back Sang Qi, who has been monitoring the Marquis. Sang Qi reports on Cao Xingyu's outrageous behavior but hints at something more significant regarding the "Immortal Elixir."
Yu Qi and Zhen Heng face a dilemma. Cao Xingyu's special status makes the situation delicate. Releasing him would undermine the Capital City Department's authority, given the numerous lives he has taken, but executing him could provoke the powerful Changxing Marquis, potentially leading to rebellion. Embroiderer, grieving and feeling justice is out of reach, is comforted by Jiang Si. Jiang Si proposes that Emperor Jingming himself should preside over the trial. Embroiderer then kneels before the Emperor's carriage during an incognito inspection, pleading for justice. Emperor Jingming steps down and listens to her. The Changxing Marquis, learning of this new development, again pleads with Princess Rongyang for help. However, with the Emperor now personally involved, Rongyang decides to distance herself from the Marquis. The Changxing Marquis, feeling cornered, presents evidence of Cao Xingyu's treason, ultimately sacrificing his son to save the family.
