Better Halves Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Better Halves Synopsis
The spoiled young lady from a prestigious matchmaking family, Shi Fa ke, has always believed in the creed of "seize pleasure when life is happy." With a modest but consistent record of completing only one matchmaking case per month, she works at the Official Matchmaking Bureau. The Marquis of Wu'an seeks to rebel through marital alliances, prompting the emperor to send the master of Qianya Mountain, Lu Chi, down from the mountains to thwart the plot. Lu Chi also hopes to find the little sister who once helped him in his childhood to repay her kindness.
By chance, Shi Fake encounters Lu Chi and tries to recruit him as a "joyful guest" (a matchmaking assistant), while Lu Chi needs the resources of the Official Matchmaking Bureau for his mission. The two form an alliance, each with their own motives. On Shi Fake’s coming-of-age birthday, her parents are wrongfully imprisoned, and her title of "Number One Matchmaker in the Realm" is stripped away. Determined to restore her family’s honor, she resolves to rise again.
Lu Chi unexpectedly discovers that Shi Fake is the very little sister he had been searching for. Touched by her resilience in adversity, he gradually develops feelings for her. As the Official Matchmaking Bureau becomes fraught with danger, Lu Chi decides to stay by Shi Fake’s side, helping her handle matchmaking cases and protecting her while simultaneously aiding the emperor and embarking on his pursuit of love.
Better Halves Recap
Episode 1 Recap
At Xibao Pavilion, Shi Fa'ke, President of the Heiresses' Society, promoted the Huayuan Palanquin Shop's new sedan chairs. When her friend, He Ketian from He's Bakery, pointed out the issue of using male bearers, Shi Fa'ke unveiled an option with female bearers, emphasizing confidentiality and matching attire. With offers of free trials and monthly discounts, she enticed many noble ladies to register.
After her presentation, He Ketian playfully reminded Shi Fa'ke about her unmet monthly matchmaking quota for the Official Matchmaking Agency, warning that her mother, Chief Matchmaker Tao, might revoke her "No.1 Matchmaker in the World" gold badge. Shi Fa'ke confidently replied she still had two days and friends to help, eyeing Zhu Yanyan, the Prime Minister's daughter. Realizing Shi Fa'ke's intent, Zhu Yanyan quickly excused herself to go home and read novels.
Meanwhile, Lu Chi arrived at Xibao Pavilion and observed Shi Fa'ke's sales methods with disdain, criticizing the pavilion manager, Ms. Li, for allowing promotions that fostered extravagance. Lu Chi then inquired about a new painting by Mr. Lin Yuan. Shi Fa'ke, eager for a new client, introduced herself as the daughter of Chief Matchmaker Tao. Hearing she was the heir to the "No.1 Matchmaker," Lu Chi's demeanor softened, realizing she could help him find someone.
They viewed Mr. Lin Yuan's painting, "Having Equal Status in Marriage." Shi Fa'ke, seeing it as a professional omen, was determined to buy it. However, He Ketian outbid her, securing the painting for 800 taels, leaving Shi Fa'ke disappointed. Lu Chi remarked that a gentleman does not take what others love, which Shi Fa'ke misinterpreted as an excuse for being unable to afford it.
Still focused on her quota, Shi Fa'ke learned Lu Chi was new to the capital and intended to visit the Official Matchmaking Agency. Assuming he sought a spouse, she insisted on helping him. Lu Chi showed interest when she mentioned the agency's comprehensive registry and invited her to dinner.
During their meal, Lu Chi described the person he was searching for: a girl with a round face, of coming-of-age, from a wealthy family, who smelled of cake, and possessed a valuable gold badge. Believing his clothes were pretentiously "last year's fashion," Shi Fa'ke offered to buy him a new outfit, irritating Lu Chi with her presumptuousness. As they left, Lu Chi noticed a familiar sweet scent on Shi Fa'ke, which she identified as the aroma of He's Bakery's desserts.
At the bakery, the scent triggered Lu Chi's childhood memories. He Kexian, He Ketian's brother, cautioned Shi Fa'ke against associating with the mysterious Lu Chi. Unconcerned, Shi Fa'ke invited both He Kexian and Lu Chi to her upcoming coming-of-age ceremony. Convinced she had found a match, Shi Fa'ke took Lu Chi to the Wu Mansion. There, they were met with a deception: the maid was posing as Miss Wu.
Lu Chi quickly exposed the ruse, noting the "maid's" rough hands and the "daughter's" submissive behavior. Furious, Shi Fa'ke threatened to blacklist the Wu family. Lu Chi, however, pointed out that the real Miss Wu did not resemble the girl he sought and accused Shi Fa'ke of misleading him into a blind date. Shi Fa'ke retorted that she had followed his description and admonished him for his perceived pretentiousness.
When Lu Chi calmly agreed with her lecture, she grew furious at his composure and again threatened to blacklist him. Now serious, Lu Chi apologized and asked for her help in meeting her mother on a private matter. Appeased, Shi Fa'ke agreed, on the condition that he draw a portrait of the deceptive Miss Wu to warn other matchmakers, adding that he could meet her mother at her coming-of-age ceremony.
Later, Lu Chi tasked his subordinate, Lu Yi, with investigating the Weiyuan Escort Agency and instructed Ms. Li to purchase property next to Shi Fa'ke's residence to get closer to Chief Matchmaker Tao. As Lu Chi sketched the eyes of the girl from his memory, Lu Yi noted their familiarity. That night, Lu Chi delivered the finished portrait to Shi Fa'ke's home and asked if she had ever met him when they were children.
Before she could answer, her two older brothers arrived, and a flustered Shi Fa'ke rushed off. The next day, at the Official Matchmaking Agency, Shi Fa'ke defended herself against the Wu family's complaint by presenting Lu Chi's portrait as evidence of their deception, impressing her mother. However, Chief Matchmaker Tao warned her she would lose her allowance if she failed to meet her quota.
Elsewhere, Marquis Wu'an learned that a painting secretly sold by the Grand Tutor had been purchased by He Ketian. On the day of Shi Fa'ke's coming-of-age ceremony, He Kexian prepared a special gift of handmade pastries. Shi Fa'ke confided in her cousin, Shi Qin'er, that she was waiting for a "beggar boy" she had promised to marry as a child and needed her "No.1 Matchmaker" badge to recognize him.
Guests arrived with lavish gifts: Shi Qin'er brought a limited-edition novel, He Ketian presented the "Having Equal Status in Marriage" painting, and Ms. Li offered a lifetime discount and unlimited credit at Xibao Pavilion on behalf of its lord. Lu Chi's arrival drew suspicion from Shi Fa'ke's father and brothers, especially after he introduced himself as a new neighbor whom Shi Fa'ke had taken on a blind date.
When He Kexian presented his pastries and wished her happiness, Shi Fa'ke reiterated her commitment to her career and her decade-old promise to the beggar boy, stating she could not consider marriage until she fulfilled her vow. She then excused herself to fix her makeup.
Episode 2 Recap
Lu Chi arrived at the Shi residence seeking an introduction to Chief Matchmaker Tao. Shi Fa'ke, also known as Ke, mistakenly believed Lu Chi wanted her mother to arrange a marriage for him and offered to handle the match herself, boasting that after her coming-of-age ceremony that day, she would inherit the title of the No.1 matchmaker in the world.
However, Lu Chi insisted on speaking directly with Chief Matchmaker Tao for his "main business," which disappointed Ke and caused her to act coldly toward him. During Ke's coming-of-age ceremony, Lu Chi noticed an ornament hanging near her family's ancestral tablets, recognizing it as the token from their childhood encounter. Immediately after Ke completed the rites and inherited the Matchmaker Gold Badge from her mother, officers from the Military Headquarters arrived.
They apprehended Chief Matchmaker Tao, accusing her of using her position and the betrothal gifts stored at the agency to hide stolen goods. Ke's two brothers, Xianxian and Chongshan, were also arrested, and the house was thoroughly searched. In the ensuing chaos, Lu Chi intervened to protect Ke and inadvertently caused the "No.1 Matchmaker in the World" plaque, a gift from the late emperor, to be damaged.
To prevent further harm to her family, Chief Matchmaker Tao agreed to go with the officers, but not before earnestly reminding Ke to uphold the honor of their family's esteemed reputation. After the officers left, He Kexian and his sister Tian comforted a distraught Ke. She quickly composed herself, realizing that with the men of her family taken, it was up to her to revive their family's prestige.
Seeing the Shi family's sudden misfortune, guests who had come to celebrate shamefully took back their gifts. Soon after, more officers arrived to seal the mansion. As Ke desperately searched for the Matchmaker Gold Badge her mother had just given her, Lu Chi, who had secured it during the commotion, returned it to her. After parting ways with Ke, Lu Chi questioned his subordinate, Lu Yi, about the arrests.
He learned that the butler of Marquis Wu'an's Mansion had previously asked Chief Matchmaker Tao to arrange a marriage for Young Master Qi of Weiyuan Escort Agency, but she had refused, deeming it an unsuitable match. Lu Yi also confirmed that General Li Ang of the Military Headquarters and Marquis Wu'an were close relatives. Realizing the connection, Lu Chi understood that he needed to remove the evidence linking the Qi family to the case.
Later that night, he covertly infiltrated the Official Matchmaking Agency and retrieved the sealed evidence. Upon learning that the crucial evidence was missing, Marquis Wu'an was furious. He knew they could not indefinitely detain the Shi family, especially with Lord Zheng of the magistrate's office persistently demanding their release. Marquis Wu'an decided to release Ke's two brothers to Lord Zheng but kept her parents imprisoned until Qi Shaoheng's marriage was settled.
Under the Marquis's instructions, Marriage Broker Deng was appointed as the new Chief Matchmaker, with her first task being to arrange a marriage between the Grand Tutor's daughter and Qi Shaoheng, a man notorious for stubbornly refusing all matches. Meanwhile, Lu Chi discreetly followed Qi Shaoheng and observed him at Liu's Teahouse, noting his unusually close connection with a lady there named Liu Luan'er.
Ke and Tian arranged a gathering with the Heiresses' Society, hoping to solicit help, but none of the members attended. Determined, Ke personally visited her long-time friend Zhu Yanyan, only to be turned away at the door. At this low point, Lu Chi appeared, offering his assistance and claiming to have connections within the Military Headquarters. Ke, skeptical of an outsider's ability to influence such a powerful entity, initially dismissed his offer.
However, Lu Chi proved his words by arranging for Ke to visit her parents in prison. During the visit, Ke was relieved to find her parents unharmed. She learned that her brothers had been released into the custody of the magistrate's office, thanks to Lord Zheng's intervention, which she attributed to He Kexian's efforts. Her mother sternly warned Ke not to investigate the case, fearing it would provoke their powerful, unknown accuser and put her in danger.
Instead, she urged Ke to focus on retaining her position as an official matchmaker to preserve their family's honor. Connecting the prison guard's whispers about missing evidence with Lu Chi's timely help, Ke deduced he was responsible. Later, Lu Chi suggested that if she could get the Qi family to intercede on her parents' behalf, the authorities would have no reason to hold them.
He proposed that Ke offer to arrange a marriage for Qi Shaoheng in exchange for their help. Seeing a path to save her parents while fulfilling her mother's wish, Ke decided to take on the challenging case. When Marriage Broker Deng formally assumed her role as Chief Matchmaker, she immediately tried to dismiss Ke. Seizing the moment, Ke proposed taking on Qi Shaoheng's difficult matchmaking case as a condition for keeping her job.
Deng refused, but Ke cleverly leveraged the situation by presenting an imperial jade bracelet—a priceless gift from the late emperor to her mother—and threatening to make a scene over the potential damage to an imperial gift. This maneuver, combined with her pleas, compelled Deng to reluctantly allow Ke to stay, on the condition that she successfully complete a matchmaking case within one month. As Ke emerged from the agency, Lu Chi was waiting outside, ready to show her something interesting.
Episode 3 Recap
Marriage Broker Deng arrived at the Qi family residence, attempting to formalize a matchmaking contract for Qi Shaoheng. However, Qi Shaoheng confronted her, accusing her of using deceptive words to trick his mother into signing the agreement.
He then snatched and tore up the contract, threatening her never to set foot in his home again and warning that anyone from the Official Matchmaking Agency who dared to return would face consequences similar to a previous individual who had their leg broken.
Observing this volatile interaction, Lu Chi suggested to Shi Fa'ke that this presented a perfect opportunity for her to secure the Qi family’s matchmaking case, especially since Qi Shaoheng seemed desperate to avoid marriage yet was pressured to do so by his mother. Lu Chi assured Shi Fa'ke that she needn't fear Qi Shaoheng’s temperament, as he was more than capable of protecting her. Convinced, Shi Fa'ke decided they should personally visit Mrs. Qi.
Upon their arrival at the Qi residence, Shi Fa'ke was informed by Mrs. Qi that a contract had already been signed with Marriage Broker Deng. Due to Shi Fa'ke's own family's ongoing legal entanglement with the Qi family, Mrs. Qi was reluctant to engage her services. Just then, Marriage Broker Deng reappeared, infuriated that Qi Shaoheng had torn up her contract.
She immediately tried to assert her authority as chief matchmaker, ordering Shi Fa'ke, as the daughter of the "guilty Tao family," to leave. Shi Fa'ke countered by suggesting that Deng's older perspective might not align with Qi Shaoheng's preferences, proposing instead that her younger, fresher approach might resonate better with him. She emphasized her youth, extensive connections to eligible young ladies, and ability to communicate effectively.
Mrs. Qi, acknowledging her son’s stubborn nature and Deng's previous failure, decided to give both matchmakers a chance. She proposed that they both go and speak with Qi Shaoheng in person; whoever successfully persuaded him to accept their matchmaking services would receive the payment. Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke proceeded to Liu's Teahouse.
Shi Fa'ke, with keen observation, noticed that a street vendor who sold candied hawthorn to Liu Luan'er had a suspicious change in his limp: it was on his right leg yesterday when talking to Qi Shaoheng, but on his left today, confirming a deception. Inside, they overheard widespread rumors about Qi Shaoheng’s violent and unruly nature. Shi Fa'ke wondered if Marriage Broker Deng was behind these rumors, but Lu Chi cautioned against jumping to conclusions.
Moments later, Qi Shaoheng himself entered the teahouse. Shi Fa'ke approached him, introducing herself as a matchmaker commissioned by his mother. In response, Qi Shaoheng deliberately splashed water on her. Lu Chi immediately stepped in to shield Shi Fa'ke and confronted Qi Shaoheng, leading to a tense, silent struggle between the two men until Shi Fa'ke and Liu Luan'er intervened to pull them apart.
Qi Shaoheng brazenly admitted he had orchestrated the rumors about his own violent temper and that he had paid for their spread, even implicating Lu Chi in a fabricated scandal. He revealed that he had enlisted a former male colleague from the Official Matchmaking Agency, who pretended to have a broken leg, to help him spread these stories.
Shi Fa'ke fiercely rebuked him for dragging Lu Chi into his schemes and for tainting his reputation, also accusing Qi Shaoheng of having a hidden love interest. Qi Shaoheng, in turn, challenged Shi Fa'ke by demanding that she first "witness a marriage" for his "sister" Xiao Hei and her "fiancé" Da Hei, whom he described with absurdly long legs, implying they were horses.
He declared that if she successfully performed this "horse marriage," he would then entrust his own marriage case to her. The surrounding crowd, enraged by Qi Shaoheng's behavior, began pelting him with eggs. Marriage Broker Deng then appeared, dispersing the crowd and attempting to leverage the chaos to convince Qi Shaoheng to hand his marriage over to her.
To everyone’s astonishment, Shi Fa'ke accepted Qi Shaoheng's bizarre request, arguing that love and companionship extended beyond humans and that she had no right to refuse a task entrusted to her if it caused no harm. Impressed by her resolve, Qi Shaoheng agreed to temporarily entrust his marriage to her. Shi Fa'ke meticulously conducted the "horse marriage" ceremony for Xiao Hei and Da Hei.
During the ceremony, she subtly yet pointedly questioned Qi Shaoheng about the importance of the client's wishes versus parental preferences in marriage, drawing a clear parallel between his horses having no say in their "union" and his own mother's efforts to arrange his marriage without considering his feelings. She challenged his integrity, asking what kind of woman would trust a man who was so inconsistent.
Moved by her words, Qi Shaoheng finally and officially entrusted his marriage case to Shi Fa'ke, making her promise not to sacrifice his preferences for his mother's desires or societal expectations. As they were about to formalize their agreement, Marriage Broker Deng burst in, accusing Shi Fa'ke of recklessly conducting matches and damaging the Official Matchmaking Agency's reputation, especially given her mother's unresolved legal issues.
Lu Chi intervened, declaring that the final decision regarding Qi Shaoheng’s marriage should ultimately rest with Qi Shaoheng himself. He then brought Qi Shaoheng out to make his choice between the two matchmakers. Deng continued to badmouth Shi Fa'ke, bringing up her mother's alleged involvement in robbing the Qi family and accusing Shi Fa'ke of instigating Qi Shaoheng to ruin his family's name and performing the absurd horse marriage.
Mrs. Qi, while eager for her son to marry, expressed concerns about the family's reputation. Qi Shaoheng, still playing coy, proposed that both matchmakers search for suitable partners for him, and he and his mother would then personally review the candidates, deciding who could find him a truly compatible match. As Shi Fa'ke was leaving the Weiyuan Escort Agency, she encountered her two elder brothers, who were greatly relieved to see her safe.
Shi Fa'ke attempted to introduce Lu Chi to her brothers, but Lu Chi discreetly slipped away, explaining that as an "outsider," it was appropriate for him to leave when her family arrived. Shi Fa'ke then led Lu Chi to a secret room in her family home, which she dramatically presented as her family's most precious "treasure." To Lu Chi's surprise, the room was filled with meticulously compiled marriage prospectuses of wealthy young women from across the capital.
Shi Fa'ke, wanting to practice her matchmaking skills, attempted to find a suitable bride for Lu Chi, much to his dismay. He insisted he was too young for marriage and not interested. Shortly after, Shi Fa'ke's two elder brothers arrived at the secret room. Lu Chi, needing to escape, prompted Shi Fa'ke to use the excuse of the room's official seal and the potential harm to their family reputation to create a diversion, allowing himself to leave discreetly.
Meanwhile, Lu Chi learned from a deliveryman returning from the Prime Minister's residence that Zhu Yanyan, Shi Fa'ke's close friend, was not unwilling to see her but was, in fact, being held under house arrest by her stepmother. This news brought Lu Chi great relief for Shi Fa'ke, as it meant her friend hadn't betrayed her.
Lu Chi also realized that the push to marry the Grand Tutor's daughter to Qi Shaoheng was a scheme to gain control over the Qi family and its escort agency. He decided to postpone revealing a "ten-year contract" to Shi Fa'ke until her family’s legal issues were fully resolved. Shi Fa'ke found it increasingly difficult to find any young women willing to meet Qi Shaoheng, as Marriage Broker Deng had actively interfered.
Lu Chi, however, informed her of Zhu Yanyan's predicament, which greatly uplifted Shi Fa'ke. With the support of Ms. Li, the manager of Xibao Pavilion, who promised to hold Deng at bay, Shi Fa'ke proceeded to bring a young lady to meet Qi Shaoheng and Mrs. Qi. At Xibao Pavilion, Deng presented Miss Wang, the Grand Tutor's daughter.
However, Miss Wang quickly revealed a volatile disposition by throwing a fit over a stained dress, disappointing Mrs. Qi and prompting Qi Shaoheng to remark that he disliked ill-tempered women. Shi Fa'ke then introduced Miss Song, a young lady from an ordinary family but praised for her inner beauty and virtuous character. Although Mrs. Qi initially dismissed Miss Song due to her humble background, Shi Fa'ke eloquently argued that good character was far more crucial than social standing.
While Qi Shaoheng found Shi Fa'ke's arguments "pleasant to hear," he declined Miss Song but told Shi Fa'ke to keep looking. Frustrated, Shi Fa'ke expressed to Lu Chi her suspicion that Qi Shaoheng was simply toying with her, but Lu Chi suggested there might be more to his behavior and offered to buy her candied hawthorn to lift her spirits.
Episode 4 Recap
Shi Fa'ke, frustrated with Qi Shaoheng's apparent lack of commitment to marriage, suspected he was merely toying with her. Lu Chi, accompanying her, suggested otherwise. After Shi Fa'ke decided to eat candied haws to ease her anger, they set off. Along the way, Shi Fa'ke noticed a familiar, refreshing tea scent, similar to the incense Qi Shaoheng had used, and Lu Chi confirmed he also detected it. Their curiosity led them to Liu's Teahouse.
Inside, they observed Qi Shaoheng warmly interacting with a young woman named Liu Luan'er. Liu Luan'er then approached them, offering tea. Lu Chi's composure intrigued Shi Fa'ke, and he explained that with enough information, answers could always be deduced. Shi Fa'ke quickly realized the truth: Qi Shaoheng and Liu Luan'er shared a deep, unspoken understanding, evident in their exchange of candied haws.
She concluded that Liu Luan'er's humble background as a teahouse owner meant she was not a suitable match for the noble Qi family, and Qi Shaoheng was likely delaying his marriage because of her. Lu Chi agreed with Shi Fa'ke's insight, which pleased her as he rarely offered such direct affirmation. Liu Luan'er soon left to fetch water, giving Shi Fa'ke an opportunity to subtly approach her.
Shi Fa'ke probed about the candied haws Qi Shaoheng had given her, causing Liu Luan'er to deny any romantic involvement. Shi Fa'ke then implied she would arrange a new marriage for Qi Shaoheng, prompting Liu Luan'er to finally admit she did not want him to marry anyone else. Shi Fa'ke then invited Liu Luan'er for a private chat, promising to help her solve her problems.
Liu Luan'er confided that she and Qi Shaoheng had known each other since childhood, as her family's tea stall was on land leased from the Qi family, and Qi Shaoheng had even waived their rent once he began managing family affairs. She expressed concern that Mrs. Qi would never approve of her, given her humble background, and her reluctance to ruin Qi Shaoheng's reputation. She had even considered ending their relationship to avoid dragging him down.
Shi Fa'ke strongly disagreed, insisting that true lovers should not be separated. She vowed to find a solution to ensure their union. She explained that since Mrs. Qi desired a daughter-in-law from a noble family, they would create the illusion that Liu Luan'er was one. Shi Fa'ke asked Lu Chi to accompany her, but he refused, stating the matter was best kept secret from Ms. Deng, who could ruin everything.
Lu Chi, however, followed her, claiming his love for "rubbernecking" and that he found "drama" around Shi Fa'ke. Their banter about the phrase "a match made in heaven" led them back to the serious discussion. Shi Fa'ke then questioned Liu Luan'er about her tea-serving etiquette, subtly correcting her on the proper way for a young lady to serve elders in noble households. She reassured Liu Luan'er that while these were mere formalities, they were crucial for meeting Mrs. Qi.
Shi Fa'ke planned to leverage Liu Luan'er's strong tea-making skills and add refined etiquette to convince Mrs. Qi that she was a noble lady, promising Mrs. Qi would be satisfied. Liu Luan'er, determined for Shaoheng's sake, agreed to learn. Shi Fa'ke then instructed Ms. Li, a proprietor, to help Liu Luan'er select suitable outfits, leaving Lu Chi pondering Shi Fa'ke's unusual methods. Lu Chi revealed he would share a secret with her once she completed this matchmaking case.
Shi Fa'ke felt something was still missing: a respectable father figure for Liu Luan'er. Lu Chi initially balked at the idea of deception, emphasizing the importance of integrity for matchmakers. Shi Fa'ke then revealed her true motivation for such elaborate schemes: to rescue her parents from prison, highlighting her difficult position in the Official Matchmaking Agency. She pleaded with Lu Chi for his help, and after some hesitation, he agreed to assist.
Meanwhile, Ms. Deng, aware of Qi Shaoheng's true affections and his refusal to marry the Grand Tutor's daughter, vowed to thwart Shi Fa'ke's plan to unite him with Liu Luan'er. She saw Shi Fa'ke's actions as a personal affront and was connected to the Marquis Wu'an, who ordered her to manage Qi Shaoheng.
Shi Fa'ke arranged a meeting with Mrs. Qi under the guise of a business opportunity, inviting her to meet Liu Luan'er as a potential client for her escort agency to transport valuable items. During the meeting, Mrs. Qi was impressed by Liu Luan'er's beauty and tea skills, but she also felt a strong sense of familiarity with her.
Shi Fa'ke fabricated a story about Liu Luan'er being a noble lady who had come of age but was not yet engaged, suggesting that if she married in the capital, her father could sell his property and reunite with her. She even planned for the fake father to "disappear" after encountering "bandits." Unbeknownst to Shi Fa'ke, Ms. Deng had already discovered her scheme.
Ms. Deng cleverly summoned Liu Luan'er's real father to the very room where the meeting was taking place, under the pretense that Shi Fa'ke wanted to discuss his daughter's marriage. As Mrs. Qi, thoroughly pleased with Liu Luan'er, was about to agree to the marriage, Liu Luan'er's real father burst in, calling for his daughter. Mrs. Qi quickly recognized him and realized the elaborate deception.
Enraged, she confronted Liu Luan'er, who admitted her true identity as the daughter of the tea stall owner. Mrs. Qi accused her of treachery, despite the Qi family's past kindness of waiving their rent. Qi Shaoheng tried to intervene, taking responsibility for the scheme, but his mother dragged him home, locking him in his room and forbidding him from seeing the "tea girl." Liu Luan'er was devastated and apologized profusely, blaming herself and her father for the failure.
Shi Fa'ke also expressed regret, acknowledging her "bad idea" and carelessness. Despite the setback, Liu Luan'er found solace in having tried, expressing no regrets even if she couldn't marry Qi Shaoheng. Surprisingly, she harbored no resentment towards Mrs. Qi, praising her as a good mother who had raised a kind-hearted son.
Liu Luan'er even declared her willingness to sacrifice her life to protect Mrs. Qi, simply because she was the mother of the man she loved, understanding that Qi Shaoheng's sorrow would also bring her unhappiness. Undeterred, Shi Fa'ke conceived a new, risky plan: a "beauty saves the hero" scenario. She proposed that Lu Chi pretend to be a bandit and attack Mrs. Qi, allowing Liu Luan'er to bravely step in and save her, thus earning Mrs. Qi's favor.
Lu Chi was initially reluctant, citing his dignity, but Shi Fa'ke's desperate pleas and her earlier revelation about rescuing her parents softened him. He agreed to find some skilled individuals to impersonate bandits, but only if Shi Fa'ke promised him one thing in return, though he hadn't decided what it was yet. Liu Luan'er and her father also expressed their sincere willingness to help, feeling a debt of gratitude to the Qi family for their past kindness.
With the "bandits" secured, the next challenge was to lure Mrs. Qi out. Lu Chi took it upon himself to talk to Qi Shaoheng, who was still locked in his room by Mrs. Qi. Qi Shaoheng, desperate to marry Liu Luan'er, questioned Lu Chi's motives. Lu Chi explained he had grudges against certain individuals involved in smuggling government grain and that Qi Shaoheng, as Shi Fa'ke's client, was fortuitously involved.
He advised Qi Shaoheng to take his mother to Mount Jiugong for prayers, suggesting it might offer a glimmer of hope. Qi Shaoheng, trusting Lu Chi one last time, agreed to try to persuade his mother. The next day, Qi Shaoheng successfully took his mother to Mount Jiugong for prayers. On their way, they encountered a large group of masked bandits.
Shi Fa'ke, also present with Liu Luan'er, was surprised by the sheer number of assailants, realizing this was far beyond a mere act. Real, dangerous bandits had appeared, putting Mrs. Qi and Qi Shaoheng in grave danger, and even threatening Shi Fa'ke herself. Lu Chi was forced to genuinely intervene, engaging the real bandits in fierce combat.
Liu Luan'er, despite having no martial arts skills, bravely rushed into the fray and was quickly wounded, nearly killed by a bandit before Mrs. Qi surprisingly saved her. As Mrs. Qi comforted the injured Liu Luan'er, an attacker lunged at Mrs. Qi. Without hesitation, Liu Luan'er threw herself in front of Mrs. Qi, but Qi Shaoheng swiftly intervened, blocking the assailant.
Later, the Marquis Wu'an was informed of the failed assassination attempt, expressing surprise at the strength of Qi Shaoheng and the presence of a highly skilled man protecting Shi Fa'ke. He was furious at his subordinate's incompetence, stating that another attempt would be even harder now that the Qi family was on alert.
He was, however, pleased that Ms. Deng had become the Chief Matchmaker, seeing it as a way to control the marital alliances of all officials in the capital, which would greatly aid him. Meanwhile, Lu Chi, injured while protecting Shi Fa'ke, brought her to Xibao Pavilion for treatment, as she had fainted at the sight of his blood. In a daze, Shi Fa'ke dreamt of being assassinated and Lu Chi being killed, which startled her awake.
She immediately thought of Lu Chi's injury. He initially lied, claiming he was unharmed and that the blood was from the bandits. However, a staff member inadvertently revealed to Shi Fa'ke that Lu Chi was indeed gravely wounded but had concealed it to spare her distress. Learning of Lu Chi's selflessness, Shi Fa'ke was deeply moved and pondered how she could repay his kindness.
Episode 5 Recap
After witnessing Liu Luan'er risk her life to save her, Mrs. Qi recognized Luan'er's genuine affection for her son and finally consented to their marriage, to the couple's great joy. However, a guilt-ridden Luan'er confessed that she had hired actors to stage the robbery, a plan which went awry. Qi Shaoheng was puzzled, as he knew the assailants had been genuinely trying to kill them.
Mrs. Qi, shrewder than they realized, revealed she already knew the first four attackers were hired actors who fled, but the subsequent ones were real killers. She also correctly deduced that Shaoheng was complicit in the initial scheme. Despite the deception and the near-fatal incident, Mrs. Qi was now eager for the wedding to proceed and instructed Shaoheng to have Shi Fa'ke arrange everything as quickly as possible. As Shaoheng devotedly cared for Luan'er, Shi Fa'ke found Lu Chi.
Deeply moved that he had been injured while protecting her, she tended to his wound. Shaoheng later found them and playfully teased them for their closeness. Grateful for Shi Fa'ke's help, Shaoheng promised to go to the Military Headquarters to clear her parents' names, affirming that her family had not robbed his escort agency. Meanwhile, Lu Yi reported to Lu Chi with both good and bad news.
The good news was that Shi Fa'ke's parents, Tao Shi and her husband, would soon be released from prison. The bad news was that the Marquis Wu'an's painter, being pressured by court officials about marriage, had no interest in painting and had instructed Lu Chi to monitor the Marquis, who would likely target the Official Matchmaking Agency again. Lu Chi assured Shi Fa'ke, when she arrived, that he would keep a close watch on the agency.
Touched by all his help, Shi Fa'ke proposed they become sworn siblings, but Lu Chi gently declined, stating he didn't wish for a sister. Shi Fa'ke then shared her suspicion that Chief Matchmaker Deng, who had hastily stamped the wedding documents without review, harbored ulterior motives. Lu Chi promised to monitor her. As Shi Fa'ke was about to formally announce the betrothal, Mrs. Qi abruptly stopped her.
To everyone's surprise, it was not because she had changed her mind, but because of her impatience; she insisted the wedding happen the very next day. While the Qi family's betrothal gifts were lavish and ready, a new problem arose: Liu Luan'er's father, having spent his savings on medical treatment years ago, could only offer a small pouch of seven silver taels as a dowry.
A woman of integrity, Luan'er refused to fabricate a larger dowry, stating she only wanted Shaoheng's sincere heart. Troubled by the disparity, Shi Fa'ke snuck into her family's ancestral hall to seek guidance. Lu Chi found her there and, hearing her dilemma, offered a profound solution.
He suggested that if a man offers his sincere heart as a betrothal gift, then a woman's sincere heart in return, along with a lifetime of kindness and faithfulness, is the most perfectly matched dowry. Just as they were sharing this moment, Shi Fa'ke's parents unexpectedly returned home, forcing Lu Chi to depart swiftly.
Though released, Shi Fa'ke's parents were forced to sign a document at the Military Headquarters that labeled them as suspects under investigation, confining them to the capital. This meant Tao Shi could not reclaim her position as Chief Matchmaker. Proud of her daughter's accomplishments, Tao Shi entrusted Shi Fa'ke with the family's legacy and a special ceremonial robe, passing the torch and instructing her to officiate the wedding.
While preparing in her new robe, Lu Chi visited by climbing over the wall, complimenting her appearance. Before she could properly introduce him to her family, her two older brothers arrived. Seeing Lu Chi, they immediately assumed he was a scoundrel and forbade Shi Fa'ke from associating with him. Shi Fa'ke fiercely defended Lu Chi, listing how he had helped repair the ancestral hall, arranged the wedding, and saved her from danger while they were unable to help.
Chastened, the brothers apologized. At the wedding preparations, Shi Fa'ke distributed pastries from He's Bakery, claiming they were a gift from the bride to build goodwill for Luan'er. He Ketian, the baker's sister, tried to subtly matchmake her brother, He Kexian, with Shi Fa'ke. When Lu Chi arrived with Pan'er from Xibao Pavilion, he and the lovestruck Kexian immediately engaged in playful, competitive banter.
During the ceremony, Shi Fa'ke, officiating in her ceremonial robe, delivered Luan'er's message: she was returning all the lavish betrothal gifts, asking only for Qi Shaoheng's sincere heart. In return, she pledged her own sincere heart, a lifetime of kindness, and unwavering faithfulness. The guests lauded Mrs. Qi for gaining such a virtuous daughter-in-law.
After the rites, Shaoheng and Luan'er made an additional bow, not to their elders, but to Shi Fa'ke, publicly praising her integrity and for truly embodying the motto: "Be an honest matchmaker and achieve matchmaking with honesty." Later, at the celebration, a very drunk Shi Fa'ke found Lu Chi. She jealously questioned him about Pan'er, whose obedience she mistook for romantic affection.
To clear the air, Lu Chi revealed the simple truth: he was her boss, the Chief of Xibao Pavilion. Astonished to learn her neighbor was the "God of Wealth," Shi Fa'ke drunkenly declared her intention to share in his good fortune.
Episode 6 Recap
The morning after a night of heavy drinking, Shi Fa'ke woke up to find her makeup altered and could not recall the previous night's events. Her cousin found her and reminded her to attend to her duties promptly. Meanwhile, Marquis Wu'an sought the construction drawing of the imperial city, believing it to be with the Shen family, whose patriarch, Shen Chang, had designed the palace's secret tunnels.
To acquire this crucial map for military cooperation, the Marquis ordered his subordinate to have the Official Matchmaking Agency arrange a marriage for Shen Chang's unmarried daughter, Shen Tongyun. This task fell to Marriage Broker Deng, who was warned that failure would result in her replacement. Deng expressed concerns about Shen Tongyun's known preference for handsome men but was reminded that the marriage would be dictated by parental command and a matchmaker's words.
At Xibao Pavilion, Lu Chi's subordinate noted his unusually good mood. Before meeting his guests, Lu Chi reviewed a construction drawing of a turret containing a secret passage to the Forbidden Palace, which was built by Shen Chang, confirming the connection to the Marquis's objective. Upon hearing that an uninvited guest and Shi Fa'ke were visiting, Lu Chi instructed his staff to prioritize any news concerning "Ke" (Shi Fa'ke).
At the Official Matchmaking Agency, a colleague informed Shi Fa'ke that due to her success in Qi Shaoheng's case, she would be relegated to clerical tasks and no longer assigned new cases. Realizing she was being sidelined due to professional jealousy, Shi Fa'ke sought a way to retain her position. She learned from Marriage Broker Zhao that Deng was attempting to arrange a marriage for Shen Tongyun, the notoriously picky daughter of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.
Seizing the opportunity, Shi Fa'ke immediately found Shen Tongyun, who enthusiastically invited her into her carriage. Shen Tongyun confessed her deep affection for a certain gentleman and asked Shi Fa'ke to be her matchmaker. To Shi Fa'ke's dismay and jealousy, Shen Tongyun revealed the object of her affection was Lu Chi. Arriving at Xibao Pavilion, Shen Tongyun was delighted that Lu Chi was an acquaintance of Shi Fa'ke and urged her to arrange the proposal immediately.
When Lu Chi appeared, Shen Tongyun openly admired his appearance and declared her intent to marry him, asking Shi Fa'ke to convey her wishes. Realizing Shi Fa'ke had accepted the case, Lu Chi instructed his staff to escort Shen Tongyun out, stating Xibao Pavilion was too small to host her, but specifically asked Shi Fa'ke to remain. As an unwilling Shen Tongyun departed, she was immediately intercepted by Marriage Broker Deng.
Lu Chi pulled Shi Fa'ke aside, confronting her about accepting Shen Tongyun's case and subtly probing about her drunken behavior from the previous night. Shi Fa'ke evaded the topic of her intoxication. Pressed on why she took such a difficult case, she explained her desperation: with Deng blocking her from new cases and her mother unable to return to the agency, she felt immense pressure to uphold her family's reputation as the "No.1 matchmaker."
She saw Shen Tongyun as her only chance to prove herself. Lu Chi, however, simply stated that he did not like Shen Tongyun. With Lu Chi's clear rejection, Shi Fa'ke went to He's Bakery to enlist He Kexian as a replacement suitor. She feigned distress and tearfully manipulated him into agreeing to help. However, his sister, Ketian, saw through the ruse and angrily intervened, knowing her brother's affections lay with Shi Fa'ke.
She confronted Shi Fa'ke for trying to push her brother toward another woman and threatened to sever their friendship. Unbeknownst to Shi Fa'ke, Lu Chi was being watched by Marquis Wu'an. His subordinate reported that Shen Tongyun had met with Deng, expressing her unwavering desire for Lu Chi despite his lack of powerful connections, and that Deng had proposed an alternative, equally handsome match. The subordinate also relayed that Shi Fa'ke had been expelled from He's Bakery.
Lu Chi instructed him to investigate Shen Tongyun's associates but to leave Shi Fa'ke alone. Shortly after, Shi Fa'ke, already feeling betrayed by Shen Tongyun's secret meeting with Deng, saw Lu Chi staring in Shen Tongyun's direction. Misinterpreting this as affection, she grew jealous and twisted her ankle. Lu Chi approached to help, but her two older brothers arrived, forcefully taking their sister from his arms, carrying her away on their shoulders, and berating him as a stranger.
At home, Shi Fa'ke's protective father and brothers, convinced Lu Chi was a scoundrel, restricted her movements. To lift her spirits, they offered a fun outing and Shi Fa'ke suggested inviting Lu Chi so her brothers could apologize. They warily agreed, secretly planning to keep a close watch.
Meanwhile, Lu Chi, aware of the Shi family's protectiveness and the Marquis's investigation, instructed his subordinate, Lu Yi, to acquire all the shops in Ping'an Alley and transform them into a grand snack street, certain it would attract Shi Fa'ke. Shi Fa'ke was delighted by the new snack street. Though her brothers claimed Lu Chi had declined their invitation, he soon appeared at a noodle stall.
Her brothers, Shi Chongshan and Shi Huai, began aggressively eating from Shi Fa'ke's and Lu Chi's bowls. In response, Lu Chi ordered many more bowls of noodles, overfilling the brothers until they feigned stomachaches and left. After they departed, Lu Chi suddenly collapsed, having been poisoned by Shi Chongshan. Shi Fa'ke brought him to her home to care for him.
As her father disparaged Lu Chi, Shi Fa'ke defended him, revealing how he had managed their ancestral hall and bribed jailers to ease their imprisonment, stopping just short of mentioning he had taken a knife for her. Soon after, her mother caught Shi Chongshan secretly observing Lu Chi, and the truth came out: the father and sons had used a knockout drug on Lu Chi. Furious, their mother ordered them to care for him and apologize sincerely.
Despite their protests that it was improper for an unmarried woman to nurse a man, Shi Fa'ke insisted on personally tending to Lu Chi, threatening to never speak to them again if any harm came to him. While she diligently nursed the secretly-awake Lu Chi, who was merely feigning unconsciousness, her father and brothers eventually came to apologize and take over his care. Lu Chi then revealed he was awake, surprising the family, who promptly sought to escort him home.
Episode 7 Recap
Following up on the previous episode, Shi Fa'ke's two older brothers and their father attempted to send Lu Chi home, but Lu Chi feigned a severe headache and immediately returned to bed. Shi Fa'ke, concerned for Lu Chi, insisted that no one was to take him away, explaining he was injured while saving her and she intended to care for him until his recovery. She spent the entire night at his bedside.
The following morning, as Shi Fa'ke dozed off, Lu Chi awoke and embraced her, calling her "Wifey." Her father and brothers, who had also been keeping watch, immediately pulled her away upon seeing this. Lu Chi, feigning memory loss, insisted that Shi Fa'ke was his "Wifey" and even addressed her father as his "future father-in-law." Despite her father's outrage, Lu Chi maintained his pretense, declaring that Shi Fa'ke had come of age and he intended to marry her.
Believing Lu Chi to be genuinely suffering from amnesia, Shi Fa'ke explained to her family that the doctor had mentioned potential brain damage and memory loss. She swiftly led Lu Chi away, leaving her father and brothers to watch them depart, with her father urging calm for the sake of Shi Fa'ke's career.
Meanwhile, Marquis Wu'an was informed by his subordinate that Marriage Broker Deng had presented eligible bachelors' Information Cards to the Shen family for Shen Tongyun, but her father, Shen Chang, insisted his daughter must approve. His subordinate further revealed that Shen Tongyun, known for her love of handsome men, had become infatuated with Lu Chi, who was actually the Chief of Xibao Pavilion.
The subordinate added that Lu Chi had been poisoned recently and was currently recovering at Shi Fa'ke's residence, suggesting he would no longer interfere with their plans. Delighted by this turn of events, Marquis Wu'an decided to disregard Lu Chi and, leveraging Shen Tongyun's preference for attractive men, proposed introducing his nephew, Li Ang, a gallant general from the Military Headquarters, to her.
As Lu Chi remained inseparable from Shi Fa'ke, she had no choice but to bring him along to the Official Matchmaking Agency. There, Chief Matchmaker Deng immediately confronted Shi Fa'ke, criticizing her for bringing "idle people" inside. Shi Fa'ke clarified that Lu Chi was her client, explaining that Miss Shen Tongyun had personally chosen him as her intended husband.
Deng scoffed at this, claiming Shen Tongyun had already complained about Shi Fa'ke's incompetence and had now entrusted her with the matchmaking case. When Deng grabbed Shi Fa'ke's arm, Lu Chi intervened, warning that he would make anyone who bullied his "Wifey" pay. Shi Fa'ke, still playing along with Lu Chi's feigned amnesia, tried to explain his condition to Deng and another matchmaker, Zhao.
Zhao mused that given Lu Chi's handsome looks and protective nature, marrying him wouldn't be a bad arrangement for Shi Fa'ke. Reasserting her authority, Deng ordered Shi Fa'ke to organize documents for a suitor she had found for Shen Tongyun. Undeterred, Shi Fa'ke insisted she would only believe it from Shen Tongyun herself and proposed a competition for the case.
Lu Chi led Shi Fa'ke to a small painting shop, expressing his preference for its unique "character" over the more renowned Xibao Pavilion. There, they unexpectedly encountered Shen Tongyun, who was dismayed to see them together and accused Shi Fa'ke of trying to "steal" Lu Chi while he was in a confused state. Shi Fa'ke clarified her intentions and learned that Shen Tongyun had not yet committed to any suitor Deng proposed.
Shen Tongyun then offered to have her own marriage case handled by Shi Fa'ke if she would allow her to take Lu Chi home and care for him. Shi Fa'ke hesitated, but Lu Chi directly refused Shen Tongyun, stating he did not have feelings for her. Frustrated, Shen Tongyun declared she would seek another suitor through Deng. Shi Fa'ke, surprisingly pleased by Lu Chi's rejection, immediately worried about Deng successfully arranging Shen Tongyun's marriage.
That evening, Shi Fa'ke's two brothers conspired to drug Lu Chi to separate him from their sister. Her second brother, Shi Chongshan, brought Lu Chi a supposed "brain-boosting tonic," but Lu Chi saw through the ploy and tricked Chongshan into drinking the knockout drug himself. When Shi Fa'ke's eldest brother arrived, he found Chongshan unconscious and realized Lu Chi had outsmarted them and was not suffering from amnesia.
Lu Chi warned him to take Chongshan away quietly, which he reluctantly did. Afterwards, Lu Chi asked Shi Fa'ke to stay with him, and they played a game with paper cranes until she fell asleep. He gently moved her to her bed and watched over her all night without crossing any boundaries. The following morning, Shi Fa'ke awoke to find him still by her bedside.
Lu Chi embraced her, calling her "Wifey" and leaving her flustered but with a subtle sense of excitement. Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke returned to the painting shop and found Shen Tongyun with Scholar Wang. Observing their easy rapport, Lu Chi recognized a genuine connection. He deliberately began to disparage Shen Tongyun's reputation for chasing handsome men, provoking Scholar Wang to defend her honor.
Shi Fa'ke then revealed her identity as a matchmaker and encouraged the self-doubting Scholar Wang to pursue Shen Tongyun, pointing out their shared history and interests. Inspired, Scholar Wang asked Shi Fa'ke to propose on his behalf, offering a painting as a betrothal gift. As they approached Shen Tongyun's mansion, Shi Fa'ke insisted Lu Chi wait nearby to avoid complications.
At the mansion, Scholar Wang presented a painting that evoked a childhood memory, humbly likening himself to a "common carp" unworthy of her. Shi Fa'ke used the painting as an analogy, suggesting that Shen Tongyun was overlooking the "carp" she already had in her possession while chasing an illusion. Before Shen Tongyun could respond, her maid announced the arrival of Chief Matchmaker Deng and General Li Ang.
Shen Tongyun was instantly captivated by Li Ang's appearance, declaring him her "future husband." Li Ang arrogantly dismissed Scholar Wang's painting as "crude," causing Wang to feel inferior. Despite Shi Fa'ke's plea for Shen Tongyun to value a deeper connection over fading looks, Shen Tongyun asked them to leave. Meanwhile, Lu Chi was speaking with his subordinate Lu Yi when Shi Fa'ke's brothers passed by, loudly accusing Lu Chi of faking his amnesia.
Shi Fa'ke overheard this and confronted Lu Chi, who admitted his deception. He confessed that while he had been poisoned, the effect was not severe, and he remembered everything. He then promised to help Shi Fa'ke resolve the complex situation with Li Ang and Shen Tongyun's marriage if she would forgive him. Shi Fa'ke stated she would only consider forgiveness after the case was successfully resolved.
Back at the mansion, Deng proposed exchanging Information Cards the next day, but Shen Tongyun hesitated, stating she needed more time to get to know Li Ang. Outside, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi saw Li Ang depart, confirming the marriage was not yet set. Lu Chi then overheard Deng telling Li Ang she would arrange their next meeting at the Carefree Restaurant, a place Shen Tongyun frequented, which was near Scholar Wang's shop.
Realizing this was another chance, Shi Fa'ke resolved to help Scholar Wang. At the Carefree Restaurant, Shi Fa'ke and Scholar Wang joined Deng, Li Ang, and Shen Tongyun. During their conversation, Li Ang was exposed as ignorant about art, while Scholar Wang displayed a profound understanding. When a waiter spilled tea on Li Ang, he reacted with annoyance, whereas Scholar Wang showed compassion.
Despite this, Shen Tongyun, swayed by appearances, declared herself "very pleased" with Li Ang and agreed to Deng's proposal to exchange betrothal documents the next day. As Deng gloated, a worried Shi Fa'ke reported the failure to Lu Chi. He reassured her, instructing her to bring Shen Tongyun back to "watch a show," promising he would personally intervene to ensure their success.
Episode 8 Recap
Worried that her initial attempt to expose Li Ang's true nature had failed, Shi Fa'ke expressed her anxiety to Lu Chi about the impending delivery of the engagement card. Lu Chi reassured her, instructing her to intercept Shen Tongyun and bring her back to observe Li Ang, promising to handle the situation personally. Meanwhile, Wang Ren, believing Shen Tongyun was content, wished her happiness and departed, leaving her with a sense of quiet sadness.
Still unconvinced by Li Ang's facade, Shi Fa'ke stopped Shen Tongyun, questioning if she was truly unaware of the rumors about Li Ang's violent character. Having experienced public slander herself, Shen Tongyun dismissed the gossip, stating she only trusted what she saw. Shi Fa'ke countered that a genuinely gentle nature should be consistent, proposing they return to the private room to observe him once more.
She promised to abandon her efforts to find another suitor if Li Ang proved to be truly kind. To put Shi Fa'ke's mind at ease, Shen Tongyun agreed. As anticipated, Li Ang's composure crumbled after they left. He erupted in a furious tirade, denouncing both Shen Tongyun and the "penniless scholar" Wang Ren, revealing his contempt and admitting his earlier behavior was an act.
The matchmaker, Ms. Deng, tried to placate him, reminding him he could mistreat Shen Tongyun after their marriage and even offering to find him another wife. At that moment, Lu Chi, revealing himself as the new owner of the tea house, entered to "apologize" for a staff error by offering a bowl of soup noodles, which he then spilled on Li Ang's robe. Enraged, Li Ang immediately attacked him. Shi Fa'ke and Shen Tongyun reappeared, witnessing Li Ang's unbridled violence.
Seeing his true, volatile nature, Shen Tongyun unequivocally called off the engagement, declaring herself unworthy of him. When Ms. Deng accused them of a conspiracy, Shi Fa'ke openly admitted to orchestrating the revelation, arguing it was necessary because Li Ang and Ms. Deng had deceived Shen Tongyun by concealing his violent tendencies, which she deemed marriage fraud. In response, Li Ang scornfully dismissed Shen Tongyun, claiming he never intended to marry someone so "fickle and immoral."
Concerned, Shi Fa'ke checked on Lu Chi, who reassured her, reiterating his promise to ensure her success. With the deception exposed, Shi Fa'ke immediately suggested to Lu Chi that they approach Wang Ren, who was at a nearby painting shop, to seize the opportunity. Lu Chi agreed to help, though Shi Fa'ke maintained a professional distance. Outside, Wang Ren overheard several people slandering Shen Tongyun.
Infuriated, he bravely defended her right to pursue love and beauty, passionately declaring his unwavering willingness to marry her and give her a lifetime of happiness. Unbeknownst to him, Shen Tongyun heard his heartfelt declaration. Shi Fa'ke then spoke with Shen Tongyun and Wang Ren. She advised Shen Tongyun on the importance of inner beauty, highlighting how a kind heart offers lasting protection, a stark contrast to Li Ang's handsome yet cruel nature.
Shi Fa'ke encouraged a disheartened Wang Ren, reminding him that Shen Tongyun had continued to interact with him despite his modest appearance and had hesitated over previous prospects because of him, indicating his unique place in her heart. Shi Fa'ke then pledged to take Wang Ren to Shen's Mansion the next day to formally propose. On the day of the proposal, Shi Fa'ke was disappointed by Wang Ren's simple attire.
She personally took him to the Xibao Pavilion, known for its exquisite garments, where the Master instructed his staff to assist them free of charge. Acknowledging the need to present himself well, Wang Ren asked Shi Fa'ke to select his outfit. She chose an elegant ensemble and even applied pearl powder to refine his appearance.
During their visit, Lu Chi appeared, prompting Shi Fa'ke to playfully demand he stay "a few hundred miles" away from Shen's Mansion until the marriage was complete, lest he "steal the bride." At Shen's Mansion, Wang Ren presented Shen Tongyun with a beautiful painting by Mr. Gushan as a wedding gift and earnestly proposed, vowing a lifetime of love. Shi Fa'ke encouraged Shen Tongyun to accept this devoted man.
Deeply moved, Shen Tongyun not only accepted but also declared her desire for the wedding to take place in just three days, a decision both she and Wang Ren implored a surprised Shi Fa'ke to facilitate. The sudden request presented a formidable challenge. Feeling overwhelmed, Shi Fa'ke despaired. Lu Chi offered his help, but Shi Fa'ke, preoccupied with procuring over a thousand wedding cakes, initially insisted only He Kexian could manage such a feat.
She approached He Ketian, who firmly refused the impossible order. However, her brother, He Kexian, overrode her objections and bravely committed to the task. Witnessing this, Lu Chi volunteered to write the numerous wedding invitations. Impressed, Shi Fa'ke accepted, gathering her team to make the wedding a grand success. Later that night, Lu Chi visited Shi Fa'ke as she wrote invitations. She warned him that her brothers would beat him if they found him.
Just as he was leaving, her two brothers, Shi Xianxian and Shi Chongshan, discovered him. Chongshan immediately attacked, but Shi Fa'ke intervened, revealing that her brothers had drugged Lu Chi with knockout medicine, enabling his pretense of memory loss. She fiercely defended him, threatening to tell their mother, which caused her brothers to retreat. Shi Fa'ke then secretly instructed Lu Chi to keep his recovered memory a secret while she shielded him as her brothers escorted him out.
Three days later, Shi Fa'ke orchestrated a splendid wedding. During the reception, Shen Tongyun’s father, Lord Shen, bowed deeply to Shi Fa'ke, recalling how her mother had arranged his own marriage and commending her as a worthy successor. After the ceremony, a tearful Shen Tongyun thanked Shi Fa'ke, acknowledging she had learned to value genuine affection over superficial beauty. Shi Fa'ke, in turn, reaffirmed her conviction that true matchmaking is about helping people find sincere partners.
As guests toasted her, Lu Chi vigilantly kept Shi Fa'ke from drinking, knowing her low alcohol tolerance. The familiar scene sparked a forgotten memory for Shi Fa'ke of promises she had made to him. He offered to wait for her to fulfill her promise, and in return, she declared she would forgive him if he bought her street snacks for an entire month without repeating an item. They sealed the deal with a handshake.
Meanwhile, Marquis Wu'an was enraged that Li Ang's failed marriage had thwarted his plan to control the Imperial Cavalry Bureau. He dismissed his subordinate's suggestion of violence, explaining it would expose them. Instead, he planned to control whoever became the new Commander by arranging a strategic marriage for him through the Official Matchmaking Agency. Back home, Shi Fa'ke's mother praised her success, attributing it to her diligence.
Shi Fa'ke gave credit to Lu Chi, subtly noting her father and brothers had wronged him. Her mother agreed and instructed her to thank him properly. Dismayed, her father ordered his sons to monitor Shi Fa'ke and keep Lu Chi away. Shi Xianxian, the eldest, volunteered to take the lead. True to his word, Xianxian began his daily surveillance, accompanying Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi on their outing while on his street patrol.
He constantly intercepted the snacks Lu Chi offered Shi Fa'ke, eating them himself. Their stroll was interrupted by Shen Tongyun and Wang Ren. Observing Xianxian’s interference, Shen Tongyun created a diversion by loudly complimenting her husband's appearance to Xianxian and playfully pulling him away, leaving Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi alone. Seizing the chance, Lu Chi led Shi Fa'ke to the Flower House, known for its food and performances. They watched the renowned dancer, Hua Yuerong.
Shi Fa'ke playfully questioned Lu Chi's captivated gaze. He admitted the dancer was beautiful but quickly clarified that her smile lacked Shi Fa'ke's pure radiance and her dance lacked genuine emotion. They overheard patrons gossiping about Hua Yuerong’s relationship with Vice Commander Xu Ao. Shi Fa'ke defended Xu Ao, stating her mother had vouched for his upright character. Just then, an imperial decree was announced, promoting Xu Ao and reinforcing Shi Fa'ke's faith in his integrity and her mother's judgment.
Episode 9 Recap
Upon hearing gossip questioning a match her mother had made, Shi Fa'ke staunchly defended her mother's reputation, pointing to Xu Ao's success as proof of a flawless union. Her confidence soared when news arrived of Xu Ao's promotion. An imperial envoy soon declared Xu Ao the new Commander of the Imperial Cavalry Bureau, a position coveted by Marquis Wu'an. Xu Ao's wife, Liu Yingying, graciously rewarded the eunuch for the good news.
However, the joyous occasion was shattered when Liu Yingying unexpectedly demanded a divorce, leaving Xu Ao completely bewildered. Meanwhile, Marriage Broker Deng was instructed by an affiliate of Marquis Wu'an to arrange a marriage between Hua Yuerong, the Marquis's sworn sister, and Xu Ao. Initially hesitant because Xu Ao was married, Deng was delighted upon learning of Liu Yingying's divorce request.
She saw it as a perfect opportunity to tarnish Chief Matchmaker Tao's "No. 1 Matchmaker in the World" reputation by proving one of her matches had failed. The next day, Deng assigned the divorce case to a stunned Shi Fa'ke, who couldn't believe her mother's matchmaking could ever fail. Presented with a divorce agreement bearing Liu Yingying's fingerprint, and to prevent Deng from confronting her mother directly, Shi Fa'ke reluctantly took the case to uncover the truth.
Afterward, she ran into Lu Chi, but feeling embarrassed after having boasted about her mother's infallibility, she made an excuse and left. At home, she sought her mother's advice on divorce cases. Her mother wisely counseled that marriage is like a fragile paper that, once creased, is marked forever. She advised that if a couple's feelings have truly changed, it is better to let them part, as their happiness is more important than a matchmaker's reputation.
Investigating, Shi Fa'ke visited Liu Yingying and questioned why she would want a divorce when Xu Ao's career was flourishing. Liu Yingying confessed that Xu Ao was having an affair with Hua Yuerong, the manager of the Flower House, and that Hua had brazenly visited her, claiming to be pregnant with Xu Ao's child. Outside, Lu Chi waited for Shi Fa'ke, unknowingly followed by her protective brother, Shi Xianxian.
After hearing the details, Lu Chi suggested they visit the Flower House. Shi Xianxian's attempt to tag along was thwarted by a playful Li Pan'er, who flirtatiously detained him, much to her amusement and his flustered dismay. At the Flower House, unaware they were being manipulated as part of a larger scheme by Marquis Wu'an, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi saw Xu Ao and Hua Yuerong drinking together.
Mistaking this for an intimate moment, an enraged Shi Fa'ke confronted Xu Ao with the divorce papers. Xu Ao furiously refused to sign, tearing the agreement in half. Seeing the escalating situation, Lu Chi wisely pulled Shi Fa'ke away. Afterward, Lu Chi helped Shi Fa'ke analyze the scene, pointing out that the door was left open and Xu Ao's tone when dismissing Hua Yuerong was not that of a lover, suggesting the scene may have been staged.
That night, their suspicions grew as they watched Xu Ao scale the wall to enter his own home, only to climb back out. Following him to the Flower House, they overheard a stunning confession: Hua Yuerong admitted she had been coerced into seducing Xu Ao and feigning pregnancy to force the divorce. Xu Ao, who had just confirmed he secretly left a gift of rouge on his wife’s dressing table, was shocked to learn the true reason for her behavior.
Realizing the truth, Shi Fa'ke brought Liu Yingying to the Flower House. There, the couple tearfully reconciled, clearing up seven years of misunderstandings. Liu Yingying confessed her guilt over her inability to have children, while Xu Ao admitted he feared she had grown tired of his humble origins. He reassured her that his love was unconditional and they could adopt if they wished.
Hua Yuerong, assured of her safety by Lu Chi, revealed she was coerced by forces connected to Marquis Wu'an. Shi Fa'ke explained that she and Lu Chi had already uncovered Hua Yuerong's secret lover, Mr. Li, by tracing a matching twin lotus jade pendant, which convinced Hua Yuerong to cooperate. Lu Chi promised to ensure the safe passage of Hua Yuerong, Mr. Li, and their unborn child from the capital.
Later, Shi Fa'ke's mother, having overheard her daughter's earlier turmoil, expressed her pride that Shi Fa'ke had prioritized the couple's happiness over reputation. Lu Chi arrived with more good news, having found a skilled physician who could treat Liu Yingying's condition, and echoed that true love, like Xu Ao's, transcends the need for children.
Episode 10 Recap
Following Shi Fa'ke's diligent efforts to resolve a serious misunderstanding between Xu Ao and his wife, which resulted in his wife's pregnancy, Xu Ao arrived at the Official Matchmaking Agency to express his profound gratitude. He presented Shi Fa'ke with a large banner, hailing her as the "Little No.1 Matchmaker in the World" and predicting she would inherit the glory of her mother, the former "No.1 Matchmaker."
Chief Matchmaker Deng, present during the exchange, initially tried to take credit for Shi Fa'ke's success. However, after Xu Ao pointed out her earlier advice for divorce, Deng quickly accepted the banner on behalf of the agency, then rudely ordered it to be put away and sternly reprimanded the agency staff for their noisy behavior. Shi Fa'ke's reputation as a matchmaker spread rapidly, leading to a clamoring crowd outside the Official Matchmaking Agency, all eager to secure her services.
As she emerged, the eager throng surged forward. Lu Chi, trying to shield Shi Fa'ke from the crush, was inadvertently pushed, causing his lips to brush against hers. Flustered and blushing, Shi Fa'ke quickly fled the scene. Meanwhile, Marquis Wu'an was furious that his latest scheme had failed and that Hua Yuerong had disappeared, betraying him.
He decided to personally approach Prime Minister Zhu Bingquan to garner his support, believing that if Prime Minister Zhu sided with him, figures like Xu Ao would inevitably defect. The Marquis then ordered his subordinates to eliminate Lu Chi. Later, Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke escorted Hua Yuerong and Li Gongzi out of the city.
Before their departure, Hua Yuerong, a keen observer, expressed her heartfelt wish for Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke to be together, confidently declaring them a perfect match, despite Shi Fa'ke’s embarrassed denial. As Lu Chi tried to address the accidental kiss, revealing that it was a reflection of his true feelings, Shi Fa'ke quickly cut him off.
She claimed the kiss was an accident and insisted they pretend it never happened, stating that he still needed to find his "little sister." She then revealed her own long-standing engagement, emphasizing that they must maintain proper boundaries. Suddenly, masked assassins attacked. Lu Chi bravely fought to protect Shi Fa'ke, sustaining a severe poisonous wound in the process. Just as the situation grew dire, Lu Yi arrived with reinforcements, driving off the attackers.
Lu Yi noted his surprise that Lu Chi's formidable martial arts skills hadn't allowed him to evade the poisoned blade, while Shi Fa'ke blamed herself for Lu Chi's injury. Shi Fa'ke rushed Lu Chi back to Xibao Pavilion. Li Pan'er, aware of Lu Chi's deep affection for Shi Fa'ke, exaggerated the severity of his poisoning, claiming he needed constant, round-the-clock care.
Overhearing Shi Fa'ke's tearful apology and her vow to never see him again if he recovered, a barely conscious Lu Chi wondered aloud if the person she was engaged to was truly that important to her. In a separate development, Marquis Wu'an publicly intercepted Prime Minister Zhu Bingquan, attempting to propose marriage to his granddaughter. He candidly expressed his loneliness since his wife's passing and his desire to unite their families.
However, Prime Minister Zhu, insisting on his integrity and refusing private discussions, publicly rejected the proposal. He explained that his granddaughter was solely dedicated to her studies and completely unsuited for managing household affairs, much to the Marquis's fury, who branded him an "old fox." Shi Fa'ke, overwhelmed by guilt, avoided visiting Lu Chi, feeling she had no right to see him. Though his poison had mostly cleared, Lu Chi continued to appear pale.
Aware of Marquis Wu'an's continued threat, Lu Chi, despite his own injuries, secretly instructed Lu Yi to dispatch more men to discreetly follow and protect Shi Fa'ke at all times, stating he could not bear to put her in danger again. Back at the Official Matchmaking Agency, Chief Matchmaker Deng harshly criticized her staff for their lack of ambition, which she claimed had displeased higher authorities.
To fund the upcoming Flower Assembly, she declared she would withhold everyone's salaries, as they hadn't raised enough money. Shi Fa'ke, defending her colleagues, pointed out that her mother never faced such funding issues, implying Deng's incompetence. Deng then challenged Shi Fa'ke to personally raise the necessary funds, and Shi Fa'ke accepted. However, her attempts to secure additional contributions were met with resistance.
Shop owners, while respectful of Chief Matchmaker Tao, explicitly refused to donate more due to Deng's management, leaving Shi Fa'ke with only enough funds to cover her colleagues' salaries. Returning home, Shi Fa'ke sadly reflected on the glorious Flower Assemblies her mother used to host. Noticing her mother's despondent expression, which she attributed to her mother's inability to organize the event this year, Shi Fa'ke resolved to reclaim the hosting rights to make her mother happy.
She visited more shops, who expressed willingness to contribute more if the Shi family organized the event, but the total amount was still insufficient. Passing Xibao Pavilion, Shi Fa'ke was invited inside by Li Pan'er. Shi Fa'ke confessed her desire to host the Flower Assembly for her mother. Li Pan'er immediately offered Xibao Pavilion's full financial support, but Shi Fa'ke insisted she wasn't there for money and quickly left.
Pan'er promptly reported Shi Fa'ke's predicament to Lu Chi, who ordered his subordinates to prepare reserve funds and instructed Lu Yi to discreetly monitor Shi Fa'ke's difficulties. Desperate, Shi Fa'ke also sought help from her friends, He Ketian and her brother He Kexian. Though they warmly offered their support, she admitted the scale of the required funds was too great for them to cover.
Upon her return to the Official Matchmaking Agency, Shi Fa'ke was surprised to find Lu Chi there. Learning of the significant budget shortfall, he generously offered 10,000 taels. As a condition, Lu Chi proposed a competition to select the most capable organizer. Chief Matchmaker Deng protested, but Shi Fa'ke boldly accepted the challenge. On the day of the competition, gathered merchants listened as Shi Fa'ke presented her innovative proposal.
She promised contributing shops public recognition and inclusion on the agency's "Top Recommended List" for betrothal gifts, and offered naming rights to the highest investor. She then detailed her creative approach: young ladies would display illuminated lamps, and gentlemen would present themselves on stage. Ladies could show interest by keeping their lamps lit. Deng, however, condemned these ideas as improper, stressing the paramount importance of parental approval and traditional etiquette.
To resolve the impasse, Lu Chi proposed a vote among the shop owners, with their contribution amounts determining their voting power. He Kexian privately criticized Lu Chi for making things difficult for Shi Fa'ke, but Lu Chi maintained he was upholding fairness. As the merchants cast their votes, the results showed an exact tie between Shi Fa'ke and Chief Matchmaker Deng. The deciding vote now rested with Lu Chi.
Episode 11 Recap
After a tense vote, Shi Fa'ke and Marriage Broker Deng were tied, leaving Lu Chi's decision as the tie-breaker. Despite Marriage Broker Deng's assumption that Lu Chi would support her due to their previous closeness, Lu Chi cast all his votes for Shi Fa'ke, securing her victory in the bid to host the Flower Assembly. Marriage Broker Deng looked on in astonishment, while Shi Fa'ke realized Lu Chi had deliberately helped her.
Overjoyed, Shi Fa'ke returned home to share the news with her family. Her mother, Chief Matchmaker Tao, was immensely proud, expressing gratitude for her daughter's success in upholding the family tradition of hosting the Flower Assembly. Her siblings also celebrated her achievement. Later that night, Shi Fa'ke ventured out, hoping to thank Lu Chi. She stood by a wall, wondering if he was home, but heard no sound.
Believing he was absent, she confessed her true feelings aloud, expressing her deep gratitude for his help and apologizing for her earlier coldness. She admitted that her past reluctance to meet him stemmed from a childhood engagement that had never been fulfilled, and she was unsure how to navigate the situation. Unbeknownst to her, Lu Chi was on the other side of the wall, hearing every word.
After she finished speaking, Lu Chi, deeply touched by her confession, quietly asked if she could give him a chance to love her for a lifetime, as she considered him a "very good person." Meanwhile, the Marquis Wu'an was furious. His assassins had failed to eliminate Lu Chi, and Marriage Broker Deng had lost the Flower Assembly hosting rights to Shi Fa'ke. He berated Ms. Deng for her incompetence, threatening to strip her of her coveted Chief Matchmaker position.
Ms. Deng, desperate to retain the role she had dedicated her life to, pleaded with him not to remove her. The Marquis, still seething, vowed to let Shi Fa'ke host a "real spectacle" of a Flower Assembly, hinting at further malicious plans. Shi Fa'ke visited Xibao Pavilion to deliver VIP tickets for the Flower Assembly. Li Pan'er, the manager of Xibao Pavilion, directed Shi Fa'ke to Lu Chi, explaining that he was the decision-maker due to his substantial financial contribution.
Shi Fa'ke presented the tickets to Lu Chi, explaining that with so many participants, tickets were essential for engaging with the ladies on stage, and having everyone collect them from Xibao Pavilion would boost its popularity. Lu Chi agreed to instruct Ms. Li to manage the distribution. Shi Fa'ke then suggested that since Xibao Pavilion had provided substantial funds for the event, they should also oversee the financial accounts to ensure transparency and prevent corruption.
She proposed that marriage brokers could purchase necessary items and settle accounts directly with Xibao Pavilion, allowing them to verify market prices and quantities, thereby saving manpower and ensuring honesty. Lu Chi praised her foresight and agreed to spend a few days at the Official Matchmaking Agency to oversee the accounts. However, upon their arrival, Marriage Broker Deng protested, asserting that as Chief Matchmaker, all accounts should pass through her, hoping to gain illicit benefits.
Shi Fa'ke firmly rejected this, stating that Deng was unfamiliar with the Flower Assembly's accounts and that Xibao Pavilion would handle all verification to prevent any illicit gains. She then publicly informed all other colleagues that they could present their receipts to Xibao Pavilion for direct payment, effectively excluding Deng from the financial management of the Flower Assembly.
During her regular duties at the novel shop, Li Pan'er encountered a male customer who showed an unusual familiarity with Xibao Pavilion and a unique way of addressing Lu Chi. He even requested a rare tea called "Snow-Tipped Jade," known only to Lu Chi and Li Pan'er. Her suspicions were confirmed when she noticed his jade belt, a unique item made only for Lu Chi and his Deputy Chief.
Realizing she was speaking to Lu Zhuxi, Lu Chi's brother and the Deputy Chief, Li Pan'er questioned if Lu Chi knew of his unauthorized visit from the mountain. Lu Zhuxi admitted he hadn't informed his brother and was enjoying the capital's vibrancy. Soon after, Lu Chi arrived, and Lu Zhuxi, initially trying to avoid him, became curious about the "Flower Assembly." Li Pan'er explained it was a grand garden party for singles, sponsored by Xibao Pavilion.
Lu Zhuxi eagerly expressed his desire to attend, but Lu Chi sternly forbade him, ordering him to remain at Xibao Pavilion. Despite Lu Chi's command, Lu Zhuxi persistently insisted on going. With the Flower Assembly approaching and hands short, Shi Fa'ke sought assistance. The custom-made fragile glass lamps for the event arrived, and Shi Fa'ke consulted Lu Chi about finding a reliable person to help Li Pan'er transport them. Lu Chi suggested Shi Fa'ke's elder brother, Shi Xianxian.
Shi Fa'ke agreed, confident that her brother would readily help with the Flower Assembly. When Shi Fa'ke approached Shi Xianxian, he enthusiastically agreed to help Li Pan'er at Xibao Pavilion. During their work, Shi Xianxian accidentally bumped into Li Pan'er, their hands touching. He became flustered and ran away, which Li Pan'er found amusing. Their second brother, Shi Chongshan, also unexpectedly volunteered to help He Ketian at He's Bakery, causing their mother to question his sudden eagerness.
Shi Xianxian, eager to assist Li Pan'er, rushed off to bed, ready for the next day's tasks. Shi Fa'ke had noticed the growing affection between her elder brother, Shi Xianxian, and Li Pan'er. Later, she discussed this with Lu Chi, who admitted he had orchestrated opportunities for them. Shi Fa'ke then expressed her full support in helping them formalize their relationship. The conversation shifted to Shi Chongshan's recent odd behavior, as he was frequently visiting the He family.
Lu Chi suggested Shi Chongshan and He Ketian would make a good match, but Shi Fa'ke immediately disagreed, stating that He Ketian was already engaged and her commitment shouldn't be easily broken. Lu Chi challenged her, asking if He Ketian truly loved her fiancé or even knew him well, and whether the fiancé sincerely wished to marry her. Shi Fa'ke insisted that a promise was a promise and Ketian would never break an engagement for someone more suitable.
Lu Chi then turned the question on Shi Fa'ke, asking if she and her own fiancé understood and loved each other. Shi Fa'ke deftly avoided the question, refocusing on her responsibility to arrange Ketian's wedding and then her brothers' marriages, stating she would patiently wait for her own fiancé to fulfill their long-standing agreement.
She then redirected the conversation to the pressing matters of the Flower Assembly, inviting Lu Chi and Li Pan'er to a family banquet in honor of their ancestors and to express their gratitude. Lu Chi readily accepted, promising to bring gifts. At the Shi family banquet, Lu Chi presented Chief Matchmaker Tao and her husband with elaborate gifts, including a jade balance scale for Shi Fa'ke, symbolizing his wish for her success in all matchmaking endeavors.
The family expressed profound thanks to Lu Chi, Li Pan'er, He Kexian, and He Ketian for their invaluable contributions to the Flower Assembly, especially Lu Chi's financial support and the timely delivery of the exquisite glass lamps. Shi Fa'ke also personally thanked everyone for their help, acknowledging Lu Chi for securing her the hosting rights. Li Pan'er praised Shi Xianxian's diligent and capable assistance at Xibao Pavilion.
He Kexian and He Ketian reiterated their deep bond with the Shi family, stating that Shi Fa'ke's affairs were their own. During the meal, Chief Matchmaker Tao discreetly inquired about Li Pan'er's marital status. Li Pan'er revealed that her husband had passed away years ago and she had no plans to remarry, believing that marriage was not the only path for women.
Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi encouraged her, urging her to open her heart if she were to encounter someone new. Shi Xianxian echoed their sentiments. Shi Fa'ke then offered Shi Xianxian a VIP ticket to the Flower Assembly, subtly suggesting he might find someone there. After some hesitation, he accepted. He Kexian and He Ketian toasted Shi Chongshan, thanking him for his help at the bakery, which made Shi Chongshan act unusually.
The dinner concluded with everyone raising their glasses to Shi Fa'ke, wishing her success for the upcoming Flower Assembly. Later, Lu Yi observed to Lu Chi that despite the Shi family's gratitude, Lu Chi had not managed to secure private time with Shi Fa'ke's parents during the banquet, and was not yet considered their unique best candidate for a son-in-law. Lu Yi urged Lu Chi to work harder. Lu Chi then asked Lu Yi for advice.
Lu Yi suggested that Lu Chi should focus on helping Shi Fa'ke make the Flower Assembly extraordinary and unique, as it was Chief Matchmaker Tao's most cherished project, which would surely win over his future mother-in-law's favor. Lu Yi further encouraged Lu Chi to be more proactive and decisive in his pursuit. On the day of the Flower Assembly, preparations were in full swing at the Flower Manor. Ms. Deng, though meticulously dressed, observed the bustling entrance with bitter resentment.
She privately lamented that she could never truly control the Official Matchmaking Agency or surpass the Tao and Shi families. As guests arrived, Zhu Yanyan admired Shi Fa'ke's beautiful outfit and trendy hairstyle, noting that she had received a discount at Xibao Pavilion after mentioning Shi Fa'ke's name. Lu Chi then formally introduced his brother, Lu Zhuxi, to Shi Fa'ke, leading to Lu Zhuxi's surprised remark, "So you're Marriage Broker Shi?"
Episode 12 Recap
Following Shi Fa'ke's success in securing the Xibao Flower Assembly hosting rights, the grand event commenced. Ms. Deng, despite meticulously preparing for the assembly and hoping to impress, actively greeted young ladies but was met with cold indifference from attendees, causing her frustration. Lu Chi, the Chief of Xibao Pavilion, arrived at the Xibao Flower Assembly with his younger brother, Lu Zhuxi.
They soon encountered Zhu Yanyan, a young lady from the Prime Minister's Mansion and a close friend of Shi Fa'ke, the event's organizer. Lu Zhuxi, known for his love of novels and occasional writing, attempted to charm Zhu Yanyan, who also expressed her passion for reading but lamented her strained eyes and a disappointing reprint of "Neighboring Hermit's Junshan Collection." She playfully threatened the author for not writing new content.
As Shi Fa'ke left to attend to her duties, Zhu Yanyan then found her friend, Ketian, looking strangely alone. Ketian's fiancé, Zhu Yizhi, who was usually absent from social events but surprisingly active at the assembly, was seen mingling happily with other young women, having abandoned Ketian. Zhu Yanyan expressed her anger at Zhu Yizhi for leaving Ketian by herself, but Ketian, though hurt, defended him, stating they were not yet married and shouldn't be seen together constantly.
Shi Chongshan, feeling indignant, went to confront Zhu Yizhi. Zhu Yanyan, seeing Chongshan's considerate nature towards Ketian, encouraged Ketian to consider him, highlighting Chongshan's kindness and devotion compared to Zhu Yizhi, even suggesting that the Shi family's kind matriarch and Chongshan's long-standing affection for Ketian made him a far better match. Chongshan, shy, blushed at the suggestion.
Shi Fa'ke officially opened the Xibao Flower Assembly, explaining the "glass lamp" activity where young ladies could light a lamp for a chosen gentleman, ask questions, and decide whether to keep the lamp lit for further acquaintance. Gentlemen whose lamps remained lit would then choose one lady to spend time with. Lu Chi, a major sponsor, generously offered meal vouchers and special gift vouchers for betrothal gifts or dowries for any couple matched by Shi Fa'ke.
He Kexian, owner of He's Bakery and another key sponsor, also offered wedding cake vouchers. Ms. Deng, observing the event's success, seethed with resentment, believing Shi Fa'ke had changed and was now capable of organizing such a grand event, though still muddled in her own personal matters. For those not participating in the lamp lighting, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi co-hosted additional games. Zhu Yizhi attempted to join the arrow-throwing game, which was meant for singles.
Shi Fa'ke, angered by his audacity and his blatant disregard for Ketian, noted he was Ketian's fiancé and was humiliating her. Lu Chi promised to make Zhu Yizhi "give up," and true to his word, Zhu Yizhi failed at both arrow-throwing and a subsequent bamboo ring game, making a spectacle of himself. The lamp lighting began, with Lu Zhuxi as the first gentleman. His brother, Lu Chi, introduced him, emphasizing his free-spirited and kind nature, and his talent for writing.
Lu Zhuxi recited a peculiar poem that only Zhu Yanyan understood, recognizing it as a "doggerel" from Neighboring Hermit's novel, and she promptly lit his lamp. Next, Lu Yi, an employee of Xibao Pavilion, was introduced by Lu Chi as loyal and capable. When a young lady inquired about his property and dowry, Lu Yi honestly stated his current lack of property but his savings of 450 taels for a house with a vegetable plot.
Shi Fa'ke intervened, emphasizing that marriage should be about mutual affection rather than wealth, and a young lady named Qin'er lit Lu Yi's lamp, expressing her liking for the idea of a house with a vegetable plot. Lu Yi then performed an impressive martial arts display. Following the event, Shi Xianxian, a constable and Shi Fa'ke's brother, was seen inviting Li Pan'er for a walk, and she happily accepted.
After the assembly's activities concluded, the attendees were invited to stroll freely. Lu Chi praised Shi Fa'ke for the assembly's immense success, acknowledging her brilliant ideas. As they conversed, Lu Chi hinted at wanting to express something deeper, but Shi Fa'ke deftly sidestepped, instead asking about Lu Chi's younger brother, Lu Zhuxi, suggesting she could find him a match with Zhu Yanyan.
When Lu Chi implied he was seeking a match for himself, Shi Fa'ke advised him to be proactive and decisive, but he was interrupted by the sight of Ketian. Kexian approached Shi Fa'ke, encouraged by Ketian to seek her out. Kexian worried about leaving Ketian alone, especially since Zhu Yizhi was nowhere to be found, but Chongshan stepped in, assuring Kexian he would stay by Ketian's side.
Taking advantage of the moment, Lu Chi led Shi Fa'ke to a rooftop, allowing them to enjoy the festive lights and the beautiful night sky, subtly avoiding Kexian. Chongshan offered to take Ketian to find Zhu Yizhi, but Ketian refused, resigned to Zhu Yizhi's disinterest in her. She heartbreakingly expressed her willingness to turn a blind eye to his future infidelities if they were to marry.
Chongshan, visibly pained by her words, assured her that he and Kexian would never allow her to suffer. Meanwhile, on the rooftop, Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke saw a shooting star. Lu Chi made a silent wish for them to be together forever, and Shi Fa'ke, wishing for his wish to come true, kept her own wish secret. Elsewhere, Zhu Yanyan and Lu Zhuxi were engrossed in conversation, discussing the unfinished novel of "Neighboring Hermit."
Zhu Yanyan lamented the incomplete story of Junshan and Caifeng, suggesting they send a "razor blade" to the author. Lu Zhuxi, revealing intimate knowledge of the novel's future plot and confessing that "Neighboring Hermit" was his friend, delighted Zhu Yanyan, who eagerly asked him to urge his friend to release the next part.
Lu Zhuxi then shared his philosophy on love and marriage, explaining that while one can admire or enjoy someone's talents, true marriage requires mutual affection and a lifelong commitment, echoing Shi Fa'ke's earlier sentiments. Zhu Yanyan understood and, after Lu Zhuxi invited her to travel to a neighboring city, she expressed her gratitude for Lu Zhuxi's kindness, resolving to clarify her past with someone she referred to as her "beggar boy."
Later, as Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi remained on the rooftop, Shi Fa'ke suggested they rejoin the others, concerned about being away too long. Lu Chi, however, wanted to prolong their private moment, hinting at their "little secret" that would be discovered if others found them. Down below, Kexian once again tried to approach Shi Fa'ke, who, unaware of his romantic intentions, playfully promised to find him a good match.
Meanwhile, Ms. Deng, lost and disoriented due to poor eyesight, sought directions from Zhu Yanyan. Overwhelmed by her frustration at being ignored and overshadowed by Shi Fa'ke and her family's reputation as the "Number One Matchmakers," Ms. Deng, in a fit of rage, dragged Zhu Yanyan into a nearby woodshed and set it ablaze, defiantly proclaiming herself the true Chief Matchmaker.
Chaos erupted as the fire spread, but Shi Fa'ke, steadfast in her role as organizer, refused to flee, instead sending Qin'er and Lu Yi to fetch the fire brigade. Chongshan, demonstrating remarkable composure amidst the panic, calmed the crowd and guided attendees to safety. Li Pan'er remained close to him, expressing her admiration. Shi Xianxian, Shi Fa'ke's brother and a constable, also took charge, leading people out of the burning assembly grounds.
Hearing Zhu Yanyan's cries for help, Lu Zhuxi bravely rushed into the inferno to rescue her. In stark contrast, Zhu Yizhi callously abandoned Ketian to save himself, nearly causing her to be trampled, only for Chongshan to intervene and protect her. Shi Fa'ke, still concerned for Kexian, was stopped by Lu Chi, who promised to rescue Kexian himself and urged her to wait in a safe place.
True to his word, Lu Chi rescued Kexian, who, despite his gratitude, declared his unwavering affection for Shi Fa'ke, to which Lu Chi defiantly stated he would not yield either. As the fire brigade arrived, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi went back into the burning building to search for Ms. Deng and Zhu Yanyan. Ms. Deng, still crying for help, was being pursued by unseen figures, stumbled into Shi Fa'ke, and was struck by a falling beam.
In her dying moments, Ms. Deng confessed her lifelong dedication to matchmaking and her deep-seated resentment at being constantly overshadowed by Shi Fa'ke's family, feeling her efforts were never recognized. Shi Fa'ke, despite everything, comforted her, assuring her that she was a diligent and good marriage broker, just like her own mother. Ms. Deng, finding a moment of peace and acknowledging her wrongs, passed away in Shi Fa'ke's arms.
Episode 13 Recap
As the Flower Assembly was engulfed in flames, Shi Fa'ke was distraught over not saving Ms. Deng. Lu Chi comforted her, urging her not to blame herself. Shi Fa'ke then grew worried for Zhu Yanyan and Lu Zhuxi. Though her leg was injured and she was unable to walk, she insisted on finding them, prompting Lu Chi to carry her.
As they navigated the chaos, Lu Chi reassured Shi Fa'ke, promising to always protect her and wishing her a life of peace and happiness—sentiments he admitted he had always wanted to share. They soon found Zhu Yanyan and Lu Zhuxi, who were safe. Lu Zhuxi, though injured, confirmed he was fine, while Zhu Yanyan expressed her relief at seeing them.
The next morning, as Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi emerged from the charred remains of the Flower Assembly, a headcount confirmed that, tragically, only Ms. Deng had perished in the fire. Shi Fa'ke explained they had attempted a rescue, but a collapsing beam had made it impossible. The survivors expressed their profound gratitude to Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi for saving them. However, their relief was short-lived when General Li arrived with soldiers to arrest Shi Fa'ke.
He accused her of orchestrating the disaster and, as the event's organizer, disregarding human lives. Asserting her innocence, Shi Fa'ke declared her willingness to undergo investigation but warned him not to harm anyone else. Lu Chi intervened, challenging General Li's authority by reminding him that such cases belonged to the magistrate's office, not the military. When General Li retorted that Lu Chi's Xibao Pavilion, which funded the event, also shared responsibility, Zhu Yanyan stepped forward.
Identifying herself as the Prime Minister's granddaughter, she testified that she had personally witnessed Ms. Deng starting the fire and presented Ms. Deng's waist token as proof. General Li dismissed her testimony, accusing them of framing a dead person. Just as he ordered their arrest, Prime Minister Zhu arrived. He calmly questioned General Li's legal basis for the arrest, reiterating that the magistrate's office should handle the case.
Faced with the Prime Minister's authority, General Li relented and withdrew his troops. As everyone dispersed, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi walked together. Despite the recent ordeal, Shi Fa'ke vowed to host an even grander Flower Assembly next year. Lu Chi walked slowly beside her, relishing their time, and his earlier words of protection had deepened her feelings. She noticed his injury and asked if it hurt, to which he replied it was "worth it for her."
As they reached her home, Lu Chi reiterated his wish to stay by her side and protect her. However, Shi Fa'ke's older brother, Shi Xianxian, coolly thanked Lu Chi before quickly ushering his sister inside, clearly wary of him. Meanwhile, Lu Zhuxi, concerned for Zhu Yanyan, appeared on her roof after secretly following her home. Relieved to see him, Zhu Yanyan tended to his burn and gave him a special family medicine.
Later, Shi Fa'ke confided in her mother, Chief Matchmaker Tao, that she now understood the "No. 1 Matchmaker" title was not just an honor, but a profound responsibility. Her mother, proud of her daughter's maturity, asked if she was willing to continue on this dangerous path. Shi Fa'ke bravely declared she would forge her own way with her family's support, subtly adding that Lu Chi would also be there to protect her.
Elsewhere, Lu Chi discussed the fire with Lu Zhuxi, concluding that Marquis Wu'an was behind it. Concerned that the Marquis, having failed with Ms. Deng, would find new ways to harm Shi Fa'ke, Lu Chi instructed his deputy, Lu Yi, to ensure her safety. That night, Shi Fa'ke, missing Lu Chi, heard a sound and opened her window to find him there. He presented her with medicines for smoke inhalation and calming her nerves.
As he began to confess his feelings, Shi Fa'ke interrupted, asking about the fire. Lu Chi revealed he had seen a black-clothed man at the scene, likely sent by the mastermind, Marquis Wu'an, to silence Ms. Deng. He explained that the Marquis sought to control the Official Matchmaking Agency to expand his influence through arranged marriages.
After failing to sway Chief Matchmaker Tao, he supported Ms. Deng, and when Shi Fa'ke thwarted his plans, he tried to have her killed or ruin her reputation. Shi Fa'ke defiantly declared she would never let the agency become a pawn, impressing Lu Chi. Their conversation was cut short by her cousin, Qin'er, bringing soup, forcing Lu Chi to hide before slipping away. In the following days, Shi Fa'ke's reputation soared, and she was inundated with matchmaking requests.
She proposed a new system at the agency: all matchmakers would share the cases and the fees, a policy met with enthusiasm. She told Lu Chi that her true happiness came not from chasing the Chief Matchmaker title, but from seeing the agency loved and relied upon by the people. Her resolve was tested when Zhu Yizhi asked her to officiate his wedding to He Ketian.
Shi Fa'ke saw through his facade, knowing he was only marrying to avoid mandatory labor service. She refused and presented him with a pre-prepared annulment. When he angrily tried to assault her, Lu Chi appeared and subdued him. Under threat, Zhu Yizhi signed the annulment with his own blood.
Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi then took the document to He Ketian, who, reflecting on how Zhu Yizhi abandoned her in the fire, gratefully signed it, freeing herself to find true happiness. Inspired by He Ketian's liberation, Shi Fa'ke realized she too had been "trapped by an empty promise." She led Lu Chi to a famous marriage tree and took out a stone carved with her name and "Little Boy"—a token from a childhood promise.
Declaring that marriage requires mutual love, not just a promise, she symbolically returned her bond with the boy to heaven, choosing to cherish the person truly present in her life. Witnessing Lu Chi's overwhelming joy, Lu Zhuxi advised him that such a moment required a grand gesture. Inspired, Lu Chi ordered a custom jade waist token be made for Shi Fa'ke, granting her unlimited access to all of his businesses, free of charge.
Lu Zhuxi jokingly dubbed him a "wife-doting maniac," a title Lu Chi happily accepted. Later, by a lake, Lu Chi was complaining about Lu Zhuxi's poor romantic advice for a picnic date when Shi Fa'ke arrived and playfully splashed him with water.
Episode 14 Recap
After Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi confessed their feelings, they spent their days in sweet companionship. One day, while by the marriage tree near the lake, Lu Chi presented Shi Fa'ke with a custom-made jade pendant that granted her access to all Lu family properties, and a marriage stone bearing their names. They carved their names on the stone and hung it on the tree, symbolizing their bond.
Shortly after, they observed Lu Zhuxi and Zhu Yanyan secretly meeting at the very same tree. Returning home, Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke confronted Lu Zhuxi, who admitted he had arranged the meeting. He confessed his feelings for Yanyan but expressed uncertainty about her reciprocation. Lu Zhuxi then entreated Shi Fa'ke to discreetly inquire about Yanyan's true feelings, and Shi Fa'ke readily agreed to help.
Keeping her promise, Shi Fa'ke visited Zhu Yanyan to ask about her feelings for Lu Zhuxi. Yanyan happily confirmed their affection was mutual. Their conversation then turned to an unfinished novel titled "Neighboring Hermit," which Yanyan eagerly explained was a unique story. The narrative began with a young boy who became a beggar after a sudden family tragedy, depicting his heart-wrenching struggle to survive.
Yanyan recounted how the boy endured by receiving desserts from a kind little girl, later finding a foster father and a younger brother. The most striking detail, Yanyan revealed, was the boy's secret: a childhood engagement to the little girl who gave him the desserts. The novel's male protagonist, Chi Lu, who had a younger brother named Xi Zhu, was currently searching for this girl.
Realizing the striking parallels between the novel's plot and her own childhood, Shi Fa'ke immediately borrowed the novel. Armed with the revelations from the novel, Shi Fa'ke sought out Lu Chi. She directly asked if he was the little beggar boy she had met in her childhood. Lu Chi confirmed her suspicion, adding that Lu Zhuxi was the author, "Neighboring Hermit."
Lu Chi further explained that he had not come to the capital merely to see the little girl, but to marry her, even though she had not recognized him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Shi Fa'ke embraced him, tears streaming down her face. She lamented that she had previously returned their shared marriage stone to the heavens, but Lu Chi reassured her that their destined love was unbreakable. Together, they then found the very marriage stone they had placed on the tree.
Shi Fa'ke meticulously prepared to meet Lu Chi, trying on numerous outfits, dissatisfied with her reflection despite her cousin Qin'er's reassurances of her beauty. Ultimately, encouraged by Qin'er, she left to meet him. Meanwhile, her elder brother Xianxian and Pan'er were seen happily hand-in-hand, and her other brother, Chongshan, was on a date with their cousin, Qin'er.
Lu Chi spent the entire day with Shi Fa'ke, taking her for sour plum soup, roasted chicken, to the Peony Garden, and the opera house. As he escorted her home, they spotted her brothers, Xianxian and Chongshan, returning. Knowing Xianxian's disapproval of her relationship with Lu Chi, Shi Fa'ke quickly pulled Lu Chi into hiding.
However, both Xianxian and Chongshan were also acting suspiciously, clearly trying to conceal their own recent romantic outings, and Shi Fa'ke realized her brothers were hiding secrets from her. Later that night, Shi Fa'ke reflected on her brothers' secretive behavior, correctly guessing they had been on dates. Just then, Lu Chi appeared at her window, claiming he couldn't sleep due to her "sweetness."
Shi Fa'ke shared her observations about her brothers and her impending busy schedule with Lu Zhuxi's marriage preparations. As they shared a tender moment, her cousin Qin'er called out, wanting to sleep with Shi Fa'ke. Reluctantly, Shi Fa'ke urged Lu Chi to leave. The following day, Shi Fa'ke found Lu Chi preparing betrothal gifts for Lu Zhuxi and Zhu Yanyan.
Seizing the opportunity, she subtly probed Pan'er's feelings about betrothal gifts, confirming her suspicion that Pan'er and Xianxian shared a mutual affection. Meanwhile, Lu Zhuxi went to see Zhu Yanyan. He playfully confessed that he had "someone who has always cared for him," which Yanyan misunderstood as him harboring feelings for another. Offended, Yanyan declared she only sought a wholeheartedly devoted partner.
To rectify the misunderstanding, Lu Zhuxi revealed his personal seal, proving he was "Neighboring Hermit," the author Yanyan so admired. Her anger instantly turned to joy. Accompanied by Shi Fa'ke, Lu Zhuxi went to Lord Zhu's mansion to formally propose to Yanyan. Lu Zhuxi introduced himself, mentioned his pen name, and assured Lord Zhu of his deep affection for Yanyan. Shi Fa'ke supported his plea, emphasizing their genuine love.
However, Lord Zhu dismissed Lu Zhuxi as a commoner, asserting that his family, officials for generations, lacked neither money nor power and valued Yanyan above all. He expressed skepticism that books and sweet words could provide lasting happiness. Despite Shi Fa'ke's arguments that Yanyan's happiness was paramount, Lord Zhu refused his approval, asking them to return another day. A dejected Lu Zhuxi returned to Lu Chi, but Shi Fa'ke encouraged him not to lose heart.
Upon learning of the rejection, a heartbroken Zhu Yanyan pleaded with her grandfather, recounting how Lu Zhuxi had bravely rescued her from a fire, demonstrating his selfless character. While Lord Zhu acknowledged this, he deemed it insufficient proof of his resolve. He asserted that a man must exhibit unwavering perseverance and that if Lu Zhuxi was sincere, he must prove it directly to him. He then declared he would put Lu Zhuxi to a test.
Later, Yanyan joyfully reunited with Lu Zhuxi, who presented her with newly written chapters of his novel, and they reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to each other. Meanwhile, at the Official Matchmaking Agency, Shi Fa'ke celebrated a remarkably successful month with her colleagues. Outside, Lu Chi playfully teased her about being busy with others' marriages, wondering when it would be their turn.
That evening, He Kexian noticed his older brother was in low spirits over Shi Fa'ke's absence and urged him to actively pursue her before Lu Chi gained too much of an advantage.
Episode 15 Recap
Lu Chi, concerned for Shi Fa'ke's safety, assigned Lu Yi to protect her. However, Shi Fa'ke misinterpreted this as surveillance and confronted Lu Chi, initially hinting at her displeasure before directly asking why he had her followed. Lu Chi clarified that his actions were for her protection, explaining that Marquis Wu'an's unusual quietness lately suggested imminent danger.
He added that he hesitated to inform her directly to avoid causing her fear, especially since she was a prominent marriage broker at the Official Matchmaking Agency. Understanding his true intentions, Shi Fa'ke's annoyance dissipated. She apologized for her misunderstanding, promising not to easily doubt him again, and asked him not to speak of them being apart or maintaining distance. Lu Chi readily agreed, making a promise.
Meanwhile, Marquis Wu'an learned that Lu Zhuxi of Xibao Pavilion had proposed marriage to Lord Zhu's granddaughter, Yanyan. Fearing a blow to his own prestige should the match succeed, Marquis Wu'an instructed his nephew to interfere and sabotage the union. News of Lord Zhu's rejection of Lu Zhuxi's proposal left Shi Fa'ke distraught. When Lu Chi suggested the betrothal gifts might be insufficient, offering to add more, Shi Fa'ke clarified that Lord Zhu valued Yanyan's happiness more than material wealth.
Despite Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke's tireless efforts and anxieties over Lu Zhuxi's marriage, Lu Zhuxi himself remained surprisingly composed, calmly sipping tea. This infuriated Lu Chi, who had worked closely with Shi Fa'ke on the matter. Unfazed, Lu Zhuxi confidently asserted he had a brilliant plan to secure the marriage, then departed with Lu Yi to prepare.
On the day set for presenting the betrothal gifts, Lu Chi ensured a lavish display, significantly increasing the gifts from before, emphasizing that sincerity was paramount, even if Lord Zhu didn't care for mere wealth. However, Lu Zhuxi arrived with a unique offering: a bundle of his personal writings and a diary. He revealed he had sent Lu Yi back to Mount Qianya specifically to retrieve these.
Lu Zhuxi shared an excerpt describing Lu Chi's dedicated care for him during a harsh winter in their childhood, highlighting Lu Chi's selfless nature. He then explained that the writings chronicled his entire life on Mount Qianya and his daily thoughts and joys since meeting Yanyan. He intended for Yanyan to be the first to read them, hoping she and her grandfather would gain a deeper understanding of him, thus reassuring Lord Zhu about entrusting Yanyan to his care.
Shi Fa'ke was deeply moved by Lu Zhuxi's candidness, proclaiming that the bundle of writings was "indeed more precious than any treasure," and confidently predicted the marriage would succeed. Upon their arrival at Lord Zhu's mansion, Yanyan was touched by Lu Zhuxi's profound sincerity as revealed in his diary. Convinced her grandfather would now approve, she eagerly suggested they go find him. However, they discovered Lord Zhu deceased in his study.
The sight overwhelmed Yanyan, causing her to faint from grief. Lu Chi quickly assessed the situation, noting the body's stiffness indicated Lord Zhu had been gone for several hours, and instructed immediate reporting to the authorities rather than summoning a doctor. Lu Zhuxi rushed to Yanyan's side, comforting her and promising to stay by her side always. Shi Fa'ke remained deeply troubled, not only by Yanyan's profound grief but also by the mysterious death of Lord Zhu.
She feared for Yanyan's safety, worried the killer might return. Lu Chi shared her suspicions, revealing that Lord Zhu had recently caused Marquis Wu'an public humiliation in court and rejected his marriage proposal, making Marquis Wu'an a prime suspect, though no concrete evidence existed. Lu Chi confessed his sudden fear, believing Marquis Wu'an had descended into madness and might target others. He expressed anxiety for Shi Fa'ke's safety, lamenting his inability to protect her constantly.
Shi Fa'ke, while acknowledging life's uncertainties and the inevitability of eventual separation, urged him to cherish their time together with sincerity, assuring him this would leave them with no regrets. They embraced, finding solace in each other's presence. Later, Lu Zhuxi reasoned that the murder of a prime minister in his own home without a sound suggested a long-planned assassination, possibly triggered if attempts to win Lord Zhu over failed.
Lu Chi agreed with his analysis but stressed the immediate need to protect others, given their lack of evidence. Lu Zhuxi then proposed taking Yanyan back to Mount Qianya, as he couldn't ensure her safety at the mansion. Lu Chi approved, recognizing that with the enemy's identity concealed, Yanyan's immediate return to Mount Qianya was the safest course of action, and Lu Zhuxi promised to care for her diligently.
That evening, Lu Zhuxi tried to persuade Yanyan to leave the mansion, but she insisted on staying to mourn her grandfather. Lu Zhuxi then presented a dowry list, explicitly pre-written by Lord Zhu, explaining that her grandfather had long approved their marriage and had only been testing Lu Zhuxi's sincerity. He emphasized that it was Lord Zhu's final wish for Yanyan to live a joyful and peaceful life.
Lu Zhuxi promised to protect her relentlessly and accompany her throughout her mourning period, unable to leave her alone. Despite her reluctance to leave her home, Yanyan eventually agreed, trusting Lu Zhuxi's reassurances that he would arrange for the mansion's care and bring her back when circumstances allowed.
When Yanyan expressed concern about Mount Qianya's infamous reputation, Lu Zhuxi reassured her that the rumors were false and that he and his brother, though bound by a mission and duties he couldn't fully disclose, were good people. Confident in his character, Yanyan finally agreed to accompany him. Before her departure, Yanyan shared heartfelt farewells with Shi Fa'ke and other friends, who promised to visit and urged her to take care.
Later, Lu Chi sought out Shi Fa'ke to discuss a personal matter. He revealed that he was the Master of Mount Qianya, a responsibility he inherited after his adoptive father's passing. He clarified that the people of Mount Qianya were not bandits, as rumored, but rather individuals with a significant mission and duties. Shi Fa'ke assured him she already believed in their good character and he didn't need to explain further.
Lu Chi insisted he wanted her to know everything about him because he intended to propose marriage. He explained that he had initially planned to wait until the country was stable, but Lord Zhu's murder underscored the current dangers, compelling him to act sooner. He declared her the only one for him. Shi Fa'ke, visibly overjoyed, immediately accepted his proposal, expressing her gratitude for him finally arriving.
She fondly recalled their childhood meeting when he was a beggar, and their promise to marry when she came of age. Reflecting on her own matchmaking philosophy of cherishing the present, she readily agreed. Lu Chi then assured her he would handle her family, including her parents and two protective brothers, promising to resolve any concerns.
True to his word, Lu Chi meticulously prepared his entire fortune as betrothal gifts, demonstrating his profound sincerity, believing that marrying Shi Fa'ke was the only way to ensure her safety and his peace of mind amidst the uncertain times. Accompanied by Marriage Broker Zhao, Lu Chi formally sought Shi Fa'ke's hand at her home. Marriage Broker Zhao presented the extensive gift list, emphasizing it represented Lu Chi's entire wealth and deep sincerity.
Lu Chi reiterated his pledge to devote all his assets to ensure Shi Fa'ke's lifelong safety and happiness. However, Shi Fa'ke's mother reacted with immediate anger, scolding her sons for not keeping a better eye on their sister. She questioned Lu Chi's background, noting Shi Fa'ke's frequent praise of him but expressing reservations about his unknown family origins, especially since Shi Fa'ke was their only daughter.
Lu Chi explained he and Lu Zhuxi were orphaned, with no distant relatives, but considered Lu Yi and Li Pan'er as family. He then revealed his ancestral home was Mount Qianya. Hearing this, Shi Fa'ke's mother was appalled, linking Mount Qianya to rumors of bandits. Shi Fa'ke quickly intervened, asserting the rumors were false and that Lu Chi and his brother were good people, but her mother dismissed her words as hearsay.
Citing Shi Fa'ke's youth, their brief acquaintance, and the tradition of elder brothers marrying before their sisters, Shi Fa'ke's mother flatly rejected the proposal and asked Lu Chi to leave. Defying her mother, Shi Fa'ke passionately recounted her childhood encounter with Lu Chi when he was a young beggar, and their promise to marry when she came of age, stating he was there to fulfill that promise. Her mother was shocked by her daughter's boldness.
Lu Chi, while apologizing for his presumed rashness, reaffirmed that Shi Fa'ke was the most precious person to him. He vowed to protect her and make her happy throughout their lives, promising to address her parents' concerns if given more time. Shi Fa'ke's mother reluctantly agreed to grant him time, but insisted on a swift explanation, before dismissing him.
As Lu Chi left, Shi Fa'ke comforted him, explaining her mother was merely testing his resolve due to her deep care for her daughter's marriage. Lu Chi reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to marry her. The next day, Lord Zheng announced the successor to the Chief Matchmaker position. The other matchmakers, including Marriage Broker Zhao, had confidently assumed the position would go to Shi Fa'ke, praising her abilities.
However, Shi Fa'ke herself seemed subdued, even as Lu Chi had reassured her the night before that he would marry her regardless of her mother's initial rejection. Early the next morning at the agency, Shi Fa'ke was greeted by a woman named Fang Yue, who had arrived even earlier. Shi Fa'ke, ever helpful, introduced herself and offered assistance.
Fang Yue, inquiring about matchmaking for "unobtainable" lovers, revealed she had traveled specifically to the capital to find a man she couldn't have. She described him as a courageous and extraordinary leader, skilled in both martial and civil arts, who was widowed early and never remarried, believing he was too focused on greater deeds to be bound by romance.
Just as Shi Fa'ke wondered about this mysterious man, Lord Zheng arrived and, to everyone's astonishment, announced Fang Yue, the renowned "Moon Goddess" and Chief Matchmaker of Suzhou Prefecture, as the new Chief Matchmaker of the capital's Official Matchmaking Agency. The other matchmakers expressed their shock and concern for Shi Fa'ke, who, when questioned about her uniform, simply stated that the new Chief Matchmaker had been appointed, and it wasn't her.
Episode 16 Recap
Shi Fa'ke emerged with a heavy heart, her spirit weighed down by recent setbacks in both love and career. Learning that Shi Fa'ke had not been appointed Chief Matchmaker, Lu Chi promptly took her out for a drink to lift her spirits. There, Lu Chi offered her a rare and sweet fruit wine called Xiao Lan Gan, aged for three years in honey. Though Shi Fa'ke admitted to having a low tolerance, she found the wine delicious.
As the alcohol took hold, Shi Fa'ke became playfully intoxicated, calling Lu Chi her "big moon" and asking him to pluck it for her. She then candidly praised his handsomeness before boldly kissing him and falling asleep in his arms. Lu Chi gently carried her back to her room and tucked her safely into bed before leaving. The following morning at the Official Matchmaking Agency, a new era began.
Fang Yue, the newly appointed Chief Matchmaker, announced a significant change: daily roll calls and instructions were no longer mandatory. She encouraged everyone to utilize that time to focus on their matchmaking cases, asserting that this would both help lovers find happiness and increase the matchmakers' salaries. She generously distributed profiles of unmarried men and women, sharing client resources that the previous Chief Matchmaker, Miss Deng, had kept to herself.
Her progressive approach was widely appreciated, marking a refreshing departure from past practices. Later, Lu Chi took Shi Fa'ke to Flower House to watch a performance by the renowned Young Master Qiujiang. Shi Fa'ke, whose mood had significantly improved thanks to Fang Yue's leadership, praised Fang Yue's diligent and effective management, noting how the agency was thriving under her.
During the captivating performance, Shi Fa'ke enthusiastically lauded Young Master Qiujiang's handsome looks, noble character, and refined manners, even wondering aloud what kind of young lady he would favor. Observing her admiration, Lu Chi became noticeably upset and decided it was time to leave. Shi Fa'ke playfully accused him of jealousy, which he admitted.
She then reassured him that he was the most handsome in her heart and that her only intention was to help Young Master Qiujiang find a match. Back at the Official Matchmaking Agency, a young woman arrived, adamantly insisting she wanted to marry Young Master Qiujiang. Shi Fa'ke gently explained that her successful matches were always based on mutual affection and advised the woman to first understand Qiujiang's interests and habits.
Fang Yue joined in, questioning the young woman's family's knowledge of her intentions and her plans if Qiujiang refused. The woman eventually relented. Shi Fa'ke, noting their effective teamwork, commented on their "tacit understanding" to Fang Yue and remarked that the woman's unrequited love story was strikingly similar to a tale Fang Yue had once shared. Fang Yue, however, quickly departed, citing a busy schedule. Meanwhile, Marquis Wu'an faced severe financial distress, urgently needing one million taels for military pay.
He angrily confronted his subordinate about corruption, eventually learning that the man had used 10,000 taels to bribe officials. Desperate for immediate wealth, Marquis Wu'an inquired about families with vast fortunes, and the subordinate suggested the Cheng family, the royal merchant, known for its immense wealth and single daughter, Cheng Ruoning. Marquis Wu'an resolved to pursue her for marriage.
Shi Fa'ke, having learned of Young Master Qiujiang's fame and his seemingly perfect qualities, took the initiative to visit him at Flower House, recommending herself as his marriage broker. He politely declined, stating he didn't need one and wasn't in a hurry to marry. Shi Fa'ke persisted, asking if he had someone in mind. At that moment, Cheng Ruoning, the owner of Flower House, entered, carrying "today's pear soup" for Young Master Qiujiang. Shi Fa'ke subtly observed their interaction.
After Cheng Ruoning left, Shi Fa'ke, despite Qiujiang's direct refusal, felt a sense of relief, suspecting he already had a sweetheart but was unable to confess his feelings. Driven by this intuition, Shi Fa'ke began to investigate Cheng Ruoning. She observed Cheng Ruoning at Xibao Pavilion, where Li Pan'er revealed Cheng Ruoning was purchasing expensive Yize snow pears, imported from the West, specifically to make pear soup.
Li Pan'er found it peculiar and extravagant, given that the Cheng family had their own businesses and that the Chief of Xibao Pavilion lived far more frugally. Shi Fa'ke connected this to the pear soup Cheng Ruoning had brought Qiujiang, solidifying her suspicions of a deeper connection. As Young Master Qiujiang fell ill and his performances were temporarily canceled, Shi Fa'ke grew more convinced of Cheng Ruoning's affection.
At Flower House, Cheng Ruoning stepped forward to address the upset audience, announcing a double refund for all tickets and personally taking full financial responsibility for the losses. She emphasized Qiujiang's health as the top priority, highlighting his tireless contributions and her commitment to his recovery.
Shi Fa'ke shared her observations with a colleague, explaining that Cheng Ruoning's actions – from the pear soup to the expensive pears and the massive refunds – went beyond a simple employer-employee relationship, confirming her matchmaker's intuition. Later, Fang Yue made another attempt to persuade Cheng Ruoning regarding marriage.
Fang Yue demonstrated a surprising depth of knowledge about Cheng Ruoning's past struggles, including the early demise of her parents and the relentless pressures from "wolf relatives" circling her family's vast estate. Fang Yue suggested that Cheng Ruoning needed a strong, responsible partner to help manage her business and provide protection, proposing Marquis Wu'an as a suitable match, highlighting his noble status, self-discipline, and ability to safeguard her and her family.
Cheng Ruoning, while acknowledging Fang Yue's apparent admiration for the Marquis, reiterated her unwavering resolve to marry only the person she loved. Undeterred, Shi Fa'ke continued to observe Cheng Ruoning. She noticed Cheng Ruoning procuring expensive medicinal herbs, disregarding their cost, for Qiujiang's throat ailment, even though the doctor advised the patient's presence. Cheng Ruoning's manager expressed concerns about the mounting financial losses from double refunds and medical expenses.
However, Cheng Ruoning stood firm, insisting that Qiujiang would not perform again until his throat was fully recovered, regardless of the financial implications for Flower House. She affirmed her loyalty to him, citing his steadfast commitment to the establishment over the years. Convinced by Cheng Ruoning's actions and steadfastness, Shi Fa'ke directly asked her if Young Master Qiujiang was the man in her heart.
Cheng Ruoning admitted he was, but sadly confessed it was a "one-sided affection," as he had repeatedly rejected her confessions. She had resigned herself to merely remaining close to him. Shi Fa'ke encouraged her not to give up hope, promising to ascertain Young Master Qiujiang's true feelings. Cheng Ruoning, in turn, vowed that if he truly didn't love her, she would "stay single for the rest of my life."
Shi Fa'ke then visited Young Master Qiujiang at his surprisingly humble dwelling, noting its stark contrast to his widespread fame and wealth. She deduced that he must be saving money for a specific purpose. Confronting him, Shi Fa'ke stated that Cheng Ruoning's kindness was "true love" and revealed Cheng Ruoning's vow to remain single if he didn't reciprocate her feelings.
Young Master Qiujiang then admitted his own affection for Cheng Ruoning but cited his identity as an actor as a barrier, believing he was "not worthy of her." He explained his fear that being with him would subject her to "gossip" and a "hard life," and that she deserved to protect her family's wealth and marry a respected individual, rather than living an anonymous or exiled life with him.
Shi Fa'ke pointed out that his frugal lifestyle and hidden desire to take her away proved his true feelings. Despite her urging to ask Cheng Ruoning if she would be willing to run away with him, he remained resolute in his decision. Returning to Cheng Ruoning, Shi Fa'ke joyfully declared that Young Master Qiujiang did indeed love her and that they were "in love with each other."
She explained that his refusal stemmed from his selfless desire to spare her from hardship and public scrutiny. Shi Fa'ke firmly asserted that because they were genuinely in love, she was determined to see this match through. She then informed Fang Yue about her progress on Cheng Ruoning's case, confirming that Cheng Ruoning and Young Master Qiujiang were mutually enamored. Meanwhile, Marquis Wu'an pressured Fang Yue for an update on Cheng Ruoning.
Upon learning that Cheng Ruoning already had a sweetheart and had entrusted her marriage affairs to Shi Fa'ke, Marquis Wu'an became enraged, berating Fang Yue for her supposed incompetence. He fiercely demanded that Fang Yue secure Cheng Ruoning's hand in marriage by any means necessary, emphasizing the vast importance of the Cheng family's wealth to his "great cause." Fang Yue reluctantly agreed to deliver his Information Card to Cheng Ruoning's mansion.
Later, Fang Yue encountered Shi Fa'ke again, coincidentally at Cheng Ruoning's residence. Fang Yue delivered Marquis Wu'an's formal proposal, along with his Information Card, to Cheng Ruoning. Cheng Ruoning expressed her surprise at Fang Yue's relentless persistence, to which Fang Yue responded with a veiled warning that "some people just can't be refused."
Episode 17 Recap
Shi Fa'ke confronted Fang Yue upon learning she was acting as the marriage broker for Marquis Wu'an's pursuit of Cheng Ruoning. Shi Fa'ke questioned why Fang Yue would get involved, as Cheng Ruoning already had a beloved and had entrusted her marriage to Shi Fa'ke. Fang Yue defended her actions, stating she was professionally hired by the Marquis and that agency rules allowed for multiple matchmakers to work for a client, advocating for collaboration to secure successful matches.
Shi Fa'ke insisted that Marquis Wu'an, whose character she questioned, was an unsuitable match. Fang Yue countered that matchmakers must be impartial and that the Marquis's status was a perfect match for Cheng Ruoning's. Undeterred, Shi Fa'ke vowed to honor Cheng Ruoning's wishes and unite her with the person she truly loved. Marquis Wu'an sent his steward to summon Cheng Ruoning to his residence, but she firmly declined.
The steward then subtly threatened her by suggesting they could invite her "close associates" instead. That night, Cheng Ruoning gave Young Master Qiujiang a large sum of money and coldly instructed him to leave the capital immediately and never perform again. Feigning a change of heart, she claimed she was marrying a powerful man to restore her family's fortune and that his presence would jeopardize the union.
Though hurt and confused, Young Master Qiujiang refused the money and agreed to leave, urging her to take care of herself. Meanwhile, observing a painting depicting poverty, Lu Chi deduced that "poverty breeds change" and recalled that Marquis Wu'an was pursuing Shi Fa'ke's client, Cheng Ruoning. Realizing this put Shi Fa'ke in danger, Lu Chi resolved to stay by her side constantly for her protection. The next morning, Lu Chi accompanied Shi Fa'ke.
They encountered Young Master Qiujiang, who revealed he was leaving the capital at Cheng Ruoning's request. Bewildered, as the couple had waited a decade for each other, Shi Fa'ke rushed to Cheng Ruoning's residence. Under pressure, Cheng Ruoning admitted she was being coerced by someone too powerful for them to handle and had sent Qiujiang away for his safety.
Shi Fa'ke surmised Marquis Wu'an was behind it and warned that he was not a kind man and Qiujiang would remain in danger even if he left. Moved by Shi Fa'ke's sincerity, Cheng Ruoning instructed her staff that Shi Fa'ke was to be admitted immediately upon arrival from then on. Lu Chi helped Shi Fa'ke pursue and intercept Young Master Qiujiang. Shi Fa'ke explained that Cheng Ruoning had been coerced by Marquis Wu'an into sending him away.
Realizing he had misunderstood, Young Master Qiujiang refused to leave, declaring he would face the danger with Cheng Ruoning, even if it meant death. Lu Chi then arranged for safe, temporary lodging for him. The Marquis's steward again threatened Cheng Ruoning, who defiantly agreed to meet his master. At the Marquis's residence, he expressed his desire to marry her, promising protection and a life of leisure. Cheng Ruoning accused him of being interested only in her family's fortune.
The Marquis then overtly threatened her, stating he would have Fang Yue propose soon and that he could either ask for her hand or take her by force. Overwhelmed upon returning home, Cheng Ruoning attempted to hang herself. Just in time, Shi Fa'ke, who had come to check on her after ensuring Young Master Qiujiang was safely hidden, rushed in and stopped her.
Shi Fa'ke pleaded with her not to give up, reminding her that Qiujiang had vowed he would rather die than be separated from her. Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi discussed the dire situation, with Lu Chi suggesting the only way was to make the Marquis retreat willingly. This gave Shi Fa'ke an idea.
She ordered 300 wedding cakes from He Kexian's bakery and had flyers distributed announcing that Cheng Ruoning would host a public suitor selection contest at the Flower House. The news generated immense excitement, with many men signing up. The event also boosted business at He Kexian's bakery. Shi Fa'ke then recruited He Kexian to participate as a contestant, clarifying it was just for show to help Cheng Ruoning.
She revealed she had also signed up Lu Chi, calling them both her "secret weapons." He Kexian agreed, and Shi Fa'ke informed a willing Lu Chi of his role. On the day of the contest, a large crowd gathered as Marquis Wu'an arrived, confident of victory. Shi Fa'ke, as host, introduced the four finalists: Lu Chi, Marquis Wu'an, He Kexian, and, to everyone's surprise, Young Master Qiujiang.
She set the criteria for Cheng Ruoning's ideal partner—someone educated, caring, and family-oriented, stressing that wealth was secondary. She then announced a three-round, point-based competition, with the rule that anyone who quit mid-contest would be disqualified. In the first round (arts), Lu Chi's vibrant painting earned three points. The Marquis's calligraphy, though skillful, was deemed too political for a domestic partnership and received two points. Young Master Qiujiang's zither performance earned one point, while He Kexian scored zero.
In the second round (culinary skills), the Marquis refused to participate, forfeiting his points. He Kexian's exquisite pastries won three points, Young Master Qiujiang's "homey" dishes earned two, and Lu Chi received one, as his dish was tailored to Shi Fa'ke's taste. The final round, "Mind Reading," required guessing Cheng Ruoning's favorite opera lyric. Young Master Qiujiang answered perfectly, earning three points. With a total of six points, Young Master Qiujiang was declared the winner.
As Shi Fa'ke prepared to finalize the marriage contract, Marquis Wu'an furiously intervened, threatening the couple with "separation by life and death." Undeterred, Qiujiang declared his lifelong devotion. When the Marquis called for his guards, Shi Fa'ke publicly shamed him for his lack of sportsmanship. Facing the disapproving crowd, the Marquis was forced to retreat, but not before issuing a final, ominous threat to Shi Fa'ke.
Episode 18 Recap
Marquis Wu'an, enraged by Cheng Ruoning's refusal to marry him, lambasted his subordinate for suggesting a clumsy act of revenge, fearing easy exposure. As the subordinate was dismissed, Fang Yue arrived. The Marquis expressed his disappointment in Fang Yue's failure to contain Shi Fa'ke, who, despite being a mere marriage broker, had publicly humiliated him.
Fang Yue acknowledged Shi Fa'ke's strength, attributing it to her pure heart and unwavering dedication to matchmaking, a quality that enables great accomplishments, unlike her own self-serving motives. She advised the Marquis that forcing a marriage against fate would lead to no good and questioned his intent to exploit matrimony for personal gain before taking her leave. Meanwhile, at Cheng Ruoning’s mansion, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi arrived to discuss Cheng Ruoning and Young Master Qiujiang's wedding.
The couple appeared troubled, prompting Lu Chi to deduce their distress stemmed from Marquis Wu'an. Cheng Ruoning confirmed her rejection of the Marquis's proposal and the subsequent embarrassment she caused him, fearing his relentless pursuit of revenge. She worried he would escalate his harm towards Young Master Qiujiang and considered leaving the capital. Young Master Qiujiang, however, was reluctant to abandon their ancestral home and assets, despite Cheng Ruoning’s willingness to endure hardship for their love.
With no apparent solution to Marquis Wu'an's escalating threats, Shi Fa'ke questioned if anyone could control him. Lu Chi assured them such a person existed, though he could not reveal the identity. He promised to coordinate a solution and arranged for Lu Yi to protect Cheng Ruoning and Young Master Qiujiang in the interim. Later, Shi Fa'ke eagerly pressed Lu Chi about his solution. As Lu Chi leaned in to whisper his strategy, Shi Fa'ke flinched in surprise.
He revealed his plan: for the Cheng family to shed their vast wealth, thus removing the source of Marquis Wu'an's covetousness, as "the innocent suffer for possessing something valuable." Shi Fa'ke worried Cheng Ruoning might not agree, but Lu Chi maintained it was Cheng Ruoning's decision, and Shi Fa'ke shouldn't blame herself if she refused. Shi Fa'ke concurred that decisive action was better than endless worry. Cheng Ruoning initially struggled with the monumental decision to donate her family’s hard-earned fortune.
However, Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke impressed upon her that this was the only viable path to safety, as Marquis Wu'an would relentlessly pursue her wealth and seek vengeance if she and Young Master Qiujiang remained unprotected. They assured her of their unwavering support, regardless of her choice. News soon reached Marquis Wu'an that the Cheng family had indeed donated all their assets to the imperial court, converting them into "royal merchants" to bolster Liang State's prosperity and military funds.
The Marquis was furious that the money had gone to the Emperor instead of him, blaming Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke for devising such a scheme. He vowed to eliminate Cheng Ruoning, but his subordinate cautioned against it, revealing that the Emperor had already recognized Cheng Ruoning as his sworn sister, bestowing upon her the title of Princess Jiangning. Enraged, the Marquis felt outmaneuvered and swore to demonstrate his ultimate authority.
He dismissed his subordinate's suggestion to dispose of Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke, confident that they were mere "mantises trying to stop a chariot" and would submit once his grand ambitions were realized. With Cheng Ruoning’s support lost, Marquis Wu'an resolved to find new allies. He was informed that the King of Gaoyou State intended to marry his daughter to the Emperor, but the Princess of Gaoyou had fled to the capital and was missing.
The Marquis ordered an immediate search for her. Meanwhile, Lu Chi revealed that when the Cheng family donated their assets, he had secured their Baihua Art House, which they could convert into a theater. Cheng Ruoning would continue to manage the business, and Young Master Qiujiang could perform there. The couple expressed their gratitude to Lu Chi for his thoughtful arrangements and invited him to the theater's grand opening.
Shi Fa'ke, a great admirer of Young Master Qiujiang, promised to attend. At the bustling opening of the new theater, Shi Fa'ke lauded her innovative "Elegant Guest List" idea to He Ketian, which allowed the top-ranked guest to select the day's play. He Ketian, however, felt a sense of melancholy, describing her current state as an "empty dream" as she missed Zhu Yanyan and the gatherings of their Heiresses' Society. Shi Fa'ke echoed her sentiment, wishing Yanyan were present.
As Young Master Qiujiang performed, Yan Qiyue entered the theater. Observing Shi Fa'ke's recent bold actions against Marquis Wu'an, Lu Chi anticipated the Marquis's retaliation. Initially considering sending Lu Yi to protect Shi Fa'ke, Lu Chi ultimately decided to go himself, driven by lingering worry. As the performance concluded, Shi Fa'ke and He Ketian prepared to leave. He Ketian, noticing Shi Fa'ke's interest in Yan Qiyue, teased her about her matchmaking instincts taking over.
Shi Fa'ke then approached Yan Qiyue, inquiring about his origins, age, and marital status, before introducing herself as a marriage broker. Just then, Lu Chi arrived, observing Shi Fa'ke's familiar matchmaking spiel with Yan Qiyue, a scene that stirred a familiar pang of jealousy within him. Shi Fa'ke introduced Yan Qiyue to Lu Chi and suggested they dine at Xibao Pavilion.
A jealous Lu Chi quickly interjected, claiming Xibao Pavilion was closed for a "mid-month inventory check" and urging Shi Fa'ke to return home. Undeterred, Shi Fa'ke instead led Yan Qiyue to a favorite local noodle stall. While eating, Yan Qiyue confessed to a long-standing crush on someone whose name and whereabouts were unknown, describing this person as his "spiritual comfort." He revealed his hobby was admiring Mr. Lin Yuan's paintings.
Shi Fa'ke excitedly shared her own admiration for the artist and invited him to her home to see a painting. However, Lu Chi interrupted once more, insisting it was late. They walked Yan Qiyue back to Qingfeng Inn, where Yan Qiyue reflected on Shi Fa'ke's warmth, wondering if she was a trustworthy ally who could help him find Mr. Lin Yuan.
Away from Lu Chi, Shi Fa'ke confronted Yan Qiyue, asking if she should address her as "Mr. Yan" or "Miss Yan." Yan Qiyue confessed her disguise, explaining she had fled an undesirable arranged marriage. Shi Fa'ke promised to keep her identity secret, citing a matchmaker's virtue of discretion, and reaffirmed her commitment to help Yan Qiyue find her beloved. Meanwhile, Shi Fa'ke’s brothers, Shi Xianxian and Shi Chongshan, noticed her frequent outings with Yan Qiyue.
They secretly followed them, observing Yan Qiyue's seemingly frail physique and expressing their disapproval, deeming him an unworthy rival for Lu Chi. Concurrently, Lu Yi reported to Lu Chi about Shi Fa'ke’s outings with Yan Qiyue, falsely claiming Yan Qiyue was being touchy with her. A visibly jealous Lu Chi ordered Lu Yi to thoroughly investigate Yan Qiyue.
Back with Yan Qiyue, she passionately reasoned to Shi Fa'ke that Mr. Lin Yuan's paintings, devoid of any marital or familial figures, suggested he was unattached and of a similar age. Despite Shi Fa'ke's cautious advice, Yan Qiyue insisted on meeting Mr. Lin Yuan to avoid lifelong regret. Moved by her plea, Shi Fa'ke promised to find the elusive artist. In another part of the capital, Marquis Wu'an questioned his subordinates about suppressing news of the Princess of Gaoyou.
They confirmed all information had been erased but admitted their failure to locate her. The Marquis then instructed Fang Yue that the princess, who was seeking a certain "Mr. Lin Yuan," would likely seek out the Official Matchmaking Agency. He ordered Fang Yue to monitor the agency closely and assist him in marrying the princess. Unbeknownst to them, the Princess of Gaoyou, disguised as Yan Qiyue, was staying at the Gaoyou Posthouse.
Believing her father had abandoned the marriage plan, she felt safe enough to consider shedding her disguise. Later, Shi Fa'ke approached Lu Chi, asking if he would help her with anything. He affirmed his readiness to assist her. Shi Fa'ke then revealed her request: to help her find Mr. Lin Yuan. Lu Chi appeared momentarily surprised but then agreed, with a condition yet to be specified.
Episode 19 Recap
Yan Qiyue found herself in a financial predicament after spending all her travel money exploring the capital. She confided in her new friend, Shi Fa'ke, who immediately offered her all the silver she had. However, Yan Qiyue realized this was only a temporary solution given the high cost of living and the difficulty of finding Mr. Lin Yuan, a reclusive artist whose works she sought.
Shi Fa'ke then suggested that Yan Qiyue check out of her inn and move into the Shi family residence, which would significantly reduce her expenses. Yan Qiyue gratefully accepted, but expressed concern because she was currently disguised as a man. She worried about how Shi Fa'ke's family, especially Brother Lu, would react to a strange man staying in their home. To resolve this, Yan Qiyue swiftly changed into a beautiful female outfit.
Upon their return, Shi Fa'ke introduced Yan Qiyue to her family: her eldest brother Shi Xianxian, second brother Shi Chongshan, and younger cousin Shi Qin'er. Shi Fa'ke then explained to her mother that Yan Qiyue was a friend visiting the capital with no relatives nearby, and asked if she could stay for a few days. Her mother warmly agreed, arranging for Yan Qiyue to stay in the east wing, near Shi Fa'ke's room.
Meanwhile, Lu Yi, who had been observing Shi Fa'ke, reported to his master, Lu Chi, that she had brought a beautiful young lady home. Lu Yi noted that the Shi brothers, Shi Xianxian and Shi Chongshan, seemed rather interested in the new guest. At Xibao Pavilion, the manager Li Pan'er was sorting new fabrics when Shi Xianxian arrived. He asked for recommendations for items popular with young ladies, specifying that he wanted them for "Miss Yue'er" (Yan Qiyue).
Li Pan'er, observing his purchases for another woman, grew increasingly irritated. Later, when Shi Fa'ke visited, Li Pan'er expressed her frustration, lamenting that Shi Xianxian’s attention was not on her. Shi Fa'ke promised to help. Back home, Shi Fa'ke spoke with Shi Xianxian about his feelings for Li Pan'er. He admitted that he admired her but felt unworthy, considering her status as the manager of Xibao Pavilion compared to his humble position as a constable.
Shi Fa'ke tried to boost his confidence, but he remained dejected. Determined to help, Shi Fa'ke devised a plan. She arranged for Li Pan'er and Yan Qiyue, who again donned male attire, to walk through the streets acting close, hoping to incite Shi Xianxian’s jealousy. Indeed, Shi Xianxian witnessed their apparent intimacy and was visibly upset. Later, Shi Fa'ke confessed to Lu Chi that her attempt had backfired, leaving her brother even more disheartened.
Lu Chi advised her that direct communication was key in matters of the heart. Taking his advice, Shi Fa'ke urged Shi Xianxian to bravely confess his feelings to Li Pan'er. Inspired, Shi Xianxian approached Li Pan'er, declared his affection, and told her he wanted to care for her for the rest of his life.
Li Pan'er playfully questioned why he hadn't asked about her feelings, but ultimately accepted his confession, asking only for his true heart and one condition, which he readily agreed to. Following this, Shi Fa'ke, acting as a marriage broker, took Yan Qiyue to the Official Matchmaking Agency to register her. There, Chief Matchmaker Fang Yue greeted them.
Upon learning Yan Qiyue was staying with Shi Fa'ke, Fang Yue commented on her helpfulness, but Yan Qiyue felt that Fang Yue was staring at her with unusual intensity. Unbeknownst to them, Lu Yi had reported to Lu Chi that Fang Yue was frequently visiting Marquis Wu'an's Mansion, arousing Lu Chi's suspicions. Soon after, an imperial decree appointed Fang Yue to escort Princess Yi'an on her marriage journey to Gaoyou State. The sudden news shocked everyone.
Marquis Wu'an was enraged, as he had plans for Fang Yue concerning a princess. However, his subordinate delivered good news: they had discovered Lu Chi's true identity as the Master of Mount Qianya. Realizing Mount Qianya was connected to the Emperor, the Marquis began plotting to disrupt Lu Chi's operations.
Lu Chi, anticipating this, instructed Lu Yi to send a message to Zhuxi to prepare and arranged for a painting of Mount Qianya to be sold at a high price in Xibao Pavilion. Still determined to find Mr. Lin Yuan's works, Yan Qiyue was directed to Xibao Pavilion, only to learn the latest painting had been sold almost immediately by a child, and the staff knew nothing about the artist.
Disappointed, she then witnessed a man, Mr. Huang, being falsely accused of swapping a bank note for blank paper. Yan Qiyue intervened, exposed the scammer by revealing a hidden layer in the fake note, and retrieved Mr. Huang's money. Grateful, Mr. Huang invited her to dine at the extravagant Xibao Pavilion. Finding him too lavish, she instead led him to a small, beloved noodle stall. As they ate, Mr. Huang subtly observed her frugal nature.
During their meal, Yan Qiyue confided in Mr. Huang about her frustrating search for Mr. Lin Yuan, whom she admitted felt like a "fleeting dream" as she had never met him. Mr. Huang listened empathetically and encouraged her to pursue her dream. Their conversation flowed easily, and he walked her back to the Shi residence, both reluctant to part. Upon returning, Yan Qiyue found Shi Fa'ke awake.
Shi Fa'ke mentioned that Chief Matchmaker Fang was to escort Princess Yi'an for her marriage. This news deeply resonated with Yan Qiyue, who passionately expressed her sorrow for princesses forced into loveless marriages and used as political pawns. Sensing her sadness, Shi Fa'ke shared her own story of pursuing an "impossible dream"—finding her childhood "beggar boy"—and how it eventually came true, promising to help Yan Qiyue find Mr. Lin Yuan.
Meanwhile, at He's Bakery, the owner, He Ketian, was confronted by her former fiancé, Zhu Yizhi. He brazenly demanded money and, when she refused, resorted to violence. Shi Chongshan stepped in to defend her but was no match for Zhu Yizhi. Just as the situation escalated, Lu Chi arrived. He swiftly subdued Zhu Yizhi, warning him never to return. He Ketian and Shi Chongshan expressed their sincere gratitude, to which Lu Chi replied that protecting Shi Fa'ke’s family and friends was his duty.
Episode 20 Recap
Shi Fa'ke informed her family of her intention to exchange Information Cards for her eldest brother, Shi Xianxian, and Li Pan'er, to formally set their engagement. Her parents and brothers readily agreed, expressing their joy for Xianxian and reminding him to be a considerate husband. With their blessing, Shi Fa'ke, accompanied by Yan Qiyue, visited Xibao Pavilion. Li Pan'er, happy to receive Shi Xianxian's Information Card, eagerly provided her own, thus solidifying the engagement.
Shi Fa'ke then explained the elaborate marriage customs of the capital, which involve not just the exchange of Information Cards, but also compatibility assessments, betrothal ceremonies, and date choosing. After the exchange, they encountered Lu Chi. He invited Shi Fa'ke and Yan Qiyue upstairs to admire his collection of Mr. Lin Yuan's paintings. Yan Qiyue, captivated by the exquisite meaning in each piece and noticing similarities in the brushstrokes, became convinced that Lu Chi was the famous Mr. Lin Yuan.
Despite Lu Chi's repeated denials, Yan Qiyue persisted, even revealing her true female identity to him, much to Shi Fa'ke's surprise and discomfort. Shi Fa'ke quickly intervened, urging Yan Qiyue to leave. Back home, Shi Fa'ke tried to convince Yan Qiyue that it was hasty to assume Lu Chi was Mr. Lin Yuan based solely on his painting style, especially since many artists imitated the master.
Shi Fa'ke was also distressed because Lu Chi was her own beloved, and she did not want Yan Qiyue to pursue him. Yan Qiyue, however, reminded Shi Fa'ke of her promise to help her find Mr. Lin Yuan, expressing her long and arduous journey to the capital for this very purpose and asserting her right to pursue her newfound connection. Meanwhile, Shi Fa'ke's brothers, Shi Xianxian and Shi Chongshan, noticed her recent melancholy.
Misunderstanding the situation, they incorrectly assumed that one of Shi Fa'ke's female friends was in love with Lu Chi. Concerned for their sister, they went to Xibao Pavilion to inform Lu Chi. Lu Chi, in turn, reassured them that he would handle the misunderstanding and prevent Shi Fa'ke from worrying. That night, Lu Chi visited Shi Fa'ke in her room, assuring her that regardless of whether he was Mr. Lin Yuan, his heart and love belonged solely to her.
Shi Fa'ke, deeply moved, vowed not to give him up. To help Yan Qiyue let go of her infatuation, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi devised a plan. Lu Chi painted several masterful imitations of Mr. Lin Yuan's works, which Shi Fa'ke presented to Yan Qiyue as "new works." Yan Qiyue, unable to distinguish the fakes from genuine pieces, insisted that they were all Mr. Lin Yuan's.
Shi Fa'ke then gently explained that true love should not be based on a person's reputation or artistic style alone, but on their true self and the connection felt in real interactions. She encouraged Yan Qiyue to think about what she truly wanted, reminding her that she had seen Lu Chi many times without developing special feelings for him. Yan Qiyue began to reflect on Shi Fa'ke's words, admitting that perhaps she should re-evaluate her desires.
At the same time, Marquis Wu'an continued his efforts to marry Princess Gaoyou, even resorting to high-priced acquisitions of Mr. Lin Yuan's paintings, a move that concerned his subordinates due to financial constraints. The Emperor, disguised as Mr. Huang, was also keeping a close eye on the Marquis's activities and noted his recent frequent departures from the palace. Yan Qiyue encountered the Emperor again, and they shared a pleasant conversation over snacks, indicating a growing connection.
Separately, Shi Chongshan visited He Ketian at He's Bakery. He Ketian, initially happy to see him, became upset when Shi Chongshan expressed approval of Shi Fa'ke's feelings for Lu Chi. She quickly dismissed him, wanting to prioritize her brother He Kexian's desire to marry Shi Fa'ke, as He Kexian was deeply in love with Shi Fa'ke. He Kexian, encouraged by his sister to confess his feelings and not give up, decided to propose marriage.
He Kexian, accompanied by He Ketian, visited the Shi family mansion. He openly expressed his admiration and love for Shi Fa'ke to her parents, stating his desire to care for her for life. While the parents expressed their trust in He Kexian and acknowledged his good qualities, they maintained that the decision ultimately rested with Shi Fa'ke. Just as Shi Fa'ke was about to go downstairs to clarify her feelings, she received a ticket to "Jiangning's Dream."
Realizing that an immediate rejection might embarrass He Kexian, and also hoping to use the play to help Yan Qiyue gain some perspective, she decided to attend the play with Yan Qiyue first, hoping to find a better way to explain herself to He Kexian later. During the play, which depicted a love story between a performer and a fan, Yan Qiyue wondered why the character could marry her beloved while she could not marry Mr. Lin Yuan.
After the performance, Shi Fa'ke went to He's Bakery to meet He Kexian. She gently but firmly rejected his proposal, explaining that while she cherished him as a brother, she had no other romantic feelings for him. She expressed hope that he would find someone who truly loved him and whom he could genuinely love in return. Meanwhile, after leaving the play, Yan Qiyue was accosted by a group of ruffians.
Fortunately, the Emperor, still in his disguise as Mr. Huang, appeared and bravely intervened, driving off the attackers and saving Yan Qiyue. They shared a brief, polite exchange before parting ways. News of Mr. Lin Yuan's upcoming art exhibition in the capital spread rapidly, surprising Lu Chi, who was the true Mr. Lin Yuan.
Yan Qiyue, however, was ecstatic about the news and rushed to tell Shi Fa'ke, believing it to be a sign of her destiny with Mr. Lin Yuan. On the day of the exhibition, Yan Qiyue eagerly attended and once again encountered the Emperor. They admired the paintings together, engaging in a deep discussion about the artist's style and intentions, further strengthening their connection.
Later, the Emperor met with his Senior, revealing his true identity and mission to eradicate his uncle's corrupt faction. He also mentioned that he had come to the capital to find a little girl who had saved his life when they were children, and he confirmed that he had found her.
