Episode Summary
As the Fu family prepares for Lunar New Year, tensions rise over the unresolved Pei Dafu case threatening their safety. Fu Yunxi clashes with his mother about fleeing the capital, while Aunt Kou Er’s paranoia interrupts a Zhuang family banquet. New Year festivities bring tender moments between HanYan and A’Zhi, a near-kiss during fireworks with Yunxi, and Chai Jing’s emotional confession. The Zhuang family collapses when officials are arrested, triggering Ruan Xiwen’s ruthless damage control and Yuwen Chang’an’s hunt for Pei Dafu’s hidden heir.
Spoiler Alert
The Fu estate is buzzing like a beehive on a sugar rush as the Lunar New Year approaches. Aunt Kou Er (the family’s sharp-tongued matriarch-in-training) micromanages every broom swipe and table polish, leaving servants scrambling like panicked ants. Meanwhile, inside the grand hall, Lady Kou Da — the actual head of the household — hosts a banquet for the Zhuang family, all smiles and clinking wine cups. But of course, Aunt Er crashes the party with a silver needle, dramatically testing every dish for poison like a paranoid food critic. Her eagle eyes land on Zhuang HanYan, Fu Yunxi’s elegant fiancée, and — shocker! — she low-key approves. (Aunt Er’s version of a compliment? Not stabbing someone with her poison detector.)
Late-night family drama alert: Fu Yunxi warns his mother about the Pei Dafu case threatening to blow up their lives. Emperor’s pissed, Dad’s already dead from political fallout — time to pack for a countryside escape! But Mama Fu, hardened by bureaucracy-induced widowhood, wants her son to quit his government job instead. Cue awkward silence thicker than Aunt Er’s eyeliner.
New Year, New Shenanigans
Cut to Lunar New Year chaos: Little firecracker A’Zhi badgers HanYan for red envelopes, but since our girl’s technically unmarried, she gifts the kid a silver hairpin instead. A’Zhi reciprocates with a handmade kite (parenting win for Fu Yunxi’s dad). Later, Yunxi takes HanYan on a sneaky field trip to visit recovering warrior Chai Jing…until clingy Zhuang Yushan invites herself as the world’s worst third wheel. At the night market, Yunxi and HanYan ditch Yushan, share a ✨almost-kiss✨ moment during fireworks, and suddenly we’re all rooting for this slow-burn romance.
Dumplings & Existential Crises
In the kitchen, Chai Jing (still struggling to regain her sword skills) drops a philosophical bomb while folding dumplings: “What matters most in life?” Yunxi says “family.” Chai Jing? “HanYan.” Awkward cough. Later, Yunxi tells HanYan he’ll keep protecting Chai Jing…but she can’t stay in the capital. HanYan’s torn — grateful but side-eyeing his motives.
New Year’s Dinner: Trauma Served Cold
The Zhuang-Fu feast turns icy when Zhuang Yushan snarks about HanYan and Ruan Xiwen’s absence. Then — plot twist! — someone serves mung bean cakes, triggering HanYan’s flashback to her father’s love letters (and his tragic death). Ruan Xiwen arrives fashionably late with symbolic gifts, but the vibe’s already ruined.
*Dynasty Shtshow incoming**
Next day: Zhuang Shiyang and other officials get arrested. Ruan Xiwen fires the staff (girlboss move), while Lady Zhou panics and hands her power back to Ruan Xiwen. Meanwhile, HanYan subtly gloats to her mom about their scheming…but still resents her for letting Dad die.
Cliffhanger Alert
Imperial officer Yuwen Chang’an storms in, claiming Pei Dafu’s secret heir is among the arrested officials’ families. Cue creepy “cleansing ritual” at the palace (baths + body inspections — yikes), but when that fails, Yuwen shifts focus to the families. Place your bets on who’s hiding that explosive bloodline!
Why You Should Care
This episode’s got everything: political grenades, generational trauma, and a romance that’s slower than Aunt Er’s poison checks. Will HanYan trust Yunxi? Will Chai Jing ever sword-fight again? And who is Pei Dafu’s secret kid?! Grab your mung bean cakes and buckle up.
