A Love So Romantic Recap, Plot, Synopsis
A Love So Romantic Synopsis
Su Xiaowan, a flower seller who is good at cheating, accidentally makes a “brother-sister contract” with Gu Yanxi, the eldest son of the jewelry family, and thus takes on the role of Gu Wan’er, the younger sister of Gu Yanxi and the eldest daughter of the family.
However, this change is not as good as Su Xiaowei thought. Gu Yanxi is a sharp tongue, scheming “brother”.Su Xiaowan can only fight against him.
Although the road is difficult, fortunately, there is a warm-hearted second brother Gu Ziqian always accompanies Su Xiaowan and cares about her. but Gu Ziqian’s care seems to be more than the brotherhood.
What’s worse, in getting along with the two brothers, Su Xiaowan finds herself falling into a love deeper and deeper with the most hated brother Gu Yanxi.
A Love So Romantic Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the bustling city of Lin'an, a renowned medical center boasted a legendary physician, Ru Ying, capable of curing any difficult ailment within half a month. However, the center released treatment numbers only once a month, causing long queues of hopeful patients. Su Xiaowan, a 16-year-old flower seller, arrived too late and failed to secure a number, as usual. She lived with her younger brother, Xiao An, who had a leg problem and was often bullied.
Su Xiaowan was determined to cure him and placed all her hopes on the medical center. Desperate, Su Xiaowan feigned fainting outside the medical center, hoping to be carried in. While being transported on a stretcher, her foot accidentally kicked Gu Yanxi, the charming, gorgeous, and talented eldest son of the Gu family, famous jewelers whose unique designs were highly sought after. Gu Yanxi, known for his distant and aloof demeanor, immediately suspected Su Xiaowan's act.
He suggested a "blood-letting therapy" using the biggest needle at the Shenting point, intending to scare her awake. To his surprise, Su Xiaowan suddenly vomited on him, ruining his clothes. Annoyed and suppressing his anger, Gu Yanxi watched Su Xiaowan's triumphant look as she was carried further inside. Physician Ru Ying examined Su Xiaowan but found no serious illness, remarking that a "serious" condition would involve vomiting blood.
Seizing the opportunity, Su Xiaowan promptly coughed up blood, claiming her mysterious illness recurred periodically, and she needed a number for ongoing treatment. Ru Ying granted her a number under the name "Su Xiao'an." Bouncing out of the consultation room, Su Xiaowan was intercepted by Gu Yanxi, who accused her of faking her illness to obtain a number. As the medical staff joined the chase, Su Xiaowan retaliated by biting Gu Yanxi's hand.
Gu Yanxi remarked that she was "a dog." While Gu Yanxi was convinced she was a liar, Physician Ru Ying, having witnessed her desperation, believed she had a hidden reason for her actions, though Gu Yanxi maintained that a liar was a liar, regardless of their reasons. Gu Yanxi had come to the medical center concerning his grandmother, whose condition hadn't improved despite Ru Ying's medicine.
Ru Ying explained that his grandmother's ailment was a "heart illness" stemming from the disappearance of her granddaughter, Wan'er, ten years prior. The physician concluded that until Wan'er, a 16-year-old girl from Lin'an with a peach blossom birthmark on her left arm, was found, the grandmother would not recover. Later, Su Xiaowan realized her newly acquired number was missing and recalled being grabbed by Gu Yanxi, suspecting it might have fallen into his clothes.
That night, dressed in a black night-flying outfit, she infiltrated Gu Yanxi's mansion. In the courtyard, she encountered another figure in black, whom she initially mistook for a fellow thief. She lectured him on professionalism and turning over a new leaf, clarifying that it was her first time attempting such an act to retrieve her own belonging. The mysterious figure, who claimed to have been doing this for years, even gave her detailed directions to Gu Yanxi's room.
Upon entering Gu Yanxi's room, Su Xiaowan found him bathing. He mistook her for his attendant, Yuanhe, and asked for his clothes. Su Xiaowan, caught off guard, briefly observed him before he realized she wasn't Yuanhe. Gu Yanxi quickly recognized her as the woman from the medical center and accused her of conning physicians and now stealing from his home.
Su Xiaowan, however, explained her desperate situation, needing the number for her sick brother, and insisted the number was in his clothes. As he prepared to call for guards, Su Xiaowan denounced him as a bully, headbutted him, snatched his clothes, and fled. Gu Yanxi, furious, immediately shouted for the guards. As Su Xiaowan tried to escape, the black-clad figure from earlier intervened, distracting the pursuing guards by pretending to kiss Su Xiaowan, claiming they were just "snogging."
After directing her to climb over a wall to leave the mansion, Su Xiaowan noticed a distinct jade pendant on his waist. A childhood memory flashed through her mind: a pretend marriage ceremony where she had called a boy "My husband!" and, after threatening to drop his jade pendant, he revealed his name was "Ye." She realized this was the same Ye she had been searching for all these years, vowing to find him again.
The next day, Su Xiaowan brought Xiao An to Ru Ying. Ru Ying acknowledged her earlier deception but was curious why she would go to such lengths for a number. Su Xiaowan explained Xiao An's accident a year ago, where he fell from a cliff, leaving his feet unrecovered.
Ru Ying confirmed that Xiao An's condition was indeed serious but suggested a combination of an ancient acupuncture method, Zhenggu Herb, and hot compresses over several months, though he warned it would be costly. Su Xiaowan assured him she would find a way to pay. She intensified her flower-selling efforts. Soon after, Su Xiaowan saw an employment notice for maids and servants at Gu Mansion, which offered the highest monthly salary in Lin'an.
Despite her initial aversion to Gu Yanxi, she realized that working there would give her a chance to find Ye. She applied and, after a rigorous assessment that tested fitness and appearance, won first place, earning a token. Gu Yanxi recognized Su Xiaowan among the new recruits. Annoyed, he questioned why "this kind of person" was hired, but unable to dismiss her without damaging the Gu family's reputation, he decided to challenge her.
He assigned her the seemingly impossible task of planting numerous flowers within two hours. Su Xiaowan, though complaining about "Mr. Long Face," diligently completed the task for "the sake of Ye," ending up covered in mud. As she finished, Gu Yanxi's grandmother appeared and immediately mistook the muddy Su Xiaowan for her long-lost granddaughter, Wan'er. Su Xiaowan tried to deny it, but the grandmother was overjoyed.
When Gu Yanxi arrived, ready to scold Su Xiaowan, his grandmother intervened, preventing him from kicking "her Wan'er" out. Thinking quickly, Gu Yanxi pretended that Wan'er had just rushed home and needed to change. He led his grandmother away, instructing Su Xiaowan to follow him. Later, Su Xiaowan, still pretending to be Wan'er, told the grandmother she didn't remember her childhood and was adopted. Gu Yanxi, playing along, introduced Su Xiaowan as his sister.
Gu Yanxi made it clear that while Su Xiaowan would attend to his grandmother morning and evening, she was otherwise still a servant and assigned her to the mansion's humblest room. Su Xiaowan didn't mind, her primary goal being to find Ye. Knowing his grandmother disliked bitter medicine, Su Xiaowan collected wild honey and mixed it into her daily dose. The grandmother was delighted, finding the medicine sweet.
Gu Yanxi, unbeknownst to Su Xiaowan, overheard this thoughtful gesture and, for a rare moment, a faint smile appeared on his lips. Some time later, at the stone bridge, Gu Yanxi confronted Su Xiaowan, still hinting at her expulsion. Su Xiaowan, feigning innocence, claimed she was merely helping any potential drunkards who might fall from the bridge at night.
Gu Yanxi, seeing through her act, suggested she was too kind for Gu Mansion and should find another job, reminding her of her lying and conning ways. Su Xiaowan countered that she needed to support her sick brother. Although she briefly considered leaving, she remembered her true purpose. The next day, while climbing a tree to collect more honey for the grandmother, Su Xiaowan almost fell but was caught by Ye. He introduced himself as an apprentice at the mansion.
Su Xiaowan, recognizing his jade pendant, asked if he had worn it since childhood. Ye, however, claimed to not remember anything from his early years. Just then, Gu Yanxi approached. Ye quickly feigned looking for a broomstick to explain his presence. Su Xiaowan, grateful to Ye for saving her, secretly arranged to meet him the following day for a surprise. Realizing she couldn't leave the mansion if she wanted to continue seeing Ye, she resolved to stay, no matter what Gu Yanxi tried to do.
Episode 2 Recap
Gu Yanxi, determined to send Su Xiaowan away, falsely claimed to his Grandmother that Su Xiaowan's adoptive parents, who raised her, missed her greatly and she must return home. Su Xiaowan, upon hearing this, decided to use the opportunity to secure her stay. She tearfully presented Grandmother with a jar of honey, a comfort for her medicine, lamenting that she wouldn't know when she'd see Grandmother again after returning home. Grandmother insisted this was Su Xiaowan's true home.
Su Xiaowan then spun a tale, exaggerating that her adoptive parents only fed her boiled vegetables for "self-cultivation" and found her a husband who was "forty to fifty years older." Gu Yanxi foolishly corroborated, saying an older man would be "calm and steady" and could "control Wan'er's lively nature," infuriating Grandmother. Grandmother chastised Gu Yanxi for encouraging such thoughts and firmly declared that Su Xiaowan, her "long-lost precious granddaughter," would not be leaving to have her life ruined.
She told Gu Yanxi that if he wouldn't handle the situation, she would. When Gu Yanxi offered to discuss it with the adoptive parents, Grandmother dismissed the idea, stating Su Xiaowan was staying. Gu Yanxi, visibly frustrated, was then instructed by Grandmother to smooth things over with the adoptive parents. Su Xiaowan thanked him, while Gu Yanxi begrudgingly accepted the task. After Su Xiaowan left, Gu Yanxi acknowledged her "survival skill" and privately vowed to get even.
Meanwhile, Ye, the second young master of the Gu family, was observed by his maid, Yuan Shuang, to be distracted while reading. He inquired if Yuan Shuang knew that Gu Yanxi, the first young master, had lost his childhood memories after his mother passed away. Ye revealed that Gu Yanxi had given him a jade pendant before his memory loss, and he wore it daily hoping it would help Gu Yanxi remember.
He then pondered why Su Xiaowan was looking for Gu Yanxi, the owner of the jade pendant she sought, unaware that Gu Yanxi, with his amnesia, wouldn't recall her. The next morning, Su Xiaowan met Ye, bringing him baked sweet potatoes she had made herself, a nostalgic treat from their childhood. She eagerly asked if the taste reminded him of anyone or anything familiar. Ye, however, simply stated he didn't remember.
Su Xiaowan then silently mused that he must have lost his memory, which explained why he hadn't recognized her. She mentioned that he was still as sensitive to hot food as he was as a child. Su Xiaowan then proposed they sneak out that night to explore the lively Lin'an night market.
Ye declined, explaining that he had to accompany Second Young Master Ziqian to Yixian, where Second Young Master Ziqian would study under a master, and would be gone for ten days. He mentioned that he was once an apprentice in the mansion and was chosen to be Second Young Master Ziqian's study partner because of his intelligence.
Before he left, Su Xiaowan gave him a hair accessory and asked him to meet her at the rockery to visit the night market upon his return. Later that day, Gu Yanxi summoned Su Xiaowan and announced that, effective immediately, she would be his personal maid, responsible for his daily needs. Su Xiaowan, surprised, questioned why she wasn't informed.
Gu Yanxi claimed he saw her "creative" potential and wanted to personally "groom her" as she was too talented for mere cleaning. Su Xiaowan offered a sarcastic thank you. Gu Yanxi then proceeded to deliberately make her life difficult, repeatedly criticizing her attempts to grind ink—too thick, too thin, uneven—and brew tea—water too hot, pouring too fast, posture not elegant. Su Xiaowan complied with increasing frustration.
When she offered to sing to entertain him while he drank tea, he abruptly dismissed her. Afterwards, Su Xiaowan fumed, realizing Gu Yanxi's actions were a deliberate attempt to make her leave. She called him petty for retaliating because she hadn't complied with his earlier demands to depart.
Returning to her living quarters, Su Xiaowan was confronted by a group of maids, who were openly hostile and questioned how she, an ordinary-looking girl, had managed to replace Qiuxiang as Gu Yanxi's personal maid. Su Xiaowan, quick-witted, claimed it wasn't her choice, but Gu Yanxi's. When the maids accused her of manipulation and threatened her, Su Xiaowan changed her story.
She declared Gu Yanxi a "great philanthropist" who, despite his noble status, took pity on her "helpless" situation, even personally treating her illness when she couldn't afford medicine. Deeply moved, she swore to devote herself to serving him in the Gu Mansion. The maids, now appeased, confirmed that her relationship with Gu Yanxi was purely based on his pity and declared her one of their "true friends."
They welcomed her into their "Love Xi Society," a group dedicated to loving, cherishing, and admiring Gu Yanxi. They explained that Gu Yanxi had a "tragic background" as the son of the late Madam, while Second Young Master Ziqian (Ye) was the current Lady Ru's son from a previous marriage.
They offered Su Xiaowan a place in their society and promised her shared fortune if she remained loyal, asking only that she report Gu Yanxi's daily whereabouts in return for their acceptance. Su Xiaowan readily agreed, privately deciding that Gu Yanxi's pitiful story made him less annoying, and she resolved to reconcile with him. The next day, Su Xiaowan enthusiastically greeted Gu Yanxi, trying to flatter him into doubling her salary, citing her double duties serving both him and Grandmother.
Gu Yanxi, seeing through her attempts, challenged her to demonstrate her capabilities, starting with cleaning his study. After she finished the initial cleaning, he gave her the daunting task of taking down, sorting, and re-shelving all the books on his overflowing shelves, categorizing them by content. Su Xiaowan diligently worked, even asking for clarification on "sorting." Gu Yanxi patiently explained the classification, even correcting her on the difference between "painting" and "design" books.
Impressed by his knowledge of various languages, including European and Sanskrit, she praised him. He then pointed to a multi-language dictionary and told her to figure things out herself. Later, Su Xiaowan dozed off while working. Gu Yanxi watched her for a moment, then quickly pulled a book away as her saliva was about to drip onto it. He casually threw a cloak over her.
Upon waking, Su Xiaowan, believing it was a kind gesture, thanked him for caring that she might catch a cold and mused that he was "kind of caring." Gu Yanxi quickly shattered her illusion, stating she had misunderstood. He explained that her "bad sleeping posture" was an "eyesore" that "severely affected the overall atmosphere of his study," and he had covered her so he "could continue working." Disappointed, Su Xiaowan asked about her promised raise.
Gu Yanxi assured her he was fair and would reward her. As she left, Su Xiaowan comforted herself that despite his bad temper, the doubled monthly salary was "bearable," and she even admitted to finding him "kind of handsome." The following morning, as Gu Yanxi went through account books, Su Xiaowan searched for the cloak he had supposedly "rewarded" her. Gu Yanxi, finding it, sniffed it and grimaced, having realized it was stained with her saliva.
He then mockingly presented her with the cloak, telling her to wash it, claiming it had a "smell." Su Xiaowan tried to argue that it was clean and smelled of her, but Gu Yanxi retorted that only she thought her saliva smelled good. She grumbled to herself about him, calling him a "bad guy" and imagining he was born without saliva. He then added to her burden by bringing more cloaks, claiming they too were stained with saliva.
Before she could protest, he "recalled" several more in his closet, forcing her to accept the pile. Su Xiaowan, suppressing her anger, hurried off to wash the clothes. Seething, Su Xiaowan found a loose hair on one of the cloaks. Assuming it was Gu Yanxi's, she fashioned a small dummy in his likeness, tied the hair to it, and began gleefully poking it, imagining her revenge.
Just as she was in the midst of this, Gu Yanxi walked in and caught her red-handed. She quickly hid the dummy. Gu Yanxi demanded she hand it over, but she refused. He attempted to take it from her. Su Xiaowan quickly concocted a story, claiming she was grateful for his kindness and had made a "good luck doll" for him, following her hometown's customs.
She showed him the doll, calling it "dignified and blessed," and claimed the hair tied to it was her own, sacrificed to "shorten her life" for his good fortune. Gu Yanxi, however, pointed out that the "Xi" in his name (言夕) meant "sunset" (夕), and the character on her doll was incorrect, meaning she had "prayed for the wrong person." He then "generously" ordered her to copy his name one thousand times so she wouldn't make the same mistake again.
Su Xiaowan, gritting her teeth, reluctantly agreed. While begrudgingly copying Gu Yanxi's name, Su Xiaowan continued to curse him under her breath, calling him a "petty" and "bad-tempered man" and complaining that she wouldn't serve him if not for the "ten taels of silver." She also vented her frustration when a maid incorrectly informed her that her salary was deducted because she had "stained Mr. Yanxi's cloak," leading her to call Gu Yanxi a "liar" and a "dishonest businessman."
Later, she secretly drew a caricature of Gu Yanxi. Pangya, another maid, stumbled upon it and, misunderstanding Su Xiaowan's intentions, believed it was a portrait drawn out of affection. Pangya, declaring them "true friends," offered some of Gu Yanxi's used personal items as a gift and even offered to buy the drawing. Soon, other maids, fueled by their admiration for Gu Yanxi, eagerly joined in, buying copies of the drawing.
Su Xiaowan capitalized on the situation, even selling strands of Gu Yanxi's hair (which she claimed were "compensation" for a damaged drawing) for a premium. Having quickly earned over ten taels of silver from this unexpected business, Su Xiaowan surprisingly found Gu Yanxi to be "less annoying." With her new earnings, Su Xiaowan decided to visit the medical clinic to pay for Xiao An's treatment.
Learning that Gu Yanxi was out on an appointment with Shopkeeper Ding, she took the opportunity to sneak out of the mansion. While attempting to discreetly leave, she accidentally overheard a group of robbers discussing their plan to break into the Gu Mansion. Startled, Su Xiaowan lost her footing, fell from a wall, and was immediately apprehended by the robbers.
Episode 3 Recap
Su Xiaowan, having been captured by Scar Hui's gang, cleverly feigned having an elder brother who was also plotting to rob the Gu family. She claimed to know the exact locations of the Gu Mansion's treasures and proposed a collaboration with Scar Hui, pretending to willingly lead them to her "brother" while secretly planning to lure them into an ambush by the authorities.
She told the robbers that they would surely profit from this deal because her brother was not an ordinary person. One of Scar Hui's men mentioned that Scar Hui wouldn't have worked with her if she hadn't claimed her brother knew where the treasure was. Su Xiaowan insisted they were the ones who would profit, but the robbers, eager to proceed, urged her to lead the way, unaware of her true intentions to lead them to officers.
As they proceeded, Scar Hui grew suspicious. He proposed that Su Xiaowan reveal her "brother's" location so his men could retrieve him, but she argued that their hideout was too discreet for strangers to find. Scar Hui directly accused her of trying to trick them, prompting Su Xiaowan to stress the importance of trust in their "collaboration." However, Scar Hui persisted, using a dagger to demand the location of her brother.
Just then, Gu Yanxi, returning from Yunxin Hall after discussing an upcoming design competition for a tiara for the Noble Consort (the Commandery Prince's sister), appeared. Gu Yanxi, surprised to see Su Xiaowan in trouble, called out her name. Su Xiaowan, quick-witted, cried out "Brother!" to maintain her ruse to Scar Hui, then immediately appealed to Gu Yanxi for help, urging him to deal with the "crooks" first.
The robbers, thinking Gu Yanxi was Su Xiaowan's brother and a rival, prepared to fight. Gu Yanxi, playing along, challenged their capability to target the Gu family and ordered them to charge. Gu Yanxi fought valiantly, but Scar Hui, recognizing Gu Yanxi as "Young Master Gu," called for reinforcements, stating that Su Xiaowan had underestimated him. Overwhelmed by the increased numbers, Su Xiaowan asked Gu Yanxi what they should do. He responded that they had no choice but to run.
During their escape, as they were cornered, Gu Yanxi asked Su Xiaowan if she trusted him. She replied no, but he insisted she had no choice. He then pulled her to leap from a high place, and she found the whole experience exhilarating despite the danger. As the chase continued, Su Xiaowan quickly pulled Gu Yanxi into a dye vat to hide, telling him she had her own plan.
Shortly after, the robbers received news that officers were approaching due to the commotion. Scar Hui and his gang retreated before the officers arrived, ensuring Scar Hui's escape. Gu Yanxi emerged from the dye vat, his clothes and face covered in dye. Su Xiaowan playfully remarked on his unique appearance, but Gu Yanxi was annoyed, stating that every time he encountered her, his clothes ended up a mess.
He told her to stay away from him and walked off in a huff, leaving Su Xiaowan to lament his sudden mood swings. Ignoring Gu Yanxi's annoyance, Su Xiaowan headed to the medical clinic to check on her brother, Xiao An. Coincidentally, Gu Yanxi, still disheveled, walked past the medical clinic and encountered Physician Ru Ying. Ru Ying, noticing Gu Yanxi's condition, invited him inside to clean up. While there, Gu Yanxi overheard Su Xiaowan talking to Xiao An.
She reassured her brother that she was being treated well at the Gu Mansion, was not being bullied, and was even being taught calligraphy and painting. Hearing this, Gu Yanxi realized that Su Xiaowan's words were true, not lies, and that she had a younger brother whom she was trying to protect from worry. He felt a pang of guilt.
He then stepped in to help her maintain the illusion, confirming to Xiao An that his sister had great potential and he had indeed heard about Xiao An from her. This gesture solidified Xiao An's belief that Gu Yanxi was a kind and friendly gentleman.
Su Xiaowan then tried to pay Physician Ru Ying for Xiao An's treatment for the previous month, but Ru Ying declined the payment, explaining that as friends of Gu Yanxi, they were also friends, and friends shouldn't talk about money. Su Xiaowan, not quite grasping the idiom, declared she would "never forget it even if she sold her teeth," which Ru Ying corrected to "be grateful."
As Gu Yanxi left, Su Xiaowan hurried after him, thanking Ru Ying for his kindness and promising to visit again. Later, back at the Gu Mansion, Gu Yanxi instructed a subordinate to deliver the medical fees for Xiao An to Physician Ru Ying, without informing Su Xiaowan. Meanwhile, he also ordered an investigation into Scar Hui, the leader of the gang.
The informant confirmed that Scar Hui was the head of a rogue group operating on the east side of the city. Although their hideout had been located and reported to the authorities, Scar Hui had unfortunately escaped during the raid. Gu Yanxi then developed a plan to capture Scar Hui and secretly shared the details with his subordinate.
The next day, Su Xiaowan was delighted to learn that Gu Yanxi's second brother, whom she knew as A-Ye, was returning to the mansion. She made plans to dress up and meet A-Ye at the night market. However, her plans were interrupted when Gu Yanxi summoned her to his study. He ordered her to grind ink for him and retrieve "The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art," a book on mathematics.
Su Xiaowan, eager to leave, attempted to excuse herself by claiming she was hungry and needed to eat, but Gu Yanxi refused. He reminded her that her most important task was to earn money for Xiao An's treatment and threatened that if she dared to step out of the study, she would be expelled from the Gu family the next day.
Realizing she had no choice, Su Xiaowan reluctantly stayed, lamenting that men were unpredictable, changing their minds as quickly as flipping a book. While stamping a pile of checked account books with Gu Yanxi's personal seal, Su Xiaowan, still angry at him for deliberately making things difficult, fantasized about being rewarded with vast wealth for saving his life, all secured with his personal seal. Carried away by this daydream, she accidentally began stamping the seal haphazardly on the account book.
Gu Yanxi quickly intervened, explaining that the books were for the General Accounts Bureau for business tax inspections, and damaging them would constitute a legal offense. Su Xiaowan, realizing the gravity of her mistake, profusely apologized. Gu Yanxi then instructed her to sit down and help him correct the accounts. Su Xiaowan, feeling famished, offered to make him a midnight snack to repay him for his help.
She proudly mentioned her past experience as an assistant chef at Manyuanchun, the best restaurant in Lin'an. Gu Yanxi, initially wary of the unappealing mud-baked Beggar's Chicken she prepared, was eventually persuaded to try it. To his surprise, he found the meat tender, flavorful, and infused with the fragrance of lotus leaves. He even tried to take a chicken leg for himself, but Su Xiaowan, ever mischievous, licked it, making him lose his appetite for it.
Gu Yanxi chided her for her growing shamelessness but allowed her to keep the drumstick, declaring it as half of her monthly salary for damaging the account book and occupying his time. Later, after finally finishing the accounting work, Su Xiaowan left the study. Feeling a sudden sense of forgetfulness, she realized with a start that she had forgotten her appointment with A-Ye in the back garden.
Episode 4 Recap
Emerging from her room, Su Xiaowan suddenly remembered Ye waiting in the backyard and rushed out to find him. To her surprise, he was still there, hidden behind a rock, and presented her with some snacks from Yixian that had turned cold. Su Xiaowan, feeling apologetic for being late and having to miss their planned night market outing, invited him to dinner the following day, her day off.
Ye happily accepted, suggesting they meet at the Xiaolikui Melon Seeds Store at 7 a. m. The next morning, Ye informed his attendant, Yuan Shuang, that he was going out to "see someone" and asked for her opinion on his outfit. He instructed her to handle his homework and not to inquire about his destination. Yuan Shuang felt displeased, noting that Ye had changed and no longer confided in her.
Meanwhile, Su Xiaowan, oblivious to the impending chaos, dressed in her favorite clothes, eager for her rare day off and the planned outing with Ye. Before leaving, she bid her grandmother goodbye. However, as Su Xiaowan stepped out of the kitchen, she encountered Gu Yanxi. He was about to leave for an important matter but insisted that she accompany him to Qingquan Temple to pray for his grandmother. He threatened to expel her from the Gu family if she refused.
For her brother's medical expenses and for Ye, Su Xiaowan reluctantly agreed, though seething with anger, convinced he was doing it intentionally to ruin her day off. Hastily, Su Xiaowan tried to inform Ye of the cancellation, but he had already departed. Spotting Yuan Shuang, Su Xiaowan quickly asked her to relay a message to "Ye" at the restaurant, apologizing that she couldn't make it due to an unforeseen matter.
Su Xiaowan rushed off before Yuan Shuang could ask who "Ye" was, leaving the attendant confused about the mysterious person no one seemed to mention. Unbeknownst to them, Scar Hui and his men were plotting revenge. Scar Hui's subordinate reported that the Gu family had involved the authorities, leading to their comrades' arrest and the discovery of their hideout.
Vowing revenge against Gu Yanxi, Scar Hui instructed his men to find a hiding place, then keep a close watch on Gu Yanxi, planning to "kill him" as soon as he left his mansion. Su Xiaowan accompanied Gu Yanxi to Qingquan Temple, where she overheard others praising his filial piety for personally visiting every month to pray for his grandmother. Inspired, and perhaps to gain favor, Su Xiaowan knelt before Buddha and prayed loudly for the old madam's speedy recovery.
She also purchased an amulet for the old madam, which Gu Yanxi remarked was "meticulous." Unbeknownst to Su Xiaowan, Gu Yanxi's temple visit was a deliberate ploy to lure Scar Hui out. He had used himself as bait, planning for officers to ambush Scar Hui and his gang as they attempted their revenge. As they departed the temple, their carriage unexpectedly broke down.
Gu Yanxi found a piece of metal from a horse's hoof, confirming Scar Hui had taken the bait. Scar Hui and his men ambushed them, ready for revenge. Gu Yanxi instructed Su Xiaowan to flee, saying he was the target. However, she refused to leave him, insisting on facing it together, stating she felt safer with him.
Touched by her loyalty, Gu Yanxi acknowledged her choice and, after giving instructions to his subordinates to handle the ambush with the arriving officers, grabbed Su Xiaowan's hand and fled into the forest. Lost in the dense forest, Su Xiaowan noticed they were being pursued and dragged Gu Yanxi into a frantic run, only to accidentally fall into a deep hunter's pit. Though they escaped their pursuers, they were now trapped. Su Xiaowan immediately suggested shouting for help.
Gu Yanxi initially scoffed at the idea but eventually joined in, frustrated by their predicament. Su Xiaowan later confessed that she had chosen to stay with him during the ambush because she believed she would be safer with him, being "frail" on her own. Su Xiaowan then devised a plan to escape the pit, proposing that one climb on the other's shoulders to reach a nearby rattan.
A playful exchange ensued regarding their 'noble' and 'frail' bodies, and Gu Yanxi's reluctance to have his clothes touched, leading him to suggest she remove his garments to step on him. Su Xiaowan, with a mischievous grin, countered by expressing mock concern for his 'gold-plated body' if he were to step on her, then clarified that it would be more practical for him, being stronger, to go up first by stepping on her shoulders and then pull her up.
They successfully climbed out using this method. With night falling and Lin'an city gates likely closed due to curfew, Su Xiaowan suggested finding a nearby village. Gu Yanxi was skeptical due to the remote location, but Su Xiaowan spotted a "mark of a trap for beasts" left by Hu people. Following the trail, they arrived at Haha Village. To gain lodging, Gu Yanxi quickly declared they were a "married couple."
To solidify their story and earn the villagers' trust, Su Xiaowan launched into an elaborate tale. She described their forbidden love as a prominent young master and a lowly servant from a wealthy northwestern family. She recounted their blossoming romance under a peach tree, their secret moments, and how their love was discovered, leading to her being locked in a woodshed and Gu Yanxi being forced into a marriage.
On his wedding day, she attempted suicide, but Gu Yanxi rushed in and saved her, defying his family to elope with her. The villagers were deeply moved by their "bitter but sweet" love story, believing them to be deeply devoted, and offered them warm hospitality, assuring them they would overcome their hardships.
Gu Yanxi, after listening to her dramatic recounting, teasingly questioned her "dignity" as a girl, to which she retorted that he was the one who initiated the "married couple" lie and she was merely trying to make it convincing. Gathered around a bonfire, the villagers ate roasted meat and danced. Gu Yanxi initially maintained his aloof demeanor, refusing to join the dancing. However, Su Xiaowan playfully pulled him to his feet, insisting he dance with her.
She then placed a flower wreath on his head, complimenting his appearance. Gazing at her, Gu Yanxi softly repeated, "You look good." Later, in the tent provided by the villagers, Su Xiaowan chided Gu Yanxi for his earlier pretense of being strong with alcohol, now that he was seemingly asleep. She thought he looked "cute" when sleeping. Gu Yanxi soon woke from a nightmare, crying out for his "mother" and trying to save her from a fire.
Su Xiaowan, who had been stargazing, comforted him. She pointed out the Big Dipper, which he initially mistook for a bear. She corrected him, counting the stars, and they lay there, eventually falling asleep together under the night sky. Su Xiaowan woke up later, realizing she had dozed off, and observing Gu Yanxi still sleeping, she once again mused that despite his usually cold and distant demeanor, he looked "rather cute" when asleep.
Episode 5 Recap
Upon returning to Gu Mansion, Su Xiaowan felt a strange sensation in her heart while observing Gu Yanxi in the carriage, thinking he was truly handsome and enjoying being close to him. As she jokingly tried to catch an imaginary bug on his face, Gu Yanxi told her, "Whenever you feel like gazing at me, come closer." Later, while he was sleeping, she inwardly wondered if "Ice Face" had poisoned her out of jealousy due to her racing heart.
Suddenly remembering Ye, she hurried off, telling Yuanhe she had urgent business. Su Xiaowan's attempt to find Ye to apologize proved futile as no one in the mansion, including Yuanhe, knew of him. Meanwhile, several maids who admired Gu Yanxi learned that Su Xiaowan had spent the night with him. Filled with jealousy, they gossiped about Gu Yanxi's tired appearance and messy clothes, concluding that Su Xiaowan had crossed the line.
They confronted Su Xiaowan, who tried to explain they had only shared a tent out of necessity. Their anger flared, and Su Xiaowan, deciding it was best to escape, fled. Coincidentally, she met Ye again. Ye took Su Xiaowan out of the house to eat, also dodging the pursuing maids. He suggested they go out for a meal to make up for their missed meeting, since she couldn't show her face in the mansion.
Su Xiaowan, initially worried about Gu Yanxi deducting her salary, eventually agreed, rationalizing it as a day off he owed her because he had "exploited her rest day." Meanwhile, Gu Yanxi, looking pale and unrested, returned to his room. When his attendant, Yuanhe, inquired about Su Xiaowan, Gu Yanxi commented that she "must have been exhausted last night, too," not minding that she hadn't come to serve him.
Yuanhe, however, misinterpreted this, assuming both Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan were tired from their "wedding night" and secretly snickered. Embarrassed and unable to explain, Gu Yanxi dismissed him and left to consult Physician Ru Ying. Gu Yanxi revealed he was having recurring nightmares, despite his usual medication. Ru Ying discovered that the old prescription for soothing the soul was ineffective when combined with alcohol, which Gu Yanxi had consumed.
Gu Yanxi then confided in Ru Ying about his amnesia, caused by a fire that killed his mother. He recounted a recent dream where a familiar woman was running from the fire, hearing "Run! Never come here again!" in his dream. Ru Ying provided a new prescription, hoping it would help him regain his memories. During their outing, Su Xiaowan offered to treat Ye to candied fruit, but he declined, citing a lack of appetite, so she ate both.
At the restaurant, Su Xiaowan felt awkward for consuming everything she had offered to buy, but Ye reassured her that friends shouldn't be so formal, adding that "When I see you eating, I feel full." They decided to attend a shadow play. During the performance, Su Xiaowan cried, but Ye remained impassive. While watching, Su Xiaowan's mind was full of Gu Yanxi, and she secretly cursed herself for being lovesick and disloyal.
She felt she should be responsible to Ye, the person she had long searched for, yet her heart thought of another man, making her despise herself. A scene depicting a woman's heart pounding for a man resonated deeply with Su Xiaowan, prompting her to ask Ye if a racing heart was a sign of liking someone. Ye confirmed it, explaining that one would feel nervous and constantly think of the person. Su Xiaowan simply replied, "I see."
Later, Ye, noticing her interest in a trinket, bought it for her. This deepened her inner conflict, making her wonder why her heart didn't race when she was close to Ye. Back at the mansion, Yuanhe informed Gu Yanxi that Su Xiaowan had not returned to her room all day, expressing concern for her safety. Gu Yanxi, initially dismissive, eventually checked on her room. He discovered a dipper trap set by the maids outside her door, placed as a prank.
Gu Yanxi angrily confronted the maids, stating that Gu Mansion had rules and demanding to know why they were harassing Su Xiaowan. The maids claimed it was just a prank, but Gu Yanxi, furious, fined them half a month's salary and ordered the housekeeper to deal with them further. Later, as Gu Yanxi strolled through the garden, still preoccupied, Ye spotted him approaching.
Fearing his identity would be exposed, Ye quickly fabricated a story, telling Su Xiaowan he had offended Gu Yanxi and would face severe consequences if caught. To protect him, Su Xiaowan ruthlessly pushed Gu Yanxi into the lotus pond, yelling for help as he couldn't swim. Yuanhe quickly came to Gu Yanxi's aid. Soaked and furious, Gu Yanxi demanded to know the identity of the person Su Xiaowan had helped escape.
She vaguely explained he was a new friend, an apprentice who had offended Gu Yanxi and was scared of facing him, but she couldn't provide his name or profession. Gu Yanxi criticized her for befriending a stranger and risking her cover as Wan'er. As Gu Yanxi began to sneeze from the cold, Su Xiaowan, feeling a pang of guilt, hurriedly embraced him to offer warmth. Gu Yanxi felt much more balanced.
Her heart started pounding, making her wonder if she was unconsciously falling for "Ice Face." Ye, after unintentionally observing Su Xiaowan serving Old Madam through a window, calmly instructed the guards not to mention his presence. Inside, Su Xiaowan, acting as Wan'er, presented homemade delicacies to Old Madam, who praised them warmly, calling her "My Wan'er" and saying she loved Grandma the most. Later, Ye waited outside the main gate for Su Xiaowan to emerge.
He casually encountered her, returning a forgotten handkerchief, and deliberately asked if she had heard about "Miss Wan'er," mentioning the large reward offered by Gu Mansion for her return. Su Xiaowan grew nervous, fearing her false identity might be exposed, and quickly left. Still unsettled by Ye's questions, Su Xiaowan was asked by Gu Yanxi about her duties with his grandmother, specifically if she had trouble getting her to drink a new, bitter medicine.
Su Xiaowan assured him Old Madam had finished it completely. Yuanhe later confirmed that Old Madam felt more energetic with the new medicine. Unbeknownst to them, the jealous maids, believing Su Xiaowan had stolen their "male god" and disregarding Gu Yanxi's earlier warning, plotted against her. Gu Yanxi overheard their scheme.
The maids ambushed Su Xiaowan while she was supposed to be getting Gu Yanxi's late-night snack, seizing her and locking her in an abandoned side chamber known for being desolate and haunted, intending to scare her. Gu Yanxi, realizing Su Xiaowan was missing and having overheard the maids' new scheme, rushed to the abandoned chamber. He sent his attendant, Yuanhe, to gather more help while he bravely entered alone.
Inside, Su Xiaowan, terrified and hearing strange noises, brandished a stick and accidentally struck Gu Yanxi, mistaking him for a ghost. After clarifying his identity, she checked his injury, a bruise, and jokingly blamed his "peach blossom debt" and his previous fall into the lotus pond for her current predicament. Gu Yanxi retorted that she was the one who pushed him. They decided to leave, but found the main door locked from the outside.
Trapped, Su Xiaowan shouted for help, but Gu Yanxi urged her to conserve her energy, explaining the courtyard had been abandoned for many years and suggesting they find another way out. Su Xiaowan, trying to maintain her composure, teased him about being scared, but he quickly turned the accusation back on her. She vehemently denied it, boasting of her extensive travels and experiences, declaring anyone afraid a coward.
As they waited, Su Xiaowan found unexpected comfort holding Gu Yanxi's hand, feeling its warmth and realizing she was not as scared. She reflected that despite his harsh words, "Ice Face" had consistently protected her, making her feel an unusual sense of peace and safety in his presence, a truth she perhaps should have realized earlier.
Episode 6 Recap
Trapped in the abandoned mansion, Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi searched for an exit. Su Xiaowan, observing Gu Yanxi, noted he was cold and believed he had caught a chill from falling into the lotus pond earlier. Gu Yanxi, suffering from a fever and chills, mumbled for his "Mother" in his sleep. Su Xiaowan held him close to warm him, reassuring him she was there, and realizing their light source was dimming, understood they had to escape quickly.
They found a small locked door, and Su Xiaowan tried to pick the lock, but it wouldn't open easily, requiring force. Meanwhile, at the Gu Mansion, a servant delivered a letter to A'Ye, informing him that his mother, Madam, would return from her maternal grandmother's place in a few days, much earlier than expected. The servant worried about A'Ye's unfinished homework, as he had recently sneaked out to play Cuju.
Unfazed, A'Ye requested two pots of precious moth orchids to take to his elder brother's room, claiming he sought study advice, not merely attempting to bribe him. Hearing that servants were heading to the abandoned villa to rescue Gu Yanxi, A'Ye quickly joined them. Su Xiaowan cried out for help from inside the mansion. A'Ye heard her voice and shouted back, assuring her that help was on the way. She recognized his voice.
She told him they were at the back door, which was locked, prompting A'Ye to instruct the servants to break it down with a piece of wood. Once they gained entry, they found Gu Yanxi gravely ill. A'Ye ordered the servants to take Gu Yanxi to his room and fetch a physician immediately.
Overhearing the servants address him as "Second Young Master," Su Xiaowan realized that her "Brother A'Ye" was, in fact, Ziqian, the Second Young Master of the Gu family. Surprised, she quickly thanked him and rushed off, eager to check on "Mr. Long Face" (Gu Yanxi). At the Gu Mansion, the housekeeper punished several maids, including Pangya, Qiuxiang, Chunxi, Xiaotao, Sisi, and Dongmei. He accused them of slacking off and causing trouble, stating that Gu Yanxi's illness was their fault.
Pangya received a three-month salary deduction for picking a fight, while the others lost a month's pay, and the "Love Xi Society" was disbanded. Su Xiaowan, overhearing this, initially feared retaliation from the maids and contemplated escaping. However, the maids later approached her in her room, surprisingly grateful. They apologized for their past animosity and recognized her as Gu Yanxi's savior, and consequently, theirs. Su Xiaowan, surprised, downplayed her actions, claiming she merely covered him with a cloak.
The maids insisted her actions had saved his life. They then revealed Gu Yanxi's hidden compassionate side: he had taken Pangya in after her father abandoned her, saved another maid from being sold into a brothel by her gambling father, and granted another leave to care for her sick grandmother, even sending offerings for the funeral. Hearing these stories, Su Xiaowan's stern impression of "Mr. Long Face" softened, as she realized he possessed a kindness she had never known.
Later that evening, Su Xiaowan, still concerned for Gu Yanxi, sneaked into his room after his servant had lit an incense to aid his sleep. She briefly questioned the impropriety of her actions but concluded that not caring for him, given he was injured while saving her, would be "heartless" and unrighteous. She fell asleep by his bedside. The next morning, Gu Yanxi awoke to find her there and asked why she was in his room.
Su Xiaowan, flustered, claimed she was merely cleaning, as the physician had instructed that the room be kept clean for his recovery. As she attempted to leave, Gu Yanxi stopped her by pulling her sleeve. She reminded him of the social etiquette against physical contact between men and women. Gu Yanxi countered, remarking on her apparent closeness to Ziqian, the Second Young Master, and her newfound diligence, which he suspected stemmed from guilt.
Su Xiaowan clarified that she and Ziqian had only met a few times and had only discussed food, nothing more. Feeling frustrated by her unsuccessful attempts to make Gu Yanxi remember, Su Xiaowan overheard Pangya and other maids discussing secret manuals on how to win a man's heart. Believing these "confession strategies" would help her, Su Xiaowan secretly took Pangya's cherished heirloom books.
She tried various methods from the books, including attempting to create a shared pet by introducing a rabbit to Gu Yanxi, hoping they would bond over it. However, this plan backfired spectacularly when Gu Yanxi not only expressed fear of the rabbit but also suggested turning it into "braised rabbit head." Realizing these storybook methods were unreliable and difficult to put into practice, Su Xiaowan sought advice from her grandmother.
She asked if there was a way for two people who outwardly disliked each other—always at odds and finding fault—to eventually fall in love. She described this person as someone who, despite their prickly exterior, "shines like never before" in critical moments and occasionally reveals a "vulnerable" side, making her feel both sympathetic and reliant on him.
Her grandmother playfully teased her about being in love, which Su Xiaowan quickly denied, claiming she was merely studying a scenario from a novel. Her grandmother then offered a simple wisdom: if two people are destined to be together, "no technique is required;" instead, "love is bound to blossom" naturally through frequent interaction, emphasizing the proverb 'the one closest to the water gets the moon first.'
Su Xiaowan was greatly encouraged, realizing her close proximity to Gu Yanxi gave her a significant advantage, and she simply needed to patiently wait for the right opportunity. As Su Xiaowan left Gu Yanxi's room, she encountered Ziqian. He began to explain his earlier deception, but Su Xiaowan, already aware of his identity, interrupted him.
She confidently stated that she understood his reasons for pretending to be an apprentice, attributing it to the loneliness wealthy individuals often experience as often depicted in storybooks, and assured him she bore no ill will. Ziqian then revealed the full truth: the person Su Xiaowan had been searching for all along was not him, but Gu Yanxi.
He explained that the jade pendant she carried was a gift from Gu Yanxi to him when they were children, and it was Gu Yanxi who had suffered memory loss. Ziqian apologized for the misunderstanding, swearing he had not intended to deceive her. Su Xiaowan, far from being angry, was secretly overjoyed.
She immediately began to fantasize about her new prospects as Gu Mansion's young mistress, wondering about the lavish lifestyle, the challenge of managing her weight, and the social obligations. She also pondered how to make Gu Yanxi remember their past engagement, even envisioning a humorous scenario where he might initially dismiss her as a "little liar." Gu Yanxi confided in Ru Ying, revealing that he had recalled fragmented memories of his childhood.
He recounted how Wan'er had once led him to his mother, who was confined and branded "crazy" by others. During their tearful reunion, his mother urgently warned him never to let anyone touch his clothes before guards abruptly interrupted their meeting. Gu Yanxi insisted that his mother was not mad. He also remembered that on that very night, his mother's courtyard caught fire, leading to her death, and Wan'er disappeared in the ensuing chaos.
He speculated that his visit might have been connected to these tragic events. He explained that all the servants from that period were dismissed for incompetence, making it impossible to find anyone to question. He now asked Ru Ying for help in contacting government officials to use official records to locate these former servants, hoping they could shed light on the truth. When Ru Ying asked who was responsible for dismissing the servants, Gu Yanxi identified Lady Ru.
Lady Ru returned to the Gu Mansion, and the servants rushed to greet her. She immediately began to audit the household accounts with a strict demeanor. The housekeeper presented the quarterly expenses, but Lady Ru quickly found discrepancies in the clothing expenditures. She noted that expensive double-sided embroidery was used the previous winter, yet this year's cheaper, single-sided Suzhou embroidery cost twice as much.
When the housekeeper attempted to justify this by claiming he was merely supporting relatives' business, Lady Ru rebuked him for his greed, accusing him of exploiting the Gu Mansion despite its generosity. She ordered him to be given twenty strokes, permanently banished from the Gu Mansion, and never to be hired again. She then issued a stern decree to all staff: anyone caught attempting to deceive or trick others within the mansion, regardless of their status, would face severe punishment.
Ziqian was informed of Lady Ru's return and, reacting with concern, quickly hid his Cuju ball before proceeding to greet her. Lady Ru later presented Yuanshuang with a piece of authentic nephrite jade. Yuanshuang thanked her "Aunt," and Lady Ru then warned her not to seek "fleeting fame and fortune" by getting involved with the royal family, cautioning that "the grace of the royal family is not easily obtained" and could lead to trouble.
Episode 7 Recap
Lady Ru returned to the mansion, immediately questioning Gu Yanxi's ambition to secure the Imperial Household Department's order, warning him against seeking fleeting fame that could cause trouble with the royal family. She then warmly greeted her son, Ziqian, the Gu family's second young master. Ziqian explained he was late because he was revising his homework.
Lady Ru encouraged him to seek Gu Yanxi’s help with his studies, and asked Gu Yanxi to assist his younger brother, to which Gu Yanxi agreed. Ziqian asked if Lady Ru had brought back any gifts from her trip. She presented him with a fur jacket, claiming she picked the fabric and made it herself.
Gu Yanxi, observing the garment, noted it appeared to be ferret fur from the Western Regions, which was typically traded in the north, not in the southern regions like Jiangnan, where Lady Ru had traveled. Lady Ru quickly explained that her maternal family had acquired the fur from the north. Gu Yanxi then excused himself, declining her invitation to dinner, stating he had other matters to attend to.
After Gu Yanxi left, Lady Ru continued to praise Ziqian, telling him that with effort, he could surpass Gu Yanxi. However, when Ziqian asked permission to participate in a Cuju competition, Lady Ru became enraged, accusing him of being idle like his father and declaring that Cuju was not a proper pursuit for a Gu family young master. Ziqian retorted that he didn’t truly belong to the Gu family, further infuriating Lady Ru.
She ordered Lianfang to burn all of Ziqian’s Cuju equipment and confined him to his room until the competition was over, strictly instructing Lianxin not to allow him to leave. Ziqian's attendant, Yuanshuang, was also sent to the woodshed for failing to keep him in line. Su Xiaowan overheard servants discussing Ziqian's grounding and asked Qiu Xiang about Lady Ru's extreme reaction to Cuju.
Qiu Xiang revealed that before marrying into the Gu family, Lady Ru had a romantic relationship with a Cuju player, and Ziqian was his son. This secret explains why Lady Ru, despite her noble background, became a concubine, and why she so strongly disliked Cuju, as it reminded her of Ziqian's true father. Su Xiaowan felt sympathetic towards Ziqian, who saw Cuju as his only connection to his biological father, and decided to help him.
After much pleading and promising Qiu Xiang she wouldn't be implicated, Su Xiaowan convinced Qiu Xiang to help distract the guards. Qiu Xiang feigned a sprained ankle, successfully diverting a guard's attention. Su Xiaowan then snuck into Ziqian's room, bringing him a maid's uniform as a disguise, explaining it was the only way to get past the mansion's strict security. She covered his face with a handkerchief.
As Su Xiaowan and Ziqian, disguised as a maid, attempted to leave the mansion, they were stopped by Gu Yanxi. He calmly demanded Ziqian remove the handkerchief covering his face. Ziqian, flustered, tried to explain, but Gu Yanxi simply returned the handkerchief and walked away without a word. Seizing the opportunity, Su Xiaowan quickly pulled Ziqian out of the mansion. Meanwhile, Gu Yanxi's investigation into the fire and his sister Wan'er's disappearance from 16 years ago continued.
His subordinate reported that they had located some of the former servants, but none of them would disclose any useful information, claiming ignorance. Gu Yanxi suspected they were being threatened and ordered his men to continue monitoring them, noting that several were hastily trying to move away, which suggested they were being silenced. The subordinate also informed him that Ziqian had been put under house arrest for secretly joining a Cuju league, with the competition scheduled for that very day.
Gu Yanxi decided to go check on Ziqian. Later, Gu Yanxi arrived just in time to intervene when Lady Ru confronted Su Xiaowan (still disguised as a maid) for a perceived transgression. He claimed Su Xiaowan was his servant and promised to discipline her, thereby saving her from Lady Ru’s wrath. He then warned Su Xiaowan to stay away from Lady Ru, stating he couldn't always rescue her.
Su Xiaowan thanked him, but Gu Yanxi clarified that his actions were to prevent internal family strife and the Gu Mansion from being accused of mistreating servants. Su Xiaowan then asked Gu Yanxi if Cuju matches were interesting, mentioning she had never seen one. Gu Yanxi teased her, saying her short stature would only allow her to see people's heads in a crowded stadium.
Su Xiaowan saw this as an opportunity to get closer to him and insisted they attend the match together, claiming it was to support Ziqian. Despite his initial reluctance, Gu Yanxi eventually relented, though he maintained that he was only going for Ziqian's sake. At the Cuju match, Su Xiaowan cheered enthusiastically for Ziqian's Tianyu Team. Fueled by her support, Ziqian led his team to victory.
Afterwards, he presented Su Xiaowan with flowers, thanking her for her encouragement, and invited her to celebrate with roasted duck at Zuixian Tower. Gu Yanxi immediately pulled Su Xiaowan away, sternly refusing the offer by citing roasted duck as unhealthy and "heaty." Su Xiaowan secretly delighted in this, believing it meant Gu Yanxi was jealous. Before anything else could happen, Gu Yanxi received an urgent message and abruptly left.
Although Su Xiaowan was supposed to return with Gu Yanxi, Ziqian and his teammates persuaded her to join them for a celebratory meal. Gu Yanxi continued his investigation into Wan'er's disappearance. He located Wan'er's former nanny, who confirmed that Gu Yanxi had grown to resemble his father. She revealed that 16 years ago, Gu Yanxi's uncle saved her life, and she was tasked with caring for Wan'er. The nanny regretfully admitted she couldn't save Wan'er.
Gu Yanxi asked if the fire in the mansion that day was an accident. The nanny confirmed it was not. She recounted that Wan'er had gone to retrieve a lost hair tie from the side chamber, and the nanny, worried, secretly followed. She then witnessed an armed person carrying Wan'er away in the darkness and couldn't identify their face. As she tried to follow, the side chamber suddenly burst into flames.
Due to her weak legs, she lost track of the person. Believing the culprit was someone from within the mansion and fearing a larger conspiracy, she kept silent until Gu Yanxi sought her out. Later, as Su Xiaowan and Ziqian were attempting to re-enter the mansion through a back door Ziqian had obtained a key for, they were ambushed by Lady Ru. Lady Ru sent Ziqian back to his room with her attendants, Mingyue and Wandao.
She then apprehended Su Xiaowan, accusing her of being a bad influence on Ziqian. Lady Ru ordered Su Xiaowan to be tied up, given twenty strokes, and sent to the woodshed. Despite Su Xiaowan's pleas of misunderstanding, Lady Ru remained unyielding. In the woodshed, Lady Ru interrogated Su Xiaowan, demanding to know who instructed her to help Ziqian. Su Xiaowan insisted on her innocence. Lady Ru, ignoring warnings that further beating could be fatal, ordered the punishment to continue.
Just then, Gu Yanxi arrived, stopping the guards from striking Su Xiaowan again. He lifted the injured Su Xiaowan into his arms. Lady Ru confronted him, accusing him of disrespecting her by making a fuss over a mere servant. Gu Yanxi, with unwavering resolve, declared, "She is not a servant. She is the Gu Mansion's lady, Ms. Gu Wan'er." Lady Ru was left stunned by the revelation.
Meanwhile, Ziqian, having overheard servants discussing Su Xiaowan's beating and rescue by Gu Yanxi, burst out of his room to find her. In Gu Yanxi's arms, Su Xiaowan felt a comforting warmth and believed her suffering was worth it, sensing his deep concern for her.
Episode 8 Recap
Gu Yanxi carried Su Xiaowan back to her room, but observing she wasn't seriously injured, he unceremoniously dropped her onto the bed. Su Xiaowan, feigning pain, complained, asking if he could be gentler with an injured person. Gu Yanxi saw through her act, calling her a "great actress." Su Xiaowan then questioned why he had identified her as "Wan'er" in front of Lady Ru. He explained that it was a necessary act to spare her from punishment.
Gu Yanxi instructed Qiuxiang to apply medicine to Su Xiaowan, who grumbled about men being unpredictable. Meanwhile, Lady Ru, after the incident, was advised by her maid that the sudden appearance of "Wan'er" was suspicious and warranted investigation. Grandmother, having heard that Su Xiaowan was punished, immediately rushed to confront Lady Ru. Lady Ru, feigning ignorance and concern, profusely apologized, claiming she had no idea the girl was Wan'er.
Distraught, Grandmother demanded to see Wan'er and threatened Lady Ru if anything were to happen to her. Lady Ru, with apparent remorse, escorted Grandmother to Su Xiaowan's room. After ensuring Qiuxiang's silence, Gu Yanxi told Su Xiaowan they needed to coordinate their story. He revealed his plan for her to pretend to be Gu Xiaowan, the long-lost eldest daughter of the Gu family.
Su Xiaowan, a simple country girl, protested, finding it hard to deceive so many people, especially the "fierce" Lady Ru, and suggested running away. Gu Yanxi insisted she must comply, saying they had no choice but to "play along with the mistake." When Su Xiaowan still hesitated, Gu Yanxi made an emotional appeal, telling her he needed her. Su Xiaowan, seeing an advantage, agreed but mockingly stated she was only staying for Grandmother's sake, as Grandmother's health depended on her.
Gu Yanxi, annoyed but satisfied, held her to her promise. Just then, a servant announced Grandmother and Lady Ru's arrival. Gu Yanxi quickly told Su Xiaowan he would handle the conversation. Grandmother rushed in, worried about Wan'er's injuries. Gu Yanxi intervened, explaining that he had found Wan'er earlier but kept her identity a secret due to Grandmother's illness and Lady Ru's absence, not wanting to cause further upheaval. Su Xiaowan corroborated, claiming it was her idea to remain discreet.
Lady Ru, still suspicious, probed Su Xiaowan about her years away and how she got lost. Su Xiaowan stammered, claiming she didn't remember anything before living with her adoptive parents and only learned about the Gu family from Gu Yanxi. Grandmother, noticing Su Xiaowan's distress, cut off Lady Ru's interrogation, insisting Wan'er needed rest due to her injuries and fright. Lady Ru then offered to manage Wan'er's affairs to "make up for her mistake," which Grandmother accepted.
Lady Ru then suggested appointing her maid Lianxin to serve Wan'er, but Gu Yanxi, concerned about spies, quickly recommended Qiuxiang, who had already been attending to Su Xiaowan. Su Xiaowan agreed, and Grandmother, valuing her comfort, appointed Qiuxiang as her personal maid. Lady Ru then offered a new room for Wan'er, but Gu Yanxi, again considering Su Xiaowan's fragile state (and Su Xiaowan feigning pain), suggested redecorating her current room instead.
Lady Ru agreed, and Gu Yanxi dismissed them all for the night, allowing Su Xiaowan to rest. After they left, Su Xiaowan confided in Qiuxiang, explaining the entire deception and asking for her cooperation in maintaining the charade, emphasizing that they were now "in the same boat." Back in her room, Lady Ru met with a mysterious man. He was dismayed by "Wan'er's" sudden reappearance, claiming he definitively buried her years ago.
He feared exposure because the real Gu Xiaowan had seen his face. Lady Ru, however, remembered a peach blossom birthmark on Gu Xiaowan's arm and planned to find an opportunity to verify if the current Su Xiaowan possessed it. She reassured the man, promising that if this "Wan'er" was indeed the real one, she would not let her survive a second time.
After Lady Ru and the mysterious man discussed the original Gu Xiaowan's birthmark, Gu Yanxi, anticipating Lady Ru's attempt to verify Su Xiaowan's identity, had earlier provided Su Xiaowan with a fake birthmark. This birthmark was made with a special, unfading pigment from the Western Regions, intended to temporarily pass Lady Ru's inspection.
Xin Ziqian, hearing about Su Xiaowan's punishment, visited her, bringing gifts such as sweet osmanthus cake, Shiquan Dabu teapills, a wind chime, and a kaleidoscope from the Western Regions. He expressed concern for her injuries, explaining that she was hurt because of him. Su Xiaowan subtly tried to get him to ask about her new identity, but Xin Ziqian stated that her status did not matter to him; she was simply herself in his heart.
Later, Lady Ru confronted Xin Ziqian about visiting "Wan'er," accusing him of being too close to her. Xin Ziqian retorted, criticizing his mother for the severe punishment Su Xiaowan received for helping him. Lady Ru, upset, revealed her deep-seated fear that Xin Ziqian would follow in his father's footsteps, becoming obsessed with Cuju and neglecting his responsibilities, leading to financial hardship. She emphasized that he was her only son and her entire world.
Xin Ziqian apologized for his tone and for sneaking out to play Cuju. He then promised to focus on business if Lady Ru promised not to punish others for his actions. Lady Ru agreed, and they parted ways. The next day, Lady Ru visited Su Xiaowan, bringing lavish gifts as a pretense to verify the birthmark. She sent Qiuxiang away on an errand to fetch "Yulu Cream" for Su Xiaowan's recovery.
Lady Ru subtly interrogated Su Xiaowan about her adoptive family in Wuling, Hunan, surnamed Xia, and her reluctance to have them visit, all while pretending concern. During the visit, Lady Ru's maid "accidentally" bumped into Su Xiaowan, causing her sleeve to lift and revealing a birthmark on her arm. Su Xiaowan, feigning pain, quickly retreated. Lady Ru reported this to the mysterious man, acknowledging the presence of a birthmark but expressing her suspicion due to Su Xiaowan's evasiveness.
She revealed her knowledge of a special, unfading Western Regions paint that could mimic birthmarks but would fade with a particular essential oil. They decided to use this oil to test Su Xiaowan. While massaging Grandmother, Lady Ru proposed a trip to a newly opened "Bliss Hot Spring Pool" owned by her distant cousin. She claimed the pool used special medicinal herbs and an "ointment from Western Regions" that would aid Grandmother's shoulder pain and Wan'er's recovery.
Grandmother, delighted by the prospect of relief and seeing "Wan'er" heal, readily agreed. Gu Yanxi tried to decline, citing an important appointment to submit a tiara design, but Grandmother insisted he join them for a rare moment of relaxation. At the hot spring, Lady Ru and Su Xiaowan shared a pool. Lady Ru deliberately splashed water on Su Xiaowan, trying to wash off the birthmark, causing Su Xiaowan to flail and try to avoid her.
After bathing, it was time for massages. During her massage, Su Xiaowan discovered that the birthmark on her arm had rubbed off. Panicked, she feigned dizziness, signaling Qiuxiang to take her back to her room. Lady Ru, highly suspicious of Su Xiaowan's sudden ailment, immediately instructed her maid Lianxin to follow them and observe what "this girl was up to."
Episode 9 Recap
Su Xiaowan and Qiu Xiang hurried back to their room, relieved that their pursuers were not immediately behind them. Qiu Xiang, confused by their sudden flight, asked Su Xiaowan what was wrong. Su Xiaowan revealed her arm, showing Qiu Xiang that her birthmark was fading. She explained that Lady Ru had been trying to check her birthmark and was likely suspicious of her identity.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Su Xiaowan decided she needed to find Gu Yanxi for help. Qiu Xiang worried about Lianxin guarding the outside, but Su Xiaowan declared she would use their "old trick" of swapping clothes. Despite Qiu Xiang's hesitation, Su Xiaowan insisted, saying she was counting on her, and the two quickly exchanged outfits, with Qiu Xiang lying in bed to impersonate Su Xiaowan.
Meanwhile, Su Xiaowan, disguised in a man's robe, ventured into the Men's Spa Area. There, she unexpectedly ran into Xin Ziqian, who recognized her despite her attire and questioned why a girl was in the men's area. Su Xiaowan quickly fabricated a story about sneaking in to taste the allegedly better wine served there.
Xin Ziqian offered her a drink, and when she tried to involve Gu Yanxi, Xin Ziqian mentioned that his elder brother was listening to music and wouldn't join them. Spotting Gu Yanxi nearby, Su Xiaowan feigned sleepiness and excused herself from Xin Ziqian, refusing his offer to walk her back. She then approached Gu Yanxi, urgently explaining that the bathing pool's medicinal water was causing her birthmark to bleach, and Lady Ru had become suspicious.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yanxi immediately summoned his attendant, Yuan He, to prepare some items. Gu Yanxi led Su Xiaowan to a private room for safety. He informed her of his plan to make the fake birthmark real through a tattoo. Su Xiaowan, alarmed, asked him to wait.
She expressed her fear, acknowledging the pain and risk involved, and implored him to promise to take care of her for life, to be kind, not to bully her, and to provide her with good food and drink, ensuring her lifelong peace. She stressed the severe consequences if Lady Ru discovered her impersonation, saying she would be "doomed" and her sacrifice "not worth it."
Gu Yanxi dismissed her dramatics, reminding her it was "just a tattoo," but he promised to fulfill her requests. She reiterated her demand for his promise, even if she survived, to which he again agreed. During the painful tattooing process, Gu Yanxi tried to distract her by asking about her favorite foods, and Su Xiaowan listed various dishes like candied hawthorn, sweet tangyuan, red bean zongzi, and many meat dishes, including osmanthus chicken wings, braised pork trotters, and beggar's chicken.
Unaware of the new tattoo, Lady Ru sent a maid to check on Su Xiaowan. The maid reported that "Miss Wan'er" was still sleeping. Lady Ru then went to the room herself and called out to "Wan'er." Qiu Xiang, pretending to be Su Xiaowan, feigned a hoarse voice and claimed she had caught a cold and couldn't get out of bed. Lady Ru, unconvinced, forced her way in and quickly discovered Qiu Xiang's deception.
Qiu Xiang tried to cover for Su Xiaowan by saying she went for a walk due to illness. Enraged, Lady Ru vowed punishment for the trick. As Lady Ru left the room, her maid noticed Yuan He acting suspiciously outside a nearby room, knowing he was usually inseparable from Gu Yanxi. Lady Ru, her suspicions heightened, decided to investigate. Yuan He frantically tried to stop them, claiming Gu Yanxi was bathing.
Lady Ru scoffed, pointing out it was the women's spa area. She barged into the room and was met with a shocking sight: Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan in a compromising position. Mortified, Lady Ru quickly apologized for the interruption and retreated, instructing Yuan He to continue guarding the door and ensure no one disturbed Gu Yanxi. Once Lady Ru was gone, a relieved Su Xiaowan quickly left the room. Despite the apparent evidence, Lady Ru remained unconvinced.
She sent Lianxin and another maid back to "Su Xiaowan's" room with "calm sachets" and "medicines for injuries," instructing them to thoroughly check if Su Xiaowan had truly returned. Qiu Xiang, still in bed, allowed them in, asking them to be quiet as "Miss Wan'er" was sleeping. Lianxin meticulously checked Qiu Xiang's arm and reported back to Lady Ru that the birthmark was still present and had not faded. Later, Lady Ru met with the mysterious man.
He expressed lingering doubts, questioning if Su Xiaowan could indeed be the real Wan'er, meaning the girl they buried might still be alive. Lady Ru, determined to eliminate any threat, advised him to leave the residence for a while and await her message, assuring him that she would not be implicated even if past events came to light. She declared her resolve to eradicate the problem "once for all."
Meanwhile, back at the Gu residence, the Old Madam praised the Bliss Hot Spring Pool, regretting their early departure. She mentioned that Gu Yanxi had to submit his jewelry design drawing for a competition at the Commandery Prince Mansion. At the mansion, Gu Yanxi presented his design among other jewelers. His design was chosen by the Commandery Prince, bringing honor to the Gu family's Yunxin Hall. All participating artisans were awarded one hundred taels of silver.
Gu Yanxi then signed the letter of commission. The steward emphasized the critical importance of the order, revealing it was a birthday gift for the Noble Consort, and stressed that any delay or flaw would incur the Commandery Prince's severe displeasure, given his deep affection for his sister. Gu Yanxi assured the steward he would bear it in mind and not be negligent.
Back home, Qiu Xiang excitedly informed Su Xiaowan that Cheng Qianyu, Gu Yanxi's childhood sweetheart from the prestigious jeweler family in Jiangnan, was coming to visit. Qiu Xiang speculated that it was an engagement visit, adding that rumors suggested Cheng Qianyu had already arrived in Lin'an some time ago and had been secretly dating Gu Yanxi.
She even recounted a rumor about a "night date" at the Bliss Hot Spring Pool, where Lady Ru reportedly found them "half-naked," describing the scene as "a delightful and intimate scene." Su Xiaowan, realizing the "woman" in that rumor was herself during the tattooing incident, rushed off in a daze. Before she could get far, a maid intercepted her, saying the Old Madam wanted to see her.
Su Xiaowan joined the family gathering, where the Old Madam happily announced Cheng Qianyu's impending visit. She reminisced about her close friendship with Cheng Qianyu's grandmother and how Qianyu used to play at Gu Mansion as a child, expressing her fond longing for her.
The Old Madam explained she had invited Qianyu to stay for a while, now that her health had improved, hoping Su Xiaowan would have a girl her age to talk to, as Gu Yanxi was quiet and Xin Ziqian was busy with his studies. She specifically instructed Gu Yanxi to take good care of Cheng Qianyu, given their childhood friendship, and asked him to personally pick her up.
Su Xiaowan, feeling overshadowed and jealous, questioned her brothers about the true nature of Cheng Qianyu's visit, asking if the Old Madam intended to adopt her. Xin Ziqian bluntly stated that the Old Madam was trying to find a sister-in-law for Gu Yanxi. Su Xiaowan confronted Gu Yanxi directly about marrying Cheng Qianyu. Gu Yanxi dismissed it as Xin Ziqian's "made-up" speculation, saying nothing was certain.
Su Xiaowan pressed further, asking if he remembered a "piece of jade" and a "little girl" from his past, but Gu Yanxi claimed he had forgotten, stating that if it were important, he wouldn't have forgotten it.
Episode 10 Recap
Xin Ziqian, finding the task of going over account books tiresome, was relieved when his old classmate, Su Zhong, called him out for a drink. At the tavern, they noticed the many lanterns displayed, learning it was the Hungry Ghost Festival, and that a lantern fair would be held that evening by the Luo River.
Xin Ziqian was captivated by a particular lantern, leading Su Zhong to suggest that he should invite the girl he likes to the fair to confess his feelings. Su Zhong encouraged him, saying that girls are easily touched in such a romantic atmosphere, and that he wouldn't know her feelings unless he tried. Meanwhile, Su Xiaowan was feeling disheartened at home.
She overheard servants gossiping about Cheng Qianyu's arrival and the precious flowers she sent, which were supposedly Gu Yanxi's favorites, implying Cheng Qianyu's intentions toward him. In her sadness, Su Xiaowan folded a portrait of Gu Yanxi into a paper boat, wishing it would drift far away from her. Gu Yanxi discovered her and tried to retrieve the paper boat, but Su Xiaowan quickly put it in her mouth.
He made her spit it out, then, seeing her pale, concernedly checked her for a fever, asking if she was feeling unwell. Su Xiaowan, offended by his physical contact, retorted that he should know better than to touch her, to which Gu Yanxi claimed he was simply caring for his younger sister. Feeling that she was merely a sister in his eyes, Su Xiaowan quickly left.
Shortly after, Xin Ziqian arrived, looking for Su Xiaowan to invite her to the lantern fair. However, Gu Yanxi interrupted, reminding Xin Ziqian that his Lady Ru would be angry if his accounts weren't finished. Xin Ziqian reluctantly left, while Su Xiaowan opted to walk alone. Gu Yanxi, seemingly disturbed, instructed his servant Yuan Shuang to tell anyone who asked that he was out shopping.
Feeling down and wanting to avoid Gu Yanxi, Su Xiaowan visited the Best Treatment Centre in the World to see her younger brother, Xiao An. She was overjoyed to find that he could walk again. Xiao An, showing surprising medical acumen, observed her complexion and diagnosed her with stagnation in liver, suggesting chamomile tea.
Impressed, Su Xiaowan decided to persuade Physician Ru, the head of the clinic, to take Xiao An as an apprentice, as Xiao An had expressed his desire to learn but had been refused before. Su Xiaowan tried to endear herself to Physician Ru by offering a back rub and fetching him water. She commented on his apparent exhaustion from treating patients and suggested he take an apprentice to alleviate his workload.
Physician Ru, however, brushed her off, even criticizing her "pudgy hands" and attempting to have her removed. Su Xiaowan persisted, offering her meager savings as a token of sincerity, explaining that all her money had gone to Xiao An's treatment and that Xiao An was truly passionate about medicine. She even promised to give Physician Ru all her future earnings and sign an IOU.
Physician Ru, while not swayed by money, revealed that he had just created a new medicine called the "magic pill of alcohol detoxication," which he claimed would allow one to enjoy wine without getting drunk. He needed someone to test it.
His other apprentices quickly made excuses to leave, recalling past disastrous drug trials, such as a mosquito repellent that left one covered in bites, a pill of happiness that caused seven days of uncontrollable laughter, and a diet pill that resulted in the loss of a moustache. Seizing the opportunity, Su Xiaowan enthusiastically volunteered.
Physician Ru, recognizing her sincerity, agreed to let her test the pill and, in turn, promised to take Xiao An as his apprentice, declaring that his friend's younger brother was also his younger brother. He instructed Su Xiaowan to record how much she drank and her reactions. When Su Xiaowan eagerly asked for wine, Physician Ru, agreeing to pay, directed her to a tavern. As Su Xiaowan left the clinic, she met Xin Ziqian, who presented her with a flower.
He mentioned completing his accounts and, after hearing she had only suffered from bad sleep, invited her to the lantern fair. Su Xiaowan, seeing this as a perfect opportunity to test Physician Ru's new pill, readily agreed. Their plans were soon interrupted by Gu Yanxi, who claimed to be "passing by" and insisted on joining them at the fair, an invitation Xin Ziqian found impossible to refuse.
At the bustling lantern fair, Su Xiaowan, still annoyed by Cheng Qianyu's presence in Gu Yanxi's life, decided to provoke him. She enthusiastically admired a sugar painting vendor and ordered a puppy with big ears, even though Gu Yanxi called it childish. Xin Ziqian also got her one. Su Xiaowan shared a piece with Xin Ziqian, but when Gu Yanxi tried to take a bite, she playfully refused.
Later, Xin Ziqian noticed a crowd around a lantern stall and went to get one for Su Xiaowan. After waiting for a while, Su Xiaowan, being short, couldn't see over the crowd and asked Gu Yanxi if he could spot Xin Ziqian. Gu Yanxi, seeing Xin Ziqian inside, misleadingly told her he wasn't there. When Su Xiaowan thought she spotted him, Gu Yanxi led her away from the direction Xin Ziqian was in.
A child then sold Gu Yanxi a flower for Su Xiaowan, which he told her was a "flattering flower" on her. Su Xiaowan, however, was already fed up with Gu Yanxi and declared she never wanted to see him again, running off with him following close behind. Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi ended up at a tavern.
Recalling Physician Ru's promise of a magic pill that would make her immune to drink, and fueled by her bad mood, Su Xiaowan bravely ordered ten jars of wine. Gu Yanxi questioned her sanity, but she brushed him off. She began to drink, but despite the magic pill, she quickly became intoxicated. News of Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan's late return reached Lady Ru, who decided to wait in Xin Ziqian's room for them.
Stumbling out of the tavern, a very drunk Su Xiaowan attempted to climb a ladder to retrieve a lantern. Gu Yanxi, who had been following her, warned her it was dangerous and caught her when she fell. At that moment, the inn proprietress approached, offering a "sweet, loving couple" suite at a discount. Gu Yanxi, to Su Xiaowan's annoyance, flatly stated that she was his younger sister.
Drunkenly, Su Xiaowan refuted this, calling him stingy, a sentiment the proprietress surprisingly agreed with, praising Su Xiaowan's tolerance. Su Xiaowan then vomited on Gu Yanxi for the second time. Despite this, Gu Yanxi did not show any disgust and gently carried her on his back. As he carried her through the night, a hallucinating Su Xiaowan saw "six moons" and rambled, calling Gu Yanxi a "bad guy," "ungrateful," "callous," and a "jerk."
She angrily accused him of remembering Cheng Qianyu but forgetting everything about her. Gu Yanxi, remembering a childhood promise, softly whispered that he hadn't forgotten, but Su Xiaowan was too drunk to hear him. Upon their return to the mansion, Gu Yanxi entrusted Su Xiaowan to Qiu Xiang, then intentionally entered the compound a moment later. A maid from Lady Ru's household witnessed his late arrival, but Gu Yanxi sternly instructed her not to reveal anything about that night.
Episode 11 Recap
Upon Xin Ziqian's late return, Lady Ru was already waiting in his room. He claimed he had been enjoying a gathering with distant friends and lost track of time. Lady Ru chastised him, suggesting that friends who don't remind him to come home late at night are not worthy of deep friendship.
She then reminded him that Cheng Qianyu, who was intended for Gu Yanxi, would arrive the next day and advised Xin Ziqian to approach her, hoping to leverage the Cheng family's influence. Xin Ziqian, however, expressed disinterest in such wealthy young ladies, stating they were "boring and troublesome." Lady Ru pressed him on his preferences, and he promised to introduce her to the woman he eventually found.
After Lady Ru departed, Xin Ziqian sat in silent contemplation, having secretly witnessed Gu Yanxi carrying a drunk Su Xiaowan home the previous night, which left him feeling unsettled. Meanwhile, a maid reported to Lady Ru, implying that she had observed something "interesting" related to Xin Ziqian's activities. The next morning, Su Xiaowan woke with a headache and felt cold.
Her maid, Qiu Xiang, attributed it to her bumping into a door and the windows being left open, though Su Xiaowan sensed something more significant had occurred. Xin Ziqian arrived, bringing chrysanthemum tea for her supposed cold. He inquired why she hadn't met them the previous night, to which she vaguely replied she couldn't find them and returned home. Xin Ziqian then informed her of Cheng Qianyu's imminent arrival and the welcoming banquet, inviting Su Xiaowan to join him.
Feigning severe illness, Su Xiaowan declined, stating she wouldn't attend any festivities and urging Xin Ziqian to go alone. She even accepted his offer to inform their grandmother of her "illness." However, Qiu Xiang later chided Su Xiaowan for her pretense, insisting she should confront Cheng Qianyu directly for the sake of Gu Yanxi's happiness. Though initially resistant, Su Xiaowan eventually decided to discreetly observe Cheng Qianyu.
Soon after, Ru Ying approached Su Xiaowan, eager to learn about the effects of the alcohol detox pill she had tested. Su Xiaowan, spotting Cheng Qianyu, promised to tell him if he could manage to remove Cheng Qianyu's veil. Ru Ying confidently agreed. As Gu Yanxi approached, Ru Ying quickly claimed he was on his way to a new drugstore in the south of the city. As he departed, he "accidentally" dropped his pills, creating a diversion.
Seizing the opportunity, he subtly blew off Cheng Qianyu's veil. He was immediately captivated by her beauty, exclaiming, "She is so beautiful!" Cheng Qianyu introduced herself, and Ru Ying showered her with poetic compliments, praising her name. Gu Yanxi then led Cheng Qianyu away, leaving Ru Ying smitten.
Ru Ying later sneaked into Su Xiaowan's room, complaining that the detox pill hadn't worked and had made a fool of him, to which Su Xiaowan casually replied that "failure is the mother of success" and his embarrassment was of no consequence. He then revealed his true purpose: he needed Su Xiaowan's help to gather information about Cheng Qianyu—her preferences in food, hobbies, and even men—as he intended to pursue her.
Su Xiaowan expressed reservations, pointing out that Cheng Qianyu was Gu Yanxi's childhood sweetheart, but Ru Ying dismissed it as destiny. Ru Ying, noticing Su Xiaowan's own feelings for Gu Yanxi, proposed that they could both benefit from this arrangement. Su Xiaowan then agreed to help, on the condition that Ru Ying accept her younger brother, Xiao'an, as an apprentice. Ru Ying readily promised to do so in exchange for another meeting with Cheng Qianyu to alleviate his "lovesickness."
Just then, Gu Yanxi returned, surprised to find Ru Ying still there after claiming to have left for the city. After Ru Ying hastily departed, Gu Yanxi questioned Su Xiaowan about their conversation, noting how happy Ru Ying had made her. Su Xiaowan deflected his questions and then, feigning memory loss, asked if anything "inappropriate" had happened when she was drunk last night.
Gu Yanxi teasingly told her she had puked all over him and ruined his clothes, then urged her to prepare for the banquet, mentioning Cheng Qianyu's name. Su Xiaowan inwardly grumbled about Gu Yanxi's familiarity with Cheng Qianyu, dismissing his concern as a shallow attempt to appease her. At the banquet, Cheng Qianyu elegantly played the guzheng.
Grandmother praised Cheng Qianyu's beauty and talent, and Lady Ru echoed her sentiments, recalling how Cheng Qianyu had grown up wanting to marry Gu Yanxi. Su Xiaowan then formally greeted Cheng Qianyu, who graciously presented her with a bracelet. Su Xiaowan initially tried to decline, but Grandmother insisted she accept it. Lady Ru and Grandmother continued to comment on how well-matched Gu Yanxi and Cheng Qianyu appeared. Lady Ru then intentionally prompted Su Xiaowan to perform.
Despite her reluctance and claims of lacking talent, Su Xiaowan was pressured by both Lady Ru and Grandmother. She began to sing "Tian Xian Pei" but faltered when she saw Cheng Qianyu tenderly feeding Gu Yanxi. Xin Ziqian quickly intervened, claiming he had taught Su Xiaowan opera to help her with poetry, and completed the song with her, saving the performance. Grandmother, pleased, remarked that Su Xiaowan's performance was "lively and lovely," reflecting her straightforward character.
After the banquet, Lady Ru reported to Grandmother that Su Xiaowan had been "extremely drunk" the previous night, implying her recent clumsy behavior was due to a hangover. Grandmother was dismayed by such "ridiculous" conduct from a Gu family lady. Lady Ru subtly defended Su Xiaowan by explaining her lack of upbringing due to being lost as a child but assured Grandmother that Su Xiaowan would be "taught" proper manners now that she was back.
Grandmother agreed and ordered Su Xiaowan to copy "Lessons for Women" in her room to learn proper etiquette. The next day, Cheng Qianyu approached Gu Yanxi, who was busy working on a phoenix-shaped tiara. Noting his exhaustion, she suggested they go for a walk to relax. Gu Yanxi, citing his busy schedule, declined but offered to have Yuan He arrange an outing for her. Cheng Qianyu politely refused and then sought out Grandmother, expressing her disappointment.
Grandmother consoled her, affirming her long-standing intention for Cheng Qianyu and Gu Yanxi to marry, recalling a childhood agreement. Later, at dinner, Grandmother continued to subtly push Gu Yanxi and Cheng Qianyu together. She insisted that Gu Yanxi take Cheng Qianyu on an outing to Peach Blossom Town to show her around. Su Xiaowan eagerly asked to join them, but Grandmother firmly denied her request, reiterating that she must stay in her room and copy "Lessons for Women."
Cheng Qianyu thanked Grandmother and left to prepare. Feeling dejected, Su Xiaowan left the dinner table, claiming a lack of appetite due to her "illness." She then overheard Gu Yanxi tell Grandmother that taking Cheng Qianyu out was merely an act of "hospitality" and that Grandmother should stop meddling in his private affairs. He explicitly stated that he only viewed Cheng Qianyu as a sister and had no romantic feelings for her, emphasizing he was too young to marry.
Grandmother grew agitated, insisting he "bond with Qianyu" and "get married soon," aspiring for "two babies within three years," and boasted about already having five names picked out for her great-grandchildren. Gu Yanxi, exasperated, excused himself. Back in her room, Su Xiaowan had a vivid daydream of Cheng Qianyu bearing multiple children with Gu Yanxi. Jolted awake, she resolved not to allow their relationship to progress.
She then asked Qiu Xiang for a huge favor: to copy "Lessons for Women" for her the next day, as she had "very important" reasons to leave the mansion. Qiu Xiang, worried about Grandmother's strict rules, was hesitant but ultimately agreed to help her.
Meanwhile, in his own room, Gu Yanxi, recalling how Lady Ru had previously disciplined Su Xiaowan, instructed Yuan He to assign extra guards to protect Su Xiaowan the following day, ensuring she wouldn't wander off alone and that no harm would come to her. He also made sure to specify that Su Xiaowan was "Gu Wan'er, the daughter of the Gu family," not just a maid.
Episode 12 Recap
Gu Yanxi and Cheng Qianyu set off from the mansion, with Gu Yanxi simply nodding when Cheng Qianyu suggested, "Yanxi, let us go." Trailing behind them, Su Xiaowan and Ru Ying followed in another boat, using tree branches to obscure their faces while closely observing their every move. Su Xiaowan playfully chided Ru Ying to stop eating his breakfast.
When she pointed out how close Gu Yanxi and Cheng Qianyu were, complaining, "They do not have to come so close when they are talking," Ru Ying, already smitten, retorted, "Stay away from my Qianyu!" Su Xiaowan quickly shot back, "Your Qianyu? There is nothing going on between you." Ru Ying, undeterred, declared his hopes for progress that day, "Maybe something will happen between us today. Something is going to happen today. My Qianyu."
Su Xiaowan continued to bicker, playfully claiming Gu Yanxi as "mine." Ru Ying then announced their arrival. Meanwhile, Xin Ziqian arrived at Su Xiaowan's room, calling for "Wan'er" as he entered. He mentioned hearing about her punishment for getting drunk and having to copy Lessons for Women, expressing sympathy. He then revealed he had secretly brought her some snacks from the kitchen.
The figure in the room, pretending to be Su Xiaowan, responded with a small, trembling voice, claiming not to be hungry. Xin Ziqian grew suspicious, recognizing it was Qiu Xiang disguised as Su Xiaowan. He sternly demanded that Qiu Xiang tell him everything she knew.
At the same time, Lady Ru and her entourage were approaching, intending to check on Su Xiaowan's copying to find any fault that could be used to persuade Old Madam to expel her from the family. She openly stated her goal to a servant, believing that no matter how minor the mistake, it would be enough to get Su Xiaowan kicked out. Qiu Xiang confessed to Xin Ziqian that Su Xiaowan had gone out with Gu Yanxi and the others.
Although displeased by this, Xin Ziqian quickly realized Lady Ru was coming and leaped out the window to intercept her. He greeted Lady Ru, who was surprised to see him. Xin Ziqian quickly offered her her favorite White Jade Cakes from Heshun House and suggested they return to her room to enjoy them together. Lady Ru, touched by his rare gesture of filial piety, agreed, unknowingly averting her plan to expose Su Xiaowan.
Qiu Xiang expressed relief that Mr. Ziqian had come to her rescue. Cheng Qianyu, happy to be out with Gu Yanxi, expressed her gratitude for the outing. She suggested they sit at a small pavilion amidst luxuriant willows to eat and enjoy the view. Gu Yanxi silently agreed. She then offered him a variety of cakes she had brought: Mung Bean Cakes, Egg Yolk Puffs (which she knew were his favorite from Grandma), and Osmanthus Cakes.
Initially, Gu Yanxi remained distant, causing Cheng Qianyu to offer to leave if he was unhappy, as she only came because Grandma asked her to. However, Gu Yanxi finally tried an Osmanthus Cake, remarking that it tasted good. Su Xiaowan, frustrated, threw a stone at him. Cheng Qianyu was overjoyed, promising to make them for him often. Gu Yanxi seemed to sense Su Xiaowan's presence and, to her further annoyance, deliberately fed a cake to Cheng Qianyu.
Cheng Qianyu was visibly touched. This act was too much for Ru Ying, who, in an attempt to hit Gu Yanxi, accidentally struck a rich young man instead. The rich young man, flanked by his followers, immediately became aggressive, demanding an apology. Ru Ying tried to smooth things over by claiming his hand had an "intermittent convulsion" since childhood and could not be controlled, offering profuse apologies.
Gu Yanxi intervened, questioning Su Xiaowan and Ru Ying's presence before trying to de-escalate the situation, telling the rich young man that his friend had apologized and he didn't appear hurt, asking him to "let it go." However, the rich young man refused, taunting Gu Yanxi about bringing "helpers" and ordering his men to attack. As the fight escalated and reinforcements arrived for the rich young man, Gu Yanxi realized they were outnumbered.
He grabbed Su Xiaowan's hand and urged her not to fear, telling her to run as they couldn't win against so many. Cheng Qianyu reached out for Gu Yanxi, but he had already taken Su Xiaowan. Ru Ying then quickly grabbed Cheng Qianyu's hand, assuring her, "Do not worry. I am here to protect you. As long as I am with you, I will not let anyone take advantage of you."
Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan fled to a boat, concealing themselves under reed mats to evade their pursuers. As they lay hidden, their faces close, a moment of passion arose, but they were interrupted by the boatman. He accused them of using his boat for daily trysts and causing damage, demanding compensation. Su Xiaowan denied it, but the boatman insisted he caught them "in the act" and threatened to report them if they didn't pay.
Gu Yanxi paid the boatman generously, who was thrilled, even promising them exclusive use of the boat if they returned. As they left, the boatman shouted his well wishes for them to have children, much to Su Xiaowan’s chagrin. Gu Yanxi brushed it off, urging Su Xiaowan to leave before they attracted more attention. Meanwhile, Cheng Qianyu sprained her ankle while running with Ru Ying. Ru Ying, noticing her injury, insisted on examining it, telling her, "I am a physician.
Do not play tough. Sit down. Let me give you a check." While tending to her ankle, he attempted to learn her preferences, asking about her favorite colors, fruits, and ideal man. After successfully resetting her joint, he warned her not to move it to prevent another dislocation. Ru Ying then offered to carry her, despite Cheng Qianyu's concern about her weight.
He awkwardly reassured her, saying he had carried sunstruck men who were heavy as stones, then correcting himself that two girls like her weren't as heavy as one of those men. She agreed, and he lifted her onto his back. As they continued, Cheng Qianyu asked if he could manage, to which he enthusiastically replied, "I can. Just call me Ru Ying." They soon encountered the rich young man's gang again.
Ru Ying put Cheng Qianyu down, telling her to run while he faced them. He boldly declared that he was responsible for everything and that anyone who touched Cheng Qianyu was not a man. He then unleashed his "poison," causing the gang members to writhe on the ground. Ru Ying, lost in a daydream, imagined Cheng Qianyu calling him a hero and kissing him, but Cheng Qianyu's voice jolted him back to reality.
He quickly picked her up and carried her away while the gang was still incapacitated. Gu Yanxi, anticipating Ru Ying's strategy, reassured Su Xiaowan that Ru Ying, despite lacking martial arts skills, always carried self-defense drugs and would seize the "hero saves the damsel in distress" opportunity he had been waiting for. Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan later arrived at a bustling street, where Su Xiaowan's attention was caught by a sugar painting stall.
Gu Yanxi chided her for buying so many things just to watch a meteor shower, but she explained she wanted him to try commoners' snacks. Discovering she only had one cent, Su Xiaowan proposed a deal to the old man: she would make eight sugar paintings for him to sell in exchange for one for herself. The old man, observing Gu Yanxi's fine clothes, expressed skepticism about their lack of money.
Su Xiaowan quickly concocted a story, claiming to be Gu Yanxi's concubine, whose money had been confiscated by his first wife, hence their current predicament. The old man, taking pity, agreed. While Su Xiaowan was busy making a unique sugar painting (a cat with a dog's tail, signifying friendship between traditional enemies), Gu Yanxi discreetly handed the old man a sum of money, asking him not to tell Su Xiaowan.
However, the old man misunderstood, believing Gu Yanxi was hiding private funds from his "first wife." As they departed, the old man warned Su Xiaowan to "open your eyes wide and see the truth" about men, whose thoughts can be well-hidden. Su Xiaowan, curious, questioned Gu Yanxi about his private conversation with the old man, but he dismissed her inquiries. Finally, Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan reached a scenic spot. Su Xiaowan suggested they watch the meteor shower there.
She then recounted a Western legend: holding hands and making a wish during a meteor shower makes it come true. Gu Yanxi, ever the pragmatist, dismissed it as a "groundless folktale," finding such beliefs "boring." Su Xiaowan argued that living without belief was equally boring and teased him, "If I tell you my wish, will you fulfill it?" Gu Yanxi deflected, reminding her that her greatest wish—to see a meteor shower—was about to be fulfilled.
Looking at the sky, Su Xiaowan then made her true wish aloud: "My wish is for my love to love me back." Gu Yanxi questioned her, "You are young. Do you even know what love is?" Su Xiaowan confidently declared she did.
She described love as the complex mixture of emotions she felt with him: the anger when he took her food, balanced by his late-night efforts to help her with account books, giving her peace of mind; the security she felt knowing he would always protect her; and the tenderness she felt for his occasional helplessness, despite his usually cold demeanor. " Everything in life feels sweet to me when I am with him.
Because he is with me, I am fearless," she concluded. Then, looking directly at him, Su Xiaowan confessed, "Gu Yanxi, I love you. I want to be with you. I want to cling to you. I want us to be together all the time." As Gu Yanxi gazed deeply into her eyes and grasped her arms, a magnificent meteor shower began to fall across the night sky.
Episode 13 Recap
Su Xiaowan, believing Gu Yanxi to be moved, declared her feelings for him, wanting to stay with him forever. However, Gu Yanxi pushed her away, simply offering an apology. Heartbroken but unwilling to show it, Su Xiaowan pretended she was merely teasing him and didn't genuinely like him, claiming she was upset he went out with Cheng Qianyu while she was left to copy "Lessons for Women."
Gu Yanxi accepted her feigned dismissal, then made an excuse about an appointment and urged her to leave. Meanwhile, Ru Ying and Cheng Qianyu witnessed the meteor shower. Cheng Qianyu, who had never seen one before, expressed her belief that wishes made during a meteor shower would come true, a notion she reaffirmed to Ru Ying. Having heard from Qiu Xiang that Su Xiaowan was still out, Xin Ziqian rushed to find her.
He discovered her sitting alone in the forest, weeping. Xin Ziqian offered to help her make a new wish, realizing she had missed the meteor shower. To comfort her, he confided that he, too, had secretly loved a girl for a long time without expecting her affection, finding happiness just in loving what she loved, though he did not reveal the girl was Su Xiaowan.
He then led Su Xiaowan away, asking her to close her eyes and count to one hundred. Xin Ziqian surprised Su Xiaowan by releasing a multitude of fireflies, creating a dazzling, personal "meteor shower" for her. He made a wish for Su Xiaowan to quickly become wealthy and fulfill her dream. Su Xiaowan, mimicking his gesture, wished for Xin Ziqian to be happy and safe.
Xin Ziqian then made another wish for Su Xiaowan to live a carefree and joyful life. In turn, Su Xiaowan wished for Xin Ziqian to achieve his heart's desire and be with the person he loved. Unbeknownst to them, Gu Yanxi observed them from the shadows with Yuan He. He instructed Yuan He to remain and protect Su Xiaowan while he departed, emphasizing that Su Xiaowan should not know of his presence.
Yuan He, confused by Gu Yanxi's contradictory actions, muttered about his master's inscrutable behavior, wondering why he insisted on following if he was going to leave and not let Su Xiaowan know. Upon their return, Su Xiaowan and Xin Ziqian were caught by Old Madam and Lady Ru as they scaled the wall. Xin Ziqian immediately took responsibility, claiming he persuaded Su Xiaowan to go see the meteor shower.
Lady Ru, eager to avoid Old Madam's anger falling solely on Xin Ziqian, scolded him for leading Su Xiaowan astray and sent him to his room for reflection. Old Madam, although finding Su Xiaowan somewhat mischievous, was pleased by the siblings' closeness. She then ordered Su Xiaowan to also be confined for her misbehavior.
Later, Lady Ru suggested sending Su Xiaowan to a virtue school for women to receive a proper education and become a refined lady, a proposal Old Madam readily accepted. Lady Ru revealed to a subordinate that she had arranged for an "accident" during Su Xiaowan's journey to school, ensuring she would not return. This was to prevent Su Xiaowan from exposing past events. Remembering Gu Yanxi's cold rejection, Su Xiaowan agreed to go to the school with a heavy heart.
Only Xin Ziqian came to see her off, urging her to tell him if anyone bullied her or if she was unhappy, promising to visit her and even to disguise himself as a girl to enter the all-female school. Gu Yanxi was notably absent. During the journey, the carter stopped, claiming a problem with the carriage. Mammy Liu excused herself to fetch water, leaving Su Xiaowan alone.
The carter then drew a knife, informing Su Xiaowan that Mammy Liu would not be returning, and attacked her. Su Xiaowan fled into the forest, calling out for Gu Yanxi. Gu Yanxi arrived just in time, embracing a terrified Su Xiaowan. He sustained an injury during the rescue, his arm cut by the carter as he embraced Su Xiaowan. Yuan He appeared and pursued the attacker.
Gu Yanxi took Su Xiaowan to an inn and tended to her minor scratches and shock. Su Xiaowan, still shaken but touched by his unexpected appearance, looked at him warmly. She held his sleeve, pleading with him to stay until she fell asleep, to which he agreed. She asked him to sing a lullaby, specifically a 'Changyi Pavilion Lullaby,' explaining that her mother used to sing to her when she was scared.
Although he claimed he didn't know any, Gu Yanxi couldn't refuse her, eventually singing as she closed her eyes, lulling her to sleep. Later that night, Su Xiaowan was awakened by a nightmare, calling out for Gu Yanxi. She got up to look for him and accidentally overheard a conversation between Gu Yanxi and Yuan He.
Yuan He was urging Gu Yanxi not to let his momentary softness ruin their carefully constructed plan, emphasizing that they needed to use Su Xiaowan's identity as a "bait." Distraught, Su Xiaowan burst into the room and confronted Gu Yanxi, demanding to know if what she heard was true. Gu Yanxi confirmed it, leaving Su Xiaowan heartbroken and feeling like a mere pawn in his scheme. She declared she never wanted to see him again and stormed out.
Yuan He then noticed blood on the table and realized Gu Yanxi was seriously injured. He quickly summoned Ru Ying, who scolded Gu Yanxi for neglecting his own deep wound while caring for Su Xiaowan. That night, Ru Ying drank with Gu Yanxi. Gu Yanxi believed his actions were for Su Xiaowan's own good, but Ru Ying challenged him, suggesting he didn't truly know what she wanted and that he should simply express his feelings.
Ru Ying told him Su Xiaowan was a good, open-hearted girl, despite her white lies, and was much better at expressing her feelings than Gu Yanxi was. Gu Yanxi admitted Ru Ying was right, and that he was inferior to her in that regard. Gu Yanxi confessed that he was willing to let her go if it meant she could live a happy life, free from the pain and suffering associated with him.
He admitted that he thought he could protect her and handle everything, but she still got hurt. Ru Ying concluded that Gu Yanxi always tried to control everything on his own, questioning if he had ever even asked for her opinion or simply told her he loved her.
Episode 14 Recap
Ru Ying, believing in speaking one's heart, loudly declared his affection for Cheng Qianyu, inspiring Gu Yanxi to likewise proclaim his love for Su Xiaowan. They both drank heavily, eventually collapsing to the ground. Ru Ying teasingly remarked on Gu Yanxi's initial lack of sincerity as he struggled to express his feelings, even apologizing to Su Xiaowan several times before finally managing to convey his affection.
Later that night, Su Xiaowan, carrying a small bundle, quietly left to visit Xiao An, who was recovering. She expressed her desire to leave their current surroundings permanently and suggested Xiao An remain with Ru Ying as his apprentice to further his medical studies. However, Xiao An insisted that Su Xiaowan was his only family, and his home was wherever she was. He vowed to join her after settling his affairs and writing a letter to Ru Ying.
The next morning, Ru Ying's apprentice discovered Xiao An had left, and quickly went to find Ru Ying, startling both Ru Ying and a deeply sleeping Gu Yanxi awake. Realizing Su Xiaowan was also gone, Gu Yanxi quickly asked Ru Ying for her possible destination and instructed him to tell Yuan He to cover for him, claiming he was resting at Ru Ying's clinic if anyone from the mansion inquired.
Simultaneously, Yuan He and other servants were seen posting notices with the coachman Ma Xiaoliu's likeness, seeking information about him. Yuan He deliberately dropped one of these portraits for Lady Ru's maid to find. Meanwhile, Xin Ziqian arrived, also looking for Su Xiaowan. Yuan He mistakenly informed him that Su Xiaowan was injured and being cared for by Gu Yanxi at Ru Ying's clinic, urging him to keep it secret from Lady Ru.
Xin Ziqian then sought out Ru Ying, who, still hungover, vaguely directed him towards the north, implying Su Xiaowan had left after a lovers' quarrel with Gu Yanxi. Ru Ying secretly congratulated himself on thwarting a potential rival and hoped Gu Yanxi would return the favor by helping him with Cheng Qianyu.
In the mansion, Lady Ru learned from her maid, Lianxin, that Su Xiaowan had not gone to the virtue school and that Yuan He was searching for someone using a portrait, which made Lady Ru deeply uneasy, especially after seeing the coachman's portrait. Meanwhile, Su Xiaowan fetched water and found herself unconsciously drawing Gu Yanxi's image on the ground. Frustrated, she angrily admonished herself, declaring Gu Yanxi an idiot for forgetting her, not liking her, and using her.
She then yelled her own name into the vast mountain, affirming her self-worth and vowing to forget Gu Yanxi, confident she would find someone more handsome, smarter, and more loving. As Su Xiaowan silently walked away, lost in thought, she heard her name being called loudly. Turning back, she saw Gu Yanxi galloping towards her on horseback, repeatedly shouting her name. Su Xiaowan was stunned, tears streaming down her face involuntarily.
Gu Yanxi dismounted and rushed to embrace and kiss her. However, Xiao An, who had caught up, angrily confronted Gu Yanxi, pushing him away. He accused Gu Yanxi of hurting his sister and insisted they leave. Su Xiaowan, though surprised, echoed Xiao An's desire to leave. Gu Yanxi, desperate, vowed to follow her to the ends of the earth, but Xiao An sternly told him to stay away.
Elsewhere, Xin Ziqian, still searching for Su Xiaowan, came across a girl fleeing from rogues. Mistaking her for Su Xiaowan, he pursued her. Although it wasn't Su Xiaowan, he intervened to save the girl from her attackers, impressing her with his swift and skillful martial arts. Despite her gratitude, Xin Ziqian remained focused on his primary goal, explaining he was looking for someone very important to him. Su Xiaowan and Xiao An stopped at a local eatery for a meal.
Xiao An promised Su Xiaowan that when he earned money, he would treat her to the best meat dishes. Observing them from another table, Gu Yanxi instructed the waiter to send over plates of meat to their table. However, Xiao An promptly refused the offering, telling the waiter that it was useless for Gu Yanxi to follow them or try to win over his sister, as she would never forgive him.
That night, Su Xiaowan lay sleepless, memories of Gu Yanxi's kiss swirling in her mind. Xiao An noticed her restlessness and asked if she was still considering returning to Gu Yanxi, criticizing her for even entertaining such a thought after how much he had hurt her. Su Xiaowan, however, pondered whether Gu Yanxi might have had difficult circumstances influencing his actions. Suddenly, Su Xiaowan collapsed with a high fever, likely from catching a chill during their travels.
Unable to bring down her temperature, Xiao An, a physician himself, realized he needed a specific herb, Gastrodia elata, which was only available at a pharmacy ten li away. Despite his animosity, he turned to Gu Yanxi for help. Gu Yanxi immediately agreed, braving the heavy rain to ride to the distant town and procure the vital medicine.
Meanwhile, Lady Ru, having learned from her servant that coachman Ma Xiaoliu was recuperating in a ruined temple in the city's outskirts, considered eliminating him. Despite his ten years of service, she had to act, a decision that brought tears to her eyes. Upon Gu Yanxi's return with the medicine, Xiao An's stern demeanor softened slightly, expressing a complex mix of accusation and implied gratitude for Gu Yanxi's efforts. Gu Yanxi, soaked to the bone, prepared the medicine.
Xiao An then took over feeding the medicine to Su Xiaowan, mentioning that he often did the same for his grandmother. Xiao An urged Gu Yanxi to change his wet clothes, but Gu Yanxi insisted he was fine, claiming his clothes had dried while brewing the herbs, and told Xiao An to rest. As Gu Yanxi continued tending to the medicine, Xiao An began to teach Su Xiaowan how to properly control the heat for optimal efficacy.
Xiao An then confronted Gu Yanxi, accusing him of using his sister. He declared he would not let Su Xiaowan leave with him again, saying that Su Xiaowan, despite her strong exterior, was stubbornly persistent. He revealed that at the age of six, she had brought home a young boy for a makeshift wedding and had spent years searching for him, never giving up.
He added that her recent arrival at the Gu Mansion was precisely to find this "little brother." Gu Yanxi, hearing this, silently acknowledged that he was indeed the boy from Su Xiaowan’s past. The following morning, Su Xiaowan awoke to find Xiao An had left, leaving a letter stating he had returned to the medical clinic.
In his letter, Xiao An expressed his belief that Gu Yanxi was a good man worthy of her trust and asked him to take care of her. Seeing Su Xiaowan awake, Gu Yanxi pretended to be in pain from his injured arm, subtly seeking her sympathy. He reiterated his promise to Xiao An that he would take good care of her. Su Xiaowan, now recovered and playfully accepting his care, decided to take advantage of the situation.
She ordered a lavish breakfast for them at the inn and, when asked about Gu Yanxi's identity, jokingly declared him to be her butler, which Gu Yanxi begrudgingly confirmed. However, when it came time to pay for the meal and their lodging, it was revealed that Gu Yanxi had forgotten his money. With the proprietress threatening to remove their food and call the authorities, Gu Yanxi reluctantly handed over his valuable suet white jade pendant to cover their expenses.
Episode 15 Recap
Xin Ziqian continued his journey with Xiao Ya, the girl he had rescued. Xiao Ya's adoptive father, a gambler, had sold her to the Yihong Brothel to settle debts, and she had escaped, now desperate to find her birth parents. Although Xin Ziqian was eager to find his missing sister, Xiao Ya, having nowhere else to go and fearing recapture by the brothel's men, begged him to take her to Lin'an City.
She promised to leave him in peace once they arrived, and Xin Ziqian, sympathetic to her plight, agreed. Meanwhile, Su Xiaowan, still recovering from her illness, joined Gu Yanxi in the wilderness. To satisfy their hunger, Su Xiaowan tasked Gu Yanxi with catching a chicken from a nearby farmhouse. Unaccustomed to such tasks, Gu Yanxi made some noise, startling the farmhouse owner.
Though the owner came out to investigate, she found no one, as Gu Yanxi had already managed to procure two eggs and flee. They set up camp and lit a bonfire to boil the eggs. Su Xiaowan, famished, reached for an egg, but Gu Yanxi tapped her hand, warning her that it was steaming hot. She playfully accused him of taking her chicken drumstick and now the eggs, but he reiterated that the egg was hot, showing his concern.
Gu Yanxi then thoughtfully used his sleeve to hold the hot egg and peeled it for her, making Su Xiaowan realize his genuine care for her. This small, tender gesture was exactly what she had longed for, a dream she had cherished over years of searching for him. He also reminded her to drink her medicine after eating. Later, as they rested, Su Xiaowan noticed an old injury on Gu Yanxi’s arm, which he had sustained while saving her.
He apologized for not protecting her adequately that day. When she asked why he hadn't told her about his true intentions earlier, he admitted his error. He confessed that Ru Ying was right, and that he should have shared his feelings and decisions with her.
Gu Yanxi explained that his initial reason for asking her to pretend to be Wan'er was to comfort his grandmother, but it was also a means to uncover the real cause of his mother's death, which was widely believed to have been an accidental fire many years ago. He had kept this secret to avoid alerting their enemies and because he worried she might not cooperate, or that he could protect her without burdening her.
However, after she was almost harmed, he realized his mistake in prioritizing his mission over her well-being. He was not asking for her forgiveness but wanted her to make her own choice: if she was willing to stay with him, he would wait for her at the cottage door the next morning. Su Xiaowan agreed. Elsewhere, Lady Ru, going by the name Kexin, tried to escape Lin'an with Ma Xiaoliu.
She pretended to want to flee with him to a new place where they could settle down before bringing Xin Ziqian to join them, claiming the city was no longer safe after Yuanhe had seen her face. Ma Xiaoliu, deeply devoted to her, was overjoyed at the prospect of a new life with her, recalling how he had helped her bury Gu Xiaowan and how her smile could make him happy for days.
He eagerly embraced her, but as he did, he felt a dagger she had hidden. He quickly took the weapon, realizing that as long as he lived and carried her secrets, she would never be safe. He declared that he owed her his life and would gladly surrender it if she asked him to. Just then, Gu Yanxi and his men arrived.
Ma Xiaoliu grabbed Lady Ru, holding the dagger to her throat and backing towards a cliff edge, threatening to kill her if Gu Yanxi dared to approach. Lady Ru screamed for help. Ma Xiaoliu, proclaiming that he would not accept their mercy and intended to take a member of the Gu family with him, then feigned a stumble and plunged from the cliff, sacrificing himself to protect Lady Ru.
Gu Yanxi quickly checked on Lady Ru, apologizing for his delay in saving her, even as he was secretly furious at failing to capture the true culprit. As Lady Ru was taken back in a carriage, tears streamed down her face as she remembered Ma Xiaoliu's final whisper: he would arrange everything for her, and his death was for her sake.
Following these dramatic events, Su Xiaowan joined Gu Yanxi and his men in searching Ma Xiaoliu's former cottage for clues. Inside, they discovered a hidden compartment containing a ledger filled with encrypted messages written using the Fanqie method. Deciphering some entries, they found records like "In the sixth year of Jiayuan reign, on the sixth day of the last lunar month, 7. 27 taels of silver for transportation." The encryption indicated the importance of these records.
They also found an embroidered pouch with the character "Xin" on it. One of Gu Yanxi's men recognized the embroidery style as from Pingjiang, and Gu Yanxi recalled hearing that Lady Ru's maiden name was Xin and that she was born in Pingjiang, suggesting the pouch belonged to her. Back in Lin'an, Cheng Qianyu rushed to Ru Ying's medical clinic after hearing from Yuanhe that Gu Yanxi was ill and resting there.
Ru Ying, trying to protect Gu Yanxi's true whereabouts, fabricated excuses, first claiming Gu Yanxi suffered from "summer heat," then quickly correcting to "dampness," and finally insisting that Gu Yanxi had just received tranquillizing acupuncture and required absolute quiet. Cheng Qianyu, though concerned, reluctantly agreed and left some of Gu Yanxi's favorite desserts for him.
However, as she was about to leave, Su Xiao An returned and unwittingly blurted out that his sister had just reconciled with "Mr. Gu," inadvertently exposing Ru Ying's lie. Ru Ying frantically tried to cover up, claiming Su Xiao An was his new apprentice and his sister was merely caring for the "difficult" Gu Yanxi, and their misunderstandings were now resolved. Cheng Qianyu found Su Xiao An's face familiar, prompting Ru Ying to joke about a "master and apprentice" resemblance.
As Cheng Qianyu leaned in for a closer look, she accidentally pushed Su Xiao An, causing them both to fall and their lips to meet. Horrified, Cheng Qianyu covered her eyes and fled, exclaiming how unsightly it was. Su Xiao An lamented losing his first kiss. Xin Ziqian, having dropped Xiao Ya off at an inn in Lin'an, hurried back to the Gu Mansion after hearing Su Xiaowan had returned. He found her waiting outside the family gate.
Su Xiaowan reassured him that she was fine, downplaying her recent ordeal as merely encountering a "thief" and resting at Ru Ying's clinic. Soon after, Grandma also arrived, relieved to see Su Xiaowan unharmed. Grandma apologized for sending Su Xiaowan to the school for ethical rules for women, which had led to all the recent trouble. Su Xiaowan, however, credited "Big Brother" (Gu Yanxi) for arriving in time to save her.
Grandma then turned to Xin Ziqian, instructing him to check on his mother, Lady Ru. She revealed that the "bad guy" (Ma Xiaoliu) who had threatened Su Xiaowan had kidnapped Lady Ru during his escape, but Gu Yanxi had successfully rescued her. Xin Ziqian was shocked by this news.
Episode 16 Recap
Xin Ziqian returned home to find his mother anxious. He felt extremely guilty, believing her anxiety was due to him sneaking out to find Su Xiaowan, and promised to be obedient. His mother reassured him that it had nothing to do with him, urging him to stay safe as he was her only hope. She found her medicine too bitter to drink, so Xin Ziqian offered to buy her some honey-coated preserved plums.
She agreed, saying she also wanted to rest. As Xin Ziqian left the mansion, he found Xiaoya still waiting for him. She explained that he was her only acquaintance in Lin'an City and she had nowhere else to go. Xin Ziqian took her to the team, where he spoke with the coach. The coach agreed to let Xiaoya stay as a helper, providing her with food and lodging, but no wages. Xiaoya happily accepted, stating she could do anything.
Before leaving, Xin Ziqian told Xiaoya he had to buy something. Xiaoya asked when he would return, and the coach explained that Xin Ziqian was a semi-regular player and would visit often. Cheng Qianyu's maid informed her that her mother had sent another letter, remarking on her constant concern. Cheng Qianyu simply instructed her to place it on the shelf, unwilling to read it.
Upon hearing that Gu Yanxi had returned, she rushed to see him, but his attendant, Yuanhe, informed her that Gu Yanxi was occupied with business and could not be disturbed. Cheng Qianyu then gave Yuanhe pastries she had made for Gu Yanxi, deciding to wait outside in case Gu Yanxi finished his work soon.
Inside, Gu Yanxi casually remarked to Su Xiaowan that Cheng Qianyu was like a sister to him, dismissing any talk of them as mere jokes between elders. While reviewing accounts for Lady Ru, Su Xiaowan noticed the smell of burning oil on a record dated April 28 in the 8th year of Emperor Jiayuan's Reign—the day Gu Yanxi’s mother died in a fire.
They connected the two taels of silver for oil mentioned in the record to a large quantity a coachman would not typically buy, suspecting a link to his mother's death. Gu Yanxi vowed to uncover the truth. They planned to meet at Nanxiao Street the next morning after Su Xiaowan visited Xiao'an at the treatment center. As Su Xiaowan left Gu Yanxi's room, she encountered Cheng Qianyu.
Su Xiaowan quickly covered for Gu Yanxi, claiming she was merely grinding ink for him. Cheng Qianyu, still believing Su Xiaowan was Gu Yanxi's sister, expressed concern about Su Xiaowan's recent encounter with robbers and noted how well Gu Yanxi treated her. Meanwhile, Lady Ru went to find Ma Liu, pretending to suggest they leave together and later inform Xin Ziqian to join them. During their conversation, she deliberately paused, secretly gripping a dagger.
Ma Liu, looking at Lady Ru with deep affection, fantasized about their future together. He revealed that he had taken Gu Xiaowan and buried her for Lady Ru's sake in the past. He expressed that a smile from her could make him happy for days and was overjoyed that they could finally be together. He excitedly embraced Lady Ru, but then felt the dagger.
Ma Liu quickly seized the dagger from her and wished for her to say out loud that she only wanted him dead, promising he would give his life for her. Just then, Gu Yanxi arrived with his men. Ma Liu held the dagger to Lady Ru's nose, forcing Gu Yanxi to retreat. He then led Lady Ru step by step to the edge of a cliff.
Ma Liu faked an accidental fall, plunging over the cliff, in truth sacrificing himself to protect Lady Ru. Gu Yanxi apologized to Lady Ru and sent her back, but secretly, he was frustrated that he had failed to capture the culprit. Lady Ru, in the carriage, wept uncontrollably, remembering Ma Liu's last whispered words that he would arrange everything for her, and that his death was for her sake. Gu Yanxi then returned with Su Xiaowan.
Separately, Cheng Qianyu, hearing that Gu Yanxi was ill and staying at the medical center, rushed to visit him. However, she was stopped by Ru Ying, who lied, claiming Gu Yanxi was recuperating and could not be disturbed. In reality, Gu Yanxi was not there. As Cheng Qianyu was about to leave, Su Xiao'an unexpectedly returned and inadvertently blurted out the truth. To silence Su Xiao'an, Cheng Qianyu accidentally pushed him, resulting in an unexpected kiss.
Cheng Qianyu covered her eyes and fled, condemning their actions as indecent. Su Xiaowan waited at Nanxiao Street for Gu Yanxi, growing hungry. Earlier, Gu Yanxi had been delayed by issues with the phoenix coronet and had asked his attendant to inform Su Xiaowan of his late arrival.
When she tried to buy steamed buns but realized she had no money, the vendor, prompted by Xin Ziqian who had secretly bought them, offered her two for free, claiming he was closing his stall early. Su Xiaowan gratefully accepted, feeling incredibly lucky, and later traded one of her buns for a child's sugar-coated haws. Her luck continued when she admired a beautiful Hotan Jade bracelet, but couldn't afford its one tael of silver price.
As she walked away, Xin Ziqian approached the vendor to buy the bracelet for her. However, he then saw Gu Yanxi, who had arrived to meet Su Xiaowan, take her by the hand and leave, prompting Xin Ziqian to depart silently. Gu Yanxi finally arrived at Nanxiao Street, apologizing to Su Xiaowan for being late.
Su Xiaowan, who greatly enjoyed their private time together and repeatedly wanted to hold his hand, playfully told him she hadn't waited long, only having strolled the street several times and eaten a few meals. Though Gu Yanxi initially suggested returning, Su Xiaowan persuaded him to visit the Lin'an night market.
While exploring, a juggling act caused a commotion, and Gu Yanxi instinctively grabbed Su Xiaowan's hand to pull her out of harm's way, a moment Su Xiaowan had longed for. They then found a ring-toss game where Su Xiaowan admired a unique small stove. The vendor refused to sell it, emphasizing that the game's enjoyment lay in the process. Gu Yanxi bought ten rings, giving five to Su Xiaowan, but she only wanted one.
After several unsuccessful attempts from both of them, the vendor offered to give them the stove since it was getting late, but Gu Yanxi insisted on winning it fair and square. He bought five more rings and finally succeeded, presenting the stove to Su Xiaowan. She noticed the carving, which Gu Yanxi explained was a foreign word meaning "Romance." He clarified that "Romance" meant "holding the hands of my love and growing old together with her."
Su Xiaowan, to his surprise, understood this, explaining that she had done her research when selling flowers. She elaborated that it meant they would stay together until they were a hundred, even if they were bald and toothless. Gu Yanxi then became serious, telling Su Xiaowan he had urgent matters to handle, but promised to reveal her true identity to his grandmother and be with her openly once everything was resolved.
Su Xiaowan agreed to wait, noting that waiting had always been her strength. As Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan walked through the garden on their way back, Gu Yanxi informed her that the tiara should be finished soon and she could rest tomorrow while Yuanhe checked accounts.
Su Xiaowan worried that being seen holding hands on such a dark night might lead to rumors of an affair, but Gu Yanxi playfully suggested they could pass it off as "loving siblings," a virtue. Su Xiaowan then tried to trick him by shouting "Grandma!" but Gu Yanxi saw through her "clumsy charade." He leaned in to kiss her, but just as she closed her eyes, his grandmother genuinely called out their names. They quickly straightened up.
Su Xiaowan quickly concocted a story, claiming she brought Gu Yanxi to the garden to admire the starlit sky and relax after his strenuous work on the tiara. Gu Yanxi readily affirmed her story. His grandmother, delighted by their apparent sibling bond, suggested they all take a walk together. As they flanked her, subtly holding hands behind her back while embracing her waist, she encouraged Gu Yanxi to learn from his caring "sister."
Concerned about Gu Yanxi's health, Cheng Qianyu visited Physician Ru at the treatment center to request a tonic, explaining that Gu Yanxi had been overwhelmed by the Gu Mansion's recent troubles. She found Ru Ying in the backyard, drying medicinal herbs. Cheng Qianyu admired one, the Jade Butterfly, Ru Ying’s favorite, remarking on its resemblance to snow. This sparked a memory from her childhood when she visited the Gu Mansion and fell while playing in the snow, losing a shoe.
Fearing her mother’s punishment, she hid her bare foot in the snow, enduring the cold. A boy in a red cape, Gu Yanxi, then came and gently covered her foot with his cape before helping her put on her shoe. She shared that it was her first meeting with Gu Yanxi and from then on, she grew to love snow.
Ru Ying commented on how Gu Yanxi, who was once so cute, had grown into a man with a "poker face." Cheng Qianyu mused that while Gu Yanxi’s kindness remained unchanged, treating her like a sister as he always had, her feelings for him had evolved. To comfort her, Ru Ying playfully gathered handfuls of the Jade Butterfly herb and scattered them, creating a personal "snowfall" around her.
He hoped that this unique snowfall, unlike the one that had made her fall for Gu Yanxi, might give him a chance to win her heart. They ended with a lighthearted playful exchange.
Episode 17 Recap
Cheng Qianyu concluded her visit to Physician Ru's clinic, expressing her gratitude for his kindness but declining his offer to escort her home. Physician Ru, however, decided to follow her anyway. As he caught up, they witnessed a young prince harassing Cheng Qianyu on the street. Physician Ru quickly intervened, pretending to examine the prince's pulse and dramatically claiming he was gravely ill, insisting on taking him back to his clinic for immediate treatment.
The prince vehemently denied being ill, stating that his imperial physician had declared him fit, and dismissed Physician Ru's alarming diagnosis of a rotting internal body as absurd. He struggled to break free, still intent on pursuing Cheng Qianyu, but by the time he managed to turn around, she had already vanished. Frustrated, the prince ordered his guards to find out Cheng Qianyu's name and address by the end of the day.
Meanwhile, Ziqian was approached by a friend who urgently requested him to substitute for Huzi in the upcoming Cuju competition, as Huzi had been injured. Ziqian was hesitant, explaining that his mother was currently ill and needed his care. However, his friend insisted that Ziqian was the only viable replacement and eventually convinced him to join. Ziqian subsequently joined his teammates for practice, where he took a fall during a scrimmage.
Xiao Ya, who secretly harbored feelings for Ziqian, watched from a distance with concern as he was helped back up by his teammates. At the Gu Mansion, Gu Yanxi had completed the tiara, but as the delivery date was still some time away, he instructed his staff, Hualun and Yuanbo, to store it in the storeroom for safekeeping. Separately, Yuan He reported to Gu Yanxi the results of his investigation into the past.
He had discovered an oil refinery in the city that, ten years prior on April 28th, had sold ten barrels of burning oil. The transaction amount matched the records, and the shop owner, recognizing Ma Xiaoliu from a painting, confirmed that he was the buyer. The owner remembered this particular sale clearly because it was an unusually large order during the off-season, which was after the Qingming Festival.
Yuan He noted that the timing of the purchase in the afternoon aligned with Gu Yanxi's visit to his mother that morning, and the subsequent fire in the side chamber that night. Later, Yuan He informed Su Xiaowan that Gu Yanxi had gone alone to the side chamber. Concerned, Su Xiaowan immediately went to find him. At the dilapidated side chamber, Gu Yanxi stood contemplating his mother's unjust death.
He quietly pledged to his mother's spirit that he would make those responsible pay. He expressed his frustration that with Ma Xiaoliu dead, there was no direct witness, making it incredibly difficult to bring Lady Ru to justice. Observing his somber demeanor, Su Xiaowan approached him and offered a comforting embrace, despite his initial request to be left alone to mourn.
Whispers began to spread throughout the Gu Mansion about the former madam's ghost appearing, particularly after a kitchen maid named Qinglian claimed to have seen it in white clothes with long hair. The servants murmured that it was a vengeful spirit, noting that the incident coincided with the former madam's upcoming death anniversary. Lady Ru, visibly unsettled by these rumors, tried to dismiss them as baseless gossip.
Her servant, Lianxin, reminded her about the approaching death anniversary and the need to prepare offerings and meet the monk for the ritual. Although Lady Ru suspected someone was "plotting something" by stirring up these rumors, her anxiety was evident as she privately questioned Lianxin if the numerous ghost-warding amulets she had burned would be enough to keep the ghost away. Su Xiaowan, upon hearing of Lady Ru's fear, instructed her own maid, Qiuxiang, to investigate.
Qiuxiang soon reported back, confirming that Lady Ru had consistently purchased many ghost-warding amulets around the former madam's death anniversaries for years, confirming Su Xiaowan's suspicion of a guilty conscience. Gu Yanxi acknowledged the difficulty of finding physical evidence, especially since Lady Ru had destroyed old records and Ma Xiaoliu was dead. Su Xiaowan then proposed that since physical evidence was scarce, they should instead trick Lady Ru into confessing the truth herself.
Gu Yanxi agreed, seeing it as their only recourse. That night, Su Xiaowan, disguised as the former madam's ghost, appeared in Lady Ru's room, terrifying her. Lady Ru, in a fit of fear, pleaded with the "ghost," confessing that she had not intended to kill her. She only wanted to drive her insane and confine her to the side chamber to secure her position as the legitimate wife.
She admitted that when the former madam regained consciousness, she had felt compelled to kill her to prevent exposure. Outside the room, Gu Yanxi, the Old Madam, and a clerk listened intently, with the clerk meticulously recording Lady Ru's words. After Lady Ru's initial confession, Gu Yanxi deemed it sufficient, and he, the Old Madam, and Su Xiaowan entered the room, with Su Xiaowan revealing her true identity.
Lady Ru, realizing she had been tricked, frantically tried to recant her confession, claiming she had been drugged and was speaking nonsense. However, the Old Madam firmly stated that every word she had spoken was recorded and served as undeniable evidence. The Old Madam gave Lady Ru a limited time to confess truthfully, emphasizing that even if she didn't care for herself, she should consider Ziqian's future, promising to ensure his well-being in the Gu Mansion if Lady Ru cooperated.
Seeing no other choice, Lady Ru finally agreed to make a full confession. Later, as Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan reviewed Lady Ru's written testimony (referred to as Song's testimony), they learned the full extent of her crimes. Lady Ru revealed that after entering the Gu Mansion with Ziqian, she quickly won Master's favor. However, as long as the former Madam remained the legitimate wife, Lady Ru could not control the household.
Fearing that Ziqian would be vulnerable if anything happened to her, she resorted to sewing a sachet containing a non-fatal poison into clothes she presented to the former Madam. This poison was designed to cause insanity, not death. When the former Madam succumbed to the poison, Lady Ru convinced Master to divorce her, claiming she was mad. To Lady Ru's dismay, Master only confined his wife to the side chamber, rather than divorcing her outright.
Nonetheless, Lady Ru gained control of the household and enjoyed the power, which she believed secured Ziqian's status. She initially intended to stop there, but over time, the poison's effects wore off, and the former Madam regained her sanity, discovering the sachet's secret. Lady Ru's testimony further detailed that when Gu Yanxi visited his mother in the side chamber, his mother warned him not to let anyone touch his clothes.
This conversation was overheard by a guard and reported to Lady Ru, who, fearing exposure, ordered Ma Xiaoliu to set fire to the side chamber, killing the former Madam. She also arranged for Gu Xiaowan, who had witnessed Ma Xiaoliu's actions, to be taken away and eliminated. Lady Ru had believed that after the former Madam's death, Master would finally make her the legitimate wife.
However, Master soon died in depression, and Lady Ru, despite her power, remained only Lady Ru of the Gu Mansion, never fully recognized as the legitimate wife. Reading the confession, Gu Yanxi was overwhelmed with guilt, believing his mother's death was his fault. Su Xiaowan comforted him, assuring him that his mother had sacrificed her life to protect him, and that Lady Ru was the true culprit.
She explained that Gu Yanxi's memory loss had inadvertently saved his life, as Lady Ru no longer perceived him as a threat. The Old Madam, filled with remorse for bringing Lady Ru into the family and causing such a tragedy, left Lady Ru's fate entirely in Gu Yanxi's hands. Considering Ziqian, Gu Yanxi decided against further harm to Lady Ru.
Instead, he ordered her confinement to the side chamber, never to leave until her death, so she could experience the very suffering his mother had endured. Lady Ru's servant, previously tasked with stealing the tiara, managed to deliver it to Lady Ru in the side chamber by bribing the guards under the pretense of bringing food.
Lady Ru, having confessed and now imprisoned, initially told her servant that she no longer had the heart for revenge against Gu Yanxi or avenging Ma Xiaoliu. However, her servant passionately argued that the tiara was immensely valuable to the Gu Mansion and could be bartered for Lady Ru and Ziqian's freedom. The servant urged Lady Ru to reconsider, stating that "as long as you're alive, it's not the end of the world."
Though Lady Ru initially dismissed her servant's advice, citing her lack of understanding as she was not a mother, the servant's heartfelt plea resonated. She suggested that all of Lady Ru's machinations in the Gu Mansion were for Ziqian, but questioned if this was truly what he wanted. The servant proposed that Ziqian would likely prefer a simple, free life with his mother over wealth and status in the Gu Mansion. This argument swayed Lady Ru, who then instructed her servant to find Ziqian immediately so they could leave the mansion together.
Episode 18 Recap
Gu Yanxi, visiting the dilapidated separate courtyard, felt profound grief over his mother's unjust death. With Ma Xiaoliu, the key witness, now deceased, securing Lady Ru's conviction seemed impossible, leaving Gu Yanxi in despair. Su Xiaowan found him there and comforted him with an embrace. That night, rumors spread throughout the Gu Mansion of the former Madam's ghost. Hearing this, Lady Ru grew increasingly fearful, instructing her maid to prepare offerings and ghost-exorcising talismans.
Su Xiaowan, who had been secretly monitoring Lady Ru and examining old account books, noticed that Lady Ru consistently purchased numerous talismans around the former Madam's death anniversary, indicating a guilty conscience. Su Xiaowan then devised a plan to impersonate a ghost to frighten Lady Ru into confessing her past misdeeds. As planned, Su Xiaowan, disguised as a ghost, appeared in Lady Ru's room. Terrified, Lady Ru confessed to murdering the former Madam to usurp her position.
Unbeknownst to Lady Ru, Gu Yanxi and Old Madam were outside her room, with a scribe documenting her confession. Old Madam then used Xin Ziqian as leverage, compelling Lady Ru to provide a full, written account of the events. Lady Ru's confession revealed that Old Madam had brought her and Xin Ziqian into the Gu Mansion. Lady Ru, despite enjoying exclusive favor, was unable to become the official Madam.
Concerned for Xin Ziqian's future, she poisoned the former Madam's clothes, causing her to fall ill and become disoriented. Lady Ru then spread rumors that the Madam had gone mad, urging the Master to divorce her, but the Master merely confined his wife to the separate courtyard. Later, as the poison wore off and the Madam regained lucidity, she warned Gu Yanxi not to let anyone touch his clothes during one of his visits.
A guard overheard this warning and reported it to Lady Ru. Fearing exposure, Lady Ru ordered Ma Xiaoliu to set fire to the back courtyard. As Su Xiaowan (then Gu Xiaowan) had witnessed Ma Xiaoliu, Lady Ru had her abducted to eliminate her. Despite these efforts, the Madam soon passed away, followed shortly by the Master, who died of grief. Lady Ru was never officially recognized as the main Madam.
Upon reading the full confession, Gu Yanxi was filled with self-reproach, believing his mother's death was partly his fault. Su Xiaowan comforted him, assuring him that his mother had only sought to protect him, and Lady Ru was the true culprit. Old Madam, remorseful for bringing Lady Ru into the household, entrusted Lady Ru's fate to Gu Yanxi.
Out of consideration for Xin Ziqian, Gu Yanxi chose not to harm Lady Ru but confined her to the separate courtyard, making her experience the same isolation his mother had endured. Later, Lady Ru's maid, who had been ordered to steal the tiara earlier, bribed the guards to bring it into Lady Ru's confinement under the pretense of delivering food.
Lady Ru, initially resigned to her fate and only wishing for Xin Ziqian's safety, had lost all desire for further malice, as her earlier attempt to steal the tiara was merely to undermine Gu Yanxi. However, the maid persuaded her that Xin Ziqian would likely want to leave with his mother, which stirred Lady Ru's resolve. Xin Ziqian confronted Lady Ru, accusing her of being responsible for the death of the former Madam and for Su Xiaowan's disappearance years ago.
Lady Ru attempted to explain, claiming she was framed and had her own reasons, offering to take him away from the Gu Mansion and clarify everything once they were safe. Ziqian, however, was firm, stating he would not follow a murderer. Lady Ru became distraught, insisting that everything she had done was for him.
She threatened to take her own life if he refused to leave with her, but Ziqian dismissed her threat, noting that she always resorted to such theatrics when things didn't go her way. He declared that from that day forward, she was no longer his mother. Watching her son walk away, Lady Ru broke down in tears, lamenting that her beloved son was gone and that those who loved her had died for her.
Feeling that there was no point in living, she furiously smashed the tiara, proclaiming that she would rather perish with the Gu Mansion than live in misery. Shortly after, Gu Yanxi discovered the tiara was severely damaged, requiring a complete remake. Upon hearing the news, Old Madam fainted. A physician was immediately called, who diagnosed her fainting as a result of her frail health compounded by anger and anxiety, warning that she must not be agitated again.
Gu Yanxi blamed himself for being careless in protecting the tiara while focusing on defeating Song. Su Xiaowan comforted him, reminding him that the damage was discovered in time and there was still a chance to remake it. She urged him to focus on the workshop arrangements, assuring him that she would take care of Old Madam. To expedite the process, Gu Yanxi divided the tiara's reconstruction into six specialized parts, assigning each to artisans skilled in those specific crafts.
The artisans acknowledged that this method would save time, but they voiced concerns that even working concurrently, it would take at least half a month, far exceeding the seven-day deadline. Gu Yanxi simply instructed them to focus on their assigned tasks, promising to handle the deadline himself, urging them all to do their best. Xin Ziqian decided he could no longer stay in the Gu family.
As he prepared to leave, his attendant Yuanshuang pleaded with him to stay, or at least to take her with him. Ziqian refused, stating he didn't even know his own destination, let alone how to care for her, and emphasized that his mother's actions made it impossible for him to remain. He then departed, but Xiao Ya, who had once mended his Cuju uniform and embroidered a small duck to remind him of her, secretly followed him.
When she finally revealed herself, she offered to accompany him, despite his protests about the dangers of a distant journey for a girl. Xiao Ya insisted on following, even if separately, believing she could help him if he encountered trouble. Noticing Xiao Ya still trailing him, Ziqian, concerned for her safety, invited her to an inn for noodles. He ordered a room for himself, noodles, and a jar of wine.
As Xiao Ya voraciously ate her second bowl of noodles, Ziqian was reminded of Su Xiaowan and smiled. When Xiao Ya questioned his amusement, he simply replied that he was thinking of a friend, refusing to elaborate. Undeterred, Xiao Ya pressed him to confide in her, arguing that despite their short acquaintance, they had faced dangers together, and sharing his troubles would ease his mind.
Meanwhile, Su Xiaowan arrived at the workshop with supper and snow fungus soup for Gu Yanxi, who was grateful as he was hungry. She offered to help with the tiara, and he asked her to embed pearls. Watching her focused work brought a smile to his face. However, fearing she would overexert herself, Gu Yanxi pretended to be tired and needed to rest, then insisted on taking her back to her room.
Later, Ziqian confided in Xiao Ya, explaining that his mother's actions had hurt his brother and the Gu family, making him feel he had no choice but to leave, especially since he was not a blood relation to the Gu family. Xiao Ya countered that his brother was reasonable and wouldn't blame him, calling him timid for wanting to abandon his brother during a difficult time.
She emphasized that a true sibling would stay and offer support, even if it was just doing "whatever you can." Her words resonated with Ziqian, improving his spirits. Deciding to stay close, Xiao Ya rented the room adjacent to his. Ziqian, concerned by the late hour and her having consumed alcohol, offered to escort her back, but she insisted on staying in her own room, suggesting they talk more tomorrow.
Gu Yanxi found a quiet place to speak with Su Xiaowan, suggesting she leave for a while until the commotion died down, promising to find her later. He tried to downplay the severity of the situation, claiming that with six skilled craftsmen and a potential extension from the Commandery Prince, the tiara could be remade in half a month. Su Xiaowan saw through his deception, confronting him by asking why he would send her away if it were so easy.
Gu Yanxi admitted his true reason: her presence would distract him. Su Xiaowan firmly refused to leave, declaring, "No matter what happens, I'll face it with you." She vowed to stay by his side through thick and thin, for richer or poorer. She recalled being told by Yuanhe that the worst outcome was banishment for delaying the Noble Consort's birthday gift.
Undeterred, Su Xiaowan promised that if he were banished, she would follow; if he were jailed for ten years, she would wait ten years, or even a lifetime. She even jokingly proposed a plan to commit a minor offense to get herself imprisoned in the cell opposite his, so they could bribe the warden for secret stargazing dates. Overwhelmed by her devotion, Gu Yanxi embraced her.
Their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by Qiu Xiang, who rushed over, expressing her worry about Su Xiaowan's late return. Su Xiaowan quickly covered by saying she had simply lost track of time talking to him. Gu Yanxi then urged Su Xiaowan to go to bed. Though displeased about the unfinished kiss, Su Xiaowan started to leave. However, Gu Yanxi followed, playfully silencing her with his hand and pulling her behind a large tree.
He declared that "today's tasks must be completed today" and kissed her. Unbeknownst to them, Cheng Qianyu witnessed the embrace, her eyes widening in disbelief as she saw what she perceived to be siblings kissing. Horrified, she fled back to her room, murmuring, "They're siblings. It's impossible." Gu Yanxi walked Su Xiaowan back to her room, lingering at the door before she finally went inside.
Qiu Xiang immediately cornered Su Xiaowan, playfully feigning concern about her absence before directly questioning her about her romantic progress with Gu Yanxi. Qiu Xiang recounted seeing Gu Yanxi reluctantly leave after dropping Su Xiaowan off and pressed for details about their progress: if they had held hands, agreed to marry, or even kissed. Su Xiaowan, flustered and embarrassed, playfully covered herself with a cloak and pretended to be asleep, insisting they talk tomorrow. Qiu Xiang continued to prod but eventually gave up, leaving Su Xiaowan to secretly revel in the sweet memories of her stolen kiss.
Episode 19 Recap
Xiao Ya awoke to find Xin Ziqian gone, feeling a pang of sadness at the thought of him leaving. However, Ziqian soon returned, explaining that after a night of reflection, he realized her words were true; he needed to face his responsibilities and help his family. When Xiao Ya asked if he was truly going back, he confirmed, adding he had some matters to attend to early that morning.
Cheng Qianyu was deeply disturbed after witnessing Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi's kiss. She had been listless all day, unable to eat, prompting her maid Jiyue to inquire if she was unwell and needed Physician Ru. Qianyu then pondered aloud if paternal cousins could be together. Jiyue clarified that paternal cousins with the same surname could not marry, but maternal cousins with different surnames could.
This made Qianyu realize that Gu Yanxi’s constant teasing and bickering with Su Xiaowan were actually signs of affection and care, not dislike. With this new understanding, she promptly instructed Jiyue to prepare a fresh bowl of caterpillar fungus soup, as she planned to go out. Meanwhile, a delighted Xiao Ya, happy that Xin Ziqian had decided to return, was heading back to the Cuju team.
Lost in thought, she accidentally bumped into Cheng Qianyu, who was carrying a food box. Neither woman paid much attention to the brief collision. Xin Ziqian met with Gu Yanxi, presenting all the private properties his mother had secretly acquired over the years. He explained that he had sold what he could and offered the remaining deeds to Gu Yanxi, not expecting forgiveness for his mother's misdeeds, but hoping to contribute to the Gu family.
Gu Yanxi dismissed the financial offerings, stating his true concern was for Ziqian, the younger brother who had always called him "brother." He then entrusted Ziqian with the temporary management of Yunxin Hall, as he was preoccupied with the tiara crisis, a clear sign of his trust. Ziqian gratefully accepted. Gu Yanxi attempted to meet with the Prince to request an extension for the tiara's completion. However, the Prince, already aware of the damaged tiara, refused to see him.
His steward conveyed the message, stressing that a birthday gift's date could not be changed and advised Gu Yanxi to focus on finding a solution rather than seeking a postponement. Gu Yanxi expressed his frustration after leaving. Later, Cheng Qianyu visited the Best Treatment Centre, inquiring about a new limping apprentice. She deceptively claimed Su Xiaowan sent her to deliver food to Xiao'an.
Xiao'an, unaware of Qianyu's true intentions, innocently confirmed he was Su Xiaowan's brother and mentioned his sister had just reconciled with Young Master Yanxi. This revelation enraged Cheng Qianyu. She confronted Physician Ru, accusing him of knowing Su Xiaowan was an impostor, posing as Gu Wan'er, and of withholding this information while watching her foolishly fall for Gu Yanxi. Physician Ru attempted to explain, but Cheng Qianyu felt deeply betrayed and disappointed.
At the Gu Mansion, Gu Yanxi tenderly wiped his unconscious grandmother’s hand. He reminisced about his childhood, recalling how his grandmother single-handedly managed the family and protected him after his mother's death, ensuring his safe upbringing to eventually inherit the family legacy. Holding her hand, Gu Yanxi vowed to safeguard the Gu family. The next morning, Su Xiaowan found Gu Yanxi asleep in a chair beside his grandmother's bed, clearly exhausted after days without sleep.
She gently draped a blanket over him. Xin Ziqian arrived just as a servant rushed in with urgent news: many merchants were demanding refunds at Yunxin Hall. The public knowledge of the damaged tiara and fears of offending the Prince had caused panic, with merchants worrying about the Gu family's imminent downfall. To allow Gu Yanxi to rest, Su Xiaowan decided to accompany Xin Ziqian to deal with the situation.
At Yunxin Hall, Xin Ziqian reminded the agitated merchants that their contracts stipulated a penalty for returning non-defective goods. Su Xiaowan then presented a new business strategy, assuring them the Gu family had a solution. She proposed a live demonstration at the store to showcase the plan's effectiveness and ease their worries, which the merchants agreed to observe.
Back at the mansion, Yuan He woke Gu Yanxi, informing him that representatives from the Cheng family were waiting in the main hall. Gu Yanxi quickly went to meet them. Mammy Liu, sent by Master Cheng, expressed concern for the Gu family's plight.
She proposed a marriage between Cheng Qianyu and Gu Yanxi, offering the ancestral Gold Book Iron Coupon (Dan Shu Tie Quan), which could exempt from imprisonment, as Qianyu's dowry and pledging the Cheng family would cover half of the tiara's compensation. Gu Yanxi politely declined, explaining that he viewed Qianyu as a sister and did not wish for her to endure hardship with him or for the Cheng family to bear the burden of his mistakes.
Cheng Qianyu, distraught by Gu Yanxi's rejection, cried to Mammy Liu, feeling like a fool for her unrequited love and wondering why she couldn't be the one Gu Yanxi chose. Mammy Liu advised her against timidity, urging her to fight for what she desired. At that moment, Physician Ru appeared outside, begging for forgiveness and dramatically vowing to be struck by lightning if he had lied.
A sudden clap of thunder startled him, and he resorted to slapping himself to show remorse. When Cheng Qianyu, softened by his apparent suffering, opened the door, she saw him merely clapping his hands together, not truly hitting himself. Outraged by his deception, she called him a liar and ordered him to leave. Physician Ru, however, claimed he was a hired physician who couldn't abandon his patients.
He quickly diverted attention by diagnosing various ailments in the maids, offering free consultations, and soon gathered a crowd of household staff seeking his medical advice. Outside Yunxin Hall, Su Xiaowan and Xin Ziqian had set up a creative promotion. They introduced "lucky bags" for a newly declared "Moon Goddess Festival," explaining that the Moon Goddess, similar to the Moon Lord, blessed couples with happiness on her birthday.
Su Xiaowan demonstrated a lucky bag's contents, revealing an assortment of valuable items such as Hetian Jade, a Peacock bracelet, Millennium Tridacnidae, a Golden cicada, Colourful agate, and Royal earrings. The entire collection was offered for only two taels, a fraction of its true value (originally a hundred taels). The astonishing offer drew in a massive crowd, eager to buy their own mystery bags without knowing the contents, creating a bustling scene.
As more customers flocked inside, the sales figures soared. The observing merchants were impressed by the Gu family's innovative approach and robust sales. Su Xiaowan assured them that the Gu family possessed the means to overcome any crisis and asked for their continued trust and patience for a satisfactory resolution regarding the tiara. While the merchants acknowledged the Gu family's capabilities and agreed to wait, they emphasized that, as businessmen, they ultimately needed to see concrete results regarding the Prince's matter.
Episode 20 Recap
After seeing off the merchants, two women who came in to buy lucky bags discuss the Commandery Prince's personal life. One woman shares that her husband has been at the Commandery Prince Mansion for three days, tasked with solving a burr puzzle. She explains that the Commandery Prince once had a rival who was his equal in status and appearance and shared the same unusual interests as the Commandery Princess consort.
Years later, this rival returned and presented the Princess consort with a burr puzzle. The Princess consort became consumed with solving it, spending her days troubled. To demonstrate his own compatibility and superiority over his rival, the Commandery Prince confiscated the puzzle, falsely claiming he could solve it. Unable to solve it himself, he has been secretly hiring carpenters from the city to figure it out, but the complex puzzle has defied all attempts. Su Xiaowan overhears this entire conversation.
As Su Xiaowan and Xin Ziqian head home, Su Xiaowan mentions her quick thinking in devising the "Lunar Festival" story to calm the merchants, noting that merchant relationships are often fragile and profit-driven. Xin Ziqian agrees with this assessment. Su Xiaowan then asks Xin Ziqian about rumors of him leaving, expressing her fondness for him as "maternal family" and her hope that he'd be present at her wedding. He promises to inform her if he decides to depart.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ya, who had intended to visit Xin Ziqian, watches them from a distance. She feels self-conscious about her presence and continues to observe the pair, feeling sad. Upon their return, Gu Yanxi thanks Xin Ziqian for his efforts and greets Su Xiaowan, who reports that the merchants are appeased and have granted an an extension.
Gu Yanxi thanks Su Xiaowan for her clever idea, then dismisses Xin Ziqian, telling him to rest and stating he has matters to discuss privately with Su Xiaowan. Xin Ziqian, with a hint of sadness, watches them walk away. Su Xiaowan shares the story of the burr puzzle with Gu Yanxi, explaining its origins from Lu Ban and its complexity. She proposes that solving it could earn them an extension on the tiara deadline.
Gu Yanxi acknowledges the puzzle's difficulty and the Prince's desire for discretion, fearing a direct approach might backfire. However, Su Xiaowan confidently asserts that his intelligence will overcome the challenge, declaring him the man she loves and a future helpful wife. She then playfully demands a "physical reward" for the valuable information. Gu Yanxi, feigning coyness, offers himself for her to do as she wishes, which prompts Su Xiaowan to close her eyes expectantly.
He then simply kisses her cheek and tells her to go to sleep, leaving her slightly disappointed. Mammy Liu, convinced that Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi are incompatible due to their social standing, encourages Cheng Qianyu to win Gu Yanxi's heart. She advises Cheng Qianyu to bring snacks to Gu Yanxi, who has been tirelessly working on the tiara.
Cheng Qianyu, initially hesitant and fearing humiliation, is persuaded by Mammy Liu, who disparages Su Xiaowan as an "uncultured girl" and insists that Cheng Qianyu and Gu Yanxi are the same type of people. Cheng Qianyu delivers the snacks, but Gu Yanxi politely declines them, stating that his attendant, Yuan He, handles such tasks and that she shouldn't trouble herself further. Cheng Qianyu then notices a delicately crafted hairpin adorned with adzuki beans that Gu Yanxi is working on.
She expresses admiration and asks for it, but Gu Yanxi quickly retrieves it. He offers to send Yuan He to take her to Yunxin Hall to buy more expensive jewelry better suited for her. Cheng Qianyu, referencing the poet Wang Wei's symbol of love, inquires if the hairpin is for his beloved and who might be the object of his affection. Gu Yanxi dismisses it as a private matter and urges her to return home.
Heartbroken, Cheng Qianyu confronts him, questioning if he truly understands her feelings and lamenting her unreciprocated efforts. Gu Yanxi reiterates that she is a good girl deserving of true love, but that he is not the man for her, advising her to stop pursuing him. Disappointed and tearful, Cheng Qianyu returns to her quarters. Ru Ying, exhausted from seeing patients, checks on Cheng Qianyu, boasting about his charm.
Later, he is startled awake and discovers Cheng Qianyu sleepwalking towards the river, seemingly attempting to jump. He intervenes, pulling her back and urging her not to commit suicide, reminding her that he is there for her even if Gu Yanxi is not. Realizing she is sleepwalking, he tries to soothe her by giving her a rabbit doll, telling her to confide her unhappiness to it.
Cheng Qianyu, in her trance, expresses her fear and dislike for the people in the mansion, calling them liars, but admits she cannot leave because the person she loves is there. Ru Ying, playfully asking if she means him, listens as she laments Gu Yanxi's lack of love and her inability to stop loving him despite wanting to move on. She then begins to cry, missing her mother who used to sing to her when she was scared.
Ru Ying comforts her by singing "Little Bunny, Be Good," which she praises before falling asleep on his shoulder. Ru Ying then gently calls her "Silly Qianyu" and carries her back to her quarters. The next morning, Cheng Qianyu wakes up, confused whether her experience was a dream until she sees the rabbit doll.
When she confronts Ru Ying about his continued presence, he cleverly claims he was simply too exhausted from work the previous day to leave, having rested in a guest room, and was waiting to see her that morning, thus concealing her sleepwalking. Cheng Qianyu, acknowledging his "sweet talk," expresses her anger and embarrassment at being kept in the dark about Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan's relationship, feeling like a fool.
Ru Ying apologizes, explaining he withheld the information to spare her pain, knowing her feelings for Gu Yanxi. He adds that if she ever moves on from Gu Yanxi, he will be there for her. Cheng Qianyu, deciding that being angry with Gu Yanxi is futile, asks Ru Ying not to reveal to Gu Yanxi or Su Xiaowan that she knows about their relationship, as it would cause her immense shame.
Ru Ying promises discretion and gives her a sachet of mint and jasmine he prepared, claiming it will help her sleep peacefully. Cheng Qianyu thanks him, but when Ru Ying asks if she would consider him, she confesses that some people are not easily forgotten, and she wants to "try again" with Gu Yanxi. Ru Ying, though disappointed, responds, "I understand. I'll wait for you."
Knowing the Commandery Prince wants to keep the burr puzzle secret, Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan head to Commandery Prince Mansion. At the entrance, the housekeeper tells Gu Yanxi the Prince is unavailable, but Su Xiaowan realizes the Prince is simply refusing visitors. Gu Yanxi suggests Su Xiaowan use her resourcefulness to get inside, teasing her about her "strength" in finding solutions.
Su Xiaowan approaches two maids, spinning a tale that she is from Baihua Tower, Yangzhou, and wishes to see her biological father, the Commandery Prince, to bring peace to her deceased mother. Although one maid initially doubts her, another confirms the Prince's past visit to Yangzhou. Su Xiaowan's emotional plea to simply glimpse her father, and to ask if he remembers her unfortunate mother from the Yangzhou pleasure boat, wins the maids over.
They give her directions, cautioning her not to reveal their involvement, and Su Xiaowan promises to never implicate them. Inside, they find the Commandery Prince in a fit of rage, scolding his failed carpenters. He expresses despair over his inability to solve the puzzle before his wife's inspection. Gu Yanxi appears and offers to solve the puzzle, claiming a fifty percent chance of success.
The Commandery Prince, recalling Gu Yanxi's similar "fifty percent chance" promise that led to the delayed tiara, is skeptical. Gu Yanxi humbly requests a second chance to rectify their mistake. Su Xiaowan interjects, reframing their request as "mutual assistance," and persuades the Prince, assuring him of Gu Yanxi's exceptional skills. The Prince reluctantly grants Gu Yanxi "30 minutes" to attempt the puzzle. Su Xiaowan tries to negotiate for an hour, but the Prince sternly orders the challenge to begin and for them to be seen out afterward.
Episode 21 Recap
At the Commandery Prince Mansion, Gu Yanxi was given one incense stick's time to solve the burr puzzle, a challenging task known to be difficult. Su Xiaowan encouraged him, reminding him of his confidence. Just as the Commandery Prince grew impatient and threatened to send them away, Gu Yanxi successfully unlocked the puzzle in the nick of time.
Gu Yanxi then requested an extension for the phoenix coronet delivery, but the Commandery Prince initially refused, stating it was a separate matter. As Gu Yanxi casually re-locked the puzzle, Su Xiaowan stepped in, presenting a pre-prepared paper to approve the postponement. She sweetened the deal by suggesting that Gu Yanxi could teach the Prince how to solve it, allowing him to impress his Commandery Princess consort, who was known to enjoy learning.
This idea appealed to the Prince, and he agreed to the extension, signing the document. Gu Yanxi assured him he would not be disappointed. Upon their return to the Gu Mansion, Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan received good news: the Old Madam had awakened, and Physician Ru Ying confirmed she was in stable condition. Overjoyed, Gu Yanxi wanted to immediately disclose his true relationship with Su Xiaowan and her real identity to his grandmother.
However, Ru Ying cautioned against it, explaining that the Old Madam's heart might not withstand such news so soon after her recovery, given her frail health and advanced age. Su Xiaowan agreed, suggesting they wait until Grandmother was fully recovered. Gu Yanxi reluctantly accepted this, feeling a little sorry for Su Xiaowan, who lightheartedly responded that she didn't mind staying as "Miss Gu" for a bit longer to earn more allowance.
Ru Ying, finding their affectionate banter unbearable, then took his leave. Later, Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi visited the Old Madam, who inquired about the phoenix coronet. Gu Yanxi reassured her that they were handling it and that she should focus on her recovery without burdening herself. Earlier that day, Physician Ru Ying had a tense encounter with the Young Prince.
The Young Prince brazenly declared that Cheng Qianyu would soon be his, warning Ru Ying to give up any hope. Feeling disturbed by this encounter, Ru Ying returned to the Gu Mansion to check on Cheng Qianyu. Around the same time, Cheng Qianyu had received an invitation to the Luo River Poetry Night from the Young Prince. Her maid warned her about the Young Prince's past inappropriate behavior, but Cheng Qianyu decided to attend.
She reasoned that since Gu Yanxi was currently facing difficulties with the Commandery Prince, perhaps the Young Prince could intercede with his father on Gu Yanxi's behalf regarding the phoenix coronet delivery. Meanwhile, Xin Ziqian visited the Cuju team and found Xiao Ya distracted and prone to mistakes, having broken a water tank and nearly set the kitchen on fire.
He explained to the coach that Xiao Ya's recent carelessness stemmed from concerns over his personal matters and offered to compensate for any damages. The coach, also sensing Xin Ziqian's talent, offered him a spot on the team as a professional player, as Xiao Hu was retiring. Xin Ziqian thanked him but explained he had other unfinished business. Later, Xin Ziqian invited Xiao Ya to eat roasted duck he brought from Zuixian Tower as a thank you.
Xiao Ya mistakenly assumed he was dating Su Xiaowan, expressing her sadness. Xin Ziqian clarified that his feelings for Su Xiaowan were unrequited and that he was content as long as she was happy, even if she didn't know his affections. As Xiao Ya ate, Xin Ziqian was struck by her resemblance to Su Xiaowan, noting that her way of eating was also very similar.
He confessed that this resemblance was why he always felt an urge to help and confide in her. Hurt by his words, Xiao Ya abruptly excused herself and left. Later that evening, Gu Yanxi took Su Xiaowan out for a walk. Su Xiaowan suggested they visit Yuelao Temple, known for granting wishes.
She explained that writing a wish on a red ribbon and hanging it on the Yuelao Tree would help it come true quickly, especially for couples seeking a happy marriage. Su Xiaowan wrote a wish for her and Gu Yanxi to be together forever and for the Gu family's crisis to pass. Gu Yanxi, however, did not write a wish, stating he preferred to rely on his own efforts rather than bother Yuelao.
This disappointed Su Xiaowan, but Gu Yanxi then declared that her wish was his wish. To help her hang her ribbon higher on the tree, he playfully lifted her into his arms, much to her embarrassment, but she complied. Once the ribbon was hung, Gu Yanxi presented Su Xiaowan with a delicate adzuki bean hairpin, symbolizing his promise to stay by her side forever, just as the hairpin would adorn her.
Seeing the joy in her eyes as she admired herself with the hairpin, Gu Yanxi leaned in and kissed her. Unbeknownst to Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan, trouble was brewing at the Luo River Poetry Night. Cheng Qianyu arrived alone and was immediately escorted by the Young Prince to a private room. There, he pressured her to drink wine. Despite her reluctance, Cheng Qianyu drank, believing it was necessary to maintain good relations for the sake of Gu Yanxi's family.
Unbeknownst to her, the wine had been drugged. Back at the Gu Mansion, Ru Ying, still uneasy from his earlier encounter with the Young Prince, rushed to find Cheng Qianyu, only to learn from Su Xiaowan that she had gone to the poetry night with the Young Prince. Realizing the danger, Ru Ying spotted Gu Yanxi escorting Su Xiaowan back to her room and urgently pulled him along, explaining the situation as they raced towards the pleasure boat.
Meanwhile, in the private room, Cheng Qianyu succumbed to the drug, collapsing unconscious, and the Young Prince carried her onto the bed. Guided by boat attendants, Gu Yanxi and Ru Ying frantically searched for Cheng Qianyu and the Young Prince in the private rooms.
Episode 22 Recap
Ru Ying and Gu Yanxi rushed to the pleasure boat. After learning the young prince's room number, they immediately burst in, stopping him just in time. Ru Ying was furious and began to beat the young prince. Gu Yanxi intervened, urging Ru Ying, "If this is publicized, it will be bad for Qianyu. Hurry up and get her home." They quickly left with Cheng Qianyu.
After the beating, the young prince vented his anger on his guards, calling them useless and ordering them to catch the perpetrators. He then complained to a servant about the pain and how he wouldn't let Gu Yanxi and Ru Ying get away with it. The servant suggested he seek help from the Commandery Princess consort. The young prince then went to his mother, flattering her and asking for her help to propose marriage to Cheng Qianyu.
Despite already having many concubines, he claimed he was doing it for his mother by wanting someone to serve her. The doting Commandery Princess consort agreed, on the condition that he would not cause any more trouble. Ru Ying carried Cheng Qianyu back to the Gu Mansion. On the way, Cheng Qianyu, in her drugged state, murmured Gu Yanxi's name, which saddened Ru Ying. He handed her over to Gu Yanxi, telling him he would return with sobering medicine.
Later, upon returning to the Gu Mansion with the medicine, Gu Yanxi revealed to Mammy Liu that Cheng Qianyu had likely been drugged by the young prince. Ru Ying then asked Gu Yanxi if he could become the Gu family's live-in physician, explaining that Su Xiao'an was now capable of managing his treatment center. Ru Ying confided that while he wished to cure Cheng Qianyu, he primarily sought to cure himself of his timidity and cowardice.
He had long hoped Cheng Qianyu would eventually give up on Gu Yanxi and turn to him, but seeing her pain made him realize he could no longer wait. Gu Yanxi agreed to his request. The next day, Ru Ying moved into the Gu Mansion with a grand display of his luggage and precious medical books. Su Xiaowan, witnessing this, suspected something was amiss. She later found Gu Yanxi and confirmed that Cheng Qianyu was in trouble.
Su Xiaowan brought pastries to visit Cheng Qianyu, but Mammy Liu stopped her at the door, believing Su Xiaowan was there to mock Cheng Qianyu, who also did not wish to see anyone. Su Xiaowan respectfully left the pastries and departed. Mammy Liu then remarked to Cheng Qianyu that Su Xiaowan was likely just pretending concern and laughing at her misfortune, to which Cheng Qianyu simply asked to be left alone.
The crisis of the tiara was resolved, and under Xin Ziqian's care, the jewelry stores were thriving. However, Xin Ziqian was planning to leave. He visited the Cuju team, where his teammates showed him a cryptic letter left by Xiao Ya, which they couldn't understand. Xin Ziqian, however, immediately recognized it as Xiao Ya's handwriting and deciphered its meaning: she was leaving to find her family.
His teammates, sensing a past connection, questioned if something had happened between them, even accusing Xin Ziqian of abandoning her after misleading her, which he vehemently denied. Xin Ziqian then informed the coach that his personal matters were resolved and formally applied to join the Tianyu Team. The Commandery Princess consort went to Master Cheng's residence to propose marriage to Cheng Qianyu for her son.
Master Cheng, wishing his daughter to marry for love, reluctantly agreed to consider it under pressure, asking for time to consult Cheng Qianyu. The Commandery Princess consort, however, left betrothal gifts and declared that if Cheng Qianyu didn't agree within a month, the Commandery Prince Mansion would send a bridal carriage to force the marriage. Upon hearing this, Cheng Qianyu was distraught and cried, refusing to marry the young prince.
Mammy Liu then tearfully pleaded with Gu Yanxi to marry Cheng Qianyu, even suggesting they could divorce later to prevent her from being forced into the marriage with the young prince, as the Commandery Prince Mansion would never accept a divorced woman. Gu Yanxi refused, stating that marriage was not a game and that divorcing her would only harm her future.
He promised to speak with the Commandery Prince to resolve the issue, believing the Prince would not force an unwilling marriage. Su Xiaowan, who overheard the conversation, expressed concern, asking Gu Yanxi if he would marry Cheng Qianyu if his talk with the Commandery Prince failed. Gu Yanxi insisted he would find another solution and not let it come to that.
Mammy Liu then went to Old Madam Gu, reiterating Cheng Qianyu's plight and the Gu family's debt of gratitude to the Cheng family. Old Madam Gu, having already considered Cheng Qianyu her granddaughter-in-law and remembering the Cheng family's past kindness, readily agreed to the marriage and promised to convince Gu Yanxi.
Gu Yanxi went to the Commandery Prince Mansion to explain the situation, but a servant informed him that the Commandery Prince was away on imperial orders and couldn't be contacted. Just then, the young prince appeared, mocking Gu Yanxi and boasting that he intended to make Cheng Qianyu his concubine before his father's return, seeing it as her good fortune. A scuffle ensued, but the servant intervened, advising them to stop due to the public setting.
The young prince left, telling Gu Yanxi to give up. Back at the Gu Mansion, Su Xiaowan found Ru Ying practicing a proposal with a bouquet of flowers he had plucked from Gu Yanxi’s garden, seemingly unconcerned about their value or the current crisis. Su Xiaowan chided him, revealing that Cheng Qianyu was being forced to marry the young prince within a month and that Gu Yanxi had already failed to get help from the Commandery Prince.
She challenged Ru Ying, asking if he would stand by and watch Cheng Qianyu marry someone else. Shocked by the news and galvanized by Su Xiaowan’s words, Ru Ying declared he would never let that happen and vowed to find a solution. Overjoyed by Mammy Liu's news that Old Madam Gu had agreed to her marriage with Gu Yanxi, Cheng Qianyu dressed up beautifully and hurried to thank Old Madam Gu.
However, as she approached, she overheard a heated argument inside the room. Old Madam Gu announced her plans for Gu Yanxi's wedding with Cheng Qianyu, which surprised Su Xiaowan. Old Madam Gu chastised Gu Yanxi, reminding him of the Cheng family's kindness during their past crisis. Gu Yanxi firmly refused the marriage, explaining that it would harm Cheng Qianyu and betray Master Cheng's trust.
He asserted he would resolve Cheng Qianyu's predicament without marrying her, even if it meant offending the Commandery Prince. He then revealed that he was in love with someone else. Furious, Old Madam Gu fell ill, and Su Xiaowan quickly pulled Gu Yanxi out of the room. Cheng Qianyu, deeply hurt by Gu Yanxi's words, then emerged and told him that she would no longer press him for marriage, wishing him happiness with the person he loved.
Feeling despondent, Cheng Qianyu went to the back garden with her servant. There, she found Ru Ying practicing a proposal with a bouquet of flowers. Seeing her, Ru Ying knelt on one knee and made a heartfelt declaration of his love, promising to fulfill her every desire, be by her side no matter what, and bring her happiness, finally asking her to marry him.
Cheng Qianyu, however, threw the flowers to the ground, stepped on them, and harshly rebuked him, saying he was deluded and comparing him to a toad lusting after a swan. She told him bluntly that she had no feelings for him, never had, and never would, and that they would never be together. She then walked away, leaving Ru Ying to pick up the crushed flowers, his heart as broken as the petals. He staggered away, memories of their past encounters flooding his mind.
Episode 23 Recap
Upon returning, Mammy Liu had already prepared dinner for Cheng Qianyu and asked about her meeting with Old Madam. Qianyu, with a rare smile, declared it a good day and suggested they celebrate with wine. Meanwhile, Su Xiaowan, concerned about Qianyu, rushed to check on her. She coincidentally encountered Mammy Liu and a maid happily going to fetch wine, stating that Old Madam had agreed to the marriage between Gu Yanxi and Cheng Qianyu, and they were celebrating.
Realizing something was terribly wrong, Su Xiaowan hurried to Qianyu's side, finding her attempting to take her own life. Su Xiaowan's timely intervention saved Qianyu. Mammy Liu was distraught, asking Qianyu why she was so foolish. Qianyu wished she had been left to die in secret, believing she would have left a better impression.
She confided that she did not want to marry the young prince, nor did she want to beg for love like a dog wagging its tail, and absolutely did not want to cause any more trouble for Gu Yanxi. Mammy Liu, however, argued that Gu Yanxi should fulfill his promise to Old Madam and not ignore Qianyu's predicament, especially since Qianyu’s troubles began when she attended the Poetry Night for him.
She even suggested a temporary marriage followed by a divorce. Qianyu refused to let Mammy Liu blame Gu Yanxi, emphasizing her own free will and considering her fate to be due to bad luck. Su Xiaowan interjected, agreeing with Mammy Liu that Gu Yanxi should help Qianyu through this hardship, and offered to persuade him herself, much to Qianyu’s surprise.
Just as Gu Yanxi arrived outside Qianyu's pavilion, Su Xiaowan, unaware of his presence, assured Qianyu that she would convince Gu Yanxi and he would not stand by and let her marry the "wretched person." Gu Yanxi overheard this and departed. Su Xiaowan pursued him to his room. When he tried to send her away, she defiantly sat on his lap, urging him to pretend to marry Qianyu and then divorce her quickly.
Gu Yanxi insisted he could not do it, as a marriage, even a pretend one, would make them husband and wife. Su Xiaowan argued that love was a matter of two hearts, not bound by a piece of paper or a ceremony. She believed that if two hearts were not together, marriage was merely a formality. She further pressed him, pointing out that his grandmother was ill, and if he angered her, it would impact their own future together.
She fantasized about stealing him away to wander the world to escape such problems. Conceding, Gu Yanxi agreed to pretend to marry Qianyu and divorce her immediately after, promising to embark on adventures with Su Xiaowan once all matters were settled. Su Xiaowan then playfully set strict rules for their "pretend" marriage, including no holding hands, hugging, intimate contact, or even affectionate glances. Meanwhile, a servant brought nourishing tea from Physician Ru Ying to Qianyu.
Qianyu confessed to Mammy Liu that she had deliberately rejected Ru Ying earlier to make him give up, hoping to spare him the pain of unrequited love she felt for Gu Yanxi. She wished for a potion to forget Gu Yanxi and end her suffering. Later, Old Madam Gu presented Qianyu with a family heirloom hairpin as she was marrying into the family, and instructed Su Xiaowan to treat Qianyu well.
She also promised to find Su Xiaowan a good husband after Gu Yanxi and Qianyu’s marriage, hoping for double happiness. Gu Yanxi, arriving at that moment, immediately objected to finding Su Xiaowan a husband. Old Madam Gu mistook his reaction as reluctance to see his sister marry. When asked what kind of husband he envisioned for Su Xiaowan, Gu Yanxi described an ideal partner: wealthy, stable to temper her lively personality, intelligent enough to manage her sharp tongue, and handsome.
Qianyu, listening, wryly commented that Gu Yanxi was describing a twin brother for himself, not a husband for Su Xiaowan. Xin Ziqian returned to the mansion, surprised by the festive decorations, and mistakenly assumed Gu Yanxi was marrying Su Xiaowan. He anxiously sought out Su Xiaowan, who explained the situation about Gu Yanxi marrying Qianyu to save her from the young prince, with a plan for a subsequent divorce. Xin Ziqian was visibly relieved to hear this.
Xin Ziqian informed Su Xiaowan of his decision to move out and live independently. He explained that as an adopted son and given his mother's recent actions, it felt inappropriate to remain in the Gu Mansion, and he planned to join the Tianyu Team. Su Xiaowan, reluctant to see him go, busied herself packing various items for him: a hand warmer, medicinal wine, and a self-defense weapon, urging him to take them.
She also reminded him of a doll she had given him for sentimental value. Xin Ziqian, seeing her concern, playfully suggested she should come with him. Su Xiaowan teased that he would then be stuck with her forever, a thought he secretly welcomed. That evening, as Su Xiaowan prepared to see Xin Ziqian off, Gu Yanxi arrived and requested to speak with Xin Ziqian alone.
Su Xiaowan reluctantly stepped aside but secretly tried to eavesdrop, though she couldn't hear their conversation. Gu Yanxi told Xin Ziqian that the Gu Mansion would always be his home. Xin Ziqian then warned Gu Yanxi to protect Su Xiaowan well, stating that if she were ever hurt again, he would not hesitate to take her away. Gu Yanxi confidently declared he would not give Xin Ziqian that opportunity.
After Xin Ziqian departed, Gu Yanxi emerged, teasing Su Xiaowan about her clumsy attempt to listen in. When she pressed him about their conversation, he teasingly refused to tell her, leading to a playful chase as Su Xiaowan tried to make him confess. Xin Ziqian watched their joyful antics, feeling a mix of contentment and melancholy. Xin Ziqian meticulously prepared a new courtyard for himself, even setting up a swing.
He imagined Su Xiaowan there, envisioning her delight in the swing and the entire space, which he had decorated according to her preferences, hoping she would become the mistress of his home. On her wedding day, Mammy Liu noted Qianyu's lack of joy, which Qianyu attributed to the overwhelming events. Meanwhile, Physician Ru Ying, having tirelessly worked day and night to create the "potion that could make one forget" after overhearing Qianyu's wish, burst in excitedly, unaware of the wedding.
He was shocked to find Qianyu in her red bridal attire. Ru Ying revealed he had secretly visited her after her suicide attempt and heard her wish for the potion. Still harboring hope, he demanded she swear that she had no feelings for him, threatening that if she did, her marriage would end in an unfortunate divorce.
To convince him, Qianyu swore to the heavens that if she, Cheng Qianyu, harbored any affection for him, her marriage would end unhappily in a divorce. Satisfied, Ru Ying, heartbroken, wished her happiness, a blissful life, and many children before sadly departing. As he left, a fleeting look of regret crossed Qianyu's face, her expression still somber on her wedding day.
Episode 24 Recap
Ru Ying confronted Gu Yanxi, demanding to know why he, who did not love Cheng Qianyu, was still marrying her. Gu Yanxi confirmed that the marriage was a pretense, and Ru Ying, though initially skeptical, seemed to believe him. Just then, Su Xiaowan arrived, informing Ru Ying that the auspicious time for the wedding procession was approaching and urging him to leave.
Ru Ying, despite the fake marriage, expressed his protectiveness over Cheng Qianyu, presenting Gu Yanxi with various potent concoctions like Wudu Poison Powder, Soul-Lossing Powder, and Pulverizing Blood Drops, warning him against any improper behavior towards "his little Qianyu." Ru Ying explained that Cheng Qianyu had made an oath: if she harbored feelings for him, her marriage would end in divorce, thus clearing the path for Ru Ying.
Gu Yanxi scoffed at Ru Ying's "vicious" tactic, but Ru Ying remained resolute that this was for his own happiness. As Su Xiaowan continued to hurry him out, Ru Ying left the various concoctions with Gu Yanxi. After Ru Ying's departure, Gu Yanxi playfully teased Su Xiaowan, speculating about a future where he might stay married to Cheng Qianyu and have children.
When Su Xiaowan admitted her fear of him developing feelings for Cheng Qianyu, Gu Yanxi reassured her, stating his heart was too "fat" with her presence to beat for anyone else. As the wedding procession arrived at the Gu Mansion, Cheng Qianyu, dressed in wedding attire, was brought in by Gu Yanxi.
Ru Ying, unable to bear the sight, declared the ceremony fake and rushed back to his medical clinic, despite Su Xiaowan's attempts to stop him before the rites were complete. During the ceremony, as the couple bowed to heaven, elders, and each other, onlookers praised their perfect match. Su Xiaowan, standing apart and observing with a heavy heart, was found by Gu Ziqian, who gently led her away, suggesting a stroll would be better than staying there.
While walking, Su Xiaowan wondered if Cheng Qianyu and Gu Yanxi truly looked well-matched. Gu Ziqian disagreed, explaining that his brother, being intelligent and capable in every way, needed a complementary partner—someone chubby, short, and a little foolish. He then playfully suggested Su Xiaowan fit all these criteria perfectly, much to her amusement. Gu Ziqian then led her to a river, promising a treasure.
To his surprise, Su Xiaowan, with unexpected skill, quickly caught a fish and a crab, playfully declaring herself his master and him her apprentice, a title he reluctantly accepted after some humorous banter. Meanwhile, at the Commandery Prince Mansion, the young prince fumed over Gu Yanxi's marriage to Cheng Qianyu, viewing it as a deliberate insult after their own proposal.
His mother, the Commandery Princess consort, calmly advised him to sit down, reminding him that Cheng Qianyu was merely a concubine to him, but a legitimate wife to Gu Yanxi. She also pointed out that having one less concubine meant more peace and fewer expenses for her, subtly hinting at her son's womanizing ways. Later that evening, after the wedding feast, Gu Yanxi and Cheng Qianyu performed the cross-cupped wine ritual in the bridal chamber before Gu Yanxi dismissed everyone.
Outside, several maids gossiped about the intimate moment, suggesting that even the usually reserved Gu Yanxi couldn't take his eyes off the beautiful Cheng Qianyu and might struggle to control himself. Unbeknownst to them, Su Xiaowan overheard their conversation. Inside, Cheng Qianyu, feeling hot, tried to undress Gu Yanxi. Disoriented and hallucinating due to a drugged wine, Gu Yanxi mistakenly saw Su Xiaowan instead of Cheng Qianyu.
Realizing his error, he tried to leave, but Cheng Qianyu pleaded with him, confessing her long-standing love. Meanwhile, Su Xiaowan, trying to ward off uneasy thoughts, was in her room when a feverish and disoriented Gu Yanxi stumbled in. Despite her efforts to give him water and understand his strange behavior, he clung to her.
When she asked if he knew who she was, he lovingly called her Su Xiaowan, the girl he loved, declaring that only she could be his bride before passionately kissing her. The next morning, Mammy Liu reported to Cheng Qianyu that Gu Yanxi had spent the night in "that wild girl's room" and had not yet emerged. Infuriated, Cheng Qianyu found it unbearable.
Mammy Liu then offered a plan to address the situation, reassuring a hesitant Cheng Qianyu that as her devoted guardian, she would never allow anyone to usurp her position as the young mistress of the Gu family. Gu Yanxi woke up confused, finding himself on the floor of Su Xiaowan's room, wondering what had transpired after the wine. Su Xiaowan entered, observing his grogginess. Feigning a headache, Gu Yanxi pretended not to remember the previous night.
Su Xiaowan, disappointed that he had fallen asleep, recounted that after he had carried her to the bed, he had started to undress but then promptly fallen off the bed and remained unconscious on the floor like a "pig" all night, despite her attempts to wake him. Gu Yanxi, now fully aware of what had happened, apologized for his impulsiveness, stating that while their intimacy was inevitable, the most beautiful moments should be reserved for their actual wedding night.
Just then, Yuan He and Qiu Xiang arrived, reminding Gu Yanxi that as newlyweds, he and Cheng Qianyu were expected to pay their respects to the Old Madam. Gu Yanxi promised to return to Su Xiaowan later and left. Alone with her pet crab, Su Xiaowan lamented Gu Yanxi's capricious nature, while Qiu Xiang inquired about the crab, leading Su Xiaowan to mention catching it with Gu Ziqian yesterday.
Yuan He then returned alone to hurry Gu Yanxi along for the morning greetings. The newlyweds, Gu Yanxi and Cheng Qianyu, then paid their respects to Old Madam. After they offered her tea, Old Madam surprised everyone by presenting Cheng Qianyu with the mansion's keys, declaring it was time for the future mistress to manage the household affairs. Gu Yanxi quickly interjected, suggesting that Cheng Qianyu, being young and inexperienced, might not be suitable yet.
Cheng Qianyu initially agreed with Gu Yanxi, but Old Madam insisted, reminding them that experience is gained over time and that she herself had started managing the household at sixteen. Cheng Qianyu, with a slight nod, accepted the keys, promising not to disappoint her grandmother. Afterward, Gu Yanxi confronted Cheng Qianyu, who mistakenly thought he was upset about the keys. Gu Yanxi, however, pressed her about the drugged wine.
Cheng Qianyu feigned ignorance before expressing her deep affection for him, admitting she only wanted a small place in his heart and would be content just to be by his side. Gu Yanxi, unwavering, reiterated that his marriage to her was purely to help her escape a difficult situation. He made it clear that Su Xiaowan was the only one he considered his wife and warned Cheng Qianyu not to harbor any "improper intentions" or waste her efforts on him.
He then declared his intention to prepare a letter of divorce, promising to formalize their separation once the issue with the Commandery Prince Mansion had passed. Gu Yanxi walked away, leaving a heartbroken Cheng Qianyu to cry, questioning if she could ever truly win his heart.
Episode 25 Recap
Mammy Liu, determined to help Cheng Qianyu, plotted against Su Xiaowan. She found Scar Hui, a known criminal, and handed him a portrait of Su Xiaowan, tasking him with her murder. Mammy Liu promised Scar Hui a handsome reward, starting with 100 taels in silver certificates, and assured him of further riches upon completion. Scar Hui accepted the job, while Mammy Liu privately mused that she would soon meet an old "friend" again.
Around that time, Xin Ziqian had caught a crab for Su Xiaowan, which she cherished and carefully kept. This greatly displeased Gu Yanxi, who was already irritated that Su Xiaowan had gone out with Xin Ziqian on the day of his own wedding. Driven by jealousy, Gu Yanxi took the crab, declaring that it belonged elsewhere, a place of peace. Su Xiaowan, wanting to find companions for her crab, went to catch some small fish.
Upon her return, she was horrified to discover that Gu Yanxi had cooked the crab. Furious, she stormed out. Gu Yanxi, though feeling somewhat guilty, remained unrepentant, believing that Su Xiaowan should only value items gifted by him. Later, he spotted an adorable piglet and bought it for her. They playfully referred to themselves as the piglet's parents, and their argument subsided. Gu Yanxi then prepared to leave for a business trip, bidding a fond farewell to Su Xiaowan.
Meanwhile, Mammy Liu set her plan in motion. She instructed Dongmei, a maid, to distribute drugged wine to the household guards. Yuan He, noticing the absence of guards on patrol, came to question them but was also enticed into drinking with the others. Once all the guards had passed out, Scar Hui and his men scaled the walls, infiltrated the mansion, drugged Su Xiaowan, and abducted her. The next morning, the Old Madam was informed of the situation.
Learning of the ransacked warehouse and the drugged guards, she discovered that Dongmei had connived with the robbers and fled, while Mammy Liu had a verifiable alibi. A servant then delivered the grim news that Su Xiaowan was missing. Realizing Su Xiaowan had been abducted, the Old Madam immediately ordered Yuan He to ride with utmost urgency to notify Gu Yanxi of the calamity.
However, before Yuan He could reach him, a beggar found Gu Yanxi at Yunxin Hall, presenting him with Su Xiaowan's hairpin. The beggar stated that the hairpin's owner insisted on a personal meeting to convey a message. Concerned, Gu Yanxi instructed his subordinate to have Xin Ziqian handle the pending orders and deliver them to Mr. Liu in the west of town before he departed with the beggar.
When Xin Ziqian learned that Gu Yanxi had left with a beggar for Mr. Liu, he grew suspicious, knowing Mr. Liu's close ties to thugs and the Gu family's avoidance of him. Xin Ziqian concluded that Gu Yanxi must be in grave danger and promptly alerted the authorities. The beggar led Gu Yanxi to a desolate warehouse where Scar Hui confronted him, reminding Gu Yanxi that he was in prison because of him and Su Xiaowan.
When Scar Hui threatened Su Xiaowan, Gu Yanxi fiercely warned him not to touch her, clarifying that he was the one responsible for Scar Hui's imprisonment, not Su Xiaowan. Scar Hui, however, blamed Su Xiaowan for tricking him and proposed that Gu Yanxi could settle both their scores. Gu Yanxi accepted the challenge. After a brief skirmish where Gu Yanxi easily dispatched Scar Hui's men, Scar Hui revealed a shocking threat: explosives were tied to Su Xiaowan.
He ignited the fuse and ordered Gu Yanxi to stop resisting and endure a beating if he wanted Su Xiaowan to live. Gu Yanxi complied, silently absorbing Scar Hui's blows. Tears streaming down her face, Su Xiaowan tearfully pleaded with Gu Yanxi to save himself and leave. But Gu Yanxi, battered and bruised, crawled towards her, gently kissed her forehead, and implored her not to cry.
Enraged by their display of affection, Scar Hui struck Gu Yanxi severely on the head with a stick, knocking him unconscious as he protected Su Xiaowan. Overwhelmed by grief and terror, Su Xiaowan also fainted. Scar Hui and his subordinate then left to find food. Shortly after they left, Su Xiaowan regained consciousness. She called out to Gu Yanxi, realizing he was still alive.
With newfound determination, she managed to untie herself and began to drag Gu Yanxi towards the exit. Just as they neared escape, Scar Hui and his subordinate returned. They attempted to block their path, but at that critical moment, Xin Ziqian arrived with government officials. The officials quickly apprehended Scar Hui and his men. Xin Ziqian informed the Old Madam that Gu Yanxi had been injured while protecting Su Xiaowan, assuring her they would return to the mansion immediately.
Back at the Gu mansion, the Old Madam frantically called for Physician Ru Ying to examine Gu Yanxi. Physician Ru Ying confirmed that Gu Yanxi had a blood clot in his brain and was in a coma. He stated that there was only a 50% chance of recovery, and his awakening depended on his own will, though he would provide medication to promote blood circulation.
Cheng Qianyu, feeling immense guilt, prepared medicine herself, worried that if anything happened to Gu Yanxi, she would never forgive herself. Later, with everyone else having left the room, Su Xiaowan sat by Gu Yanxi's bedside. Holding his hand, she tearfully reminded him of their past promises: a lifetime together, a beautiful wedding dress, living to one hundred, and watching a meteor shower hand-in-hand. She confessed her fear that he might never wake up. Overcome by her injuries and exhaustion, Su Xiaowan then collapsed.
Episode 26 Recap
Su Xiaowan woke up from a nightmare, calling out Gu Yanxi's name as he disappeared from her dream. She learned from Qiu Xiang that she had been unconscious for ""two days and two nights"" due to ""depression and deficiency of vital energy and blood"", but Gu Yanxi had already woken up. Concerned by Qiu Xiang's evasiveness, Su Xiaowan rushed to see Gu Yanxi.
She was relieved to find him awake, but he looked at her blankly and asked, "Who are you? You must be crazy." Cheng Qianyu, by Gu Yanxi's side, explained to Su Xiaowan that Gu Yanxi was still recovering and "can barely remember anything" from the past. When Gu Yanxi experienced pain trying to recall, Cheng Qianyu escorted him away, telling Su Xiaowan not to "trigger his emotions." Devastated, Su Xiaowan realized, "He doesn't remember me."
Back in her room, Su Xiaowan struggled to understand Gu Yanxi's amnesia. Xin Ziqian and Ru Ying visited her, trying to offer comfort. Xin Ziqian reminded her that Gu Yanxi was at least alive. Ru Ying explained that Gu Yanxi had previously forgotten his childhood, and he was able to cure him with a special medicine. However, due to Gu Yanxi's current weakness from his injuries, that strong medication, which can be harmful, could not be administered yet.
Ru Ying advised waiting until Gu Yanxi's body was stronger. Qiu Xiang voiced concerns that with Cheng Qianyu constantly by his side, Gu Yanxi might fall for her. Though Ru Ying jokingly suggested further weakening Gu Yanxi to prevent him from acting on impulse, Su Xiaowan silenced him. Seeing Su Xiaowan's lack of appetite, Xin Ziqian encouraged her to eat, emphasizing that she needed her strength to find a solution.
After Su Xiaowan took a bite, Xin Ziqian mentioned he must return to his Cuju team but promised to visit again tomorrow, taking Ru Ying with him. After they left, Su Xiaowan, remembering Gu Yanxi's past kindness, broke down in tears. Mammy Liu expelled Yuanhe from the Gu Mansion immediately, accusing him of failing to protect Gu Yanxi.
Yuanhe questioned the order, as he grew up with Gu Yanxi, but Mammy Liu asserted it was """the young mistress's decision""" and warned him against provoking the unwell Gu Yanxi. Cheng Qianyu later confessed to Grandmother that expelling Yuanhe was her decision, justifying it as punishment for his dereliction of duty. Grandmother supported Cheng Qianyu, telling her that as the Lady of Gu Mansion, she could make such decisions without needing approval.
Cheng Qianyu then subtly undermined Ru Ying's ability to care for Gu Yanxi due to his busy clinic, announcing that she had hired Imperial Physician Zhao, a former palace doctor renowned for curing head conditions, to specifically treat Gu Yanxi. Grandmother, impressed by the reputation of Imperial Physician Zhao and Cheng Qianyu's efforts, approved, remarking that Gu Yanxi was "lucky to have her as his wife."
Imperial Physician Zhao was then introduced and pledged to do his utmost to treat Gu Yanxi. Xin Ziqian visited Su Xiaowan, taking her for a walk. He asked if she had come to terms with the situation, and she affirmed, stating that "nothing is more important than being alive." She recalled promising to wait for Gu Yanxi if he were jailed, and now that his amnesia was merely "temporary memory loss," she could stay by his side until he recovers.
When Xin Ziqian probed further, asking what she would do if Gu Yanxi "never regains his memory," Su Xiaowan responded with a tearful smile, proclaiming, "I'll make him fall for me again." She confidently enumerated her virtues, such as being cute, pretty, kind, gentle, understanding, beautiful, and unique, asserting that if he fell for her once, he would "fall for her again and again." Xin Ziqian was clearly enamored but remained silent, suppressing his feelings to avoid burdening her.
Later, Xin Ziqian inquired about Ru Ying and Gu Yanxi's condition. Qiu Xiang revealed that Ru Ying left for his clinic in the afternoon because he was displeased that Grandmother had hired an imperial physician to treat Gu Yanxi, feeling his "medical expertise wasn't appreciated." Xin Ziqian dismissed Ru Ying as "petty" and intended to bring him back.
Qiu Xiang assured him that Ru Ying stated Gu Yanxi was "fine" and "his life is no longer in danger," only needing time to recover. She also confirmed that Ru Ying would "visit regularly" and reassess the need for medication once Gu Yanxi "almost recovers." Later that night, Su Xiaowan brought her piglet, also named Wanwan, to visit Gu Yanxi. She peeked in to find Cheng Qianyu already in the room with Gu Yanxi.
Gu Yanxi thoughtfully covered a sleeping Cheng Qianyu with a cloak. Su Xiaowan was alarmed when Cheng Qianyu leaned in to kiss Gu Yanxi. To intervene, Su Xiaowan released the piglet into the room before bursting in herself. Cheng Qianyu screamed at the pig and questioned Su Xiaowan's unannounced entry.
Su Xiaowan explained she wanted to "get to know him again" after a daytime misunderstanding and claimed the piglet, an "expensive piglet," was "personally picked" and "named Wanwan" by Gu Yanxi himself. She suggested that leaving the pig, a familiar object, might "help in memory recovery" for Gu Yanxi.
Cheng Qianyu objected to staying in the same room with a pig, but Su Xiaowan cleverly suggested that since Gu Yanxi was still recovering, it was inappropriate for them to share a room and that Cheng Qianyu could move out for some peace. Gu Yanxi agreed with Su Xiaowan, acknowledging Cheng Qianyu's efforts in caring for him and asking her to "move to another room and rest for a couple of days."
He also agreed to let the piglet, Wanwan, stay with him, which Cheng Qianyu reluctantly accepted, asking him to send for her if he needed anything. As Su Xiaowan was about to leave, Cheng Qianyu stopped her, firmly asserting her status as Gu Yanxi's "legitimate wife." She accused Su Xiaowan of attempting to "break them apart" and warned her to "know her place," though she refrained from escalating the conflict due to Gu Yanxi's illness.
Su Xiaowan defiantly stated that because of Gu Yanxi's current state, she would not allow him to "do anything that he'll regret once he recovers." She reminded Cheng Qianyu that their marriage was one of convenience and that Gu Yanxi "was in love with someone else," expressing her belief that Cheng Qianyu would "never resort to stealing other's lover." Cheng Qianyu challenged this, asking where that "person" was when she "looked after him day and night" during his coma.
She declared, "Now I'm his wife. I'm the only one," vowing that if Gu Yanxi loved her now, she "won't give up." Su Xiaowan boldly responded, "We'll see about that," establishing their direct rivalry. The competition for Gu Yanxi's attention began. Cheng Qianyu brought him his favorite pastries, while Su Xiaowan prepared Beggar's Chicken. Gu Yanxi, however, seemed more interested in feeding the piglet, Wanwan, than engaging with either of them.
Later, Su Xiaowan tried to win him over by dancing for him. Cheng Qianyu, irritated, attempted to interrupt her with shouts and screams, prompting Gu Yanxi to tell them to "Cut it out!" Grandmother, observing Gu Yanxi's slightly gentler demeanor towards Cheng Qianyu, saw renewed hope for their relationship and wished for them to have a child soon.
Mammy Liu advised Cheng Qianyu to move back into Gu Yanxi's room now that he had almost fully recovered, noting that Gu Yanxi largely ignored Su Xiaowan. Grandmother visited Gu Yanxi, who was still holding the piglet given to him by Su Xiaowan. Gu Yanxi told her he was fine, but still "can't remember anything from the past."
Grandmother expressed her relief at his recovery and praised Cheng Qianyu for her devoted care, remarking that their shared ordeal had brought them "even closer." Mammy Liu then suggested that Cheng Qianyu move back to rekindle their "romantic moments," and Grandmother readily agreed, expressing her desire for a "great-grandson."
Mammy Liu then triumphantly returned the piglet, Wanwan, to Su Xiaowan, informing her that Cheng Qianyu would be moving back into Gu Yanxi's room at Grandmother's instruction, as Grandmother "longs for a great-grandson." Su Xiaowan was left stunned by this development. Later, as Grandmother expressed relief that Gu Yanxi had recovered and the culprit had been dealt with, a housekeeper rushed in with startling news. He reported that a girl had appeared, claiming to be Miss Wan'er.
Grandmother dismissed it as absurd, stating that Wan'er was already at home and accusing the person of being a "con woman." However, the housekeeper insisted it was "fishy," revealing that the girl "has exactly the same birthmark as Miss Wan'er on her arm," and he had it checked, confirming "it didn't seem to be fake." Though skeptical, Grandmother agreed to meet the girl and instructed the housekeeper to "bring the child to me quietly."
Episode 27 Recap
Su Xiaowan rushed to find Ru Ying, hoping he could help Gu Yanxi regain his memory, but Ru Ying was not present, having left days ago to gather herbs somewhere. Meanwhile, the girl claiming to be Gu Xiaowan was brought before the Old Madam.
After observing the birthmark, the Old Madam instructed her staff to prepare a room for the girl and settle her in discreetly, while also secretly tasking the housekeeper to investigate a matter related to Gu Yanxi's health. Cheng Qianyu spent time with Gu Yanxi, assisting him with his work. She subtly brought up Su Xiaowan, remarking on her charm and how she seemed inseparable from Xin Ziqian.
Cheng Qianyu then expressed a desire to be as appealing as Su Xiaowan to win more of Gu Yanxi's affection. Gu Yanxi, however, sternly told her to simply be herself, emphasizing that she and Su Xiaowan are different and there's no need to emulate her. Cheng Qianyu, slightly miffed, offered to change his tea. Later, Su Xiaowan attempted to visit Gu Yanxi, but a maid blocked her, stating Gu Yanxi was preoccupied with Yunxin Hall's affairs and couldn't be disturbed.
Sensing something amiss, Su Xiaowan became suspicious when Cheng Qianyu entered Gu Yanxi's room while he was preparing for a bath, offering to help him change, which he declined. To draw Gu Yanxi out, Su Xiaowan deliberately started a small fire and raised an alarm, beating drums and gongs, outside his room. The Old Madam swiftly arrived, infuriated. Su Xiaowan feigned innocence, claiming she was roasting sweet potatoes.
Gu Yanxi tried to take the blame, asserting he had requested the sweet potatoes as a surprise. However, the Old Madam saw through their deception and, accusing Su Xiaowan of deceit and reckless behavior, punished her with ten canings on her palm, a month of confinement, and the task of copying "Lessons for Women" one hundred times. Su Xiaowan felt that the Old Madam had become unusually harsh, always punishing her.
That evening, as Su Xiaowan copied the scriptures and lamented the Old Madam's changed demeanor, Gu Yanxi unexpectedly appeared. He claimed to be merely passing by on a walk but then critiqued her "ugly" handwriting, saying it embarrassed him as her brother. He then sat down to help her, writing several pages himself. Su Xiaowan, delighted, realized he was using an excuse to assist her. She then cautiously asked if he loved Cheng Qianyu.
Gu Yanxi responded that as his wife, he was obligated to respect and love her. Su Xiaowan pressed further, inquiring if he would still love Cheng Qianyu if she were not his wife. Gu Yanxi encouraged her to speak plainly, but their conversation was interrupted when a servant announced that Mammy Liu was looking for him.
Before leaving, Gu Yanxi told Su Xiaowan to write down anything she found difficult to say and have Qiu Xiang deliver it to him, teasing her once more about her "terrible" handwriting and telling her to practice. As he departed, Su Xiaowan reminded him of a past teaching, "If you love someone, you will plan for him or her," and cryptically advised him to take care of his health for future "long-term battles," adding that children would come eventually.
Gu Yanxi affectionately dismissed her as "Mind your own business, kid." Fearing that Gu Yanxi and Cheng Qianyu's fake marriage might become real and they might have children, Su Xiaowan decided to make a bold move. Overnight, she illustrated a comic book titled "A Love So Romantic," detailing her entire history with Gu Yanxi. Still under house arrest, Su Xiaowan asked Qiu Xiang to summon Xin Ziqian to help her.
Xin Ziqian arrived, adeptly sneaking in through a window, and agreed to assist her. He then visited Gu Yanxi and Cheng Qianyu, claiming his new house was complete and he needed Gu Yanxi to inscribe a plaque with an elegant name. When Cheng Qianyu expressed interest in accompanying them, Xin Ziqian politely explained it was a men-only gathering with his team brothers, and it might be inconvenient for a female.
Gu Yanxi agreed to go with Xin Ziqian, promising Cheng Qianyu a visit later. Mammy Liu, observing Xin Ziqian's unusual behavior, consulted Cheng Qianyu and then sent servants to follow them. Xin Ziqian led Gu Yanxi to a wishing tree, where Su Xiaowan was waiting. After bringing them together, Xin Ziqian discreetly left. Su Xiaowan revealed her true identity, confessing she was Su Xiaowan, the person he had hired to impersonate Wan'er, and his true love.
She recounted their shared past: making lifelong vows at that very tree, stargazing in Haha Village, and how he sustained severe injuries protecting her, which caused his amnesia. When Gu Yanxi questioned why he married Cheng Qianyu if Su Xiaowan's story was true, she explained it was a fake marriage to help Cheng Qianyu escape a forced union from the Junwang Manor.
To prove her words, Su Xiaowan presented Gu Yanxi with her "A Love So Romantic" comic book, hoping it would trigger his memories. She urged him to read it, promising to respect his decision regardless of the outcome. As Gu Yanxi looked at the book, Su Xiaowan kissed him, triggering a powerful flashback of them playfully chasing each other around the tree. At that moment, Cheng Qianyu arrived with her followers. Overwhelmed by the flood of memories, Gu Yanxi collapsed.
Cheng Qianyu quickly took him away. Back at Xiwang Hall, the Old Madam was distraught by Gu Yanxi's collapse. Imperial Physician Zhao assured her that Gu Yanxi was stable but had fainted due to intense emotional stimulation, expecting him to regain consciousness soon. Mammy Liu seized the opportunity to denounce Su Xiaowan, revealing her true name and declaring her an impostor.
She falsely claimed to have witnessed Su Xiaowan badgering Gu Yanxi at the Yue Lao temple, where Su Xiaowan allegedly declared herself Gu Yanxi's true love and defamed Cheng Qianyu's marriage as a sham. Mammy Liu implored the Old Madam to seek justice for Cheng Qianyu's honor, asking how their Madam, with a pure reputation, could withstand such slander. Enraged by this information, the Old Madam stormed off to confront Su Xiaowan.
Meanwhile, Cheng Qianyu found the comic book in Gu Yanxi's possession and discreetly took it. Qiu Xiang, having learned of the serious accusations against Su Xiaowan, desperately pleaded with her not to leave her room, warning that Mammy Liu had painted her as a wicked liar to the Old Madam and that the consequences for impersonation and an illicit affair would be severe, even a capital crime.
Su Xiaowan insisted on confronting the Old Madam, maintaining that her love for Gu Yanxi was genuine and her initial impersonation was only a mutual decision with Gu Yanxi for the Old Madam's health. Qiu Xiang, however, argued that without Gu Yanxi's memories, no one would believe Su Xiaowan, and even if she talked until her mouth was raw, she would only be branded a liar. Just then, the Old Madam entered.
She harshly confronted Su Xiaowan, expressing her deep betrayal. She revealed she had long suspected Su Xiaowan wasn't Wan'er but had continued to treat her as a granddaughter, hoping she wouldn't cause trouble. Now, however, she was furious. Su Xiaowan tearfully attempted to explain that her impersonation was a mutual decision with Gu Yanxi for the Old Madam's health, and that her love for him was true.
The Old Madam furiously accused Su Xiaowan of being shameless, not only for the deception but also for seducing her grandson, especially when Cheng Qianyu had treated her like a sister. Su Xiaowan, weeping, denied seducing Gu Yanxi, reiterating their genuine love and explaining that his marriage to Cheng Qianyu was a mere pretense to escape a forced marriage from the Young Prince.
The Old Madam dismissed all explanations, declaring Su Xiaowan a liar and unequivocally stating that Cheng Qianyu was the only legitimate granddaughter-in-law of the Gu family, and the only Young Madam. The Old Madam then stormed out in a rage, leaving a sobbing Su Xiaowan desperately clinging to her legs and repeatedly pleading, "Grandmother, I'm not a liar!" The Old Madam forcibly pulled away and departed.
Episode 28 Recap
Cheng Qianyu was looking through an album containing drawings of Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan when Gu Yanxi had a vivid dream. He dreamt of kissing Su Xiaowan under a wishing tree, but then she left him, causing him to wake up with a shout of "Don't go!" Frightened, Cheng Qianyu quickly hid the album in the wardrobe. Upon waking, Gu Yanxi immediately asked Cheng Qianyu about Wan'er.
Cheng Qianyu, visibly upset, revealed that Su Xiaowan was an imposter, not the real Gu Xiaowan. This brought back fragmented memories for Gu Yanxi of Su Xiaowan's confession under the tree, and Cheng Qianyu further admitted that she was not the one with whom he had exchanged vows in the past. Gu Yanxi, despite his incomplete memory, was insistent on finding Su Xiaowan.
Mammy Liu, watching the scene, admonished Cheng Qianyu for speaking the truth and decided that they must act quickly. Gu Yanxi then went to his Grandmother to inquire about Su Xiaowan's whereabouts, expressing that Su Xiaowan was deeply important to him. However, Grandmother believed that Cheng Qianyu, being from a respectable family, was the more suitable wife.
She urged Gu Yanxi to treat Cheng Qianyu kindly, reminding him that Qianyu had stood by him through his illness and the family's troubles without complaint. She warned him that if he were to disappoint Qianyu, she would disown him. As Gu Yanxi left Grandmother's presence, he encountered Cheng Qianyu. She sincerely confessed her profound affection for him and her hope that they could grow old together, embracing him tightly.
This embrace was witnessed by Su Xiaowan, who turned and walked away. Gu Yanxi, however, gently pushed Cheng Qianyu away, explaining that he could not ignore his true feelings and had to find Su Xiaowan, offering only his apologies to Cheng Qianyu. Meanwhile, Grandmother confided in her servant, admitting her own conflicted feelings about Su Xiaowan, whom she saw as an innocent and genuine person. However, a steward arrived with crucial information.
He had investigated Su Xiaowan's background and discovered that her identity was entirely fabricated, and worse, she had colluded with Scar Hui in Gu Yanxi's kidnapping. Enraged by this deception, Grandmother ordered that Su Xiaowan be immediately thrown out of the mansion, even as a heavy rain fell. Outside the mansion gates in the pouring rain, Su Xiaowan was expelled. Cheng Qianyu and her servant approached her, handing over the album.
Cheng Qianyu claimed that Gu Yanxi wanted it returned, and that he wished for Su Xiaowan to let go of the past and start anew, as he himself was no longer the same person. Su Xiaowan, clutching the album, was overcome with emotion, recalling her various encounters with Gu Yanxi as tears streamed down her face, mingling with the raindrops. As Su Xiaowan wept in despair, Xin Ziqian appeared with an umbrella.
She clung to him as if he were her last hope, sobbing uncontrollably. Xin Ziqian looked at her with a pained expression. He quickly arranged for a carriage and took Su Xiaowan away under the cover of night. Shortly after their departure, Gu Yanxi returned to the mansion, spotted the fallen album, and, realizing Su Xiaowan was gone, rushed out to find her.
Three years later, Su Xiaowan and Xin Ziqian were seen setting up a stall to sell handmade jewelry. Concurrently, Gu Yanxi was still relentlessly searching for Su Xiaowan, spending money to inquire about her whereabouts, though he often fell victim to imposters and scams. Despite the numerous deceptions, he never gave up hope, pursuing every lead.
He passed a sugar painting vendor and bought a treat, the sight of it stirring memories of making and eating sugar paintings with Su Xiaowan. Su Xiaowan's jewelry business was doing well until a man appeared, selling fake Hetian Jade, which attracted customers away from her stall. Su Xiaowan, unfazed, splashed a bowl of water on his "jade" items, revealing them to be painted rocks as the color washed off.
The scammer quickly fled, and customers flocked back to Su Xiaowan's stall. At that very moment, Gu Yanxi passed by the bustling crowd, but he and Su Xiaowan, surrounded by people, failed to see each other. Gu Yanxi's servant, noticing his master's ill health and the long journey, urged him to rest at a nearby inn rather than continuing the search that night. Reluctantly, Gu Yanxi agreed, still unaware of how close he had been to finding Su Xiaowan.
Episode 29 Recap
Having previously exposed Bazharu's fraudulent business, Su Xiaowan found herself relentlessly pursued by his men. Frightened, she sought refuge in a divination tent, quickly disguising herself as the resident oracle in the tent owner's clothes. By chance, Gu Yanxi also arrived at the tent, seeking guidance. Behind a curtain, Su Xiaowan sensed a familiar quality in his voice but dismissed the notion that it could be him.
Gu Yanxi stated he was searching for his lost wife, and Su Xiaowan, playing her part, instructed him to use sheep bone divination. As he drew a bone, she felt a distinct familiarity in his touch. Before she could process this, Bazharu's men burst in. Su Xiaowan fled, with the tent owner complaining that Su Xiaowan was wearing her clothes.
Gu Yanxi, catching a glimpse of her face, recognized her as Su Xiaowan and called out her name, joining the chase. However, Su Xiaowan, believing everyone was after her, ran even faster to escape. Gu Yanxi's attendant, witnessing his master's fervent pursuit and calls for Su Xiaowan, worried he was delirious from a fever and urged him to rest, but Gu Yanxi remained convinced she was nearby and continued his relentless search. Later, it was Su Xiaowan's birthday.
Xin Ziqian had meticulously prepared a feast of all her favorite dishes, including tofu buns, sweet and sour pork ribs, chicken drumsticks, pepper chicken, stuffed lotus root, and guppies. He also invited Xiao An to celebrate with them, playfully admitting he had to threaten not to cook for her if she didn't come. Su Xiaowan expressed her heartfelt gratitude to both of them.
As they lit candles, Su Xiaowan made a wish for endless money and to celebrate with them every year. Unbeknownst to her, Gu Yanxi, alone, was also preparing longevity noodles, silently wishing that on her next birthday, she would be by his side to share the meal. Xin Ziqian seized the opportunity to express his deep feelings for Su Xiaowan. He confessed that he had loved her for a long time, observing her from afar through all her emotions.
Now, he hoped she would grant him and herself a chance for him to stand by her side, to care for, protect, and accompany her through life's joys and sorrows. Su Xiaowan was visibly flustered and apologized, saying she needed time to think alone. Xin Ziqian, understanding her confusion, agreed to wait for her answer by the lake. Xiao An later spoke with Su Xiaowan, confirming she knew about Xin Ziqian's intentions.
Su Xiaowan admitted her heart was in turmoil, having never considered these romantic matters. She acknowledged Xin Ziqian as a dear friend but confessed she was "still in love with someone else" and couldn't commit to him wholeheartedly. She recalled how Xin Ziqian had taken her away on a rainy night three years ago, helped her settle, and cared for her life. Xiao An gently but firmly urged her to move on from Gu Yanxi.
She emphasized Xin Ziqian's unwavering companionship and care for the past three years, highlighting that he was the person truly present in her life, unlike a distant figure with an uncertain future. At the lake, Xin Ziqian waited, growing disheartened and believing Su Xiaowan wouldn't come. Suddenly, Su Xiaowan appeared, apologizing for making him wait.
She explained that three years was a long time, and while she wasn't entirely sure if she could fully let go of her past, she was certain that Xin Ziqian was the one who could help her start anew, just as he had been her steadfast companion. She asked for one month to "try it out" and slowly emerge from her past feelings.
Overjoyed, Xin Ziqian readily agreed, then surprised her by lighting fireworks he had prepared as a special birthday gift. As they left hand in hand, Su Xiaowan found a tree hollow and placed the hairpin Gu Yanxi had given her inside, whispering, "Goodbye, Gu Yanxi." Xin Ziqian asked if she was certain about parting with such a cherished item, suggesting she reconsider after a month.
Su Xiaowan replied that even if it wasn't for him, she wanted to truly begin again. Elsewhere, Gu Yanxi found Xin Ziqian, who was working as a Cuju coach. Gu Yanxi revealed he had regained his memories and had been searching for Su Xiaowan for three years, having initially thought she had left with Xin Ziqian. However, Xin Ziqian denied any knowledge of Su Xiaowan's whereabouts and, claiming his team was waiting, hastily departed.
Soon after, Gu Yanxi saw a little girl playing with a delicate hairpin. He immediately recognized it as the one he had given Su Xiaowan. Upon questioning, the girl told him she found it the previous night by the mountain lake and that it belonged to an older girl who sold accessories at the northern end of the street. Gu Yanxi bought the hairpin from the girl and rushed to the marketplace.
When Gu Yanxi arrived at the marketplace, he learned that the accessory stall had been vandalized that morning and the owner had already left. Meanwhile, Su Xiaowan’s stall had indeed been destroyed by Bazharu’s men, retaliation for her earlier interference with his fake jade business. Xin Ziqian was furious and wanted to confront Bazharu, but Su Xiaowan stopped him, fearing he would get hurt.
Seizing the opportunity of the ruined stall, and worried that Gu Yanxi might eventually find Su Xiaowan, Xin Ziqian suggested they leave the village and start a new life elsewhere. He mentioned that the Tianyu team was traveling to Mingzhou for a match and needed another player. Su Xiaowan, recognizing Xin Ziqian’s three years of unwavering support, readily agreed to accompany him to Mingzhou, considering it the least she could do in return for his loyalty.
Later that evening, Su Xiaowan and Xin Ziqian were out buying supplies for their upcoming trip. Su Xiaowan, noting their practical errands, suggested they have a more "formal date" at the village's lantern festival. Xin Ziqian enthusiastically agreed and went to buy her some osmanthus cake. At the same lantern festival, Gu Yanxi, having learned about the local custom of wearing masks, purchased one and put it on. As he navigated the crowded festival, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure among the revelers: Su Xiaowan.
Episode 30 Recap
Gu Yanxi spotted Su Xiaowan from afar and rushed to embrace her, calling out her name. He expressed how long he had waited for this moment, saying it had been three years since he found her and he had so many things to tell her. Su Xiaowan, after removing his mask, recognized the man she had longed for, but firmly pushed him away, asking him to mind his behavior.
He questioned her reaction, explaining that he remembered everything, knew of her past suffering, and was now divorced from Cheng Qianyu, with Mammy Liu's schemes against her also exposed. Su Xiaowan replied, "That's good." He recounted his three-year search for her across many places, realizing the vastness of the world and the difficulty of finding someone. Su Xiaowan, however, reminded him that three years had passed, and she had moved on to a new life.
She insisted they not dwell on the past, as it no longer mattered. When he asked why, she stated she had begun a new life and moved on, adding that she had given him a choice back then, and he hadn't chosen her. Gu Yanxi argued he had amnesia, but Su Xiaowan challenged him, asking if he could guarantee he wouldn't forget again.
She expressed gratitude for the accident, as it revealed the insurmountable gap between them, asserting, "We aren't suitable for each other. Gu Yanxi, I don't wish to go back to the way we were. Nor will I do that." Gu Yanxi countered that if they weren't suitable, it would have been evident from the start. Gu Yanxi suggested they start anew, but Su Xiaowan declined.
Just then, Xin Ziqian appeared, stating, "As you can see, she and I have already started afresh." Su Xiaowan confirmed their relationship to Gu Yanxi, saying, "As you can see, Ziqian and I are dating now. Back then, my future was me and you, but now, my future is me and him." She concluded that she hadn't expected to meet him again and suggested they "smile and let it go." Gu Yanxi desperately pleaded for her to reconsider.
Later, Xin Ziqian apologized to Su Xiaowan for hiding Gu Yanxi's presence. He explained that he had only learned of Gu Yanxi that morning and hesitated to tell her, fearing she would waver and leave with him. Su Xiaowan understood, realizing this was why he had suddenly proposed moving to Mingzhou. She reassured him, saying she would have done the same.
She admitted she was also uneasy and afraid of seeing Gu Yanxi, fearing all her past efforts would be undone, and confessed that her mind had wavered briefly. Xin Ziqian then told her he used to believe her happiness was all that mattered, even if he wasn't the cause. But seeing her repeatedly sad, he no longer wished to entrust her to anyone else. He wanted to bring her happiness himself and asked for a chance, which Su Xiaowan accepted.
The next morning, Gu Yanxi waited for Su Xiaowan outside her residence. When she appeared, he insisted he would follow her wherever she went. Xin Ziqian told Gu Yanxi to respect Su Xiaowan's decision, but Gu Yanxi maintained that while they could make their own choices, they could not change his decision to not give her up. Xin Ziqian challenged him. As they traveled toward Mingzhou, both men vied for Su Xiaowan's attention.
Xin Ziqian enthusiastically described Mingzhou's culinary delights and cultural offerings, while Gu Yanxi interjected that he was also familiar with the city. Su Xiaowan, uninterested in their bickering, eventually left them to argue, saying, "I'm leaving. You two, carry on." Xin Ziqian observed that Gu Yanxi was acting differently than before, noting that he used to keep his emotions hidden and follow rules, but now he was playing around like a child.
Gu Yanxi explained that after Su Xiaowan left, he would repeatedly visit their old places and perform their past activities, pretending she was still with him, but it was never real. He shared that only after seeing her again did he feel the happiness he had lost over the past few years return.
He also revealed that after his mother's death, he hadn't known what happiness was until he met Su Xiaowan, but after she disappeared, he returned to his old state. The following day, as Su Xiaowan bathed by the river, a wild cat suddenly startled her, causing her to scream. Both men rushed to her aid. Gu Yanxi quickly covered Xin Ziqian's eyes, forbidding him from peeping, while Su Xiaowan cried out for them not to approach.
Upon their arrival in Mingzhou, Xin Ziqian's Cuju teammates greeted them. One teammate mistakenly addressed Su Xiaowan as Xin Ziqian's sister-in-law. Gu Yanxi immediately questioned this, asking since when she had become Xin Ziqian's wife. Later, the teammates inquired about the confusing relationship. Xin Ziqian clarified that Su Xiaowan was his girlfriend, and admitted Gu Yanxi had been following them.
The teammates vowed to help Xin Ziqian win Su Xiaowan's heart, promising to create romantic opportunities for them before the upcoming competition. Gu Yanxi continued to feign an arm injury, seeking Su Xiaowan's assistance. Xin Ziqian, recalling how Gu Yanxi once used a needle to scare him, arranged for a local veterinarian with acupuncture skills to treat Gu Yanxi. The veterinarian, after examining Gu Yanxi's arm, stated he found no injury and expressed confusion.
Gu Yanxi attempted to avoid the treatment by claiming a business meeting, but Xin Ziqian insisted, highlighting the importance of health. During the acupuncture, the veterinarian humorously warned of various acupuncture points, including the "muteness point," "infertility point," and "laughter to death within 100 steps." Later, Su Xiaowan confronted Xin Ziqian, realizing he had orchestrated the acupuncture. Xin Ziqian grinned, acknowledging his act as a response to Gu Yanxi's past actions.
Su Xiaowan told him she had hoped Gu Yanxi would give up and go home if the journey became too difficult. Xin Ziqian playfully teased her about her concern for Gu Yanxi, but she dismissed it, stating she merely wanted to leave the past behind. Xin Ziqian, telling her not to overthink, invited her to go somewhere with him. Xin Ziqian took Su Xiaowan to play Cuju.
He taught her how to kick the ball, instructing her to imagine it as something she wanted to avoid and kick it away. After a lively game, Su Xiaowan remarked on how good it felt to sweat from the exercise, and Xin Ziqian asked if she felt better. As they lay on the grass, Su Xiaowan reflected on how Xin Ziqian had always been there for her during difficult times.
She then expressed her desire to walk hand in hand with him through the rest of their lives. Xin Ziqian held her hand, and Su Xiaowan thanked him. From a distance, Gu Yanxi watched their harmonious moment, a look of profound loss on his face. Yuanhe, noticing Gu Yanxi's distress, sympathized that Xin Ziqian was now Su Xiaowan's boyfriend, placing Gu Yanxi in a passive position.
Despite Gu Yanxi's impatience, Yuanhe proposed a plan: trick Xin Ziqian into a wilderness animal trap, providing him with supplies for the night. Then, Yuanhe would send a messenger to Su Xiaowan, pretending to be Xin Ziqian, asking her to meet him at the Tudigong temple. Su Xiaowan wondered about the sudden meeting location. Meanwhile, Xin Ziqian fell into Yuanhe's trap.
Yuanhe explained his actions were to give Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan a chance to reconcile and then left Xin Ziqian in the pit with food and warm clothes, promising to rescue him in the morning. Su Xiaowan arrived at the Tudigong temple, surprised to find Gu Yanxi instead of Xin Ziqian. She questioned him about Xin Ziqian's whereabouts, and Gu Yanxi admitted to using Xin Ziqian's name to summon her.
He led her to a wishing tree, explaining he had searched extensively to find a similar one at this spot. He reminded her of their past wish for "eternity" made before Yue Lao, the matchmaker god, and recounted how he had personally written every red ribbon on the tree, never forgetting his promises since her departure. He apologized for her past suffering and his failure to protect her, pleading for another chance.
Su Xiaowan cut him off, stating that all the sweet talk and memories were in the past and no longer mattered. Gu Yanxi insisted he didn't believe that. Su Xiaowan concluded, "Gu Yanxi, forget it. I'm tired. We aren't suitable for each other. Nor are we destined to be. That's why we came across so many obstacles and ended up being apart."
Gu Yanxi countered, "If we weren't meant to be, why did I still bump into you after three years? Since we met again, it means we're destined to be." As heavy rain began to fall, Gu Yanxi pulled Su Xiaowan into a tight embrace. He implored her not to be troubled by the past and suggested they "start anew." Su Xiaowan, surprised, asked, "Seriously?" He continued to plead, confessing, "The absurdity and foolishness were mine. Together, let's start over, all right?"
Episode 31 Recap
Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi took shelter in a temple during a heavy rain and made a fire for warmth. Su Xiaowan, still hurt by Gu Yanxi's past embrace with Cheng Qianyu and his choice of Cheng Qianyu during his amnesia, confronted him. She questioned his sincerity, believing his current feelings were merely an obsession, not genuine love, and cited his return of the sketch album as proof.
Gu Yanxi, having earlier passionately declared his unwavering love for her and his belief they were destined to meet, did not hear her specific accusations of obsession as he collapsed, burning with fever. As Su Xiaowan rushed to find a physician, he desperately clung to her, begging her not to leave and recalling how she would always disappear from his dreams. He then pulled her into a passionate kiss, confessing how much he missed her.
They eventually fell asleep in each other's arms. The next morning, Su Xiaowan, feeling awkward, quickly left. She soon learned that Ziqian had been injured. Rushing to his side, she was told that he had fallen into an animal trap after receiving a faked message from her. Believing Gu Yanxi was behind the scheme, Su Xiaowan angrily confronted him and slapped him, ordering him to stay away from her forever, saying there was no future for them.
Gu Yanxi, learning the extent of Ziqian's injury, confronted his attendant Yuan He, who confessed to sending a fake message from Su Xiaowan to Ziqian. Yuan He had intended for Ziqian to be trapped in a pit for only one night to create an opportunity for Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan to be alone. Yuan He insisted he had pushed Ziqian lightly and lined the pit with straw, but was horrified to learn of the animal trap.
Gu Yanxi, realizing Yuan He’s grave misjudgment, immediately instructed Yuan He to find a physician for Ziqian, but didn't attempt to explain himself to a furious Su Xiaowan. Ziqian, having regained consciousness, clarified to Su Xiaowan that he was injured while trying to catch a pheasant to make a shuttlecock for her; he had accidentally fallen into a hunter's trap and then stepped on an animal trap.
He explained the message was fake and that his injury was not her fault. Realizing she had gravely misunderstood Gu Yanxi, Su Xiaowan hurried to the inn where he was staying, only to be informed by the innkeeper that he had checked out and left the city an hour ago. She was left heartbroken and angry.
Overwhelmed by Gu Yanxi's sudden departure, Su Xiaowan drank heavily, convinced that he only spoke of love but abandoned her at the first sign of trouble. She eventually passed out, mumbling Gu Yanxi’s name. Ziqian found her and watched her sadly, acknowledging that despite his deep feelings and constant presence over the past three years, he could never truly replace Gu Yanxi in her heart.
The following morning, Su Xiaowan overheard inn guests discussing a young master of a jeweller named Gu who had drowned himself. Fearing it was Gu Yanxi, she rushed to the river. There, she found Gu Yanxi's seemingly lifeless body. Distraught, she cried over him, blaming herself for their quarrel and for not forgiving him. She confessed her deep love for him, admitting she had always been waiting for him to return and marry her.
At her confession, Gu Yanxi suddenly opened his eyes, startling everyone present. He then demanded she uphold her promise to marry him, playfully teasing her about her public display of affection. Their argument was interrupted when Ziqian arrived and confessed that the entire "suicide" scenario was his idea. He explained he had orchestrated this elaborate deception because he knew Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi loved each other, but Su Xiaowan's lingering emotional barrier prevented them from reconciling.
Despite his own feelings for Su Xiaowan, he wished for her happiness and knew her heart truly belonged to Gu Yanxi. Later, Ziqian explained his reasoning to Gu Yanxi, who had been preparing to leave to uncover the full truth of the past. Ziqian urged Gu Yanxi to return to Su Xiaowan, but Gu Yanxi insisted on first resolving the old misunderstandings that still separated them. Gu Yanxi also apologized for Ziqian’s injury.
Ziqian dismissed the apology, stating it was his own carelessness, and reiterated that Gu Yanxi should go back to Su Xiaowan, as she would worry. Ziqian then confessed to Gu Yanxi that he knew he could never be the one to make Su Xiaowan truly happy or sad, despite having spent three years by her side. He urged Gu Yanxi not to make her wait any longer, as her heart had always belonged to him.
Back at the inn, Ziqian explained to Su Xiaowan that he and Gu Yanxi had orchestrated the elaborate deception to help her confront her true feelings. Enraged by their trickery, Su Xiaowan locked herself in her room. Gu Yanxi tried to apologize through the door, calling her "my wife" and promising to make amends, but she ignored him.
After a period of silence, Su Xiaowan cautiously opened the door, expecting to see Gu Yanxi, but instead found Ru Ying and Cheng Qianyu. Cheng Qianyu confessed the full truth of the past, explaining that she wanted to unburden her conscience and clear the misunderstandings between Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi.
She admitted that she knew Gu Yanxi loved Su Xiaowan even before their marriage, and that Mammy Liu, acting on Cheng Qianyu’s behalf, had hired Scar Hui to kidnap Su Xiaowan to remove her as an obstacle. Su Xiaowan also learned that Cheng Qianyu had taken the comic book from Gu Yanxi when he was in a coma, further driving a wedge between them.
Cheng Qianyu recounted that when Gu Yanxi was severely injured saving Su Xiaowan and subsequently lost his memory, she viewed it as a divine opportunity for him to fall in love with her. She confessed to consciously ignoring Mammy Liu’s actions, including bribing Imperial Physician Zhao to tamper with Gu Yanxi's medication to prevent his memory from returning. Ru Ying, during a secret visit to treat Gu Yanxi, discovered the tampered prescription.
Cheng Qianyu then had Ru Ying abducted and sent away to prevent him from curing Gu Yanxi, regretting only later that she had implicated the one person who truly cared for her. She further revealed that even without his memories, Gu Yanxi's gaze for Su Xiaowan remained passionate, which caused her great frustration.
Her hope rekindled when she met the "real" Wan'er, leading Mammy Liu to bribe a steward to present this Wan'er to the Old Madam, fabricating evidence of Su Xiaowan’s collusion with Scar Hui, which resulted in Su Xiaowan being cast out of the Gu family. Ru Ying interjected, defending Cheng Qianyu against Su Xiaowan's criticisms and calling her his wife, implying their relationship.
Cheng Qianyu then apologized, attributing her past actions to her jealousy and unrequited love for Gu Yanxi since childhood. She acknowledged realizing too late that love cannot be forced, and that Gu Yanxi’s heart, through all trials and even amnesia, had always belonged solely to Su Xiaowan. Ru Ying then handed Su Xiaowan a restored comic book, explaining that Gu Yanxi had spent considerable effort restoring it and kept it by his side every day. Su Xiaowan, tears in her eyes, asked where Gu Yanxi was, and Ru Ying told her he was waiting outside.
Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
Su Xiaowan, having finally understood the truth, hurried to find Gu Yanxi. Along her path, she was met by people presenting her with flowers, a trail Gu Yanxi had orchestrated to lead her to his location. When she arrived, Gu Yanxi stood holding a sky lantern, on which he had inscribed his deepest desire: to marry her and grow old together.
He explained that for the past three years, he had traveled extensively searching for her, hoping to express his feelings. Despite being repeatedly disappointed and told to move on, he stated that he could not live without her. He chose to save his wishes in the sky until her return, as he only had one wish, perhaps for his entire life: "Marry me." Deeply moved by his heartfelt confession, Su Xiaowan agreed to his proposal.
She playfully questioned when she had agreed, but Gu Yanxi insisted that by releasing the sky lantern together, they had made a joint wish. He even offered to marry her if she wouldn't marry him, vowing to remain by her side forever. Su Xiaowan accepted. Ziqian, witnessing their reunion, generously provided a carriage for Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan. He expressed his happiness for Su Xiaowan finding her own joy, acknowledging it was not a happiness he could give her.
He was content knowing he had at least helped her gain weight over the past three years. Ziqian, a self-proclaimed outstanding person, was confident he would find a woman who loved him in return. He bid Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi farewell, urging them to take care. In the carriage, Cheng Qianyu, now noticeably pregnant with a six or seven-month belly, recalled the past events for Su Xiaowan.
She revealed that when Gu Yanxi learned of her scheme to frame Su Xiaowan, he was furious and promptly served her with a divorce letter, declaring Su Xiaowan his only wife. Even Mammy Liu's desperate pleas on her behalf were dismissed, as Gu Yanxi would not tolerate anyone harming the woman he loved. As Cheng Qianyu was leaving Gu Mansion, Ru Ying was waiting for her outside.
He explained that he was the best physician and couldn't be stopped by the guards, though he admitted to being delayed. He offered her an "upgraded" Forget Love Potion, but Cheng Qianyu declined. Ru Ying then made a heartfelt promise to treat her well, take her to any place she wished, and let her try all the foods she had never tasted. He vowed that wherever Cheng Qianyu pointed, that would be his home.
Cheng Qianyu shared that she had once considered giving Gu Yanxi a Forget Love Potion to make him forget Su Xiaowan but ultimately decided against it, knowing that medicine could cure illnesses but could not change a person's heart. Ru Ying then expressed his determination to spend the rest of his life replacing Gu Yanxi in her heart. Cheng Qianyu affectionately called him silly, reminding him they had a long future together.
Back at Gu Mansion, Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi's playful banter continued, with Gu Yanxi teasing about their future children and their friend's child. Su Xiaowan was initially hesitant to return home, but Gu Yanxi reassured her. She was greeted by Qiu Xiang, who tearfully embraced her, expressing relief that Su Xiaowan was safe. Qiu Xiang then revealed she had married Yuan He the previous year.
Su Xiaowan congratulated her and promised to arrange a grand wedding for them, prompting Gu Yanxi to interject that Qiu Xiang should now call Su Xiaowan "Lady Gu." Grandmother Gu, overcome with emotion, welcomed Su Xiaowan, apologizing for her past misjudgment and for believing lies, attributing it to her old age. Su Xiaowan, also tearful, insisted it was her own fault for not clarifying things, and she did not blame Grandmother.
Gu Yanxi's cousin, Wan'er (Xiao Ya), joined them, remarking on the joyous day and thanking Su Xiaowan for caring for Grandmother during her illness. She also pledged to take Su Xiaowan's side if Gu Yanxi ever bullied her. After a moment, Wan'er asked to speak with Su Xiaowan alone. Gu Yanxi jokingly refused to "lend his wife," but Su Xiaowan went with her. Wan'er immediately asked about Ziqian, inquiring if he was married or seeing anyone.
Su Xiaowan, inferring Wan'er's interest, teased her, causing Wan'er to blush and invent an excuse about stewing bird's nest for Grandmother before rushing off. Meanwhile, Qiu Xiang led Su Xiaowan to her old room, explaining that Gu Yanxi had continued to live there for three years after Su Xiaowan left, refusing to let anyone change anything, preserving it for her return.
Su Xiaowan then excitedly reunited with Wanwan, her pet pig, who had grown and seemed not to recognize her, much to Gu Yanxi's amusement. Su Xiaowan promised Wanwan that she would never leave her or her daddy again. A grand wedding ceremony for Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi soon followed at the Gu Mansion, with neighbors remarking on Gu Yanxi's good fortune. During the ceremony, the couple bowed to heaven and earth, then to Grandmother.
Grandmother, now the elder, expressed her satisfaction with Su Xiaowan and urged them to have many great-grandchildren, to which Gu Yanxi enthusiastically promised they would not disappoint her. In the bridal chamber, Gu Yanxi held Su Xiaowan's hand, promising to "perform well," making her blush. Outside, Ru Ying likewise promised his now heavily pregnant wife, Cheng Qianyu, that he would also "perform well" as he kissed her.
Years later, Gu Yanxi and Su Xiaowan had a beautiful daughter named Gu Zaochen. From Zaochen's perspective, despite everyone praising her father as a handsome, wealthy, and devoted husband, and calling her the happiest daughter, she knew the "secrets behind the closed doors." For example, when Gu Yanxi brought back treats, Zaochen would receive only one, while many more would be for her mother.
Gu Yanxi would scold Zaochen for wanting more sweets, warning that her teeth would rot, but he would indulge Su Xiaowan. One day, Zaochen returned from school, beaming with pride after winning a spinning top. Su Xiaowan immediately claimed to be an expert and started playing with it, while Gu Yanxi dismissed Zaochen’s request to play, telling her to do her homework and not be "unlearned/unskilled" like her mother.
Gu Yanxi then joined Su Xiaowan in playing with the top, leaving Zaochen to wonder if she or her mother was her father's true daughter, and if her parents’ love was truly as inseparable as people claimed. One day, Su Xiaowan and Gu Yanxi were arguing over a chicken wing. Gu Yanxi, concerned about her health, refused to let her eat it, reminding her she had already eaten two drumsticks and was developing a "triple chin."
Su Xiaowan, feeling unloved and accused, called him heartless and unreasonable, then dramatically declared she was leaving. Gu Yanxi retorted that if she left, she shouldn't come back. Su Xiaowan then enlisted Zaochen, trying to convince her to join her in making Gu Yanxi realize his mistake and vowing not to give in. Zaochen, however, cautiously pointed out they couldn't simply leave the mansion. She then advised her mother to value her father, praising him as handsome and smart.
Su Xiaowan, still defiant, boasted about her past popularity, claiming Gu Yanxi was merely lucky to have won her heart. Seeing Gu Yanxi approaching, Zaochen quickly changed her tune, declaring her father the best in the world and that all other men were insignificant compared to him. Gu Yanxi appeared, asking where they were going with their packed bags. A flustered Su Xiaowan quickly claimed they were going shopping for discounted clothes in town.
Gu Yanxi stopped them, and Su Xiaowan immediately apologized, promising to explain her "mistake" back in their room. Gu Yanxi, pleased, agreed, and they returned inside, leaving Zaochen to reflect on her unique childhood: caught between her parents' dramatic arguments and passionate reconciliations, a "product of their love" who was already wishing for a sibling to alleviate her loneliness.
