Episode Summary
Han Yan is framed for the murder of her aunt and uncle, but throws suspicion on the Taoist priest Duan Zhenren, who previously accused her of being a "barefoot ghost." A conspiracy involving poisoned food is revealed, implicating Concubine Zhou, who was trying to gain control of the family fortune. Han Yan clears her name, exposes Duan Zhenren as a fraud, and is offered a ride by Yuwen Chang'an. A secret connection is hinted at between Han Yan and Fu Yunxi, involving a hairpin.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with a shocking scene: Han Yan, clutching a hairpin, lies terrified in the pouring rain next to the bodies of her aunt and uncle. She admits to killing them, but declares her intention to return to the capital, her true home. She throws the hairpin down a well, but it's later discovered by Fu Yunxi.
Han Yan deliberately waits for the Taoist priest, Duan Zhenren, the one who falsely branded her with the "barefoot ghost" stigma. Meanwhile, Master Zhuang tries to conceal Old Madam's illness, not wanting to implicate Han Yan. However, Han Yan reveals the Old Madam's grave condition. Duan Zhenren, after examining her, claims she's afflicted by the same evil spirit from seventeen years ago, and only he can exorcise it. He begins a ritual in the courtyard, attracting the attention of family friends and the family of Zhuang Yushan's fiancé, who are present for a banquet.
Duan Zhenren produces a Taoist talisman, claiming the person whose birthdate is written on it is the source of the evil. The guests are shocked, not believing that the "barefoot ghost" reputation from seventeen years ago was pinned on Zhuang Yushan. Zhuang Yushan then arrives with guards, accusing Duan Zhenren of being bribed by Han Yan to frame her. She claims to have witnessed a secret meeting between them the previous night, where a package was exchanged.
The Matriarch, hearing the commotion, sends a Servants with the account books to investigate. Under torture, Duan Zhenren confesses. Han Yan, realizing the "barefoot ghost" label is now firmly attached to her, points out that if Duan Zhenren could be bribed now, he could have been bribed seventeen years ago. The crowd ignores her pleas. Servants Chenarrives with the cook and the Old Madam's dietary records, revealing that the Old Madam's food was poisoned with a combination of maqian and clove cakes, which are toxic when mixed. The cook pleads ignorance of pharmacology, but it's revealed that only Concubine Zhou, from a family of pharmacists, would have that knowledge.
Concubine Zhou, seeing her plot exposed, immediately kneels and takes the blame for poor judgment in hiring the cook. Master Zhuang, wanting to avoid a scandal, tries to downplay the incident and refuses to punish Concubine Zhou, calling it a misunderstanding. Han Yan seizes the opportunity, giving the Old Madam an antidote and having the uncles present witness it. To clear her name of the "barefoot ghost" accusation, Han Yan points out that criminals have the word "thief" tattooed on their arms. She exposes Duan Zhenren as a fraud, revealing the tattoo on his arm. To avoid being sent to the authorities, he frames Concubine Zhou. Han Yan further questions Concubine Zhou's maid about the person she saw the previous night, but the maid is evasive. Concubine Zhou, in a desperate attempt to clear her name, attempts to take her own life. Han Yan is finally cleared of the "barefoot ghost" accusation, with the entire plot revealed as Concubine Zhou's attempt to seize the family fortune.
The Zhuang family faces social disgrace and the engagement is broken off. Concubine Zhou receives a light punishment of a few months' confinement and a reduction in her allowance, with a maid ultimately taking the full blame. Through these events, Han Yan suspects her mother is secretly helping her and wonders about the person who passed her the note. The Old Madam awakens and compensates Han Yan for the years of neglect. Concubine Zhou personally helps Han Yan dress, hoping she will stand out at the upcoming plum blossom viewing.
Zhuang Yushan, impatiently waiting for Han Yan, goes to find her. She's surprised to see Han Yan's jewelry and, under the guise of it being too valuable, gives it to Zhuang Yushan. Zhuang Yushan doesn't dare to take it off, and even Zhuang Yuchi notices how vulgar the jewelry set is. On the way, Han Yan is abandoned by her carriage driver. She encounters Yuwen Chang'an, the Left Censor-in-Chief, who kindly offers her a ride. After she expresses her caution, he reveals his identity, and Han Yan, recognizing his name, respectfully greets him as Uncle Yuwen. They have a pleasant conversation during the journey, and Yuwen Chang'an remarks on how much Han Yan resembles her mother.
Han Yan arrives at the plum blossom viewing as planned, surprising Zhuang Yushan, whose scheme has failed. Fu Yunxi, who had found Han Yan's hairpin in Danzhou, personally places it in her hair. Only the two of them understand the significance of this gesture, each harboring their own secrets. Zhuang Yushan, seeing the intimate interaction between her admired Fu Yunxi and Han Yan, is heartbroken.
