Choice Husband Recap, Plot, Synopsis

Choice Husband Synopsis

Shen Miao, the daughter of the richest man, has a wealthy family and a good appearance but became the one that no one dares to marry in Yangzhou city.

It was just because the first two marriages of Shen Miao were too good.

She first married Pei Yanzhen, a scholar who was from an official family. Pei Yanzhen’s personality is as gentle as jade. They were getting along well with each other for a long time.

But then a “royal order” of divorce came and they were forced to separate.

By mistake, Shen Miao married a rich merchant’s son, Song Xiyuan, for the second time.

But only two months after the marriage, Shen Miao was found to be pregnant, and people were talking about the time of pregnancy. She had no choice but to divorce again.

Shen Miao was open-minded and kept actively blind dating, but two ex-husbands came at the same time.

The love-hate relationship among the three was slowly unfolding under the shroud of dynastic intrigue ……

Choice Husband Recaps

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In Lingzhou City, Shen Miao found herself at Yasong Pavilion, meeting Ma Tianbao for a matchmaking session arranged by Matchmaker Liu. Despite a veil covering her face, Master Ma was visibly pleased by her demeanor, especially after Matchmaker Liu praised Shen Miao's beauty, comparing it to "sinking fish and alighting geese."

Shen Miao, however, privately expressed her disappointment to Matchmaker Liu, finding Ma Tianbao too ugly and not an improvement over her previous suitors, Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan, whom she described as "top quality." Matchmaker Liu scolded her, reminding Shen Miao that her "scandal" was widely known throughout Lingzhou City and that she was already "showing" a pregnancy.

Unfazed, Matchmaker Liu proceeded to highlight Shen Miao's prominent family background as the richest in the dynasty and spun an elaborate tale about Shen Miao's miraculous pregnancy, attributing it to a dream of the Child-giving Goddess, presenting it as a "two-for-one deal" for Ma Tianbao, a third-generation only son. Despite Shen Miao's attempts to object, Matchmaker Liu pressed for a quick wedding, suggesting they exchange marriage proposals immediately.

The session was dramatically interrupted by the arrival of Pei Yanzhen, the Magistrate of Lingzhou City. Thinking quickly, Shen Miao introduced him as her "distant uncle," a lie Pei Yanzhen smoothly played along with, even showing concern for her well-being by advising her against cold Longjing tea, hinting at her delicate condition. Before long, Song Xiyuan, accompanied by his attendant Tie Niu, also crashed the gathering, which had shifted to the Fuchun Parlor.

Matchmaker Liu, intimidated by the presence of two powerful figures, quickly made her escape. Song Xiyuan, not one to be outdone, declared himself Shen Miao's "ex-husband," further confusing Master Ma by hinting that Pei Yanzhen was once his "uncle" too. The chaotic scene escalated as Tie Niu's men surrounded the Fuchun Parlor.

Fed up, Shen Miao sternly reminded Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan of their divorce papers, which explicitly stated they were "square" and should not interfere with her future marriage. She offered them money to leave her alone, and as her maid Lvying scattered coins to distract the crowd, Shen Miao seized the opportunity to make her escape. She mused on her complex history with her two ex-husbands, a story that began a year prior.

A year earlier, Shen Qian, Shen Miao's father and head of the prosperous Shen family, was facing a dire situation. With Shen Miao, now at marriageable age, the Shen family faced annihilation if she wasn't wed within a month. Although Shen Qian held disdain for "arrogant scholars" and preferred strong martial artists, his efforts to find a suitable husband under the guise of hiring a head of the armed escort were proving unsuccessful.

His "Aunt" expressed concern for Shen Miao's happiness, but Shen Qian revealed the grim reality of their predicament, emphasizing the family's impending doom. Amidst this, Pei Yanzhen arrived at the Shen Residence with numerous betrothal gifts, proclaiming a long-standing marriage contract and formally requesting Shen Miao's hand.

Shen Miao was intrigued by a martial artist she saw at the recruitment, but her younger brother, Shen Zai, reported the arrival of a "poor scholar" with a "pedantic" air, instantly disliking Pei Yanzhen. Shen Qian initially tried to dismiss Pei Yanzhen, claiming no knowledge of any contract and citing their merchant status as being beneath a distinguished official like him.

However, Constable Zhao, who accompanied Pei Yanzhen, openly mocked Shen Qian's thinly veiled attempt to find a son-in-law, warning that the public display of betrothal gifts made denial impossible. Shen Qian then tried to use his hired "good men" to force Pei Yanzhen out. Pei Yanzhen calmly reminded Shen Qian of his secret one-month deadline with the Emperor.

He recalled how Shen Qian, to prevent Shen Miao from being chosen as a royal concubine by the Empress Dowager after his philanthropic efforts in the north, had fabricated a story about Shen Miao being engaged and about to marry in a month. Pei Yanzhen then revealed his own predicament: he, too, had rejected a marriage proposal from Ninth Princess at the Qionglin Banquet, using the exact same excuse of a prior engagement.

He pointed out the danger of Shen Qian's "smart excuse," warning that if the Emperor discovered the lie, the Shen family would face the severe charge of "defrauding the emperor." He further pressed Shen Qian by highlighting the public scrutiny following the grand display of betrothal gifts, arguing that to reject them now would be to ruin the Shen family's reputation. Reluctantly, Shen Qian agreed to the marriage.

Shen Miao's "Aunt" found her, cautioning her to maintain a gentle image and hide her martial arts skills until after the wedding, reminding Shen Miao of her "sixteen years of maintaining an image." Shen Miao, confident her father would prioritize her happiness, was stunned when Constable Zhao congratulated Pei Yanzhen, realizing her father had indeed "sold her out." Meanwhile, Pei Yanzhen's subordinate, Zhan Yue, reported that Shen Miao secretly wished to marry a greenwood hero.

Pei Yanzhen explained his calculated move: the Emperor coveted the Shen family's wealth, and marrying Shen Miao was the simplest way to acquire it without her entering the palace. Knowing Shen Miao would rather die than enter the palace, Pei Yanzhen, a low-rank official, was her best option—a temporary marriage that could eventually be dissolved.

He assured Zhan Yue that Shen Miao would marry him to avoid the palace, having promised Shen Qian to resolve the fraud accusation and never to fail Shen Miao, despite his personal disinterest in love. Shen Qian expressed his deepest hope that Shen Miao would find a loyal partner to support her when the family inevitably faced decline. Shen Miao, however, questioned how he could be so certain Pei Yanzhen was that person.

She recalled a past confrontation with Pei Yanzhen where she challenged his worthiness as a "weak scholar," to which he made three solemn vows: to eat meals with her every day, never to take a concubine, and never to fail her. Shen Qian had then tried to convince Shen Miao that this marriage could "kill two birds with one stone"—both deceive the Emperor and potentially find her a good man.

But Shen Miao dismissed it as unrealistic, emphasizing that a good man was "something we can't ask for" and that her marriage to Pei Yanzhen, forced by him, was merely a "delaying tactic," with divorce being her minimum requirement. On her wedding day, as Lvying tearfully braided her hair with traditional blessings, Shen Miao remained unperturbed, confident she would secure a divorce shortly after marriage to prevent the Emperor from pursuing her.

She instructed Lvying to quickly pack all the extensive dowry for their eventual return to the Shen Residence. However, an unexpected turn of events occurred. The wedding procession was suddenly halted, and Lvying rushed back to report that it was not Shen Miao, but Pei Yanzhen, who had been kidnapped by Ninth Princess and her imperial guards. Shen Miao was elated, declaring it a "great joy" and that she wouldn't even need to ask for a divorce.

She hurried Lvying to pack everything, reasoning that since the wedding ceremony hadn't been completed, she wasn't truly married. Pei Yanzhen, meanwhile, faced Ninth Princess, who angrily confronted him for rejecting her proposal and secretly marrying another. She questioned why he preferred a "merchant's daughter" like Shen Miao over a royal princess. Pei Yanzhen maintained his composure, reminding her of their subordinate-superior relationship and requesting to be returned to his wife.

Enraged, Ninth Princess threatened to annihilate the entire Shen family if he continued to harbor thoughts of Shen Miao. Despite the dramatic abduction, Pei Yanzhen soon returned to the sedan chair. Shen Miao was initially frustrated for not having left sooner, but upon seeing Pei Yanzhen's handsome face, she was instantly captivated and found herself regretting not having taken a good look at him before.

Pei Yanzhen, seeing her preparing to leave, questioned if she was "looking down upon him" by abandoning the ceremony. Flustered, Shen Miao quickly suggested they return home to discuss everything, and Pei Yanzhen reassured her that he had returned safely.

On their wedding night, Shen Miao and her maid, Lvying, devised a plan to get Pei Yanzhen heavily intoxicated, ensuring he would be unable to consummate the marriage. Shen Miao, confident in her inherited high alcohol tolerance from her merchant father, Shen Qian, believed she could easily outdrink Pei Yanzhen, whom she had initially heard was an ailing man.

However, upon meeting him, she was struck by his mild-mannered and suave demeanor, jokingly rating his appearance as that of a top scholar. Pei Yanzhen entered the bridal chamber, unveiled Shen Miao, and acceded to her request to share a meal, discreetly dismissing Lvying. Shen Miao then pressed him on how he escaped the Ninth Princess earlier that day. Pei Yanzhen, after encouraging her to drink with him, revealed that he had lied to the princess.

He claimed to have been frail since childhood, suffering from a chronic illness that rendered him unable to perform marital duties. The Ninth Princess, after a brief examination of "a certain spot on him," reluctantly let him go, though Shen Miao expressed skepticism about whether the princess truly believed such an excuse.

As Shen Miao continued to question him, unknowingly consuming more wine, Zhan Yue, who had been eavesdropping outside with Lvying, observed that Shen Miao showed no signs of intoxication. Realizing her plan was failing, he intervened by discreetly knocking Shen Miao unconscious. Pei Yanzhen intended to solidify her stay by creating the false impression that their marriage had been consummated. The next morning, Shen Miao awoke to Lvying's tearful apologies.

Upon seeing a blood-stained handkerchief, Shen Miao believed she had indeed consummated the marriage with Pei Yanzhen. Lvying, distraught, lamented her failure to protect Shen Miao's purity, only for Shen Miao to correct her, quipping that it was Pei Yanzhen's purity that was ruined. Shen Miao, now resigned to her fate, pondered how to make Pei Yanzhen despise her enough to initiate a divorce. Meanwhile, Zhan Yue, unconvinced by the consummation, went to Pei Yanzhen’s study.

He checked Pei Yanzhen's hand and found bloodstains, immediately realizing the deception. He confronted Pei Yanzhen, calling him a "black-hearted fox" for misleading Shen Miao. Pei Yanzhen, however, reiterated his promise to Shen Qian to care for Shen Miao and explained that his immediate goal was to deter her from leaving the residence. In the imperial palace, the Empress Dowager was furious about the Ninth Princess's "reckless" act of abducting Pei Yanzhen in Lingzhou City.

The Ninth Princess, feeling wronged and complaining that her mother only cared for her brother, stormed off. The Empress Dowager then asked the Emperor for his counsel on handling Pei Yanzhen. The Emperor viewed Pei Yanzhen as a talented official and suggested using both firmness and leniency, believing he could become a pillar of the nation. He advised observing Pei Yanzhen's actions for the time being.

The Empress Dowager agreed with this cautious approach but stressed the urgency of investigating rumors about royal bloodlines in the common folk to secure the Emperor's throne, cautioning against "feminine benevolence." Concurrently, Magistrate Jia questioned Pei Yanzhen about his views on the recent Huaihe River dike collapse. With the Empress Dowager having appointed her brother, Qin Zuze, to oversee repairs, Pei Yanzhen stated that as a local official, he would cooperate.

Magistrate Jia subtly hinted at widespread corruption within the Jianghuai officialdom, where many matters were "understood without being said," implying embezzlement in the dike repairs. Pei Yanzhen offered to "share the burden," but their conversation was cut short by a servant reporting "family matters." Magistrate Jia, taking the hint, promptly excused himself. Back at the residence, Shen Miao embarked on a campaign to provoke Pei Yanzhen into divorcing her.

She began dismissing numerous servants for trivial reasons, such as one having an "ugly name." Surprisingly, Pei Yanzhen complied with her demands, even apologizing for the poor selection and offering to have Constable Zhao find new servants to her liking. Seizing the opportunity, Shen Miao instructed Lvying to tell Constable Zhao to recruit handsome men from the Moon Embrace Brothel to work in the residence.

Constable Zhao vehemently refused, stating his loyalty to Pei Yanzhen and his unwillingness to help Shen Miao "put a green hat on him," calling her actions "indecent." Pei Yanzhen, anticipating trouble from Magistrate Jia's corruption regarding the dike, instructed Zhan Yue to gather evidence beforehand, preparing for a confrontation should the imperial court investigate. Meanwhile, the Huaihe River's collapse had led to a massive influx of flood victims.

To prevent public unrest, Magistrate Jia ordered them blocked outside Lingzhou City, an act Pei Yanzhen condemned as foolish, predicting that starvation would lead to a far greater riot. Zhan Yue expressed concern that Pei Yanzhen's intervention might draw imperial suspicion, potentially endangering Shen Miao. Shen Miao continued her provocations, even defiling Pei Yanzhen's study with rotten eggs and stinky tofu, gloating that her husband "spoiled" her and allowed her to "mess around." However, Pei Yanzhen remained unfazed.

Instead, he sent her a painting containing a romantic poem and later surprised her by building an exact replica of the Shen family's opera stage in his residence, complete with all the props. He revealed his extensive knowledge of her preferences, even her favorite martial artist, stating he knew more about her than she imagined.

He openly expressed his desire to spend his whole life with her, emphasizing that his residence was now her home and that she could trust him implicitly. Pei Yanzhen further demonstrated his devotion by personally cooking a savory fish dish for Shen Miao. He told her not to be constrained by rigid formalities and to truly consider their home as her own.

Shen Miao attempted to explain her original intention to marry him only to avoid an imperial decree, but Pei Yanzhen gently interrupted, asserting that the past was gone and that as a married couple, they would grow old together, his sincerity unwavering. His consistent kindness and unwavering commitment began to erode Shen Miao’s resolve to divorce him. She found herself hesitating, pondering the consequences of leaving, comparing herself to fish that might starve if she ceased to feed them. Pei Yanzhen's unexpected gestures and deep understanding had left her in a state of profound uncertainty.

After their wedding, Shen Miao and Pei Yanzhen returned to the Shen's Residence. Shen Miao's father, Shen Qian, warmly welcomed Pei Yanzhen with a special Dahongpao tea from Wuyi Mountain. Meanwhile, Madam, Shen Miao's aunt, pulled Shen Miao aside. She informed Shen Miao that their planned divorce had to be postponed indefinitely.

The imperial court was sending a royal court censor to investigate the Huaihe Reservoir collapse, and it was crucial that the censor not discover their marriage was a sham, as it could lead to the Shen family's downfall. During tea, Shen Qian asked Pei Yanzhen about his request to borrow money. Pei Yanzhen explained the dire situation of the flood victims along the Jianghuai River.

He lamented that his superiors had forbidden him from interfering and that the county government would not provide relief without Magistrate Jia's approval, leaving him with no choice but to seek Shen Qian's help. Impressed by Pei Yanzhen's concern for human lives, Shen Qian generously offered the Shen family's resources to set up a booth and provide porridge to the refugees, considering it a family matter rather than a loan.

Pei Yanzhen was pleased, noting to Zhan Yue later that this approach allowed him to remain discreet under the watchful eye of his superior, while the Shen family gained a good reputation, a win-win situation. Madam, observing Shen Miao's apparent contentment, teasingly suggested that Shen Miao no longer wished for a divorce, praising Pei Yanzhen as a great man.

She then used a mahjong analogy, advising Shen Miao to cherish what she has rather than chasing after something seemingly better, suggesting that treating Pei Yanzhen well could lead to a big win without loss. Shen Miao took this to heart, resolving to be kinder to him. Pei Yanzhen explained to Zhan Yue that his extensive patience with the Shen family stemmed from Shen Miao's lineage.

Her mother was the only daughter of the once-wealthy Lu family, who were annihilated for their crimes, with only the married-out Mrs. Lu surviving. Rumors persisted that, besides the wealth confiscated by the national treasury, the Lu family had a vast, hidden treasure. Pei Yanzhen intended to stay at the Shen's Residence for a few days, maintaining a low profile, and instructed Zhan Yue to closely monitor Magistrate Jia to prevent any further complications.

Back at the residence, Shen Miao offered Pei Yanzhen a collection of valuable, unique books from her father's forgotten hobby, emphasizing her family's merchant philosophy of "mutual interest and clearing debts." She then made a peculiar request, citing "physical discomfort" as a reason to sleep separately. She insisted that Pei Yanzhen take the bed while she slept on a separate mat, worried that if her father knew they weren't sleeping together, he would worry due to the family's gossipy nature.

Pei Yanzhen, although offering to sleep in the study, conceded to her arrangement, reassuring her that he would not impose himself. The next morning, Pei Yanzhen rose early. Shen Miao, still groggy, called out that she was thirsty, and Pei Yanzhen offered her water before she fell back asleep.

Shortly after he left, Shen Zai, Shen Miao's younger brother, burst into the room, playfully waking her and asking her to buy him osmanthus cakes, delighted that Pei Yanzhen wasn't there to monopolize her attention. Later, while out with Lvying and Shen Zai, Shen Miao witnessed a dirty child snatch Shen Zai's candied fruit.

Chasing the child, she twisted her ankle and discovered a group of refugees at a nearby temple, who pleaded with her not to report them to the authorities. Returning home, Shen Miao expressed her concerns to Shen Qian about the disaster. While her father readily agreed to spend thousands of silver to set up a porridge booth, Shen Miao feared that the Shen family would receive all the credit, leaving Pei Yanzhen's contributions unnoticed.

Taking matters into her own hands, she implemented a comprehensive plan under Pei Yanzhen's name, establishing a system of "work-for-relief" where able-bodied refugees could help build food booths in exchange for provisions, women could work at the Shen Dyehouse, and children could attend the Shen Academy. This initiative garnered immense praise for Pei Yanzhen, who was hailed as a benevolent official by the grateful populace, though he appeared visibly troubled by this unexpected turn of events.

Magistrate Jia soon learned that Pei Yanzhen was being lauded for the relief efforts. Enraged, he decided to undermine Pei Yanzhen, with Runner Song suggesting that forcing a divorce between Pei Yanzhen and Shen Miao would strip him of the Shen family's powerful backing, making him an easy target. Shen Miao, noticing Pei Yanzhen's somber mood despite the successful relief efforts, felt a pang of guilt, especially since he often cooked for her.

Despite her lack of culinary skill, she resolved to cheer him up by cooking. After creating a smoky disaster in the kitchen, she managed to produce a small bowl of black sesame rice balls and brought them to Pei Yanzhen, who was inspecting the construction of the refugee village. As she offered him the sweet treat, a large bamboo pole slipped from a villager's grasp, hurtling towards Shen Miao.

Pei Yanzhen swiftly pushed her out of the way, taking the heavy impact on his back. Despite Shen Miao's anxious questions about his injury, he dismissed it as minor, insisting he was fine. Shortly after, Pei Yanzhen received an invitation from Magistrate Jia to Tianxiang Parlour. Constable Zhao, who delivered the invitation, suspected a trap, but Pei Yanzhen calmly accepted, subtly rebuking Zhao for his loose tongue and complicity in spreading city rumors, implying he needed to learn discretion.

At Tianxiang Parlour, Magistrate Jia was conspicuously absent. The establishment's waiter, acting on Magistrate Jia's orders, had arranged for a courtesan to entertain Pei Yanzhen and had laced the room with an aphrodisiac, hoping to compromise him. Meanwhile, Runner Song deliberately informed Shen Miao that Pei Yanzhen was in a "bad state" at Tianxiang Parlour, hinting at impropriety. Enraged, Shen Miao rushed to the brothel, disregarding Lvying's pleas.

The waiter, mistaking Shen Miao for a courtesan sent by Magistrate Jia, led her into Pei Yanzhen's private room and locked the door, unwittingly trapping her. Zhan Yue eventually located and rescued Pei Yanzhen, who revealed he had anticipated the trap and used acupuncture to seal off his five senses, rendering the aphrodisiac ineffective. Noticing Lvying's distress, Pei Yanzhen quickly deduced Shen Miao's presence. He re-entered the room to find Shen Miao, disoriented and under the influence of the aphrodisiac.

In her drugged state, she confessed her true feelings to him, playfully accusing him of treating her well but not loving her, of being hot and cold, and of using the disaster relief as an excuse to avoid her. She asserted her right to lean on him as her legal husband and demanded to know if he truly loved her.

Shen Miao woke up next to Pei Yanzhen and, remembering the previous night, believed she had once again forced herself on him. Overwhelmed with regret, she imagined herself being put on trial by Magistrate Jia for seducing Official Pei, with even Lvying testifying against her. In her dream, Pei Yanzhen cried and accused her, but she adamantly declared she would not divorce him.

Upon truly waking, Shen Miao tried to clarify the situation, assuring Pei Yanzhen that "it was an accident" and a "misunderstanding." As they rode back to Pei Residence in their carriage, Shen Miao was about to speak to him, but they arrived before she could. At the Pei Residence, Zhan Yue confronted Pei Yanzhen, presenting him with contraceptive herbs he had prepared for Shen Miao, assuming it was part of Pei Yanzhen's strategy involving her.

Pei Yanzhen refused to take them. Zhan Yue pressed him, questioning if he genuinely cared for Shen Miao or merely used her as a pawn, warning that Shen Miao would be devastated if she ever discovered their marriage was entirely a scheme. Pei Yanzhen maintained that what happened last night was a misunderstanding. Later, Shen Miao found the bowl of herbs. She asked Pei Yanzhen what she should do if someone lied to and used her.

She stated she would either avoid them or simply ignore them if they were inseparable. After their conversation, as Shen Miao was about to drink the herbs, Pei Yanzhen knocked the bowl away, spilling its contents. Pei Yanzhen began to intentionally avoid Shen Miao after the Tianxiang Parlour incident. Shen Miao, noticing his distance, sought Lvying's advice on how to mend his "broken heart."

Lvying suggested a plan, which Shen Miao adopted, ordering several of the Shen family's rice shops in Lingzhou City to change their names to "Pei's." Meanwhile, at the County Yamen of Lingzhou City, Magistrate Jia tried to publicly humiliate Pei Yanzhen, accusing him of being late and of staying overnight in a brothel. Pei Yanzhen cleverly retorted, implying Magistrate Jia had set him up. When Magistrate Jia became increasingly aggressive, Shen Miao arrived and bravely defended her husband.

She reminded Magistrate Jia that Pei Yanzhen was the son-in-law of the powerful Shen family and warned him that her father could write to the Emperor about the matter. Magistrate Jia, seething with anger, backed down and left. Shen Miao, concerned about Pei Yanzhen, took him home. Despite his initial reluctance due to official duties, other officials encouraged him to go, joking about him being a "dignified kept man."

At home, Shen Miao declared that Pei Yanzhen needed to learn martial arts to protect himself. She wanted him to use a spear, but Pei Yanzhen preferred a sword. During their training, a spear rack accidentally fell. Pei Yanzhen quickly shielded Shen Miao, taking the brunt of the impact. Shen Miao, to her own surprise, used her spear to cut the other falling weapons.

When she questioned her newfound power, Pei Yanzhen quickly attributed it to her exceptional martial arts skills before excusing himself to return to the yamen. Unbeknownst to Magistrate Jia, Zhan Yue had been observing him. Magistrate Jia, after checking a hidden ledger in his study and assuring himself of its safety, placed it back. However, Zhan Yue later stole the ledger. The incriminating ledger was soon presented to the imperial court.

The Emperor was furious upon learning that Lingzhou City's national treasury was empty and that Magistrate Jia, along with the Ministry of Personnel, had been involved in widespread corruption. He ordered all the implicated officials to be thrown into prison. Pei Yanzhen was lauded for his role in exposing the corruption and for being the dynasty's top scholar (zhuangyuan), and many ministers advocated for his promotion.

Responding to both the people's wishes and the court's recommendations, the Emperor appointed Pei Yanzhen as the Magistrate of Lingzhou City. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager, observing Pei Yanzhen's rapid ascent and his ties to the Shen family, instructed Jingde to pluck the tallest peony from her garden, symbolizing her intolerance for anyone who "outshines" others.

She then explicitly told the Emperor not to intervene in any matters concerning Lingzhou City, suggesting that Pei Yanzhen's ambitions were far greater than just wealth or a government position. Jingde expressed concern for Pei Yanzhen, but the Empress Dowager asserted that problems must be uprooted to prevent them from growing back. Ninth Princess overheard this conversation and worried for Pei Yanzhen.

Pei Yanzhen and Zhan Yue later observed the numerous shops in Lingzhou City bearing the Pei family name, confirming Shen Miao's grand gesture. Pei Yanzhen was touched. He stopped at a market stall to buy the finest donkey hide, intending to make a shadow puppet for Shen Miao. Zhan Yue, seeing this, teasingly suggested Pei Yanzhen should make one for him too, but Pei Yanzhen simply told him to buy his own.

Later, Shen Miao and her Madam were watching a play, whose plot strangely mirrored Shen Miao and Pei Yanzhen's recent experiences, depicting a rich young lady whose husband was abducted on their wedding day. Madam quickly stopped the performance, reprimanding the troupe for gossiping about the Shen and Pei families. Shortly after, the Pei Clan Leader, accompanied by other elders, arrived at the Pei Residence, furious. He attempted to strike Pei Yanzhen with his cane, but Pei Yanzhen blocked him.

The Clan Leader demanded that Pei Yanzhen divorce Shen Miao, claiming that the marriage was a disgrace to their family. He presented a convoluted lineage, asserting that Shen Miao was Pei Yanzhen's "very distant niece," making their union incestuous and a stain on the family's honor. Shen Miao found the elaborate explanation amusing, but Pei Yanzhen dismissed the elders' accusations as "meaningless and pedantic."

He declared that if the elders insisted on the divorce, he would willingly remove his name from the family genealogy to protect his marriage. News of this defiance reached the Empress Dowager. She suspected Pei Yanzhen had ulterior motives beyond merely leveraging the Shen family's wealth for his career.

She ordered Jingde to use Pei Yanzhen's upcoming birthday as an excuse to send gifts to the Pei Old Residence and discreetly investigate whether an infant was indeed born into the Pei family on the Dragon Boat Festival twenty years ago. Pei Yanzhen then asked Shen Miao to return to Shen's Residence for a few days, explaining that the Pei family elders would cause trouble, and he did not want her to be frightened.

Shen Miao was initially reluctant, arguing that she could not abandon him after he had offered to resign for her. However, Pei Yanzhen then presented her with the shadow puppet he had crafted himself, acknowledging its crude workmanship but calling it the "latest model." He affectionately told her, "If love between both sides can last for aye, why do they need to stay together night and day?"

He asked her to wait for him for a few days, and Shen Miao, deeply moved, agreed. Upon her return to Shen's Residence, her younger brother asked if she had been divorced, but Lvying quickly silenced him. Shen Miao's father inquired about her true feelings regarding the divorce, suggesting this was a good opportunity if she desired it. Shen Miao replied that Pei Yanzhen's sincere actions meant she could not abandon him at such a critical moment.

She then asked her father if her refusal to divorce would implicate Pei Yanzhen. Her father expressed concern that without the support of his clan, Pei Yanzhen's career advancement would become difficult.

Plagued by nightmares after her father, Shen Qian, implied her marriage to Pei Yanzhen might hinder his career, Shen Miao woke to Lvying's urgent news that an imperial edict had arrived. Meanwhile, Pei Yanzhen rushed home to his father, whose chronic illness had worsened. His father, fragile and near death, implored him and Shen Miao to cease their investigations, fearing further complications.

He revealed he had already given Pei Yanzhen the jade pendant bestowed by the late emperor, sensing that "they are already suspicious." Zhan Yue later informed Pei Yanzhen that clan elders had provoked his father by pressing for a divorce and probing into Pei Yanzhen's background, which had severely exacerbated his condition. An imperial eunuch arrived with an edict from the Emperor, ordering an immediate divorce between Shen Miao and Pei Yanzhen.

The eunuch warned Shen Miao against clinging to the marriage, stating it would jeopardize Pei Yanzhen's promising career and bring peril to the Shen family. Though Shen Qian initially considered appealing the decision, Shen Miao, having already decided, dismissed the idea. She stated that she had always desired a divorce, seeing it as a way to avoid further trouble, and promptly prepared to send the divorce letter to the Pei family.

At the Pei residence, clan elders obstructed the physician from reaching Pei Yanzhen's ailing father, arguing that since Pei Yanzhen refused to divorce, he was no longer considered a part of the Pei clan and had no right to bring outsiders into the home. Pei Yanzhen defiantly ordered Zhan Yue to escort the doctor inside, asserting his filial duty.

Observing the clan elders' narrow-mindedness, Pei Yanzhen declared his intention to remove his name from the Pei clan genealogy, severing all ties. At that moment, a servant delivered the divorce letter, bearing Shen Miao's signature and seal. A distraught Pei Yanzhen confronted Shen Miao, pleading with her to reconsider and asking if he had somehow disappointed her.

Shen Miao, maintaining a facade, told him that some relationships were simply not meant to be, and after their divorce, they should each seek new partners. When Pei Yanzhen pressed further, she confessed, falsely, that their marriage had merely been a strategy to avoid an imperial summons for her to enter the palace, and now that the immediate threat was gone, she no longer wished to remain in the Pei family.

She further claimed her heart yearned for a "righteous hero," not a refined scholar like him, and this was not the life she truly desired. Though her words were meant to hurt him, she felt it was better than burdening him for life. She offered a tearful apology for her deception. Separately, the Emperor, concerned for Pei Yanzhen's safety from the Empress Dowager, persuaded Ninth Princess to travel to Lingzhou.

He advised her to "accompany and protect" Pei Yanzhen daily, hoping her presence would deter the Empress Dowager's schemes. Upon her arrival in Lingzhou, Ninth Princess informed Pei Yanzhen that the Empress Dowager had dispatched imperial guards to secretly investigate his background. The Emperor and Empress Dowager clashed over Pei Yanzhen. The Empress Dowager scolded the Emperor for his impulsiveness, implying he had recklessly sent Ninth Princess to Lingzhou.

She declared that while she might spare Pei Yanzhen if he wasn't the person she suspected, the Emperor must ensure Shen Miao was brought into the palace. The Emperor balked at the idea of marrying a "divorced woman," but the Empress Dowager clarified her intent was to have him marry her, not cherish her, implying ulterior motives.

A palace eunuch, having confirmed the divorce to the Emperor, later visited Shen Qian, subtly suggesting that Shen Miao participate in the concubine selection to clear her name amidst the circulating rumors of impropriety. Lingzhou City was quickly consumed by gossip.

Rumors spread like wildfire: some claimed Shen Miao, barely divorced, was already indulging in promiscuity, even jumping into the Yun River for the charming Third Master Song Xiyuan, a wealthy and talented merchant who often rivaled Pei Yanzhen in the "Talent Ranking." Other malicious whispers alleged she had an affair with him even before her divorce, disgracing Pei Yanzhen.

Constable Zhao was inundated with "gifts" of green plants from sympathetic citizens, who urged him to advise Pei Yanzhen to "be patient and tolerant so things will change for the better." Meanwhile, women flocked to Shen's Residence, convinced Shen Miao possessed "peach blossom luck" (a knack for romance) that attracted both of Lingzhou's most eligible bachelors, and they earnestly prayed for their own romantic fortunes. Lvying reluctantly explained Song Xiyuan's prominence to Shen Miao.

During the Dragon Boat Festival's willow-shooting, Shen Miao took her younger brother, Shen Zai, to watch. A surging crowd of women, all eager to catch a glimpse of Song Xiyuan, accidentally pushed Shen Miao into the Yun River. Song Xiyuan, accustomed to such antics, initially assumed she had jumped in to attract his attention, but rescued her nonetheless. Moments later, Pei Yanzhen, in his official robes, arrived.

He carried Shen Miao through the astonished crowd back to Shen's Residence, where he then gently lifted her from the carriage and carried her inside. Shen Miao's aunt noticed her feigning sleep, understanding it was a way to avoid awkwardness, and subtly asked Pei Yanzhen to leave, reminding him that both he and Shen Miao were now free to seek new spouses and should avoid tarnishing each other's reputations.

Pei Yanzhen scoffed, lamenting that an official who couldn't protect his own wife was a joke, before departing. Later, Shen Miao confessed to her aunts that she had faked unconsciousness to avoid Pei Yanzhen and urged her aunt not to tell her father about the incident. Worried about Pei Yanzhen's potential misunderstanding, Shen Miao decided to find him and explain.

Unable to use the main gate due to the ongoing throngs of women, she climbed over the wall, thinking it felt like being a "female warrior." She soon encountered Song Xiyuan, who flirtatiously assumed she had scaled the wall to meet him. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a new wave of chasing women. Shen Miao, desperate to escape, pulled Song Xiyuan and ran. As they fled, Song Xiyuan pointed out Pei Yanzhen.

Shen Miao saw Pei Yanzhen accompanying Ninth Princess, who was displaying an imperial edict commanding Pei Yanzhen to "serve and accompany" her. Pei Yanzhen initially tried to refuse due to his duties, but Ninth Princess persisted, promising to leave if he made her happy. Pei Yanzhen eventually agreed to take her shopping, sending Constable Zhao to find a rouge shop.

Witnessing this, Shen Miao felt a pang of jealousy and, pulling Song Xiyuan, quickly hid to avoid being seen by Pei Yanzhen and the princess. After Pei Yanzhen left with Ninth Princess, who affectionately called him "Yanzhen" and declared he was "the best," Song Xiyuan asked Shen Miao why she was staring at him, adding that her panicked look resembled someone engaged in a secret affair.

Shen Miao again implored him to stop harming her reputation and offered him a lucrative deal: two Nanyang vessels with 2,000 taels of annual profit if he would leave her alone. Song Xiyuan declined, however, instead asking if she still harbored "an unresolved relationship."

Shen Miao secretly followed Pei Yanzhen and Ninth Princess to Shen's Accessories Store, only to find Song Xiyuan tagging along as well. Inside the store, Ninth Princess excitedly asked Pei Yanzhen to choose a rouge for her, to which he replied she looked beautiful in any. She then pressed him to buy all the rouges for her.

When she innocently inquired if he had ever accompanied his wife to a rouge store, Pei Yanzhen stated that Shen Miao never wore makeup, implying he hadn't. Ninth Princess then remarked that Shen Miao, being a merchant's daughter, was probably not a delicate woman. Overhearing this, Shen Miao was furious, especially knowing Pei Yanzhen had spent the money she gave him on another woman and made such comments about her.

She declared her intent to marry sooner, a remark Song Xiyuan optimistically misinterpreted as a sign she was considering him, prompting a sharp retort from Shen Miao warning him to stop following her. Back at Shen's Residence, a crowd of men had gathered, publicly proposing marriage to Shen Miao and even offering to live in matrilocal residence. Madam, eager to find Shen Miao a suitable husband before the imperial concubine selection in three months, was busy assessing potential suitors.

Shen Miao, however, was weary of being married off again so soon after her divorce, suspecting these men were only after her family's wealth. She argued that she preferred to wait for destiny, though Madam insisted on continuing her search. Song Xiyuan then arrived, scattering the crowd by having his servant generously distribute gold to anyone willing to leave.

Master Shen then introduced Song Xiyuan, the owner of Yuanshan Company, to Shen Miao, reminding her that Song Xiyuan had saved her from falling into the water during the Dragon Boat Festival. Seeing an opportunity, Song Xiyuan promptly proposed marriage. Shen Miao then requested a private conversation with Song Xiyuan.

She shrewdly explained that the recent surge in demand for luxury items in the capital was due to the upcoming imperial concubine selection, hinting that her father's urgency to marry her off was a protective measure to keep her out of the palace. She then directly asked Song Xiyuan if he was still willing to marry her, knowing it would mean defying the royal family.

He confirmed his willingness, but Shen Miao clarified that their union would be a "cooperation" rather than a true marriage. She dismissed his initial romantic overtures, telling him to drop the act. Recognizing the Song family's strong foundation in the royal court and their extensive business in the Central Plains, Shen Miao offered to share the Shen family's Jiangnan businesses with him as a dowry for the risks he would take. Although he initially hesitated, he eventually accepted.

She then laid out her four conditions: he must abandon his philandering ways, their relationship would be a platonic brotherhood, honesty would be paramount between them, and he must agree to a divorce whenever she requested it. Song Xiyuan readily agreed to all terms, delightedly calling her "Miaomiao" and praising her astuteness before they proceeded to write the marriage contract.

Meanwhile, Pei Yanzhen, having received the Emperor's letter from Ninth Princess revealing the Emperor's intention to make Shen Miao a noble concubine, was deeply troubled. He had earlier reiterated his feelings for Shen Miao to Ninth Princess, asserting that Shen Miao was his wife and he could always remarry her, despite their divorce. Zhan Yue warned Pei Yanzhen that repeatedly rejecting Ninth Princess would expose his true identity.

After careful consideration, Pei Yanzhen resolved to prevent Shen Miao's marriage to Song Xiyuan and his own potential marriage to Ninth Princess. Later that night, Shen Qian, feeling guilty about Shen Miao's forced marriages, confessed to her the true story of her mother's early death. He explained that her mother came from the wealthy Lu family, which was eradicated due to their entanglement in court affairs.

Her mother had known the location of a vast hidden treasure but succumbed to depression caused by the family's tragedy and persistent rumors. This painful history was why he had always strived to keep Shen Miao far from the royal court's dangerous machinations. Shen Miao reassured him that she was not her mother and that the Shen family would not meet the same fate as the Lu family.

The next morning, Madam eagerly woke Shen Miao early to visit the Great Buddha Temple. A renowned fortune-telling monk was there, and Madam hoped to secure an auspicious wedding date for Shen Miao, fearing they would miss their chance if they delayed. At the temple, while Madam went to get a queue number, Shen Miao encountered a Taoist hawking talismans and paper dolls.

He claimed his peach blossom talisman was "blessed by Shen Miao's good fortune" and attempted to sell a "limited paper doll" to Ninth Princess, boasting it could help her win the affection of a man like Official Pei or Song Xiyuan. Shen Miao, observing Ninth Princess's gullibility, tried to warn her about Official Pei's strict stance against such superstitious practices.

However, Ninth Princess dismissed her warnings and, despite the exorbitant price of two silvers for a paper doll (enough for a year's living expenses for a common family), was prepared to buy it. The Taoist, seeing Shen Miao's intervention, retorted that a good marriage was more precious than gold and rudely implied Shen Miao was a recently abandoned, unlucky woman.

Ninth Princess then shockingly asked for a cursing doll to hex a "Miss Shen," wishing her to be ugly, bald, fat, and forever single. Enraged, Shen Miao outbid Ninth Princess multiple times, ultimately buying all the Taoist's items and warning the princess not to cause trouble in Lingzhou. Around the same time, Pei Yanzhen sought guidance from his old acquaintance, Master Wangyun, at the Great Buddha Temple.

As they played chess, Master Wangyun noted Pei Yanzhen's distracted state, observing that he wasn't there for chess but rather burdened by an "obsession" that created a "heart obstacle." The Master stated that since Pei Yanzhen was "not one of the mortals," he could not offer the desired enlightenment. Zhan Yue interpreted this to mean that Pei Yanzhen should act on his strong feelings rather than maintain a facade of indifference.

Coincidentally, Song Xiyuan also arrived to seek a fortune reading for himself and his "future wife," Shen Miao. Pei Yanzhen, hiding, discreetly instructed Master Wangyun to ensure Song Xiyuan would only draw bad fortune sticks by removing all the favorable ones. As a result, Song Xiyuan drew a highly unfavorable sign, which Master Wangyun interpreted as a forced and ultimately unsuccessful marriage.

Undeterred, Song Xiyuan then requested a fortune reading for Pei Yanzhen and Shen Miao's relationship, which yielded an even worse outcome. Song Xiyuan reveled in his supposed victory, much to Pei Yanzhen's hidden annoyance, a reaction Zhan Yue observed, jokingly calling Pei Yanzhen "mean." Madam, still at the temple, soon conveyed the grim fortune to Shen Miao, saying that her compatibility with Song Xiyuan was poor, and their marriage would lead to a tragic life if they proceeded.

To Madam's surprise, Shen Miao was elated. She expressed relief, explaining that a "bad" fortune was ideal for their "cooperative" marriage, preventing Song Xiyuan from truly falling for her and repeating the mistakes of her previous marriage with Pei Yanzhen. She called it a "heaven-made match" and urged Madam to swiftly prepare for the wedding, envisioning her as the "king of the game."

On the wedding day, as preparations were underway at Shen's Residence, Shen Miao expressed her exasperation with the Song family's numerous relatives and the unexpected costs, wishing she had included a clause about wedding expenses in their contract. Meanwhile, bailiffs arrived at Song Xiyuan's family residence to arrest him on charges of bribery and embezzlement involving 80,000 taels of silver. However, a quick-thinking servant informed them that the wedding had been moved to Shen's Residence.

Pei Yanzhen, having been outmaneuvered by the change of venue, quickly arrived at Shen's Residence. As Song Xiyuan was about to start the bowing ceremony, a section of the roof suddenly collapsed. Pei Yanzhen later admitted to this "petty trick" as he lamented his actions, indicating his responsibility for the disruption.

Song Xiyuan, despite the setback, reassured Master Shen that the wedding's location didn't matter, and he had strategically chosen Shen's Residence to thwart "jackals" (a clear reference to Pei Yanzhen) who might interfere. Just as the ceremony was about to resume, Pei Yanzhen dramatically appeared. Shen Qian was taken aback, while Shen Miao, still veiled, casually referred to Pei Yanzhen as her "ex-brother-in-law."

Song Xiyuan, putting on a show of politeness and claiming a maternal uncle-niece relationship between Pei Yanzhen and Shen Miao, welcomed Pei Yanzhen with the sarcastic title "little uncle" and offered him tea. Pei Yanzhen accepted, presenting a red packet (gift money), but then subtly insulted Song Xiyuan's red wedding attire, comparing him to a "mountain pheasant." Shen Miao, from under her veil, quipped that "someone was jealous."

Pei Yanzhen then publicly questioned Song Xiyuan's fidelity, asking if he would abandon his womanizing ways after marriage and if he harbored any secret motives against the Shen family. Before Song Xiyuan could fully respond, Pei Yanzhen's men burst in to arrest him for an ongoing "criminal case." Song Xiyuan, realizing he had underestimated Pei Yanzhen's tactics, conceded that Pei Yanzhen had "barely won."

As Pei Yanzhen's men moved to apprehend him, Song Xiyuan quickly ordered Tie Niu to block them, then jumped out of a window, pulling Shen Miao along with him as he made his escape.

Song Xiyuan, determined to defy Pei Yanzhen's attempts to stop their wedding, pulled Shen Miao into a room to perform the ceremonial bows. He declared that since Pei Yanzhen had resorted to such unscrupulous means, he would see the marriage through just to spite him. Shen Miao hesitated, but when Song Xiyuan questioned if she still harbored feelings for Pei Yanzhen, she denied it.

They completed the first two bows: one to heaven and earth, and another to parents and elders. As they prepared for the most crucial one, bowing to each other, Pei Yanzhen's voice resonated from outside the door. He called out to Miao, asking if she was inside and if she was alright.

He then described the golden osmanthus flowers blooming at Pei's Residence, the beautiful autumn moon, and the grand stage, suggesting a performance of the "Tale of Ancient Sword" would be wonderful. He concluded with a poignant quote about true love not being deterred by the test of time, and then directly asked Shen Miao if she still wished for a divorce.

Moments later, Song Xiyuan confidently opened the door, declaring to Pei Yanzhen that he and his wife had completed their wedding bows and he was now ready to go with him. Shen Miao stood silently with her back to them, her expression hidden from Pei Yanzhen. Meanwhile, the Emperor spoke with his eunuch, Jingde, inquiring about the Ninth Princess in Lingzhou before turning to the Shen family. Jingde reported that Shen Miao had remarried, taking Song Xiyuan as her husband.

The Emperor remarked on Shen Miao's poor character, expressing relief that he hadn't followed the Empress Dowager's earlier suggestion to bring her into the palace. He then pondered whether to kill or spare Pei Yanzhen, acknowledging Pei Yanzhen's talent and his own reluctance to eliminate him, contrasting this with the Empress Dowager's stance that she would rather kill than risk letting him go.

Jingde, wary of offending the Empress Dowager, avoided giving a direct opinion, a hesitation the Emperor keenly observed. Pei Yanzhen, angered by Song Xiyuan's defiance, publicly ordered Song Xiyuan's elaborate wedding robes to be stripped from him. Despite Song Xiyuan's protests, Pei Yanzhen had his way, and Song Xiyuan was then taken to the county government office. There, feigning frail health, Song Xiyuan sat down, subtly implying that Pei Yanzhen was intentionally interrupting his wedding night.

Pei Yanzhen retorted that no convictions had been made, but then presented four boxes filled with Song family accounts and ledgers from the period of the crime. He instructed Song Xiyuan to remain at the county government for several days to meticulously review them, to prevent any information leakage. Meanwhile, Shen Miao traveled in a sedan to the Song Residence.

On her way, she asked Lvying to slow down when passing Pei's Residence, wanting another look, mentioning the fragrant osmanthus flowers. To her shock, she witnessed a fire raging at Pei's Residence, with servants frantically trying to extinguish it. A servant explained that the fire was suspicious, as the residence's water tanks had been broken, and Guard Zhan was unexpectedly absent.

Concerned about important ancient scriptures and paintings, Shen Miao immediately ordered Lvying to summon help from Shen's Residence and to use Pei Yanzhen's authority to borrow water from neighbors if needed. Ninth Princess, already present and scolding the Pei family servants, recognized Shen Miao. Upon hearing her surname, Ninth Princess confronted Shen Miao, accusing her of being the "bold commoner" who had once opposed her at a "temple of love and fate."

Lvying quickly intervened, denying the existence of such a temple in Lingzhou and asserting that Miss Shen rarely left her residence, implying a case of mistaken identity. However, Ninth Princess persisted, disparaging Shen Miao as a divorced woman on her second wedding day, who had no right to interfere with the Pei family's affairs and had already sullied Pei Yanzhen's reputation enough. Shen Miao, heeding the princess's reminder, decided to leave, acknowledging that her involvement was no longer appropriate.

Back at the county government, news of the fire at Pei's Residence reached Pei Yanzhen. Recognizing the urgency, he released Song Xiyuan. Song Xiyuan, gloating, triumphantly announced he was leaving to celebrate his wedding night with his bride. When one of Pei Yanzhen's subordinates questioned letting him go, Pei Yanzhen calmly replied, "There will be other opportunities."

Upon arriving at the Song Residence, Shen Miao was introduced to Song Xiyuan's two concubines, Madam Chun and Madam Xia, along with their sons, Fourth and Fifth Young Masters, and several other women, whom she quickly realized were Song Xiyuan's lovers. Lvying explained the unusual family history: Song Xiyuan was named "Third Master Song" due to a fortune teller's prophecy that his mother's first son wouldn't survive, leading them to pretend two sons had already died to protect him.

After his mother's death, Madam Chun and Madam Xia had managed the household, revealing a complex family dynamic that Shen Miao knew would be challenging. The concubines attempted to assert their authority and intimidate the new bride, criticizing her manners and bringing in Song Xiyuan's lovers to form a united front. Shen Miao, however, was unfazed. She saw through their tactics, predicting their "good cop, bad cop" routine and their plans to use her "second marriage" status against her.

She boldly criticized their theatrical performance, comparing it unfavorably to her own family's housekeepers. Produced with Song family ledgers she had brought, Shen Miao then asserted her right to manage the inner court. She assigned Madam Chun and Madam Xia joint responsibility for household tasks like purchasing, cleaning, gardening, and hosting, requiring them to mutually supervise and hold each other accountable, promising them allowances befitting a formal consort.

She put the Fourth Young Master, who had a knack for numbers, in charge of auditing Song Xiyuan's personal accounts. The robust Fifth Young Master was tasked with expanding the family business, earning proportional profit shares. Finally, to Song Xiyuan's lovers, she assigned the "most important task" of ensuring Third Master Song's comfort and satisfaction, both physically and mentally, from "inside and out, top to bottom," thereby appearing magnanimous while effectively placing them under her control.

Madam Chun and Madam Xia, though initially frustrated, realized Shen Miao would be a difficult character to handle. Later, in her room, Shen Miao confided in Lvying about Song Xiyuan's deceit. She revealed that she had been upfront about her background before their marriage, yet he had concealed the chaotic state of his family, with unruly women and easily manipulated young masters. She credited her own cleverness and articulate nature for not falling completely into his trap.

Lvying expressed pity for Song Xiyuan's problematic family, but Shen Miao insisted she was the one more deserving of sympathy. Despite her earlier assertion that she would no longer interfere, Shen Miao discreetly asked Lvying to check on the situation at Pei's Residence, claiming it was to ensure Song Xiyuan wasn't implicated. Lvying, recognizing Shen Miao's true concern for Pei Yanzhen, subtly acknowledged her request. That evening, Song Xiyuan returned, entering Shen Miao's room with a guilty grin.

He attempted to get intimate, but Shen Miao quickly pushed him away, reminding him of their pre-nuptial agreement not to consummate their marriage. She called him shameless for tricking her into managing his household and for going back on his word. Song Xiyuan defended himself, admitting his deception but claiming it was out of fear that she wouldn't marry him if she knew the truth about his concubines who constantly plotted against him.

He then shamelessly declared that since Shen Miao also had her share of "love problems," they were "birds of a feather" and were doing Lingzhou a "big favor" by marrying each other. Shen Miao called him shameless. Their bickering continued as he tried to stay in her room, arguing it was necessary for her to uphold her authority in the household. Shen Miao, however, refused to relent and made him sleep on the floor.

Pei Yanzhen, seeking information, received an update from Zhan Yue. Zhan Yue reported that Third Master Song was indeed a formidable individual who had rapidly expanded the Song family's business by taking over the tea and salt trades in just a few years. Pei Yanzhen surmised that Song Xiyuan's interest in Shen Miao was likely driven by a desire to acquire the Lu family's wealth. Zhan Yue lightheartedly suggested Pei Yanzhen should worry about his own troubles.

Earlier, Pei Yanzhen had learned of the fire at his residence. His housekeeper started to credit Shen Miao for her help, but Ninth Princess appeared and quickly claimed the credit for herself. Ninth Princess then invited Pei Yanzhen to a garden outing the next day, which he accepted. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager was incensed by the Shen family's repeated defiance of imperial decree regarding Shen Miao's marital affairs.

She deemed the family ungrateful and a mere merchant daring to defy heaven's will. She decided it was time to cause chaos in Lingzhou City and commanded the Emperor to bring the Ninth Princess back, promising to reveal further plans later. The Emperor, however, discussed with Jingde his suspicion that the Empress Dowager still intended to move against Pei Yanzhen.

He concluded that, if his suspicions were true, it was all the more reason not to allow the Ninth Princess to return to the capital. The next morning, Song Xiyuan's numerous lovers gathered outside his and Shen Miao's room, but Shen Miao expertly dismissed them by assigning them the task of preparing a special charcoal burner to keep Song Xiyuan's night tea warm, thus appearing caring while getting rid of them.

Later, at the bamboo pavilion, Shen Miao and Lvying arrived, with Shen Miao expressing her joy at finally being out since her marriage and appreciating Song Xiyuan's understanding. Coincidentally, Song Xiyuan and Pei Yanzhen also arrived. A competitive banter quickly ensued, with Song Xiyuan mocking Pei Yanzhen's busy schedule and his inability to arrest people at weddings. Pei Yanzhen countered with a remark about the scarce number of arsonists and thieves in Lingzhou City.

Song Xiyuan then challenged Pei Yanzhen to a horse race to the pavilion, taunting him about his "scholar" status. Pei Yanzhen, despite initially feigning a lack of competitive spirit, accepted. During the race, Pei Yanzhen subtly orchestrated a trap by having a rope placed across the path ahead. He then deliberately fell behind, making Song Xiyuan charge forward.

Song Xiyuan, overconfident, ended up tripping over the rope and falling in the mud, realizing Pei Yanzhen had plotted against him and possessed martial arts skills. Despite the mishap, with their subordinates intervening, Song Xiyuan declared that he and Pei Yanzhen were now "matched opponents" and "old friends at first sight," and would "share woes together." After the race, both Song Xiyuan and Pei Yanzhen changed into identical white robes.

Song Xiyuan, vainly boasting about his handsome appearance, was dismayed when he saw Pei Yanzhen in the same attire. His servant's comment that the "ugly one" is more embarrassed when outfits clash fueled Song Xiyuan's insecurity, leading him to demand clothes "a hundred times more luxurious." Meanwhile, Shen Miao and Lvying, enjoying the outdoors, overheard two women gossiping about the Empress Dowager's intention to marry Ninth Princess to Pei Yanzhen, suggesting Pei Yanzhen divorced Shen Miao to advance his power.

Shen Miao calmly dismissed their words, stating Pei Yanzhen's affairs no longer concerned her. Ninth Princess, overhearing the comparison, was furious, scolding the women for gossiping about royalty and her relationship with Pei Yanzhen. To avoid further confrontation, Shen Miao and Lvying discreetly slipped away through a back door, as Shen Miao had coincidentally chosen an outfit that might clash with the princess's. Lvying then went to fetch Shen Miao a change of clothes.

Unbeknownst to them, the two guards Ninth Princess had tasked with ambushing Pei Yanzhen now spotted a tall figure in new white attire from afar, identifying him as their target. However, they soon encountered the Ninth Princess herself.

Seeing her, and recalling her earlier instructions to act as if they were strangers during the ambush to make it appear genuine, they misinterpreted her presence and confusion as a cue to begin the "performance" of the ambush, believing she was signaling the start of the pre-planned confrontation. Ninth Princess, initially confused, soon realized their hostile intent and fought back. After disarming herself, claiming it was unfair to use a weapon, she attempted to fight them barehanded but ended up hurting her foot.

Ninth Princess's scheme went awry when, due to her wearing clothes identical to Shen Miao's, and Song Xiyuan wearing white clothes identical to Pei Yanzhen's, they were both mistaken and led into a room. There, Shen Miao and Song Xiyuan were both drugged and found lying on the bed in disarray.

Ninth Princess had instructed her maid to tell the guards to throw her into a room, close the door, and wait for the aphrodisiac smoke to take effect, planning for the maid to then burst in, pretending to look for her. This would lead to her being found disheveled and shedding tears before Pei Yanzhen, forcing him to marry her. Her maid confirmed the orders were sent and urged her to hurry as Official Pei was already in the room.

However, when Ninth Princess arrived, she was surprised to find Pei Yanzhen there, asking why he wasn't locked in as per the plan. Ninth Princess inadvertently revealed the truth of the mix-up, and Pei Yanzhen, realizing what had happened, immediately broke into the room. Seeing the two on the bed, Pei Yanzhen suppressed his anger, ordered all unrelated personnel to leave, and then had Song Xiyuan propped up.

He instructed Constable Zhao to fetch a bowl of water and splash it on Song Xiyuan to wake him. Shen Miao also woke soon after, complaining of a headache and difficulty walking, saying she had fallen. She clearly rejected Pei Yanzhen's concern, telling Song Xiyuan they should go home and instructing her servant, Tie Niu, to prepare the carriage.

Pei Yanzhen tried to tell her he would handle the matter with the princess and attempted to explain his true feelings from their encounter at Shenyuan. However, Shen Miao retorted that he and Ninth Princess were getting married and she would expect an invitation to their reception, dismissing him to go to the princess. Song Xiyuan then stepped in, stating his "wife" had suffered enough and he would visit the yamen tomorrow if Pei Yanzhen had further matters to discuss.

He then helped the limping Shen Miao leave the bamboo pavilion. Back at the Song residence, Shen Miao locked herself in her room. Lvying expressed worry about her not eating. Song Xiyuan dismissed Lvying and picked the lock to Shen Miao's room with a hairpin. He found her drunk on the floor, clutching a shadow puppet and murmuring Pei Yanzhen's name.

Song Xiyuan carried her to bed, feeling pity for her, and after all, having fallen for Shen Miao, that night he slept beside her. The next morning, Shen Miao discovered him in her bed and promptly threw him and his clothes out of her room, shouting for him to get out. Servants who had gathered to watch scattered as Song Xiyuan turned around. Two months later, Shen Miao's leg injury had fully recovered.

She noted how peaceful life had been without the "nosy peacock" (Song Xiyuan) constantly bothering her. Ninth Princess arrived at the Song residence, bringing valuable gifts, and expressed her sincere apologies to Shen Miao for causing her injury due to a misunderstanding. She then casually revealed that Pei Yanzhen had gone to the capital to propose marriage to her, and the Emperor had already agreed to their union. She asked Shen Miao if she still coveted Pei Yanzhen's love.

Shen Miao denied it, accepting the gifts and stating she would attend the wedding reception. Song Xiyuan chimed in, referring to Pei Yanzhen as his uncle and also wishing them well. Shortly after Ninth Princess left, Shen Miao suddenly felt nauseous. A physician was called and, after examining her, announced that Shen Miao was four months pregnant, congratulating Song Xiyuan. Shen Miao was enraged and threw everyone out, including Song Xiyuan and the physician.

She accused Song Xiyuan of breaking their agreement not to enter her bedchamber and angrily dismissed his attempts to apologize and calm her down for the baby's sake. The physician insisted she was indeed four months pregnant, which led a servant to point out that she had only been married for two months. Shen Miao called the physician a fraud and ordered him to be thrown out of Lingzhou City.

Meanwhile, in the capital, Pei Yanzhen was kneeling in the rain, refusing to marry Ninth Princess. His aide, Zhan Yue, noted that this elaborate act of self-harm was overly convincing and nearly cost him his life, but it was successful in getting his engagement to Ninth Princess canceled and diverting attention from the palace. Pei Yanzhen affirmed his intention to openly pursue Shen Miao again.

Zhan Yue expressed concern about Song Xiyuan's cunning nature and suggested that Shen Miao and Song Xiyuan might have a child soon. Pei Yanzhen then revealed he had promised the Emperor that he would help him regain power from the Empress Dowager within three years. Zhan Yue warned him about the formidable power of the Qin family and the Empress Dowager.

The Emperor, upset that Pei Yanzhen had seemingly abandoned their shared ambitions for a woman, worried about the Empress Dowager potentially questioning Pei Yanzhen's background and killing him. Pei Yanzhen, however, reassured the Emperor of his unwavering loyalty, promising to return to the capital through his own strength, not through the princess's protection. Convinced by his sincerity, the Emperor agreed to protect him once more.

Upon hearing Pei Yanzhen's words, the Empress Dowager perceived him as ambitious and aiming to estrange her and her son. She vowed to send him a "great gift" for daring to enter the capital alone. Soon after, while Pei Yanzhen was suffering from a cold, he was attacked by assassins sent by the Empress Dowager. Zhan Yue arrived in time to save him, but Pei Yanzhen sustained a shoulder injury.

He instructed Zhan Yue to eliminate all assassins to prevent the Empress Dowager from discovering his martial art skills. He also sent a message to Constable Zhao in Lingzhou City, telling him to stand by. Back in Lingzhou City, Song Xiyuan had gathered all the gynecologists in the city, who unanimously declared Shen Miao two months pregnant. He was overjoyed and rewarded them handsomely. Shen Miao, however, was distraught and asked Song Xiyuan for a divorce.

She explained that she initially agreed to a fake marriage for mutual benefit, to avoid the Emperor's intention to marry her, but did not anticipate the current complications. She believed a divorce was necessary for the child, stating it was better for the child to face societal criticism than grow up in a loveless home. She assured him she would uphold her business agreement with him regarding Jiangnan.

Song Xiyuan pleaded with her, asking if she had not experienced any happiness with him and if she could not see his genuine affection. Just then, Pei Yanzhen arrived at the Song residence, bringing Physician Wei, a renowned gynecologist from Huichun Apothecary. He announced his intention to oversee a new examination for Shen Miao to ascertain the truth about her pregnancy.

Song Xiyuan objected, and a heated argument erupted between the doctors hired by Song Xiyuan (claiming two months pregnant) and the initial physician (claiming four months pregnant). Annoyed by the commotion, Shen Miao, along with Lvying, emerged. Desiring to know the truth, Shen Miao agreed to let Physician Wei examine her, assuring him to ignore the chaos outside. After a prolonged examination, Physician Wei confirmed that Shen Miao was indeed four months pregnant.

A subtle smile played on Pei Yanzhen's lips as he prepared to take Shen Miao away, but Song Xiyuan vehemently refused, accusing Pei Yanzhen of foul play and preventing him from doing so.

With the paternity of Shen Miao’s child still unresolved, it was deemed unsuitable for her to remain at Song’s Residence, and even less so at Pei’s, so Shen Miao returned to Shen’s Residence. Pei Yanzhen pursued her, attempting to persuade her that the child signified their lingering connection and an opportunity to start anew. However, Shen Miao firmly rejected his advances, stating that even if the child were his, it would be none of his concern.

She declared that neither she nor the Shen family required his sense of responsibility. As Pei Yanzhen left, his wound, sustained during an earlier assassination attempt, reopened. His attendant, Zhan Yue, urged him to rest, but Pei Yanzhen insisted on concealing his injury from Song Xiyuan. Meanwhile, Song Xiyuan, also contemplating the situation, resolved that getting rid of Pei Yanzhen was the only way to resolve his problems.

Back at Shen’s Residence, Shen Miao’s father, Shen Qian, and her Madam discussed the child. The Madam advised Shen Miao to stay indoors and recuperate, assuring her that the paternity could be determined after the birth. Shen Miao found this restriction unbearable and even offered to manage her father’s silk store, but her Madam dismissed the idea, emphasizing her delicate condition. Shen Qian sided with the Madam, instructing Shen Miao to heed her guidance on household matters.

In the imperial palace, the Emperor confronted the Empress Dowager about the royal guards' attempt to assassinate Pei Yanzhen at the Royal Post, fearing for his reputation. The Empress Dowager defended her actions, questioning Pei Yanzhen’s true intentions, especially since his martial arts experts had killed all her guards.

The Emperor, however, criticized his maternal uncle for demanding excessive funds due to recent floods and suggested the Empress Dowager rein in the Qin family instead of focusing on Pei Yanzhen's background. He quickly apologized for his candid remarks. The Empress Dowager acknowledged her son's discontent but reminded him of her role in his ascension to the throne. She then revealed her awareness of the empty treasury, explaining that this was why she had summoned him.

Song Xiyuan was then brought before them. He bowed respectfully, and the Empress Dowager commended his loyalty, revealing he had donated a year's profit from Song's Trading Company. She then subtly offered Imperial Physician Xiao, a renowned gynecologist, to accompany Song Xiyuan back to Lingzhou to examine Shen Miao, suggesting it would uncover the truth. She assured Song Xiyuan of her continued support. At Pei’s Residence, Ninth Princess burst in, having dismissed Zhan Yue.

She mistakenly believed Pei Yanzhen’s injuries were a result of the Emperor's displeasure over his presumed proposal to her. Pei Yanzhen, surprised to find her there, clarified that he had gone to the capital to withdraw the marriage edict and harbored no romantic feelings for her, his heart belonging solely to Shen Miao. Enraged, Ninth Princess accused Shen Miao of being a vixen and a troublemaker.

Pei Yanzhen warned her against further harassment of Shen Miao, recalling a previous incident in the bamboo forest. Later, while Shen Miao was secretly climbing over a wall to go shopping, she encountered Ninth Princess. Despite their previous animosity, Ninth Princess, still fuming about Pei Yanzhen, decided to accompany Shen Miao, suspicious that she might try to seduce him in her absence. Shen Miao took Ninth Princess to various family businesses, including Shen's Rice Shop.

They enjoyed themselves, bonding over fabric shopping, and Ninth Princess even promised to host a banquet for Shen Miao in the spring. They returned to Shen’s Residence arm-in-arm. Upon their return, they found Imperial Physician Xiao waiting in the Foyer. He reprimanded Shen Miao for disregarding the imperial summons. Song Xiyuan urged him to proceed swiftly, as the Emperor and Empress Dowager awaited his report.

Ninth Princess, also present, tried to assert her presence, claiming Shen Miao as her "drinking buddy" to Pei Yanzhen, who had also arrived and told her to leave. After a prolonged examination, Imperial Physician Xiao announced that Shen Miao was three months pregnant, a new and conflicting diagnosis. News of this uncertainty quickly spread throughout Lingzhou City, fueling rumors and ridicule about Shen Miao's inability to determine her child's father.

Back at Song’s Residence, Song Xiyuan was confronted by his two concubines and their sons, who demanded he divorce Shen Miao to salvage the family's reputation, referring to her unborn child as an "illegitimate child." Song Xiyuan staunchly defended Shen Miao as his legal wife and retorted that the term "illegitimate child" was more fitting for his fourth brother. He accused his concubines of coveting his position as house master and challenged them to take it if they were capable.

His concubines invoked his deceased father's wish to protect them and criticized Song Xiyuan for bringing shame upon the family. Unfazed, Song Xiyuan dismissed their pleas, suggesting his father could confront him from the afterlife, and then departed. Upon receiving Imperial Physician Xiao’s report, both the Emperor and Empress Dowager were taken aback by the three-month diagnosis.

The Emperor revealed he had instructed the physician to report four months, while the Empress Dowager admitted she had ordered him to attribute the child to the Song family. They soon discovered that Imperial Physician Xiao had vanished, presumed to have fled in fear of their wrath. The Empress Dowager, exasperated, blamed Shen Miao for all the turmoil and suggested eliminating her, believing that only then could Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan be controlled.

The Emperor rejected this, citing his promise to Pei Yanzhen and the Empress Dowager’s own interest in leveraging Song Xiyuan. The Empress Dowager reluctantly conceded, noting the value of the Shen family’s wealth. As part of a new scheme, imperial eunuchs arrived at Shen’s Residence, announcing that the Empress Dowager had suffered severe vomiting and diarrhea after consuming rice supplied by the Shen family. Consequently, the Emperor ordered the seizure of Shen's Rice Shop.

Shen Qian was distraught, protesting his family’s honest business practices. The eunuch subtly hinted that resolving the Empress Dowager's "heart illness" was key to her recovery and advised Shen Qian to keep the matter from Shen Miao. Meanwhile, Pei Yanzhen, informed of the seizure, dispatched Zhan Yue and Constable Zhao to safeguard the Shen family’s businesses. Zhan Yue cautioned Pei Yanzhen against rash actions, aware that the Empress Dowager now suspected his martial prowess.

Overwhelmed by the escalating rumors and her family's troubles, Shen Miao informed Song Xiyuan of her desire for a divorce, believing the marriage was unfair to him and detrimental to the Song family's reputation. Song Xiyuan dismissed her concerns as pregnancy-induced overthinking and reneged on his earlier promise to grant her a divorce. He asserted that with her carrying "his daughter," their initial agreement was null and void, and he would not release her.

He insisted his actions were out of love, not deceit. Shen Miao noticed her father moving a significant amount of valuable jewelry, claiming it was for business, and announcing an upcoming long trip while urging her to stay home. Suspecting a deeper problem given the jewelry’s immense value, Shen Miao resolved to finalize her divorce to prevent further burdening her family. Dressed as a "warrior," she secretly entered Song’s Residence with Lvying, aiming to steal Song Xiyuan’s private seal.

Lvying questioned the covert entry, but Shen Miao insisted on the "warrior" approach. Concurrently, Pei Yanzhen visited Song Xiyuan that night. He questioned Song Xiyuan about the Empress Dowager's actions against Shen Miao. Song Xiyuan hinted at an agreement with the Empress Dowager: if Pei Yanzhen distanced himself from Shen Miao, the Shen family would be spared. He urged Pei Yanzhen to prioritize Shen Miao’s safety.

Pei Yanzhen, skeptical of the Empress Dowager’s word, proposed an alliance: in exchange for Song Xiyuan becoming his "ears" to gather intelligence on the Empress Dowager, Pei Yanzhen would help him secure the position of Court Purveyor. Song Xiyuan, seeing a profitable opportunity, agreed to cooperate, though he questioned Pei Yanzhen's trust. Pei Yanzhen countered that he trusted Song Xiyuan's "merchant nature" to prioritize personal gain.

While trying to locate Song Xiyuan's seal in his study, Shen Miao failed to find it and decided to forge the divorce papers by imitating his handwriting. In a twist of fate, she overheard a clandestine conversation between Song Xiyuan’s "Fifth Brother" and his mother, a concubine, plotting to assassinate Pei Yanzhen on his return journey from Song’s Residence, with the intention of framing Song Xiyuan.

Despite Fifth Brother’s apprehension, his mother assured him that Pei Yanzhen would naturally suspect Song Xiyuan due to their ongoing rivalry over Shen Miao. Shen Miao found herself in a perilous dilemma, torn between completing the divorce papers and rushing to warn Pei Yanzhen, knowing that if she left, she might never have another opportunity to forge the documents.

After their meeting, Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan exchanged courteous farewells, with Song Xiyuan affirming his commitment to their new alliance and Pei Yanzhen reminding him to relay any intelligence on the Empress Dowager. As Pei Yanzhen departed Song's Residence on horseback, he was ambushed by assassins. He demanded to know their identities and why they dared to attack an imperial official.

Meanwhile, Song Xiyuan, informed by his servant Tie Niu that someone had entered his study, nonchalantly dismissed it, attributing it to his "stupid Fifth Brother and his mother" who, he believed, would soon cease to be a bother.

When Tie Niu questioned his confidence in Pei Yanzhen's ability to help him achieve the position of Court Purveyor, Song Xiyuan smugly retorted that he was not a fool and was merely "playing" Pei Yanzhen, claiming it was "deceiving Pei" not "deceiving people."

Pei Yanzhen found himself ambushed. Song Xiyuan, attempting to stage a heroic rescue, was instead knocked unconscious by Shen Miao, who was wearing a veiled hat. Despite her disguise, Pei Yanzhen immediately recognized her. With Pei Yanzhen's subtle assistance, Shen Miao successfully fought off the attackers, who she believed were sent by Madam Xia. During the scuffle, Pei had urged Shen Miao to be careful of her unborn child.

That evening, in Pei Yanzhen's study, Shen Miao tended to his reopened wound. Pei, enduring the pain, explained his injury was a result of "chaos in the capital" and asked her to apply ointment to his shoulder, as he found it difficult to move. He insisted that she not summon a butler, to prevent rumors about her presence in his study late at night. As she dressed his wound, Pei questioned how she had known about Song Xiyuan's plot earlier.

Shen Miao revealed her motive was the divorce papers, stating it was "too late" for her. Understanding her predicament, Pei Yanzhen offered to forge Song Xiyuan's divorce papers, perfectly replicating his handwriting. Impressed by his skill, Shen Miao asked him to keep it a secret, citing her existing debt to Song Xiyuan and her reluctance to involve him further. Pei agreed.

He then tentatively asked if they could start anew if the child proved to be his, mentioning he had previously turned down an imperial arrangement to marry the Ninth Princess. Shen Miao, reflecting on her past two marriages (one with Pei, one with Song Xiyuan), declared that she wished to live for herself, not for others. She told him she couldn't answer his question at that moment but would always consider him a friend.

The following day, Song Xiyuan appeared at the county government, accusing Shen Miao of forging the divorce papers. He reminded Pei Yanzhen of their supposed alliance. However, Pei Yanzhen, acting in his capacity as the local magistrate, stated he had to remain impartial, especially in a case that had garnered significant public attention. After comparing the forged document with Song Xiyuan's genuine letters, Pei Yanzhen declared the divorce valid.

Song Xiyuan reacted with furious protests, calling Pei "shameless" for breaking his word. Following the divorce, Matchmaker Liu attempted to arrange a new marriage for Shen Miao with a man named Ma Tianbao. However, the blind date was quickly disrupted by the simultaneous interference of Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan, both publicly identifying as Shen Miao's ex-husbands (Pei also identified as her maternal uncle).

Exasperated, Shen Miao expressed her annoyance at their constant meddling and firmly reminded them that their divorce papers stipulated mutual non-interference in future marriages. She offered them money to leave her alone, but they refused. She then declared that her unborn child belonged solely to the Shen family. Later, Madam, accompanied by Zai, confronted Matchmaker Liu, who had attempted to evade them.

Matchmaker Liu explained that Shen Miao's two previous divorces had made it impossible to find a suitable match, as no man dared approach her. Undeterred, Madam insisted, first offering to double and then quadruple the fee, compelling the matchmaker to continue her search. Meanwhile, Shen Miao and Lvying were at a tea house, calmly enjoying a play. Lvying questioned why Shen Miao had agreed to the blind date if she wasn't keen on remarrying.

Shen Miao revealed it was a ploy to deter Pei and Song from bothering her at home, lamenting that her "charming aura" unfortunately brought such troubles. Later, Song Xiyuan, disregarding Shen Miao's previous instructions to stay away, climbed over the wall into Shen's Residence, making a comical entrance in a purple outfit he mistakenly believed was her favorite color. Before he could cause much trouble, Lvying announced Pei Yanzhen's arrival.

Shen Miao quickly dismissed Song Xiyuan, explaining that Pei was an official and, as her former husband's uncle, held a different status. In the foyer, Pei Yanzhen informed Shen Miao that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor would soon visit Lingzhou for a family visit.

He conveyed that both the Shen and Song families were invited to welcome them along the route, suggesting this presented a valuable opportunity for Shen Qian to resolve the issue of the seized Shen family rice. Pei reassured her that Shen Qian, being an experienced businessman, would adeptly handle such a challenge. Just as Shen Miao was expressing her gratitude, Song Xiyuan abruptly intervened, separating her from Pei Yanzhen.

Shen Miao used Lvying's call for dinner as an excuse to escape the awkward situation. At the dinner table, Song Xiyuan, acting on Pei Yanzhen's misleading advice, presented Shen Miao with various bee pupae dishes, believing it to be her favorite. Shen Miao, however, disliked bee pupae and felt nauseous from the smell, realizing Pei Yanzhen had deliberately given Song Xiyuan false information.

She challenged Pei, who then made her a plate of stir-fried cabbage with sour sauce, which she enjoyed. She even wiped sweat from his brow. Pei, having successfully outmaneuvered Song Xiyuan, then left. Shen Miao confided in Lvying about her stressful pregnancy, joking that the baby would be "scared out" of her. She declared the child would be a true Shen, not resembling either of her former husbands, whom she considered lazy, fond of prostitutes, and too talkative.

Feeling restless from being confined, Shen Miao expressed a desire to go out. Madam agreed to take her to Quan Lake for a summer outing. There, after going to a temple to drink tea, Shen Miao narrowly avoided falling into the lake, saved by the quick intervention of Guard Zhan. Impressed by his martial skills and upright character, Shen Miao decided to try and recruit him to her household.

She told Madam that having Guard Zhan around, to see his martial arts and hear his stories, would be beneficial for her baby, hoping the child would inherit his strong character. She optimistically believed Pei Yanzhen, as her ex-husband and a distant relative, would not object. Later, Lvying offered Guard Zhan double, then quadruple his current salary, but he politely declined, stating his five-year contract with Pei Yanzhen was not yet complete.

While leaving Quan Lake, Shen Miao noticed newly installed railings along the path. A local informed her that Magistrate Pei had personally funded their construction after a pregnant woman had almost fallen. Touched by Pei Yanzhen's benevolence, Shen Miao accepted a kite from the old man for her unborn child. A few days later, while still awaiting Guard Zhan's final decision, Pei Yanzhen arrived at Shen's Residence instead. Shen Miao informed him of her desire to see Guard Zhan daily.

Pei, clearly irritated by her words, declared that Guard Zhan's loyalty to him was deep. He then implied he might consider her request if she, instead, expressed a daily desire to see him. Shen Miao retorted, calling him "evil-hearted" and "shameless," to which Pei calmly replied that he simply wished for her to focus solely on him. To escape the ongoing drama, Shen Miao went fishing by the lake. She caught a fish and, as was her custom, released it.

An unidentified man, who was the Emperor in disguise, approached her, teasing her about feeding fish rather than catching them. He challenged her to a fishing contest, with the wager being "one question" for the loser. The man subtly used a stone to help him catch a fish, thus winning the contest. Shen Miao, though suspicious of a trick, dismissed it as a child's accidental stone throw and graciously accepted her loss.

He then asked her directly, "May I ask who is the father of the baby inside your tummy?" Meanwhile, in Lingzhou, the Empress Dowager publicly arrived for her family visit. Song Xiyuan, in her presence, took credit for the refurbished dock and official roads, attributing the funding to Shen Qian.

The Empress Dowager expressed her satisfaction and, unaware of the Emperor's true whereabouts, mentioned that the Emperor was currently in the capital and wished he could have seen his prosperous hometown. Pei Yanzhen and Guard Zhan, upon hearing this, realized the contradiction between the Empress Dowager's public statement and the Emperor's actual presence. Pei immediately dispatched Guard Zhan to find Shen Miao.

Shen Miao found herself facing a mysterious man who interrogated her about the paternity of her unborn child. She skillfully dodged his questions, asserting that the baby was undeniably hers. When the man pushed for a direct answer regarding the father, Shen Miao reminded him of their agreement for only one question and challenged his own identity. Moments later, Pei Yanzhen arrived with a group of officials who hailed the man as "Your Majesty," revealing him to be the Emperor.

The Emperor lightly chided Pei Yanzhen for his swift appearance, questioning if it was for him or for Shen Miao, and then teasingly remarked that Pei Yanzhen, like a vixen, had given his heart to another, implying Shen Miao. The Emperor then dismissed everyone, stating he was traveling incognito and wished to avoid disturbing the populace. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager met with Shen Qian at Shen's Residence, announcing her intention to have dinner there that evening to observe Shen Miao.

She returned Shen Qian's offer of his residence, explaining that while seizing Shen's Rice Shop was not her initial desire, it became necessary due to Shen Miao's entanglement with influential court officials and future royal merchant candidates, which otherwise could have brought misfortune upon the Shen family. She expressed keen interest in Shen Miao, the woman who had captivated two talented men. The Emperor had privately discussed with Pei Yanzhen the true purpose of his visit.

He admitted coming to see if Shen Miao, who had so moved Pei Yanzhen, was indeed the "ugly and virtueless" woman Shen Qian had once claimed. The Emperor reassured Pei Yanzhen that he bore no resentment over the Shen family's refusal to marry Shen Miao into the imperial family.

However, he revealed that he and his mother were in Lingzhou to investigate a matter linked to Shen Miao: the vast fortune left by the former court purveyor, the Lu family, which the Empress Dowager believed was now in Shen Miao's possession. He then asked Pei Yanzhen how he thought his mother would treat Shen Miao, given this information.

Across the lake, Shen Miao observed the Emperor and Pei Yanzhen, perceiving their relationship as a complex mix of friendship and rivalry. She confided in Song Xiyuan, suspecting that the Emperor and Empress Dowager's visit to Lingzhou might be aimed at the Shen family, a concern Song Xiyuan quickly dismissed as unfounded for mere merchants. Shen Qian, eager to impress, presented the Empress Dowager with a peculiar-looking brick tea, which she found off-putting in both appearance and aroma.

Despite her clear reluctance, Shen Qian enthusiastically insisted on brewing the century-old "treasure." Before the Empress Dowager could taste it, the Emperor arrived, admiring Shen's Residence and playfully reproaching Shen Qian for concealing Shen Miao's beauty. He then took the Empress Dowager's place, sampled the unusual tea, and, despite his initial reaction, pronounced it "a nice tea." Shortly after, Jingde, the Emperor's eunuch, arrived at Shen's Residence to summon Shen Miao to a feast.

He announced that the Emperor wished to share a fish feast, featuring fish he had personally caught, with everyone. Shen Miao, pregnant and weary, attempted to decline, but Jingde firmly stated that an imperial decree could not be defied, adding that a sedan chair had been prepared by the Empress Dowager out of consideration. At the feast, the Empress Dowager warmly greeted Shen Miao, praising her beauty and charm and noting her captivating effect on two young men.

Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan exchanged apprehensive glances, sensing an undercurrent of tension. When the Empress Dowager offered Shen Miao a rose pie, Pei Yanzhen promptly intervened, explaining that roses stimulate blood circulation and were unsuitable for pregnant women. Next, she offered fried Chinese yam, which she deemed appropriate, but Song Xiyuan quickly interjected that Shen Miao disliked yam, declaring his unwavering devotion to his wife even if it risked imperial displeasure.

The Empress Dowager playfully "punished" Song Xiyuan by making him consume the entire plate of yam. Shen Qian then seized the moment, requesting Shen Miao's early departure due to her pregnancy-induced aversion to the smell of fish and meat. The Emperor supported this, acknowledging Shen Miao's exhaustion from their earlier lake trip. The Empress Dowager eventually consented but insisted that Shen Miao first drink a bowl of fish soup, personally prepared by the Emperor.

As a precaution, Pei Yanzhen, Song Xiyuan, Shen Qian, and even the Emperor all drank a bowl of the soup alongside Shen Miao. Later that evening, after Shen Miao was escorted back to her room under the pretense of illness, concerned family members called for a physician. The physician, however, found Shen Miao's pulse normal and no signs of poisoning, attributing her "symptoms" to a mosquito bite, hair loss (a common pregnancy occurrence), and smeared lip balm.

Shen Miao clarified that she was in perfect health and that someone had deliberately fabricated her illness to remove her from the feast. Despite the physician’s reassurances, Pei Yanzhen remained alert. He discreetly observed Jingde, the Emperor’s eunuch, noticing his pale fingertips emitted a subtle herbal scent, suggesting recent, prolonged contact with herbs. Pei Yanzhen concluded that the strong flavor of the fish soup might have been used to conceal a harmful substance.

He dispatched Zhan Yue to search the Shen's Residence kitchen for the specific herb, warning that Shen Miao's life might be in peril. Zhan Yue found the herb, which Pei Yanzhen identified as Wen Hao from the Nan Realm. He explained that Wen Hao has male (crimson) and female (white) plants that grow symbiotically.

The crimson male plant can induce labor and cause a pregnant woman to fatally hemorrhage within two hours of ingestion, while the white female plant serves as its antidote. Convinced the culprit would have a hidden supply of the antidote, Pei Yanzhen instructed Zhan Yue to retrieve the white Wen Hao, while he would keep the Empress Dowager and Emperor occupied.

Pei Yanzhen skillfully prolonged a game of chess with the Empress Dowager, engaging the Emperor in discussions about strategy to buy Zhan Yue crucial time. Meanwhile, Zhan Yue located the antidote within the palace grounds, but was discovered by Ninth Princess, whose screams alerted nearby guards. Zhan Yue quickly concealed himself and pleaded with Ninth Princess for help, reminding her of their previous encounter and his connection to Pei Yanzhen.

Acknowledging him as Pei Yanzhen's guard, Ninth Princess agreed to assist. She created a dramatic diversion by tearfully accusing Jingde of peeking at her while she was changing. Amidst the ensuing chaos and as the Emperor and Empress Dowager were distracted by the princess's accusations, Ninth Princess subtly passed the antidote from Zhan Yue to Pei Yanzhen.

The Empress Dowager, discerning the true intent behind the commotion, declared to Pei Yanzhen that she would watch to see how he intended to save Shen Miao. Back at Shen's Residence, chaos erupted as Shen Miao suffered excruciating pain and severe bleeding. Physicians, summoned in haste, declared themselves powerless, advising the family to brace for the worst. Song Xiyuan desperately tried to enter the delivery room but was blocked by guards, who cited Shen Qian’s strict orders.

In her agonizing moments, Shen Miao experienced vivid hallucinations, seeing Pei Yanzhen's image and reliving their past together. Through these fragmented memories, she recognized the depth of her feelings for him. Faintly, she asked Madam if Pei Yanzhen had arrived, but was told he could not enter a delivery room. Just before losing consciousness, Shen Miao saw Pei Yanzhen entering the delivery room, seemingly holding a bowl of medicine. After that, she remembered nothing, as the frantic maids urged her to stay conscious during the baby's delivery.

After drinking the antidote sent by Pei Yanzhen, Shen Miao survived and gave birth to a healthy son. While both mother and baby were safe, they remained weak, and due to difficult labor, Shen Miao was advised not to become pregnant again for the next five years. Both Song Xiyuan and Pei Yanzhen were present, each asserting his claim to the child.

Song Xiyuan confronted Pei Yanzhen, accusing him of bringing the Emperor and Empress Dowager to Lingzhou and causing trouble. Pei Yanzhen retorted that while the baby's paternity within the Pei family was uncertain, it would definitely not be a Song. Separately, Pei Yanzhen confided in Zhan Yue, revealing he had previously instructed the imperial physician to intentionally misreport Shen Miao's pregnancy as three months to buy time amid the clashing factions.

He expressed remorse for putting Shen Miao and "their child" in danger and asked Zhan Yue to look after them if he was forced to leave, explaining that the Empress Dowager would never let Shen Miao and the baby be if he remained in Lingzhou. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager, now recovered, realized that Pei Yanzhen's visit to watch a chess game was merely a ruse to persuade the Ninth Princess to steal the antidote.

Furious, she summoned Song Xiyuan, offering to help him claim the baby as his own and bring the child into the Song family, citing Pei Yanzhen's growing influence with the Emperor. Song Xiyuan gratefully pledged his unwavering loyalty to the Empress Dowager. Shen Miao woke up after two days in a coma.

To prevent her from overthinking the events, Shen Qian and her Aunt explained that her weakness led to an early birth, exacerbated by her lack of dietary care and wandering during pregnancy, and even suggested that a cooling fish soup contributed to her condition. Shen Miao, still disoriented, inquired about her child, who was then brought to her. Shen Qian, excited, tried to name his grandson Shen Tangyuan, then Shen Yuan, describing him as a "little rice ball."

Shen Miao, however, ingeniously suggested the name Shen Xiao, linking "tangyuan" to "Yuanxiao." She also used the opportunity to playfully boast about her "twenty years of naming skill," recalling how her own name, Miao, meant "fewer women" and her brother Shen Zai's name reflected their father's constant presence. Shen Qian adored the name Shen Xiao. A month into her confinement, Shen Miao grew restless. She tied up Lvying and secretly climbed over the wall of Shen's Residence to go out.

During her outing, she encountered the Ninth Princess, who admitted that she and Pei Yanzhen had helped secure the life-saving herbal medicine, for which the Empress Dowager had grounded her. Shen Miao noted Pei Yanzhen hadn't visited her in a month. The Ninth Princess, declaring she was giving up on Pei Yanzhen, asked Shen Miao to help her pursue Zhan Yue, whom she described as secretive but kind-hearted and not materialistic.

Shen Miao agreed to support the princess against anyone who bothered her. While they were out, they spotted Pei Yanzhen and Zhan Yue. The Ninth Princess, seizing the chance, chased after Zhan Yue, leaving Shen Miao and Pei Yanzhen alone. Shen Miao tried to express how her near-death experience had clarified many things for her and that her thoughts had been of him, but Pei Yanzhen remained distant, abruptly stating he had official duties and had to leave.

Before Shen Miao could react, Lvying rushed in with alarming news: doctors from opposing factions (the "February" and "April" parties) were loudly debating the actual length of Shen Miao's pregnancy outside the Shen's Residence, lodging complaints and demanding justice. Soon after, an imperial decree from the Empress Dowager arrived, ordering Shen Miao to appear at the yamen for a public blood test to determine the baby's paternity. At the yamen, the atmosphere was tense.

Song Xiyuan gloated, remarking on the Empress Dowager's fairness in ensuring the Song family's bloodline remained intact. The Emperor arrived, and the Empress Dowager explained the physicians' grievances and how she and the Emperor had decided on a blood test given the importance of both Official Pei and Song Xiyuan. The Empress Dowager insisted Pei Yanzhen undergo the test first, but the Emperor intervened, citing Pei Yanzhen's fragile health and deferring to Song Xiyuan.

However, the Empress Dowager quickly overruled him, ordering the imperial physician to proceed. To everyone's surprise, the baby's blood mixed with Pei Yanzhen's. The Empress Dowager, initially pleased, attempted to claim the child for herself but was interrupted. Then, the baby's blood also mixed with Song Xiyuan's. Calling the situation "absurd," the Empress Dowager suspected foul play with the water used in the test.

She ordered Jingde to test it, and his blood did not mix, confirming the water was untainted. Shen Qian then tearfully appealed to the Emperor, requesting that Shen Miao and her child remain with the Shen family, pledging the family's eternal gratitude and service in return. The Emperor agreed, much to the Empress Dowager's chagrin, who stormed out. Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan exchanged a knowing glance, and Zhan Yue realized they had formed an alliance.

Later, Song Xiyuan, having witnessed Pei Yanzhen's martial arts skills, confronted him, demanding answers about his true identity and intentions toward Shen Miao. Pei Yanzhen revealed he was the Sixth Prince, the target of the Empress Dowager's long-standing pursuit, explaining why the child's existence put them all in grave danger.

He then disclosed their scheme for the blood test: they had applied alum to their hands, which would cause any blood to mix with the baby's, creating ambiguity about paternity and protecting the child from either of them being definitively named the father and subsequently targeted. Zhan Yue, upon learning the truth, commented on Pei Yanzhen's cunning.

Back at the palace, the Emperor confronted the Empress Dowager, accusing her of profiting from her visit to Lingzhou and ordering Jingde to poison him and frame him. Jingde was immediately dragged away, pleading with the Empress Dowager for help. In a move to compensate for the injustice to the Shen family, the Emperor proposed granting them the tea-selling license. However, the Empress Dowager vehemently opposed this, demanding it be given to the Song family instead.

The Emperor, seeking peace, reluctantly conceded. Back in Lingzhou, Shen Miao prepared a meal for Pei Yanzhen as a gesture of gratitude. However, Pei Yanzhen maintained a cold demeanor. He informed her that he had been promoted to the Ministry of Revenue and would be leaving Lingzhou the next day with the royal cavalry to assume his new post in the capital.

He asserted that this separation was for their own good, as his continued presence only made Shen Miao and her family a target for the Empress Dowager. Heartbroken, Shen Miao returned to Shen's Residence, where she saw Song Xiyuan dotingly holding Shen Xiao, acting like a loving father. While she should have been happy, she couldn't help but weep, her reasons known only to herself. Three years passed swiftly.

Ma Tianbao returned to Lingzhou, still hoping to find a gentle and virtuous woman from Jiangnan to marry. To his astonishment, he found Lingzhou had transformed into a city where women held significant power. He witnessed a man being physically disciplined by his wife and learned that Shen Miao had actively promoted women's independence during these three years.

She had developed the rouge and silk businesses, taught various crafts to women, and even established martial arts classes for ladies to learn self-defense. The local man attributed the city's "yin overcoming yang" imbalance to Shen Miao, accusing her of "brainwashing all the ladies and doing harm to the whole city." Ma Tianbao, grateful that he hadn't married Shen Miao years ago, decided to bid Lingzhou farewell.

Meanwhile, at Shen's Residence, Shen Miao found her father, Shen Qian, teaching her brother Shen Zai how to swim in a pond and how to use disguises as escape skills, a precaution he felt necessary after what happened to the Lu family. Shen Miao, however, admonished her father for his teaching approach. Aunt mentioned that Pei Yanzhen was now a high-ranking official, the Minister of Revenue, and would surely protect the Shen family.

But Shen Miao, bitter over his three years of silence and lack of letters, called him ungrateful, believing the Shen family would have been ruined if they had relied on him. Her son, Shen Xiao, now three, was observed to be weak and constantly immersed in books. Shen Miao tried to coax him to play in the mud or climb trees, complaining that other children his age were "demolishing houses" while he was stuck "memorizing sour essays."

Shen Xiao, however, politely refused, preferring to continue reading, which prompted Shen Miao to note how much he resembled Pei Yanzhen. She then asked Lvying about the martial arts teacher she had hired. Concurrently, in the capital, the Emperor and Pei Yanzhen reflected on their progress over the past three years. They now controlled most government ministries, with two out of three cabinet ministers supporting them.

Pei Yanzhen, however, warned the Emperor that the Empress Dowager's three years of "laying low" likely meant she was planning a formidable counterattack, advising caution. The Emperor acknowledged Pei Yanzhen's sacrifices, lamenting that he couldn't return home or see his child because of his loyalty. The Emperor then mentioned that the Ninth Princess had been making frequent trips between Lingzhou and the capital, seemingly for Zhan Yue, and offered to arrange a marriage between them. Just then, a court attendant announced that General Qin had returned from his campaign.

General Qin Zuze returned to the imperial court unexpectedly, proclaiming his intent to "rid of the vile people." In the court, he admonished the Emperor for disrespecting the Empress Dowager and harshly rebuked a eunuch who dared to speak, declaring his loyalty to the cause. Pei Yanzhen, upon hearing Qin Zuze's words, understood the true reason behind his return. Meanwhile, Shen Miao was determined to have her son, Shen Xiao, learn martial arts.

She hired several trainers, but the clever Shen Xiao deliberately provoked them into leaving. Finally, one trainer remained, but Shen Xiao, seizing a moment when Shen Miao looked away, pretended to faint. Shen Miao, concerned, believed he was simply exhausted from the training. Soon after, Song Xiyuan arrived at Shen's Residence, bringing numerous tonics for Shen Xiao, as he was always generous towards the boy.

Shen Xiao, however, only wanted to eat bayberries, and Shen Miao agreed to accompany Song Xiyuan and Shen Xiao to pick the fruits. Pei Yanzhen informed Zhan Yue that the Emperor was considering a marriage between him and the Ninth Princess, which Zhan Yue found troubling as he held no affection for her. Pei Yanzhen then inquired about Shen Miao and Shen Xiao's well-being.

Zhan Yue reported that they were doing well, but added that Qin Zuze had secretly sent many people to Lingzhou City, setting up businesses near Shen's family shops. Knowing Shen Xiao's birthday was approaching, Pei Yanzhen decided to return to Lingzhou. To avoid any trouble, he instructed Zhan Yue to keep their movements hidden.

Later, as Shen Miao, Shen Xiao, and Song Xiyuan were happily returning from picking bayberries, they encountered Pei Yanzhen whose carriage wheel was stuck in the mud. Song Xiyuan confronted Pei Yanzhen, sarcastically questioning if he was returning for Shen Xiao's upcoming birthday after three years of silence. Pei Yanzhen calmly explained he was in Lingzhou for official business. Shen Miao did not speak to Pei Yanzhen directly but found herself thinking about the woman who stood beside his carriage.

A new tavern called Zhezhe opened in Lingzhou City, taking away a significant amount of Shen's family business. Shen Miao arranged to meet Ninth Princess there to observe their business practices. However, Ninth Princess became distracted when she spotted Zhan Yue secretly observing the tavern's interior. She then flirted with Zhan Yue, who bribed the tavern server to leave. Shen Miao, disguised as a man, waited in vain for Ninth Princess.

She eventually disguised herself as a wine servant and delivered wine to a private room, where she overheard the men inside discussing their plot to forge the Shen family's official seal and ledgers to frame them for serious crimes such as underreporting tributes, embezzling imperial land, and interfering with monopolies, aiming to seize their assets. Startled, Shen Miao made a sound and was discovered.

As she was chased by the men, a masked Pei Yanzhen appeared and rescued her, helping her escape. Shen Miao intuitively felt that the masked man was Pei Yanzhen, noticing his familiar eyes, a red mole behind his ear, and the calluses on his left hand. However, she found it hard to believe it was him, as she thought Pei Yanzhen was not skilled in martial arts and lacked the character for such heroism.

Upon returning to his residence, Zhan Yue reported to Pei Yanzhen that he had been detained by the Ninth Princess. Pei Yanzhen confirmed that the Zhezhe Tavern was indeed a front to frame the Shen family, and they had even forged the Shen family's seal and ledgers to accuse them of serious crimes. Unsettled by the revelation, Shen Miao returned to Shen's Residence to check on her father, Shen Qian's, official family seal.

Seeing the real seal, she felt relieved, though her father urged her to rest before investigating further, as Shen Xiao's birthday was approaching. On Shen Xiao's birthday, Song Xiyuan presented him with a kitten. Pei Yanzhen, who made a surprise appearance, offered an antique jade pendant. Song Xiyuan, hostile towards Pei Yanzhen, encouraged Shen Xiao to refuse the gift, calling it a "lousy jade." However, Shen Xiao loved the pendant and insisted on keeping it as a bookmark.

Shen Miao tried to return the jade, but Pei Yanzhen asserted its value as a protective charm, stating it might be useful in crucial moments. Shen Miao then directly asked Pei Yanzhen if he was the one who saved her at the tavern the previous night. Pei Yanzhen avoided answering her question. The following day, as Pei Yanzhen was about to leave by boat, Shen Miao and Shen Xiao rushed to the dock.

She called out to him, questioning why he kept avoiding her, but he hurried away. Shen Miao, turning to Zhan Yue, asked why Pei Yanzhen refused to acknowledge her. Shen Xiao then interjected, revealing that Zhan Yue had repeatedly saved him from various dangers over the years, including falling into water, falling from a tree, and getting lost. This led Shen Miao to realize Pei Yanzhen had been secretly protecting them.

Back in the capital, Pei Yanzhen reported to the imperial court about the attempts to frame the Shen family. To distance himself, Qin Zuze quickly proposed that the Emperor order a thorough investigation. The Empress Dowager expressed concern, but Qin Zuze reassured her that the captured individuals were merely "loyalists" from his family, ensuring that the investigation would ultimately lead to no definitive evidence.

True to his word, before the court could uncover anything, the Zhezhe Tavern was completely "cleaned out" overnight, destroying all traces of evidence. Following Qin Zuze's instructions, the Empress Dowager issued an imperial edict to arrange a marriage between Pei Yanzhen and Qin Zuze's daughter, Qin Miuzhen. Pei Yanzhen was initially unwilling, but the Emperor persuaded him to accept the marriage, explaining it as a delaying tactic and an opportunity to infiltrate the enemy's ranks.

He emphasized that rejecting the marriage would lead to his death and leave Shen Miao and his parents vulnerable. Shortly after, Qin Miuzhen accompanied Pei Yanzhen back to Lingzhou City by boat. Shen Miao waited expectantly for Pei Yanzhen, expressing her understanding of his past actions and her desire to face challenges together.

However, her hopes were heartbroken when he arrived with Qin Miuzhen, who acted possessively by waking up from a feigned sleep in his arms and claiming Pei Yanzhen cordially invited her. Ninth Princess also confronted Qin Miuzhen, accusing her of shamelessly clinging to Pei Yanzhen.

Pei Yanzhen then delivered a series of cold words to Shen Miao, stating that his secret protection of Shen Xiao was due to his belief in Shen Xiao being his bloodline, and his actions in court to aid the Shen family were driven by a sense of justice for injustice, not personal affection for Shen Miao.

A devastated Shen Miao was then led away by Tie Niu to Song Xiyuan, but she showed no interest in his attempts to cheer her up, comparing his humor to Pei Yanzhen's hurtful actions. When Pei Yanzhen inquired about Shen Miao, Zhan Yue bluntly told him that his repeated actions had already caused Shen Miao's heart to lean towards Song Xiyuan, and his latest actions had completely broken her heart.

Qin Miuzhen, observing from a distance, contemptuously remarked about Shen Miao's confession and fickle character, while Qin Zuze told the Empress Dowager that Qin Miuzhen would serve as their spy and assassin by Pei Yanzhen's side, ensuring his ultimate demise if he resisted.

Shen Miao and Song Xiyuan spent an evening drinking, both burdened by their own sorrows. Song Xiyuan confessed that he perhaps shouldn't have married her, believing he would have been content diligently managing his family business and expanding the Song family's influence, thereby avoiding the predicament of failing to win her heart. However, he also stated that he never regretted meeting her in this life.

Shen Miao, in turn, shared that her mother deeply loved her father but ultimately died in hatred. She mused on how even grand gestures, like her father planting an entire bayberry forest for her mother, couldn't prevent her father from having many concubines and her mother dying with bitterness. Shen Miao declared that she no longer had love, only anger.

As Shen Miao succumbed to her intoxication, Song Xiyuan had not yet made any move when Pei Yanzhen appeared to stop him, subsequently bringing the unconscious Shen Miao back to Shen Residence. The next morning, Shen Miao awoke at Shen's Residence to find Pei Yanzhen there and prepared to leave. Still remembering what Pei Yanzhen had said to her, and thinking of his engagement with Qin Miuzhen, Shen Miao confronted him with a hostile attitude.

She angrily asked why he would tease her if he had no feelings for her, or why he acted as he did yesterday if he did. Pei Yanzhen clarified that she was drunk and he had simply brought her back to her residence, then reiterated his intention to leave. Shen Miao retorted, telling him to stop being sarcastic and go find Miss Qin. Pei Yanzhen, hurt, asked if she truly wanted him to marry someone else.

He regretted their divorce four years prior, lamenting how it led to their current predicament. Shen Miao, however, dismissed his "dilemma," asserting that a talented and powerful man like him could find any woman he desired. She expressed her humiliation from the previous day's events and stated that the Shen family would send a generous gift for his wedding to Qin Miuzhen, asking him not to interfere with her own prospects.

Suddenly, Shen Xiao burst in, bravely positioning himself between Pei Yanzhen and his mother, calling Pei Yanzhen the "bad man" who had hurt "Sansan" (Song Xiyuan), and then pulled Shen Miao away to check on Song Xiyuan. Shen Miao found Song Xiyuan with a bruised face.

When she questioned how Pei Yanzhen could have injured him, given her perception that Pei Yanzhen didn't know martial arts, Song Xiyuan denounced Pei Yanzhen as a "tyrannical, shameless, cruel, perverse, sinister, and cunning scoundrel" who had taken advantage of him. He hinted that he would have been a willing participant if Shen Miao had done anything to him last night. Noticing his wound bleeding, Shen Miao bandaged it.

Then, under Pei Yanzhen's watchful eye from the window, she deliberately fed Song Xiyuan porridge, a gesture Song Xiyuan willingly accepted. Pei Yanzhen, heartbroken, turned and left. Song Xiyuan then invited Shen Miao and Xiao to the Qixi Festival lantern fair that evening, suggesting they could forget their troubles. Shen Miao, fueled by defiance, agreed, proclaiming that Pei Yanzhen would be the one to regret, not her.

Later that evening, Song Xiyuan, Shen Miao, and Xiao visited the bustling lantern fair. Song Xiyuan carried Xiao on his back, making him laugh with delight. They played games, and Song Xiyuan won a beautiful cat-shaped lantern for Xiao after a blindfolded pitch-pot game, remarking it resembled the "meow meow" (cat) he gave Xiao and Shen Miao's cat. They enjoyed candied hawthorns, and Song Xiyuan wished for time to stand still, a moment of peace and happiness.

Pei Yanzhen, from a bridge overlooking the scene, watched them appear like a happy family of three, feeling a sharp pain in his heart. Soon after, an imperial eunuch arrived in Lingzhou City to publicly announce the Empress Dowager's decree, bestowing Qin Miuzhen, General Qin's beautiful niece and a relative of the Empress Dowager, upon Pei Yanzhen in marriage. Pei Yanzhen was stunned into silence, but after a moment, he accepted the imperial decree.

The Ninth Princess rushed to tell Shen Miao about the imperial decree. Upon hearing the news, Shen Miao choked on a fishbone. Her father, Shen Qian, quickly called a physician, who removed the bone but advised Shen Miao to speak as little as possible for a few days due to throat inflammation.

Through the Ninth Princess, Shen Miao learned more about Qin Miuzhen, including that she had just turned fifteen last year and that the Empress Dowager believed the rhyming names of Pei Yanzhen and Qin Miuzhen signified a destined match. Shen Miao then silently inquired if Pei Yanzhen had accepted the decree. The Ninth Princess sadly confirmed that he had, causing Shen Miao to feel a profound sense of sadness and coldness.

Song Xiyuan soon visited Shen Miao, bringing a collection of ancient weapons for her, claiming he knew she enjoyed martial arts. He also presented her with a talking myna bird, stating it could keep her company while her voice was recovering. The bird immediately squawked, "Pei is a bad man." Song Xiyuan continued to disparage Pei Yanzhen, accusing him of being a cunning opportunist who had first courted the Ninth Princess and then the Empress Dowager's niece to gain power.

To cheer Shen Miao up, he invited her and Xiao to see a new opera troupe. However, the play they attended turned out to be a celebratory performance commissioned by the Empress Dowager herself, explicitly designed as a wedding gift for Pei Yanzhen and Qin Miuzhen. The actors sang of a "wedding room cozy and lovely" and wished "Minister Pei and his wife, always united in heart, and grow old together."

Unable to speak, Shen Miao's expressions revealed her deep sadness. In the days that followed, Shen Miao tried to immerse herself in various activities. One day, while she was watching an opera in her garden, Pei Yanzhen unexpectedly arrived. Song Xiyuan's myna bird, which had been repeating lines from the congratulatory opera, squawked, "Wishing Minister Pei and Madam Pei, always united in heart, and grow old together."

Pei Yanzhen, misunderstanding this as Shen Miao's true sentiment, asked if it was indeed her heartfelt wish. He then presented her with a wedding invitation. Shen Miao, after a moment, accepted it, stating that since he had personally invited her, she had no reason not to attend. As Pei Yanzhen turned to leave, he offered her a packet of anti-inflammatory throat medicine, assuring her she would recover in three days. Shen Miao responded, "You're thoughtful."

On the day of the wedding, Shen Miao struggled to choose an outfit. She rejected numerous dresses, offering various excuses, such as needing to care for Xiao (which Lvying refuted, pointing out Xiao had multiple wet nurses) or the clothes themselves being unsuitable – one too much like a nun's habit, another too plain, and a third not durable enough. Lvying, seeing through her excuses, questioned if her hesitation stemmed from lingering feelings for Pei Yanzhen.

At that moment, Song Xiyuan arrived. He deliberately provoked Shen Miao, suggesting she couldn't bear to see Pei Yanzhen marry and implying she still harbored feelings for him. Stung by his words, Shen Miao declared that his provocation had worked. She announced her intention to wear her "ultimate battle attire" to show Pei Yanzhen what a beautiful woman he had lost.

Shen Miao arrived at the Pei residence with Song Xiyuan, looking stunning in her red dress, a favorite of Pei Yanzhen's. The Ninth Princess, who was waiting, complimented her, but also joked that others might think Shen Miao was there to "steal the groom." Shen Miao responded, "I won't lose in appearance even if I lose him." She then calmly approached Pei Yanzhen and offered her congratulations to "Minister Pei and his wife," wishing them a blessed and long-lasting marriage.

She quietly reflected that she now understood Pei Yanzhen's true feelings, and it was better this way, so she wouldn't make a fool of herself. Pei Yanzhen, heartbroken by her words, tried to draw her aside to talk in the backyard, saying she didn't understand. However, Song Xiyuan interjected, reminding Pei Yanzhen that on his wedding day, he should be with his bride.

As the auspicious time was announced again, urging the groom to proceed into the hall, Pei Yanzhen looked at Shen Miao one last time before reluctantly leaving. Song Xiyuan then offered to take Shen Miao away, but she refused, stating that her congratulations were sincere, and it was time to put an end to her entanglement with Pei Yanzhen.

On the day of the wedding, as the master of ceremonies delivered blessings for a lasting marriage and abundant offspring, Pei Yanzhen stood with Qin Miuzhen, bowing to heaven and earth and their ancestors. However, when it came time to bow to their spouse, Pei Yanzhen remained still, lost in thought, remembering a past thought to Shen Miao about enduring love, asking if she could wait a few more days for him.

Looking at Shen Miao in the crowd, he declared that he could not go through with the wedding today or ever, expressing his apology to Qin Miuzhen. He revealed that his heart belonged to someone else. Though societal norms frowned upon it, and even if that person had rejected him, he found solace in simply watching her from afar. If he were to marry today, he feared even this cherished yearning would be lost forever.

Qin Miuzhen, the daughter of the General, was enraged by Pei Yanzhen's public defiance of the imperial edict. She reminded him that such an act was a death sentence, but Pei Yanzhen calmly stated that without his beloved, life held no meaning, and he would rather die. Ninth Princess intervened, questioning Qin Miuzhen's use of force on a festive day. Qin Miuzhen retorted that Pei Yanzhen's defiance shamed the Empress Dowager and the royal family.

Pei Yanzhen, however, made his decision clear, and Qin Miuzhen then ordered Du Xi to arrest him and send him to the capital to await the Empress Dowager's judgment. Shen Miao was determined to save Pei Yanzhen, despite Song Xiyuan and Shen Qian's pleas to consider the grave danger. As she left, she encountered Zhan Yue and Ninth Princess, learning that Pei Yanzhen had left something for her to read once "the dust had settled."

Shen Miao insisted on seeing it immediately, leading Zhan Yue to Pei Yanzhen's study. There, she found countless portraits of herself, revealing Pei Yanzhen's true feelings. Zhan Yue explained that for three years, Pei Yanzhen had feigned indifference and cut off contact with Shen Miao and Xiao to protect them from the powerful Qin family, who had extended their control to the Shen family.

While he navigated dangerous political waters in the capital, he entrusted Zhan Yue to safeguard Shen Miao and Xiao in Lingzhou. He had only agreed to marry into the Qin family as a strategic move to dismantle them from within. His public refusal was an unplanned act of love, wanting Shen Miao to know his heart before he died.

Shen Miao, realizing she had misunderstood him, felt a pang of guilt but also anger at his "selfish" plan to sacrifice himself. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager, angered by Pei Yanzhen's public defiance, decreed that he be beheaded the next day at noon, to make an example of him and uphold royal authority.

The Emperor argued against such a hasty decision for a high-ranking official, suggesting there must be hidden reasons, but General Qin intervened, asserting the Empress Dowager's resolve and questioning the Emperor's lingering attachment to Pei Yanzhen. The Empress Dowager reiterated that one person should not be allowed to disrupt royal family harmony. Song Xiyuan visited Pei Yanzhen in prison, correctly deducing that Pei Yanzhen's initial plan with the Emperor was to marry Qin Miuzhen to undermine her family.

Pei Yanzhen, now accepting his impending death, asked Song Xiyuan to look after Shen Miao and Xiao, and proposed a final collaboration: for Song Xiyuan to act as a spy within the Qin family, reporting their plans to the Emperor, as only by dismantling the Qin family could the Shen family truly be safe. Song Xiyuan did not immediately agree. Shen Miao tried to visit Pei Yanzhen, offering gold to the jailer, but was refused.

She soon discovered that Song Xiyuan had secretly bribed the jailers double the amount to prevent her from seeing Pei Yanzhen. Despite Song Xiyuan's continued attempts to dissuade her, citing Pei Yanzhen's past coldness and her own feelings, Shen Miao firmly declared her gratitude to Song Xiyuan as a friend but clarified that her heart belonged to Pei Yanzhen, stating, "perhaps I do take a liking to him," and insisted on seeing him.

When she finally reached Pei Yanzhen, she found him covered in wounds, clearly tortured. Distraught, Shen Miao told him that if he died, she would remarry with a ceremony a "billion times grander" than his aborted wedding, declaring she would never forgive him. Pei Yanzhen confessed his deep regrets for his past actions, especially leaving her, saying he knew she resented him.

Shen Miao countered that her resentment was towards herself for not having defied the imperial edict earlier, and reiterated that she would never forgive him if he died. Pei Yanzhen then admitted he couldn't bear the thought of her remarrying, finding that prospect worse than death. Outside the prison, Lvying was also trying to see Shen Miao, but was met with insults from the jailers. Constable Zhao intervened, defending Lvying.

Later, Qin Miuzhen visited Song Xiyuan, inviting him to spectate Pei Yanzhen's execution. She presented an opportunity for Song Xiyuan to rise from a mere court purveyor, the "lowest among the Four Occupations," to an important official in the Ministry of Revenue, replacing Pei Yanzhen, if he collaborated with the Qin family. Song Xiyuan, acknowledging that "everything comes with a price," asked what was required of him. She told him he would have to serve the Qin family.

That evening, Shen Miao returned to Shen's Residence, appearing devastated. Her son, Xiao, noticed her sadness and innocently questioned if she was upset about "Great-uncle" Pei Yanzhen, asking if her constant distraction when she saw him meant she loved him. Shen Miao simply held him and quietly promised, "I won't do it again." Later, Pei Yanzhen's mother visited Shen Miao, asking if she was willing to save Pei Yanzhen.

The next day, at the execution ground, Pei Yanzhen, brutally beaten and defiant, refused to kneel before the executioner. As the execution was about to proceed, Shen Miao arrived, presenting an Immunity Token bestowed by the Grand Emperor to the Pei family for their ancestor's service in saving the Emperor's life. Qin Miuzhen dismissed it as a fake, but Ninth Princess and Zhan Yue intervened, supported by the crowd's outcry, demanding that Shen Miao be heard.

An official confirmed the token's authenticity. Qin Zuze and the Empress Dowager in the capital soon learned of this. Qin Zuze verified the token's origin, noting that the Pei family's decline in influence had caused it to be forgotten. While the Empress Dowager suspected Pei Yanzhen had ulterior motives, perhaps coveting the Shen family's wealth, Qin Zuze assured her that Pei Yanzhen was now "battered and bruised" and no longer a threat to return to the capital.

As a result, Pei Yanzhen was spared execution, but an imperial edict stripped him of his official title, demoting him to a commoner, confiscating his residence, and ordering him to return to his hometown. Later, Shen Xiao, holding a bird he received from Song Xiyuan, confronted him, accusing him of harming "Great-uncle" Pei Yanzhen and declaring that he and his mother no longer wanted to talk to him.

Shen Miao watched over an injured Pei Yanzhen, recalling how it had been three years since she last looked at him with such focused concern. She was jolted awake when he accidentally knocked over a candle holder. Pei Yanzhen tried to reassure her, but as he struggled to reach his painful wound, Shen Miao stepped in to help apply medicated wine, gently inquiring if he had exacerbated his injury.

Pei Yanzhen confessed that with her by his side, he felt no pain, emphasizing that without her, even a panacea would be useless. He then earnestly pleaded with her not to leave him again. When he expressed his feeling of having lost everything, Shen Miao firmly reminded him that he still had her and Xiao. Later, Pei Yanzhen met with Zhan Yue to review their covert operations.

Zhan Yue reported that Song Xiyuan had successfully infiltrated the Qin family, gained their trust, and had already traveled to the capital, poised to uncover incriminating evidence. The letter for the Emperor had been delivered, and the Emperor would feign ignorance before the Empress Dowager, allowing them to apprehend the Qin family once all their misdeeds were exposed.

Pei Yanzhen shared his findings from recent interactions with Qin Miuzhen, revealing the Qin family's vast ambition, profound malice, and even suspected plans for a mutiny. He stressed the perilous nature of their mission, stating that they faced a final, decisive battle against the Qin family, and if they failed, everyone, including himself and the Emperor, would face certain death.

Zhan Yue questioned if Pei Yanzhen's actions were worth the risk, suggesting he could have avoided this danger by marrying Qin Miuzhen. Pei Yanzhen then grimly stated that after everything was settled, the Shen family would face severe consequences or annihilation. Meanwhile, Song Xiyuan, blindfolded, was led to Qin Zuze's military training grounds. He feigned admiration for Qin Zuze, flattering the general on his rise to power through the Empress Dowager's patronage.

Qin Zuze, pleased by Song Xiyuan's praise, openly revealed his disdain for the current Emperor, whom he viewed as narrow-minded and solely concerned with the Qin family's growing influence. Qin Zuze confessed his intention to lead a mutiny, dismissing Pei Yanzhen as an insignificant scholar. He then invited Song Xiyuan to join his grand scheme, to which Song Xiyuan enthusiastically agreed, feigning loyalty to the general.

Back at Shen's Residence, Shen Miao searched for Pei Yanzhen, who had sent word that he needed to see her. She eventually found him behind a screen, performing a shadow puppet play. Pei Yanzhen expressed his happiness that she still kept the puppets he had carved for her, acknowledging that despite his promise to make her a new pair each year, four years had passed and their love had grown stronger through setbacks.

He asked if she remembered his promise, to which Shen Miao playfully countered by demanding eighty pairs of puppets to truly make up for lost time. Pei Yanzhen smiled, interpreting it as her wish to grow old with him. Later, he taught Xiao to write Shen Miao's name.

That evening, for the Qixi Festival, Pei Yanzhen had arranged a "hero saves the beauty" play in the courtyard, explaining it was to re-enact their first encounter and fill in the missing years. When Shen Miao quickly saw through the disguise of one of the "bandits," she found the play rather trite but cheerfully joined in. He then recited romantic poetry and later offered her an embroidered sachet.

As it grew late, Shen Miao, tired of the prolonged theatricals, suggested ending the night, but Pei Yanzhen insisted on one more scene: a classic "clandestine meeting over the wall" to replace her memory of meeting Song Xiyuan in such a manner. Shen Miao jokingly chided him for his reckless behavior given his weak health and lack of funds, but she ultimately embraced his romantic gestures.

Shortly after, Zhan Yue delivered Song Xiyuan's urgent letter from the Qin family to Pei Yanzhen. The letter confirmed Qin Zuze's audacious plot to assemble soldiers and force the Emperor's abdication. Pei Yanzhen surmised that Qin Zuze was operating without the Empress Dowager's knowledge and, to ensure legitimacy, would likely poison the Emperor under the pretext of "Eradicating the vile officials," thereby making Pei Yanzhen and the Shen family scapegoats.

He urgently instructed Zhan Yue to relay a message to Song Xiyuan: uncover the Qin family's full strategy and mobilize their contacts in the capital to protect the Emperor. Zhan Yue offered to accompany Pei Yanzhen to the capital for support, but Pei Yanzhen insisted on remaining in Lingzhou to consolidate his forces, primarily to ensure Shen Miao's safety from potential repercussions. In his haste, Pei Yanzhen momentarily forgot Shen Miao.

Meanwhile, Shen Miao had been searching everywhere for Pei Yanzhen, mobilizing servants and growing increasingly frustrated by his disappearance. Her anger dissolved, however, when she discovered him playing the zither, drawing her in with a familiar melody. Pei Yanzhen played "By the riverside, a pair of turtledoves are cooing; There is a maiden fair whom a young man is wooing." Still a little miffed, Shen Miao asked for a serious confession, wanting to see his true feelings.

In the capital, the Emperor was burdened by escalating military expenses. Song Xiyuan helped Qin Zuze transport weapons into the capital under the guise of a tea merchant caravan. Qin Zuze believed the Emperor was already poisoned and felt confident. Song Xiyuan advised Qin Zuze to obtain the Empress Dowager's decree under the pretext of protecting her, allowing two thousand elite soldiers to openly enter the palace. The Emperor drank a cup of tea, then suddenly collapsed, poisoned.

In his fading consciousness, he desperately called for Pei Yanzhen to be summoned to the capital. However, Du Xi, a confidant of the Qin family, seized the opportunity. When the imperial physicians declared the Emperor poisoned, Du Xi cunningly twisted the Emperor's dying words, suggesting that the Emperor had intended to name Pei Yanzhen as the perpetrator.

Qin Miuzhen further fueled the Empress Dowager's rage by reminding her of Pei Yanzhen's alleged lineage and ambition, painting him as a resentful schemer who had finally struck. Manipulated by fear for her son and hatred for Pei Yanzhen, the Empress Dowager was convinced. Qin Zuze then proposed that Pei Yanzhen be summoned to the palace, tortured for the antidote, and the Qin army be brought in to "guard the palace" against Pei Yanzhen's supposed rebellion.

Desperate to save her son and punish Pei Yanzhen, the Empress Dowager issued an edict authorizing Qin Zuze's troops to enter the palace. Pei Yanzhen led Shen Miao to an unmarked tombstone, revealing it belonged to a very important aunt who preferred to remain anonymous in death. He shared a poignant story about her sacrificing her life for his when he was a sickly child, a memory that solidified his disbelief in deities.

He then declared his love for Shen Miao, asking her to hold his hand and grow old with him, proposing marriage. Shen Miao, understanding the significance of this confession, vowed before the tombstone to care for Pei Yanzhen for the rest of her life, never abandoning him, just as his aunt had cared for him. Pei Yanzhen thanked her deeply. Later, as they walked, Pei Yanzhen asked Shen Miao about her rarely mentioned mother.

Shen Miao recounted how her mother, in her last year, often sat by the osmanthus trees, grieving for her late father, Master Lu. Shen Miao confessed that as a child, she was too restless to sit with her mother, often returning home after dark to find her still staring at the trees. She pondered if her mother knew something about the peculiar circumstances surrounding the Lu family's misfortunes.

Shen Miao also spoke of the scrimshaw deer necklace her mother had left her, explaining it symbolized her mother's eternal presence. She then entrusted the precious keepsake to Pei Yanzhen, stating she had already given herself to him, so there was nothing else she couldn't give.

Shen Miao then playfully demanded compensation for the expenses incurred in rescuing him from prison, even jokingly suggesting he could pay in installments, to which Pei Yanzhen humorously proposed waiving the dowry for their impending marriage since he was currently jobless. Meanwhile, Shen Qian met with Pei Yanzhen, revealing his long-held ambition, shared by Shen Miao's mother and maternal grandfather Master Lu, to open a trade route to the Western Regions.

Pei Yanzhen offered his connections at the Ministry of Rites to help secure the necessary permits. Overjoyed that the imperial court had unexpectedly approved the Shen family's request to trade with the Western Regions, Shen Qian announced his decision to personally lead the inaugural business venture, anticipating significant profits from silk and horse trading.

Recognizing that their wedding was imminent, Shen Qian formally bestowed upon Pei Yanzhen the official seal of the leader of the Shen family, a symbol of immense trust. He sternly warned Pei Yanzhen not to ever hurt Shen Miao's feelings, to which Pei Yanzhen pledged his unwavering devotion. Shen Qian entrusted the care of the Shen family and Shen Miao to Pei Yanzhen while he was away, also offering some playful, fatherly advice about self-control. The next day, Shen Qian was seen off by his family and household, embarking on his journey to the Western Regions.

Pei Yanzhen enjoyed more time with Shen Miao and their son, Xiao, bringing them much joy. Shen Miao was secretly preparing for their wedding, and Pei Yanzhen, with a little prompting, soon discovered her plans. She realized the immense cost of holding a wedding, especially since their first wedding had been arranged by her father, Shen Qian, who was now away. An edict from the Empress Dowager arrived at Shen's Residence.

Fearing Pei Yanzhen would be taken away on fabricated charges, Shen Miao frantically rushed to the Foyer to find him. In her haste, she stepped on some broken pieces and injured her foot. Pei Yanzhen appeared and immediately ordered a maid to fetch medicine for her. He explained to Shen Miao that the Empress Dowager, having heard of his excellent culinary skills, had summoned him to the palace to cook.

Worried for his safety, Shen Miao implored him to be cautious. Pei Yanzhen gave Shen Miao a scrimshaw deer charm, sharing a personal story of how it had once saved his life when he was a child, assuring her it would protect her from any danger. Shen Miao cautioned him that the capital, especially close to the Empress Dowager and Qin Zuze, was a treacherous place, emphasizing that his life was paramount. He reassured her that he would return safely.

Showing her deep care for his well-being, Shen Miao meticulously packed many items for his journey. As he left, Pei Yanzhen promised to return soon, leaving a beautiful hairpin as a token of his pledge. Meanwhile, Qin Miuzhen reported to her father, Qin Zuze, that Pei Yanzhen had fallen into their scheme. With Shen Qian now away, they saw a prime opportunity to move against the Shen family.

Qin Miuzhen expressed her anticipation of gaining immense military power and wealth, believing the empire would be theirs once the Emperor and Pei Yanzhen were eliminated. Qin Zuze instructed her to spare Shen Miao, as per an arrangement with Song Xiyuan, despite Qin Miuzhen's strong dislike for him. Qin Zuze explained that Song Xiyuan was a necessary tool for their current plans and could be discarded later.

Qin Miuzhen voiced her unease at how smoothly their plot was unfolding, prompting Qin Zuze to dispatch her to Lingzhou while he proceeded to the palace. Elsewhere, Song Xiyuan observed Qin family soldiers mobilizing. He covertly questioned a servant, catching snippets of conversation about "Lingzhou" and the "Shen family," which confirmed his suspicions of an impending attack on the Shen family.

At home, Shen Miao tried to entice Xiao to fly kites, but he preferred to immerse himself in books with his great-uncle. He quoted classical texts about gentlemen avoiding danger and even chided his mother for running around with an injured foot. Shen Miao also agreed to let Pei Yanzhen's parents visit Xiao at the residence. Pei Yanzhen received a letter from Song Xiyuan, detailing Qin Miuzhen's plan to attack the Shen family.

He immediately ordered Zhan Yue to return to Lingzhou to protect Shen Miao. Zhan Yue expressed concern for Pei Yanzhen's precarious position in the capital, reminding him of a five-year bet he lost to Pei Yanzhen years ago, which bound him to serve him. Despite the inherent dangers and his initial reluctance, a deep, brotherly bond forged through years of shared hardships compelled Zhan Yue to agree.

Pei Yanzhen, acknowledging the dire situation, revealed a contingency plan: if he were to fail and perish, Zhan Yue must conceal the truth from Shen Miao, arrange for the Shen family to sever all ties with him, and ensure Shen Miao and Xiao marry Song Xiyuan as a strategic safeguard against Qin Zuze. This would, at the very least, secure the Shen family's lives.

Pei Yanzhen, reflecting on his past driven by hatred and his initial calculating motives in marrying Shen Miao, now vowed to strive for success and live an honest life. Zhan Yue, despite finding the plan bewildering, reluctantly agreed to fulfill this final request. Back at Shen's Residence, Lvying summoned a non-local physician for Shen Miao's persistent foot injury, as other local doctors were hesitant to treat them after the controversial pregnancy announcement.

The physician, speaking in an unclear dialect, diagnosed Shen Miao's parrot with "lost voice." However, both Lvying and Shen Miao repeatedly misunderstood this as the parrot having "lost its virginity," leading to a humorous yet dramatic lamentation over the bird's supposed lost chastity. The physician clarified, explaining the parrot's throat was swollen from spicy food and prescribing a soothing medicine for it, as well as an herbal remedy that would heal Shen Miao's foot in three days.

He then delivered a shocking revelation: Shen Miao's pulse indicated she had been consuming contraceptive medicine, which was detrimental to her liver and kidneys and could endanger her life. Shen Miao was stunned, adamant that she had never taken such medication. Lvying, indignant, dismissed the physician as a "worthless quack" and expelled him from the residence. Shen Miao, however, remained deeply troubled and suspicious. Later, the now-recovered parrot began to mimic fragments of overheard conversations.

It repeated phrases like "wonderful plan, Song Xiyuan allies, catch them off guard," and alarmingly, recited the precise details of the Shen family's vast assets—161 stores and 18 river routes—figures known only to Shen Qian and Pei Yanzhen. It then echoed Pei Yanzhen's voice, discussing the "Qin family collapsed, how to arrange Shen family? Shen family will be annihilated." Shen Miao was horrified, struggling to reconcile these words with the man she believed she loved.

The parrot's revelations, coupled with the physician's warning about contraceptive medicine, made her question everything: Pei Yanzhen's hidden martial arts skills, his past declarations of love, and the possibility that their entire relationship was a "show" orchestrated to marry her off to Song Xiyuan. She recalled his affectionate words in prison and his thoughtful shadow puppet gifts, desperately clinging to the hope that his feelings were genuine.

Yet, the parrot continued to repeat Pei Yanzhen's callous pronouncements about annihilating the Shen family and seizing their wealth, plunging Shen Miao into profound despair. Overwhelmed by betrayal and sorrow, she became oblivious to a small fire igniting a curtain in her room. Lvying entered, quickly extinguished the flames, and then found Shen Miao unconscious on the floor. In the capital, Pei Yanzhen covertly entered the Emperor's chambers.

Simultaneously, Qin Zuze and Song Xiyuan arrived, demanding an audience with the Emperor. A palace official blocked Qin Zuze, citing the Empress Dowager's orders for the ailing Emperor to rest. Qin Zuze insisted on seeing the Emperor to report urgent military matters. Song Xiyuan then intervened, offering to enter on Qin Zuze's behalf to avoid further complications and to shoulder responsibility for any "break-in," thereby discreetly protecting Pei Yanzhen's presence.

Inside, an eunuch confirmed to Qin Zuze that the Emperor had been unconscious for days with no signs of recovery. Qin Zuze, claiming his role as the Emperor's uncle, then took charge of guarding the Emperor. Upon awakening, Shen Miao was informed by Madam that Shen Qian had entrusted the Shen family's official seal to Pei Yanzhen before his departure.

Realizing the profound implications of this, Shen Miao immediately ordered the housekeeper to seal all Shen family accounts, strictly forbidding anyone from accessing funds without her or her father's explicit permission. She then instructed Lvying to prepare a carriage without delay to retrieve Xiao from Pei's residence, fearing for his safety in light of her discoveries.

Qin Zuze attempted to poison the Emperor, calling him soft-hearted and unfit for the throne, and wished him a carefree afterlife. The Emperor, however, suddenly opened his eyes and questioned if Qin Zuze believed in the afterlife, startling the assassin. At that moment, Pei Yanzhen immediately stepped forward to protect the Emperor from harm, quickly disarming Qin Zuze's guards, much to Qin Zuze’s surprise at his martial prowess.

The Empress Dowager then arrived, mistakenly believing Pei Yanzhen was harming the Emperor and ordered his capture. The Emperor clarified that Qin Zuze was the true traitor, explaining that the rare Cinnabar poison he had been given was not incurable, yet no imperial physician dared to administer an antidote, implying they were under Qin Zuze’s control. He also revealed that the poison Qin Zuze intended for him had been spilled on his bed.

The Empress Dowager was shocked, initially refusing to believe her brother, but Qin Zuze openly declared the Emperor too weak and ill to rule. He brazenly demanded that the Empress Dowager use her seal to abdicate the throne to him for the stability of the court, ignoring her outrage that he would betray his own nephew.

Qin Zuze justified his actions by claiming that Pei Yanzhen’s allies dominated the court, making him a target, and that he had to act first to avoid his own demise. He then ordered his men to attack, confident that the palace was under his control. However, Song Xiyuan arrived with his own forces, surrounding Qin Zuze's men.

When Qin Zuze questioned his loyalty, Song Xiyuan declared that as a court purveyor, remunerated by the imperial court, he was loyal only to the Emperor and justice, not to any individual faction. Qin Zuze's repeated calls for his soldiers went unanswered, as Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan had already secured Qin family’s forces throughout the capital and palace. Overwhelmed, Qin Zuze made a desperate attempt to assassinate the Emperor but was subdued by Pei Yanzhen.

In his defeat, Qin Zuze tried to turn the Empress Dowager against Pei Yanzhen, revealing Pei Yanzhen’s hidden martial arts skills and his true identity as the Sixth Prince, claiming it was all for revenge. The Emperor dismissed Qin Zuze's words as nonsense, ordering him imprisoned. Qin Zuze, as he was led away, vowed that the Qin family would have their retribution against Pei Yanzhen.

Meanwhile, Shen Miao, still reeling from her parrot's revelations and the discovery that the Shen family seal was in Pei Yanzhen's possession, went to Pei's Residence to retrieve Xiao. A servant informed her that Old Madam Pei and Old Master Pei had taken Xiao to a temple for several days of fasting and prayer and would not be returning soon. The servant, however, couldn't specify which temple they had gone to and apologized for her wasted trip.

Shen Miao, noticing the distinct scent of Old Madam Pei’s unique agarwood blend, realized she had been lied to, confirming Old Madam Pei was still in the residence. She deduced that forcing her way in would only alert them and, believing Pei Yanzhen would not intentionally harm his son, decided to return to Shen's Residence to devise a plan.

Upon returning to Shen's Residence, Shen Miao tried to send her Little Aunt, Lüying, and Shen Zai out through the back door in plain clothing. However, Zhan Yue, who had swiftly returned to Lingzhou after intercepting Qin family soldiers attempting to ambush Shen Miao and having Constable Zhao capture them, had already surrounded Shen's Residence, capturing the Little Aunt, Lüying, and Shen Zai who were trying to leave.

He explained that he was acting on Pei Yanzhen’s orders to protect the Shen family. Shen Miao demanded to see Pei Yanzhen, but Zhan Yue informed her he was in the capital and unavailable. She confronted Zhan Yue, asking if Pei Yanzhen had ordered her confinement and if he intended to harm her if she tried to leave. Zhan Yue remained evasive, stating he was simply following orders and that Song Xiyuan was also absent from Lingzhou.

Feeling trapped and increasingly suspicious of Pei Yanzhen's intentions, Shen Miao reluctantly agreed to wait within the residence for now. Back in the capital, the Empress Dowager, fueled by a desire for revenge and seeking to save Qin Zuze, had her personal guard secretly instruct Qin Miuzhen in Lingzhou to capture Pei Yanzhen's adoptive parents.

Qin Miuzhen was told that Qin Zuze had been sentenced to death and that the Empress Dowager would spare his life if Qin Miuzhen retaliated against Pei Yanzhen. Qin Miuzhen then led her remaining forces to Pei's Residence in Lingzhou, captured Pei Yanzhen’s adoptive parents, and brought them to the capital.

In the imperial court, officials commended Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan for quelling Qin Zuze’s rebellion and petitioned the Emperor to reinstate Pei Yanzhen and bestow upon him the title of king, despite no historical precedent for a non-royal. As the Emperor prepared to announce his decision, the Empress Dowager dramatically entered the court.

After graciously acknowledging the assembly, she introduced the Pei clan leader from Lingzhou, who testified that Pei Yanzhen was an adopted child, not a true descendant of the Pei family, and thus of unknown origin and unworthy of such a high title. The Emperor questioned his mother's intentions, but the Empress Dowager offered Pei Yanzhen a choice: acknowledge his adopted status, become a commoner, and never serve in court again, in exchange for her blessing.

She then revealed that Pei Yanzhen’s biological mother was a woman from the Liu family in Jiangnan, and his father was the late emperor, mocking his reluctance to admit his royal lineage. Pei Yanzhen stated he only considered himself a member of the Pei family, but the Empress Dowager continued her cruel taunts, confessing that she had ordered the death of his biological mother, Liu.

She disparaged Liu as a "petty," "loose woman" who had "seduced the late emperor" and deserved her fate, even expressing regret that she hadn't skinned both Pei Yanzhen and his mother and abandoned their bodies in the wilderness. Enraged by her callousness and disregard for human life, Pei Yanzhen accused her of being a murderer unfit to be Empress Dowager. She ordered her guards to kill him, but Pei Yanzhen's adoptive father bravely stepped forward, shielding him.

The Empress Dowager then declared that her brother and family had died because of Pei Yanzhen, demanding "a life for a life" in vengeance. As Pei Yanzhen prepared to sacrifice himself, his adoptive father intervened, choosing to die in his place. He stated he would die for Zhen and then tragically took his own life. Distraught, Pei Yanzhen’s adoptive mother was then ordered killed by the Empress Dowager.

Before her death, she bravely told Pei Yanzhen that she and his father had no regrets, assuring him that Xiao was safe with Master Wangyun, and urged him to live. With his adoptive parents dead, Pei Yanzhen exploded in a furious rampage, cutting down the Empress Dowager's guards. He then turned his sword on the Empress Dowager herself. At that critical moment, the Emperor arrived and stepped between them, calling out, "Six Brother!"

Pei Yanzhen stopped, telling the Emperor not to call him that. He condemned the Empress Dowager for her indiscriminate killings and abuse of power, stating he was merely "repaying her the same favor" and would seek justice for all those who had died innocent lives over the past twenty years. The Emperor apologized to Pei Yanzhen, admitting that their father had always intended for Pei Yanzhen to inherit the throne.

He confessed that his past reluctance to acknowledge Pei Yanzhen’s true identity was driven by his fear of losing either a cherished friend or his own mother. He pleaded with Pei Yanzhen to let go of his grievances, arguing that the Empress Dowager, now stripped of her power and confined to the palace, had already received the greatest punishment. He promised to reside in a Buddhist temple himself, continuously praying for the souls of the unjustly deceased.

An imperial decree was delivered, announcing the Emperor's decisions following the recent rebellion. Qin Zuze was sentenced to immediate decapitation for embezzling military funds, attempting regicide, and revolt. The entire Qin bloodline was condemned to exile. Empress Dowager, who had abetted the evildoers out of jealousy, was spared outright exile due to the Emperor's filial piety, given her poor health and permanent illness; she was instead sent to the Mausoleum of the late emperor for self-reflection.

For his meritorious service in quelling the mutiny, Pei Yanzhen was bestowed with the title of Regent and awarded ten thousand taels of gold. Song Xiyuan, recognized for his contributions to the political situation, was detached from his merchant status and appointed Minister of Revenue, responsible for market, city, fishery, salt, tea business, cash, and tax.

Pei Yanzhen later confronted Song Xiyuan, stating that Shen Miao's crisis had been resolved, and now it was time for them to settle their own scores. Meanwhile, Guard Zhan reported that hundreds of Qin family members had been arrested, but Qin Miuzhen and a hundred guards remained at large. He also relayed that Old Master and Old Madam Pei had been abducted by another team and might have already reached the capital.

Guard Zhan noted Qin Miuzhen's cunning, having intentionally drawn him to Shen's Residence while directing her main forces towards Pei's Residence. Concerned about how to explain this to Pei Yanzhen, who had just assumed power, Guard Zhan instructed his men to be vigilant. Tragedy struck Shen's Residence in Lingzhou. Shen Xiao accidentally fell into the water. Despite being rescued, a physician called by Guard Zhan soon diagnosed him with tuberculosis after he coughed up blood.

The physician, visibly panicked by the contagious nature of the disease and its incurability, fled, advising the family to prepare for his funeral. Shen Xiao subsequently passed away. News of the Shen family's misfortune and the contagious disease spread quickly through Lingzhou City, causing people to avoid the residence, fearful of infection. They remarked that the once-richest Shen family was now like a "sitting duck," completely ruined. The Shen family established a mourning hall.

Shen Xiao's mother, the Little Aunt, was overcome with grief, crying uncontrollably. Shen Miao, herself heartbroken, tried to comfort the Little Aunt, urging her to express her sorrow. However, the Little Aunt soon began coughing blood, revealing she had also contracted tuberculosis. She expressed her desire to join her son, regretting what she owed him and promising to repay it in her next life.

The Little Aunt passed away shortly after, leaving Shen Miao devastated, having lost two close family members in a matter of days. The Ninth Princess, deeply concerned for Shen Miao, managed to evade the capital guards who had confined her and sought out Guard Zhan. She inquired about the chaos in the capital, the death of her uncle, and Pei Yanzhen's rise as Regent. Guard Zhan urged her to return, promising to visit her after handling the Shen family's affairs.

However, the Ninth Princess insisted on seeing Shen Miao, realizing that Pei Yanzhen's men surrounded Shen's Residence and sensing deeper machinations. Despite Shen Miao's warning that everyone was avoiding the Shen family due to the contagious illness, and that Ninth Princess, as royalty, should fear infection, the Ninth Princess remained. She apologized for not discerning the schemes of her brother and Pei Yanzhen sooner, admitting her previous trust in Pei Yanzhen's genuine affection for Shen Miao.

Shen Miao, burdened by her own misjudgment of Pei Yanzhen, expressed profound regret for bringing ruin upon her family. She confessed that she, too, was afflicted with tuberculosis and knew her life was nearing its end, asking Ninth Princess if she would help with her final wishes. The Ninth Princess, distressed, urged Shen Miao not to lose hope, reminding her of their dreams to travel and see the capital.

Shen Miao then requested two things: first, that Tie Niu, Song Xiyuan's subordinate, procure Madiao from her hometown as a sacrificial offering for the Little Aunt, as she had departed with regret without it; second, in accordance with her father's belief that Shen family members should "live and die together," she wished to be buried in the Shen family's ancestral tombs.

The Ninth Princess vehemently refused to accept Shen Miao's impending death, imploring her to live and seek revenge against Pei Yanzhen, but Shen Miao resignedly said, "next life." Shen Miao, despite her weakening condition, held onto her last breath. Guard Zhan, fulfilling her request, brought Tie Niu to her. Shen Miao then sent everyone else away, revealing to Tie Niu and Lvying that her request for the Madiao was merely a pretext for her true last wishes.

With her family gone and her own life fading, her greatest concern was Shen Xiao, whom she declared trusted Song Xiyuan most after herself and the Shen family. Fearing she would never see Xiao again, she instructed Tie Niu to convey to Song Xiyuan her dying wish: that he bring Xiao to worship at her grave on the first seventh day after her passing. Crucially, she forbade Pei Yanzhen from attending.

She also asked Guard Zhan to tell Pei Yanzhen that her life was not important, but after her death, she must be buried in the Shen family's ancestral tombs. She implored him to treat Xiao well, as he was Pei Yanzhen's biological son, and to spare her father's life, given that the Shen family's fortune was soon to be transferred to the national treasury.

Guard Zhan protested, reassuring her that Pei Yanzhen would not commit such atrocities, but Shen Miao countered, saying she could not wait for imprisonment, confiscation, or for Pei Yanzhen to return to "exterminate her entire family." With her last words, Shen Miao coughed blood, collapsed, and passed away, witnessed by Lvying, Guard Zhan, and the Ninth Princess.

Upon receiving the news, Pei Yanzhen rushed back from the capital, traveling day and night, but arrived too late to see Shen Miao one last time. He found her already prepared for burial, with everyone following her dying wish to inter her in the Shen family's ancestral tombs.

Pei Yanzhen, distraught, arrived and demanded them to stop, ignoring the pleas of Lvying, who tearfully begged him to allow Shen Miao to rest in peace, noting her death from tuberculosis in hot weather would lead to her body's decay. The Ninth Princess, unafraid, confronted Pei Yanzhen, accusing him of torturing Shen Miao in life and now denying her peace in death.

Pei Yanzhen, consumed by grief, ignored their protests, forcefully opened the coffin lid, and with tears streaming down his face, declared that Shen Miao could not die without his consent. He carried her lifeless body out of the coffin, disregarding the desperate cries of Lvying and others, and brought her back to Shen's Residence.

Devastated and evicted from Shen's Residence, Lvying sought help from Song Xiyuan, hoping he could retrieve Shen Miao's body from Pei Yanzhen and ensure her proper burial. Song Xiyuan, learning of Shen Miao's death, was furious. Inside Shen's Residence, Pei Yanzhen had laid Shen Miao's body down, treating it as if she were still alive.

He offered her sweets and tea, and ordered a play, "Tale of Ancient Sword," her favorite, to be performed on the stage, warning the actors that she would be angry if they made mistakes. He spoke to her, recounting events from his trip to the capital and asking if she would intercede for the actors if he killed them.

Song Xiyuan then forcibly entered Shen's Residence, confronting Pei Yanzhen, accusing him of hiding Shen Miao's body and intending to further desecrate her. The two men engaged in a fierce fight, with Pei Yanzhen drawing his sword in a fit of rage. Guard Zhan quickly intervened to protect Song Xiyuan, reminding Pei Yanzhen of Song Xiyuan's status as a court official.

While Song Xiyuan managed to distract both Pei Yanzhen and Guard Zhan, Tie Niu and Lvying, enacting a coordinated plan, ambushed the Foyer. Lvying administered medicine to Shen Miao, intending to take her away with Tie Niu. Receiving word of this, Pei Yanzhen rushed to stop them. Song Xiyuan, overwhelmed by Pei Yanzhen's martial prowess, was quickly subdued and apprehended.

Pei Yanzhen stood over Shen Miao's body, lamenting that she had been asleep for three days and urging her to wake up. He swore he would watch over her until she did, reminding her that his parents had died for him, and asking if she truly had the heart to abandon him. Lvying, kneeling, begged Pei Yanzhen to return Shen Miao's body, but he threatened to kill her if she spoke another word.

Desperate, Pei Yanzhen then declared to Shen Miao that if she did not wake, he would kill all the servants and martial artists in Shen's Residence, sending them to keep her company. At that moment, Shen Miao, who had been given the medicine, miraculously stirred and opened her eyes. Pei Yanzhen was overjoyed, exclaiming that she was still alive. However, Shen Miao's expression was cold as she calmly stated, "You've misunderstood. This is terminal lucidity."

Zhan Yue investigated Xiao Yiniang and Shen Zai's coffins and found them empty, confirming Pei Yanzhen's earlier prediction that all the Shen family members had faked their deaths. Zhan Yue mentioned hearing about a secret medicine from the Western Regions that could stop a person's breathing, concluding that this must have been what was used. He noted that Shen Miao seemed to be harboring more secrets. Meanwhile, Shen Miao was confined to her room.

Pei Yanzhen brought her fish congee, telling her she hadn't eaten or drunk for three days and urged her to eat. She coldly asked where he had taken Lvying. Pei Yanzhen then offered her a bowl of fish congee he had made, claiming it took him one hour to prepare. Shen Miao questioned his intentions, asking what he wanted from her.

Pei Yanzhen reminded her of her promise to never leave him, but Shen Miao dismissed it as a casual remark, calling him naive. She demanded Lvying's return, threatening to perish with him if he refused. Pei Yanzhen then revealed that the coffins at Shen's cemetery had been forced open, and Xiao Yiniang and Shen Zai's bodies, along with many valuables, were missing. He suggested this proved the Shen family had escaped.

Shen Miao countered that it was simply the work of tomb raiders, as everyone coveted the Shen family's fortune. She sarcastically noted that he, too, had kept her body for three days and three nights. Pei Yanzhen then threatened to find her father, Shen Qian, unless he had truly vanished without a trace, implying he could find any Shen family member if he wished. Shen Miao saw this as a direct threat.

Left alone, Shen Miao recalled her father's words from her childhood. He had cautioned her not to compare herself to the Shen and Lu families' wealth, as people would always prioritize money over her. She regretted falling for Pei Yanzhen, forgetting her father's warning, and now felt she had emptied her family's fortune. Pei Yanzhen returned with a fresh bowl of fish congee, promising to take her to see Lvying if she ate with him.

Separately, Ninth Princess learned that Pei Yanzhen was the Sixth Prince and had sent her mother to the imperial mausoleum. She swore to be his sworn enemy. Zhan Yue tried to dissuade her, explaining that Pei Yanzhen's entire biological family had been killed, and his foster parents had also been forced to their deaths by the Empress Dowager, urging her to let go of her hatred.

Ninth Princess questioned if the Shen family was also involved in Pei Yanzhen's family vendetta, remaining resolute in her opposition and warning Zhan Yue not to take Pei Yanzhen's side. Shen Miao finally saw Lvying and Song Xiyuan, which brought her a sense of relief. Song Xiyuan questioned her, asking if Pei Yanzhen had tortured her and expressing his desire to protect her.

Shen Miao revealed that she too had been deceived and asked if Pei Yanzhen had incited Song Xiyuan to marry her. Song Xiyuan asserted his genuine feelings for her, regardless of how their relationship began. Pei Yanzhen then pleaded with Shen Miao, speaking of the turmoil in court and his parents being forced to suicide, asking her not to leave him. To secure Song Xiyuan's release, Shen Miao agreed to stay by Pei Yanzhen's side.

Pei Yanzhen was disheartened, realizing her compliance was solely for Song Xiyuan. Shen Miao, angered by his reaction, produced a hairpin and tried to stab him, but he disarmed her, cutting his palm in the process. Pei Yanzhen pushed her away, causing her to fall.

She bitterly accused him of his actions, listing all the ways she believed he had manipulated her and her family for power and wealth, including feigning a proposal rejection to gain her family's seal, administering contraceptive medicine, and separating her from Xiao to protect his own offspring. She felt like a pitiful fool who had lost everything and still didn't even know his true name. Pei Yanzhen realized the depth of her misunderstanding.

Unable to explain himself, knowing she wouldn't believe him, he ordered her confined to her room. Song Xiyuan and Tie Niu were expelled from Shen's Residence. Song Xiyuan, acknowledging Pei Yanzhen's immense power, decided he needed a well-thought-out plan to rescue Shen Miao. He traveled to the capital to appeal to the Emperor, who was taking refuge in the ancestral hall and refusing to engage in state affairs.

Song Xiyuan used metaphors about a dragon in a pond to subtly warn the Emperor about his diminished power, but an official interrupted him, calling him impudent, and the Emperor dismissed him. Observing the imperial guards wearing the same military uniforms as Pei Yanzhen's men, Song Xiyuan suspected that Pei Yanzhen also controlled the palace. He decided to exploit Pei Yanzhen's absence from the capital to rally disgruntled officials.

Meanwhile, Shen Qian, traveling in the Western Regions, learned from merchants that Pei Yanzhen, now Regent, had imposed strict controls on the Southern Twenty Passes, halting all trade. Back at Shen's Residence, Shen Miao found solace in a parrot. Pei Yanzhen, however, suspected the parrot might be a tool used by Song Xiyuan to convey messages and to deepen Shen Miao's misunderstanding of him, and ordered Zhan Yue to remove it.

Zhan Yue, following Pei Yanzhen's orders, took the parrot away. Shen Miao then requested Zhan Yue to buy some osmanthus cakes for her, citing the Mid-Autumn Festival tradition and a need for "sustenance in something." Lvying delivered the osmanthus cakes, secretly containing a message from Song Xiyuan. He informed Shen Miao that he had organized officials in the capital against Pei Yanzhen and asked her to find a way to reach the capital for rescue.

Shen Miao pondered whether Song Xiyuan was genuinely helping her or if he, too, was after the rumored Lu family fortune. She concluded that while the Lu family's wealth was a mere rumor, it could be a useful pretense to get her to the capital. Later that night, Shen Miao was immersed in a memory of a happier time with Pei Yanzhen, picking osmanthus flowers.

In the flashback, she promised to make him osmanthus cakes every year if he caught her when she jumped from a tree. Pei Yanzhen then appeared, wanting her to make osmanthus cakes as she had promised. He recalled how they had hastily divorced the following year. Shen Miao reminded him she had made them once, before he left for the capital.

He confessed he never opened the box because he feared he wouldn't have the heart to leave her and Xiao behind. Shen Miao confronted him about his shifting justifications, asking what was true and what was false in his actions toward her. Pei Yanzhen insisted that both his past and present reasons were true.

Shen Miao, with a softened tone, pleaded with Pei Yanzhen to relinquish his power and seek a simple, peaceful life free from suspicion, power, and wealth, promising to overlook the past and make osmanthus cakes for him every year for a family reunion. Pei Yanzhen explained that he had gone too far to simply let go of power. He believed that only by wielding power could he protect her and Xiao.

Shen Miao accused him of being too ambitious and greedy, but he countered that it was simply the reality of the situation and urged her to stay by his side and trust him. Unconvinced, Shen Miao asserted that he would never obtain the Shen and Lu families' wealth, as she had already given it away. Pei Yanzhen was crestfallen, asking if she meant Song Xiyuan. Shen Miao retorted, "Does it matter?" . He then left, telling her to rest.

He later reflected on his own greed, admitting that a few osmanthus cakes could not compare to the immense wealth of the Shen and Lu families, let alone the entire nation. Pei Yanzhen implemented new policies aimed at reducing taxes, promoting agriculture, and expanding the imperial examination system. These policies, however, harmed the interests of many.

Ministers voiced their concerns in court, arguing that the empty treasury could not sustain tax cuts and that expanding exams without caution could lead to bureaucratic bloat. The Emperor, however, was weary and dismissed their concerns, telling them to defer all decisions to Regent Pei Yanzhen. Outside court, Song Xiyuan engaged other officials who were wary of Pei Yanzhen's reforms.

He outlined his strategy to counter Pei Yanzhen: to disarm his bodyguards, lower his guard, and lure him into a trap. He confidently stated that he had a plan to achieve this by exploiting Pei Yanzhen's feelings for Shen Miao. Shen Miao, now adopting a gentle demeanor, told Pei Yanzhen she felt lonely on Mid-Autumn Festival and wanted to go out to purchase ingredients for traditional osmanthus cakes, as servants wouldn't know her specific requirements.

Though she feigned a sprained ankle initially, she quickly demonstrated her recovery. Pei Yanzhen, pleased by her softened attitude, agreed to let her leave Shen's Residence for shopping, but insisted that Zhan Yue accompany her for her safety. He also asked if he could have some of the osmanthus cakes, hinting at a reunion.

Shen Miao and Lvying ventured out of Shen's Residence, feeling as if they were thieves. Passersby gossiped about Shen Miao, claiming her family was eradicated after she offended the Regent. They spread rumors that the Shen family had been struck by a plague, which they attributed to the Regent's revenge because Shen Miao had "cheated on him." Lvying quickly urged them to return, as did Zhan Yue, who then advised them to buy what they needed quickly and return home.

Shen Miao retorted, questioning if the Regent truly cared about public opinion. Zhan Yue tried to explain that Pei Yanzhen's actions were intended to protect her due to the powerful Qin family and the instability of the court, a point Shen Miao acknowledged. Shen Miao, desiring to cook for Pei Yanzhen, realized she knew little about his preferences despite their long acquaintance. Zhan Yue took the opportunity to reveal more about Pei Yanzhen's past, acknowledging that few truly understood him.

He recounted how Pei Yanzhen's birth mother, from the Liu family, had always seen him as a disgrace and neglected him. Adopted by the Pei family, he was then subjected to harsh treatment by clan members due to his weak constitution. At the age of eight, after learning of his true parentage and falling gravely ill, he and Zhan Yue became disciples of Master Yuanzhen, a Martial Monk at Daming Temple.

Initially, Master Yuanzhen deemed Pei Yanzhen unfit for martial arts due to his late start and frail body. However, Pei Yanzhen knelt for a day and a night, ultimately moving the master to accept him. From then on, Pei Yanzhen trained relentlessly, working hundreds and thousands of times harder than Zhan Yue.

Zhan Yue assured Shen Miao he wasn't trying to elicit sympathy but wanted her to understand that after his childhood servant died, Pei Yanzhen learned that nothing around him would last, and he could not let anyone see what he truly cherished. His apparent dislike for sweets, Zhan Yue explained, stemmed from never having experienced any sweetness in his life. Zhan Yue earnestly pleaded for Shen Miao to give Pei Yanzhen a chance, emphasizing his genuine feelings for her.

Later, Shen Miao brought osmanthus cake to Pei Yanzhen. He was surprised but assured her he would love it, no matter the taste, as long as she made it. Shen Miao then inquired if his promise to marry her again, made in Lingzhou, still held true. Pei Yanzhen affirmed it, suggesting they hold the wedding at Shen's Residence on the third day of the next month and invite everyone in the city.

Shen Miao, however, wished for a wedding in the capital, wanting the world to acknowledge her and Xiao's identities, so they would not be seen as his illicit family. She argued that Xiao, being precocious, deserved to study and pursue a career in the capital rather than living in obscurity in Lingzhou without acknowledged parents. Pei Yanzhen, sensing a change in her, agreed to her wishes. Shen Miao thanked him, and he asked if she truly forgave him.

She replied that she did, naturally. Meanwhile, in the ancestral hall, the Empress Dowager was still plotting against Pei Yanzhen, deciding to send a "grand gift" to his wedding. She suggested using the Ninth Princess, leveraging her connections with both Pei Yanzhen and Shen Miao. As per Pei Yanzhen's promise, Xiao was brought back to the capital and officially designated as a Prince by the court, with Pei Yanzhen vowing that their family would never be separated again.

Shen Miao emotionally embraced Xiao, apologizing for their separation and promising never to leave him again. She told him that no matter who his father was, he would always be her child, and she would take him with her wherever she went. The wedding was arranged to take place at the former Qin Residence. Qin Miuzhen, intent on assassinating Pei Yanzhen, took the Ninth Princess hostage and disguised herself as her servant to gain entry.

The Ninth Princess, however, was clever and subtly signaled Zhan Yue with her eyes, making him suspicious of her 'servant.' During the journey to the residence, Qin Miuzhen threatened to kill Zhan Yue, to which the princess defiantly told her it was none of her business. Upon arrival, Zhan Yue was surprised to see the Ninth Princess, who acted haughty and demanded Pei Yanzhen come out.

Zhan Yue, noticing something amiss, realized she had supposedly forgotten her wedding gift in the carriage and offered to retrieve it, creating an opportunity for Qin Miuzhen. The Emperor, aware of the multiple schemes, chose to send a gift to the Regent's Residence the next day, predicting a "lively" night there. Pei Yanzhen and Shen Miao performed their wedding ceremony, bowing to heaven and earth in lieu of absent parents.

Pei Yanzhen spoke of his love, expressing joy at finally marrying her. Suddenly, black-clad assassins burst in, launching fatal attacks on Pei Yanzhen. Song Xiyuan, observing from the rooftop with his own men, realized these attackers were not his. He quickly instructed his subordinates to focus on protecting Shen Miao and Xiao, rather than assisting in the assassination.

Shen Miao used a hidden wrist mechanism to save Pei Yanzhen from a direct attack, but he misinterpreted her actions, believing she was trying to harm him. He confronted her, asking if she wanted to kill him. Shen Miao admitted Song Xiyuan had arranged for some men but denied any intent to kill Pei Yanzhen himself. Pei Yanzhen felt deeply betrayed, convinced her recent affection was a ploy to facilitate the assassins.

Shen Miao, in turn, challenged him, asking why he hadn't prepared, given his knowledge of her character, and if he had ever shown pity for her family. Pei Yanzhen admitted he had taken precautions but "forgot" them in the moment. As chaos erupted, Qin Miuzhen, still disguised as the princess's servant, seized her chance.

Zhan Yue, who had returned, was engaged with Qin Miuzhen, but seeing the Ninth Princess in grave danger, he left Qin Miuzhen to rush to her aid. Song Xiyuan, seeing the escalating danger, intervened from the rooftop. Qin Miuzhen then attacked Pei Yanzhen, and Song Xiyuan also joined the fray, putting Pei Yanzhen at a disadvantage. In a desperate act, Shen Miao threw herself in front of Pei Yanzhen, taking a sword thrust from Qin Miuzhen meant for him.

The assassin revealed that the dagger was laced with a deadly poison, incurable even by a divine healer. As Shen Miao lay dying, she whispered to Pei Yanzhen that the Lu family's fortune, which he sought, had always been in his possession. Her final pleas were for him to spare the Shen family, let Song Xiyuan go, and "let her go too." She also conveyed to Song Xiyuan her wish to be buried in Lingzhou.

Song Xiyuan, cradling Shen Miao's seemingly lifeless body, bitterly reproached Pei Yanzhen. He accused Pei Yanzhen of being selfish, ruining Shen Miao's life with his personal vendetta, and even disrespecting her dying wish to be buried in Lingzhou. Believing Shen Miao dead, Pei Yanzhen was consumed by grief. Two years later, public opinion had shifted, and children sang songs praising Regent Pei Yanzhen for his benevolent rule, his eradication of the Qin family, and his efforts to assist the weak.

In Weiyang, Shen Miao, now known as Xu Sheng, was alive but suffered from amnesia and recurring chest pains, unable to recall Pei Yanzhen or Song Xiyuan. She could only remember matters related to money, forgetting people and events almost immediately. Song Xiyuan remained by her side. Pei Yanzhen, though having gone blind from the poisoning, had kept his condition a secret to maintain stability in the court.

Zhan Yue urged him to seek treatment, reminding him that Master Wang Yun had heard of a monk in Weiyang who might cure his eye disease, and that Xiao resented him, and he still had not seen what his son looked like. Pei Yanzhen reflected that he had honored Miao's wish by allowing Song Xiyuan to live, who then left the capital for Weiyang. At Huichun Apothecary, Xu Sheng (Shen Miao) was managing finances.

She repeatedly confused Tie Niu with Zhang San, a clerk, and ordered him to "kick out" Song Xiyuan, whom she called a "rascal." Song Xiyuan playfully claimed she had ruined his reputation and must marry him, but Xu Sheng denied any recollection of marriage, her chest pain intensifying as she pushed him away. Tie Niu, whose monthly wages came from Xu Sheng, dutifully escorted Song Xiyuan out.

Song Xiyuan, believing her memory loss shielded her from past suffering, saw it as a blessing. However, Tie Niu worried about her condition. Song Xiyuan cautioned Tie Niu to guard Xu Sheng carefully, as Pei Yanzhen still harbored doubts about her death and might eventually track her down. Lvying was also in Weiyang. Tie Niu, smitten with Lvying, tried to entice her with sightseeing plans, but she seemed uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Official Zhao was summoned by Pei Yanzhen to fetch Prince Xiao.

Song Xiyuan presents medicine and a parrot to Xu Sheng, who initially tries to dismiss him. However, when the parrot, which Song Xiyuan dramatically claims he risked his life to steal from the Regent's son, recites a chivalrous poem, Xu Sheng is charmed and finds the name "Regent" strangely familiar. Song Xiyuan then asks her to accompany him to a place.

Xu Sheng explicitly states she will not marry him but, as a return favor, eventually agrees to go with him to help him block drinks. At Guchun Restaurant, Song Xiyuan quickly becomes inebriated and complains that Xu Sheng is eating instead of helping him with his drinks. Xu Sheng, calling him useless, takes pity and goes to get him a specific tea, "Maojian tea leaves from Xinyang, rainwater, tepid."

Meanwhile, Pei Yanzhen, who is blind, and Xiao arrive at the same restaurant. When no one attends to their table, Xiao offers to find a waiter. This is due to Pei Yanzhen's inconvenience, as Shen Xiao had been cold towards him since Shen Miao's apparent death two years prior. Downstairs, Xu Sheng mentions "Shen's family" while talking to a waiter.

Xiao overhears this, rushes to Xu Sheng, hugs her leg, and joyfully exclaims that she is his mother and he has finally found her after two years. Xu Sheng, who only has fragmented memories, is startled and denies having such a big son. She flees upstairs, leaving a heartbroken Xiao behind. Upstairs, Xu Sheng finds Pei Yanzhen being harassed by several young men who mock his blindness.

She intervenes, declaring herself Xu Sheng, a chivalrous escort, and uses Pei Yanzhen's walking staff to fight them off. She loudly announces her name and residence, "the first house by Shuangshi Bridge," challenging them to return. Pei Yanzhen, recognizing her voice as Shen Miao's, tries to prevent her from leaving and asks her name again. Xu Sheng dismisses his gratitude, stating it is her duty to help, and departs. Pei Yanzhen, left alone, murmurs her name, "Xu Sheng."

Downstairs, Song Xiyuan spots the blind Pei Yanzhen approaching and quickly pulls Xu Sheng into a room, shutting the door to keep Pei Yanzhen from seeing them together. Xu Sheng confronts Song Xiyuan, demanding an explanation. He spins an elaborate, fabricated tale, claiming their visit to the restaurant was for the Dragon Boat Festival, the day they supposedly first met five years ago.

His story portrays himself as a virtuous scholar and Xu Sheng as a "plunderer" who fell in love with him and then into a river, leading to their marriage after he saved her. Xu Sheng repeatedly interrupts, expressing disgust at his self-praise and pointing out inconsistencies in his narrative.

When she finally steers him back to her relationship with the blind man, Song Xiyuan dramatically claims Pei Yanzhen was a villain who "killed everyone in your hideout" and is now blind due to "karma." He warns her that Pei Yanzhen is after her life and she must stay far away from him. Disgusted by his lies and manipulative behavior, Xu Sheng orders Tie Niu to throw Song Xiyuan out.

Later that evening, Xiao is distraught, insisting to Lvying that his mother is alive, but Lvying does not believe him. Pei Yanzhen comforts Xiao, affirming his belief that Xu Sheng is indeed Xiao's mother, Shen Miao, based on her voice. Zhan Yue reports that Xu's Escort Agency was indeed attacked two years prior, leaving only a daughter named Xu Sheng, but since he did not see her face, he dismisses the possibility that she is Shen Miao.

He urges Pei Yanzhen to abandon this "false hope," but Pei Yanzhen remains resolute. That same night, the young masters Xu Sheng had encountered earlier attempt to set Xu's Escort Agency on fire. Xu Sheng catches them and forces them to have supper with her. Discovering their fathers are officials, she questions them about the Regent, hinting at "old grievances."

The young masters, after some drinking, reveal that the Regent is a "cold-blooded man" who cunningly deceived both Shen Miao and His Majesty. They acknowledge his current blindness as a form of karma. It is then that Xu Sheng realizes the blind man she defended earlier was the Regent. The anxious young masters warn her of the Regent's ruthless reputation, detailing the severe consequences for those who offend him.

Xu Sheng then dismisses them, instructing them to charge the meal to their fathers. Meanwhile, Song Xiyuan is informed that Xu Sheng is missing and, convinced that Pei Yanzhen has abducted her, leads his men to Pei Yanzhen's residence. He confronts Pei Yanzhen, accusing him of theft. Pei Yanzhen, who is blind, calmly states he is only in Weiyang to seek a cure for his eyes and, denying any abduction, offers Song Xiyuan to search his premises.

Song Xiyuan, wary of Pei Yanzhen's composure, suspects a trap and, realizing Pei Yanzhen shows no knowledge of Shen Miao being alive, decides against searching. As he leaves, he warns Pei Yanzhen he will avenge Miao's death, blaming him. Pei Yanzhen retorts that Song Xiyuan also shares responsibility for Miao's demise, asserting that their past friendship ended with her death and threatening consequences if he causes further trouble. Later, Song Xiyuan receives news that Xu Sheng has been found.

He finds her intoxicated by a river, hearing children call out "Mother." Xu Sheng complains about being confined to the escort agency and expresses her desire for adventure. Song Xiyuan promises to take her to "traverse the martial arts world" if she pledges to stay by his side in Weiyang, ensuring no one can take her away again. Xu Sheng agrees, and as she drifts to sleep, she murmurs "Pei Yanzhen."

The next morning, Xu Sheng wakes up to find Song Xiyuan and his men with exaggerated injuries, claiming she beat them severely during a drunken rampage the previous night. Song Xiyuan even asserts he had to "sacrifice himself" by holding her to stop her. Though skeptical, Xu Sheng partially believes them, lamenting her poor alcohol tolerance and agreeing to stay indoors. She tries to recall the details she learned about the Regent, but her drunken memory fails her.

Her parrot then suddenly calls out "Xiao," startling Xu Sheng, who questions the bird about the name. The parrot flies away, and she follows. Elsewhere, Xu Sheng, chasing her escaped parrot, follows it into a kitchen area and discovers Xiao hiding in a corner. Xiao, upon seeing her, immediately calls her "Mother." Xu Sheng tries to correct him, asking him to call her "Sister" instead.

Despite her initial resistance, she is moved by his pitiful appearance and feels a sense of fate between them. She agrees to take him along, provided he promises to be obedient and not cry or make a fuss. She then leads him off to continue searching for her bird. Xiao proves to be well-behaved and quiet. Xu Sheng and Xiao enjoy playing with beans in a room behind a stage. Hearing the sounds of an opera, Xu Sheng takes Xiao's hand, and they go to watch the performance.

A myth about the love story between a beautiful Grape Fairy, the God of Fire, and the God of Night was being performed on a stage in Weiyang. Xiao, visiting the city for the first time, listened as Xu Sheng explained the popular but tragic tale, remarking that the endings often left the two persons in love hurting each other. Xu Sheng, realizing Xiao still called her "Mom," asked him why, wondering if they knew each other.

Xiao questioned if she truly didn't remember him or his "Great-uncle." Xu Sheng was confused until Xiao revealed his Great-uncle was the Regent, who was blind. Connecting this to a story about the Regent's wife being his niece, Xu Sheng deduced Xiao was the Regent's son. Xiao confessed he refused to call Pei Yanzhen "Dad" because his mother died because of him.

He also indicated knowledge of the Xu family's blood feud, making Xu Sheng wary of the Regent, as Song Xiyuan had warned her to stay away. Meanwhile, Song Xiyuan's informants confirmed that Pei Yanzhen's visit to Weiyang was solely to find a divine healer for his blindness, not for Shen Miao. Seizing the opportunity, Song Xiyuan planned to rescue Xiao from Pei Yanzhen's custody.

Pei Yanzhen, having booked the entire theater through Zhan Yue, called out to Xiao, seemingly aware of his hiding spot. He chided Xiao for his mischievous behavior and for ignoring his warnings against wandering off. Xu Sheng attempted to signal Xiao to remain silent and take advantage of Pei Yanzhen's blindness to escape. However, Pei Yanzhen’s acute hearing allowed him to sense their presence.

When Xiao coughed, Pei Yanzhen inquired about his health, then confronted Xu Sheng, demanding to know her identity and why she had abducted his son. Pei Yanzhen repeatedly called out "Miao" and "Miao'er," mistaking Xu Sheng for Shen Miao. Xiao defended Xu Sheng, explaining she was a kind person who took him in when he was lost. When Pei Yanzhen asked why she didn't speak, Xu Sheng wrote on his palm, revealing she was a mute.

The familiar touch immediately confirmed to Pei Yanzhen that she was indeed Shen Miao. He apologized for his previous rudeness. Pei Yanzhen thanked Xu Sheng for caring for Xiao and offered a reward. He asked Xiao why he had run off to the theatrical troupe, to which Xiao replied that his mother loved watching shows.

Xiao then pleaded with Pei Yanzhen to allow him to stay with the troupe and learn acting, arguing that troupes are for parentless children like him. Pei Yanzhen initially refused, deeming the troupe a mixed bag, but when Xu Sheng subtly wrote that allowing Xiao to pursue his interest would prevent him from running away again, Pei Yanzhen agreed.

He then gave Xu Sheng a familiar hairpin as a deposit for teaching Xiao, inviting her to his residence the next day. Xu Sheng was perplexed by the Regent's interest in a mere folktale and the familiarity of the hairpin. Later, Song Xiyuan visited Xu Sheng, confirming he was heading to the capital. He questioned her about going to the theater, having heard their parrot was there, and reminded her of the danger if Pei Yanzhen discovered her true identity.

He warned her again to stay away from Pei Yanzhen, who he called a "cold-blooded demon." Xu Sheng expressed a feeling that Pei Yanzhen was connected to her lost memories, but Song Xiyuan dismissed it, reiterating that he had already told her everything and questioned her trust in him. He promised that once he returned from the capital, he would take her away from Weiyang to wander the world, far from all disputes.

Meanwhile, Pei Yanzhen postponed his eye treatment, choosing to remain in Weiyang. He confided in Zhan Yue that he had met Shen Miao, but she didn't remember him. He admitted his conflicted feelings: he wanted her to remember him but feared the painful memories of their past. He clarified that he recognized her by her touch, not sight, and instructed Zhan Yue to do nothing, stating his only desire was for her to live well.

After Song Xiyuan departed, his guards diligently watched Xu Sheng, blocking her every attempt to leave the residence. Zhang San explained that Song Xiyuan had anticipated all her potential escape routes and briefed them on the map he had drawn. Undeterred, Xu Sheng eventually found a way to slip past the guards using a parrot's distraction, right under Tie Niu's nose. She found Pei Yanzhen airing clothes, playfully chiding the Regent for doing such mundane tasks.

The parrot then sang a melancholic song. Xiao waited anxiously for Xu Sheng, disappointed by her absence. Pei Yanzhen comforted him, explaining that his mother was sick and had forgotten the past. He suggested that forgetting might be better for her, even if it saddened Xiao, because remembering would bring her pain. Xiao, understanding, suggested they return to the capital once Pei Yanzhen's eyes were healed, believing his mother would be fine with Xiyuan.

When Xu Sheng finally arrived, Lvying rushed to embrace her long-lost mistress. Zhan Yue gently led Lvying away, leaving Xu Sheng and Pei Yanzhen alone. As they ate, Xu Sheng tasted the sweet and sour cabbage, finding its flavor strikingly familiar, as if she had eaten it before. She then questioned Pei Yanzhen about whether he had visited Lingzhou two years ago, mentioning someone told her they had met.

Pei Yanzhen denied it, stating he hadn't been to Lingzhou since becoming Regent and rarely met people even if he had visited. As they walked in the garden, holding hands, Pei Yanzhen commented on his blindness, to which Xu Sheng, in a playful yet sincere manner, asserted that people of the jianghu should care for the vulnerable.

She confessed she had heard he was a brutal villain, but seeing him now, she observed the calluses on his hand from perennial sword practice and recognized his elegant, polite, and capable nature, believing him to be a hero. Pei Yanzhen, touched, asked if she truly thought so. Xu Sheng reaffirmed her honesty and explained her delay was due to her brother's strict watch. Pei Yanzhen then asked about her relationship with Song Xiyuan.

Suddenly, Xu Sheng's attention was drawn to a shadow play depicting "Pei Yanzhen greeting Miss Shen," accompanied by poignant dialogue about enduring love and past promises. The scene shifted to a memory of Shen Miao confronting Pei Yanzhen, accusing him of wanting to kill her with the hairpin he had given her, while Pei Yanzhen questioned her eagerness to take his life, reminding her of the destruction of her family.

As the voices of "Miao," "Sister," and "Mother" echoed, Xiao ran to Xu Sheng, asking if she liked his gift. Looking at Xiao calling her "Mother" and then at Pei Yanzhen beside her, all of Shen Miao's forgotten memories flooded back. Overwhelmed by the painful past, she fainted. A physician examined Shen Miao, explaining she had survived a fatal injury years ago, with blood stagnation affecting her memory.

He noted her current unconsciousness might be a blessing, as the recent "stimulus" had cleared the stasis, potentially restoring her memory. Xiao, overjoyed, expressed hope his mother would now recognize him. However, Pei Yanzhen, recalling the accusations from Xiao that he had harmed his mother, asked the physician for a way to make her forget the past to spare her from pain. He disregarded Xiao's protests, stating, "Just think of me as a selfish person," and had Xiao taken away.

Pei Yanzhen then consulted with the physician on adjusting the medicine. Later, Lvying brought the medicine to the still-unconscious Shen Miao, tearfully wishing her mistress would return. When Shen Miao awoke, she furiously knocked over the medicine bowl, refusing to hear anything about Pei Yanzhen. Lvying tried to explain Pei Yanzhen's intentions were for her own good, believing forgetting would free her from misery.

Shen Miao angrily questioned whether Pei Yanzhen's actions were truly for her well-being or merely to absolve himself. She declared she wanted to hear nothing about him and challenged Lvying to report her awakening to him. Lvying, proclaiming her loyalty, promised to help. Shen Miao then firmly stated her resolve to take Xiao away from Pei Yanzhen and asked Lvying for her assistance in escaping.

Shen Miao had fully regained her memory but kept it hidden from Pei Yanzhen. Being blind and unsuspecting, Pei Yanzhen seemed unaware of her deception and expressed a desire for Shen Miao to stay longer in Weiyang. His guard, Zhan Yue, reminded him of pressing matters in the capital and his delayed eye treatment, questioning if he truly intended to keep Shen Miao in Weiyang or take her back.

Pei Yanzhen admitted he had lost hope for his vision and simply wished for a few more days with Shen Miao. Soon after, Shen Miao disappeared without a trace. Steward Tie, who had been instructed by Song Xiyuan to report any unusual occurrences, searched all of Shen Miao’s favorite restaurants and theaters overnight but found no sign of her.

He ordered Zhao to take some men to the capital to inform Song Xiyuan and also instructed others to thoroughly search the vicinity of Pei's Residence. Shen Miao devised a plan. She sent Lvying to covertly enter Third Master Song’s room in the Escort Agency and retrieve letters bearing the Shen family crest. Lvying was discovered by Steward Tie, who found her acting suspiciously in the room.

However, following Shen Miao’s instructions, Lvying feigned dizziness and claimed to have seen a mouse, successfully deceiving Steward Tie, who then escorted her to the yard. Upon receiving the letters, Shen Miao learned that her father, little aunt, and Shen Zai were all well and thriving with their business at the border. The letter from her father also mentioned that he had given Song Xiyuan a large sum of money to help her escape.

This news brought tears to Shen Miao's eyes, reaffirming her determination to rescue Xiao and reunite with her family. To communicate with the clever Xiao without arousing suspicion, Shen Miao prepared pastries and hid notes inside them, knowing Xiao’s fondness for sweets and his ability to recognize her handwriting. Unbeknownst to Shen Miao, Song Xiyuan had already set his own plans in motion. He arranged for assassins to infiltrate Pei's Residence, with the primary objective of eliminating Pei Yanzhen.

If the assassination failed, they were instructed to safely bring Prince Xiao back. Later, a fire dramatically broke out in Xiao’s room, a deliberate act orchestrated by Shen Miao to create chaos for their escape. As the flames spread, assassins sent by Song Xiyuan attacked Pei Yanzhen. Zhan Yue was immediately preoccupied with fending off the attackers. Despite his blindness, Pei Yanzhen sensed Shen Miao attempting to leave with Xiao.

When the number of assassins surged, Pei Yanzhen, prioritizing Shen Miao’s safety, shielded her, urging her to escape with Xiao. Seizing the opportunity, Shen Miao, Xiao, and Lvying made their way out of the burning residence, where Song Xiyuan and his men arrived and took them away. Upon discovering their disappearance, Pei Yanzhen, injured from the fight, ordered all city gates in Weiyang to be sealed and a thorough search for Shen Miao and her son.

Inside Song Xiyuan’s safe house, Shen Miao changed her clothes. She soon reunited with Xiao, embracing him tearfully and promising they would never be separated again. Xiao, seeing his mother cry, bravely pledged to protect her, affirming his love for both his mother and "Third Master Song" (Song Xiyuan), whom he saw as his father, while expressing fear of his "Maternal Uncle" (Pei Yanzhen). That night, Song Xiyuan drank alone, lamenting his unrequited love for Shen Miao.

Huashan, who was deeply devoted to Song Xiyuan, offered him comfort, observing that he seemed "debauched" yet was truly "sincere." Song Xiyuan confessed to Huashan that he had hoped Shen Miao, after losing her memory of Pei Yanzhen, might finally see his affection. He later approached Shen Miao, explaining that despite their marriage, he had always honored their agreement and never touched her.

He admitted he knew all along that Xiao was the child of Shen Miao and Pei Yanzhen, but he concealed it, fearing that if she knew, he would lose even the slight connection they shared. Shen Miao reflected on her past with Pei Yanzhen, realizing her own previous blindness to the truth. She confronted Song Xiyuan, asking if giving her the parrot years ago, which later revealed Pei Yanzhen's deception, was truly an unintentional act.

She then pleaded with him to let her and Xiao leave Weiyang. Song Xiyuan refused, asserting that Weiyang City would soon be turned upside down by Pei Yanzhen’s search, making any escape impossible. He suggested Baima Temple, an active yet secure place within the city, as a temporary sanctuary for Shen Miao and Xiao, insisting they were his family and would remain so.

The next day, Pei Yanzhen, still searching for Shen Miao, arrived at Guchun Restaurant and surrounded the ground floor, demanding Song Xiyuan hand over Shen Miao. Song Xiyuan, well-prepared, confronted Pei Yanzhen, reminding him of how Shen Miao "died" because of him in the capital two years prior and questioning his audacity to demand her back. He warned Pei Yanzhen against making trouble in Weiyang.

Though Pei Yanzhen was temporarily deterred by Song Xiyuan’s readiness, he vowed to retrieve Shen Miao and Xiao. Meanwhile, Shen Miao, determined to go north to find her father, not to Baima Temple as Song Xiyuan suggested, instructed Lvying to procure warm clothes for their journey. Huashan entered, warning Shen Miao that the Regent had surrounded the restaurant and advised her not to move.

Shen Miao, aiming to sow discord, subtly suggested that Song Xiyuan could only let go of his obsession with her and see Huashan if she were to leave. Pei Yanzhen, realizing that Song Xiyuan would likely attempt to sneak Shen Miao and Xiao out of Weiyang, shifted his focus from Guchun Restaurant to guarding the city’s exits. Shen Miao, however, had underestimated Huashan’s loyalty to Song Xiyuan; Huashan promptly reported Shen Miao’s intention to leave to Song Xiyuan. Although Shen Miao initially lacked an escape plan, observing Huashan and Third Master Song sharing an oil-paper umbrella suddenly sparked a new idea in her mind.

Pei Yanzhen had ordered the city gates to be heavily guarded, specifically looking for Song Xiyuan, who was known for disguises, and Shen Miao. Aware of this, Shen Miao orchestrated a diversion. Her people scattered money in the street, causing a chaotic scramble among the citizens and distracting the guards. Amidst the confusion, a carriage, driven by Tie Niu and carrying Huashan, made a dash for the city gate.

Zhan Yue pursued and intercepted it, only to discover that the woman inside was not Shen Miao but a decoy. Shen Miao's strategy was to use this diversion to make Pei Yanzhen believe she had already left the city. Shen Miao and Xiao, meanwhile, had been settled by Song Xiyuan in a secluded part of Baima Temple.

Song Xiyuan explained that Pei Yanzhen, who didn't believe in the supernatural, would never suspect them hiding in a temple; it was a clever "dark under the light" strategy. A young monk guided them to their serene abode in the rear hills, which Xiao adored, comparing it to a "secluded world" filled with butterflies. Shen Miao inquired about the duration of their stay and when they could proceed to Yanlan.

Song Xiyuan informed her that Pei Yanzhen, as the Regent, would not remain in Weiyang indefinitely, and once he departed, she would be free to travel to Yanlan. He subtly added his hope that she would take him with her. Meanwhile, Pei Yanzhen had surrounded Guchun Restaurant, forcing Huashan to play her guqin. Upon learning of Pei Yanzhen's presence, Song Xiyuan rushed back.

Pei Yanzhen noted Song Xiyuan's swift return and confronted Huashan, instructing her to continue playing until Song Xiyuan appeared, implying she had sent a messenger. Huashan admitted she couldn't reveal Shen Miao's whereabouts. When Song Xiyuan arrived, he directly told Pei Yanzhen that Shen Miao was not there and asked Huashan to escort him out.

As Pei Yanzhen departed, he confidently informed his subordinate that they wouldn't return to Guchun Restaurant the next day, as he had already deduced Shen Miao's location. He explained that Huashan had played 13 melodies, each lasting fifteen minutes, calculating the precise round-trip travel time from the restaurant to Shen Miao's hiding place.

He instructed his men that if they located Shen Miao, they were not to act rashly, likening her to "sand in the palm" that would slip away if held too tightly. He emphasized his need for an opportunity to reveal his genuine feelings to her. Zhan Yue and Constable Zhao were searching Baima Temple. Constable Zhao employed a deceptive tactic, fabricating a story about Zhan Yue's "red thread of destiny" requiring him to find a married woman in the temple.

He then shrewdly inquired about the location of the pilgrims' abodes. Lvying, returning a book for Xiao, was intercepted by Constable Zhao, who accused her of illicit dealings with Tie Niu and tried to confiscate her belongings, declaring himself a righteous "loner" who would break up their romance. Shen Miao, having returned to her hut with Xiao after their fishing trip, quickly instructed him to stay put, fearing their discovery.

She then hurried off to find Lvying, determined to leave immediately. During her search, she stumbled upon Pei Yanzhen, who was burning incense and speaking with a temple master. Pei Yanzhen confided that while he once scorned divine intervention, he now sought it for a wish that only Heaven could grant, a single wish repeated countless times.

He reflected on the concept of enduring what one "cannot understand, cannot realize, cannot give up, cannot abandon, cannot fathom, and cannot let go," questioning if finding happiness wasn't about holding onto such things. He confessed his past foolishness in feigning detachment, adding that having been "born in hell," the notion of "falling into hell" held no meaning for him.

He admitted his initial prayer was for "lost and found" but, witnessing Shen Miao's willingness to suffer rather than acknowledge him, he concluded it was time to let go. His sole remaining wish was for her safety and happiness. At that moment, a young monk inadvertently called out to Shen Miao, alerting Pei Yanzhen. Shen Miao fled, and despite his impaired vision, Pei Yanzhen pursued her, calling out her name and pleading for her to listen.

A heavy downpour began, and a lightning strike caused a tree to fall, crushing Pei Yanzhen. Shen Miao rushed to him, frantically calling his name and begging him to wake up. Through his pain, he weakly uttered, "You still can't let go of me, can you?" Shen Miao, in tears, told him not to die, asserting that even if he did, she wouldn't forgive him.

Zhan Yue, meanwhile, found Xiao, who informed him that Shen Miao had gone to look for Lvying and had not returned. Realizing Lvying was likely involved in the incident with Constable Zhao, Zhan Yue hurried to Shen Miao and the gravely injured Pei Yanzhen. He carried Pei Yanzhen back to the hut, where Shen Miao immediately began to care for him, changing his wet clothes.

Zhan Yue took Xiao to prepare hot water, reassuring the boy that Pei Yanzhen was the last person who would ever harm his mother. Back at Song Xiyuan's residence, he was preparing to leave Weiyang, offering Huashan money, who in turn expressed her desire to accompany him to the capital. News of trouble at Baima Temple abruptly arrived, sending Song Xiyuan rushing there.

He confronted Constable Zhao, demanding to know Pei Yanzhen's location and what he had done with Shen Miao. In the hut, Pei Yanzhen awoke, his vision still impaired but vaguely seeing Shen Miao by his side, though he did not mention it. Shen Miao, observing his fever, intended to seek a monk with medical knowledge. Pei Yanzhen, however, gently held her hand, telling her she was his "cure."

Shen Miao tried to dismiss her actions as mere "Jianghu ethics" due to his blindness, denying any lingering affection. Pei Yanzhen challenged her, asking if she truly believed she had no feelings left for him, admitting he believed she did. Shen Miao retorted that he was overly confident, incapable of controlling her heart.

He then poured out his heart, describing two years, 730 days and nights, of accustomed loneliness, suffering, and yearning, but emphasizing that he could never grow accustomed to not seeing her. Shen Miao questioned the relevance of his words now, highlighting his abundance while she possessed nothing. Pei Yanzhen offered her anything she desired. She asked how he could consistently speak with such tender, profound affection, making her feel as if she were his entire world.

He asserted it was not "as if," but the undeniable truth. Shen Miao informed Pei Yanzhen that she used to be naive, believing everything he said, and once would have gladly died for him. However, things were different now; with his blindness, they should remain strangers. She questioned why he continued to pursue her and what he sought, expressing fear that he would take Xiao, her "only thought," away.

Pei Yanzhen noticed she still wore a small pendant he had given her. He declared he wanted nothing but to be with her, vowing not to contend for their child or the wealth of the Shen and Lu families. He asserted that without her, he was impoverished, and even with vast riches, he would remain a broken man. He admitted to his past foolish and wrongful actions that had broken her heart and implored her to hear him out.

Shen Miao confronted him, asking if his initial proposal of marriage was a calculated scheme. Pei Yanzhen conceded it was, expressing remorse. Shen Miao dismissed his apology, stating she too had ulterior motives at the time. She then pressed him about the contraceptive herbs, questioning why, if he didn't love her, he allowed her to give birth to Xiao, and if he didn't acknowledge Xiao, why he still tormented her. Pei Yanzhen confessed to administering the contraceptive herbs.

He explained that her premature labor was not an accident but the result of the Empress Dowager's poisoning. Her father had conveyed the physician's warning that further pregnancies would endanger her life. He elaborated on the Lingzhou incident, where he couldn't bear for her to marry Song Xiyuan, given his growing affection for her.

He confessed his initial approach to the Shen family was indeed strategic, but his daily interactions with her led him to fall deeply in love, a realization that came too late. He revealed having spies within the Song family, confirming that she and Song had never consummated their marriage. His plan was to separate them and remarry her. However, her unexpected pregnancy complicated matters.

He feared that disclosing the four-month pregnancy would lead to the Empress Dowager harming her, and that revealing a two-month pregnancy would result in Xiao being recognized as Song Xiyuan's son, causing irreparable separation. To protect her and Xiao, he conspired with the physician to falsely state she was three months pregnant, intending to create a dispute over the child's paternity between the Pei and Song families, with the ultimate goal of Xiao acknowledging his true heritage.

He then disclosed that the Empress Dowager's subsequent attempt to poison her fish soup, aiming for a double death, led Song Xiyuan to recognize the Empress Dowager's malice, prompting their alliance for Shen Miao and Xiao's safety. He then asked if she believed him. Shen Miao found his explanation "too complicated" to understand. She then asked the pivotal question: if the pronouncement to "annihilate or execute" her family originated from him.

Pei Yanzhen confirmed, "Yes, it was I who said it."

Enraged, Shen Miao launched a barrage of accusations: he had promised Song Xiyuan her family's businesses and river routes, he had given her an immunity jade pendant while secretly arranging for his foster mother to seek his help to gain her family's trust and disarm the imperial family's suspicion, and he had chosen the less powerful Song family as an ally because they were imperial insiders, making them a strategic asset far more valuable than ten Shen families.

She asserted that the Shen family was merely a means to an end for their alliance, and her unforeseen appearance had disrupted their entire scheme. She accused him of being a master manipulator, treating everyone—whether loved or hated, loving or hating him—as mere puppets in his meticulously crafted, flawless plays. She concluded by asking why, given such calculated deception, she should ever remain by his side.

Song Xiyuan arrived at the Baima Temple and was immediately confronted by Zhan Yue, who guarded the entrance. Song Xiyuan demanded to see Shen Miao, asserting that she was his wife, and accused Pei Yanzhen of manipulating Shen Miao. Zhan Yue, however, insisted that Shen Miao and Pei Yanzhen loved each other and would reconcile. Their argument quickly escalated into a physical fight.

Tie Niu attempted to assist Song Xiyuan, leading to a scuffle with Constable Zhao, who called Tie Niu a "Stupid man." Awakened by the commotion, Xiao cheered for "Third Master Song." Hearing her son, Shen Miao rushed out, witnessing the fight. Seeing Shen Miao, Pei Yanzhen attempted to explain himself, but Xiao quickly told his mother that Pei Yanzhen, his maternal grand-uncle, had hurt her.

Song Xiyuan used this opportunity to take Shen Miao away for treatment, despite Pei Yanzhen's pleas for her to stay. Song Xiyuan confronted Pei Yanzhen, accusing him of being the cause of all Shen Miao's suffering. Zhan Yue defended Pei Yanzhen, claiming that his master would not have been injured if Song Xiyuan had not hidden Shen Miao.

Song Xiyuan then reminded them that Pei Yanzhen's actions had made it impossible for Shen Miao and Xiao to live peacefully in Weiyang. Pei Yanzhen, in a desperate attempt to win Shen Miao back, proclaimed his unwavering love for her, putting her before the nation, and asked for another chance. Shen Miao, however, acknowledged their past love but lamented that she must be the person he hated the most for him to have treated her with such cruelty.

Song Xiyuan urged her to disclose what Pei Yanzhen had done, suggesting that any past grievances should be settled by now. Shen Miao simply replied that Pei Yanzhen was fully aware of his misdeeds. With that, Song Xiyuan took Shen Miao and Xiao away to treat her injuries. Song Xiyuan then brought Shen Miao to a temple, where he introduced her to Master Guanshan of Baima Temple, who had recently returned from his travels.

Song Xiyuan explained that he had asked the master to treat Shen Miao's current injuries and her old one from two years prior. Shen Miao initially felt her injuries were too minor to trouble such a renowned master, but Master Guanshan, a long-time friend of Master Wangyun, assured her it was their destiny to meet and agreed to treat her old and new wounds.

Later, Shen Miao expressed her wish for Master Guanshan to treat Pei Yanzhen's eyes, reasoning that his injury was a consequence of pursuing her, and she felt indebted, acknowledging his suffering over the past two years. Song Xiyuan was baffled by her compassion for the man who had caused her pain, finding her excuse far-fetched. Master Guanshan confirmed that Master Wangyun had already entrusted him with treating the Regent's eyes.

However, he cautioned that his medicine could only heal physical ailments, not the deep-seated "heart sickness." Before leaving, Master Guanshan offered Shen Miao three words of advice: "Don't obsess with the truth." Song Xiyuan immediately misinterpreted this as a warning for Shen Miao to stay away from Pei Yanzhen. Meanwhile, Lvying confided in Tie Niu about her confusion over Shen Miao's recent actions, particularly her decision to rescue Pei Yanzhen and linger at the temple.

Tie Niu related that his master, Song Xiyuan, also displayed erratic behavior when thinking of Shen Miao. Curiosity piqued, Tie Niu asked Lvying whom she would choose if she were in Shen Miao's shoes: Pei Yanzhen or Song Xiyuan. Lvying mused that Pei Yanzhen was scheming and unreliable, while Song Xiyuan was goofy and undependable. She asserted that her ideal partner would be kind, cheerful, reliable, and good company.

After a moment, she blushed, realizing the personal nature of the question, and clarified that she had no intention of marrying or having children, wishing only to remain by Shen Miao's side. Shen Miao then approached Song Xiyuan with a request. She asked him to apply for a travel pass on behalf of her family, who were currently in the unstable region of Yanlan, to facilitate their return to the Central Plains.

She promised that once Pei Yanzhen's eyes recovered, she would return to the capital with her family and Song Xiyuan. Overjoyed by her words, Song Xiyuan asked if she truly meant it and if she had forgiven his two years of deception. Shen Miao reassured him, acknowledging his kindness over the years and stating that she would let bygones be bygones as long as he did not deceive her again, hoping their relationship could return to how it once was.

Thrilled, Song Xiyuan declared that his "spring is coming." Constable Zhao observed Pei Yanzhen's eyes, who then admitted to seeing "blur shadows." Constable Zhao suggested that Pei Yanzhen's "heart sickness" was the real issue and that Shen Miao was his cure. Pei Yanzhen expressed despair over Shen Miao's determination to leave, yet found hope in their reunion at the temple. He sought advice on how to resolve their past grievances. Constable Zhao pointed to Song Xiyuan as the primary obstacle.

Soon after, Lvying informed Pei Yanzhen that Shen Miao had invited Master Guanshan to treat his eyes. Master Guanshan, after examining Pei Yanzhen, confirmed that his head and back wounds were minor and would heal with a few days of medicine. He revealed that Pei Yanzhen's eyes, thanks to earlier treatments, were now free of poison and would regain full vision within a day or two. Master Guanshan then directly questioned Pei Yanzhen about his recovered eyesight.

Pei Yanzhen admitted his vision had returned but asked the master to keep it a secret, citing that "some things can only be discerned by blind eyes." Master Guanshan, recognizing Pei Yanzhen's intelligence, cautioned him that "beauty is merely void form." Pei Yanzhen clarified that he only wished to reveal his recovery to Shen Miao himself. As a "prescription for heart sickness," Master Guanshan gave Pei Yanzhen three words: "Nip the vain hope."

Pei Yanzhen later pondered these words, declaring that he would not give up his desires, stating he would "brave the storm even though it will strike me to death." He also challenged Shen Miao's "Don't obsess with the truth," asking, "How could I not pursue the truth?" Shen Miao made arrangements for the journey back to the capital, preparing two carriages so they could enjoy the scenery.

She told Song Xiyuan that Xiao needed his own personal space, to which Tie Niu jokingly observed that Song Xiyuan merely wanted alone time with Shen Miao. Suddenly, Zhan Yue and Constable Zhao appeared, announcing that Pei Yanzhen had received an imperial decree to return to the capital and suggested that they all travel together for mutual support, given Pei Yanzhen's recent injuries.

Song Xiyuan dismissed this idea, but Constable Zhao stressed that Master Guanshan had warned of Pei Yanzhen's severe lung injuries, which required careful management. Song Xiyuan remained unconvinced, suspecting Pei Yanzhen of faking his illness due to his overly dramatic portrayal. Shen Miao, however, believing Pei Yanzhen's injuries were serious, agreed to let them join their travel, acknowledging his role as Xiao's maternal grand-uncle.

Later, as they traveled, Song Xiyuan tried to entertain Shen Miao with suggestions of playing chess, listening to stories, or hearing a new song. In the carriage, Song Xiyuan expressed frustration about Shen Miao's lack of reciprocation. Tie Niu, seemingly referring to his own romantic troubles, asked Song Xiyuan what it felt like to love someone who did not love you back, especially if they preferred someone inferior. Realizing Tie Niu's plight, Song Xiyuan joked about the "agony of love."

They resolved to work together to eliminate both "Devious Pei" and "Lackey Zhao" before reaching the capital. Later, Shen Miao asked Lvying for details about how Pei Yanzhen had lost his eyesight. Lvying recounted that after Shen Miao's supposed death, Pei Yanzhen became self-destructive, refusing treatment for Qin Miuzhen's poison, which led to irreversible damage to his heart and meridians. His resolve only returned when Xiao fell ill, yet doctors still declared his eyes incurable.

Lvying further revealed that rumors of Shen Miao leaving a deer carving for Pei Yanzhen had caused political turmoil and attracted various enemies seeking the Lu family's wealth. Pei Yanzhen and Xiao had endured numerous dangers, forcing Pei Yanzhen to remain in power to protect his son. Lvying concluded by lamenting the difficulties of life. Shen Miao then inquired about Lvying's relationship with Constable Zhao, noting their apparent closeness.

Lvying admitted she initially found Constable Zhao unreliable and glib, but had recently come to appreciate his sincerity and optimism. Shen Miao teased her about an impending marriage, but Lvying confessed her confusion, as she also found Tie Niu honest, endearing, and thoughtful, leaving her torn between the two. Lvying then generalized that men often possessed complex, dual natures, such as Tie Niu's blend of rough exterior and gentle care, or Constable Zhao's mix of craftiness and genuine honesty.

She then suggested that while Pei Yanzhen had undeniably caused Shen Miao great suffering, his love for her might be equally genuine, prompting Shen Miao to deeply reflect on her feelings. At an inn, Xiao gave Pei Yanzhen some sweets from Shen Miao. Later, Song Xiyuan bribed the innkeeper, requesting adjacent courtyard rooms for himself and Shen Miao. The innkeeper informed him that only one courtyard room, the First Suite, was available and it was reserved for the "Regent."

Song Xiyuan attempted to trick the innkeeper into assigning Pei Yanzhen a leaky second-floor room, falsely claiming that Pei Yanzhen, being from Jiangnan, preferred damp and elevated accommodations and would be displeased with a ground-floor room. The innkeeper, misled, agreed to this arrangement. Soon after, Shen Miao entered, assisting Pei Yanzhen. Song Xiyuan immediately tried to take over, but Pei Yanzhen subtly feigned a stumble, making it appear as if Song Xiyuan carelessly let him fall.

Shen Miao scolded Song Xiyuan for his insensitive behavior. Pei Yanzhen then subtly revealed that his hearing had improved since his "blindness," implying he had overheard Song Xiyuan's scheme regarding the rooms. Still believing him to be blind, Shen Miao further chastised Song Xiyuan for his "meanness." Witnessing Pei Yanzhen's success, Constable Zhao attempted to emulate his "self-hurting" tactic by comically feigning severe back pain while struggling with luggage, hoping to elicit sympathy from Lvying.

However, Lvying saw through his act, dismissed it as "disgusting," and warned Tie Niu not to assist him. Taking Pei Yanzhen's supposed mobility issues into account, Shen Miao decided that he should occupy the First Suite in the courtyard, while Song Xiyuan would take a room on the second floor. Song Xiyuan was left seething, while Tie Niu and Constable Zhao were left in disarray regarding their own accommodations.

Later that night, as Shen Miao contemplated Master Guanshan's advice, "Don't obsess with the truth," Song Xiyuan entered her room with a pot of wine, hoping for a private moment since Xiao was asleep. He urged her to share a drink. Their quiet time was interrupted by a knock, and Pei Yanzhen's voice asked if he could enter. Song Xiyuan was annoyed, recognizing Pei Yanzhen's intrusive tactics.

He tried to deter Pei Yanzhen, pointing out the impropriety of a man being in a woman's room late at night, but Pei Yanzhen feigned ignorance. Pei Yanzhen explained that he had brought two bowls of noodles, worried Shen Miao might be hungry after their travels. He offered to leave, but Shen Miao accepted the noodles. She scolded Song Xiyuan for "bullying" Pei Yanzhen, assuring Pei Yanzhen that she would protect him.

She then escorted Pei Yanzhen back to his room. Inside Pei Yanzhen's room, Shen Miao offered to change his wound dressing and asked for the medicine. Pei Yanzhen, forgetting his act of blindness for a moment, pointed directly to the medicine. Shen Miao immediately questioned how he knew its exact location. Pei Yanzhen quickly recovered, claiming he "bumped into it" earlier and remembered the spot, an explanation Shen Miao accepted without further suspicion.

As Shen Miao changed Pei Yanzhen's dressing, he subtly probed her feelings, but she clarified that her assistance was purely out of "chivalry," not affection. He then used his feigned vulnerability, expressing his worries about returning to the capital with his injuries, given that his blindness was a secret. He lamented that his loyal subordinates, Zhan Yue and Constable Zhao, had grown tired of him. Shen Miao reassured him of their long-standing loyalty, dismissing his worries as mere complaints.

Pei Yanzhen then asked if she planned to take Xiao and leave him forever. Shen Miao responded that her immediate goal was to reunite with her family in the capital, and she hadn't considered anything beyond that. Pei Yanzhen then presented her with a box containing letters from Shen Qian spanning the past two years, along with recent portraits of her father and family in Yanlan, revealing that he had been secretly protecting them.

He offered to bring them back to his residence. Shen Miao, however, declined his help, stating that she and Song Xiyuan had already made arrangements. She firmly reiterated that their current relationship, one of respectful distance without hostility, was ideal. She asserted that they were merely Xiao's parents and should live separate lives upon returning to the capital, though she assured him she would not prevent Xiao from seeing him.

Pei Yanzhen expressed his yearning for more than this arrangement, but Shen Miao concluded their conversation by stating that some things, once broken, cannot be mended, and bids him goodnight before leaving.

Tie Niu, observing Lvying suffering from carsickness, went to town and bought her an exquisitely crafted pillow made of fine materials. He presented it to her, explaining his concern for her comfort. He then boldly declared that all his money would be hers if she would have him, to which Lvying shyly responded that she hadn't agreed to marry him.

Just then, Shen Miao entered, casually taking the pillow from Lvying and stating that she would rest there, assuring them she wouldn't interrupt their "date," causing an awkward silence. Pei Yanzhen then consulted Constable Zhao and Zhan Yue, offering silver notes for their advice on how to win Shen Miao back. Zhan Yue, dismissive of Pei Yanzhen's pretense of blindness as a "stupid trick" for temporary sympathy, asserted that it wouldn't truly win Shen Miao's heart.

Constable Zhao, however, believed that Pei Yanzhen and Shen Miao's relationship was improving. Zhan Yue countered that Constable Zhao was merely mimicking Pei Yanzhen, noting that Lvying was closer to Tie Niu than to him. When pressed for his own strategy, Zhan Yue emphasized the importance of understanding Shen Miao's deepest concerns. He correctly identified Shen Xiao as Shen Miao's primary concern, not Song Xiyuan.

Zhan Yue advised Pei Yanzhen to leverage his blood ties to Shen Xiao, believing that securing Xiao would compel Shen Miao to remain by Pei Yanzhen's side once they returned to the Regent's Residence in the capital, where he would then have complete control. Pei Yanzhen commended Zhan Yue's insight. Zhan Yue then highlighted the challenge of getting Shen Miao to move into the residence, but Pei Yanzhen confidently declared he could persuade her.

Constable Zhao interjected, reminding them of their impending arrival in the capital. Pei Yanzhen then shared a new plan that required Constable Zhao's full cooperation, which Zhao enthusiastically accepted. The following day, as part of their plan, Pei Yanzhen instructed Constable Zhao to "act." He then approached Shen Miao and Song Xiyuan, feigning distress and explaining that Constable Zhao had accidentally let their horses loose, leaving them stranded and facing significant delays.

He politely requested permission to share Shen Miao's carriage to the capital. Shen Miao initially questioned why his predicament was her concern, prompting Pei Yanzhen to theatrically offer to walk back instead. Reluctantly, Shen Miao agreed, remarking that Constable Zhao and Zhan Yue had become increasingly careless, but since they were almost at the capital, it was fine. As Pei Yanzhen went to give instructions, Shen Miao expressed her discomfort with the arrangement, reminding him she hadn't explicitly agreed.

Song Xiyuan, suspicious, asked her to wait while he verified Pei Yanzhen's claims. At mealtime, both Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan vied for Shen Miao's attention by constantly placing food into her bowl. Growing increasingly annoyed by their antics, Shen Miao finally demanded if they were finished with their childish squabble. Song Xiyuan immediately blamed Pei Yanzhen, who then sarcastically conceded that it must be his fault.

Exasperated, Shen Miao threatened to leave the table, prompting both men to quickly cease their bickering and urge her to stay and eat. As the group set off for the capital, Song Xiyuan and Pei Yanzhen crowded close to Shen Miao in the carriage. Tie Niu and Constable Zhao argued about the correct path.

Tie Niu, consulting the map, believed they should head north, but Constable Zhao, mocking him for having "lost his sense of direction," insisted on his own way. Despite his reservations, Tie Niu followed, only for them to arrive at an uncrossable river. Constable Zhao immediately blamed Tie Niu for blindly following him, anticipating Song Xiyuan's impending anger. Lvying, unfazed by the argument, reassured Tie Niu and pointed out a pretty stone.

Inside the carriage, the two men continued to vie for Shen Miao's attention, offering her different snacks and bickering over their "cold" or "heated" natures, further irritating her. Shen Miao threatened to leave and sit with Shen Xiao, which they hastily prevented. She then voiced her discomfort with the cramped space, but Pei Yanzhen cheekily suggested it was "nice." Song Xiyuan, in response, called him "shameless." A servant then announced their arrival in Fuyang.

Shen Miao was taken aback, realizing they had traveled further away from the capital. Constable Zhao quickly placed the blame on Song Xiyuan for not trusting him and allowing Tie Niu to lead, framing Tie Niu's misdirection as a mere "accident." Pei Yanzhen, maintaining his charade, apologized for failing to earn Song Xiyuan's trust. Upon entering an inn in Fuyang, Zhan Yue was surprised to encounter the Ninth Princess.

She revealed that she had tracked him down, asserting that no one could hide their whereabouts from her. She then confronted him about his failure to reply to her letters, in which she had openly expressed her feelings and inquired about his. Zhan Yue feigned ignorance about the letters and attempted to leave, but the Ninth Princess desperately called after him. When Zhan Yue saw Shen Miao, he was shocked, exclaiming, "You came back to life again."

Shen Miao explained that she had been suffering from amnesia, only recently recovered, and was now on her way to the capital to find him. Soon after, the Ninth Princess also found Shen Miao and expressed her frustration at being left behind in the capital while everyone else went to Weiyang.

Shen Miao surmised that her anger stemmed from Zhan Yue, which the Ninth Princess confirmed, lamenting his obliviousness to her numerous attempts to test his feelings and his sudden departure from the capital. Shen Miao offered reassurance, suggesting that some individuals are simply slower to understand matters of the heart and that more opportunities would arise in the capital. Expressing concern for her safety, Shen Miao inquired why the Ninth Princess had ventured to Fuyang alone.

The Ninth Princess admitted to getting lost shortly after leaving the capital but considered their unexpected reunion a blessing. Shen Miao then pressed for details about the situation in the capital and the true reason for her journey to find Zhan Yue. The Ninth Princess revealed that she was being forced into an "allied marriage" with a chieftain from an uncivilized region and felt that only Shen Miao could save her.

She explained that her brother, the Emperor, was powerless against the current court, and Pei Yanzhen, with his ruthless nature, would allow the marriage unless he was persuaded otherwise. Shen Miao asked if her feelings for Zhan Yue were genuine or merely a means to escape the marriage. The Ninth Princess vehemently affirmed her sincere love for Zhan Yue and her unwillingness to enter the allied marriage.

She also voiced her fear that Zhan Yue might propose out of a sense of duty, leaving her heartbroken. Shen Miao, observing Zhan Yue's behavior, assured the Ninth Princess that he likely harbored true feelings for her and that if Pei Yanzhen became aware of their mutual affection, he would undoubtedly intervene to prevent the allied marriage. Overjoyed, the Ninth Princess implored Shen Miao for her help. Meanwhile, Lvying was waiting to go buy pastries with Tie Niu.

Constable Zhao, as part of a trick, locked Song Xiyuan and Tie Niu in their room. He then approached Lvying, falsely claiming that Tie Niu had sent him, stating that an urgent command from Song Xiyuan prevented Tie Niu from keeping their appointment. Constable Zhao then eagerly offered to accompany Lvying himself. Lvying, however, firmly declined, remarking that he was a bad influence on children, and instead took Shen Xiao with her to the market.

Pei Yanzhen questioned Zhan Yue about his true feelings for the Ninth Princess, playfully accusing him of also pretending blindness. Zhan Yue, visibly uncomfortable, denied having returned any letters from the princess and awkwardly dismissed the idea of "love" for a "macho man" like himself. Pei Yanzhen, however, interpreted this as an admission of affection, but Zhan Yue deflected, telling him to focus on Shen Miao instead.

Later, Zhan Yue confessed to Pei Yanzhen that he did like the Ninth Princess, but felt undeserving of her due to his humble origins as a "boor" who didn't even know his parents' names, adding that their backgrounds were "completely different." He feared her interest might be a passing fancy and wished to distance himself to allow her to clarify her true feelings.

Meanwhile, the Ninth Princess, wanting Zhan Yue to understand her affections, had brought Shen Miao to a theater in Fuyang. She explained her plan to have a play, "The Golden Bough"—a tale of a hero and princess finding love—performed as a heartfelt confession. Concerned by Fuyang's lack of skilled actors for such a crucial moment, she persuaded a reluctant Shen Miao to perform in the play herself.

Despite never having acted before and feeling extremely nervous about potentially "screwing it up," Shen Miao, after much encouragement from the Ninth Princess—who had already sent Zhan Yue an invitation in Shen Miao's name and appealed to their friendship—agreed to take on the role. The Ninth Princess, overjoyed, went to scout the premises while Shen Miao prepared in a princess costume.

Pei Yanzhen and Zhan Yue arrived at the theater, where Zhan Yue immediately spotted the Ninth Princess, causing Pei Yanzhen to realize that she had used Shen Miao's name to send the invitation. Zhan Yue, asserting his dislike for plays and claiming urgent matters with Pei Yanzhen, attempted to leave.

However, Pei Yanzhen, feigning the joy of a blind man finally able to enjoy a performance, insisted Zhan Yue stay, and the Ninth Princess also urged him to remain, compelling him to reluctantly take a seat. On stage, Shen Miao, dressed as a princess, performed a scene where she listed three criteria for her future husband: no scholars, no politicians, and no unfaithful men—a clear message intended for Zhan Yue.

Pei Yanzhen, observing Shen Miao, a noble lady, acting as a performer, expressed his displeasure to the Ninth Princess, who playfully claimed Shen Miao enjoyed it. Pei Yanzhen then ordered Zhan Yue to retrieve Shen Miao from the stage, but the Ninth Princess intervened, insisting that Zhan Yue continue to watch. During her performance, Shen Miao stumbled and twisted her ankle.

Without a moment's hesitation, Pei Yanzhen leaped onto the stage, caught her in his arms, and called out her name. In that instant, Shen Miao saw his eyes were open and fully functioning, realizing he had been deceiving her all along. Overwhelmed by anger and betrayal, she demanded to know when his eyesight had truly recovered. Pei Yanzhen stammered, claiming it had only "recently" returned, unable to provide a precise timeline.

Shen Miao bitterly accused him of enjoying her naive efforts to care for him, calling him a "habitual scammer" and an "expert at scheming." She reiterated her hatred for deception and pleaded with him to release her from their relationship. Pei Yanzhen tried to explain that his deception was not intentional and that his love for her was genuine.

As Zhan Yue attempted to defend Pei Yanzhen's actions as born of care, Shen Miao sarcastically asked if she should be grateful. The captivated audience, enjoying the dramatic turn of events, cheered for the "exciting" show. The Ninth Princess, observing the escalating tension, subtly urged Shen Miao to move backstage, away from the public eye. Backstage, consumed by emotion, Pei Yanzhen and Shen Miao erupted into a heated argument.

Shen Miao demanded to know why he hadn't revealed his recovered eyesight earlier, accusing him of deliberate concealment despite her trust and unwavering support. She passionately decried his recurring patterns of deception, lies, manipulation, and scheming, behaviors she abhorred. Pei Yanzhen attempted to explain his actions were not intended to deceive her, and that he truly loved her.

He then countered, asking if Song Xiyuan would always hold a more significant place in her heart than him, implying that if she had met Song Xiyuan first, he would have no chance. Shen Miao adamantly declared that Song Xiyuan had "never hurt her" and that she only trusted those who treated her with genuine sincerity. Pei Yanzhen pressed further, questioning if his past threat to "annihilate" her was so unforgivable that she can never overcome it.

Shen Miao retorted that his words were "ridiculous," highlighting his repeated deceptions while simultaneously blaming her for not being "broad-minded" or "tolerant." She asserted that he seemed to believe he was always right and that she should accept whatever he did simply because he claimed to love her. She then declared that while she "once had" feelings for him, she would now "completely forget" him, imploring him to release her and spare himself further anguish. Shen Miao then stormed out.

Pei Yanzhen tried to follow, but Song Xiyuan blocked his path, admonishing him for exhausting all his schemes and failing to sway Shen Miao's heart, concluding that he had "pressured her enough." Pei Yanzhen, in turn, confronted Song Xiyuan, revealing that he had deliberately refrained from investigating certain past events to preserve Song Xiyuan's dignity in front of Shen Miao. He then questioned Song Xiyuan's own actions, implying hypocrisy if he considered Pei Yanzhen's behavior to be mere "scheming."

Song Xiyuan claimed ignorance, but Pei Yanzhen reminded him of the past, specifically asking if it was "really an accident" that Shen Miao had overheard their "entire plan" from the talking bird, hinting at Song Xiyuan's manipulation. Meanwhile, outside, Tie Niu and Constable Zhao were engaged in a fierce physical altercation, exchanging insults and debating the fairness of their impromptu duel as they grappled. Song Xiyuan told Tie Niu to handle Constable Zhao while he went to Shen Miao.

The two men armed themselves with various sticks and poles, each attempting to gain an advantage in weapon length and arguing about the rules of their "fair match," before finally charging at each other. In their chaotic struggle, they accidentally demolished the inn's pavilion. The enraged inn manager and a servant rushed out, accusing them of causing trouble. The manager condemned them as "three unhappy couples" whose "shameless" love entanglements reflected the "moral degradation" of society.

Despite their offers to compensate or rebuild the pavilion, the owner, fed up with their disruptive behavior, ordered the entire group to leave immediately, refusing to let them stay. Lvying worried about how Shen Miao would react to their predicament, but Shen Xiao innocently remarked that his mother, being in a similar situation, wouldn't mind. Tie Niu apologized for causing everyone to "be out in the wild" and offered to accept any punishment.

Song Xiyuan, however, attributed their misfortune to "someone blocking the wheels" and "insinuating," implicitly blaming Pei Yanzhen. Seeing Shen Xiao was tired, Shen Miao took him to sleep, then advised everyone else to get some rest as it was getting late, leaving the entire group to spend the night outdoors.

Lvying attended to Tie Niu's injury, carefully applying ointment to his back. Tie Niu initially tried to refuse her help, downplaying the severity of his wound, which he claimed was from a falling beam, not Constable Zhao. Lvying scolded him for not speaking up sooner. Constable Zhao soon interrupted, accusing them of inappropriate intimacy. When Lvying explained she was just treating Tie Niu's injury, Constable Zhao feigned multiple injuries and demanded Lvying tend to him as well.

Lvying, disgusted by his shamelessness, left, while Tie Niu noted that Constable Zhao's injuries appeared self-inflicted. Meanwhile, Ninth Princess confronted Zhan Yue, pressing him to acknowledge her feelings after he seemed oblivious to a play's romantic message. She explicitly declared her feelings, stating her love for him and her desire to marry, vowing to explain her feelings to him repeatedly, for "the entire night, the entire year, and my whole life," if he failed to understand.

Zhan Yue, however, firmly rejected her, explicitly stating that he did not like her, harbored no romantic feelings, and would not marry her. When she questioned his past kindness, including saving her life two years prior, Zhan Yue clarified that his actions were merely his duty and apologized if she had been misled.

He warned that if she continued to press him, he would report to Pei Yanzhen and leave the capital permanently, emphasizing that true love is mutual, not coerced. Heartbroken, Ninth Princess told him to leave, declaring she never wanted to see him again. Pei Yanzhen later approached Shen Miao, who immediately suspected his intentions. Shen Miao announced her plan to take Xiao to the Song family residence upon their return to the capital, but Pei Yanzhen objected.

He admitted his past deception was purposeful, but not directly aimed at her. He asserted Xiao was his child too, expressing frustration that Shen Miao had abandoned him for two years to go to Weiyang with Song Xiyuan, only to reappear now. Shen Miao insisted Xiao belonged to the Shen family and she would not allow him to be embroiled in court politics.

Pei Yanzhen countered that Xiao's identity would not be safe with Song Xiyuan, and he did not want Xiao to grow up without a father or to repeat the suffering Pei Yanzhen himself had endured. He proposed they raise Xiao together for one year, allowing Xiao to choose his future once he was older. Shen Miao negotiated the duration down to three months, which Pei Yanzhen accepted.

He promised to be truthful henceforth and urged Shen Miao to prioritize Xiao, preventing a recurrence of the tragedy from two years ago. The group eventually arrived back in the capital. Xiao settled into the Regent's Residence as agreed. Outside the gates, as Shen Miao spoke with Song Xiyuan, she spotted her father, Shen Qian, wearing a conical hat. She followed him to a secluded spot and found him with Madam.

Shen Miao was surprised they had returned from Yanlan alone and immediately asked about Shen Zai. Madam tearfully explained that they were barely alive and that Shen Zai had been captured by Pei Yanzhen. A flashback revealed that Pei Yanzhen's servants had gone to Yanlan, falsely claiming Shen Miao was gravely ill after an assassination attempt in Weiyang, to lure her family back to the capital.

During their journey, despite Shen Zai's attempt to join with Song family's arriving servants, Pei Yanzhen's men forcibly took Shen Zai. Madam and Shen Qian expressed their fears and were grateful for Song Xiyuan's men, who had provided protection on their way back to the capital. They believed a decorative bone carving, which was supposed to be with Xiao, was a counterfeit swapped by Pei Yanzhen, confirming his manipulative nature.

Song Xiyuan elaborated on his theory, suggesting Pei Yanzhen's true motive for wanting Shen Miao in the Regent's Residence was to eradicate the Shen family entirely and seize their wealth, having failed to obtain information from the original bone carving. Shen Miao, while uneasy, found his reasoning plausible. Despite her growing suspicion towards Pei Yanzhen, she rushed to confront him. Song Xiyuan intervened, cautioning her against exposing their hand.

Just then, an assassin fired an arrow at Shen Qian, but Song Xiyuan quickly shielded him, taking the arrow in his shoulder. Tie Niu pursued the attacker and discovered a token from the Regent's Residence. Meanwhile, back at the Regent's Residence, Pei Yanzhen restlessly paced, uneasy about Shen Miao's prolonged absence. Determined to uncover the truth, Shen Miao insisted on investigating within the Regent's Residence, despite Song Xiyuan's warnings about the danger and the risk of exposing her parents.

She returned to Xiao and subtly inspected his bone carving, noticing a crack she hadn't seen before. She asked Xiao who had touched the carving, and he innocently replied that both "Little Maternal Uncle" (Pei Yanzhen) and Constable Zhao had. Xiao added that Pei Yanzhen often looked at it when he missed Shen Miao. Shen Miao realized this was part of Pei Yanzhen's elaborate deception and instructed Xiao to keep their conversation private.

During morning court, the Emperor announced that a neighboring country sought alliance but, as a condition, requested to marry Ninth Princess. Pei Yanzhen, concerned, later proposed an alternative strategy to the Emperor: a trade agreement to provide the neighboring country with resources in exchange for horses and weapons, arguing it would prevent allied marriage and solve centuries of conflict. The Emperor found his proposal brilliant.

Song Xiyuan instructed Tie Niu to keep the news of the allied marriage from Shen Miao. Later, Pei Yanzhen and Song Xiyuan shared a carriage back to the Regent's Residence. Song Xiyuan had accompanied Pei Yanzhen to the Regent's Residence under the pretense of checking on Shen Zai, though his true intention was to speak with Shen Miao, and they exchanged thinly veiled barbs about each other's intentions regarding Shen Miao and Xiao.

Pei Yanzhen then informed Zhan Yue about the Emperor's plan for Ninth Princess's allied marriage, urging him to consider his feelings. Zhan Yue, after much deliberation, met Ninth Princess. He returned a paper crane she had made for him, stating he didn't lose it but felt he didn't deserve her.

He then conveyed a heartfelt apology, explaining through the metaphor of the paper crane that his 'stupid' and 'clumsy' self had falsely claimed to desire freedom because it felt undeserving of a warm embrace, and asked for her forgiveness. Shen Miao tirelessly searched the Regent's Residence for Shen Zai but found no trace of him, concluding that he was being held elsewhere. She resolved to make Pei Yanzhen confess. Recovering from his injury, Song Xiyuan was seen reading.

He instructed Tie Niu to bring his pet bird, which then spoke, "Annihilate the Song family." Song Xiyuan promptly corrected the bird, teaching it to say, "Annihilate the Shen family," a phrase it dutifully repeated. With a knowing look, Song Xiyuan revealed his true ambition, stating, "Miaomiao, I have told you. I want the entire world and you."

This exposed him as the true puppet master, intentionally manipulating events to sow discord between Shen Miao and Pei Yanzhen, aiming to claim both the empire and Shen Miao for himself.

Shen Miao was approaching Pei Yanzhen under the pretense of caring for Xiao, a truth Pei Yanzhen was aware of but chose not to expose, wishing only to spend time with her. One evening, Pei Yanzhen asked Shen Miao about her decision regarding their relationship for Xiao's well-being. He suggested they spend more time together to cultivate their bond.

Shen Miao questioned if his motives were solely for Xiao, to which Pei Yanzhen offered to drop the idea if she was unwilling. Shen Miao, however, asked him to wait. She later confessed that she had never truly hated him, so there was nothing for her to forgive. Given their new arrangement, Shen Miao proposed they should live together. Meanwhile, Song Xiyuan was at a jewelry store selecting headdresses for Shen Miao. He found the common selection unsuitable for her.

While waiting for more exquisite pieces, he overheard Constable Zhao retrieving headdresses ordered by "His Highness" for "His wife." The shopkeeper spoke of "His Highness'" generosity towards his wife, expressing hope for their reconciliation. Song Xiyuan’s attendant immediately speculated that "His Highness" referred to Pei Yanzhen, and "His wife" to Shen Miao, a realization Song Xiyuan seemed to understand. Later that night, Pei Yanzhen, joyful from Shen Miao’s return, fell asleep early.

Shen Miao, taking advantage of his deep slumber, slipped out to meet Song Xiyuan, who had infiltrated the residence. Song Xiyuan eagerly asked if she had found any clues about Shen Zai. Upon learning she hadn't, he urged her to leave with him, expressing concern over her sleeping in the same room as Pei Yanzhen, a remark Shen Miao deemed inappropriate. Song Xiyuan explained his presence was to help her, asserting that Shen Zai was not within the residence.

He then unveiled his plan: the only way to find Shen Zai was to bring down Pei Yanzhen. His strategy involved luring Zhan Yue away, then arranging for Pei Yanzhen to meet them at Yongquan Temple outside the city. Assassins would ambush Pei Yanzhen, and they would use his life as leverage to force Zhan Yue to reveal Shen Zai's whereabouts. Shen Miao immediately opposed the plan, fearing harm to Pei Yanzhen.

Song Xiyuan pressed her, asking if she felt pity for him, and reminded her of Pei Yanzhen's past deceits. He warned of the Shen family's potential ruin if she didn't comply, insisting she meet him at Yongquan Temple at noon the following day. As Shen Miao returned to her room, a guard spotted her, respectfully addressing her as "Your Highness" and advising her to go back indoors due to the late hour.

Back in the room, Pei Yanzhen was in the throes of a nightmare, believing he had lost Shen Miao forever. He clutched her fiercely, crying out for her not to leave. Shen Miao tried to calm him, assuring him it was merely a dream. Pei Yanzhen apologized, explaining he feared her return was just another illusion. She explained she had only gone out for a walk as she couldn't sleep.

He then pleaded with her never to abandon him again, stating he could not bear to lose her a second time after just getting her back. The next morning, Shen Miao awoke from another unsettling nightmare. Pei Yanzhen had lavish headdresses and accessories delivered to her room as a surprise, but she asked the servants to take them away. At breakfast, Pei Yanzhen offered her fish congee he had prepared himself.

After sending the servants away, he apologized for his behavior the previous night, promising it wouldn't happen again. Shen Miao dismissed his apology. She then suggested they go to Yongquan Temple today, as it was an auspicious day, to fulfill a vow he had made in Weiyang: to reconcile and for their family to be reunited. She emphasized that a sincere vow required no weapons or guards, proposing they go alone, just the two of them.

Pei Yanzhen, who had secretly overheard her conversation with Song Xiyuan the night before, agreed to all her requests. She cautiously asked if he wasn't worried about unforeseen dangers. He replied that every matter had both good and bad aspects, but as long as he could be with her, even potential misfortunes would not necessarily be bad.

He humbly stated that he possessed nothing but an entire country, which he would willingly offer as a dowry if he could win her love. Overwhelmed by a mix of guilt and reluctance, Shen Miao began to confess, but then stopped herself, simply urging him to drink his congee while she arranged for the carriage. On the way to the temple, a heavy rain began to fall. Zhan Yue encountered Shen Miao and congratulated her on reconciling with Pei Yanzhen.

He acknowledged the past misunderstandings but insisted that Pei Yanzhen's love for her was absolute and unmatched, urging her to trust him. At Yongquan Temple, Song Xiyuan's subordinate confirmed it was noon, and Song Xiyuan commanded his men to remain hidden. Pei Yanzhen tenderly cautioned Shen Miao to watch her step on the mossy path. Noticing her distraction, he asked what troubled her thoughts.

Shen Miao mused about how their lives might have differed if she hadn't been summoned to the palace or if he hadn't become an official in Lingzhou. Pei Yanzhen replied that fate had brought them together, and they would have met regardless.

Shen Miao longed for a reunion free from their past hardships, but Pei Yanzhen countered that their arduous journey, including marriage, childbirth, divorce, and brushes with death, had ultimately allowed her to truly understand his heart, making it all worthwhile. When she questioned her worthiness of his profound affection, he dismissed the notion, stating that without her, he would still be a lonely man consumed by hatred.

Because his heart found joy in her, all his imperfections had faded, becoming complete. Deeply moved, Shen Miao finally apologized to Pei Yanzhen, confessing that she had lied and brought him to the temple as part of Song Xiyuan's scheme. Song Xiyuan then emerged, greeting Pei Yanzhen. Shen Miao, distraught, reiterated her apology, assuring Pei Yanzhen that he only needed to remain there for a few hours until she rescued Shen Zai, promising to return with him.

Pei Yanzhen, however, called her "silly Miao," asking if she truly believed Song Xiyuan would let him leave alive. He then quoted the concluding lines of the Diamond Sutra, observing that "everything is like a dream, the morning dew fades easily, it's hard to capture the lightning," subtly revealing he had known about the trap all along. Shen Miao confronted Song Xiyuan, reminding him of his promise not to harm Pei Yanzhen.

Song Xiyuan noticed the silver needle hidden in Pei Yanzhen’s sleeve, acknowledging Pei Yanzhen's foresight. Pei Yanzhen confirmed he had known of the scheme since Shen Miao's return to his residence. Song Xiyuan then admitted he had initially thought Shen Miao loved Pei Yanzhen, explaining her previous resentment, and that he realized the truth too late. Pei Yanzhen simply stated that the truth no longer mattered.

Shen Miao pressed him, asking why he had walked into the trap without exposing her, if he knew everything. Pei Yanzhen answered that if he hadn't, she would never have trusted him again. Shen Miao apologized. Song Xiyuan interjected that it was too late for apologies, asserting that from the moment Pei Yanzhen targeted the Song family, a conflict between them was inevitable, and he could not let Pei Yanzhen live.

Shen Miao desperately pleaded with Song Xiyuan to uphold their agreement to spare Pei Yanzhen, but Song Xiyuan insisted some matters could not be resolved by mere words. Pei Yanzhen, remaining stoic, told Shen Miao not to worry, stating he would face whatever was to come. Pei Yanzhen, despite his knowledge of the trap, was quickly overwhelmed by Song Xiyuan's assassins.

As Song Xiyuan raised his sword for the killing blow, he attributed Pei Yanzhen's fate to opposing him, regretting they couldn't have been friends. Shen Miao intervened, brandishing a hairpin and threatening to take her own life if Song Xiyuan did not release Pei Yanzhen. She tearfully apologized to Pei Yanzhen for her actions, stating they were for the Shen family, but declared that despite their difficult marriage, all she wanted now was for him to live.

Song Xiyuan, seeing her resolve, pleaded with her to lower the weapon and promised to spare Pei Yanzhen. Shen Miao made him swear on his ancestors. Realizing the depth of her error, Shen Miao placed her hairpin in Pei Yanzhen’s hand, telling him she had no regrets marrying him, and urged him to survive. Song Xiyuan then pulled Shen Miao away, and the assassins departed.

Shortly after, Zhan Yue arrived at the temple and took the severely wounded Pei Yanzhen, who was then in critical condition, back to the Regent's residence. Later, Song Xiyuan offered Shen Miao bayberries, telling her that Shen Zai would arrive after she ate. Shen Miao demanded to know Shen Zai's whereabouts, then inquired about Pei Yanzhen. Song Xiyuan assured her that Zhan Yue had gone to the temple and Pei Yanzhen would be safe for the day.

Shen Miao questioned if Song Xiyuan’s assistance was truly for Shen Zai or for his own benefit. Song Xiyuan replied that if Pei Yanzhen ceased to be his adversary, he would not seek his death. Shen Miao reminded him to keep his word. When Song Xiyuan suggested visiting her again tomorrow, Shen Miao declined, reminding him that she had clearly stated in Lingzhou that she regarded him only as a friend.

She acknowledged that her complicity in the ambush at the temple meant she was also at fault and therefore wouldn't blame him for his deception. At that moment, Shen Zai entered, unharmed. Relieved, Shen Miao thanked Song Xiyuan for sparing Pei Yanzhen’s life but definitively declared that from that moment on, they should go their separate ways and never meet again.

Song Xiyuan asked if there was any room for their relationship to mend, a question Shen Miao's demeanor indicated he already knew the answer to. This confirmed her realization that the story of Shen Zai being captured by Pei Yanzhen was a fabrication by Song Xiyuan, designed to turn her against Pei Yanzhen.

Prime Minister Song Xiyuan returned to the capital, having successfully negotiated trade agreements with neighboring countries in the North, ensuring peace at the borders. His Majesty praised Song Xiyuan, who humbly acknowledged his efforts to assist His Majesty and the now-titled Lord of Zhongzhou, Pei Yanzhen, who had since distanced himself from court affairs. Meanwhile, the Shen family’s businesses in Lingzhou flourished, prospering more than ever, largely due to Prime Minister Song's patronage and the Emperor’s favor.

One day, while attending a play at Shen's Residence with her little aunt and others, Shen Miao overheard discussions about the now-retired Pei Yanzhen, the Lord of Zhongzhou. Distracted, she spilled her drink and retreated to change clothes. She reflected that despite having seemingly achieved revenge for the perceived threat of "confiscation or execution", she felt no joy. Later, while with Shen Zai who was feeding his mynah bird, Shen Miao was shocked to hear it repeat a phrase.

The bird distinctly articulated, "Might be confiscated or executed, Song family," not "Shen family." Shen Miao immediately questioned Shen Zai if he remembered where he was held captive. Confused, Shen Zai said that Song Xiyuan had taken him out to play, and he hadn't been imprisoned at all. Shen Miao stumbled, the realization dawning on her that Pei Yanzhen had never intended harm to her family.

It was Song Xiyuan who deliberately taught the bird to mislead her, orchestrating years of misunderstandings and discord between her and Pei Yanzhen. She was a pawn in his elaborate scheme. Song Xiyuan returned to Lingzhou and confessed everything to Shen Miao, who wept uncontrollably, feeling utterly lost.

He justified his actions by stating that if Pei Yanzhen had not been so cruel and intent on eliminating the Song family, he would not have resorted to such elaborate schemes to become the Prime Minister. He recounted how he had once been Pei Yanzhen’s subordinate, helping him ascend to the throne, only to overhear Pei Yanzhen discussing plans to sacrifice wealthy merchants like the Song and Shen families to replenish the national treasury.

Pei Yanzhen had even promised him all the Shen family's trade routes, though Song Xiyuan concluded he would never actually harm the Shen family, only the Song family. Song Xiyuan claimed he had acted to protect his family, backed into a corner, making his manipulative plans, including exchanging Xiao's scrimshaw deer, taking Shen Zai, faking an assassination, and gifting Shen Miao the mynah bird to sow discord.

He accused Shen Miao of selfishness, never fully trusting either him or Pei Yanzhen, always quick to doubt. Pei Yanzhen, in contrast, had offered to relinquish everything, giving her the entire country as a dowry. Shen Miao realized that at the temple, Pei Yanzhen had remained silent because he knew the truth. He understood her plan to conspire with Song Xiyuan, yet he willingly walked into the trap, driven by his profound love for her.

Overwhelmed by remorse, Shen Miao cried out, "I've let him down." Soon after, Pei Yanzhen returned to Lingzhou, where the Emperor had decreed his marriage and granted him the Zhongzhou Prefecture. Constable Zhao arrived at Shen's Residence, relaying the message that the Lord of Zhongzhou wished for Shen Zai (the Young Master) to visit.

Constable Zhao, trying his luck, also attempted to propose to Lvying, only to find that Tie Niu had already beaten him to it, having gotten engaged to Lvying. Lvying, however, declared that she wanted both men. Meanwhile, Pei Yanzhen held a selection for concubines at his residence. Matchmaker Liu, assisting in the process, brought many young women, including a veiled Shen Miao.

Shen Miao noticed that the heavy object she was asked to lift felt unusually light, allowing her to lift it with one hand, unlike the other women. This immediately caught Matchmaker Liu's attention, and Shen Miao was selected as one of the three candidates. Shen Miao, who had only intended to observe Pei Yanzhen, was dismayed to see him acting like a dissolute man, carousing and drinking in the arms of beauties.

Refusing to let him become such a vulgar person, she dramatically burst into his chambers. Pei Yanzhen had been waiting for her. He revealed that everything, from Constable Zhao's message to the concubine selection, had been a deliberate ruse to lure her into his presence. He declared that since she had once deceived him, he was simply returning the favor, making them even.

He playfully accused her of jealousy, asserting that she was the only one in his heart, causing her to blush. The next morning, Ninth Princess arrived to wake Shen Miao, bringing luxurious wedding attire and ornaments. Shen Miao realized that she was the bride chosen for the Lord of Zhongzhou, and Pei Yanzhen intended to finally give her the complete wedding ceremony they never had.

It was revealed that Song Xiyuan was the one who proposed the imperial marriage, having finally accepted that Shen Miao did not love him and that her happiness could only be found with Pei Yanzhen. In a conversation with the Emperor, Song Xiyuan acknowledged that even if he had lost the woman he loved, helping the people meant he had not truly lost.

Shen Miao and Pei Yanzhen's journey had been fraught with difficulties, but now, all their hardships had yielded happiness. As they prepared for their second wedding, Shen Miao asked Pei Yanzhen if they would still divorce and if they would truly grow old together. He promised to give her anything she desired, affirming their lifelong commitment. Their relationship was now free of suspicion and deception, leaving only happiness. The End.