City of Streamer Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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City of Streamer Synopsis

In the early twentieth century, Shanghai was under the rule of warlords and revolutionary thinking was on the rise. The Rong family was rich but unkind, committing many heinous crimes.

In order to do justice, Feng Shizhen embarks on the road of revenge. She successfully goes undercover to the Rong family and becomes the tutor of Rong Jiashang.

Then, a game that stirs up the fate of all the characters unfolds. However, as fate would have it, Feng Shizhen and her enemy Rong Jiashang, son of Rong Dingkun, grow to know and love each other through mutual temptation.

When the old grudge of more than twenty years ago surfaced, these two lovers, who belonged to different parties, broke through layers of obstacles and joined forces to uncover the shocking truth, exposing Rong Dingkun’s demonic façade to the world.

In the end, sins are punished, the light of justice is restored, and Feng Shizhen and Rong Jiasheng have a love affair out of love but better than love. Under the baptism of revolutionary thinking, they finally embarked on the road of pursuing light and ideal together.

City of Streamer Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

In the early 20th century, amidst the warlords and revolutionary fervor of Shanghai, the wealthy Rong family sought to hire a governess, attracting numerous applicants. Feng Shizhen, a top student from Ginling Women's University, was among them. She presented a recommendation letter from Professor Pei Dongren. Mrs. Rong's nephew, Yang Xiucheng, challenged the applicants with the most difficult questions selected from foreign university textbooks. Feng Shizhen was the only one to answer all of them correctly, impressing Mrs. Rong.

Mrs. Rong then inquired about Feng's family background, and Feng revealed that her family used to live in Wenchunli, Hongkou, where her father owned a Chinese medicine shop. However, a fire had caused their family to lose everything. Mrs. Rong then tasked Feng with teaching her husband Rong Dingkun's children.

Yang Xiucheng outlined their educational needs, noting that the eldest son, Rong Jiashang, had fallen behind in his studies after attending military school, while the two daughters, Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua, needed English tutoring to enter McTyeire School for Girls. Mrs. Rong expressed concern that Feng, being not much older than Rong Jiashang, might not be able to control his unruly nature. Feng confidently assured her that she had experience tutoring male university students and could maintain authority.

As Feng Shizhen walked home, she saw her mother being harassed by their neighbor, Zhang, a widow. She rushed to her mother's defense. Zhang complained that their quilt, hung out to dry, blocked the sun from her sauce vat. In a fit of anger, Zhang pulled down the quilt, accidentally smashing her own vat. Zhang then hit Feng's mother and demanded compensation. Feng confronted Zhang, reminding her of previous incidents where Zhang had stolen their dried fish and salted vegetables.

Feng declared that she would no longer tolerate Zhang's bullying and warned that she would fight to the end if anyone dared to harm her family. Although her mother worried about being seen as a "shrew," Feng insisted that in such times, being too kind would only invite more trouble. Later, hearing her father's persistent cough, Feng urged her mother to stop giving him opium, fearing addiction.

Her mother admitted her helplessness, explaining that the opium alleviated his severe pain and allowed him to sleep. Feng pointed out that Doctor Li had said her father's injuries were largely healed, suggesting his pain was more due to drug dependence, and implored her mother to help him quit. That night, Feng Shizhen went to the New Metropolis Club to report to Meng Xu'an, who was also known as Boss.

She informed him that her application had been surprisingly successful, and she would move into the Rong residence in two days. Meng Xu'an was pleased but cautioned her to be wary of Yang Xiucheng, who was Mrs. Rong's trusted nephew. Feng explained her strategy: she had researched the Rong family and learned that Rong Dingkun favored his second concubine, Concubine Sun, who was now pregnant and asserting her influence over Mrs. Rong.

Feng deduced that Mrs. Rong was not just hiring a governess but was seeking an ally. By presenting herself as a pure, educated, yet financially struggling woman, she had appealed to Mrs. Rong's intentions. Meng Xu'an further revealed that Yang Xiucheng, Mrs. Rong's nephew, had been working for Rong Dingkun since college graduation and ran errands for Mrs. Rong, having free access to the house. He reiterated the importance of caution regarding Yang.

Meng Xu'an then presented Feng with extensive, detailed files on the Rong family, covering everything from their business dealings to individual birthdates, and even Mrs. Rong's favorite hair salons and shops. He explained that these were merely surface details. Rong Dingkun, a former comprador who built his wealth through the tea trade, secretly operated several crucial shipping routes for illicit businesses.

Meng emphasized that Rong Dingkun was a heinous criminal, and they desperately needed concrete evidence of his crimes, which had been impossible to obtain from the outside. Feng's role as a governess was unique; she could interact with everyone from the family to the servants without arousing suspicion. Her primary mission was to quickly integrate into the family, gain Rong Jiashang's trust, and use him as a "protection umbrella" to facilitate her investigation.

Meng provided details about Rong Jiashang, Rong Dingkun's eldest son, noting that he was born to a woman named Tang, and had been sent to military school at the age of twelve. This was due to an earlier kidnapping incident involving both Rong Jiashang and Mrs. Rong's own son, where only Rong Jiashang survived. To placate Mrs. Rong's grief, Rong Dingkun had exiled Rong Jiashang to military school under the guise of training.

Rong Jiashang had only recently returned, which was why Meng's contacts did not yet have a photograph of him. Feng confidently accepted the task, assuring Meng that she was the right person for the job. Before leaving, Feng requested Meng's help in caring for her parents in her absence, a request he readily granted, promising to arrange for someone to look after them.

As Feng Shizhen exited Meng Xu'an's office, she bumped into her friend, Xiao Baoli, who excitedly offered her some blusher and face cream from America. Meanwhile, inside the New Metropolis Club, Wu Yunchi brought Rong Jiashang to relax. Many young women flocked to Rong Jiashang, who seemed annoyed and tried to avoid them, accidentally bumping one. Feng Shizhen quickly helped the woman up and then, taking the initiative, asked Rong Jiashang to dance.

They danced gracefully together, their seamless coordination earning applause from everyone present. Afterward, as the women crowded Rong Jiashang again, Meng Xu'an, having heard the commotion, came out to observe. Feng discreetly departed the club. Rong Jiashang, having finally evaded the persistent attention, noticed that Feng Shizhen had vanished. Wu Yunchi, surprised by Rong Jiashang's dancing skills, wondered why he hadn't taught him and noted his friend's distraction. Feng Shizhen then prepared to move to the Rong residence.

True to his word, Meng Xu'an dispatched a man named Wen to live in Feng's family home as a tenant, ensuring her parents' safety. Feng's mother, worried about her daughter leaving, questioned if she had enough clothes. Feng reassured her that the Rong family would provide her attire and downplayed any potential dangers.

Upon Feng's arrival at the Rong residence, the housekeeper, apologizing for Mrs. Rong's temporary absence, introduced her to the young ladies, Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua, who were painting in the courtyard. The sisters invited Feng to critique their artworks. Feng offered an objective assessment, noting Fanglin's impressionistic style and bold use of color, and Fanghua's solid foundation and skilled technique, suggesting her talent lay more in traditional Chinese painting.

Fanglin appreciated Feng's honest feedback, unlike the usual flatterers, and revealed that Fanghua was more skilled in painting, while she herself had only recently started learning oil painting. Feng modestly admitted her science background and reliance on intuition, but Fanglin was impressed by her academic prowess and looked forward to learning from her. Shortly after, Rong Jiashang returned home with Wu Yunchi. A servant informed Rong Jiashang about the new, pretty governess.

The sisters, meanwhile, had discussed Rong Jiashang's poor academic record, considering his military school a "boot camp for troublemakers." Feng Shizhen greeted Rong Jiashang, introducing herself as the new governess. Rong Jiashang recognized her from the club, his expression turning cold and suspicious, hinting at ulterior motives. Later, he expressed a desire to throw away the shirt he had worn while dancing with Feng. Wu Yunchi questioned his reasoning, as he usually liked the shirt, but Rong Jiashang insisted.

However, he eventually instructed Ms. Kang to simply wash and put the shirt away. Wu Yunchi found Rong Jiashang's behavior unusual. That evening, Mrs. Rong's servant reported back to Mrs. Rong. She had tried to test Feng by speaking ill of Concubine Sun in Feng's room but Feng remained silent, not taking the bait. The servant noted Feng's composure and believed she was indeed a "fallen noble lady" based on her old but fine clothes.

Mrs. Rong affirmed her strategy: Concubine Sun herself had captivated Rong Dingkun with her innocent "schoolgirl" demeanor, and men's preferences for types of women rarely changed. She reasoned that if Concubine Sun could offer her own sister to Rong Dingkun, she could also introduce a new "schoolgirl" type to appeal to him. Mrs. Rong, in discussion with her servant, expressed her disdain for Concubine Sun's ambition to become an equal wife without bearing a son, considering it a foolish dream.

Mrs. Rong concluded that whether Feng was truly on their side was irrelevant, as long as she served her purpose. At dinner, Mrs. Rong invited Feng to sit and formally introduced her to Concubine Wang, who managed the household. Mrs. Rong praised Feng's intellect and entrusted Fanghua's studies to her, also mentioning Concubine Sun, who was pregnant and visiting family but would soon return, suggesting Feng and she might get along due to their shared interest in reading and poetry.

Rong Jiashang and Wu Yunchi then joined the dinner. Mrs. Rong again introduced Rong Jiashang to Feng. Rong Jiashang, still suspicious, remarked that Feng looked familiar and wondered if they had met before. Feng denied having any impression of him, humorously stating she would surely remember a "handsome young man" like him, and reiterated that she taught at an all-girls school where she rarely encountered men.

Wu Yunchi interjected, suggesting they might have crossed paths when he picked up his little sister, dismissing it as common in a city full of similar female teachers and clerks. Mrs. Rong urged Rong Jiashang to study diligently with Feng, as his father would inquire about his progress. Wu Yunchi then attempted to verify Feng's academic knowledge by asking if she knew Professor Chen Bingguo.

Feng calmly identified Chen Bingguo as a physics professor who had taught basic physics to freshmen but had retired the previous year and moved to Yenching University. Wu Yunchi feigned a lack of familiarity. Mrs. Rong reminded Feng of her significant responsibility, implying that any failure by Rong Jiashang would reflect poorly on Feng.

Fanglin then asked when her father would return, and Mrs. Rong replied he was inspecting tea plantations in the south and would be back within a week. Wu Yunchi and Rong Jiashang abruptly excused themselves, claiming prior engagements, and left without eating, despite Wu Yunchi admitting they had lost track of time chatting with Feng. Feng was then offered to eat.

Later that evening, as Rong Jiashang and Wu Yunchi walked outside, Wu Yunchi questioned Rong Jiashang's refusal to go to the club. He expressed surprise at Mrs. Rong's decision to hire Feng Shizhen, who he knew had danced at the New Metropolis, as a governess, but conceded that Feng's education and experience seemed genuine.

Rong Jiashang, however, remained cynical, remarking that after Concubine Sun's example, academically inclined young women likely viewed the Rong family as an easy target for social climbing. Wu Yunchi defended Feng, saying she didn't seem like that kind of person. As Rong Jiashang returned home much later, he spotted Feng Shizhen sitting by a window, lost in thought. He deliberately pulled the curtains shut, pointedly ignoring her presence. The housekeeper, Zhao Ma, offered to give Feng a tour of the house, which Feng accepted.

Episode 2 Recap

On Feng Shizhen's first day of teaching, Rong Jiashang failed to attend his morning class, having returned home very late the previous night. Rong Fanglin informed Feng Shizhen that both Rong Jiashang and Wu Yunchi had stayed out late and were likely still asleep, so Feng Shizhen rescheduled Rong Jiashang's lesson for the afternoon.

During her morning class with Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua, Concubine Sun, who herself was once a governess for the Rong family before becoming Rong Dingkun's second wife, abruptly entered the classroom. She had rushed back from her maternal family after hearing Mrs. Rong had hired a new governess. Concubine Sun made snide remarks about Feng Shizhen's youth and suggested there might soon be another concubine in the family, but Feng Shizhen skillfully retorted with a proverb about ambition.

Mrs. Rong, arriving at the scene, tried to defuse the tension and strongly defended Feng Shizhen, reminding Concubine Sun that Rong Dingkun himself had requested a highly educated governess. Mrs. Rong then firmly told Concubine Sun to mind her own affairs. After Concubine Sun reluctantly departed, Mrs. Rong apologized to Feng Shizhen but reiterated the importance of Rong Jiashang attending his lessons, which Feng Shizhen assured her she understood. Later that day, Feng Shizhen confronted Rong Jiashang about skipping class.

She asserted her duty as his governess, stating that if he didn't wish to be taught by her, he should inform Mrs. Rong to find a replacement. She then handed him a test paper. Rong Jiashang deliberately answered every question incorrectly, scoring a zero. Feng Shizhen, however, recognized his intelligence, noting that only someone who knew all the answers could intentionally avoid them, even using a shortcut formula but misplacing a decimal point in the final step.

Rong Jiashang, convinced that Feng Shizhen was an accomplice hired by Mrs. Rong and Yang Xiucheng, declared she couldn't teach him and that he had no interest in their "sordid business." Feng Shizhen stopped him, clarifying that she was merely a qualified applicant who desperately needed the job and that Mrs. Rong was unaware of her past dancing at the club. She emphasized her commitment to maintaining a good reputation and asked for a chance to prove her capability.

Rong Jiashang remained unconvinced, reiterating that she still couldn't teach him despite her credentials. Feng Shizhen challenged him to a test of skill, suggesting a card game like Bridge to demonstrate her mathematical prowess, and Rong Jiashang agreed to play two-player Bridge with simplified rules. During the Bridge game, both displayed sharp strategic thinking. Rong Jiashang quickly assessed Feng Shizhen's hand, but she countered his moves with clever plays.

Despite Rong Jiashang's attempts to force her hand, Feng Shizhen outmaneuvered him, not only breaking his contract but also earning a higher score after doubling. Acknowledging her superior skill, Rong Jiashang admitted defeat, expressing his admiration. Feng Shizhen then reminded him to attend class punctually the next day.

Meanwhile, Yang Xiucheng secretly met with Mrs. Rong in a private room, urgently seeking her assistance for an upcoming bid on the Nanyang Route, a shipping line for Shanghai Port that Rong Dingkun greatly coveted. Mrs. Rong was hesitant, fearing her husband's wrath for meddling in his business affairs, especially given her precarious position in the family. Yang Xiucheng argued that securing the route would be a significant achievement, benefiting himself, Mrs. Rong, and her maternal Huang family.

He presented her with bidding documents, highlighting a favorable base price, and revealed that the wife of the bidding's person-in-charge was Mrs. Chen, an old acquaintance of Mrs. Rong. He urged her to "smooth things over" to ensure their success. Unbeknownst to them, Feng Shizhen was eavesdropping from an adjacent room, learning the crucial details about the bid. She realized the Nanyang Route was vital to Rong Dingkun's illicit operations and that she needed to discover the bid price.

The next morning, Yang Xiucheng discovered his car had a flat tire, which Feng Shizhen had secretly punctured. Rong Jiashang, ever resourceful, quickly offered his own car, thwarting Feng Shizhen's plan to hide in Yang Xiucheng's vehicle and access his briefcase. Later, Rong Jiashang attended his scheduled class, but his lack of engagement was evident as he simply played with his pen during a math lesson on probability.

He openly declared that while he kept his promise to attend, he hadn't promised to pay attention. Feng Shizhen, recognizing his defiance, eventually ended the class early. After class, Mrs. Rong informed Rong Fanglin about an invitation from Du Lanxin, Rong Jiashang's fiancée, to dine at a newly opened Cantonese restaurant in Wing On Department Store. Rong Fanglin enthusiastically invited Feng Shizhen to join them and even offered to help her pick new clothes. Feng Shizhen politely declined.

Mrs. Rong then suggested Feng Shizhen visit the accountant's office for money to buy clothes, and Rong Fanglin offered to call Yang Xiucheng for a ride. However, Rong Jiashang unexpectedly took Feng Shizhen's hand and insisted she come along, overriding Mrs. Rong's suggestion for Feng Shizhen to visit the accountant's office for money to buy clothes.

On their way to the restaurant, Yang Xiucheng and his fiancée, Yu Zhihui, joined the group, waiting for Wu Yunchi to pick them up as their car was unavailable. In the car, Yang Xiucheng and Feng Shizhen discovered they shared a mentor, Mr. Pei Dongren, and exchanged pleasantries. Rong Jiashang, observing their interaction, sarcastically commented on Feng Shizhen's talent for flattery, suggesting her teaching role was beneath her.

Feng Shizhen retorted that she aspired to become a renowned teacher by guiding him to a top university. Yang Xiucheng expressed his relief at finding a governess capable of managing Rong Jiashang. At the restaurant, Du Lanxin warmly welcomed everyone, including Feng Shizhen, whom Rong Jiashang introduced as their new governess. While Du Lanxin explained the restaurant's unique ordering concept, Feng Shizhen discreetly observed Yang Xiucheng's briefcase.

When a large plate of dim sum arrived, Feng Shizhen pointed out Rong Fanglin's favorite pastry at the bottom, subtly encouraging her to reach for it. As Rong Fanglin extracted the pastry, the entire platter of dim sum tumbled to the floor. As Yang Xiucheng, Yu Zhihui, and Rong Fanglin scrambled to help pick up the scattered pastries, Feng Shizhen seized the moment.

She quickly opened Yang Xiucheng's briefcase, swiftly scanning and memorizing the crucial bid price for the Nanyang Route. Yang Xiucheng quickly closed his briefcase as Rong Jiashang, who had witnessed the scene from afar, intervened, escorting Feng Shizhen away from the commotion and towards a tailor shop for new clothes. At the tailor, Rong Jiashang tried on a newly custom-made suit. Feng Shizhen complimented him, but he retorted with a sarcastic remark about her flattering Yang Xiucheng.

Feng Shizhen deftly turned his words back at him, attributing his own aggressive nature to making her polite words seem more impactful. Rong Jiashang then challenged her to tie his tie. As she expertly performed the task, he mockingly questioned how a governess could be so adept at serving. Insulted, Feng Shizhen turned to leave. Rong Jiashang rushed after her to apologize, but as he did, a speeding car swerved toward them.

He quickly pulled Feng Shizhen out of harm's way, taking the impact himself and sustaining a bleeding nose. As Feng Shizhen went to a roadside vendor to buy an ice pop to soothe his injury, she discreetly passed a written note containing Yang Xiucheng's bid price to the young boy selling ice pops, instructing him to deliver it to Xiao Baoli at the New Metropolis Club.

Xiao Baoli, upon receiving the note, immediately handed it to Meng Xu'an, who was informed that Rong Company was locked in an expensive competition with the Guo Family for the Nanyang Route, a loss that would significantly diminish their industry influence. Meng Xu'an received the news with satisfaction.

Episode 3 Recap

Mrs. Rong hosted a mahjong game for several ladies and proudly introduced Feng Shizhen, her new governess. Feng Shizhen observed Mrs. Rong's eager attempts to please Li Ruchun, Generalissimo Cao's concubine, even intentionally losing to her. This made Feng Shizhen suspect that Generalissimo Cao was involved in the Nanyang Route bidding. When a maid, Xiao Yu, served soup containing peanuts despite knowing Li Ruchun's severe allergy, a furious Mrs. Rong slapped Xiao Yu.

Feng Shizhen quickly stepped in to comfort Xiao Yu, offering homemade ointment for her swollen face. During their conversation, Xiao Yu shared that Generalissimo Cao was stationed in Peking, but Li Ruchun disliked the northern climate and often resided in Shanghai, which was why Mrs. Rong always went out of her way to flatter her. Shortly after, Feng Shizhen overheard Yang Xiucheng's subordinate discussing a competitor's bid and the upcoming return of Rong Dingkun from Peking.

This conflicted with Mrs. Rong's earlier statement that Rong Dingkun was inspecting tea gardens in the South, confirming Feng Shizhen's suspicion that his trip was a secret and significant matter. Using the Rong family phone, Feng Shizhen contacted Meng Xu'an, using coded language to convey Rong Dingkun's true whereabouts. She inquired about a "western medicine whose name starts with a K," only available in the North and produced in "Yiquri," signaling Peking and Generalissimo Cao.

Meng Xu'an confirmed Rong Dingkun was in the North and warned Feng Shizhen that Rong Jiashang was investigating her. Feng Shizhen jokingly suggested a "trick involving self-injury" to win over a difficult man, which Meng Xu'an in turn suggested she use on Rong Jiashang. Meanwhile, Ms. Chen, the housekeeper, overheard the call but didn't detect anything suspicious, reporting to Rong Jiashang only that Feng Shizhen had called someone named "Baoli" about medicine for her father.

Separately, Wu Yunchi reported to Rong Jiashang that his investigation showed Feng Shizhen's records from Ginling Women's University were clear and that she came from a good family that had fallen on hard times. After class, Rong Jiashang questioned Feng Shizhen about her future plans, and she turned the question back to him. He expressed indifference, saying his mother wanted him abroad and his father wanted him in the family business.

Feng Shizhen encouraged him to find his true ambition, noting his sisters had aspirations beyond being homemakers. Rong Jiashang retorted sarcastically, questioning advice from a "governess" busy making a living. Feng Shizhen firmly stated that while he inherited his wealth, she earned hers through hard work, and just as she didn't despise his unearned fortune, he shouldn't look down on her efforts. Mrs. Rong then arrived, offering to donate money for Rong Jiashang's university admission, an idea he ungratefully rejected.

Feng Shizhen smoothly intervened, explaining that Rong Jiashang was ambitious and wanted to enter university on his own merit. Appeased, Mrs. Rong left. Feng Shizhen advised Rong Jiashang to show more respect toward his stepmother, but he suspected she had ulterior motives. As heavy rain began, Feng Shizhen prepared to leave to buy medicine for her father. Rong Jiashang offered to drive her, questioning her on the way about her family.

She revealed they once owned a pharmacy before a disaster ruined them and that her talented elder brother had to drop out of medical school in America to return home. As they emerged from the pharmacy, they were ambushed by attackers. Rong Jiashang fought them off, but when Feng Shizhen saw a gunman take aim at him, she shielded him with her body and was grazed by a bullet.

Rong Jiashang rushed her back home, where they met Zhao Hua'an, Rong Dingkun's trusted confidant, who praised Feng Shizhen's bravery. Rong Jiashang then personally tended to her wound in his room. The attack, secretly orchestrated by Meng Xu'an as the "trick" they had discussed, successfully eliminated Rong Jiashang's suspicions about her. Later that night, Rong Jiashang caught Feng Shizhen sneaking out for a midnight snack and invited her to his room to eat.

Seeing his collection of model airplanes, she asked about his military school experience. She complimented his intelligence and courage but also gently highlighted his lack of trust in others. As she shared how her family's downfall forced her to humble her pride, he listened intently, and thanked her for saving him, promising to repay her. She lightheartedly replied that he could repay her by simply attending class.

As she left, she accidentally dropped her silk scarf in his room and reflected on the uncertain future of the Rong family's prosperity. The next morning, only Rong Jiashang arrived for class. Feng Shizhen gave him a challenging test meant for Yenching University sophomores. Impressed by his passing score, she proposed secretly teaching him university-level subjects.

To improve his weak English, she devised an engaging method: attaching English words to a dartboard for him to learn whichever word his dart hit. She demonstrated with "shatter." When Rong Jiashang hit "appear," he impressed her by quoting Tagore's poem for his sentence: "The stars are not afraid to appear like fireflies."

Episode 4 Recap

Rong Jiashang mistakenly identified the English word "retribution" as "contribution." Feng Shizhen, his governess, decided to administer a penalty by blindfolding him and having him shoot at target words. To her surprise, Rong Jiashang hit every word perfectly, impressing her. He then offered to teach her archery, showing her how to concentrate, control her breathing, and aim for the bullseye. Feng Shizhen successfully hit the target herself.

A servant soon interrupted their lesson to announce Rong Dingkun's return, asking Rong Jiashang to greet him at the front hall. Rong Dingkun arrived with his pregnant wife, Concubine Sun, and her sister, Sun Shaoqing. After a warm reception from the children, Rong Dingkun informed Rong Jiashang that the recent attackers were from the Wang family. Due to the increasing instability in the concession, he decided to assign two bodyguards to each of his children for their safety.

As Feng Shizhen descended the stairs, Rong Dingkun was struck by her appearance, finding her face very familiar, though he couldn't quite place her. Mrs. Rong introduced Feng Shizhen as the children's governess, reassuring Rong Dingkun that Feng Shizhen’s background had been thoroughly checked and was clean. Feng Shizhen politely introduced herself. Rong Dingkun, after examining her profile, approved of the choice, apologizing for his initial confusion and attributing it to his age.

Feng Shizhen, in turn, complimented him, stating he was in his prime. It was noted that both Rong Jiashang and Rong Dingkun found Feng Shizhen familiar. Feng Shizhen, however, simply suggested she must have an ordinary face, often eliciting such remarks. Rong Dingkun then probed about her family's herb store, which had been destroyed by fire.

Feng Shizhen recounted how the police blamed a household that perished in the blaze, leaving no one to hold accountable, and concluding it was fate. Rong Dingkun agreed, offering philosophical words of comfort and assuring her that she would be well taken care of in the Rong household for teaching his children. Feng Shizhen then excused herself to prepare for her afternoon classes. Mrs. Rong expressed satisfaction with her choice of governess.

Shortly after, Rong Dingkun took Sun Shaoqing aside for a private discussion. Feng Shizhen later discreetly overheard Rong Dingkun expressing his fury to Yang Xiucheng. The Guo family had snatched the Nanyang Route by altering their bid at the last minute, nullifying all of Rong Dingkun's careful plans. He warned Yang Xiucheng that the Rong family's dominance in Shanghai was at stake and ordered him to stabilize the situation immediately.

Rong Dingkun then inquired about the trip north, revealing a new alliance with Generalissimo Cao, whose support would secure their business. He instructed Yang Xiucheng and Zhao Hua'an to meticulously handle an incoming cargo from Peking expected next week. Afterwards, Feng Shizhen found Rong Jiashang and reminded him of their afternoon class. He remarked on her considerate nature, noting how much his father seemed to like her.

Feng Shizhen, however, candidly stated her job required her to please her "boss," referring to Rong Dingkun. Rong Jiashang, asserting himself as her "boss" too, questioned why she didn't treat him with the same deference. Feng Shizhen retorted that he had been the one to initially bully and mock her, adding that he wasn't the one paying her salary and should refrain from throwing his weight around until he was the true master of the house.

She concluded by threatening him with a spanking board if he failed his English word test that afternoon. Meanwhile, Concubine Sun, feeling threatened by Feng Shizhen's presence, confided in her sister, Sun Shaoqing, about Mrs. Rong's perceived plot to undermine her. Sun Shaoqing tried to calm her, suggesting Mrs. Rong's plan wouldn't benefit her and Rong Dingkun didn't seem interested in Feng Shizhen. Concubine Sun remained unconvinced, convinced Feng Shizhen was trouble.

Later, while out with Wu Yunchi, Rong Jiashang was anxious to return home for his lessons, prompting Wu Yunchi to tease him about being afraid of Feng Shizhen complaining to his father. As they drove, Rong Jiashang spotted a deceased dog with its wailing puppies nearby. The sight triggered a painful memory: his mother, Shujun, had blamed him for the death of her son, Jiaxin, and demanded Rong Dingkun send Rong Jiashang away from the family home, which he did.

Moved by the puppies, Rong Jiashang took one home. Feng Shizhen was immediately captivated by the puppy. She instructed Ms. Kang to warm some goat milk, explaining that young puppies couldn't drink cow milk. Rong Jiashang, who admitted he'd never cared for an animal due to joining military school at a young age, struggled to feed the anxious puppy.

Feng Shizhen gently took over, demonstrating how to feed and bathe it, and proposed naming it "Moon Cake" in anticipation of the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival. Rong Jiashang, though not keen on the name, conceded to her choice. Before he left for an evening outing, Rong Jiashang entrusted Feng Shizhen with the puppy's care. Later, Feng Shizhen took Moon Cake to the vicinity of the West Hall, where she overheard Rong Dingkun's ongoing conversation.

However, Rong Dingkun, Rong Jiashang, and others suddenly emerged. Feng Shizhen quickly released Moon Cake and pretended to be searching for a lost puppy. Rong Dingkun, seeing the dog, declared his dislike for such animals and ordered Rong Jiashang to get rid of it. That evening, Feng Shizhen questioned Ms. Chen about Sun Shaoqing, noting her infrequent appearances. Ms. Chen revealed that Rong Dingkun was an opium addict, and Sun Shaoqing served as his "opium maid."

Feng Shizhen expressed surprise, observing Rong Dingkun's healthy appearance. Ms. Chen explained he consumed a rare and expensive type of opium. She then confided that Concubine Sun used to perform this duty but, after two miscarriages, quit and brought her sister, Sun Shaoqing, to take her place, fearing someone else would gain favor. Feng Shizhen deduced that Sun Shaoqing was now Rong Dingkun's most trusted confidante. Ms. Chen then reported Feng Shizhen's inquiries to Mrs. Rong.

Mrs. Rong, sensing Feng Shizhen's potential interest in Rong Dingkun, yet noticing his lack of overt attention, speculated that he might be deliberately "ignoring" Feng Shizhen to provoke her. She instructed Ms. Chen to continue monitoring Feng Shizhen. Feng Shizhen informed Rong Jiashang that Mrs. Rong had approved separate lessons for him from his sisters. She handed him a book with a middle school cover but filled with college-level content, explaining she would write explanations on paper to maintain discretion.

Rong Jiashang, still wary, accused her of intentionally being in West Hall the previous night. Feng Shizhen clarified that Moon Cake had been startled by the crowd in the courtyard and fled to the quiet West Hall. She apologized for the misunderstanding, adding that Ms. Chen had told her West Hall was Sun Shaoqing's residence, while Rong Dingkun and Mrs. Rong lived on the second floor of the East Wing.

Rong Jiashang, however, simply reiterated that she should stay away from West Hall and promised to "properly settle" Moon Cake. Feng Shizhen then inquired about his self-study of college courses, which he began in middle school after mastering his regular curriculum. She pointed out that self-study could lead to gaps and proceeded to correct his work on a college-level exam, demonstrating alternative problem-solving methods. As he worked, Rong Jiashang sneezed.

Feng Shizhen realized he had a fever and insisted he rest, offering to call a doctor and promising to have soup made for him. Despite his protests that it was "just a cold," she forced him to return to his room, advising him to eat before taking medicine to protect his stomach and to drink plenty of water. Annoyed, Rong Jiashang called her "garrulous as a grandma." He then asked for her name.

Feng Shizhen, suppressing an urge to slap him, firmly stated her name was Feng Shizhen and insisted he address her respectfully as "Miss Feng." Rong Jiashang found her honesty and unconventional nature intriguing, noting she was the first woman he'd met who openly admitted to being motivated by money. Feng Shizhen countered that all household staff worked for money, not charity, and warned him against disrespect, threatening to use the teacher's disciplinary board on him.

He apologized, and she walked him back to his room. There, he showed her his collection of model airplanes, explaining the purpose of gliders for low-altitude supply drops and fighters for combat, and expressing his aspiration to fly them someday. She offered to stay with him, but he demurred. As she prepared to leave so as not to be an "eyesore," he told her she was "actually quite good-looking."

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, Feng Shizhen prepared to go home, but Mrs. Rong invited her to a pre-festival dinner. At the dinner, Rong Dingkun asked Feng Shizhen if she would be visiting her hometown. She explained her father’s ill health meant they would remain in Shanghai. He then inquired if she had considered a career in foreign or trade firms, as many educated girls did.

Feng Shizhen humbly replied that she only knew how to teach and wished to fulfill her responsibilities to the Rong family. Concubine Sun interjected, subtly mocking Feng Shizhen for not being more ambitious, but Mrs. Rong quickly defended Feng Shizhen's grounded nature. Rong Fanglin then openly scoffed at Concubine Sun's constant apologies, suggesting her seemingly innocent demeanor would be better suited for resolving international disputes at the Executive Yuan.

Mrs. Rong quickly quelled the argument and asked about Rong Jiashang’s absence. Feng Shizhen confirmed he was genuinely ill with a fever, sneezing, and a runny nose, suggesting it would be best for him to stay home to prevent infecting others, effectively convincing Rong Dingkun to abandon his plans for a family trip to their ancestral home. Later that night, Feng Shizhen saw Rong Jiashang vomiting. She immediately went to check on him, asking if he was alright and offering to make him some porridge. He simply responded, "Whatever."

Episode 5 Recap

Feng Shizhen carefully looked after Rong Jiashang as he recovered from his sickness. He had been vomiting, and she asked if he had taken his cold medicine on an empty stomach. Rong Jiashang told her to stop nagging and that he was fine, urging her to leave. As she prepared to go, he suddenly grabbed her hand tightly, and she remained by his side, telling him to get some rest.

The next morning, Rong Jiashang woke, his mind filled with the events of the previous night. A maid apologized for disturbing him while he was ill, but he dismissed her. Alone with his dog, Moon Cake, he remarked that only the dog was with him, and even that wouldn't be for much longer. Feng Shizhen went home early. Back home, she found her father in pain and smoking opium, as the prescribed painkillers were not working.

Her mother explained that his memory was somewhat confused. Feng Shizhen then asked about the widow, Zhang. Her mother reported that Zhang had been much more subdued since a man named Wen moved into their rented property, though she still enjoyed eavesdropping and spreading gossip about their family. Feng Shizhen reassured her mother that they would be able to move out soon.

It was the Mid-Autumn Festival, but Rong Dingkun had taken the rest of the family to their hometown, leaving only Rong Jiashang at home with the dog, Moon Cake. This made Rong Jiashang feel particularly reflective. Feng Shizhen went to the rooftop to observe the full moon. Wen joined her, asking why she wasn't celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival at home. She explained that her foster mother lived in the distant south.

Wen then casually inquired about her family's background, noting that they didn't seem to be from humble origins. Feng Shizhen revealed that her father used to own a pharmacy in Wenchunli, but their home and business were destroyed in a fire, leaving them with nothing. Wen began to mention "you and Seventh Master," which triggered Feng Shizhen's thoughts, shifting to her past cooperation with Meng Xu'an. Feng Shizhen then remembered how Meng Xu'an had revealed himself to her.

He had taken her to a secluded location, stating his knowledge of her investigation into Rong Dingkun. When she questioned his motives, he offered to help, confirming her suspicion that Rong Dingkun was responsible for the Wenchunli fire that destroyed her family's pharmacy. He provided details, explaining that Dasheng, the company that bought the Wenchunli land, was a shell company, and their Assistant Manager Wang was Rong Dingkun's agent.

This information came from Meng Xu'an's intercepted phone calls and telegrams from Rong Dingkun. Meng Xu'an then proposed a partnership, explaining that his previous operative in the Rong household had been discovered, and he needed new "eyes and ears." He leveraged her family's financial distress and her father's opium addiction, offering to clear her debts and protect her family in exchange for her working for him inside the Rong mansion. Feng Shizhen, seeing no other option, agreed.

Her training with Meng Xu'an had included shooting and self-defense. He taught her to aim but emphasized the difficulty of pulling the trigger for someone who hadn't killed, warning that hesitation could be fatal. He acknowledged her soft-hearted nature but affirmed that his training was for her self-protection, not for killing, and promised that he would not "dirty her hands." Rong Dingkun harbored suspicions about Feng Shizhen's presence in his household.

He had Yang Xiucheng investigate her, who confirmed that her family's property, including their shop, warehouse, and residence on Wenchunli East Street, had been destroyed by fire. Yang also noted that Feng Shizhen had never tried to hide this fact. Rong Dingkun pondered if her appearance was a mere coincidence or if she harbored ulterior motives, observing that she was well-liked by all the servants and even commanded Rong Jiashang's attention. Yang Xiucheng admitted he couldn't yet form a conclusion.

Despite Yang's suggestion to dismiss her if he was uneasy, Rong Dingkun decided against it, believing that if she had a hidden agenda, she must be a "pawn" sent by someone else. He resolved to keep her around to uncover her true handler. Meng Xu'an later met with Feng Shizhen, extending Mid-Autumn Festival greetings and inquiring about her progress at the Rong household. She confirmed that everything was going well, attributing it to his "trick" which had proven effective.

She described Rong Jiashang as outwardly unruly but not inherently bad, merely a vulnerable young man who lacked affection, making him manageable once his underlying emotions were understood. She added that his apparent underachievement was a facade, concealing a sharp and intelligent mind.

Meng Xu'an was impressed by her insights and urged her to cultivate Rong Jiashang's complete trust by showing him care, especially since Rong Dingkun, with Jiashang being his only living son, likely intended to entrust him with control of the Rong Commerce Firm. Feng Shizhen then asked Meng Xu'an for advice on how to present herself to Rong Dingkun: a "humble, well-bred young lady in distress."

She shared her observation that Rong Dingkun had reacted unusually to her, almost as if he feared her, particularly when he heard her surname, Feng. She noted that his reaction was far more intense than their initial predictions of mere dislike or rejection upon discovering her background. Yet, despite this strong reaction, he showed no intention of dismissing her, leaving Feng Shizhen perplexed by his true intentions.

Meng Xu'an promised to investigate the cause of Rong Dingkun's behavior and assured her he would extract her if the situation became too dangerous. However, Feng Shizhen felt the situation wasn't necessarily unfavorable and stressed the importance of continuing to reassure Rong Jiashang. Meng Xu'an sternly reminded her not to "lose sight of the big picture," reiterating that her ultimate goal was to overthrow Rong Dingkun.

He warned her firmly not to develop any genuine feelings for Rong Jiashang, emphasizing that he was merely a "pawn" in their scheme. He used an analogy, "You're the fisherman, not the fish. Don't let the fish pull you into the water," which Feng Shizhen acknowledged. Meng Xu'an then shared new intelligence, revealing that based on Feng Shizhen's previous reports, Commander Cao had recently looted a Ming dynasty consort's tomb, acquiring numerous antiques and rare treasures.

This aligned with Feng Shizhen's earlier eavesdropping on Rong Dingkun and Yang Xiucheng, who were discussing a shipment from Peking. Meng Xu'an explained that Commander Cao intended to use Rong Dingkun's maritime routes to smuggle these national treasures abroad by October 18th. However, his agents had inadvertently alerted Rong Dingkun, causing the goods to be hidden somewhere within Shanghai. Meng Xu'an assigned Feng Shizhen the task of discovering the precise hiding location and the exact shipping date.

He instructed her to conceal the gathered information in a hollow of a locust tree next to the octagonal pavilion in the Rong family's garden, where his contacts would collect it. Shortly after their meeting, Wen caught Zhang eavesdropping outside a door, but Zhang pleaded innocence, insisting she hadn't heard anything.

Feng Shizhen returned to the Rong mansion earlier than expected from her holiday, explaining to a surprised maid that her family was fine and she needed to prepare test papers. She learned that Rong Dingkun and the rest of the family had not yet returned, and Rong Jiashang had driven out early that morning. Seizing the opportunity, Feng Shizhen secretly went to search Sun Shaoqing's room.

Yang Xiucheng suddenly rushed back to the house, forcing Feng Shizhen to quickly hide outside. After seeing Yang Xiucheng leave again, she covertly entered his room. She found the telegraph machine still warm, indicating recent use, and discovered ashes of burned paper in the trash bin. She then carefully took a sheet of paper from the notepad on his desk.

Later, Yang Xiucheng encountered Du Lanxin, who invited him to drink, but he politely declined, stating he had work to do. Feng Shizhen then quietly made her way to the study. To her surprise, Sun Shaoqing was already there, engrossed in a book by Shakespeare. Feng Shizhen apologized for her surprise, explaining she rarely saw her in the study.

They struck up a conversation about English poetry, with Sun Shaoqing expressing disdain for those who merely feigned interest for social attention. Feng Shizhen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that true appreciation for poetry comes from silent, solitary immersion. Sun Shaoqing confided her loneliness in the household, and Feng Shizhen recommended the 17th-century English metaphysical poet John Donne, confident Sun Shaoqing would enjoy his passionate works. Sun Shaoqing gratefully accepted the recommendation.

After returning to her room, Feng Shizhen meticulously deciphered the coded message by shading over the indentations on the paper she had taken from Yang Xiucheng's desk. It revealed "Hengsha Town" as a location, which she realized meant the goods were hidden on an island. Du Lanxin sought out Rong Jiashang for a drink. She questioned why he, who typically ignored her, was now engaging with her.

He pressed her, asking if she liked him and if she found their arranged marriage meaningful. Du Lanxin scoffed at ideals like freedom and true love, calling them teenage fantasies. Her "true love," she declared, was a life of luxury. She then brought up his past, mentioning his former girlfriend in Chongqing, whom his father had disapproved of due to her humble background. She then proposed a "deal."

If they were to marry, she would bear him a son, and if she couldn't, she would arrange for him to have two beautiful concubines. She promised not to be a jealous wife and would not interfere if he wished to reunite with his Chongqing girlfriend. In return, she expected the same freedom, though she pledged to maintain discretion to uphold their family's public image.

Under the influence of alcohol, Du Lanxin attempted to physically provoke him, suggesting they "try" to find out if he was useless. Disgusted, Rong Jiashang pushed her away, asking if she truly believed he desired her, and Du Lanxin stormed off in a huff.

Episode 6 Recap

Rong Jiashang hosted a party at his residence, where Wu Yunchi arrived and immediately encountered a visibly upset Du Lanxin. Wu Yunchi chastised Rong Jiashang for angering Du Lanxin again, noting her terrible mood. He suggested Rong Jiashang seek entertainment at the New Metropolis Club if he desired fun, rather than inviting numerous guests home, though Rong Jiashang retorted that the house never felt lively regardless of the crowd.

He then asked Wu Yunchi to temporarily care for his dog, Moon Cake, explaining that his father did not permit pets, and the dog lacked freedom within the estate. Wu Yunchi agreed to keep Moon Cake and promised to look after it well. Meanwhile, Feng Shizhen successfully deciphered the coded message she had acquired.

Following instructions, she quietly made her way to the octagonal pavilion in the yard, located a hidden hole in a nearby locust tree, and discreetly placed the intelligence detailing the location of the concealed goods. Later, after the party concluded, Rong Jiashang found Feng Shizhen in the kitchen preparing plain noodles in light soup. He told her he was hungry and requested a bowl for himself. He then offered her some authentic chili oil he had brought back from Chongqing.

Initially, Feng Shizhen declined, stating her aversion to spicy food, but Rong Jiashang urged her to try it, remarking that one should not form an opinion without experience. She tasted it and was pleasantly surprised by its deliciousness. Rong Jiashang then mentioned he had entrusted Moon Cake to Wu Yunchi, apologizing for its departure but acknowledging his father’s stance. He promised to bring Moon Cake back once he gained the capability to do so.

Before leaving, he complimented Feng Shizhen on the excellent noodles. Meng Xu'an received the critical intelligence from Feng Shizhen. He dispatched his men to the specified island, where they discovered a heavily guarded warehouse, strongly suspected of holding the valuable antiques. However, they quickly ascertained that retrieving the goods would necessitate Rong Dingkun's personal seal, his fingerprints, and the exact item number. Meng Xu'an instructed his team to proceed with utmost caution, avoiding any actions that might alert their target.

Rong Jiashang later observed Feng Shizhen giving a lesson to Sun Shaoqing, noticing their close bond and how they referred to each other as sisters. He overheard Sun Shaoqing expressing admiration for Feng Shizhen's knowledge, particularly regarding Tagore's "Stray Birds," while Feng Shizhen, for her part, showed no reservation in befriending a concubine. Rong Jiashang then spotted Ms. Chen eavesdropping.

He subsequently reported Ms. Chen’s behavior to the housekeeper, who, after confirming Ms. Chen was an appointee of Mrs. Rong, assured Rong Jiashang that the matter would be handled. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Chen was reassigned to the kitchen. That night, Wen covertly entered Feng Shizhen’s room, explaining that Rong Dingkun’s absence had led to relaxed security. He updated her on the successful identification of the island and the warehouse.

However, he emphasized that to extract the goods, they would need Rong Dingkun’s personal seal, his fingerprints, and the precise item number, noting that Rong Dingkun likely carried the seal with him. Feng Shizhen acknowledged the challenge and promised to devise a method to acquire these crucial items. Sun Shaoqing sought out Feng Shizhen, tearfully expressing her profound desire for independence and freedom from the Rong family.

She revealed that her brother relied on Rong Dingkun for his position as comprador, while her sister, Concubine Sun, had manipulated her to secure her own standing with Rong Dingkun, effectively trapping her in a "living hell." Sun Shaoqing shared her dream of escaping to Japan to join a former classmate, whom she considered more than just a friend.

While validating Sun Shaoqing's feelings as a victim, Feng Shizhen cautiously reminded her of the harsh realities and potential struggles of life outside the Rong residence, referencing "A Doll's House." She advised Sun Shaoqing to meticulously plan and prepare, assuring her that with determination, any obstacles could be overcome.

Upon Rong Dingkun and Mrs. Rong's return from their ancestral home, Ms. Chen immediately reported to Mrs. Rong about Feng Shizhen and Sun Shaoqing's growing closeness, which angered Mrs. Rong, particularly because Rong Jiashang had reassigned Ms. Chen. Meanwhile, Concubine Sun, worried that Feng Shizhen's increasing presence might draw Rong Dingkun’s attention, discussed with her brother how to remove Feng Shizhen from the household if she proved to be "ambitious."

Concubine Sun then confronted Sun Shaoqing, urging her to spend more time with Rong Dingkun instead of the governess. Sun Shaoqing defiantly accused her siblings of exploiting her for their own luxurious ambitions, prompting an enraged rebuke from her brother, who called her ungrateful and selfish. Sun Shaoqing stormed out. Feng Shizhen was in the midst of tutoring Rong Jiashang when Sun Shaoqing arrived, waiting outside.

Rong Jiashang, noticing Sun Shaoqing, deliberately feigned confusion with his lesson to prolong Feng Shizhen's stay and subtly criticize her empathy for the concubine. However, concerned for Sun Shaoqing, Feng Shizhen quickly ended the class, promising to continue the next day, and went to meet her. Before leaving, she requested a day off to pick up her brother, addressing Rong Jiashang by his given name, "Jiashang," which surprised him.

Sun Shaoqing tearfully reiterated her desperation to leave the Rong family, feeling used and uncared for by her siblings. She planned to go to Japan to her former lover, who had encouraged her to seek refuge. Feng Shizhen cautiously inquired about the lover's reliability and the need for financial independence. Sun Shaoqing confirmed she had saved enough valuables from Rong Dingkun to convert into money and declared her resolve to leave permanently, unlike "Nora."

Feng Shizhen advised her to convert cash into bank drafts for safer travel. Sun Shaoqing then revealed her greatest obstacle: as she had served Rong Dingkun during his opium habit, she knew many of his secrets, making her a closely guarded prisoner, with bodyguards instructed to shoot her if she tried to escape. Feng Shizhen assured her of her trust and promised to devise a careful plan, acknowledging the risks to both their lives.

After much thought, Feng Shizhen proposed a bold plan: they would swap identities. Recalling Mrs. Rong's comment on their resemblance, she suggested the exchange take place at night for better concealment. They meticulously planned the details: at 7:30 PM, when servants gathered for dinner, Sun Shaoqing would ensure Rong Dingkun was deeply sedated by a potent new opium after his 7 PM return and meal. Before 8 PM, Sun Shaoqing would exit the West Hall in Feng Shizhen's clothes.

Simultaneously, Feng Shizhen, disguised as Sun Shaoqing, would return to the West Hall, allowing Sun Shaoqing to escape before her absence was noticed the next day. Sun Shaoqing also advised Feng Shizhen to delay her own departure from the West Hall until after the bodyguards rested at 9 PM to avoid immediate suspicion. Sun Shaoqing urged Feng Shizhen to consider leaving the Rong family eventually, describing it as a outwardly glamorous but inwardly corrupted "rotten peach."

The next day, Feng Shizhen went to the Bund Passenger Terminal to meet her elder brother, Feng Shixun. Their reunion was deeply emotional, marked by a warm embrace. Coincidentally, Rong Jiashang and Wu Yunchi were also at the dock to pick up Rong Jiashang's aunt and family. Wu Yunchi spotted Feng Shizhen and her brother, jokingly suggesting he might be her lover due to their affectionate reunion. Rong Jiashang clarified that Feng Shizhen had informed him it was her brother.

They watched as Feng Shizhen and Feng Shixun departed, hand-in-arm. Feng Shizhen and Feng Shixun arrived home to their overjoyed parents, who were tearfully grateful for the family's reunion. Their father expressed his hopes for Feng Shixun to restore the family's honor.

Later, as Feng Shixun walked Feng Shizhen to the street corner, he voiced concerns about their tenant, Wen, seeming "not very easy-going," but Feng Shizhen reassured him that Wen was a kind man who helped their mother with heavy tasks. Feng Shixun announced his intention to seek a job as an unofficial doctor at Red House Hospital through Chief Liu, aiming to shoulder family responsibilities.

Feng Shizhen insisted they share the burden and also mentioned their mother’s desire to move, hoping a new environment might help their father overcome his opium addiction. They resolved to work together to relocate their parents. Feng Shixun urged his sister not to bear all burdens alone and to confide in him. Back at the Rong residence, Rong Jiashang, concerned, anxiously awaited Feng Shizhen’s late return. Feng Shizhen, meanwhile, acknowledged the solitary path she had chosen.

Upon her return to the Rong residence, Feng Shizhen secretly handed Sun Shaoqing the boat ticket for the "Queen Elizabeth," scheduled to depart from Bund Passenger Terminal Gate No. 2 in three days at 8 AM. She advised Sun Shaoqing to secure her money carefully, as there was no time for a bank deposit, promising to discuss further details the next day.

Rong Jiashang, who had been waiting for Feng Shizhen, confronted her about her late return and her association with Sun Shaoqing. He insinuated that her motives in the Rong household extended beyond teaching, hinting at her "hugging a man" and "secretly meeting a concubine." He warned her against further interaction with Sun Shaoqing, emphasizing that Sun Shaoqing knew many of Rong Dingkun's secrets, and getting close to her would antagonize his father.

Feng Shizhen insisted her concern for Sun Shaoqing was purely out of pity, denying any interest in Rong Dingkun's secrets. Rong Jiashang, suspicious of her intentions, continued, highlighting his father's profound distrust and reminding her of how Concubine Sun (Sun Shaoqing's sister) had initially entered their family as a tutor before becoming Rong Dingkun's concubine. He cautioned Feng Shizhen against inviting similar gossip or jeopardizing her position.

Realizing Rong Jiashang suspected her of aspiring to become Rong Dingkun’s concubine, Feng Shizhen angrily refuted the implication, asserting her aspirations were far greater. As she turned to walk away, Rong Jiashang unexpectedly pulled her into a tight embrace, leaving both of them in an awkward silence. He then cautioned her not to fall into the very trap she was setting for others.

Episode 7 Recap

Feng Shizhen and Rong Jiashang found themselves drawn to each other, their feelings deepening with time. However, Feng Shizhen suppressed her burgeoning emotions, recalling Meng Xu'an's stark reminder: "Shizhen, you're the one who baits the hook. Don't let the fish drag you into the water." She reaffirmed to herself that Rong Jiashang was merely a stepping stone, a tool to use against Rong Dingkun.

Rong Jiashang, too, was captivated by Feng Shizhen and wished to confess his feelings, but he ultimately held back. Feng Shizhen soon caught a cold and was confined to bed. She assured those attending her that it was a simple cold, easily cured with rest and medicine, thanking Xiao Yu for her care. When Xiao Yu informed the family that Feng Shizhen had canceled classes, Rong Dingkun expressed concern.

Hearing she had a slight fever, he worried about a recent deadly flu outbreak and stated that if Feng Shizhen had the flu, she couldn't stay. His daughters, Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua, defended Feng Shizhen, believing it was just a cold. Concubine Sun seized the opportunity, expressing concern for her unborn son and implying Feng Shizhen should leave. Mrs. Rong, in turn, subtly cautioned Concubine Sun to stay indoors herself to protect her precious health and the baby.

Unsettled, Rong Jiashang left dinner early, citing homework. Mrs. Rong remarked on his newfound diligence, praising his governess. Concubine Sun then revealed that Sun Shaoqing was also studying English literature with Feng Shizhen, prompting Mrs. Rong to muse that such a learned woman might seek a better match than their household. Later, Rong Dingkun questioned Sun Shaoqing about her conversations with Feng Shizhen.

Sun Shaoqing spoke warmly of Feng Shizhen's knowledge and kindness, describing her as different from the other girls Rong Dingkun usually associated with, and explicitly told him not to have "wrong ideas" about her. Rong Dingkun flirtatiously brushed off the suggestion of jealousy from Concubine Sun, reassuring her of his affection. That night, Rong Jiashang placed a bouquet of forget-me-nots, along with Feng Shizhen's silk scarf he had found, outside her door.

Feng Shizhen discovered them and placed the flowers in a vase. A few days later, Feng Shizhen recovered and resumed her duties. Xiao Yu informed her that Rong Jiashang had been diligently studying in his room during her illness, earning praise from Rong Dingkun and Mrs. Rong. When Feng Shizhen began teaching, Rong Jiashang brought up a difficult math problem.

Before she could explain, he warned her against associating with Sun Shaoqing, implying that gossip could arise, just as it had with Concubine Sun. Feng Shizhen understood he was worried she might end up a concubine and reassured him that she had more ambition than that. He then apologized for his previous rudeness, admitting he was afraid of causing her trouble and that a personal apology was more sincere.

He emphasized that Feng Shizhen was different from the others, and she accepted his apology. Later, Wu Yunchi arrived to take Rong Jiashang to the New Metropolis Club. On their way out, they spotted Feng Shizhen and Sun Shaoqing chatting in the garden, with Wu Yunchi remarking on their close bond and teasing Rong Jiashang about his obvious interest. Wu Yunchi urged him to be bolder, suggesting men like them could afford to have fun without consequences.

Rong Jiashang firmly stated that Feng Shizhen was not "that kind of woman," prompting Wu Yunchi to playfully accuse him of being truly smitten. Meanwhile, in the garden, Feng Shizhen confirmed Sun Shaoqing was ready for their escape plan that night. She warned of the "storm" awaiting her outside the estate but urged her to live and find hope, reminding her not to turn back.

Sun Shaoqing expressed gratitude and worried about the repercussions for Feng Shizhen, but Feng Shizhen dismissed her concerns, stating they had no evidence. Elsewhere, Yang Xiucheng concluded a business dinner for the Rong Company. Outside, he saw Yu Zhihui arm-in-arm with another man. Confronting her, he angrily questioned their intimacy.

Yu Zhihui tearfully explained that the man was a blind date arranged by her sister-in-law, insisting it was their first meeting and that her difficult family situation forced her to comply. Yang Xiucheng accused her family of only caring about money and lamented his own heartfelt devotion. He begged her to leave with him, but she refused, fearing her sister-in-law's wrath. Disheartened, Yang Xiucheng left.

He then encountered Du Lanxin, who noted that his girlfriend had left with another man and tried to invite him for a drink. Yang Xiucheng politely but firmly declined, stating he had work to do and was not interested in her games. That evening, Rong Dingkun went to Concubine Sun's West Hall. She had prepared mutton soup for him and, after dinner, suggested they try some new opium. Rong Dingkun, calling her "greedy," readily agreed to smoke with her.

Meanwhile, Feng Shizhen left a jar of wine for the gatekeeper, knowing his weakness for alcohol would make him pliable. She made a show of going upstairs from the living room, ensuring Mrs. Rong and her daughters saw her, then slipped out a window and headed to West Hall. There, Sun Shaoqing, dressed identically to Feng Shizhen and wearing her scarf, prepared to leave.

Feng Shizhen reiterated her instructions: stay at a wharf hotel overnight, board a ship for Japan in the morning, send a telegram upon arrival, and trust no one. She also warned Sun Shaoqing about Rong Dingkun's true nature, calling him a liar responsible for many deaths. As Sun Shaoqing left, the gatekeeper, mistaking her for Feng Shizhen, opened the gate and wished her a safe journey.

Once Sun Shaoqing was safely away, Feng Shizhen, now disguised as Sun Shaoqing, returned to West Hall. At the New Metropolis Club, Du Lanxin approached Rong Jiashang. After some teasing about his preference for "respectable women" like his governess, she introduced him to Miss Li from the Zhonghua Book Company. Seeing Du Lanxin's provocative gaze, Rong Jiashang promptly invited Miss Li to dance. In West Hall, Feng Shizhen found Rong Dingkun drowsy from the opium.

She put on a record player loudly and took his hand, pressing his finger onto a bill of lading to get his fingerprint. Rong Dingkun stirred, hallucinating, and mistook Feng Shizhen for his deceased friend, A He, whom he had buried. Terrified, he begged A He to stop haunting him. Guards, hearing the commotion, rushed in. Feng Shizhen, leveraging his hallucination, threatened him as "A He" to send the guards away.

Once they were gone, she interrogated him about the Ming dynasty antiques scheduled for shipment on the 18th, pressing him for the warehouse number. In his drugged state, Rong Dingkun revealed it was Warehouse No. 21. Feng Shizhen then stamped his seal onto the bill of lading, telling him that "A He" would no longer bother him. Back at the club, Rong Jiashang danced with Miss Li, momentarily imagining her as Feng Shizhen.

He abruptly realized his mistake, pushed her away, and excused himself, consumed by thoughts of his governess. At the Rong residence, Yang Xiucheng arrived to report to Rong Dingkun but was told by a servant that his master was in the smoking room and would not wake for some time. He resigned himself to waiting. Meanwhile, Feng Shizhen, her mission complete, briefly considered choking Rong Dingkun to death. But he let out a sudden scream, startling her, and she quickly hid as guards rushed to check on him.

Episode 8 Recap

Hearing a sound from the room, Yang Xiucheng entered and found Rong Dingkun in a deep slumber from the opium. He turned off the gramophone and quietly sat by the sleeping Rong Dingkun. Meanwhile, Feng Shizhen, seeing no one around, subtly adjusted the wall clock to display an earlier time before swiftly departing the West Hall.

Feng Shizhen then changed back into her own clothes, climbed up to the second floor of the main house, made her way through the main hall, and went outside to retrieve some exam papers that had blown off her windowsill, an act witnessed by Mrs. Rong and other household members. While this was happening, Sun Shaoqing, who had successfully escaped the Rong family estate, was met by Meng Xu'an.

He promised to ensure her safe departure from Shanghai but insisted on first discussing "things about Rong Dingkun." Sun Shaoqing feigned ignorance, prompting Meng Xu'an to warn her that without his assistance, she would not be able to leave Shanghai. After retrieving the papers, Feng Shizhen secretly tucked some intelligence into a tree hollow near the octagonal pavilion.

Rong Jiashang, returning early from the New Metropolis Club, did not greet Mrs. Rong or the others, heading straight to Feng Shizhen's room. Finding it empty, he was told she had gone downstairs to pick up exam papers. He immediately rushed out to the yard to find her. Rong Jiashang confronted Feng Shizhen, his gaze fixed on her. He admitted he couldn't stop thinking about her, questioning, "Why is it you?"

He suspected she was deliberately getting close to him and demanded to know her true intentions. Feng Shizhen tried to turn and leave, stating she wouldn't stay to be humiliated and that she couldn't control his mind or be blamed for his thoughts. Overcome by alcohol, Rong Jiashang impulsively kissed her. Feng Shizhen immediately slapped him hard and angrily walked away. Ms. Chen, who witnessed the entire scene, rushed back inside to report to Mrs. Rong.

Mrs. Rong, accompanied by Concubine Wang and Rong Fanglin, came out and encountered Feng Shizhen, who silently returned to her room. Mrs. Rong was deeply disappointed in Rong Jiashang's disgraceful behavior, particularly towards Feng Shizhen, who was a decent lady and their teacher. She dispatched Ms. Chen to inform Rong Dingkun.

Yang Xiucheng, upon hearing the commotion and noting the clock still read nine o'clock, chose not to disturb Rong Dingkun, who he believed had just fallen asleep, and instead went to speak with Rong Jiashang himself. Back in her room, Feng Shizhen began packing her belongings, resolute in her decision to leave the Rong family despite Rong Fanglin and Fanghua's pleas to stay.

She then went to formally resign to Mrs. Rong, who tried earnestly to persuade her to remain, even insisting that Rong Jiashang apologize. Feng Shizhen, however, was firm in her resolve. Yang Xiucheng suggested she wait until morning to inform Rong Dingkun before leaving, but Feng Shizhen refused, stating that the incident had already spread and she did not wish to stay and be subjected to gossip.

Hearing this, Rong Jiashang declared that Feng Shizhen didn't need to leave; he would depart instead. He then drove away, his mind replaying moments with Feng Shizhen, filled with regret. He reflected that although his scheme to attract her had seemingly worked, he felt no happiness. The following morning, Rong Dingkun awoke and was informed by a guard that he had scolded Sun Shaoqing after smoking opium last night, and that she had since locked herself in her room.

Unaware of the events, Rong Dingkun rushed to her room, only to find it empty. He immediately ordered a search party. Simultaneously, he learned of Rong Jiashang's drunken misconduct towards Feng Shizhen. Enraged, Rong Dingkun forced Rong Jiashang to apologize to Feng Shizhen and severely reprimanded him for his lack of achievement and unruly behavior.

Concubine Sun tried to fan the flames by mentioning Mrs. Rong had hired Feng Shizhen, but Rong Dingkun turned his anger on her, demanding to know Sun Shaoqing's whereabouts. Concubine Sun genuinely had no idea. Rong Dingkun summoned the doorman, who clearly recalled opening the gate for "Miss Feng" last night because she claimed a family emergency. Feng Shizhen vehemently denied ever leaving.

Mrs. Rong, observing the doorman's lingering smell of liquor, suggested he might have been mistaken due to Feng Shizhen's and Sun Shaoqing's similar appearances. She speculated that Sun Shaoqing might have disguised herself as Feng Shizhen to trick the doorman and escape during the commotion. The doorman, however, insisted he called her "Miss Feng" and she responded.

When questioned about her whereabouts between 8 PM and 9 PM, Feng Shizhen explained she had gone for a short walk around 7 PM, returned, greeted Mrs. Rong and the young ladies, and then stayed in her room marking papers until 9 PM when a draft blew a paper out her window, leading her downstairs and into the incident with Rong Jiashang. Rong Fanglin corroborated that she and Fanghua were with Feng Shizhen until 11 PM after she was upset.

Concubine Sun, however, adamantly accused Feng Shizhen of instigating Sun Shaoqing's departure, claiming Shaoqing was always well-behaved until Feng Shizhen's arrival. She demanded Feng Shizhen produce Sun Shaoqing. Rong Jiashang intervened to pull Concubine Sun away. Feng Shizhen then offered to resign, stating she would accept any judgment if she was deemed guilty. Mrs. Rong fiercely defended Feng Shizhen, arguing that there was no evidence against her and that she had already suffered enough from Rong Jiashang's actions.

She advised Concubine Sun to focus on her pregnancy, suggesting Sun Shaoqing might have returned to her own family. Concubine Sun, deeply hurt and accusing Mrs. Rong of wishing ill upon her and her unborn child, further escalated the argument. Mrs. Rong then brought up their deceased son, Jiaxin, and threatened divorce. Rong Dingkun tried to calm his wife, then instructed Concubine Sun to rest and ordered his men to report any news of Sun Shaoqing immediately.

Finally, he apologized to Feng Shizhen, acknowledging the Rong family's fault, and offered her three months' salary and a recommendation letter to help her find another position. As Feng Shizhen prepared to leave, Rong Jiashang offered to see her off. During the drive, he apologized again for his actions. Feng Shizhen gently advised him to consider what kind of response he expected from her and what she could offer, emphasizing their fundamental differences.

She suggested that his interest might stem from novelty and that he would eventually encounter a broader world where he would truly understand his desires. Acknowledging her wisdom, Rong Jiashang agreed to defer his unspoken words, hoping for a suitable time in the future. They bid each other farewell, with Rong Jiashang expressing a belief that they would meet again soon, to which Feng Shizhen replied, "Perhaps."

Following Feng Shizhen's departure, Yang Xiucheng reported to Rong Dingkun that his men had searched all bus stations, train stations, and docks but found no trace of Sun Shaoqing, leading him to believe she was either still in Shanghai with a pre-planned hideout or had received assistance to leave. Rong Dingkun, still suspicious of Feng Shizhen, inquired further.

Yang Xiucheng confirmed he had interrogated Ms. Chen, who attested to Feng Shizhen's consistently good behavior, and a search of her belongings had revealed nothing suspicious. While acknowledging that Feng Shizhen and Sun Shaoqing had grown close, Yang Xiucheng noted that Ms. Chen had only overheard them discussing literature, never matters related to the Rong family. Rong Dingkun, however, remained convinced that Feng Shizhen was somehow involved.

Yang Xiucheng suggested they could interrogate her, but Rong Dingkun cautioned against it, fearing it would alert others. Rong Dingkun then expressed his disappointment in Mrs. Rong's management of the household, prompting Yang Xiucheng to inform him that he had already dismissed the doorman and replaced the bodyguards in the West Hall. Yang Xiucheng also suggested replacing the other household servants, whom he considered cunning and disloyal to Rong Dingkun.

Rong Dingkun agreed, asserting his authority as the head of the family. Later, Du Lanxin met with Rong Jiashang at a club, mockingly commenting on how his "affair" with Feng Shizhen had become widely known. She playfully chided him for his carelessness, especially knowing that some servants were loyal to Concubine Sun.

She described Feng Shizhen as a principled woman but suggested men like Rong Jiashang were drawn to "pretentious girls," comparing them to "Tang Seng meat" — always desired until consumed, then discarded. She implied his continued obsession stemmed from Feng Shizhen's rejection. Rong Jiashang, hearing the phrase "Tang Seng meat," declared that in such a case, he "must try it."

Episode 9 Recap

Meng Xu'an proposed a contract to Xiao Baoli, intending to cultivate her as a celebrity. Xiao Baoli, surprised by the generous terms, questioned why he suddenly wanted to promote her. Meng Xu'an told her she deserved it after years of working for him and urged her to sign, which she gratefully did.

Meanwhile, Meng Xu'an's subordinate informed him that Feng Shizhen and her family were in the process of moving, having found a new house that morning and planning to relocate the next day. Feng Shizhen moved into a spacious new house with her parents and Feng Shixun. Her parents were delighted with the improved living conditions. Feng Shizhen gently urged her father to quit opium, especially since his injury was healing, emphasizing its harmful effects on his health.

He agreed to quit, promising a new start for their family. Feng Shixun, who had secured an internship as a doctor at the Red House Hospital and was living in a dorm, mentioned to Feng Shizhen that a Jewish doctor there needed an assistant. He believed her excellent qualifications would make her a perfect fit, offering a starting salary of fifteen silver dollars a month, with potential for increases.

However, Feng Shizhen expressed a desire to find her own job, feeling it was time for her to face challenges independently, despite Feng Shixun's protective instincts to keep her close. While out buying vinegar, Feng Shizhen realized she was being followed. She deliberately took a winding route, and Meng Xu'an arrived just in time to pick her up, successfully shaking off the tail.

During their conversation, Meng Xu'an criticized Feng Shizhen for rescuing Sun Shaoqing without informing him, concerned that Rong Dingkun’s suspicions might lead him to move the illicit goods. Feng Shizhen apologized, acknowledging her impulsiveness. Meng Xu'an cautioned her that while mercy was commendable, in their line of work, it could jeopardize their plans. He advised her to exercise discretion, knowing when to show compassion and when to hold back.

He also told her that Rong Dingkun was likely monitoring her closely and that they should avoid meeting until she had returned to the Rong family. Feng Shizhen assured him she would be more careful. Back at the Rong mansion, Mrs. Rong, concerned about her children’s education, interviewed several governesses. She eventually chose an average-looking one, believing this would prevent Rong Jiashang from developing an attachment, as he had with Feng Shizhen.

Rong Dingkun declared that Rong Jiashang must either attend university or marry Du Lanxin, as the Rong family would not support idlers. Rong Jiashang, though seemingly agreeing to attend the new tutor's classes the next day, left dinner in a huff to study alone, as if still guided by Feng Shizhen. The next day, he deliberately ignored the new tutor's instructions, challenging her teaching methods and stating that passing the exam was his only goal, regardless of true understanding.

Meanwhile, Meng Xu'an, masquerading as one of Rong Dingkun's men, arrived at the warehouse to retrieve a shipment. He presented a seemingly legitimate pick-up order bearing Rong Dingkun's stamp and fingerprint. The warehouse keeper, finding the man unfamiliar as Zhao Hua'an usually handled such matters, attempted to call Rong Dingkun for verification. However, Meng Xu'an had already arranged for the phone lines to be cut.

Convinced by the authentic documents and the urgency conveyed by Meng Xu'an's men, the keeper reluctantly led them to the number 21 goods. Feng Shizhen started her new job as an assistant to a Jewish obstetrician. She stopped by to see Feng Shixun at the Red House Hospital, impressed by his skillful and compassionate interaction with a young patient. She noted how handsome he looked in his white coat and how popular he was with the nurses.

Later, Rong Jiashang directly confronted his father, demanding Feng Shizhen's return as his tutor. Rong Dingkun refused. Rong Jiashang then presented a completed university sophomore-level exam paper, boasting that his performance depended on his mood, not his need for a tutor. He only wanted Feng Shizhen to teach him. Rong Dingkun deduced that Rong Jiashang was infatuated with Feng Shizhen, but insisted he marry Du Lanxin to benefit the family business.

Rong Jiashang vehemently rejected the idea, asserting that he did not need a woman to pave his way. Soon after, Rong Dingkun received a call from the warehouse, frantic over the theft of Generalissimo Cao's Ming Dynasty antiques. Rong Jiashang offered to recover the stolen goods, but only if Feng Shizhen was reinstated as his tutor. Desperate, Rong Dingkun reluctantly agreed. Rong Jiashang then accompanied Zhao Hua'an to the warehouse.

Zhao Hua'an, seeing the complete and seemingly authentic pick-up documents, was at a loss for where to begin the investigation. Rong Jiashang instructed his men to draw a portrait of the man who picked up the goods, described by the warehouse keeper as having a prominent scar on his chin. Returning home from her new job, Feng Shizhen sensed she was being followed again.

Grabbing an iron bar from a nearby alley, she struck the person trailing her, only to discover it was Rong Jiashang, whose nose was bleeding from the blow. She took him home to tend to his injury, chiding him for his surreptitious behavior. Rong Jiashang, checking his nose in a mirror for damage, explained he had been following her to protect her from Rong Dingkun's surveillance, which he didn't want her to know about initially.

Inside her home, Rong Jiashang noticed Feng Shizhen and Feng Shixun did not resemble each other. He also admitted that he had requested her background information from Yang Xiucheng shortly after she joined the Rong family, a precaution taken since he and his brother were kidnapped by an insider as children. He expressed admiration for her resilience after reading her file. When Feng Shizhen asked why he had come, Rong Jiashang confessed he missed her.

Feng Shizhen offered to make him noodles, remembering his preference for spicy food. He eagerly accepted, complimenting her cooking and acknowledging his past arrogance. He then earnestly pleaded with her to return to the Rong family as his teacher. He claimed his father had agreed and that both he and the two Misses disliked the new tutor. Feng Shizhen, citing her new job and the gossip that would arise if she returned, initially refused.

Rong Jiashang, filled with remorse, spoke about the profound impact she had on his life, making him feel less alone in his own home. Deeply moved by his sincerity, Feng Shizhen promised to consider his request. After their emotional farewell, Rong Jiashang went to meet Zhao Hua'an, who was still interrogating the warehouse staff without success.

One of the warehouse keepers then mentioned that they had sent a telegram to Rong Dingkun after the goods were transferred, implying an internal leak. He suggested the possibility of a mole within the Rong mansion, specifically mentioning Sun Shaoqing, who had been frequently seen in Rong Dingkun’s study shortly before her disappearance. Rong Jiashang instructed Zhao Hua'an to investigate the household staff but advised against excessive torture, suggesting a more psychological approach, particularly since these men had served their family loyally.

Episode 10 Recap

Zhao Hua'an and Rong Jiashang had no leads and returned to report to Rong Dingkun. The dock workers had confirmed that the person who collected the goods had Rong Dingkun's authenticated fingerprint and seal, and all interrogated men gave consistent accounts. Rong Dingkun was furious, worried that Generalissimo Cao would not spare him. He fretted that time was running out and if the goods didn't reach Europe, Generalissimo Cao wouldn't easily let go of the Rong family.

When Rong Jiashang asked about Sun Shaoqing, Zhao Hua'an confirmed that Yang Xiucheng had scoured Shanghai without success. Rong Dingkun ordered them to find Sun Shaoqing no matter what, declaring, "I don't believe she is that capable!" Tenant farmers delivered a large basket of crabs to the Rong household. Knowing Feng Shizhen's fondness for crabs, Rong Jiashang instructed Butler Zhang to select the largest and plumpest ones for him to take to her home.

When Feng Shizhen returned from work, she was touched to find Rong Jiashang in her kitchen, having already prepared the crabs. Her father greeted her, saying Jiashang had brought the crabs, and Jiashang clarified they were from a tenant farmer and he'd picked the best ones, hoping she would like them. Her mother reminisced about Feng Shizhen's childhood love for crabs. Feng Shizhen's father thanked Rong Jiashang for his thoughtfulness.

Feng Shizhen suggested buying some wine to enhance the meal, and Rong Jiashang eagerly offered to accompany her. On their way, a neighbor, Mrs. Liu, mistook Rong Jiashang for Feng Shizhen's boyfriend, praising his handsome appearance. Feng Shizhen quickly diverted Mrs. Liu's attention with an excuse about her son. Rong Jiashang found the neighborhood interesting, but Feng Shizhen suggested he wouldn't feel the same if he lived there.

Back at Feng Shizhen’s home, Rong Jiashang personally shelled crabs for Feng Shizhen and her parents, who observed his attentiveness. Feng Shizhen's mother also encouraged her to take care of Jiashang. After dinner, Feng Shizhen walked Rong Jiashang out. She thanked him for the crabs, but he confessed it was merely an excuse to see her. He remarked on how her once "eloquent" demeanor had become "docile" after resigning, playfully adding that he only liked "being lectured by her."

Rong Jiashang expressed his admiration for her unwavering hope and ability to find "silver linings" despite life's challenges, admitting she made him feel warm. As he attempted to express his feelings further and lean in to kiss her, Feng Shizhen quickly dodged and cautioned him to be careful on his way back. Upon her return, Feng Shizhen's mother immediately pulled her aside, convinced that Rong Jiashang was interested in her.

Feng Shizhen vehemently denied it, explaining that Rong Jiashang's efforts were merely a test from his father to develop his leadership skills. Her mother, while admitting she didn't understand the intricacies of wealthy families, still found the situation peculiar. Feng Shizhen reasoned that if Rong Jiashang genuinely liked her, he would ask her out directly, not invite her back as a governess.

Her mother, however, lamented that if their family hadn't suffered misfortune, Feng Shizhen and the "good boy" Rong Jiashang, with his kind character and good looks, could have been a perfect match. Feng Shizhen, however, believed that even without the misfortune, their paths would likely never have crossed. Rong Jiashang returned home to overhear Rong Dingkun's heated phone conversation with Generalissimo Cao.

Generalissimo Cao was enraged that the antiques had been stolen, threatening to "wipe out the Rong Company" if the goods weren't returned within half a month, delaying his business. When Rong Jiashang questioned his father, Rong Dingkun explained Generalissimo Cao knew about the robbery and threatened to "wipe out the Rong family." Rong Jiashang then pressed Zhao Hua'an about the ship used for transport.

Zhao Hua'an reported that their men had searched the offshore area and eventually found the intercepted ship, which had been completely burned, just as Rong Jiashang had anticipated. Yang Xiucheng then revealed that Sun Shaoqing had boarded a ship to Hong Kong two days prior and vanished during a stopover. Rong Dingkun inferred a connection between the two incidents and ordered Zhao Hua'an and Rong Jiashang to uncover the mastermind, threatening them with "you'll lose your head!" if they failed.

Rong Jiashang surmised that someone was manipulating Generalissimo Cao to target the Rong family and emphasized the importance of resolving the matter to avoid future complications. Meanwhile, Meng Xu'an had recommended Xiao Baoli to star in a movie and gifted her a beautiful company car. Xiao Baoli invited Feng Shizhen to celebrate at Laozhengxing Restaurant, where she shared her excitement about becoming a heroine.

Over dinner, Xiao Baoli mentioned that Meng Xu'an had ordered steamed scallops with garlic, her favorite, noting his "observant" nature and hinting at his special interest in Feng Shizhen. Feng Shizhen, however, dismissed it, pointing out Meng Xu'an's numerous "confidantes" and reiterating her lack of interest in him. Later, Feng Shizhen returned home with her brother, Feng Shixun, who inquired about her adjustment to hospital work.

They read a newspaper report about the suppression of riots in Zhabei, which Feng Shixun described as a sacrifice of "warm blood" and lives for "freedom and ideals." Shortly after, Rong Jiashang arrived, bringing a Jinhua ham and the latest English science magazine for Feng Shizhen.

Feng Shixun, meeting Rong Jiashang for the first time, expressed his displeasure that Feng Shizhen had been mistreated at the Rong family, to which Rong Jiashang admitted his failure to protect her, leading to her resignation. Rong Jiashang then proposed that Feng Shizhen return to teach him and his sisters, asking Feng Shixun to help persuade her. Feng Shixun vehemently opposed the idea, questioning if she should "go back to be bullied."

Rong Jiashang countered, highlighting Feng Shizhen's passion for teaching and the generous, leisurely compensation at the Rong family, implying that her strenuous work at the hospital was less favorable. Feng Shizhen intervened, surprising both men by agreeing to return to the Rong family. Feng Shixun immediately pulled Feng Shizhen aside, pleading with her to reconsider, and offering to find her another job if she was unhappy at the hospital.

Feng Shizhen calmly asked him to respect her decision in front of her student. She explained that the Rong family, despite its hidden secrets common to wealthy households, wasn't a "dragon's den" for a governess merely focused on her duties and salary. She clarified that, apart from Concubine Sun's occasional "bullying," her time there had been enjoyable.

She argued that working in a school offered low pay and heavy workload, and other affluent families were largely similar, making the Rong family "a good choice." Feng Shixun, still concerned, voiced worries about Rong Jiashang behaving "rudely" toward her. Feng Shizhen, confident in her "self-awareness," asserted that a distinguished young man like Rong Jiashang, exposed to countless "high-born ladies" and "confidantes," would not be interested in a woman "many years older than him."

She asked her brother not to "overestimate him, and don't underestimate me." She reiterated her desire to make her own choices. Feng Shizhen's mother reassured Rong Jiashang that Feng Shixun was a "reasonable brother." Before Rong Jiashang left, Feng Shixun, though yielding, warned him to ensure his father controlled the concubines, stating he wouldn't tolerate his family being "treated unfairly" and that "Little people often have unexpected effects." Feng Shizhen quickly told her brother to stop intimidating Rong Jiashang.

Feng Shizhen then confirmed she would process her resignation from the hospital in a few days. Rong Jiashang, pleased, assured her he would have Ms. Kang prepare her room, as Fanglin and Fanghua would be "very happy." As Feng Shizhen walked Rong Jiashang out, she confirmed her decision not to change her mind and warned him not to "cause trouble." He promised he wouldn't, even offering for her to "slap my face" if he misbehaved.

Feng Shizhen teased him about his transformation from arrogant to a "paper tiger" after her resignation. Rong Jiashang humbly explained that when apologizing, one must be "modest." He then suggested a celebratory dinner at a new Sichuan restaurant. Feng Shizhen politely declined, asking him not to visit for a few days to avoid upsetting her brother.

Rong Jiashang, with a hint of longing, acknowledged the duty of an older brother to protect his sisters, remarking that Feng Shizhen had "a good brother." He subtly attempted to hold her hand and then to embrace her, but she maintained a respectful distance, preventing him from doing so. When they reached the alley entrance, Rong Jiashang deliberately asked his driver to park further away, admitting he wanted to "walk with her."

Unbeknownst to them, Meng Xu'an observed their parting from his car. Feng Shizhen then got into Meng Xu'an’s car, informing him of her decision to return to the Rong family. Meng Xu'an complimented her "nice move," which "worked so quickly," but then commented on how "well matched" she and Rong Jiashang looked, suggesting he thought she had "fallen in love with him."

Feng Shizhen quickly dismissed his concerns, declaring that Rong Jiashang was "not the right person for her" and it was "just an act." Meng Xu'an challenged her, asking, "Are you sure? I hope you can remember what you said today and never forget it." Changing the subject, Feng Shizhen inquired about the stolen goods. Meng Xu'an confirmed their successful retrieval.

He explained that he could not return them to the ineffectual government, fearing they would become "military funds" for warlords, and instead chose to donate the "national treasures" to a museum, much to Feng Shizhen's surprise. He predicted that Rong Dingkun, now "badly hurt," would make "new moves" and advised Feng Shizhen to be "more careful" and "stay safe" in the Rong family.

At the Rong mansion, Mrs. Rong confirmed with Ms. Chen that Feng Shizhen was indeed returning and that Rong Jiashang had instructed Kang Sao to prepare her room. Mrs. Rong speculated that Feng Shizhen, despite her seemingly high-minded demeanor, must be "kind of interested in Jiashang" to return and brave gossip, expressing her satisfaction at getting rid of "that Sun coquette."

Ms. Chen added that Feng Shizhen’s low salary and tiring work at the hospital likely made the easier Rong family job appealing. Concubine Wang worried that with Concubine Sun gone, Rong Dingkun might become interested in Feng Shizhen. Mrs. Rong dismissed this, stating she couldn't control her husband's preferences and he would simply find another woman.

Meanwhile, Yang Xiucheng reported that two of their men, who had previously encountered Sun Shaoqing, recognized one of the goods receivers—a man with a scar on his chin—as one of the individuals who helped Sun Shaoqing board her ship. However, the receiver’s identity remained unknown, possibly from the south.

Yang Xiucheng pondered how Sun Shaoqing, a reclusive figure, could have made such connections, noting that only Feng Shizhen and members of the Sun family had frequent access to the Rong residence. Though he initially considered Feng Shizhen, he quickly dismissed her as a suspect, seeing no benefit for her in helping Concubine Sun escape.

Later, Rong Jiashang’s sister Fanglin told her sister Fanghua that Jiashang treated them well, despite their mother’s resentment since the accidental death of their younger brother. She also mentioned seeing Yang Xiucheng and Jiashang enter their father’s study. In a fit of rage and frustration over the stolen goods and Sun Shaoqing’s disappearance, Rong Dingkun brutally attacked Concubine Sun, accusing her of being "wronged" and "crying all day."

He screamed that she couldn't even control her own sister and was already "helping her family set him up" before the baby was born, telling her to "go to hell." Mrs. Rong intervened, calming him down and reminding him of Concubine Sun’s pregnancy and his own health. She led him out of the room. Before leaving, Rong Dingkun viciously warned Concubine Sun that he hoped her sister would "never come back," or he would "rip her apart."

He then declared that "anyone surnamed Sun is not allowed to set foot in my house anymore!" After Rong Dingkun and Mrs. Rong departed, Concubine Sun collapsed in despair, feeling that she was being "forced to die." She cursed her sister, Shaoqing, for causing her ruin and vehemently denounced Rong Dingkun as "ruthless" and "ungrateful," lamenting his lack of trust after ten years together. She threatened to jump into the Huangpu River rather than endure such humiliation.

Ms. Chen and the other maids were ordered to clean Concubine Sun's ravaged room. Concubine Sun’s maid questioned why no dinner had been sent upstairs for her, to which Ms. Chen coldly replied that she thought Concubine Sun was unwell and had chosen not to disturb her, adding that meals were still available and would be sent up later. Concubine Wang, observing the scene, remarked on how servants excelled at "kicking someone when she is down."

From her room, Concubine Sun bitterly reflected that Rong Dingkun would undoubtedly find another woman and that she would wait to see how long Mrs. Rong could maintain her composure. The staff gossiped that Feng Shizhen was returning, prompted by Rong Jiashang's persistent apologies. Concubine Sun, overhearing or internally fuming, made a bitter remark about Rong Jiashang being "Master's son," with "even the woman they like is the same."

She then reflected that Mrs. Rong (Huang Shujun) seemed to despise Rong Jiashang, wishing "he would be ruined by women." In her final moment of bitter solitude, Concubine Sun cursed Rong Dingkun, predicting that for all his perceived power, he would "be ruined by women sooner or later!"

Episode 11 Recap

"Rong Dingkun, oh Rong Dingkun! You think you're very powerful. In my opinion, sooner or later, you'll be ruined by women!" Concubine Sun, pregnant with Rong Dingkun's child, declared as she experienced a sudden and severe hemorrhage, screaming in fright. Maids and house staff rushed her to the hospital where Dr. Feng Shixun, Feng Shizhen's elder brother, was on duty.

Despite initial hesitation from a maid who questioned his ability and insisted on saving only the child, Feng Shixun declared that in their hospital, "both adult and child are lives" and must be saved. He successfully delivered a premature baby boy. Concubine Sun was overjoyed, exclaiming, "I have a son! Huang Shujun! I have a son! Rong Dingkun, I gave you a son!" Mrs. Rong, upon learning of the birth, was secretly displeased but dutifully informed Rong Dingkun.

A servant reported to Mrs. Rong that the baby was premature and very weak, currently in an incubator, advising them to be prepared for the worst. Feng Shizhen completed her resignation from the hospital. The staff member processing her resignation noted her short tenure and the inconvenience caused, but Feng Shizhen apologized. She then found her elder brother, Feng Shixun, dozing in the corridor after an all-night surgery.

She woke him and offered to treat him to breakfast, suggesting Guangzhou Guild Hall. Feng Shixun mentioned he delivered a premature baby, "your master's concubine," and commented on the "drama" in the Rong family. He expressed concern about Feng Shizhen returning to the Rong Residence, especially now that Concubine Sun had a son, giving her "more leverage." Feng Shizhen reassured him that she was "just a teacher" and would be fine. They decided to go for dim sum.

As they left, they encountered Rong Dingkun, Mrs. Rong, and the entire Rong family who were on their way to the hospital to visit Concubine Sun and the newborn. Feng Shizhen introduced her brother, and Rong Dingkun thanked Feng Shixun for delivering his son, calling him "our family's great benefactor," and presented him with a generous red packet.

Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua warmly greeted Feng Shizhen, expressing how much they missed her and enjoyed her teaching, eager for her return. Feng Shixun observed that Rong Jiashang was not with his family. He also noted the Rong family's extravagance, comparing the red packet to his annual salary, but Feng Shizhen urged him to accept it. The following morning, Feng Shizhen returned to the Rong Residence.

Rong Jiashang opened the door for her, explaining that Mrs. Rong and Concubine Wang were at Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, and Rong Dingkun "seldom comes home these days," ensuring a period of peace. Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua were delighted to have her back, preferring her teaching style over the previous tutor, Miss Gao.

They also playfully complained that Rong Jiashang had stopped studying seriously since Feng Shizhen left, to which Feng Shizhen promised to make him do extra test papers. Rong Jiashang invited Feng Shizhen to his upcoming 20th birthday ball on the ninth of next month, and she readily accepted, promising to celebrate with him despite worrying about not being able to afford a "proper gift." He assured her that her presence was enough.

Their lesson was interrupted by Yang Xiucheng, who informed Rong Jiashang that he was there to question Feng Shizhen as part of an investigation into a "previous leak." He stated that after checking Mr. Zhao's men, the focus was now on everyone in the Rong Residence, as per Rong Dingkun's orders.

Rong Jiashang tried to intercede for Feng Shizhen, arguing she had been cleared, but Yang Xiucheng insisted on treating everyone equally, citing "new leads" and the need for a thorough inquiry. Feng Shizhen agreed to cooperate. Yang Xiucheng then conducted a polygraph test on Feng Shizhen using a machine Rong Dingkun acquired from the British, which measured pulse and heartbeat. Rong Jiashang stayed by her side, clearly concerned, but Yang Xiucheng reiterated that everyone in the house would be tested.

Feng Shizhen calmly answered questions about her name, age, and family. She denied being sent by anyone to the Rong's or leaking information. When asked if she encouraged Sun Shaoqing to escape, Feng Shizhen admitted she had, explaining that as Sun Shaoqing's confidante, she sympathized with her suffering and encouraged her to seek freedom, adding that "men like you wouldn't understand."

However, she denied helping to plan the escape, contact outsiders, or send messages, stating they only discussed "A Doll's House by Ibsen and how women could be independent from their family." She pointed out that despite her best efforts to stay out of the situation, she was still implicated and even fired by Rong Dingkun. Rong Jiashang interjected, assuring her it wasn't her fault and she meant well.

Yang Xiucheng then questioned her friendship with Xiao Baoli, a well-known showgirl and aspiring movie star, wondering why a "college graduate" with a "decent job" would befriend an "escort." Feng Shizhen explained that her family was once "knee-deep in debt," leading her to consider becoming a showgirl. Xiao Baoli dissuaded her, warning that "once I got in, I could never be out," and instead introduced her to a reputable moneylender, Mr. Xiong, who offered reasonable terms.

This is how their friendship began. Feng Shizhen defended Xiao Baoli, asserting that "identity has nothing to do with friendship" and that Xiao Baoli was "an upright woman and a loyal friend." She reflected on how "one decision could change everything," acknowledging that she could have been a showgirl herself. Finally, she denied any further contact with Sun Shaoqing since her departure, expressing worry for the "simple girl" who might be vulnerable to bad people.

After the questioning, Rong Jiashang personally removed the wires from Feng Shizhen, who gently teased him for being more nervous than her, adding that some things are "better to get those things off my chest" before remarking on Jiashang's impending marriage to Miss Du. Rong Jiashang instructed Feng Shizhen to stay in her room and avoid coming out while he and Yang Xiucheng interrogated the other servants and staff, as it would be "a lot of work."

He also had Butler Zhang inform Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua to stay in their rooms. Before leaving, Rong Jiashang asked Feng Shizhen why she had asked him to dance that day. She responded with a playful "You tell me why a woman asked a man to dance." Later, Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua, ignoring Rong Jiashang's warnings, sought out Feng Shizhen, curious about the investigation. Feng Shizhen explained they were looking for a mole within the residence.

Rong Fanglin questioned why the police weren't involved, but Feng Shizhen explained it was a "sensitive matter" that Rong Dingkun wanted to keep private "for the sake of your family's image." Unable to resist her curiosity, Rong Fanglin insisted on peeking at the interrogation, and despite Fanghua's reluctance, Feng Shizhen agreed to accompany them. They observed the interrogation of a servant named Guo Dazhuang.

He initially denied sending messages for Miss Sun, stealing from the family, or having contact with Miss Sun. However, when pressed by Yang Xiucheng about how he paid for his mother's medical bills, Guo Dazhuang's composure faltered, and he tried to flee. He burst out the door, grabbing Feng Shizhen and holding a knife to her throat, declaring he wasn't a fool and knew the Rong family was ruthless.

He demanded a car with the engine running and doors open, threatening to "slit her throat" if they made any "funny business." Rong Jiashang agreed to his demands, ordering his men to drop their guns and stay back to ensure Feng Shizhen's safety. As Guo Dazhuang pushed Feng Shizhen away and prepared to get into the getaway car, Rong Jiashang quickly drove his own car into him, injuring him. A bullet grazed Feng Shizhen's neck.

Rong Jiashang immediately rushed to her side, instructing his men to get a doctor for Feng Shizhen and to stop Guo Dazhuang's bleeding while ensuring he didn't commit suicide. Inside, Rong Jiashang tended to Feng Shizhen's wound. He then sternly reprimanded Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua for leaving their rooms, pointing out that Feng Shizhen had been harmed because of their recklessness. Both girls tearfully apologized to Feng Shizhen, who comforted them and sent them back upstairs.

Feng Shizhen urged Rong Jiashang to continue his interrogation of Guo Dazhuang, suspecting him to be another "tool" planted by Meng Xu'an, and wondering if he knew her true identity. She had an unsettling thought: if Rong Jiashang were to discover her own secrets, would he "shoot me the way you just did without hesitation?" Rong Jiashang returned to interrogate Guo Dazhuang, who was feigning unconsciousness. Rong Jiashang warned him that his cooperation determined his fate.

He theorized that while Guo Dazhuang, a mere gardener, might not have stolen information, he could have been the messenger. He pressed Guo Dazhuang for the identity of the person behind him. Guo Dazhuang, despite Rong Jiashang's persistence, repeatedly pleaded ignorance and begged for mercy, mentioning his ailing mother. Yang Xiucheng suggested torture, but Rong Jiashang refused, stating it was "not my style," and ordered Guo Dazhuang to be locked up "until he wants to talk."

Later, Rong Jiashang visited Feng Shizhen, concerned about her injury. Feng Shizhen admitted she was "terrified." Rong Jiashang then confided in her that he too was deeply affected, as this very day marked the anniversary of his younger brother, Jiaxin's, death. He recounted that when he was twelve and Jiaxin was eight, they attended a church school. One day, the attendant responsible for them, who had been bribed by kidnappers, took them to a circus instead of home.

The kidnappers demanded ransom. When rescue efforts began, the kidnappers attempted to flee. They initially planned to kill Rong Jiashang (the older boy) and take Jiaxin (the younger), but Jiaxin's crying changed their minds. Tragically, Jiaxin was "stifled to death bit by bit" before Rong Jiashang's helpless eyes. Rong Jiashang admitted he believed he would have been the one to die if Jiaxin hadn't cried.

Feng Shizhen comforted him, emphasizing that the kidnappers were "evil" and "killed your brother in cold blood," and that his brother's death was not his fault. She insisted he was a victim, merely a "survivor," and there was no guilt in that. Rong Jiashang then revealed that Mrs. Rong, who was once kind to him, now "hates my guts" and blamed him for Jiaxin's death.

Relatives gossiped, and his father, Rong Dingkun, eventually "kicked me out" by sending him to military school. Feng Shizhen reassured him that he was "not alone" and that he would "get back what you've lost" in the future.

Episode 12 Recap

Rong Jiashang opened up to Feng Shizhen, recalling how his father sent him away when he was young. He told her that he used to be full of resentment but has gradually found peace. He often remembers her advice from their first class about becoming a responsible man, and he now intends to move past old injustices, focus on the future, and protect his family.

Feng Shizhen, however, was internally conflicted, knowing her true purpose was to destroy the Rong family. She realized that they were destined to become irreconcilable opponents. Despite this, she thanked Jiashang for saving her life, although he downplayed his actions, stating his captor simply released her. Feng Shizhen insisted that his presence had scared her captor, preventing him from harming her further. Suddenly, a servant rushed to Rong Jiashang, reporting a poisoning.

Rong Jiashang asked Feng Shizhen to accompany him to investigate. They arrived to find a guard dead. A fellow servant explained that the deceased, who was supposed to deliver food to Guo Dazhuang, had greedily eaten a marinated egg from the meal and died instantly. The small kitchen staff, however, vehemently denied preparing any marinated egg, stating they only sent rice and greens. Rong Jiashang ordered the deceased to be properly buried.

Witnessing this, a terrified Guo Dazhuang pleaded for his life, vowing to confess everything. Rong Jiashang remarked that a dead man could be a more effective persuader than a bullet. Guo Dazhuang confessed that he had been recruited last April by individuals who paid off his gambling debts.

His task was to retrieve intelligence from a fist-sized hole in an old locust tree by the octagonal pavilion and deliver it every two days to the Foundling Home at the east street corner. He would place the notes in old newspapers and deposit them in the drum outside the hall.

He swore he never saw the people who paid him or collected the information, explaining that payments were made at night and he intentionally avoided knowing too much to stay out of trouble. His last delivery, the day after the Mid-Autumn Festival, contained only a blank sheet of paper. He also denied any direct contact with Miss Sun, only seeing her from afar in the garden. Rong Jiashang then sought Feng Shizhen’s opinion on Guo Dazhuang's fate.

Initially, she stated he should be severely punished for betrayal, but as Guo Dazhuang desperately begged for mercy, she suggested a different approach. She proposed using Guo Dazhuang to feed false information to the other party and gather intelligence from them, calling it a "long-term plan to get something bigger." Guo Dazhuang readily agreed, mentioning he remembered the voice of the person who contacted him.

Unbeknownst to Guo Dazhuang, the poisoning incident was an elaborate ruse orchestrated by Rong Jiashang, who had arranged for the guard to fake his death by eating a poisoned marinated egg, successfully tricking Guo Dazhuang into confessing. Later, Rong Jiashang met with Yang Xiucheng to discuss their findings. Yang Xiucheng reported that his investigation only uncovered two servants guilty of corruption and theft, with no other significant breakthroughs.

Rong Jiashang, on his part, informed Yang Xiucheng that Guo Dazhuang confessed to being a spy for nearly two years but only recently transmitted a blank piece of paper, having no knowledge of the specific intelligence. Yang Xiucheng deduced that the spy was indeed within the residence and planned a thorough sweep of the staff. He then revealed that the ciphertext for the goods' new storage location, which he had written down and then burned after decoding, had been stolen.

Yang Xiucheng expressed suspicion towards Feng Shizhen, cautioning Rong Jiashang that as an outsider and someone he adored, she could be unknowingly manipulated by others. However, Rong Jiashang firmly defended Feng Shizhen, stating his unwavering trust in her. Rong Jiashang released Guo Dazhuang, placing him under surveillance. As expected, Guo Dazhuang headed directly to the Foundling Home.

Meanwhile, Meng Xu'an received a phone call confirming that Guo Dazhuang had been followed by unknown individuals, likely from the Rong family, implying his cover was blown. Meng Xu'an quickly ordered his men to rescue Guo Dazhuang from Rong Jiashang’s custody and permanently sever the Foundling Home as a contact point. He was confident that Feng Shizhen's identity remained secure as she and Guo Dazhuang were unaware of each other's roles.

Later, Rong Jiashang had the old locust tree by the octagonal pavilion cut down. Feng Shizhen, observing the activity, asked Rong Jiashang about Guo Dazhuang, learning that he had been rescued. She questioned how this happened despite the surveillance, prompting Rong Jiashang to reflect on the lack of true loyalty among the many people in the residence.

She then asked if he trusted her, to which he affirmed, and he reciprocated, asking if she trusted him, receiving her affirmative answer in return. Upon Rong Dingkun's return, Rong Jiashang provided a detailed report. He confirmed that two servants were fired for theft and an anonymous gardener admitted to transmitting messages via the old locust tree, though he didn't know the recipient, noting that Miss Sun frequently read under that particular tree.

He also reported Guo Dazhuang's rescue from the Foundling Home, which was managed by a foreigner and had a complex staff composition, making it difficult to pinpoint the culprit. Rong Dingkun, learning that some of Mrs. Rong's maternal family, the Huangs, worked at the Foundling Home, instructed Rong Jiashang to closely monitor the Huang Family. Addressing the lost goods, Rong Jiashang revealed that Generalissimo Cao was exchanging them for munitions with a European buyer at a specialized wharf.

Citing a clause in their agreement that required ten times the financial compensation or equivalent munitions if the deal failed due to their fault, Rong Jiashang proposed compensating Generalissimo Cao with equivalent munitions, deeming it the more cost-effective option. Despite Rong Dingkun's concern about procuring such a large quantity of munitions quickly, Rong Jiashang assured his father he would find a solution.

To acquire the necessary munitions, Rong Jiashang sought out Wu Yunchi at the New Metropolis Club, known for his extensive connections in Shanghai. Wu Yunchi, surprised that Rong Jiashang, who typically disdained such "copper-smelling business," would get involved, agreed to help after Rong Jiashang explained that this matter concerned his father and the survival of the Rong family, transcending his usual rebellious nature.

Meanwhile, Yang Xiucheng had replaced all the servants from Mrs. Rong's maternal family, the Huangs, sparking Mrs. Rong's anger and accusations of unfair treatment. Yang Xiucheng countered by presenting signed confessions detailing their corruption, including an assistant accountant who embezzled over a hundred silver dollars, a kitchen manager who stole the most, and even Mrs. Rong's personal maid, Ms. Liu, who sold her pearl necklaces.

Mrs. Rong, incensed, declared that Rong Dingkun owed the Huang family for his success and should be eternally grateful. Rong Jiashang then intervened, reminding her that as his father's wife, her primary loyalty should be to the Rong family. He asserted that while supporting her maternal family was acceptable, their boundless greed had led to embezzlement and the infiltration of a spy through their connections. He stated that the Rong family honored benefactors but would not tolerate betrayal.

Mrs. Rong, in a fit of rage, hurled insults at Rong Jiashang, calling him a jinx responsible for his mother's and brother's deaths. She cursed him, prophesying a future of betrayal, loneliness, and a terrible end, accusing him of being heartless and sacrificing his brother for his own preservation. Overwhelmed, Rong Jiashang left, retreating to his room.

Yang Xiucheng attempted to placate Mrs. Rong, but she remained inconsolable, continuing her furious tirade against Rong Jiashang, comparing his heartlessness to his father's. In his room, Rong Jiashang vented his frustration by smashing objects while servants gossiped outside. Feng Shizhen approached, discreetly sending the servants away, and offered him biscuits, explaining that sweets could help calm anger, a fact she'd read in a medical journal.

Rong Jiashang, though angry, tried a biscuit and admitted his deep-seated animosity with Mrs. Rong stemmed from his brother's death, an irreconcilable issue. Feng Shizhen, understanding his bottled-up emotions, shared her own experiences of fighting to survive after her family's bankruptcy, emphasizing that sometimes one had to stand strong to avoid being completely crushed.

She then offered empathy for Mrs. Rong, noting her profound loneliness, the loss of her son, and her husband's coldness, remarking that unlike others, Mrs. Rong was trapped and couldn't simply leave. Taking her words to heart, Rong Jiashang decided he would avoid arguments with Mrs. Rong in the future. Feng Shizhen, seeing his compassionate side, affirmed that he was a loyal and righteous man who protected his family, and any woman who married him would be truly happy.

Rong Dingkun decided to host a grand 20th birthday party for Rong Jiashang's Shanghai debut and asked Mrs. Rong to organize it. However, Mrs. Rong feigned illness, complaining of severe pain and a headache, refusing the task. Feng Shizhen accurately predicted that Rong Dingkun would then entrust the party planning to Rong Fanglin. True to her prediction, Butler Tian informed Rong Fanglin that Rong Dingkun had assigned her the responsibility.

Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua initially expressed nervousness about the scale, far exceeding their usual small tea gatherings, and Fanglin worried about having nothing suitable to wear, claiming "a girl always needs a new dress." However, Mrs. Rong, seeing an opportunity for her daughter, decided to personally oversee the preparations.

She instructed the staff to thoroughly clean and renovate the residence and garden, emphasizing that she would not allow anyone to "laugh at our family" and intended for Rong Fanglin to be "the most graceful lady in Shanghai." When Rong Fanglin asked Feng Shizhen to assist her, Mrs. Rong readily agreed, acknowledging Feng Shizhen's meticulousness and promising a reward for her help. Feng Shizhen graciously accepted the request.

Concubine Sun, tearful and despondent, refused to drink the snow clam and jujube soup sent by the Rong family. She felt discarded and neglected by Rong Dingkun after giving birth, lamenting that he never visited her in the hospital. She also expressed fear of Mrs. Rong, believing the "old hag" would seize any opportunity to crush her and the Sun family. Her maid, Chuntao, tried to comfort her.

When Doctor Feng Shixun arrived for his rounds, he noticed Concubine Sun's pale complexion and encouraged her to drink the soup for its nutritional benefits, reminding her to have it while hot. Concubine Sun, recalling how Doctor Feng had bravely insisted on saving both her and the baby during her life-threatening hemorrhage, felt a deep gratitude towards him. She promptly asked Chuntao to bring the soup and drank it.

Chuntao then observed Concubine Sun blushing and inquired if she felt unwell, but Concubine Sun shrugged it off. Wu Yunchi accompanied Rong Jiashang to the black market to investigate munitions transactions. They navigated through stalls offering various illicit goods, including exotic items, antiques, rare medicines, and weapons.

Their movements quickly caught the attention of the black market boss, who observed them "asking about munitions" and deduced they were "rich young men who haven't ever suffered" and were inexperienced in the complex munitions trade. Recognizing an opportunity, the boss sent an associate to approach them. The associate offered munitions, and after Rong Jiashang confirmed that price was not an issue for "good enough" goods, he presented a German-made small submachine gun.

Rong Jiashang inquired about the quantity and origin of the weapons, but the associate cited black market rules, stating that the source was irrelevant—it was a simple exchange of goods for money. He even threatened to call off the deal if they had concerns. Wu Yunchi urged Rong Jiashang to act quickly, given their urgent need. Rong Jiashang, however, insisted on inspecting the goods beforehand.

They eventually agreed to meet for the inspection the night after tomorrow at the abandoned No.11 Cargo Terminal. Feng Shizhen, Rong Fanglin, and Rong Fanghua continued with Mr. Jiashang's birthday party preparations. Rong Fanglin meticulously reviewed the guest list, adding Rong Dingkun's business associates and noting any dietary restrictions for the various guests. The three women then proceeded to taste various food and drink samples provided by the hotel, including a praised combination of grilled lamb chops and red wine.

As Feng Shizhen sampled some desserts, Rong Jiashang arrived home. He observed Feng Shizhen diligently working, feeling a warmth in his heart. However, as he approached, Feng Shizhen detected a strong smell of sulfur emanating from him.

Episode 13 Recap

Rong Jiashang returned, noticing a sulfur smell, and asked about it. Feng Shizhen then inquired about his new suit, which Rong Jiashang explained was Wu Yunchi's, borrowed because it was cold the previous day. After Rong Jiashang went upstairs, Feng Shizhen put her hand to her nose, confirming the distinct scent of sulfur.

She later requested a few days' leave from Mrs. Rong to procure flowers, fabrics, and other items for Rong Jiashang's upcoming birthday party, which Mrs. Rong readily granted, acknowledging Feng Shizhen's hard work. Rong Jiashang went to his father's study to report the findings of his black market munitions investigation. He explained that although the source was unknown and risky, it was worth taking, as they could still withdraw if issues arose.

He proposed that acquiring these munitions was the best way to compensate Generalissimo Cao, compared to paying ten times the cash. Rong Dingkun praised his son's capabilities, recalling his previous success in finding a spy, and entrusted him with the matter, instructing Yang Xiucheng to prepare the necessary funds. Feng Shizhen used her leave to secretly meet with Meng Xu'an. She expressed her suspicion that Rong Jiashang was involved in munitions, having smelled gunpowder on him.

She reasoned that this must be related to Rong Dingkun needing to compensate Generalissimo Cao for the lost batch of goods. Meng Xu'an agreed, instructing her to keep a close eye on Rong Jiashang and assigning Wen to assist her near the Rong Residence. Feng Shizhen observed Rong Jiashang's busy schedule, seeing him leave early and return late. One day, she and Wen discreetly followed him to an abandoned warehouse, Warehouse No. 11.

Inside, Feng Shizhen discovered that the munitions were defective; they had all been soaked in water. Realizing the danger, she immediately sent Wen back to report to Meng Xu'an. Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang and Zhao Hua'an arrived at the warehouse with cash. The black market leader led them to inspect the goods, insisting on payment before a thorough inspection. Rong Jiashang, however, adhered to the rule of inspecting first, then paying.

He picked up a gun to test it and quickly realized the munitions were water-damaged. The black market leader, enraged, pulled out a gun and attacked Rong Jiashang. A fierce gunfight erupted. Seeing the overwhelming firepower of their opponents, Zhao Hua'an covered Rong Jiashang's retreat with the money, taking a bullet in the process. The black market leader pursued Rong Jiashang relentlessly. Hidden in the shadows, Feng Shizhen intervened to cover Rong Jiashang's escape.

As he got away, Rong Jiashang noticed and picked up a button from the ground. Rong Jiashang and Zhao Hua'an reported back to Rong Dingkun, explaining that the black market leader had intended to defraud them from the start, as the munitions were inferior and water-damaged. While disappointed, Rong Dingkun was relieved they hadn't lost the money, stating that he would have to learn from this experience.

With no other viable options, Rong Dingkun decided to pay Generalissimo Cao in cash. He instructed Yang Xiucheng to collect the money from the Rong family's opium dens and teahouses, and Rong Jiashang was to assist him in calculating the outstanding amount. Concubine Sun, recovering in the hospital, was visited by Feng Shixun. She thanked him for saving her and her baby's lives and apologized for her previous mistreatment of Feng Shizhen.

She extended an invitation from Rong Dingkun for Feng Shixun to attend Rong Jiashang's 20th birthday party at the Rong Residence. Feng Shixun accepted, and recommended that books and stationery would be a suitable gift, as Rong Jiashang was currently studying with his sister. He spoke fondly of Feng Shizhen, lamenting that he wasn't there when a fire destroyed their family home and she had to shoulder the burden alone.

Concubine Sun seemed to recognize the incident and knew it was Rong Dingkun's doing. On a weekend, Feng Shizhen accompanied her parents to a tailor shop. Her mother mentioned seeing a marriage advertisement in a newspaper and expressed her eagerness for Feng Shizhen to find a good husband. While there, Feng Shizhen asked the tailor to replace a lost button on her windbreaker. Suddenly, her father disappeared from the shop.

Feng Shizhen's mother worried that he might have gone to an opium den, as he was struggling with addiction after suffering severe burns in the fire. Feng Shizhen rushed out to search for him. Coincidentally, Rong Jiashang was collecting money from an opium den nearby. He spotted Feng Shizhen and her mother searching frantically and offered his help. He found Feng's father in a nearby opium den. Feng Shizhen confronted her father, confiscating his opium pipe despite his desperate pleas.

Rong Jiashang intervened to calm the situation, then drove Feng Shizhen and her parents home. Back home, Feng Shizhen administered a downer to her father to help him calm down. Her mother, heartbroken, reiterated that her father would not have turned to opium if not for the devastating fire. Feng Shizhen, deeply troubled, left the house, with Rong Jiashang following close behind.

He expressed his shock at discovering Feng's father's opium addiction and apologized, assuring Feng Shizhen that he was unaware of the Rong family's involvement in the opium business. Feng Shizhen accepted his apology, emphasizing that her distress stemmed from the devastating impact of opium, which she had witnessed firsthand causing homelessness and family ruin. She recounted a past experience of seeing bodies of opium addicts, left to decay in the wilderness after freezing to death.

She lamented how opium, like a cancer, was consuming society, threatening the very fabric of the nation. Rong Jiashang pledged to remember her words. Days later, Rong Jiashang informed Rong Dingkun that, after reviewing all the account books from their opium dens, it would take at least another month to raise enough cash to pay Generalissimo Cao. With only three days until the deadline, Rong Dingkun was desperate.

Rong Jiashang suggested offering the opium dens as compensation, but Rong Dingkun furiously refused, calling him a traitor. He vehemently stated that the opium dens were a highly profitable asset that he would not surrender unless absolutely necessary, and ordered Rong Jiashang to leave. Later, Rong Jiashang met Wu Yunchi for coffee. He mentioned that Wu Yunchi had a cousin who worked in the government and was friendly with Yang Xiucheng. Rong Jiashang asked Wu Yunchi for a favor.

Wu Yunchi then subtly relayed to Yang Xiucheng that he had heard a rumor from his cousin: the government was planning to tighten control over opium dens in the next month or two, revoke private operating licenses, and impose severe penalties, including imprisonment, for violations. Yang Xiucheng believed this information, given its source and past reliability.

Generalissimo Cao called Rong Dingkun, rejecting his request for a month's extension and reminding him that tomorrow was the final deadline, threatening severe consequences otherwise. Immediately after this call, Yang Xiucheng reported to Rong Dingkun about the rumor of the government taking over opium dens. Rong Dingkun, realizing the potential advantage, instructed Yang Xiucheng to keep the news under wraps for now. He planned to call the mayor's office tomorrow to verify the information himself.

Rong Jiashang, having learned of his father's plan from Yang Xiucheng, called Du Lanxin that very night. He asked her to spread false information to prevent his father from reaching the mayor. Du Lanxin initially demurred, claiming she couldn't influence the mayor. However, she eventually agreed to ensure that Rong Dingkun's call to the mayor's office would not go through, reminding Rong Jiashang that he would owe her a significant favor. Rong Jiashang readily agreed.

Episode 14 Recap

Rong Dingkun repeatedly attempted to reach the mayor by phone early in the morning, but his calls failed to connect. This was due to Du Lanxin's prior intervention; she had bribed someone close to the mayor to ensure his phone would remain unreachable.

Du Lanxin, speaking with her contact, initially stated, "Looks like I came to the wrong person" (implying she couldn't directly influence the mayor), but then confirmed her ability to prevent the call from going through, saying, "Although I can't control the mayor, I can make sure this call doesn't go through. That's enough. I helped you, you owe me a big favor. You'll have to repay it in the future." Her contact agreed.

Feng Shizhen was preparing to take a rickshaw to a winery for a wine tasting. Rong Jiashang appeared and offered to drive her instead. Feng Shizhen observed his cheerful demeanor, but he offered no explanation for his mood. She asked why he, being so busy, had time to accompany her, to which he replied that he always had time for her if she needed him.

Feng Shizhen then playfully accused him, saying, "Haven't seen you in a few days, you've learned quite a bit of Mr. Wu's sweet talk." Feng Shizhen suggested that the winery could send samples for selection, but Rong Jiashang preferred to go himself, believing it was better to choose the wine in person than to rely on the winery to send only the most expensive options.

Feng Shizhen light-heartedly told him to "just have a taste and definitely don't get drunk," to which he replied, "Don't worry." Meanwhile, Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua were at a department store, admiring a pair of kitten heels. They decided the shoes, with their three-centimeter heels, were perfect for dancing and agreed to try them on. Rong Fanglin offered to buy both pairs for her sister if she liked them, as their mother had provided them with ample spending money.

As the sales assistant was about to finalize their purchase, another lady intervened, demanding the shoes despite having previously dismissed them for having low heels. The sales assistant explained that the sisters had already decided to buy them. The lady rudely insisted, telling Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua to give up one pair since they didn't need two.

Rong Fanglin firmly refused, asserting their right to purchase both pairs as they liked them and could afford them, emphasizing that buying was "first come, first served." The lady then physically pushed Rong Fanghua. A Japanese girl, witnessing the scene, quickly intervened to assist Rong Fanghua, asking if she was startled. Rong Fanglin thanked her for her help. Noticing the girl's Japanese origin, Rong Fanglin complimented her fluent Chinese, which the girl attributed to being born and raised in China.

Rong Fanglin then admired the girl's kimono, prompting the Japanese girl to invite them to her newly opened kimono counter nearby. The girl mentioned she had just moved to Shanghai and had no friends, expressing her joy at meeting them. In return, Rong Fanglin invited the Japanese girl to Rong Jiashang's upcoming birthday celebration, an invitation the girl gladly accepted, saying it would be her "honor."

As they drove, Rong Jiashang suddenly stopped the car and instructed Feng Shizhen to get out and walk the remaining distance to the winery, stating it was just ahead. Feng Shizhen sensed his unusual demeanor and pressed him about what was wrong. He initially tried to dismiss her, telling her to go on, but she insisted.

Rong Jiashang then revealed that the car had been tampered with, and he suspected a bomb had been planted, which activated when he pressed the brake. He urged her to leave quickly, not wanting to put her in danger. However, Feng Shizhen refused to abandon him and demanded to know how she could help. Rong Jiashang instructed Feng Shizhen to open the car's hood, where she discovered a timed bomb with only ten minutes remaining on its clock.

Rong Jiashang immediately recognized it as a sophisticated "double-setting" device, explaining that the detonator wire was tied to the brake line, designed to trap the driver. He stated that removing his foot from the brake pedal or stalling the engine during a swap would instantly detonate the bomb. Feng Shizhen, refusing to panic, reassured him that there must be a solution since he had seen such bombs before.

Rong Jiashang mentioned his military academy friend, Yun Chi, was a bomb disposal expert, prompting Feng Shizhen to offer to go find him, but Rong Jiashang quickly stated there was no time. Feng Shizhen then attempted to use a large stone to hold down the brake pedal, but it didn't fit or provide enough pressure. When Rong Jiashang urged her to leave, she insisted on finding another way and asked him to guide her.

He directed her to the tools in the back of the car. With the tools in hand, Feng Shizhen, under Rong Jiashang's precise instructions, cut a series of wires: first the blue, then the purple, and then the pink. When they reached the final step, she found two red wires. Rong Jiashang admitted he didn't know which one was correct, leaving them with a fifty-fifty chance.

Taking a deep breath, Feng Shizhen made the brave decision to cut one of the red wires. The bomb was successfully disarmed just as the timer approached zero, saving Rong Jiashang. Feng Shizhen, visibly shaken by the ordeal, received Rong Jiashang's heartfelt thanks for saving his life once more. The day marked Generalissimo Cao's deadline for Rong Dingkun.

Rong Dingkun frantically tried to contact the mayor, unaware that Yang Xiucheng had already visited City Hall and found the mayor's office empty all day. Generalissimo Cao then called Rong Dingkun, asking if he enjoyed the "surprise gift"—the bomb in his son's car. He clarified that he had not intended to kill Rong Jiashang, but merely to deliver a warning.

Generalissimo Cao sternly reminded Rong Dingkun that only a few hours remained until sunset, after which he could not guarantee what other "surprises" might befall Rong Dingkun and his son if the payment wasn't made. Desperate, Rong Dingkun pleaded for more time, explaining he couldn't gather such a large amount of cash on short notice. He then offered his opium den as compensation, an offer Generalissimo Cao readily accepted, stating "That is excellent."

Rong Dingkun agreed to transfer the opium den immediately. Upon Rong Jiashang's safe return, Rong Dingkun, relieved, announced his decision to place his son in charge of the Rong Family Merchant Firm, acknowledging Rong Jiashang's youth and inexperience but promising personal mentorship. Rong Jiashang questioned this sudden change, pointing out Yang Xiucheng's competence.

Rong Dingkun retorted that as his son and heir, he could not entrust the family business to an "outsider," emphasizing his role in paving the way for Rong Jiashang. He then declared that Rong Jiashang's marriage to Du Lanxin was now a priority. He elaborated on the dire financial state of the company, which had been exacerbated by losing the opium den to Generalissimo Cao and failing to secure a crucial shipping route.

Stressed by the urgent need for capital, Rong Dingkun presented the prenuptial agreement from the Du family, explaining that signing it would immediately secure a much-needed loan. Rong Jiashang reviewed the document, reading aloud a clause stating that if Du Lanxin bore no sons, her dowry would pass to her daughters, and if she remained childless, the Du family could reclaim it. He remarked sarcastically that it "sounds very reasonable."

Rong Dingkun dismissed his son's reservations, framing marriage as a mere "business transaction" where a contract ensured that lawyers, not the couple, would handle future disputes. He urged Rong Jiashang to sign, but his son firmly refused. Realizing Feng Shizhen was the reason for his defiance, Rong Dingkun warned him against letting emotions cloud his judgment and threatened to ensure Rong Jiashang would "never see her again."

In the courtyard, Feng Shizhen helped Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua decorate with balloons. Rong Jiashang, visibly troubled, joined them. Rong Fanglin eagerly recounted meeting a Japanese girl, Miss Hashimoto, at the department store who invited them hunting at her new large estate. She added that she had already invited Miss Hashimoto to Rong Jiashang's upcoming birthday party, assuring him he would find her lovely.

Rong Jiashang reacted with contempt, calling the girl a "glib Japanese woman" and launching into an angry tirade about Japanese people buying land and building factories, growing opium in the Northeast, and exploiting Chinese workers, predicting they had "wolfish ambitions" and would cause "greater trouble." Feng Shizhen calmly retorted, asking if his own father wasn't "birds of a feather" with them. Annoyed, Rong Jiashang decided to return to work. Later, Rong Jiashang met Du Lanxin at a café.

She inquired about his recent car incident, to which he replied it was a "false alarm" and thanked her for her help in "disconnecting the phone" (referring to the mayor's call). Du Lanxin then questioned why he hadn't signed their prenuptial agreement. She highlighted his family's financial difficulties and reiterated her offer of banking support, suggesting it was a pragmatic "shortcut" to solve his problems and gain a strong marital alliance, asking, "Why not kill two birds with one stone?"

Rong Jiashang, however, insisted he would find his own solutions and refused to "sell his marriage," saying, "Not taking a shortcut is not a smart person's way." He asked why she was so keen on marrying him, and she frankly stated he was her "optimal choice." He remarked that she seemed "more of a businesswoman" than him, capable of treating marriage as a transaction, which he found "truly admirable."

Twice rejected, Du Lanxin directly confronted him, asking if his refusal was due to Feng Shizhen, and if he intended to make a mere "governess" the "legitimate Mrs. Rong." Rong Jiashang dismissed her remarks as "meddling" and turned to leave. Just then, Yang Xiucheng arrived and suggested Du Lanxin accompany him to a newly opened French perfume shop at Yongan Department Store, which she readily agreed to, pulling a reluctant Rong Jiashang along.

Yu Zhihui returned home with her luggage, only to find her room occupied by her nieces. She complained to her mother, accusing her of trying to kick her out since she had started living on campus. Her mother explained that Yu Zhihui's brother had just made an investment in a supposedly "lucrative business," guaranteeing it would make big money, and planned to buy a house and move out once he earned enough.

Yu Zhihui was cynical, reminding her mother of her brother's history of failed investments that only led to more family losses, noting that her tuition had to be paid by her aunt. Her mother then pulled her aside, strongly encouraging her to "hurry up" with Yang Xiucheng, fearing that he might not even marry her if she continued to delay. Yu Zhihui admitted she had previously turned down Yang Xiucheng's proposal, hoping to find "someone better."

However, her mother countered that Yang Xiucheng, a manager at Rong Company earning over a thousand yuan annually, was already considered "a highly sought-after eligible bachelor" in most people's eyes. Rong Jiashang arrived at the Rong Family Merchant Firm for his first day as the new general manager. Yang Xiucheng introduced him to the various assistant managers, explaining that Rong Dingkun wanted him to familiarize himself with their respective duties before taking over the firm's business.

Some older managers, including Mr. Liu and Mr. Xie, asserted their seniority, with one reminding Rong Jiashang of his childhood visits to the company and suggesting he should address them as "uncle." Others, however, expressed resentment, implying Rong Jiashang didn't "put them, old veterans, in his eyes" and warning him not to disrespect "old veterans" whose contributions were vital to the company's success, lest he "fall hard."

Rong Jiashang thanked them for the "heads-up" and expressed his eagerness to discuss work with the other assistant managers, whom Yang Xiucheng introduced as capable "backbones" promoted from the grassroots for their excellent performance. Yang Xiucheng then led Rong Jiashang to his new, dedicated office. There, he outlined the company's operations, explaining that assistant managers were each responsible for a specific business, primarily "shipping, tea, spices, and silk" trade, with recent expansions into "real estate, shopping malls, and stores."

He presented him with the "account books and documents" for each project, suggesting they would offer a comprehensive overview of the company's activities. Rong Jiashang, suspecting undisclosed illicit operations, pressed Yang Xiucheng for more information. He specifically referenced their previous visit to a teahouse that was clearly collecting money for opium, and recalled that their recent troubles with Generalissimo Cao originated from helping him smuggle antiques.

He demanded to know if there were any other businesses Yang Xiucheng had "left out." Yang Xiucheng, however, dodged the questions, claiming Rong Dingkun had only authorized him to disclose "company-related information" and that for anything else, he merely followed "Uncle's orders." After work, Rong Jiashang offered to buy Yang Xiucheng dinner, but Yang Xiucheng declined, stating he had plans to dine at Yu Zhihui's house, as she had just returned.

At her doorstep, Yu Zhihui apologized to Yang Xiucheng for a past misunderstanding, assuring him she hadn't seen the person she was previously pressured to meet. Yang Xiucheng brushed off her apology, and then presented her with a new pair of leather shoes to wear at Rong Jiashang's upcoming birthday party. Confident they would fit, Yu Zhihui invited him inside. Once indoors, she quietly proposed marriage to him.

Her mother and sister-in-law warmly welcomed Yang Xiucheng for dinner, and during the meal, Yu Zhihui's mother directly asked about his intentions with her daughter, suggesting they arrange a meeting with his parents in "a few days" to finalize the wedding. Yang Xiucheng expressed that it felt "too rushed."

Yu Zhihui's older brother seized this opportunity, accusing Yang Xiucheng of not wanting to marry his sister and then aggressively demanded a substantial dowry, stating, "The bride price must be at least this much, otherwise, don't even talk about it." He further threatened that if Yang Xiucheng refused, a loan shark named Old Liu was eager to marry Yu Zhihui, even promising to divorce his current wife and make a public announcement in the newspapers, an "open and legitimate marriage."

Yu Zhihui attempted to calm her brother, explaining he was drunk. Yang Xiucheng then directly asked the brother about his debts, to which the brother admitted to owing five thousand yuan, which would be cleared if Yu Zhihui married Old Liu. Shortly after, Yang Xiucheng handed a stack of money to the family, then, citing urgent business from Rong Dingkun, made a hasty departure, leaving Yu Zhihui's mother surprised by his sudden exit.

After careful consideration and facing immense pressure, Rong Jiashang reluctantly signed the prenuptial agreement. Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua left for a fashion company to try on their custom-made dancing dresses, entrusting Feng Shizhen to oversee the remaining decorations in the courtyard. Soon after, Yu Zhihui arrived with a jar of homemade orange marmalade for Mrs. Rong, as her mother knew it was her aunt's favorite. Feng Shizhen informed her that Mrs. Rong was out but invited her to wait.

While waiting, Yu Zhihui commented on the beautiful decorations and fondly recalled her childhood, mentioning that she lived at the Rong household for a year when she was twelve, a period she considered "the most unforgettable time of my life." She reminisced about playing on the handrail of the stairs with Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua, whom she said used to follow her everywhere as she was a few years older.

Yu Zhihui then asked Feng Shizhen if she had seen Yang Xiucheng recently, confiding her fear that he might "not want to see me again" because she believed she had offended him. Feng Shizhen tried to console her, suggesting that Yang Xiucheng was likely preoccupied with work, much like Rong Jiashang. She encouraged Yu Zhihui to attend Rong Jiashang's upcoming birthday party looking her best, believing it would make Yang Xiucheng "feel truly regretful" for neglecting her.

Yu Zhihui, though appreciative of the comfort, expressed concern about wearing "an old dance dress" and hoped "no one will laugh at me," to which Feng Shizhen reassuringly replied, "Who would laugh at you?"

Episode 15 Recap

Feng Shizhen encouraged Yu Zhihui to attend Rong Jiashang's upcoming birthday party looking her best, suggesting it would make Yang Xiucheng regret his recent coldness. Zhihui expressed concern about her old gown, fearing she would be laughed at. Rong Dingkun overheard their conversation and remarked on how much Zhihui had grown.

Learning of her concern about her dress disgracing him, he suggested she select a suitable dress from the many clothes left behind by Sun Shaoqing, which were originally intended for donation to the church. He noted that Sun Shaoqing had many unworn gowns as she did not enjoy dancing. Zhihui gratefully accepted and asked Feng Shizhen to accompany her, to which Feng Shizhen agreed.

Accompanying Zhihui to Sun Shaoqing's room, Feng Shizhen listened as Zhihui wondered why Miss Sun, who had lived a comfortable life, still chose to run away. Feng Shizhen speculated that Miss Sun might have simply desired freedom more. Zhihui selected a French dress that Feng Shizhen recalled Miss Sun frequently wore, finding it quite suitable for herself. Shortly after, Mrs. Rong returned home with Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua.

Zhihui presented Mrs. Rong with orange jam from her mother and explained how Rong Dingkun had offered her a dress from Sun Shaoqing’s collection for the upcoming birthday celebration. Mrs. Rong expressed regret for her oversight and then gifted Zhihui a pair of earrings.

She confided in Zhihui, bitterly complaining about her unsupportive maternal family, the Huangs, who disregarded her once they perceived her influence in the Rong household waning, lamenting that only Zhihui and her mother truly cared for her. Hearing about Zhihui's quarrel with Yang Xiucheng, Mrs. Rong assured her that if Yang Xiucheng remained cold, she would introduce her to several eligible young men at the party.

Concubine Sun returned home from the hospital with her infant son, much to Mrs. Rong’s annoyance, as she was still within her confinement period. Concubine Sun immediately began issuing orders to the servants, demanding a hot water bottle, hot tea, and that her room's furniture be sterilized three times for her delicate son. Mrs. Rong chastised her, suggesting she should have remained at the hospital where she could receive better care without disrupting the family's preparations for Jiashang’s birthday.

Concubine Sun offered a curt, sarcastic apology before retreating to her room with the baby. Later, Concubine Sun visited Feng Shizhen, announcing that since Feng Shizhen’s brother had cared for her at the hospital, they should now consider themselves sisters. She then presented Feng Shizhen with a new gown for Jiashang’s birthday party. Despite Feng Shizhen’s protests about its value, Concubine Sun insisted, offering to take her to choose accompanying jewelry from the many pieces Rong Dingkun had given her.

Feng Shizhen reluctantly accepted the dress as a loan, promising to return it cleaned after the event, but politely declined the jewelry. Unbeknownst to Feng Shizhen, Rong Jiashang later left a bottle of perfume outside her door, accompanied by a note stating he found its aroma suited her and expressed gratitude for her efforts with his birthday party. On Rong Jiashang's birthday, the family gathered for a photograph.

Concubine Sun arrived late with her baby, prompting Rong Dingkun to take the infant for the family portrait. As the birthday party commenced, esteemed guests and family friends streamed in, greeted by Rong Dingkun, Mrs. Rong, and Rong Jiashang. Yu Zhihui made a stunning entrance in her new dress, which Rong Dingkun praised as looking custom-made. She wished Jiashang a happy birthday, then scanned the room for Yang Xiucheng.

Feng Shizhen descended the stairs, wearing the elegant gown and perfume gifted by Rong Jiashang, instantly captivating him. She presented him with a sextant, explaining that ancient navigators used it to find their way. She drew a parallel between sailing the seas and his dream of becoming a pilot, soaring through the "sea of clouds," and expressed her heartfelt wish for him to bravely pursue his ambition to be a "free and fearless pilot."

Just as Rong Jiashang was about to respond, Rong Fanglin interrupted, introducing him to Shiori Hashimoto. Shiori Hashimoto immediately recognized Rong Jiashang, affectionately calling him "Jiashang" and embracing him, which left him visibly stunned. She expressed surprise at his current name, "Mr. Rong," recalling him as "Mr. Tang" from their time in Chongqing. Rong Fanglin clarified that Jiashang had used their maternal uncle's surname for safety while studying there.

Shiori then revealed to the sisters that Jiashang was the mysterious young man she had often mentioned, who used to listen to her play the piano. Apologizing for her emotional outburst, Shiori explained that her father was a Japanese merchant, and after Jiashang's departure from Chongqing, she and her brother were taken to Tokyo where their Japanese identity was restored.

She spoke of her long, fruitless search for him and recalled her parting words that they would meet again if destined, marveling at their unexpected reunion. Du Lanxin then approached, complimenting Feng Shizhen's appearance before being introduced to Miss Hashimoto. Shortly after, Du Lanxin subtly drew Jiashang away to greet her father and brother, pointedly reminding him not to announce their engagement in front of his "new girl and ex-girlfriend" at the party. Jiashang, excusing himself, reluctantly followed.

Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua discussed the situation, noting that Du Lanxin, the second daughter of Fumin Bank's owner, was Jiashang's current girlfriend. Feng Shixun found Feng Shizhen on the second floor, observing the guests. He inquired about her new dress, and she explained that Concubine Sun, whose attitude had become unexpectedly warm since her discharge from the hospital, had given it to her.

Feng Shizhen playfully asked if Shixun, a doctor, had given Concubine Sun some "elixir," to which he simply replied that he had exercised "medical benevolence" as she was just his patient. Reminiscing about their childhood, Feng Shizhen recalled listening to the radio and dancing in their yard. Shixun then promised that once he earned enough money, he would commission the most beautiful dress for her, so she would never again need to borrow one.

Feng Shizhen continued to observe Rong Dingkun's interactions. Shixun joined her, commenting on Rong Dingkun's close dealings with the Japanese, whose increasing activities in the Northeast revealed their considerable ambition. He branded Rong Dingkun and his Japanese associates as "birds of the same feather" and "partners in crime." Feng Shizhen noted that Shixun's sentiment echoed one expressed by Rong Jiashang, which Shixun found hard to believe, thinking Jiashang wouldn't speak so negatively about his own family.

As Rong Dingkun prepared to deliver his speech, Meng Xu'an, the chairman of Yongli Bank, made an unexpected entrance to congratulate Jiashang. His arrival sent a wave of surprise through the guests, who buzzed about Yongli Bank's recent rise as a powerful private institution with foreign backing. Rong Dingkun and Mrs. Rong's faces instantly fell, revealing deep alarm, and Zhao Huaan stood ready, his hand on his gun.

Unbeknownst to most, Meng Xu'an had anticipated this moment, having previously expressed a keen interest in witnessing Rong Dingkun's reaction upon their reunion. Meng Xu'an greeted Rong Dingkun, urging him to proceed with his speech. Rong Dingkun, regaining his composure, welcomed him as an old friend and promised to "reminisce" later, ordering a drink for Meng Xu'an. Whispers among the guests suggested a deep-seated animosity, even a "blood feud," between the two families.

Rong Dingkun delivered a brief speech, explaining that the party was to celebrate Jiashang's twentieth birthday, making up for a lack of celebration on his eighteenth due to his schooling. He expressed his hope for Jiashang to become an upright, filial, and honorable man who would bring glory to their family and nation. Rong Jiashang then took the stage, thanking everyone and wishing them an enjoyable evening before ceremoniously opening a bottle of champagne.

Noticing his father and Meng Xu'an retire to the study, Rong Jiashang questioned Ms. Chen about the history between them, particularly his mother’s evident displeasure. Ms. Chen reluctantly disclosed that over a decade ago, while Mrs. Rong was pregnant with Jiashang's brother, Rong Dingkun had an affair with Meng Qingzhi, Meng Xu'an's sister. This affair had led to Rong Dingkun neglecting his family for months, infuriating his pregnant wife, who eventually confronted Meng Qingzhi.

Meng Qingzhi, advocating for "free love," refused to leave Rong Dingkun; ultimately, a later event caused Miss Meng to leave in anger. Ms. Chen confirmed that the Meng boss upstairs was Meng Qingzhi's younger brother. Jiashang understood it was an old romantic entanglement. Elsewhere, Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua discussed the unexpected revelation of Shiori Hashimoto being Jiashang's former girlfriend from Chongqing, acknowledging the awkwardness with Du Lanxin also present, but resolving to be polite hosts.

In the study, Meng Xu'an and Rong Dingkun faced each other. Meng Xu'an, while inviting Rong Dingkun to sit, subtly reminded him of his current vulnerability within his own home amidst numerous guests. Rong Dingkun, expressing surprise at Meng Xu'an’s success with Yongli Bank, commented on his "low profile."

Meng Xu'an responded modestly, asserting that while his family was no longer as glorious, "a lean camel is still bigger than a horse," implying their enduring power, and then subtly complimented Rong Dingkun's current prosperity. Rong Dingkun then feigned remorse over Meng Qingzhi, claiming he often thought of her but lacked the courage to inquire about her whereabouts, unaware of her early demise.

Meng Xu'an, however, dismissed this as insincere, revealing that Meng Qingzhi had died in San Francisco shortly after their family emigrated, having succumbed to illness after struggling for half a year, and that she had passed peacefully without ever mentioning Rong Dingkun again. Meng Xu'an then sharply highlighted Rong Dingkun’s past "courage" in tricking his sister into smoking opium.

He then demanded the return of the Gold Kylin, a family heirloom he claimed Rong Dingkun had "swindled" from Meng Qingzhi, stressing its importance over mere wealth. Rong Dingkun claimed Meng Qingzhi had gifted it to him during his financial struggles, and he had sold it to pay debts, only to later seek its recovery as his fortunes improved. Meng Xu'an rejected this narrative, stating his sister had confirmed it was stolen, and unequivocally demanded its return.

Rong Dingkun, agreeing, promised to deploy more resources to find it. Meng Xu'an’s demeanor hardened as he escalated his accusations, revealing his profound determination. He accused Rong Dingkun of orchestrating the murder of his first wife and their two children in Bailiu Town twenty years prior, all to facilitate his marriage to the literary Miss Tang. He ominously pondered how Jiashang’s elder brother, if alive, would have resembled him.

Rong Dingkun vehemently denied the accusations, calling them baseless and asserting that while he might not be a good man, he would never commit such atrocities, citing the proverb "A tiger doesn't eat its cubs." Meng Xu'an countered that Rong Dingkun knew the truth in his heart.

Finally, Meng Xu'an threatened to expose Rong Dingkun as a "devil" and "murderer" to the public, questioning who would maintain close ties or seek marital alliance with such a ruthless individual, and highlighting the unique ruthlessness of killing his own family for ambition. Rong Dingkun then asked if Meng Xu'an had come to avenge his sister.

Episode 16 Recap

Meng Xu'an continued his tense conversation with Rong Dingkun, asserting, "Even a tiger won't eat its cubs. By then, Mr. Rong, you'll know that the dirty water on you cannot be washed clean simply by killing all witnesses. Who would be intimate friends with someone that killed his wife and children? And who would be willing to become his relatives by marriage?" He further remarked on Rong Dingkun's ruthlessness being "truly unique through the ages."

When Rong Dingkun asked if he came to avenge his sister, Meng Xu'an clarified, "I'm here to let your family reunite." After their exchange, Meng Xu'an opened the door, smiled at Rong Dingkun in front of the waiting servants, and then departed. Meanwhile, Mrs. Rong confronted Concubine Sun in the main hall, telling her she was not welcome at the birthday banquet because "today came are all lawful wives," implying Concubine Sun's status as a concubine was inappropriate.

When Concubine Sun questioned if she couldn't attend Young Master Jiashang's birthday, Mrs. Rong offered to publicly introduce her as "a concubine of the Rong family," prompting Concubine Sun to leave in displeasure. Yu Zhihui approached Mrs. Rong, complimenting her emerald necklace. Mrs. Rong, pleased, asked about Yang Xiucheng's whereabouts and, remarking that "men are the same, eating from the bowl while looking at the pot," promised to find Yu Zhihui a "better man today."

Mrs. Rong then introduced young talents to Yu Zhihui, and Yu Zhihui chatted happily with them. Rong Fanglin confided in Feng Shizhen about Yu Zhihui, criticizing her for being "busy joking with Secretary Chen's son" and "flirts with men all the time" despite appearing demure in front of Yang Xiucheng. Feng Shizhen suggested Yang Xiucheng was an assertive man capable of making his own decisions.

Rong Fanglin then gossiped about Shiori Hashimoto, revealing she was Rong Jiashang's former girlfriend in Chongqing, both having used fake names, and noted the awkwardness now that Jiashang had a fiancée, Du Lanxin. Feng Shizhen inquired about Rong Jiashang's feelings, and Rong Fanglin claimed he "doesn't care about it," as he would "always live in ease and comfort" with either woman. Back in his study, Rong Dingkun took out Meng Qingzhi's photo, recalling past events.

He then ordered Yang Xiucheng to investigate Meng Xu'an and Yongli Bank. Yang Xiucheng reported that Yongli Bank, established two years prior, had strong ties to both government and gangs but no negative publicity, and had previously rejected his loan application. Realizing Meng Xu'an was the bank's hidden owner, Rong Dingkun concluded that Meng Xu'an was "not easy to deal with" and instructed Yang Xiucheng to closely monitor him.

Later, Meng Xu'an approached Feng Shizhen, assuring her that Guo Dazhuang's issue was resolved and her identity was safe. He mentioned that Rong Jiashang's persistent investigation into the Foundling Home had cost him "a few able men." As Rong Jiashang approached, Meng Xu'an asked Feng Shizhen about her favorite books. She mentioned Western adventure and detective novels.

Meng Xu'an then discussed Agatha Christie, offering her a first edition, a topic Rong Jiashang also demonstrated knowledge of, noting the author's relative obscurity. Feng Shizhen politely declined the valuable book. Meng Xu'an then reflected on how Rong Dingkun had expanded the family business from a "small Western-style building" to its current empire, suggesting to Rong Jiashang that managing such a vast responsibility alone must be difficult and that "it might be better if you have a brother."

Rong Jiashang countered, reminding Meng Xu'an that he too had built his business without siblings and questioned if Meng Xu'an thought his abilities were inferior. Meng Xu'an quickly clarified, "No, no, no, that's not what I mean, please don't misunderstand. Don't look down on the poor young man. It's too early to tell. I'm very optimistic about you. I look forward to your performance." Du Lanxin then joined them, teasing the men for their chatter.

Meng Xu'an seized the opportunity to invite her to dance, which she accepted. Rong Jiashang pulled Feng Shizhen aside, warning her to "stay away" from Meng Xu'an because "he isn't a friend" and has old grudges with the Rong family, advising her "lest you get involved in these affairs." Feng Shizhen retorted, "It's too late," and questioned him about Shiori Hashimoto. Rong Jiashang insisted, "she's not mine," but Feng Shizhen pointed out that "she seems to care about you."

Despite Rong Jiashang's attempts to explain his relationship with Shiori Hashimoto, Feng Shizhen remained unconvinced, saying, "You sent her flowers because you liked her. You sent me flowers to apologize. Don't worry, I won't misunderstand." The ball began, and Rong Jiashang invited Feng Shizhen to dance. He persisted in asking why she had invited him to dance at the New Metropolis Club previously. She retorted, "Why are you still thinking about this?"

He insisted, "For me, it was more than a dance." During the partner swap, Shiori Hashimoto actively approached Rong Jiashang, while Feng Shizhen danced with Meng Xu'an. Meng Xu'an noted Feng Shizhen's happy demeanor with Rong Jiashang, to which she replied that she had to respond to him for him to confide in her, remarking, "The fish is almost hooked."

Meng Xu'an then cautioned her, "Don't let the fish drag you into the water," reminding her of her true purpose in the Rong family. Feng Shizhen assured him, "Mr. Qi, don't worry, I know my limits and won't delay our plan." Meng Xu'an urged her to remember "why you entered the Rong family in the first place" and to consider her father to "sober you up."

He highlighted the class disparity, stating, "Rong Jiashang is the son of a wealthy family in Shanghai. But you. . . and I am just a poor governess." Feng Shizhen firmly replied, "I know my own status, I'm clear about it. I don't need you to keep reminding me." Meng Xu'an complimented her "stubborn, yet you have to yield" demeanor. He also noted Rong Dingkun's consistent taste in women but his apparent dislike for Feng Shizhen.

Feng Shizhen replied that if his son liked her, the father's opinion was "not that important." Feng Shizhen then danced with Yang Xiucheng, who discreetly questioned her about her conversation with Meng Xu'an. She artfully evaded by claiming Meng Xu'an only asked "some ordinary stuff" about her teaching and her interactions with the Rong family, dismissing him as "a slick guy" she didn't want to talk to.

She then subtly steered the conversation to Yu Zhihui, mentioning Yu Zhihui's feelings for Yang Xiucheng and the dress she borrowed from Mrs. Rong, which Master Rong (Rong Dingkun) had given to Mrs. Rong. Feng Shizhen suggested that Yang Xiucheng and Yu Zhihui were a "perfect match" and should "actively maintain" their "fate." Next, Feng Shizhen danced with Wu Yunchi. He praised her beauty, stating she was like "a different person."

Feng Shizhen replied that her beauty was "only for one night," and she would "change back to myself" after midnight. Wu Yunchi then commented that she didn't "look like you will be poor forever," and tried to flirt, prompting Feng Shizhen to warn him to "watch your words" lest he "might be given a slap."

Later, Meng Xu'an danced with Yu Zhihui and mocked her borrowed dress and cheap jewelry, then propositioned her, saying, "Why don't you consider coming with me? At least, I won't dismiss you with zircon like Rong Dingkun." Enraged, Yu Zhihui slapped him and stormed off. Finally, Rong Jiashang danced with Feng Shizhen again, exclaiming happily, "I got you again. This time I won't let you go." He pressed her for an answer to his earlier question.

Rong Jiashang was just about to confess his feelings when Feng Shizhen, after a moment, whispered, "Since I've met the man I fancy, why would I be unhappy?" The moment was interrupted when Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua wheeled in a large birthday cake. Rong Dingkun then announced the engagement of Rong Jiashang and Du Lanxin.

Despite Rong Jiashang's attempt to interrupt, Rong Dingkun declared that the Rong and Du families were becoming "relatives by marriage" and invited everyone to the wedding. He produced a diamond ring, and the guests urged Rong Jiashang to place it on Du Lanxin's finger. Feng Shizhen was visibly shaken and quietly retreated. Meng Xu'an, observing the scene, pulled her away, a move noticed by Rong Jiashang. Outside, Meng Xu'an found Feng Shizhen distressed and told her she could cry.

She revealed she already knew about the engagement, having seen the marriage contract in Rong Dingkun's study. Meng Xu'an explained Rong Dingkun's strategic motives, noting his loss of the Nanyang Route and opium den, and the Du family's wealth and influence, with Mr. Du being "the next associate director of customs," making it a "lucrative deal." He added that with Rong Jiashang now having a fiancée, it "won't be that easy for you to get close to him."

Feng Shizhen retorted confidently, "Mr. Qi, there's no need to boost others' morale. Since I could get Rong Jiashang to invite me back to the Rong residence, I will definitely find a way to keep him charmed." She then added, "Not only a fiancée, Miss Hashimoto of the Hashimoto family was Rong Jiashang's girlfriend when he was in Chongqing," concluding, "With an ex-lover in front and a fiancée behind, Rong Jiashang is truly lucky in love."

Meng Xu'an then warned her, "Even if the fish is on the hook now, it hasn't been reeled in yet. Don't take it lightly," reminding her that their objective was to achieve their goals through Rong Jiashang. Noticing Rong Jiashang approaching, Meng Xu'an intentionally kissed Feng Shizhen, saying he would "give you a hand" to "give him some stimulus" to "make a choice." Rong Jiashang, enraged, stormed over, shouting, "Let her go!"

and attacked Meng Xu'an, who commented on his agility. Rong Jiashang threatened, "If you dare to get close to her again, I'll kill your whole family!" Feng Shizhen tried to intervene, shouting, "Rong Jiashang, what do you want to do? Have you gone mad enough?" but Rong Jiashang dragged her away. Back upstairs, Rong Jiashang angrily scolded Feng Shizhen for being alone with Meng Xu'an, whom he deemed to have "ill intentions."

Feng Shizhen questioned why she should heed his words or seek his permission for her associations, admitting her anger at Meng Xu'an's frivolous behavior but insisting, "it's not your place to scold me!" Rong Jiashang then asked if she preferred "men like Meng Xu'an," who were "older and mature." He kissed her and promised to change, become "the man you like" to "protect you and take care of you," desperately pleading for "a little more time."

Feng Shizhen furiously accused him, saying, "I don't know what you'll become in the future, but you're already the same as those men now. You're going to get married, but at the same time, you're making promises to another woman. Ten minutes ago, you just announced your engagement, and now you turn around and confess to me? Is this what you call love? Why should I like such a man?"

Rong Jiashang denied having "feelings for Du Lanxin at all," claiming his father decided the marriage, which he "can't turn down." Feng Shizhen responded, "I thank you for your love, but I'm sorry, I can't respond to you." Rong Jiashang promised to "deal with Du Lanxin" and "break up the engagement." Feng Shizhen, however, was unconvinced, asking, "How will you handle it? Break off the engagement?

Or do you think a fiancée is for show, and then you have another confidante for tender comfort?" She declared, "We are not right for each other," and announced her intention to leave the Rong family. Rong Jiashang desperately begged her to stay, repeatedly asking for "a little more time." Later, a visibly upset Yu Zhihui, drinking heavily, confided in Feng Shizhen, saying that "vows of eternal love sound good, but they're just after your body."

She expressed her belief that wealthy men like Rong Jiashang "won't take women too seriously" and advised Feng Shizhen not to be fooled by his words. She then lamented, "I am the biggest joke tonight." Feng Shizhen tried to console her, dismissing Meng Xu'an as "just a swindler" who "only said what everyone present wanted to say."

Yu Zhihui, however, continued her self-deprecating remarks, admitting her "borrowed ball gown, cheap jewelry, forced glamour" were "just to fool some idiot and find a rich husband." She further explained, "Miss Feng, you have good English, you should know, Westerners call people like me 'gold diggers.' I myself look down on myself, so no wonder others mock me." Feng Shizhen reminded Yu Zhihui that "who doesn't have shady secrets?" and that many at the ball were "just forcing a smile." Yu Zhihui, however, remained despondent, stating, "I don't see any hope in my own life."

Episode 17 Recap

Yu Zhihui, consumed by alcohol, poured out her heart to Feng Shizhen. She lamented her dire situation, explaining that while she and Yang Xiucheng shared feelings, her brother and sister-in-law were pushing her to marry a wealthy man to resolve their debts. Her family had pressed Yang Xiucheng to set a wedding date, but his hesitation made it clear their future together was uncertain. Yu Zhihui’s family had previously rejected Yang Xiucheng, hoping she could find a richer husband.

Yang Xiucheng had helped her brother repay debts multiple times, but this time, he was scared away. Now their financial troubles were worsening. When Feng Shizhen suggested she find a job, Yu Zhihui retorted that she didn't want to end up like Feng Shizhen, subservient to a boss and harassed by a young master. Realizing her drunken insult, Yu Zhihui profusely apologized.

Feng Shizhen urged Yu Zhihui to go home, but she refused, explaining her brother owed 5,000 yuan, an amount her family could never repay. A creditor was demanding she marry him, promising to divorce his countryside wife and publicly wed her. The man's eldest son was the same age as Rong Jiashang, and Yu Zhihui dreaded becoming a stepmother.

She revealed that Yang Xiucheng had previously helped her family with many debts, but this 5,000 yuan was too much, causing him to flee. Yu Zhihui desperately wanted to ask Rong Dingkun for help, believing he was the only one who controlled enough money and that he had a soft spot for her, having previously indulged her request for a dancing dress. She implored Feng Shizhen to bring Rong Dingkun to her. Reluctantly, Feng Shizhen agreed, asking her to rest.

As Feng Shizhen returned to the ballroom to find Rong Dingkun, Meng Xu'an discreetly informed her that her brother, Feng Shixun, was looking for her in the garden. Feng Shizhen found Feng Shixun being pestered by Concubine Sun, who was insistent on him personally treating her baby. Feng Shizhen intervened, and Concubine Sun, thanking her, departed.

Feng Shizhen cautioned her brother to be mindful of gossip in the household, but Feng Shixun, in turn, expressed concern for Feng Shizhen, reminding her that she was a guest and not a servant of the Rong family, and should not overextend herself. Feng Shizhen assured him she understood, and after he reiterated his need to return to the hospital, she offered to walk him out.

Meanwhile, Meng Xu'an, after a brief pleasantry with a Mr. Wang, subtly approached Rong Dingkun. He mentioned seeing a girl, seemingly drunk, enter the small saloon with a glass of wine, adding that from the back, she resembled Rong Dingkun's daughter, though he couldn't be certain. This piqued Rong Dingkun's curiosity, prompting him to investigate. Rong Dingkun entered the small saloon and found Yu Zhihui drunk on the sofa.

She tearfully confided in him about Yang Xiucheng's perceived cruelty and her family's troubles, wishing Yang Xiucheng were as mature and steady as Rong Dingkun. Rong Dingkun comforted her, attributing his composure to age and experience. As Yu Zhihui grew increasingly emotional, she fell into his arms, saying she felt safe with him and wished Yang Xiucheng were more like him.

In a moment of vulnerability, Rong Dingkun began to see Yu Zhihui as Meng Qingzhi, hallucinating that Qingzhi had returned and asking her not to leave. He promised to divorce and marry her. Yu Zhihui, attempting to sit up and pour wine, stumbled back into his arms, intensifying his delusion. At the same time, Mrs. Rong, prompted by Meng Xu'an’s pointed questions about Feng Shizhen's relationship with Rong Dingkun, grew suspicious.

Meng Xu'an had observed that Mr. Rong seemed to "like" the governess, triggering Mrs. Rong’s alarm. She had already noticed Feng Shizhen missing and recalled Rong Dingkun heading to the small saloon alone. Believing Feng Shizhen was attempting to seduce her husband, Mrs. Rong quickly gathered her retainers, including Concubine Wang and Rong Jiashang, to catch them red-handed.

However, upon bursting into the saloon and turning on the lights, she was horrified to discover Rong Dingkun embracing Yu Zhihui, who was conspicuously wearing a dancing dress similar to one Meng Qingzhi used to wear. Mrs. Rong exploded in a furious tirade, lashing out at Rong Dingkun for his indecency and physically assaulting Yu Zhihui, calling her a slut and an ingrate who had betrayed her family.

Yu Zhihui, distressed, cried out that she hadn't seduced Rong Dingkun and that he had mistakenly called her "Qingzhi." Rong Jiashang, witnessing the chaotic scene, quietly slipped away. Mrs. Rong continued to berate her husband for his actions, threatening divorce due to the public humiliation. Yu Zhihui, overcome with shame, declared it was all her fault and threatened to take her own life, lamenting the burden she placed on her family.

Just then, Yu Zhihui’s sister-in-law rushed in, expressing shock and concern for Zhihui's future prospects for marriage. Yang Xiucheng then stormed into the room, slapping Yu Zhihui across the face before forcibly ordering everyone, including Concubine Wang and the servants, to leave and closing the door. After the room was cleared, Rong Dingkun questioned Yu Zhihui’s sister-in-law about how she learned of the incident, confirming it was Meng Xu'an who had alerted her.

Rong Dingkun then realized he had been deliberately set up. Yang Xiucheng echoed this, stating his belief that Meng Xu'an had planned the entire situation. Rong Dingkun then pressed Yu Zhihui about what Meng Xu'an had told her. Yu Zhihui tearfully recounted Meng Xu'an's mockery of her borrowed dress and jewelry, asserting she would never conspire against Rong Dingkun. Her sister-in-law interjected, demanding that Rong Dingkun take responsibility for staining Yu Zhihui's reputation.

Yu Zhihui, wanting to escape the humiliation, tried to leave, but her sister-in-law stopped her, insisting on proper compensation. Rong Dingkun then offered Yu Zhihui a check, pointedly asking if she wanted to wear borrowed dresses her whole life. Yu Zhihui accepted the check and quickly left with her sister-in-law, who expressed her intention to manage the money. Consumed by hatred for Meng Xu'an, Yang Xiucheng directly confronted him as he was chatting with Du Lanxin.

Yang Xiucheng firmly told Meng Xu'an that he was no longer welcome at the Rong residence and demanded he leave. Meng Xu'an, accepting his dismissal, bid farewell to Du Lanxin. As he exited, he exchanged a knowing, triumphant smile with Feng Shizhen, who had just entered. Rong Jiashang intercepted Yu Zhihui as she was leaving, accusing her of being cunning and using his father.

He warned her that Rong Dingkun would seek revenge if he realized he had been exploited, advising her to leave Shanghai immediately if she wished to avoid a fate worse than death. He then arranged for a driver to take her. Curious, Rong Jiashang asked why Mrs. Rong had mistaken Yu Zhihui for Feng Shizhen. Yu Zhihui casually revealed that Feng Shizhen was the one who had brought Rong Dingkun to the saloon, leaving Rong Jiashang visibly stunned.

Nearby, Shiori Hashimoto had witnessed Rong Jiashang sending Yu Zhihui away. She approached Rong Jiashang, congratulating him on his engagement to Du Lanxin, admitting she felt jealous of Du Lanxin. Shiori Hashimoto confessed her enduring love for Rong Jiashang since their time in Chongqing, reflecting that while she had once mistaken her feelings then for love, she now genuinely loved him. She expressed her desire to be his lover, but Rong Jiashang gently refused, explaining that their relationship was over.

Shiori Hashimoto, undeterred, promised not to interfere and offered to remain friends before leaving. Moments later, Feng Shizhen arrived on the second-floor terrace, her eyes meeting Rong Jiashang’s across the distance. The next day, Yu Zhihui went to a bank. Despite being directed to the regular queue, she approached the VIP counter to cash the check. She cashed the entire 10,000 yuan, then opened an account and deposited 5,000 yuan.

Meanwhile, Concubine Sun, delighted by the scandalous gossip, listened intently as Chuntao recounted the previous night's drama, including how Mrs. Rong had initially suspected Feng Shizhen before discovering her own niece. Concubine Sun relished the thought of Mrs. Rong’s humiliation and predicted the downfall of the Huang family’s reputation. Their conversation was interrupted by the sounds of a furious argument from Rong Dingkun's quarters. It was Rong Dingkun, now sober, yelling at Mrs. Rong.

He accused her and Yu Zhihui of conspiring against him, linking Yu Zhihui's actions, particularly wearing a dress like Qingzhi's, to a deliberate plot. Mrs. Rong vehemently denied the accusations, pointing out that she wouldn't have brought so many people to expose her own niece. However, Rong Dingkun brought up Mrs. Rong's past actions, reminding her how she had driven Meng Qingzhi away. In a fit of rage, he declared that from that day forward, the Rong and Huang families would sever all ties.

Episode 18 Recap

Yu Zhihui returned home with 5000 yuan in cash, which she gave to her brother to repay his debts, declaring, "From now on, we're even." Her brother and sister-in-law, knowing she had received more money from Rong Dingkun, shamelessly demanded the remaining amount, claiming she was too young to manage such a fortune. This led to a heated argument between the couple about who should control the money.

Heartbroken by their greed, Zhihui packed her belongings and, after slipping a letter under her mother’s door and bowing respectfully to the room, left the house that night. She recalled Rong Jiashang's previous warning that she must leave Shanghai to avoid Rong Dingkun's torment and remembered her confrontation with Yang Xiucheng, telling him she wouldn't marry anyone else. Meanwhile, Concubine Sun approached Feng Shizhen, inquiring if Feng Shixun had a girlfriend.

She offered unsolicited advice to Feng Shizhen about finding a reliable husband and bearing sons, stressing that ambition and love were mere youthful dreams for women. Concubine Sun warned Feng Shizhen to be wary of women who feign kindness before marriage. Mrs. Rong soon arrived, cutting off Concubine Sun and sending her away to tend to her crying son, Jiakang.

Mrs. Rong then cast a discerning eye over Feng Shizhen, mentally noting that Feng Shizhen was precisely Rong Dingkun’s preferred type. She wondered why Rong Dingkun seemed uninterested, speculating that he might be deliberately avoiding her to dispel suspicions that Feng Shizhen was his son’s woman. Mrs. Rong then questioned Feng Shizhen about the previous night’s dance, specifically her whereabouts with Yu Zhihui.

Feng Shizhen explained that Yu Zhihui was drunk, and she had left briefly to see her brother off, expressing regret for the incident. Mrs. Rong dismissed her apologies, stating it was Yu Zhihui's own choice. As Rong Jiashang appeared, Feng Shizhen quickly excused herself and returned to her room, the two passing each other in silence. The next morning, Feng Shizhen went to the study, where she found Rong Jiashang engrossed in writing.

She mentally noted that he was becoming increasingly like his father. Realizing that Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua were out for the day, she turned to leave, but Rong Jiashang called out, asking if they were still friends. He invited her to look at his calligraphy, which she found "strong and stylish." She silently mused that a man who could write so beautifully could not be the "spoiled brat" rumored.

When he offered her the brush, she gracefully penned a few characters. He praised her penmanship, discerning her "perseverance and talent," adding that if she were a man, she would make a difference. Feng Shizhen replied that she wouldn't dwell on "what ifs," asserting that common people should focus on living practically, as grand ambitions were meaningless without the ability to support oneself. Rong Jiashang then revealed that he would be stopping his studies to work at the business firm.

Feng Shizhen expressed disappointment but encouraged him to continue pursuing his ideals, especially given his privileged background. He confessed to not giving up his dream, mentioning the sextant she gave him was placed next to his plane model. He then asked if she had ever been in love. She acknowledged having loved someone but playfully refused to elaborate. She then turned the question back to him, asking about his relationship with Shiori Hashimoto.

Rong Jiashang dismissed it as a "mistake years back." He recounted that Shiori's mother was a "retired harlot" and Shiori, originally named Lin Shizhi, was forced to live with relatives in Chongqing after being expelled by her father's wife. Feng Shizhen asked if he stayed in Chongqing for her, mentioning the twins' story of them being childhood sweethearts.

Rong Jiashang clarified that he stayed to apply to the Whampoa Military Academy against his father's wishes, but eventually yielded to family pressure. He then likened the struggle for independence to a plane overcoming gravity and drag. Feng Shizhen expressed her hope to fly in his plane someday, to which he promised she would be his first passenger.

She teased him for calling her by her first name now that she wasn't his teacher, and he countered by pointing out her evasiveness about her own love life. At the business firm, Yang Xiucheng arrived, overhearing employees gossiping about him being cuckolded by Rong Dingkun and paid off. They wondered if he would dare challenge Rong Dingkun. Yang Xiucheng walked past them, feigning ignorance, and entered Rong Dingkun’s office.

Rong Dingkun observed Yang Xiucheng's pale face and offered to call a doctor, but Yang Xiucheng attributed it to a simple cold. Rong Dingkun, sensing Yang Xiucheng's resentment over the recent scandal, openly apologized for the "stupid mistake" and clarified that he never forced women, implying Yu Zhihui was not innocent. He reminded Yang Xiucheng of their familial bond, having treated him like a nephew and promoted him. Yang Xiucheng acknowledged his immense gratitude to Rong Dingkun.

Rong Dingkun proposed that Yang Xiucheng take an extended vacation to relax and consider his future. He offered the General Manager position, as Manager Guo was nearing retirement and Rong Jiashang was still young, or to help if Yang Xiucheng had other plans. Yang Xiucheng, agreeing to the vacation to avoid gossip, vowed never to be alienated by such "trifling matters." As Yang Xiucheng dejectedly left the office, he passed Rong Jiashang without a word.

Rong Dingkun praised Rong Jiashang for successfully completing the Tianjin deal that had long stalled, earning the respect of his business associates. Rong Jiashang then asked if Rong Dingkun was letting Yang Xiucheng go. Rong Dingkun asked for his son's opinion, and Rong Jiashang shrewdly remarked that his father's trust in Yang Xiucheng had likely evaporated. Rong Dingkun warned Rong Jiashang not to let women interfere with his business like Yang Xiucheng did.

He questioned Rong Jiashang about Shiori Hashimoto, who he didn’t know was his son's "girlfriend." Rong Jiashang clarified that she was merely a girl he met in Chongqing, the same one his father had once looked down on for being "too poor." Rong Dingkun was surprised to learn she was a Hashimoto, and Rong Jiashang sarcastically suggested that if his father had known, he would have forced a marriage contract.

Rong Dingkun defended his paternal interference, saying he saved Rong Jiashang from "wasting time on a stupid dream." Rong Jiashang argued that being a pilot was a respectable profession and his ambition, calling his father's views "conservative and stubborn." Rong Dingkun recounted his own dangerous past, carrying guns and fighting for their family business, emphasizing that he didn't want his son to endure such hardships.

He concluded by handing Yang Xiucheng's project files to Rong Jiashang, instructing him to take over. Rong Jiashang reviewed the files and discovered that the Rong Group had acquired the Wenchunli land at an unusually low price. Remembering that Feng Shizhen’s family pharmacy was located there, he immediately called Secretary Zhao to his office.

Secretary Zhao explained that Rong Dingkun had long coveted the Wenchunli land, but Yang Xiucheng's negotiations with numerous shop owners and residents had failed, earning him a severe reprimand from Rong Dingkun. Shortly after, Wenchunli was engulfed in a fire overnight, turning the area into ruins. Dasheng Company then acquired the land at a low price before selling it to the Rong family, also at a surprisingly low cost.

Secretary Zhao admitted he didn't know the specifics of Dasheng Company or why they didn’t profit more from the resale, stating Yang Xiucheng handled the details himself after the fire. Rong Jiashang found this illogical, suspecting that the fire was not an accident but a deliberate act of arson to manipulate land prices, possibly involving the Rong family. He instructed Secretary Zhao to gather all newspaper reports and documents related to the Wenchunli fire.

Meanwhile, Yang Xiucheng boarded a train to Hangzhou, where he was unexpectedly joined by Du Lanxin in his compartment. Du Lanxin taunted him for being cuckolded by Rong Dingkun and Yu Zhihui, calling him "incorrigible" for remaining Rong Dingkun's "slave" and suggesting he would eventually be discarded like a "drowned body" or "buried in the wild," with no one to mourn him.

She criticized his indecisiveness, arguing that if he truly wanted power, he should have abandoned Yu Zhihui and pursued Rong Fanglin instead. When Yang Xiucheng tried to leave, unwilling to listen to her insults, Du Lanxin grabbed him, calling him the "dumbest and cheapest clown" for his lack of self-awareness. In a sudden, frenzied act, Yang Xiucheng kissed her. Rong Jiashang, after reviewing the Wenchunli fire reports, found no valuable clues.

He decided to visit Wenchunli himself, observing the extensive construction underway. He then met with Wu Yunchi, asking him to investigate Dasheng Company. Wu Yunchi confirmed the fire was widely known, with his family's newspaper being the first to report it. Rong Jiashang revealed his suspicion that the fire was deliberate arson intended to manipulate land prices, and that the Rong family might be implicated. He requested Wu Yunchi to help him uncover the truth about Dasheng Company.

Shiori Hashimoto, accompanied by her twin brother, discussed their upcoming visit to the Rong family. Her brother complained about going, but Shiori rebuked his "rude" and "good-for-nothing" demeanor, worried it would reflect poorly on her. He retorted that she only cared because she wanted her "ex" back. Shiori regretted their past separation, lamenting how she had been misled into believing Rong Jiashang was poor, only to discover he was the eldest son and heir of the powerful Rong family.

She blamed her mother and brother for interfering, claiming they would have been married long ago. Her brother reminded her that she was the one who decided to end the relationship due to his perceived poverty. He then flippantly suggested she could still become Rong Jiashang's concubine. Shiori vehemently rejected the idea, citing her mother's undignified life as a concubine, suffering humiliation and dying in depression, and the childhood scorn she and her brother endured.

She declared that her father only acknowledged them because her elder brother was now "half-dead." Shiori vowed to marry Rong Jiashang as his legitimate wife and to eventually control the entire Rong family. When her brother questioned how, given Rong Jiashang's engagement, Shiori asserted that Jiashang was emotional, and she would cleverly leverage their shared past to her advantage. Later, Rong Jiashang returned home and asked a servant if Feng Shizhen was in.

The servant informed him that Mrs. Rong had given Feng Shizhen leave to visit her family for the festival and she would return that evening. Meanwhile, Feng Shizhen was at her parents' home, helping her mother prepare vegetables. Her mother, eager for grandchildren, urged Feng Shizhen, who was already twenty-three, to marry soon, fearing that she would otherwise end up as a stepmother.

Feng Shixun, returning from work, defended his sister, offering to support her for life if she chose not to marry, a notion their mother quickly dismissed as "poppycock." Feng Shizhen then noticed a new scarf on her brother and asked about it.

Episode 19 Recap

Feng Shizhen noticed Feng Shixun wearing a new scarf and instantly recognized it as a handmade item from Concubine Sun. Feng Shixun casually claimed it was a gift from a patient, saying he only put it on because it was cold. Later, Feng Shizhen observed the scarf's high-quality wool but noted the uneven stitches, indicating it was hand-knitted with affection. She suspected the wealthy sender was from the Rong family, having seen similar patterns there.

Feng Shixun dismissed her concerns, comparing them to their mother's matchmaking worries, and reiterated that many patients bring gifts, and he simply grabbed the scarf to keep warm. Feng Shizhen cautioned him against accepting such personal gifts, warning it could lead to gossip and advising him to avoid suspicion. Feng Shixun acknowledged her point, agreeing to return the scarf the next day.

As they parted, Feng Shixun suggested Feng Shizhen quit her job at the Rong family after the Rong sisters finished their exams, offering her a position at his hospital where he could look after her. Feng Shizhen, in turn, advised him to maintain distance from Concubine Sun. Feng Shizhen then sought out Meng Xu'an, explaining her intention to resign from the Rong family.

Meng Xu'an, offering her a freshly baked puff pastry and making a philosophical analogy about the refinement needed in life, agreed that there was no longer a reason for her to stay. Feng Shizhen confirmed her suspicions that Rong Dingkun had thoroughly investigated her background, knowing she was a victim of the Wenchunli fire. She reasoned that staying after the sisters' exams would only arouse suspicion from both Rong Dingkun and Rong Jiashang, hence her decision to proactively resign.

Meng Xu'an saw this as a clever strategy to lower Rong Dingkun's guard. Feng Shizhen also deduced that Rong Jiashang was taking over Yang Xiucheng's position at the company after the scandal, becoming his father's right-hand man. Meng Xu'an expressed keen interest in how events would unfold. Meanwhile, Hashimoto Shozo arrived at the Rong mansion with his son, Hashimoto Taiji, to meet Rong Dingkun. Feng Shizhen overheard this from a maid.

During their visit, Hashimoto Taiji boldly asked Rong Dingkun for a discount on a new property, causing his father to apologize for his son's rudeness. Rong Dingkun smoothed things over by offering to have Rong Jiashang show Hashimoto Taiji around the next day. Rong Jiashang, trying to avoid the Japanese guests, encountered Feng Shizhen and pulled her aside. Feng Shizhen teased him about his past relationship with Shiori Hashimoto, but Rong Jiashang dismissed it as ancient history.

He asked about her parents, and Feng Shizhen gave a somber account of her father's lingering ill health from smoke inhalation and the dire situation of her family and neighbors after the Wenchunli fire, explaining that they had to sell their remaining assets and land for very little. Rong Jiashang expressed deep regret, wishing he had returned from Chongqing sooner, believing he could have prevented the fire.

Feng Shizhen, however, pragmatically noted that their vastly different backgrounds meant they might never have met even if he had. Rong Jiashang then embraced her tightly. As Rong Dingkun called for Rong Jiashang, Feng Shizhen quickly retreated to her room. After she left, Rong Jiashang pondered his intertwined fate with her, wondering how he would cope if her suffering was indeed linked to his family.

After seeing the Hashimoto father and son off, Rong Dingkun showed Rong Jiashang a photo of Meng Qingzhi, Meng Xu'an's sister. He recounted how Meng Qingzhi had given him the family heirloom, a Gold Kylin, which he was forced to sell during a business crisis. Now, Meng Xu'an wanted it back. Rong Dingkun tasked Rong Jiashang with finding the Gold Kylin to reconcile with Meng Xu'an and honor Meng Qingzhi's memory, emphasizing that it would ease Rong Jiashang's eventual succession.

Rong Jiashang initially objected, questioning why his father, a man who feared no one, would give in to Meng Xu'an, especially since the Gold Kylin was a gift. Rong Dingkun reiterated that it was a family heirloom and he felt indebted to Meng Qingzhi. He reminded Rong Jiashang that all his efforts were for his son's future and warned him to be wary of Meng Xu'an.

Rong Dingkun also informed Rong Jiashang that he was now fully in charge of Hashimoto Taiji's house viewing. The next morning, Rong Fanglin invited Feng Shizhen to join them for breakfast, which Mrs. Rong approved. A servant then delivered a large bouquet of roses from Meng Xu'an to Feng Shizhen.

Feigning a pollen allergy, Feng Shizhen asked the maid, Xiao Yu, to discard them, much to Mrs. Rong's annoyance and Rong Jiashang's displeasure, who quickly ordered the flowers to be thrown out. Rong Fanglin asked Rong Jiashang to drive them and Feng Shizhen to see the exam venue. Rong Jiashang, already scheduled to show Hashimoto Taiji properties with Wu Yunchi, suggested they all go together and visit the exam venue afterward. Elsewhere, Du Lanxin and Yang Xiucheng were intimate.

Yang Xiucheng proposed that Du Lanxin break her engagement to Rong Jiashang so they could marry. Du Lanxin, however, explained that their engagement was a business transaction with a significant financial penalty for breaking it, and she wouldn't jeopardize her two-decade-long image as a filial daughter. Yang Xiucheng revealed that Rong Jiashang secretly aspired to join the army, not to run the family business, but was forced back by Rong Dingkun.

Du Lanxin then devised a plan: she would marry Rong Jiashang, encourage his military ambitions, allowing Yang Xiucheng to consolidate power within the Rong family business. Once Yang Xiucheng was well-established and their fathers were too old to interfere, she would divorce Rong Jiashang and marry Yang Xiucheng, thereby controlling both the Rong and Du family enterprises. Unable to come up with a better immediate solution, Yang Xiucheng reluctantly went along with her long-term strategy.

Later, Wu Yunchi arrived at the Rong mansion with Shiori Hashimoto. Shiori immediately moved to the front passenger seat next to Rong Jiashang. However, Rong Jiashang instead took Feng Shizhen’s hand, leading her to the back seat and instructing the driver to proceed. Shiori, clearly displeased, nonetheless greeted Rong Jiashang, who responded indifferently.

During the drive, Shiori tried to reminisce about Shanghai with Rong Jiashang, but he brushed off her attempts, claiming he barely remembered the city after leaving at a young age. Rong Jiashang then confronted Feng Shizhen about the flowers from Meng Xu'an, asserting his displeasure and stating he had already instructed the staff to reject any future gifts from Meng Xu'an. Feng Shizhen, however, defiantly replied that she would follow his orders, but she did not need his flowers.

Rong Jiashang warned her that Meng Xu'an was dangerous and “up to something,” to which Feng Shizhen challenged, asking what Meng Xu'an could possibly want from her. When Rong Jiashang suggested "her beauty," Feng Shizhen retorted that he was "no better" in that regard. Shiori interrupted their tense exchange, and Feng Shizhen quickly covered, claiming they were discussing a special gift for Du Lanxin. Shiori remarked on Rong Jiashang’s nature to spoil women he liked.

Suddenly, the driver braked abruptly to avoid someone crossing the road, sending Feng Shizhen tumbling into Rong Jiashang's arms. Her hair became entangled in his button, and Rong Jiashang held her, taking his time to untangle it, despite her struggle to free herself. The car then arrived at the Wenchunli construction site.

Rong Jiashang, seeing the desolate area, tried to have the driver turn back, but Feng Shizhen insisted on seeing her old home, and Shiori was also interested in viewing properties. Assistant Manager Guo greeted them, describing the new development of shops and villas and leading Shiori and the Rong sisters to see a specific Western-style villa. Rong Jiashang stayed behind with Feng Shizhen, offering to send her back. Feng Shizhen bitterly questioned whether his family owned the land.

Rong Jiashang explained they had bought it cheaply and expected a boom in business once the nearby wharf became a private port. Feng Shizhen responded with a sharp, resentful remark, comparing the booming business to the destructive fire that had consumed her home. Overcome with emotion, Feng Shizhen tried to enter the dangerous ruins of her former home, but Rong Jiashang stopped her, warning of collapsing structures.

Feng Shizhen rejected his concern, angrily accusing the Rong family of building new houses and profiting while her family lost everything. Rong Jiashang tried to console her, saying there was nothing left inside, but Feng Shizhen insisted otherwise, her eyes filled with unseen pain. She recounted the horrific experience of returning from Nanjing after the fire, only to find her home in ashes and neighbors digging through the debris to find the unrecognizable remains of their loved ones.

Rong Jiashang held her tightly, repeatedly apologizing as she broke down in tears. Meanwhile, back at the Rong mansion, Concubine Sun was locked in a heated argument with Rong Dingkun. She vehemently opposed his plan to marry her fourteen-year-old niece, Wan'er, to a member of the impoverished Guo family, fearing it would ruin Wan'er's life and deplete her dowry. Rong Dingkun dismissed her concerns, defending the Guo family's prestigious Qing Dynasty lineage.

Mrs. Rong interjected, siding with her husband and harshly reminding Concubine Sun of her status as a mere concubine in the household. As Rong Jiashang, Feng Shizhen, and Rong Fanglin returned home, they entered to the loud sounds of Concubine Sun's furious protests.

Episode 20 Recap

Disheartened, Concubine Sun returned to her room, reflecting on Rong Dingkun’s past vows of love when he persuaded her to marry him, promising to make her his legal wife after she bore a son. Now, he spoke harshly to her, leaving her utterly disillusioned. She lamented that a concubine was merely a plaything, and even her child was just a tool for Rong Dingkun’s schemes.

Her maid tried to pacify her, reminding her of her past charm in pleasing him, but Concubine Sun confessed she was too exhausted to flatter him or even pretend any longer. She admitted that she had changed. Meanwhile, Hashimoto Taiji burst into Shiori Hashimoto's room without knocking, interrupting her. He excitedly pointed out an advertisement in the newspaper: the Rong family was offering ten thousand silver dollars for a lost antique, the Gold Kylin.

Shiori Hashimoto wondered why the Rong family was so keen on finding it. Hashimoto Taiji then revealed that their own father also possessed a Gold Kylin, which he had overheard him discussing with their mother. He speculated it might be the very one the Rong family was seeking. Later, Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua were nervous as they went in for their exams. Feng Shizhen encouraged them to stay focused and relaxed.

Rong Jiashang then informed Feng Shizhen that they had to go appraise an antique. As they departed, a woman mistook Rong Jiashang for their sister's brother. Rong Jiashang playfully corrected her, stating he was there to pick up his wife, which mortified Feng Shizhen. She chided him, fearing such a flippant remark could reach the Du family and damage her reputation, but he apologized for his thoughtlessness. They arrived at Zhu Laojiu's establishment.

Zhu Laojiu, a metalsmith, presented a Gold Kylin, praising its pure gold luster and intricate details, claiming he had acquired it eight years ago. He sought twenty thousand silver dollars for it. Rong Jiashang, however, immediately dismissed it as a gilded iron bar, offering only twenty silver dollars for its eaglewood box. Impressed by Rong Jiashang's discerning eye, Zhu Laojiu confessed it was a fake and led them to another room to show what he claimed was the authentic piece.

Rong Jiashang, however, quickly identified this second piece as another replica, pointing out that the original had a specific piece of horsehair filed off by his father for identification purposes. Zhu Laojiu, realizing he couldn't fool Rong Jiashang, admitted he had crafted the replica eighteen years prior. He then recounted the Gold Kylin's true history: the genuine article was stolen from a Nanyang merchant by a thief named Luo Wushou.

Luo Wushou later gave it as a dowry to his daughter, but her husband deceitfully sold it at a high price to Hashimoto Shozo, a Japanese warlord’s confidant who had moved his family from the Three Eastern Provinces to Shanghai. Zhu Laojiu explained that Hashimoto Shozo considered the Gold Kylin a talisman because his chronically ill eldest son, Hashimoto Taiichi, had made a miraculous recovery after it came into their possession.

He believed Hashimoto Shozo would never sell it, as he was a powerful and wealthy man who lacked nothing. Rong Jiashang then offered Zhu Laojiu a thousand silver dollars to craft a high-quality replica and to remain silent. Grateful, Zhu Laojiu gave Rong Jiashang a ruby bracelet, claiming it was an authentic palace artifact consecrated by a monk. Feng Shizhen suggested that since the Gold Kylin was with Hashimoto Shozo, Rong Jiashang could subtly approach him through Shiori Hashimoto.

She advised him to try and win Mr. Hashimoto's favor, acknowledging that a favor from someone like Hashimoto Shozo would require more than just a check. Rong Jiashang worried Hashimoto Shozo might demand an exorbitant price. Feng Shizhen urged him to assess the situation and act accordingly, especially given the Rong family's urgency. Rong Jiashang then asked why the antique was so crucial to his family.

Feng Shizhen playfully suggested it was just a rich man's whim, prompting Rong Jiashang to feel that she still saw him as a playboy. He then confided that his father needed it to settle an old debt. He presented Feng Shizhen with the ruby bracelet from Zhu Laojiu, insisting she keep it despite her protests about its value. Later, Rong Jiashang drove Feng Shizhen to pick up Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua from their exams.

The girls were disheartened, feeling they hadn’t performed well, especially in math, and feared they wouldn't get into the girls’ school. Feng Shizhen comforted them, reminding them there were still interviews and other opportunities. Shiori Hashimoto then appeared, expressing admiration for Feng Shizhen’s teaching. She mentioned her cousin was also interested in attending the school and offered Feng Shizhen a position as her governess for the following year, assuring her of a generous salary.

Rong Jiashang jokingly accused Shiori Hashimoto of trying to poach his governess. Feng Shizhen politely declined, explaining that her task of helping the Rong daughters with their exams was now complete. She intended to resign from the Rong family and no longer work as a governess, planning to return home to care for her ailing father and contemplate her future path.

Rong Jiashang protested, citing the Rong family's tradition of not letting staff go before the Lunar New Year, but Feng Shizhen reiterated her firm decision to leave. Shiori Hashimoto then pulled Rong Jiashang aside. She acknowledged seeing the newspaper advertisement for the Gold Kylin and hinted that she knew its location.

When Rong Jiashang, annoyed by her evasiveness, turned to leave, she quickly admitted that her father, Hashimoto Shozo, possessed a Gold Kylin highly similar to the one he was looking for. She suggested that since their fathers knew each other, Rong Jiashang could visit her home, try to gain her father's favor, and perhaps then he would be willing to display the antique for appraisal. Rong Jiashang agreed and asked her to speak favorably of him to her father.

Shiori Hashimoto reassured him that even if they couldn’t be lovers, they could still be friends, and he was always welcome at her home. Soon after, Zhao Hua'an informed Rong Jiashang that the assistant managers were assembled for a meeting. Rong Jiashang instructed Zhao Hua'an to take Feng Shizhen and the girls home. At the meeting, the assistant managers, having initially underestimated Rong Jiashang as a "playboy" and "useless pretty boy," were surprised by his presence.

Rong Jiashang explained he preferred to discuss matters face-to-face. He then distributed envelopes; some contained bonus checks, while others held IOUs. He announced that he had thoroughly audited years of contracts, purchase orders, and expense reports against the company's account books. He stated that he would reward those who had profited the company and demanded repayment from those who owed money. The assistant managers vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting their accounts were balanced and had been approved by Rong Dingkun.

One manager even insulted Rong Jiashang’s inexperience. Unfazed, Rong Jiashang systematically exposed their corruption, detailing discrepancies in a silk procurement deal. He highlighted inflated labor costs, questioning how thirty laborers could take six weeks to load and unload a single silk shipment, and pointed out that foreign labor costs were actually lower than what was recorded.

He further revealed that they had paid last year's higher, drought-inflated price for silk purchased this year when prices should have dropped due to a good harvest, and that a manager had taken a hundred silver dollars in "travel expenses." He had verified these details with the mulberry field owner and discovered other goods were shipped on the same boat at a lower rate for silk.

Faced with this irrefutable evidence, the flustered managers attempted to leave, only to discover the doors were locked from the outside. Rong Jiashang presented an ultimatum: sign the IOUs and return the embezzled funds, or he would submit all evidence to the courts and press charges for economic crimes, which would entail far more severe consequences than mere repayment. The managers reluctantly complied, signing the IOUs. Later, Feng Shizhen approached Mrs. Rong to tender her resignation.

Mrs. Rong initially tried to persuade her to stay until after the Lunar New Year, noting it was against family tradition to dismiss staff before then. Feng Shizhen, however, expressed her gratitude for Mrs. Rong's kindness but explained that her father was unwell, and her mother needed her help. She reiterated her desire to return home to assist her family and re-evaluate her future.

Understanding, Mrs. Rong agreed to her departure and promised that the bonus would be sent to her home once the girls were admitted to school. Feng Shizhen then left a farewell note for Rong Jiashang, packed her belongings, and departed that night. She reasoned that Rong Dingkun must have realized her connection to the Wenchunli fire, and her continued presence after the girls' exams would undoubtedly arouse suspicion from both Rong Dingkun and Rong Jiashang.

As she was leaving, Concubine Sun rushed to see her off, expressing her surprise at Feng Shizhen’s sudden departure after only three months, which felt like a much longer period due to the many events that had transpired. Concubine Sun apologized for her past rudeness, attributing it to her pregnancy and thanking Feng Shizhen for her generosity. She also apologized for having wrongly blamed Feng Shizhen regarding her sister, Sun Shaoqing.

Concubine Sun then asked Feng Shizhen for a favor: if she were to contact Sun Shaoqing, to convey a message that Concubine Sun now understood and supported her. She wanted Shaoqing to know that if she ever encountered any trouble, she should return to her, as Concubine Sun wished to make amends for her past wrongs. Feng Shizhen agreed to deliver the message.

Late that night, Rong Jiashang returned home to find Feng Shizhen’s note, which read, "Jiashang, I wonder if you can grant my wish. No trace of birds in the sky, but I have flown." He immediately drove off, eventually blocking Feng Shizhen’s car at a crossroads. He confronted her, reprimanding her for leaving without a word when he had not given his approval, even if Mrs. Rong had.

Episode 21 Recap

Rong Jiashang desperately pleaded with Feng Shizhen not to leave, asking why she would quit her job so suddenly. Feng Shizhen explained her mission was completed and she missed her parents, stating that Mrs. Rong had approved her departure. Rong Jiashang insisted that he had not approved, playfully offering to hire her himself, but Feng Shizhen found his words childish. He reiterated his desire for her to stay, asking if she was leaving because of him.

Feng Shizhen responded that there was no point in asking, as their relationship was going nowhere. She suggested they part ways now to preserve good memories, rather than dragging it out until they resented each other. Rong Jiashang vowed to break off his engagement with Du Lanxin, declaring that he would only marry the woman he truly loved, which was Feng Shizhen. He tried to kiss her, but she pushed him away.

Feng Shizhen acknowledged his resolve but questioned his ability to stand up to his father. She pointed out that he, as the eldest son, lacked real power and couldn't control his own destiny, let alone hers. Rong Jiashang promised he could achieve what he said, asking for a chance and her trust. Feng Shizhen firmly refused, stating it was too late and they were not meant to be together.

Even as he pleaded for more time, promising not to make her wait long, Feng Shizhen clarified that she would not wait for him at all; she would live her life as planned, and it was up to him to find a way to be with her. Rong Jiashang reiterated his commitment regardless of her trust. As Feng Shizhen left with her luggage, she told him to take care, and he reciprocated, then resolved to make her his.

Feng Shizhen arrived home, surprising her mother who had not expected her. She informed her mother that she had resigned from her position. Her brother, Feng Shixun, also expressed concern, asking why she had quit. Feng Shizhen explained that with Rong family's young ladies having completed their exams, her duties were finished, so she decided to leave.

Her brother, a doctor, offered to inquire about job openings at his hospital, but Feng Shizhen expressed a desire to rest and spend time with her parents at home for a while. Rong Jiashang had asked Wu Yunchi to investigate the Wenchunli incident. Wu Yunchi reported his findings, revealing that Dasheng, the real estate company that purchased the Wenchunli land, was merely a shell company.

The Assistant Manager Wang who signed the contracts was actually the Deputy General Manager of Sanyang Industry, a company controlled by the Rong Group, and had since vanished after the fire. Rong Jiashang was surprised, as he had never heard of such a person working for his father. Despite Wu Yunchi suggesting there might be more to it, Rong Jiashang concluded that the evidence strongly indicated Rong Dingkun's involvement in the Wenchunli fire.

Rong Jiashang then confronted Rong Dingkun, accusing him of setting the Wenchunli fire and asking about Assistant Manager Wang's disappearance. Rong Dingkun indirectly admitted his involvement, stating that the land was crucial to him and the Rong family, and that the Wenchunli residents' greed and refusal to move had left him with no choice. Rong Jiashang was enraged, condemning his father for sacrificing hundreds of lives for personal gain and business interests.

He expressed his disgust at the idea of becoming a "crooked businessman" like his father, preferring to die on the battlefield with a clear conscience. Rong Dingkun retorted by citing the sacrifices he made to build the family fortune and invoked the memory of Rong Jiashang's deceased brother, Jiaxin, to emphasize his duty as the eldest son and heir. After their heated argument, Rong Dingkun warned Rong Jiashang to be wary of Feng Shizhen, presenting him with her detailed profile.

He highlighted the coincidence of her being a Wenchunli victim and now working for the Rong family, implying she had ulterior motives. He stressed that her dedication only made her more suspicious and urged Rong Jiashang not to let a woman jeopardize the family. Rong Jiashang reviewed the documents, growing suspicious and questioning Feng Shizhen's true intentions and if she knew the truth behind the fire, which might explain why she pushed him away.

He immediately arranged for someone to follow Feng Shizhen, who soon noticed she was being tailed. Du Lanxin called Rong Jiashang, chiding him for not contacting her. She announced her return from Hangzhou, where she had been staying with her aunt, and eagerly told him about a Suzhou embroidery scroll titled "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" she acquired, which she believed would be perfect for his father's study. She offered to bring it over that night.

She also casually mentioned Feng Shizhen's departure, expressing her fondness for Feng Shizhen's talents and manners. Rong Jiashang then observed Yang Xiucheng's return and asked Du Lanxin if she thought he was back for work or to quit, noting that Rong Dingkun was trying to match him with "Uncle Zhao's daughter" from Ginling Women's University. Du Lanxin, however, was completely uninterested in Yang Xiucheng's affairs and quickly ended the call to get her hair done.

Yang Xiucheng met with Rong Dingkun, looking healthier after his vacation. He reaffirmed his loyalty, stating he had reflected in Hangzhou and realized Rong Dingkun's concern for him, regretting letting a "gold-digger" like Yu Zhihui come between them. He expressed his desire to continue working for and learning from his uncle. Rong Dingkun welcomed him back, promising to treat him well and counting on him to guide Rong Jiashang.

When Rong Jiashang arrived, Rong Dingkun instructed him to consult with Yang Xiucheng on import-export matters and learn humility. Rong Jiashang briefly inquired about Yang Xiucheng's trip to Hangzhou before Yang Xiucheng excused himself to catch up on work. Rong Dingkun then revealed to Rong Jiashang that his men reported Yang Xiucheng had been "with a woman all day" in Hangzhou, speculated to be a socialite, but his men couldn't get too close due to Yang Xiucheng's cunning.

Rong Jiashang suspected the woman was Du Lanxin, but kept silent. Rong Dingkun stressed that Yang Xiucheng, having grown up under his watch, knew things Rong Jiashang might not. Rong Jiashang advised his father to be lenient with Yang Xiucheng, acknowledging his long service and Rong Dingkun's initial wrongdoing in their conflict. Rong Dingkun dismissed his son's intercession, saying he wouldn't be too hard on Yang Xiucheng.

He then redirected the conversation to the Gold Kylin, asking about the progress of the search. Rong Jiashang reported that Hashimoto Shozo possessed a Gold Kylin, though he wasn't certain if it was the one they sought. Rong Dingkun instructed him to visit Hashimoto to confirm, confident that with a good price, even a treasured item could be bought.

He also noted Hashimoto's interest in the Nanyang shipping route, hinting at future cooperation, and suggested Rong Jiashang use his connection with Shiori Hashimoto to foster relations. He advised Rong Jiashang to be more flexible, emphasizing that too much rigidity breaks easily, while kindness and flexibility never fail, and some things shouldn't be too stubborn. Shiori Hashimoto presented her father, Hashimoto Shozo, with freshly made tea desserts. Noticing his preoccupied look, she inquired about his worries.

Hashimoto Shozo confessed that establishing themselves in Shanghai was challenging, requiring connections with local influential figures, which proved difficult. He considered the Rong family a good choice given their prosperous import-export business and control of several wharfs, but noted their previous visit hadn't led to further contact, suggesting the Rongs might not be interested. Shiori then reminded her father that Rong Dingkun was a well-known antique collector and Vice President of the Shanghai Antique Association.

She suggested sending him an invitation to visit their home and admire their collection, proposing it as a way to gauge his attitude and strengthen their families' ties. Hashimoto Shozo agreed, planning to send the invitation the next day, and Shiori promised to make him proud. Du Lanxin tried to persuade Rong Jiashang to join her for a bridge game at the Astor House, but he declined, stating he had other commitments.

She probed if he was going to see Feng Shizhen, implying that Feng Shizhen's departure made their "hooking up" easier. Du Lanxin reminded him that as his fiancée, his involvement with another woman was her concern and asked how far their relationship had progressed. Rong Jiashang retaliated by asking if Yang Xiucheng had not satisfied her in Hangzhou, effectively exposing her own infidelity.

Du Lanxin admitted he was right, but said she didn't want others to know she was being cheated on, asking him to keep his affairs low-key. Rong Jiashang then stated his intention to break off their engagement, but asked her to maintain appearances until then. Du Lanxin, surprised by his mention of breaking the engagement, revealed that Wu Yunchi had disclosed Rong Jiashang was having Feng Shizhen tailed, assuming it was due to insecurity because they hadn't "slept together."

Rong Jiashang, exasperated, ordered her out of the car. After he left, Du Lanxin lamented the bleakness of her life. She reflected on his earlier question about desiring a true love unbound by wealth or status, recalling how she had scoffed at the idea.

She suggested Feng Shizhen, as a free spirit, would never allow herself to be caged, and advised Rong Jiashang to "do a good deed" and let Feng Shizhen go, staying away from "good girls" like her who deserved better. Late one night, Concubine Sun rushed her son, who was suffering from a high fever, to the hospital.

Feng Shixun, who was on duty, attended to the child, explaining that premature babies like him often had weaker hearts and lungs, making them susceptible to illness in winter. He assured her the child would recover once the fever broke. After successfully treating her son, Concubine Sun, overcome with emotion, lamented not meeting a kind man like Feng Shixun earlier in her life, instead encountering the "cold, hypocritical, greedy, and selfish" Rong Dingkun.

She expressed gratitude for his care and praised him as a good man, wondering which lucky woman would marry him. Feng Shixun modestly dismissed himself as a "poor doctor with sick parents" who wouldn't want to burden any woman. Concubine Sun disagreed, emphasizing that a reliable man like him was a rare catch, and that wealth meant little when one was with a "selfish, cold, and fickle man."

She reflected on her own predicament, feeling old and unattractive after bearing Rong Dingkun a son, unsure of where to go if she were to leave him. Concubine Sun then confessed that the handmade scarf Feng Shixun had received was her personal thank-you gift, separate from Rong Dingkun's formal acknowledgment.

She expressed profound gratitude for him saving her life and "waking her up," admitting that despite her education, she had been as traditional as any old-world woman, even scoffing at independent women, but now realized she was the fool. Feng Shixun tried to suggest that she and Rong Dingkun, having been together for a decade, shared a bond that could be mended.

Concubine Sun vehemently disagreed, clarifying she was merely a concubine, not a wife, and that even Rong Dingkun's wives, like Tang and Huang, suffered. She bitterly declared that Rong Dingkun loved only himself and would readily discard his wives, concubines, and children. She urged Feng Shixun to stop defending him, exposing Rong Dingkun as a hypocrite who appeared respectable but engaged in illicit activities behind the scenes.

Concubine Sun then dropped a bombshell, revealing that the Wenchunli fire, which had destroyed Feng Shixun's family home, was no accident. A shocked Feng Shixun pressed for details. Concubine Sun explained she had overheard Rong Dingkun's shady deals while serving him opium with her sister, noting that even his wife was unaware of many secrets. She reasoned that Wenchunli's prime location would not have been sold so cheaply and hastily without a pre-arranged fire.

She further pointed out that the company constructing new buildings on the land was a subsidiary of the Rong Company, implying a deeper conspiracy. When Feng Shixun asked if his sister, Feng Shizhen, knew about this, Concubine Sun said she didn't know, but noted Rong Dingkun's dislike for Feng Shizhen, which led Feng Shizhen to keep her distance.

She added that Rong Jiashang had been infatuated with Feng Shizhen and pursued her, but Feng Shizhen rejected him, and Rong Dingkun later disciplined his son, making him more formal towards her. Concubine Sun, realizing she had said too much, cautioned Feng Shixun to keep their conversation confidential. Rong Dingkun and Rong Jiashang arrived at the Hashimoto residence, where Hashimoto Shozo, along with his wife Keiko, eldest son Taichi, and younger children Taiji and Shiori, greeted them warmly.

After exchanging pleasantries and gifts, Hashimoto Shozo, knowing Rong Dingkun's appreciation for antiques, presented him with a recently acquired treasure for his expert opinion. Rong Dingkun immediately recognized it as a rare Ru ware from the Song Dynasty, praising its unique grayish-blue glaze and confirming its exceptional quality.

Following this, Rong Dingkun immediately recognized the Gold Kylin as the one Meng Qingzhi had given him, and politely requested to see it, to which Hashimoto Shozo readily agreed, instructing his servant to retrieve it. Hashimoto Shozo presented the Gold Kylin, asking Rong Dingkun if it was the one he sought.

Rong Dingkun immediately recognized the Gold Kylin as the one Meng Qingzhi had given him, and inquired if Hashimoto Shozo would be willing to sell it, offering a generous sum. However, Hashimoto Shozo refused, explaining its profound personal significance: his eldest son, Taichi, was born frail and was predicted not to live past fifteen. Since acquiring the Gold Kylin, Taichi had miraculously recovered from multiple severe illnesses, leading Hashimoto Shozo to believe it was a talisman for his children's safety.

Appealing to Rong Dingkun as a fellow father, he asked for understanding. Rong Dingkun acknowledged his sentiments, agreeing that no worldly possession surpassed the value of one's children and that gentlemen should not take what others cherish, especially something of such special meaning. Recognizing their shared interests and the serendipitous connection between their children, Rong Jiashang and Shiori, Hashimoto Shozo proposed a business partnership.

Rong Dingkun eagerly agreed, directing Rong Jiashang to outline the Rong family's enterprises and explore potential areas of cooperation. Rong Jiashang detailed their shipping routes, including those to Japan, Nanyang via Hong Kong, and European countries via the Mediterranean. He highlighted the Rong family's ownership of four wharfs in Shanghai, particularly Wharf 4, which offered direct sea-to-land transport. He then proposed a lucrative venture: importing cheap, high-quality wool from Australia, processing it at inexpensive factories in Nanyang, and then selling it domestically, anticipating considerable profits.

Episode 22 Recap

Rong Dingkun agreed to share the Nanyang Route with Hashimoto Shozo. Hashimoto Shozo explained his plan to import large quantities of affordable wool from Australia, process it cheaply in Nanyang, and then sell it domestically for significant profits. He proposed a partnership, offering his company's route to the north. Rong Dingkun readily agreed, noting that both families' business ambitions—the Hashimoto family's desire for the Nanyang route and the Rong family's for the northern route—coincided perfectly.

Hashimoto Shozo praised Rong Jiashang as a capable successor, suggesting Rong Dingkun could soon retire. Rong Dingkun then raised a toast, expressing hope for a successful cooperation in the Chinese way. Hashimoto Taiji approached Rong Jiashang, recalling Jiashang's temper in Chongqing and noting how he had charmed his father today. He mentioned his sister, Shiori, had been thinking of Jiashang and suggested they rekindle their relationship.

Rong Jiashang dismissed the idea, stating his relationship with Shiori was a thing of the past, but Taiji pointed out Shiori was waiting for him. Shiori then met Rong Jiashang and asked if the Gold Kylin he saw was the one his family sought. She explained her father treasured it as a talisman for her eldest brother and had rejected a hefty offer for it, implying he would not sell it unless her brother died.

She then offered a proposition: if Rong Jiashang called off his engagement with Du Lanxin, she would persuade her father to let her marry him, bringing the Gold Kylin as her dowry. Rong Jiashang questioned how she could achieve this, given her brother's reliance on the artifact.

Shiori then revealed her eldest brother had a severe heart condition and would not live much longer, explaining that despite new medicine from a recently hired doctor that allowed him to get out of bed, his underlying condition was terminal. Rong Jiashang, expressing disappointment, told her he used to believe she was a pure and kind girl, but now realized he was mistaken. Rong Jiashang returned home to report to Rong Dingkun.

Rong Jiashang suggested waiting for Hashimoto's eldest son to die, believing Hashimoto Shozo would then have no reason to keep the Gold Kylin and would sell it at a high price. Rong Dingkun, however, dismissed this, recounting how Hashimoto's eldest son was predicted to die young but had survived. He compared waiting for death to waiting for rain, questioning the logic of waiting when they could act.

When Rong Jiashang asked if he intended to take action himself, Rong Dingkun confirmed that since they could not buy or wait for the Gold Kylin, they would have to steal or seize it. Rong Jiashang cautioned him about the Gold Kylin being secretly kept and guarded by private security. Rong Dingkun confidently asserted that knowing its location was enough; they would find a way to acquire it.

Later that night, Rong Jiashang noticed a light on in Feng Shizhen’s former room. Believing she had returned, he hurried over, only to find a maid cleaning. The maid explained that the butler had instructed them to clean the guest rooms due to the good weather. Disappointed, Rong Jiashang left. The next day, the admission list for McTyeire School for Girls was posted. Mrs. Rong and Concubine Wang accompanied Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua.

Both girls were admitted, much to their excitement and their mothers’ relief. Rong Fanglin was eager to share the good news with Feng Shizhen, and Mrs. Rong instructed a servant to notify Rong Dingkun to return home for a celebration. As Feng Shizhen returned from buying groceries, she noticed someone following her again. She deliberately slowed down and cornered the individual, recognizing him as one of Rong Jiashang's men.

Reflecting internally, Feng Shizhen thought about Wenchunli and how little the burnt property sold for, recognizing the immense hardship she had endured and marveling at how she survived. Later, Feng Shixun returned from his night shift. Feng Shizhen greeted him and offered to make bamboo shoot soup. Feng Shixun immediately pressed her about why she had resigned from the Rong family twice.

Feng Shizhen vaguely explained that the Rong girls no longer needed a governess, and for the previous resignation, she blamed being harassed by one of Rong family's concubines. Feng Shixun then mentioned Concubine Sun had visited the hospital the day before because her son was sick, and his fever only broke after Feng Shixun’s night shift. Feng Shixun offered Feng Shizhen a job at the hospital, suggesting she start the next morning. Feng Shizhen asked for time to consider.

Soon after, Rong Jiashang received a phone call from one of his men, reporting that Feng Shizhen had left her home by rickshaw, heading to the church in Yang King Pang. Rong Jiashang acknowledged the information. At the church, Feng Shizhen met Feng Shixun, apologizing for declining the hospital job. She claimed the work was too boring and unsuitable for her.

Feng Shixun accused her of still wanting to return to the Rong family and be with Rong Jiashang, entertaining unrealistic fantasies. He then revealed that Concubine Sun had told him how Rong Jiashang harassed her, forcing her to resign. Feng Shizhen insisted her relationship with Rong Jiashang was not as he thought and urged him to trust her since she had already quit her job.

Feng Shixun dismissed her claims, arguing that as a rich young man and a poor governess, they could not be mere friends. He expressed anger at the Rong family's conduct and threatened to confront Rong Jiashang. Feng Shizhen pleaded with him, asking him to listen, and then confessed that she had fallen in love with Rong Jiashang, admitting she couldn't resist her feelings. Feng Shixun was shocked.

He warned her that the Wenchunli fire was likely orchestrated by the Rong family, a fact Feng Shizhen seemed to be unaware of. Rong Jiashang, who had been listening from outside, silently acknowledged that Feng Shizhen had been innocent of the truth but now knew everything. Feng Shixun revealed Concubine Sun had personally told him, and though Feng Shizhen could disbelieve it, he did not.

He pointed out the Rong family was renovating Wenchunli and urged Feng Shizhen to recognize the connection. Feng Shizhen admitted she "dared not think too much," which Feng Shixun interpreted as her having already harbored suspicions. He further reminded her of Rong Jiashang's engagement and questioned if she intended to become his concubine. Feng Shizhen denied this, but Feng Shixun, growing increasingly agitated, questioned what had come over her and what made Rong Jiashang so appealing.

He warned her about Rong Dingkun's craftiness and power, given that he had hired Feng Shizhen despite knowing her origins in Wenchunli. He urged her, for her own safety, to sever all ties with Rong Jiashang and his family, to which Feng Shizhen reluctantly agreed. Feng Shixun then left for the hospital, telling her to think carefully. Feng Shizhen then entered the confessional, where the priest was actually Meng Xu'an. She reported the Gold Kylin’s whereabouts.

Meng Xu'an acknowledged the Gold Kylin was a significant treasure to the Meng family, not for its inherent value but for its historical and symbolic importance as a burial article of an emperor, believed to protect the family. He recounted how the Meng family had suffered greatly each of the two times the artifact was lost in history, only to recover upon its return.

Feng Shizhen confirmed that Rong Dingkun had swindled the Gold Kylin from her sister, which led to the Meng family's downfall. However, Feng Shizhen observed that Meng Xu'an had successfully revived the Meng family without the artifact, suggesting that a family's prosperity ultimately depended on human effort, talent, and the prevailing circumstances. Meng Xu'an agreed but shared that his father and grandfather had both, on their deathbeds, tasked him with retrieving it.

He expressed surprise that it took seventeen years to find a clue, and Feng Shizhen commented on his filial piety. Meng Xu'an then asked if Feng Shizhen was confident Rong Jiashang would follow her plan. Feng Shizhen explained that Rong Jiashang was already at odds with his father, and she was merely positioning herself as a "trophy" in his struggle for freedom and ideals, arguing that a man would not fight his father solely for a woman.

Meng Xu'an pointed out her brother's misunderstanding of her actions and asked if she had a plan to explain herself to him. Feng Shizhen assured him she would handle her brother's explanation herself. Meng Xu'an then asked, "Do you really like him so much?" Feng Shizhen offered her polite goodbyes. At dinner that evening, Feng Shixun was sarcastic, asking Feng Shizhen if she'd lost her appetite for their simple food after enjoying the Rong family's rich meals.

Feng Shizhen retorted that the Rong family's rich meals were hard on the stomach and she preferred their home cooking. Their father intervened, asking what was wrong between them. Feng Shizhen explained she had refused the hospital job, which made Feng Shixun lose face. Their father advised them not to create more trouble, as their family had finally found peace after many difficulties. He then asked Feng Shizhen what kind of job she intended to seek.

Feng Shizhen replied that with the year-end approaching, jobs were scarce, but it gave her time to stay home with them. Their father encouraged her to be discerning to avoid another disheartening experience. Feng Shixun asked who had bullied her. Feng Shizhen dismissed it as a hypothetical, assuring her father she would not let herself be bullied. As Feng Shixun left for his night shift, Feng Shizhen walked him out.

He continued to express his anger, asking if she still intended to associate with Rong Jiashang. Feng Shizhen denied it, then asked about the Wenchunli incident. Feng Shixun suggested confronting Rong Dingkun. Feng Shizhen highlighted the lack of evidence and the danger to Concubine Sun if she were exposed as the source. Feng Shixun, however, insisted on seeking justice for the neighbors who had lost family in the fire, as they did not even know the perpetrator.

Feng Shizhen cautioned him about Rong Dingkun's immense power, operating across both legal and illegal circles with the backing of warlords and politicians, which allowed him to cover up such a tragedy. She warned that confronting him would be "kicking against the pricks." While supporting his desire for revenge, she urged him to consider their parents and discuss any plans with her.

Feng Shixun, assuring her he was no longer an impulsive youth, promised he wouldn't endanger them for a momentary satisfaction. He then asked Feng Shizhen about Rong Dingkun's weaknesses, based on her three months in his household. Feng Shizhen identified Rong Dingkun's vanity as his biggest weakness, noting his hypocrisy in pretending to be a gentleman while being greedy and corrupt, and how his immoral conduct often led to his own undoing.

She mentioned his preference for young, submissive, educated girls and recalled his displeasure when she discussed "new women" with Rong Fanglin, revealing his conservative nature. Feng Shixun then asked what she liked about Rong Jiashang. Feng Shizhen explained that initially, he was rebellious, and it took effort to make him study.

However, she came to realize he was different from his public image, not a spoiled playboy, but a lonely, intelligent, and talented young man eager to escape his stepmother's taunts and his father's control, with aspirations to join the army rather than inherit the family business. She also clarified that the past "harassment" incident was a drunken misunderstanding misreported by maids, for which Rong Jiashang accepted the blame without complaint.

She admitted his intelligence and talent first attracted her, then his loneliness, and finally, his good looks. Feng Shixun teased her for praising him so highly and for valuing appearance, but Feng Shizhen countered, accusing him of prejudice due to his limited interaction with Rong Jiashang. Feng Shixun ultimately concluded that given Rong Jiashang was Rong Dingkun's son, there was little she could expect. Feng Shizhen reluctantly agreed.

Later that day, Feng Shizhen went to the hospital to deliver food for Feng Shixun. Xiao Baoli arrived in a new car, a birthday gift from "Seventh Master Meng," and invited Feng Shizhen to catch up over dinner, offering her a ride. That evening, Feng Shizhen returned home late to find Rong Jiashang waiting for her at the alley entrance. She confronted him directly, stating that his father had orchestrated the Wenchunli fire.

Rong Jiashang admitted he had only recently learned the truth himself and had kept it from her, fearing her hatred and hoping she would remain unaware. Feng Shizhen pointed out the futility of secrets and asked if he intended to hide it forever. Rong Jiashang admitted his selfishness, finding it difficult enough to pursue her without adding further complications. Feng Shizhen questioned the consequences if she had discovered the truth after they were together.

Rong Jiashang conceded that regardless of her knowing, they could not be together, but thought keeping it from her would at least spare him her hatred. Feng Shizhen asked if he intended to defend his father indefinitely. Rong Jiashang denied it, asserting his father would face consequences for his actions, and he, too, would bear the associated punishment, believing in a fair retribution. He reiterated that his only reason for withholding the information was to protect their relationship.

He lamented that it was now too late. Feng Shizhen clarified that she did not hate him, but found herself helpless. She reminded him of her father's survival, and the many neighbors who lost their families, emphasizing that the tragedy hung between them "like a pain in the neck," making a future together impossible.

She expressed gratitude for his deep feelings, acknowledging him as the first man to show her such genuine affection, and admitted her desire for a simple, peaceful life, but concluded that destiny had been cruel, continually creating obstacles. She urged him to give up, asking why he would choose a "thorny path" over a "bright future." Rong Jiashang refused to give up, professing his intense love for her.

When Feng Shizhen asked what he proposed to do, Rong Jiashang suggested they try to find a way to reconcile the hatred between their families. Feng Shizhen then laid out her conditions: Rong Dingkun must publicly apologize in the newspaper, confess the truth about the Wenchunli fire, surrender to the police, and compensate the victims. If he did so, she would forgive his family, and they could start anew.

She immediately questioned if he truly believed his father could meet these demands, recalling his own inability to break his engagement. She asserted that while his ideas were noble, he lacked the power to implement them because his interests were tied to the Rong family, and he would not sacrifice himself for love. Rong Jiashang, hurt, asked if she truly saw him as a "weak and useless man who keeps lying."

Feng Shizhen replied that he was merely "too young and inexperienced," having spoken "ten years too early," and concluded that they "didn't meet at the right time." Rong Jiashang repeated his request for more time, promising not to disappoint her. Feng Shizhen, however, declared she would not wait, emphasizing that the Wenchunli matter was different, and she would seek revenge herself. Rong Jiashang warned her against acting recklessly, stating his father was far more ruthless than he appeared.

Feng Shizhen retorted that she, too, was far more ruthless than she appeared. Distraught, Rong Jiashang went to drink with Wu Yunchi, confiding in him. He lamented Feng Shizhen's assessment of him as too young, inexperienced, and incapable, asserting that he could achieve anything if he truly set his mind to it. Wu Yunchi commented on the unusual situation of a son having to clean up his father's messes.

Rong Jiashang then asked if there was a way to make Feng Shizhen let go of her hatred without harming the Rong family. Wu Yunchi admitted he could not think of any such solution. Rong Jiashang conceded, recognizing that a deadly feud offered no easy resolution. He blamed himself for being too naive and greedy, which, he concluded, was why Feng Shizhen never trusted him. The next morning, Feng Shixun showed Feng Shizhen the newspaper.

All the major papers carried detailed reports exposing Rong Dingkun's orchestration of the Wenchunli fire and his subsequent acquisition of the land at a deflated price. Feng Shixun noted the news was well-researched and logically presented, suggesting an insider had leaked the information. He then asked Feng Shizhen, having spent time in the Rong family, who she thought might be the informant.

Episode 23 Recap

Feng Shizhen and Feng Shixun discussed the recent newspaper article exposing Rong Dingkun's alleged involvement in the Wenchunli fire. Feng Shixun asked Feng Shizhen who she thought was behind the leak. Feng Shizhen mused that it couldn't be Meng Xu'an, as his approach would be far more decisive, aiming to utterly destroy Rong Dingkun, and the timing wasn't right for such an all-out attack.

She also considered Yang Xiucheng, reasoning he must harbor resentment after falling out of favor, but quickly dismissed him too, not believing he would betray Rong Dingkun. She then briefly thought of Rong Jiashang before concluding it was impossible for him to betray his own father. Feng Shizhen then asked Feng Shixun to inform their parents about the news, and she left in a hurry.

Meanwhile, Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua were terrified by the newspaper’s claims, wondering if the accusations against Rong Dingkun were true. They recalled that Feng Shizhen’s family was among the victims of the Wenchunli fire and worried about how she would react to the news. They also speculated that the "Mr. Yang" mentioned in the report might be Yang Xiucheng.

Their parents expressed concern for Feng Shizhen's reputation and urged Feng Shixun not to get involved, fearing he might lose his job. Feng Shixun, however, remained resolute, vowing to seek justice for their neighbors. Feng Shizhen went directly to Meng Xu'an, who confirmed he was not the source of the leak. He commended her keen analytical mind for deducing this.

Meng Xu'an then suggested that Rong Jiashang, driven by love, might be responsible for leaking the information to expose his own father, a notion Feng Shizhen dismissed as impossible. Meng Xu'an provocatively envisioned Feng Shizhen eloping with Rong Jiashang, then changing her mind and returning to him, reminding her that while there were many men, there was only one "smart little Shizhen."

At the Rong mansion, Yang Xiucheng fervently denied any betrayal to Rong Dingkun, emphasizing that ruining Rong Dingkun's reputation would bring him no benefit, especially since his own family depended on the clan. He suggested that Feng Shizhen was the true culprit, pointing out that she had joined the Rong household after the fire that devastated her own home, and that her tenure had been marked by continuous troubles.

He also highlighted the suspicious timing of the scandal breaking right after her resignation, and her easy access to information and familiarity with the household staff. Rong Jiashang immediately jumped to Feng Shizhen's defense, accusing Yang Xiucheng of blindly blaming a woman and reminding him that he and Mrs. Rong had thoroughly vetted and even polygraph-tested Feng Shizhen, finding nothing.

He argued that a mere governess couldn't have uncovered such detailed information, like the shell company, nor could she be linked to other complex incidents like Sun Shaoqing's escape or Zhihui's affair. Rong Dingkun cut their argument short, instructing Yang Xiucheng to uncover the real perpetrator and ordering Rong Jiashang to find a scapegoat to quell public outrage and prevent the Wenchunli residents from stirring up trouble.

Rong Jiashang countered that using force would only escalate the situation, drawing more negative attention to the Rong family, especially with an unknown enemy operating covertly. He insisted that the immediate priority was to quickly distance the Rong family from the scandal. Rong Dingkun agreed with this assessment, and Rong Jiashang volunteered to resolve the issue within three days, even if it required a significant financial outlay, to which Rong Dingkun readily assented.

Feng Shizhen sought out Xiao Baoli, sharing her inner turmoil about the news and her conflicting feelings for Rong Jiashang. Xiao Baoli observed that Feng Shizhen seemed to be genuinely in love with him. Feng Shizhen, however, expressed her apprehension, fearing that if she truly loved Rong Jiashang, she would be condemning him to a dark path rather than saving him.

Meanwhile, Feng Shixun convened a meeting for the Wenchunli residents, inviting Editor Zhang of Xianmin Weekly, and brought Feng Shizhen along. The residents, intimidated by Rong Dingkun's power, expressed fear of retaliation and skepticism about the effectiveness of public opinion. Feng Shixun passionately reminded them of their profound losses, recounting stories of lost eyesight, deceased children, and broken families, hoping to ignite their resolve for justice.

However, many residents prioritized their families' safety and immediate needs over a potentially perilous fight. They squabbled amongst themselves about who should represent them and, in a moment of frustration, even accused Feng Shizhen of having an illicit relationship with Rong Jiashang and plotting to embezzle any potential compensation. Editor Zhang intervened, acknowledging that hardship often makes people self-interested, but urged them to unite, leverage the current public attention, and use their available evidence to negotiate with the Rong family.

Suddenly, Rong Jiashang arrived with his guards. He explained that his father had initially considered acquiring Wenchunli but abandoned the plan due to high prices. He claimed that the actual arsonist, who owed his father a substantial debt, had set the fire to settle the debt by transferring the land, and that this individual had subsequently died in a conflict with the Green Gang. He stated that all pertinent documents had been submitted to the police for verification.

The residents, however, were unconvinced, demanding to see the arsonist, believing it was a fabricated story because the person was conveniently dead. Rong Jiashang conceded that his father's greed had led him to accept the land without thorough investigation, indirectly causing the tragedy, and therefore, the Rong family would take responsibility. He presented large boxes of gold bars, offering one bar, valued at 300 silver dollars, to each family upon signing a "Statement of Understanding."

Families with disabled members or fatalities, verified by neighbors, would receive an additional bar. Feng Shizhen watched in dismay, condemning this as a blatant attempt to silence the victims with money. Despite her protests, the sight of the gold bars swayed most of the residents, who began queuing up to sign the agreement. Feng Shixun, reluctantly accepting the grim reality, signed for his family, claiming double compensation for their large house and two shopfronts.

In a defiant gesture, Feng Shizhen, after condemning this as a blatant attempt to silence the victims with money, also signed the agreement and took the gold bars. Rong Jiashang pursued Feng Shizhen, apologizing profusely and promising to punish those who had set the fire. Feng Shizhen, deeply disappointed, retorted that he knew the truth all along and was merely punishing "lackeys" instead of the "commander."

She challenged him, asking how he would feel if her father had burned his home, and she then offered him money while still expecting a romantic relationship. She concluded that he would never truly abandon his family for her, and she didn't deserve such a sacrifice anyway. With a heavy heart, she returned the red jade bracelet to him and walked away without looking back.

Later, Shiori Hashimoto paid a visit to Rong Dingkun, subtly hinting at her concern for Rong Jiashang and claiming her feelings for him had never wavered. She presented him with intimate photographs of Du Lanxin and Yang Xiucheng together in Hangzhou. Shiori proposed that if Rong Dingkun canceled Rong Jiashang’s engagement to Du Lanxin, she would marry Rong Jiashang, bringing the precious Gold Kylin and sharing all of the Hashimoto family's northern shipping routes with the Rong family.

She revealed that Hashimoto Taiichi, her elder brother, suffered from a severe heart condition and was unlikely to live much longer, with any external shock potentially proving fatal. She also implied that her younger brother, Hashimoto Taiji, was a hedonist, suggesting she would eventually assume control of the Hashimoto family, thereby effectively merging their considerable assets with the Rong family through her marriage to Rong Jiashang.

Rong Dingkun found her offer compelling but was wary of her ambition and willingness to harm her own family for power, noting that such a person, while useful for cooperation, was unsuitable for family. He made it clear he would not directly offend Hashimoto Shozo by harming Taiichi. Shortly after Shiori's departure, Rong Jiashang returned home. Rong Dingkun informed him of Shiori's visit and her surprising proposal.

Upon seeing the incriminating photos of Du Lanxin, Rong Jiashang immediately suggested breaking off his engagement to Du Lanxin. Rong Dingkun advised him to proceed cautiously and strategically. He instructed Rong Jiashang to attend the upcoming Central China Antique Charity Auction with Du Lanxin, and to extend invitations to the Hashimoto family, including Shiori and her brother, Hashimoto Taiichi. This move aimed to create an opportunity for Shiori to act on her intentions without Rong Dingkun's direct involvement.

Episode 24 Recap

Yang Xiucheng frequently met with Du Lanxin, who pressed him for updates on his investigation into who leaked the truth about Rong Dingkun to the press. Yang Xiucheng reported that Rong Jiashang had appeased the residents of Wenchunli with money, temporarily settling the issue. However, he admitted he couldn't find any clues about the leaker, noting that Rong Dingkun, being shrewd and suspicious, would surely know Yang Xiucheng wouldn't foolishly act against him.

Du Lanxin then shared that her aunt was urging her to plan her wedding with Rong Jiashang soon, confirming that Rong Dingkun and her father had recently grown closer. When Yang Xiucheng asked about Rong Jiashang's reaction, Du Lanxin replied that Rong Jiashang’s own relationship was a mess and he had no time to care about her. Visibly frustrated, Yang Xiucheng asked if she still intended to marry him.

Du Lanxin explained it was a long-standing agreement she couldn’t easily break. The thought of her marrying Rong Jiashang and having children with him deeply upset Yang Xiucheng, but Du Lanxin tried to comfort him. Mrs. Feng expressed concern to Feng Shizhen, noting Feng Shixun's recent quietness and absence from home, fearing he was upset with them. Feng Shizhen reassured her that Shixun was likely just busy.

However, Mrs. Feng worried that Shixun, a man of principle, was hurt that Feng Shizhen had signed a settlement with the Rong family and accepted gold bars instead of pursuing an apology. Feng Shizhen explained that Shixun had still bought tickets to accompany her to Bailiu Town for their birth mother's death anniversary, proving he cared, and she intended to explain things to him there.

It was the 20th anniversary of her birth mother's passing, and Feng Shizhen planned a ritual, lamenting that she couldn't even recall her mother's face. She also shared vague, recurring dream fragments of her little brother crying and her mother urging her to run, wondering if her brother, lost over two decades ago, was still alive. Mrs. Feng hoped he had been taken in by a kind family.

Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang received a report that Mrs. Feng had converted the gold bars into cash and deposited them, suggesting the siblings wouldn't cause further trouble. He also learned that Feng Shizhen had not left the house since her return, with Mrs. Feng handling all errands.

Rong Jiashang then contacted Nurse Wang Chunhua from Red House Hospital, who informed him that Feng Shixun had purchased two train tickets for three days later to accompany his sister to Bailiu Town for a grave visit. Following this, Rong Jiashang called Director Joseph at Red House Hospital. Subsequently, as Feng Shixun prepared to head directly to the train station after his night shift, a nurse informed him of an urgent major surgery.

Despite his request to have another doctor assist, the nurse insisted it was a direct order from Director Joseph, specifically designating Feng Shixun to assist Dr. Liu Yingchun, emphasizing it was an invaluable opportunity. Feng Shixun then gave Nurse Wang a letter, asking her to deliver it to his sister at the train station. Rong Jiashang’s subordinate commented that he went to great lengths for Feng Shizhen, who had been reclusive since the incident at Wenchunli.

Rong Jiashang admitted he had to approach her through her brother, unsure if she still blamed him. At the train station, a ticket inspector confirmed Feng Shizhen's destination was Bailiu Town, where she would commemorate her birth mother. Inside the compartment, a middle-aged woman commented on Feng Shizhen traveling alone and predicted her brother wouldn't show up.

Just then, Rong Jiashang arrived, explaining he was late and handing Feng Shizhen a letter from Feng Shixun, stating that something had come up at the hospital and he couldn't go with her. The talkative woman admired Rong Jiashang's appearance. Rong Jiashang discreetly booked the adjacent compartment and moved the couple there, politely suggesting they have quiet time. He then turned to Feng Shizhen, noting her weight loss and lack of rest, and apologized for his actions.

He expressed his desire to spend more time with her, pleading with her to see him as a friend, promising to gradually reduce his affection and not bother her later. He asked her to be patient with him, vowing to abide by etiquette and avoid anything she disliked. He offered her newly imported Brazilian coffee and French pastries, hoping to create positive memories so that she wouldn't remember him with only hatred. Feng Shizhen denied hating him.

Rong Jiashang confessed it was all his fault, proposing they put the past aside for a few days. He asked her to treat him as a student, a friend, or even an errand boy, promising to be obedient if she allowed him to stay by her side. When Feng Shizhen remained silent, he took her quietness as agreement.

After arriving in Bailiu Town in heavy rain, Rong Jiashang offered Feng Shizhen a ride in his car, but she politely declined, opting for a rickshaw. He followed her lead, taking a rickshaw to Dongfenglai Inn as well. Upon arrival, he offered to carry her luggage. Later, Rong Jiashang asked if she was hungry and offered to treat her to a meal.

At a local restaurant, he ordered two bowls of beef noodles, one large and one small, specifying extra chilies for his own. Feng Shizhen asked if he frequented the town. He replied that he only visited once a year for her mother's death anniversary. She then remarked that he, a young master, might find Bailiu Town too small and unaccustomed.

Rong Jiashang dismissed her concern, sharing lively anecdotes from his military school days, including field survival training and roasting wild rabbits. He even promised to take her duck hunting at the Cao River in spring, if they were to meet again. Feng Shizhen then fondly recalled the delicious noodles he had once made for her, remarking that she had never tasted better since.

Rong Jiashang expressed happiness that she remembered his preference, and Feng Shizhen thanked him, finding the feeling of their interaction "nice." He urged her to eat. During the car ride to the Lanruo Monastery, the bumpy roads caused Feng Shizhen to repeatedly lean into Rong Jiashang. Feng Shizhen, annoyed, sarcastically asked if he didn't know that if he wanted stability, he should just get out and walk, then told him to let go of her hand.

Rong Jiashang retorted that it wasn't him who was holding on. At the monastery, Feng Shizhen paid her respects at her birth mother's spirit tablet. Afterwards, she suggested they take a walk while waiting for dinner. Rong Jiashang asked about "Bai," and Feng Shizhen revealed Bai was her birth mother. He was surprised, having believed her to be a natural-born child of the Feng family, and learned she was an orphan adopted by them.

She recounted that at around two or three years old, she, her mother, and infant brother were attacked by bandits while traveling to visit relatives. Her mother, Bai, was killed protecting her, and her brother was lost. She credited the Feng family with saving and raising her as their own, considering them her true parents and Feng Shixun her real brother. She admitted she didn't remember her original surname, only her given name, Zhenzhen, and her mother’s surname, Bai.

The Feng family’s deceased daughter also happened to be named Zhenzhen. Feng Shizhen shared that despite being saved, she still had vague, recurring dreams of the tragic event, her mother's brutal death while shielding her. She expressed gratitude for the Feng family's kindness, which allowed her to attend college, but lamented the unknown fate of her infant brother. Rong Jiashang reassured her that her brother was likely alive, safe, and would one day seek her out.

He then embraced her, saying he just wanted to hold her. Feng Shizhen gently suggested they return as dinner was almost ready. Shortly after, she slipped and twisted her ankle. Rong Jiashang offered to carry her, instructing her to hold on tight. With Feng Shizhen's train set to depart at 2:30 PM, she went upstairs to pack, leaving Rong Jiashang in the lobby.

He seized the opportunity to inquire with the innkeeper about the past robbery involving a mother and two children. The innkeeper recalled the shocking event, emphasizing that Bailiu Town was typically peaceful and the crime scene was less than a mile away. He mentioned that no one saw the bandits, who killed all the victims instantly with neck slashes, leaving no survivors.

He directed Rong Jiashang to a tea house by the South Bridge, where passersby often rested, suggesting they might have seen the family who came from the south and were headed northeast. Feng Shizhen, overhearing the conversation as she came downstairs, confronted Rong Jiashang, asking why he was investigating. She expressed cynicism about finding her birth father, arguing that twenty years was long enough for him to have sought her out if he cared.

Rong Jiashang insisted on going to the South Bridge, stressing it was not yet 2 PM and the town was small. Feng Shizhen questioned his strong interest, suggesting he join the police if he liked solving crimes. He clarified he only wanted to help her find her family and her brother, and locate the killer, not pry into her privacy.

She pushed back, asserting the Fengs were her true family and sarcastically asked if he thought she was only seeking a wealthy birth father now that the Feng family was in decline. Rong Jiashang dismissed this, acknowledging her strong bond with the Fengs, and urged her to pursue finding her brother and the murderer. She finally agreed to go.

As they walked, Feng Shizhen shared more about her fragmented childhood memories: her mother, brother, and a flatbed cart, and her mother urging her to run when bandits attacked, only seeing shadows that sometimes appeared as a black dog or a falling rock in her dreams. Rong Jiashang then recounted his own early memories, including being stung by a bee at three and being pushed by Mrs. Rong when he accidentally made her new babies cry.

He acknowledged their shared experience as "motherless children" and his father's distant nature, saying they were "in the same boat," though Feng Shizhen quickly corrected him, highlighting her good relationship with her adoptive parents. He admitted he envied her in that regard. At the tea house by the South Bridge, the owner recognized Feng Shizhen as the little girl who had passed by with her mother and baby brother in a donkey cart, coming from the southwest.

He recalled the baby's diaper being changed on his table. Feng Shizhen confirmed she was that child, and the owner expressed surprise she was alive, calling her blessed. He remembered her mother's accent sounded like someone from Guojia Town, though he clarified that accents from Guojia, Futian, and Wanjin villages were similar.

He described the incident as fate, as her mother had insisted on continuing her journey at dusk to meet someone, despite his wife's advice to stay at the inn, which led to the tragedy. The owner also remembered the tall, young cart driver, who had a northern accent and called Feng Shizhen's mother "sister-in-law," suggesting he was her husband's younger brother. Notably, only Feng Shizhen's mother's body was found at the scene, leading the locals to find it very strange.

On the train back to Shanghai, Rong Jiashang asserted that the cart driver was the primary suspect and could provide crucial clues about Feng Shizhen's mother's identity, even if he wasn't the killer. Feng Shizhen noted Rong Jiashang's brief hesitation when the tea house owner mentioned Guojia Town, to which Rong Jiashang admitted that his own family also originated from there.

Feng Shizhen found this coincidental, musing that if her mother was also from Guojia Town, they might even be relatives, perhaps she was his cousin. Rong Jiashang then revealed that his family's relatives in Guojia Town had all perished during a plague, which his father survived only because he was away working.

He offered to stop investigating if Feng Shizhen wished, but if she wanted to find the murderer and her brother, he would help her uncover the truth, asking her to "use" him as he could accomplish things she couldn't. Feng Shizhen responded, "I knew. I knew it long ago." Upon their arrival back in Shanghai, Feng Shixun met Feng Shizhen at the station, expressing regret for his absence and offering to carry her suitcase.

Feng Shizhen accepted his apology and jokingly asked him to treat her to a meal at the expensive Wangfu Restaurant, to which he readily agreed, adding that "Big brother treats little sister, what's expensive or not expensive?" Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang returned to the Rong mansion. A servant informed him that Du Lanxin was playing Mahjong with Rong Dingkun and Mrs. Rong in the chess room.

Rong Dingkun greeted him, mentioning that Du Lanxin had brought two cases of fine wine from her father, and urged Rong Jiashang to spend time with his fiancée despite his busy work schedule. Du Lanxin then told Aunt Wang to take her place, complaining to Rong Jiashang as they walked away that her waist was aching from playing Mahjong all afternoon.

She asked why Yang Xiucheng was there, clarifying he came with Rong Dingkun and had nothing to do with her. She then provocatively asked if Rong Jiashang, the Young Master Rong, couldn't tolerate Yang Xiucheng's presence, adding that the Rong family had wronged Yang Xiucheng first. Rong Jiashang stated he had no problem with Yang Xiucheng.

Episode 25 Recap

Rong Jiashang advised Du Lanxin to distance herself from Yang Xiucheng. He revealed that Shiori Hashimoto had given his father, Rong Dingkun, a photograph showing Du Lanxin and Yang Xiucheng together in a Hangzhou hotel lobby. Though only Yang Xiucheng's back was visible, Du Lanxin was incensed, acknowledging her growing affection for Yang Xiucheng. She called Shiori a troublesome ex-girlfriend and wondered why Rong Dingkun hadn't broken off the engagement.

Rong Jiashang explained that the Rong and Du families were in a crucial business partnership, and his father would not risk disgracing the Du family and losing the deal, considering his son's marriage as inconsequential compared to wealth. He then reaffirmed his own long-standing opposition to their engagement, suggesting it was time to end the farce. He then questioned Du Lanxin's seriousness with Yang Xiucheng, to which she admitted that while it wasn't serious initially, "Maybe" it was now.

A servant brought mutton noodles, which Rong Jiashang had ordered. Du Lanxin, upon smelling the mutton, suddenly felt nauseous and vomited. Rong Jiashang expressed concern, but she quickly dismissed it, attributing her discomfort to having eaten too much seafood. She then announced she was returning home and asked Rong Jiashang to convey her apologies to his parents, adding that they could discuss the annulment of their engagement later. Rong Jiashang offered to drive her home.

Later, Du Lanxin privately met Yang Xiucheng in a hallway, where she revealed her pregnancy, which she believed occurred on a train to Hangzhou. She told him that Rong Jiashang likely suspected their relationship due to her unwell state. Yang Xiucheng was apprehensive, stating he could not publicly break ties with the Rong family at that moment. Du Lanxin accused him of cowardice and reminded him that he had no real standing in the Rong family, practically a "lackey."

She said that while Rong Dingkun would not harm her because of her family's status, Yang Xiucheng was "nothing" in his eyes and would face severe consequences for betrayal. Du Lanxin then questioned if his past promises of a child and a future were merely to "sleep with me." Yang Xiucheng claimed the situation was "all very sudden" and he was "just not ready."

Disheartened, Du Lanxin declared she would schedule an abortion the following day if he wished to "avoid bigger trouble." Yang Xiucheng quickly intervened, affirming that he would take responsibility. He pleaded with her to have the baby, promising they would stay together, raise the child, and that he would take her away from Shanghai as soon as possible. Unbeknownst to them, Rong Fanglin happened to be nearby and overheard their entire conversation, leaving her shocked and in tears.

Xiao Baoli's latest film was a massive success, turning her into an overnight sensation. At her premiere, she was swarmed by reporters eager for interviews. Meng Xu'an arrived to escort her, effectively creating a path through the crowd, and later hosted a lavish celebration dinner in her honor. Feng Shizhen was invited to Xiao Baoli's film premiere. Rong Jiashang attended with Du Lanxin, and Shiori Hashimoto was also present.

Shiori approached Feng Shizhen and made critical remarks about her dress, suggesting it was borrowed and implying she had many friends from whom she could borrow different attire each time they met. Du Lanxin, observing the exchange, subtly urged Rong Jiashang to intervene and handle the situation. Rong Jiashang then spoke to Feng Shizhen privately.

He updated her on his investigation into her family's past, stating that his men found no records of a missing Lady Bai in Guojia Town, nor any useful information in police files regarding the murder. However, he uncovered that shortly after the tragedy, a man reported his young daughter missing after falling into the water, with no body found. The police dismissed him, leaving no details.

Feng Shizhen was visibly distressed, believing this report was about her, and suspected the killer had filed it to confirm her death, or worse, to locate her and silence her. Rong Jiashang promised to pursue this new lead, reassuring her that his trusted men would act discreetly to protect her. Following a beautiful song, Feng Shizhen found a young boy in a wheelchair drawing.

He introduced himself as Meng Jiushao, Meng Xu'an's ninth brother, and asked Feng Shizhen to model for him. She agreed, and he quickly sketched her portrait, which she praised. However, Meng Jiushao suddenly became agitated, exclaiming that the drawing was "wrong," and violently defaced it with his brush. He then threw his painting knife and fell from his wheelchair, his frenzy continuing.

He then composed himself, smiling, and asked Feng Shizhen to help him up, promising not to tell his brother she had "broken into my room." As she reached out, he suddenly grabbed the painting knife and lunged at her hand. Meng Xu'an rushed in, ordering his men to sedate Meng Jiushao immediately. Feng Shizhen, still shaken, apologized to Meng Xu'an, explaining that she had unwittingly entered the room and only learned Meng Jiushao's identity from him.

Meng Xu'an, unperturbed, assured her that he had plans to reveal his brother's existence to all of Shanghai soon. Feng Shizhen then relayed Rong Jiashang's news about Shiori Hashimoto's offer to marry him with the Gold Kylin as her dowry, effectively replacing Du Lanxin. Meng Xu'an, aware of Rong Jiashang's popularity, suspected a deeper plot than a simple marriage and instructed Feng Shizhen to continue monitoring the situation.

He concluded by warning her to "stay away from my brother," adding that next time, Meng Jiushao "may hold something worse than a painting knife." Rong Fanglin was later found crying alone. Feng Shizhen approached her, offering comfort and promising to keep her secrets. Rong Fanglin confessed her confusion, asking why someone engaged would still fall for another person.

Feng Shizhen, referencing Tang Xianzu's quote "love once begun would never end," explained that emotions are often beyond control, leading to life's many joys and sorrows, and that love itself could be considered a form of luck. She assured Rong Fanglin that she, too, would one day find her own luck in love. Feng Shizhen's father read aloud from a newspaper about an upcoming charity auction at the city museum, which Xiao Baoli was set to attend.

He noted that Rong Dingkun and a Japanese individual named Hashimoto Shozo would also be present. He expressed concern that foreign powers were acquiring Chinese cultural relics. Feng Shizhen, recalling Meng Xu'an's earlier words about revealing his brother to Shanghai, wondered if Meng Xu'an planned to make a move at the auction. Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang presented Rong Dingkun with a meticulously crafted replica of the Gold Kylin, made by Zhu Laojiu.

Rong Jiashang proposed anonymously auctioning this fake Gold Kylin to resolve the current issues, and then finally ending his engagement with Du Lanxin. Rong Dingkun agreed, anticipating a dramatic scene at the auction. Feng Shizhen sought out Xiao Baoli, requesting to attend the auction as her assistant. Meng Xu'an overheard their conversation and, correctly deducing Feng Shizhen's concern for Rong Jiashang, offered to take her as his companion instead, despite his warning that Rong Jiashang might not appreciate her concern.

He later arranged for a new dress and jewelry from Printemps for Feng Shizhen to wear. Hashimoto Shozo considered bringing Hashimoto Taiichi to the auction as an opportunity for Taiichi to meet Shanghai's elite, potentially for marriage. However, he worried about Taiichi's delicate health. Shiori Hashimoto volunteered to accompany Taiichi and ensure his care. On the day of the auction, Rong Dingkun arrived with Rong Jiashang, Du Lanxin, Mrs. Rong, Rong Fanglin, and Rong Fanghua.

Shortly after, Hashimoto Shozo arrived with Shiori Hashimoto and Hashimoto Taiichi. The two families exchanged greetings. Hashimoto Shozo admired Rong Dingkun's daughters and suggested that Rong Fanglin accompany Hashimoto Taiichi. Rong Dingkun consented, encouraging Fanglin to socialize. The two patriarchs then alluded to a mysterious auction item, with Hashimoto Shozo jokingly asking Rong Dingkun to go easy on the bidding if it was something he desired. Rong Dingkun reciprocated, promising not to bid if Hashimoto Shozo was interested.

Feng Shizhen entered the auction with Meng Xu'an, who exchanged polite words with Rong Dingkun before they proceeded into the hall. During introductions, Meng Xu'an clarified his connection to Feng Shizhen, explaining she was his "junior" under their shared teacher, Mr. Pei. Du Lanxin made a sarcastic remark about Meng Xu'an becoming Rong Jiashang's "senior uncle," which Rong Jiashang swiftly dismissed.

The auction began with the Ruismo Auction Company's chairman explaining that all proceeds would benefit frontline soldiers and martyrs' families. Xiao Baoli unveiled the first item: a pigeon-blood ruby necklace with a starting bid of 500 silver dollars. Bids quickly escalated. Meng Xu'an bid 1,000, remarking to Feng Shizhen that the necklace would suit her fair skin. Rong Jiashang commented on Meng Xu'an's ostentatious bidding.

When Feng Shizhen questioned Meng Xu'an about his generosity, he denied it was a gift, then warned her not to provoke "my girl" again. Rong Jiashang immediately countered with a bid of 1,500.

Episode 26 Recap

During the charity auction, Du Lanxin mistakenly believed Rong Jiashang was bidding on the ruby necklace for her, but she openly expressed her dislike for the item. Rong Jiashang and Meng Xu'an engaged in a fierce bidding war, driving the price up to 2,000 yuan. Rong Jiashang eventually withdrew, allowing Meng Xu'an to win. Meng Xu'an then took the ruby necklace and personally draped it around Feng Shizhen's neck, remarking that it suited her well.

Later, Rong Jiashang approached Feng Shizhen, commenting that the necklace didn't quite suit her. He questioned why she had attended the auction with Meng Xu'an, implying she might be rejecting him for Meng Xu'an. Feng Shizhen deftly shifted the topic, drawing his attention to Du Lanxin and Yang Xiucheng who were close by and exhibiting intimate gestures. Rong Jiashang, however, seemed unfazed.

He revealed that Du Lanxin was already expecting a child and explicitly stated that the child was not his. Feng Shizhen explained her presence by saying Xiao Baoli had brought her to see the world at the auction, and Meng Xu'an had simply offered to be her escort. Rong Jiashang responded with a sarcastic remark about Meng Xu'an being a "gentleman" for bringing her to this particular auction.

Feng Shizhen then observed Rong Dingkun and Hashimoto Shozo's attempts to arrange a match between Rong Fanglin and Hashimoto Taiichi. She pointed out Hashimoto Taiichi's "heart disease" and questioned why he was at the auction. Rong Jiashang dismissed it as a "perfunctory effort out of courtesy" and insisted that a sick man also needed to go out sometimes. He then pressed Feng Shizhen about her relationship with Meng Xu'an.

Feng Shizhen countered by accusing Rong Jiashang of having "Du Lanxin and Hashimoto Shiori at the same time," urging him to resolve his own romantic entanglements before interfering in hers. She emphasized that he couldn't even control his own marriage. Rong Jiashang clarified that his engagement with Du Lanxin would "be broken off soon" and he would not marry Hashimoto Shiori.

He then pleaded with Feng Shizhen for "six months" to sort out his affairs, but she firmly stated, "I can't wait for six months." Rong Jiashang pulled Feng Shizhen aside, asking for a specific timeframe. Feng Shizhen boldly proposed they elope "tonight," suggesting they "buy two train tickets and leave here. Leave your family and my family. Let's leave Shanghai" to pursue his ideals.

Rong Jiashang refused, citing his responsibilities as the "eldest son of my family" and his inability to simply "walk away like this." Feng Shizhen warned him that the Rong family was a "giant ship that is destined to sink" and that his father's actions would inevitably drag him down. Rong Jiashang acknowledged the danger but insisted he "must protect" his "innocent members in my family" and "take the responsibility."

He declared his ambition to have both: "to protect my family and fulfill my ambitions," and added, "I want you, too." He then promised Feng Shizhen that he would eventually leave with her after accomplishing his goals, but she reiterated her urgency, stating that her offer was only "available just for tonight." Meng Xu'an, observing their tense conversation, remarked to Feng Shizhen that Rong Jiashang had predictably refused to leave with her.

He warned her against being blinded by love, likening it to "opium"—initially exhilarating but ultimately leading to unbearable suffering. He argued that rational individuals should avoid such addiction from the start, though Feng Shizhen admitted that "I couldn't stop myself from falling in love." Meanwhile, Hashimoto Shiori continued to actively promote a match between Rong Fanglin and her brother, Hashimoto Taiichi, despite Mrs. Rong's concern for Taiichi's health and suggestion that he rest.

Shiori Hashimoto assured them of Taiichi's good health. Privately, Rong Fanglin expressed her frustration to Hashimoto Taiichi about her father's blatant matchmaking. Hashimoto Taiichi shared her sentiment, suggesting they instead "get along as friends and cherish the present." Later, a subordinate of Meng Xu'an informed Feng Shizhen that Xiao Baoli was unwell and requested her company. Feng Shizhen was led to a room where Meng Xu'an locked her inside with Meng Xiaojiu.

Meng Xu'an cryptically told her to "keep Xiaojiu good company" and to guess "who will be the winner of tonight." Meng Xiaojiu, in his child-like state, excitedly revealed his "big brother wants me to watch a play." He explained Meng Xu'an's scheme: their "daddy is down there," and Meng Xu'an intended to "kill the man who took my birthright," referring to "Daddy's eldest son."

Feng Shizhen quickly deduced that Meng Xiaojiu was Rong Dingkun's son and that Meng Xu'an planned to murder Rong Jiashang, then present Rong Dingkun with a "crippled and crazy son" to make him "know what a terrible sin he had committed 16 years ago." She frantically tried to escape, but Meng Xiaojiu calmly informed her that Meng Xu'an had made thorough arrangements and refused to reveal the key's location as his brother had instructed him not to.

The auction proceeded with the highly anticipated "Gold Kylin." Hashimoto Shozo was visibly stunned to see it on display, claiming he "didn't hear it was a pair" when he suspected it was his own treasured item. He immediately dispatched men to check his residence. Upon seeing the Gold Kylin, Hashimoto Taiichi fainted, and Shiori Hashimoto quickly administered his emergency medication. Rong Dingkun instructed Rong Jiashang to "make sure you win it. It can't fall into other hands."

Another intense bidding war erupted between Rong Jiashang and Meng Xu'an, reaching 180,000 yuan. Rong Jiashang ultimately secured the Gold Kylin, while Meng Xu'an ominously remarked, "The Gold Kylin must return to its owner." Inside the locked room, desperate to find a way out, Feng Shizhen feigned madness and pretended to be Meng Xiaojiu's mother, berating him as a "monster."

She appealed to his desire to see his "daddy," eventually coaxing him to reveal the key's location, which he pointed out was "under the floor." Feng Shizhen retrieved the key, unlocked the door, and saw a sniper on the second floor aiming directly at Rong Jiashang. Shouting a warning, she rushed onto the stage and tackled Rong Jiashang. Two shots rang out, narrowly missing them as they fell.

The auction hall descended into chaos, and Hashimoto Taiichi fainted again from the fright. Feng Shizhen pulled Rong Jiashang to flee, but Meng Xu'an ordered his men to pursue them. Rong Jiashang, unwilling to see more innocent lives lost, urged Feng Shizhen to escape while he grabbed a gun to confront the attackers. Meanwhile, Zhao Hua'an handed Rong Dingkun a gun before returning to assist Mrs. Rong. As Rong Dingkun attempted to leave, he was accidentally shot by the police.

Du Lanxin and Yang Xiucheng also fled, with Du Lanxin suffering severe abdominal pain, but Yang Xiucheng protected her. Hashimoto Shozo evacuated Hashimoto Taiichi, who collapsed yet again due to extreme shock. Rong Jiashang fought his way through the melee, but Meng Xu'an cornered him, pushing Meng Xiaojiu forward. Meng Xiaojiu, still fixated on his brother's plan, urged Meng Xu'an to "kill him quickly," believing it would earn him his "daddy's" love. Meng Xu'an then revealed his entire elaborate scheme.

Rong Jiashang realized that Meng Xu'an's intention was to use the Gold Kylin as leverage to coerce Rong Dingkun and orchestrate "brothers killing each other." Meng Xu'an explicitly stated that Meng Xiaojiu was "the only legacy Rong Dingkun left for the Meng family," and his ultimate goal was to kill Rong Jiashang, thereby presenting Rong Dingkun with both his "crippled and crazy son" and Rong Jiashang's "dead body" to avenge the past.

Rong Jiashang realized Meng Xu'an's true intention was to make the "lunatic the heir to the Rong family" and expose Rong Dingkun's long-buried secrets. Meng Xu'an further revealed that Rong Jiashang had used a "fake Gold Kylin" at the auction. Just then, Feng Shizhen arrived, holding a gun to Meng Xu'an's head, demanding Rong Jiashang's release. Meng Xu'an attempted to expose a "secret" related to Feng Shizhen, implying it concerned Rong Jiashang's biological elder siblings and Rong Dingkun's past.

Ignoring him, Rong Jiashang insisted Feng Shizhen come with him. Together, they maneuvered Meng Xu'an to a window. After a shared glance, they pushed Meng Xu'an aside and leapt from the window, landing miraculously on a car parked below. They quickly drove off. Meng Xu'an, undeterred, commandeered another car and, with two more vehicles, pursued them. Rong Jiashang skillfully evaded the chase cars, but they eventually found themselves surrounded.

Episode 27 Recap

Feng Shizhen saw their car drive into a dead end, and Meng Xu'an and his men quickly surrounded them. Meng Xu'an loudly demanded Rong Jiashang step out to atone for Rong Dingkun. Though Feng Shizhen was anxious, Rong Jiashang remained composed. He calmly stepped out of the car, and at once, many cars filled with Rong family enforcers drove up from all directions. Meng Xu'an realized he had ventured onto Rong family territory.

Rong Jiashang stated that he simply wished for Meng Xu'an to accompany him back, sign some contracts, ensure the Gold Kylin was returned to its rightful owner, and then allow Meng Xu'an and Xiaojiu to leave Shanghai for the United States. Meng Xu'an rejected this offer, accusing Rong Jiashang of having his father's same ruthless nature, always sacrificing others for success. Rong Jiashang acknowledged that his father had wronged the Meng family but emphasized his own gentler approach.

Meng Xu'an then called Feng Shizhen out of the car to catch up on old times. Noticing she wasn't wearing the ruby necklace he had given her, he asked if she had discarded it. Rong Jiashang, in turn, presented Feng Shizhen with a red jade bracelet, stating it suited a young woman like her better and that she didn't need excessive ornamentation.

Meng Xu'an was furious and openly accused Feng Shizhen of having entered the Rong family for revenge and of having provided him with intelligence. He claimed she had abandoned her family's vendetta due to her romantic feelings for Rong Jiashang. Meng Xu'an questioned Rong Jiashang about the strange occurrences within the Rong family since Feng Shizhen's arrival, revealing that Feng Shizhen had passed him intelligence and helped Rong Dingkun's concubine escape.

He explicitly stated that Feng Shizhen knew Rong Dingkun burned Wenchunli and had approached Rong Jiashang for revenge, acting as his informant to create chaos and steal information. Rong Jiashang, looking at Feng Shizhen with confusion, dismissed Meng Xu'an's words as a foolish attempt to sow discord. Feng Shizhen, after a moment of silence, confessed that everything Meng Xu'an said was true; she had indeed betrayed him.

However, she firmly declared that from that moment on, Meng Xu'an was not to interfere in her and Rong Jiashang's affairs. Meng Xu'an, furious, taunted Rong Jiashang, calling him merely Rong Dingkun's lackey who unwittingly managed illegal businesses and was used by the woman he loved. He warned Rong Jiashang that if he had run away with Feng Shizhen, his end would have been even worse.

As Meng Xu'an was about to leave, a large truck suddenly arrived, and a group of assassins disembarked, opening fire on Meng Xu'an and his men. Rong Jiashang attempted to use the chaos to escape with Feng Shizhen, but Meng Xu'an seized her and took her away. From a bodyguard, Rong Jiashang learned that Rong Dingkun had been shot and hospitalized, and Rong Fanghua was missing. He reluctantly abandoned his pursuit of Feng Shizhen and rushed to the hospital.

At the hospital, Rong Jiashang hurried in, surrounded by reporters. Zhao Hua'an informed him that Rong Dingkun had been shot during a conflict with a police officer and was in critical condition. Wu Yunchi arrived shortly after, unable to locate Rong Fanghua. Mrs. Rong and Rong Fanglin sat nearby, still shaken. Rong Jiashang questioned Zhao Hua'an about Meng Xu'an's claim that he had older siblings.

Zhao Hua'an vehemently denied it, attributing Meng Xu'an's words to sour grapes and advising Rong Jiashang not to believe such provocations. He insisted Rong Jiashang was the eldest son. Mrs. Rong, recalling Rong Dingkun abandoning her to save himself, burst out in anger, condemning him as ruthless and selfish. She revealed that before marrying Rong Jiashang's mother, Rong Dingkun had a wife and two children in the countryside. He later abandoned them to marry into a wealthier family.

Rong Jiashang was stunned and sought confirmation from Zhao Hua'an, who reluctantly admitted to a prior family, but insisted that the first wife and her two children had all died during a plague in their hometown years ago, and Rong Dingkun had kept it secret to avoid being seen as unlucky. Rong Jiashang, however, expressed doubt, noting that his father never mentioned these children, unlike his younger sister Jiaxin, which made him question if they were truly dead.

Zhao Hua'an told him to ask his father directly once he awoke. Meanwhile, Meng Xu'an took Feng Shizhen back to his residence and admonished her. Feng Shizhen condemned his indiscriminate killing, likening him to Rong Dingkun, arguing that not everyone deserved to die just because they were involved in "dirty business." Meng Xu'an retorted that he didn't kill her because he couldn't bring himself to. Overcome with emotion, he then recounted his tragic past.

He explained that Rong Dingkun had lured his elder sister, Meng Qingzhi, into opium addiction to control her. Meng Qingzhi, desperate for opium, had stolen and pawned the ancestral Gold Kylin to Rong Dingkun. Later, Rong Dingkun sent her to America, where she gave birth to Xiaojiu. Overwhelmed by her circumstances, Meng Qingzhi became mentally unstable and committed suicide by slitting her throat in front of Xiaojiu when he was seven.

Xiaojiu, exposed to opium addiction in the womb and witnessing his mother's insanity and suicide, suffered from drug addiction himself. At fourteen, during a fit, he jumped from a second-story window, breaking his waist. Meng Xu'an confessed that his father had left his sister and nephew in a hospital to die to protect the family's reputation until Meng Xu'an took over the family business after his father's death.

He then rescued them, but his sister died soon after, followed by his mother from depression. He formally adopted Xiaojiu as his younger brother. Meng Xu'an asserted that he was not trying to gain Feng Shizhen's sympathy but warned her that Rong Jiashang would never forgive her after learning the full truth, and that without his protection, she and her family would be unsafe.

He advised her to abandon her feelings for Rong Jiashang and leave Shanghai as soon as possible, believing their entanglement would only lead to a worse outcome. Feng Shizhen maintained that she no longer cared about anything, dismissing Meng Xu'an's concerns about Rong Jiashang's reaction to the truth. She acknowledged that she might be as selfish and cruel as Rong Dingkun but declared it didn't matter.

Meng Xu'an allowed her to leave, citing their former teacher-student relationship as the reason, though he predicted they would be strangers upon their next meeting. As Feng Shizhen, limping due to a foot injury, was leaving, she overheard Meng Xu'an's subordinate mention that "Miss Rong" had been brought back and was in the bodyguards' quarters. Realizing it must be Rong Fanghua, she rushed to the back house. She found Rong Fanghua being assaulted by Meng Xu'an's men.

Meng Xu'an, who had followed her, vehemently denied knowing about it, but Feng Shizhen refused to believe him. She quickly rescued Rong Fanghua. Feng Shizhen took Rong Fanghua to Red House Hospital, where her brother, Feng Shixun, worked. Rong Fanghua was reluctant to go to a hospital due to fear and shame, but Feng Shizhen reassured her they would keep her secret and urged her to live bravely, not letting the incident destroy her spirit.

At the same hospital, Yang Xiucheng brought Du Lanxin, who was bleeding heavily after being accidentally bumped at the auction. Feng Shixun examined her and found signs of a threatened abortion, immediately initiating emergency treatment. Yang Xiucheng pleaded with Feng Shixun to save the baby and keep Du Lanxin's pregnancy a secret. Feng Shixun assured him of doctor-patient confidentiality. Yang Xiucheng also inquired about the potential effects of birth control pills Du Lanxin had been taking.

Feng Shixun confirmed they could have adverse effects on the baby but awaited full body scan results for a definitive conclusion. Later, Du Lanxin expressed her fear that her pregnancy would soon be discovered, especially since her family also had doctors, and suggested she and Yang Xiucheng leave Shanghai the next day. Yang Xiucheng hesitated, urging her to reconsider having the child.

He explained that her extravagant lifestyle wouldn't be sustainable if they moved to an unfamiliar city and started anew, suggesting she marry Rong Jiashang and remain a wealthy lady. Disheartened by his words, Du Lanxin agreed that it wasn't worth abandoning her privileged life for him. Feng Shizhen, meanwhile, arrived with Rong Fanghua in the pouring rain, asking Feng Shixun to find a female doctor to examine her sister.

Episode 28 Recap

Feng Shizhen, looking disheveled and injured, was bandaged by her elder brother, Feng Shixun, at the hospital. He pressed her about her whereabouts, having heard on the radio about the robbers at the charity auction and knowing she had been with a Rong family member. He expressed that she felt like a stranger to him, prompting Feng Shizhen to agree to tell him everything that had happened.

Meanwhile, medical staff announced that Rong Dingkun's surgery was successful, and his condition was stable, though extensive blood loss and a lumbar spine injury would require observation to determine any long-term effects. Wu Yunchi learned that Rong Fanghua had been sent to the hospital and immediately rushed there. Rong Jiashang also returned home to learn about Fanghua's situation and immediately went to Red House Hospital.

There, Aunt Wang (Fanghua's mother), crying hysterically, blamed Rong Jiashang for taking Fanghua to the auction and failing to protect her. Wu Yunchi, however, stepped forward, admitting his failure to protect Fanghua and pledging to marry her. Rong Jiashang intervened, stopping his mother's emotional outburst and reminding her of Rong Dingkun's critical condition. Wu Yunchi reiterated his commitment to marrying Fanghua, confident his father would agree, as she was a daughter of the Rong family.

A nurse then informed them that Fanghua wished only to see Rong Jiashang. Rong Jiashang entered Fanghua's room. She wept, asking why this had happened to her. She explained that Meng Xu'an held a grudge against Rong Dingkun and sought to harm their family for revenge. Rong Jiashang promised to ensure she would not be hurt again and that the incident would remain a secret.

Fanghua then revealed that Feng Shizhen had saved her and brought her to the hospital, expressing her wish that Feng Shizhen were her own sister. Later, Rong Jiashang came to Feng Shizhen's hospital room. Feng Shixun desperately tried to stop him, but Rong family thugs subdued Feng Shixun. Rong Jiashang then saw Feng Shizhen sleeping.

His mind was filled with memories of their time together and Meng Xu'an's recent accusations, leading him to wonder if their relationship had been built on lies and if she was behind the mysterious events at the Rong family. In her sleep, Feng Shizhen dreamt that Rong Jiashang confronted her, accusing her of using him for revenge, of being deceitful and superficial like other women. He then turned and left, ignoring her desperate pleas.

Upon waking, Feng Shizhen asked Feng Shixun about Fanghua, who reassured her that Fanghua had been taken home by her family. Feng Shixun also explained that he had told their parents she had been in a minor car accident to avoid worry. Rong Jiashang brought Rong Fanghua home, where Rong Fanglin and Rong Jiashang's mother comforted Aunt Wang. Rong Jiashang's mother promised Rong Fanghua a grand wedding, but Rong Fanghua initially refused Wu Yunchi's proposal, not wanting his pity.

However, Rong Jiashang's mother and Rong Fanglin persuaded her, emphasizing that marrying someone she loved was a good thing, and the Rong family would support her against any mistreatment from Wu Yunchi, despite his reputation for being a bit of a playboy. At the Hashimoto residence, Hashimoto Shozo mourned the passing of Hashimoto Taiichi. He suspected Rong Dingkun of foul play at the auction, given his long-standing desire for their Gold Kylin.

Hashimoto Shiori vehemently defended Rong Dingkun to her father, claiming the Rong family were also victims, and implied the events were unrelated to them. However, in reality, she and Hashimoto Taiji had meticulously planned beforehand to secretly swap the Gold Kylin, confirming the one at the auction was a fake. Hashimoto Shozo, distraught, fell ill and remained bedridden, allowing Hashimoto Shiori to seize control of the family affairs. The Du family initiated the termination of the engagement with Rong Jiashang.

Rong Jiashang, after completing the procedures, then visited Du Lanxin. Du Lanxin, who had been slapped by her enraged father, causing a miscarriage, was in despair, lamenting her choice to love the wrong person. Rong Jiashang informed her he had returned the bride-price to her personal account through a lawyer, suggesting it would be useful for her future and her inheritance claims. He also gave her a sum of money for any urgent needs.

Du Lanxin, realizing his integrity, acknowledged him as a good person, expressing regret that she lacked the fortune to be with him. When she inquired about Yang Xiucheng, Rong Jiashang characterized him as a selfish and indifferent man, much like Rong Dingkun, and advised her that being free of Yang Xiucheng would be better for her. Yang Xiucheng attempted to escape Shanghai but was intercepted by Rong Fanglin.

She drove him to the dock, expressing her long-standing unrequited love for him. She wished him well in Japan, hoping he would find what he truly desired, while he wished her a wonderful life. After he exited the car, Rong Fanglin leaned on the steering wheel, weeping, as she watched him go. As Yang Xiucheng queued to board a ship at the dock, he noticed a wanted poster with his own likeness, prompting him to quickly flee the area.

Feng Shizhen, having recovered from her injuries, packed her belongings for a trip to Peking. Feng Shixun expressed concern about her traveling alone amidst the escalating conflict between the Rong and Meng families, fearing she might be implicated. He advised her to wait until the situation calmed down and to be careful on her journey, reminding her to dress warmly in Peking and emphasizing that only family would not hurt or betray her.

Xiao Baoli then arrived to visit Feng Shizhen. She revealed that Rong Dingkun was still alive but in a coma at Renji Hospital, adding that his easy death would not have been satisfying. Xiao Baoli also informed Feng Shizhen that Rong Jiashang had covertly raided one of Meng Xu'an's underground banks and donated all the proceeds to the Foundling Home and various mission hospitals.

Feng Shizhen reflected that her time with Rong Jiashang felt like a dream and decided to move on from him, wanting only to return to her simple life as a governess, as her days of borrowed glamor were over. Xiao Baoli, on behalf of Meng Xu'an, presented Feng Shizhen with a red jade bracelet.

Feng Shizhen asked Xiao Baoli to convey her thanks to Meng Xu'an, acknowledging their differing viewpoints but expressing gratitude for his past help and his decision not to harm her. The next morning, Feng Shixun accompanied Feng Shizhen to the railway station, reiterating his concerns for her safety and asking her to send telegrams from Nanjing and Tianjin to confirm her arrival. Feng Shizhen then boarded the northbound train.

Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang visited Feng Shizhen's former room, discovering a coat with a missing button in a box beneath her bed. A sudden realization struck him as he recalled finding an identical button at a crime scene, confirming that Feng Shizhen was the one who had secretly saved him.

Episode 29 Recap

As Feng Shizhen was about to board her train, Rong Jiashang rushed to stop her, pulling her aboard just as the locomotive began to move. Inside a private compartment, Rong Jiashang wasted no time in kissing her, a gesture she passionately returned. He then held up a button, revealing it was the one she had lost when saving him at the munitions warehouse. He confessed his profound feelings for her, deeply moving Feng Shizhen.

She admitted she thought their story had ended, but his persistence had brought them back together. She initially tried to dismiss his heartfelt declaration, claiming she saved him out of conscience, not love, and teased him about risking misinterpreting her intentions. However, Rong Jiashang clarified that he would be deeply unhappy and would miss her terribly if they weren't together, causing him immense pain. Feng Shizhen then sincerely thanked him for coming for her.

Upon arriving in Nanjing, they checked into a hotel. Rong Jiashang, eager to learn more about her, took Feng Shizhen to a teahouse to enjoy Pingtan while they ate. He expressed a desire to understand her preferences, such as her favorite foods, books, and hobbies, noting that he knew so little about her. To remedy this, they played a Q&A game, sharing their tastes in music and colors.

When asked about her first love, Feng Shizhen teasingly claimed to have had a romance with her English teacher during her girls' middle school days, which visibly bothered Rong Jiashang as he fell silent. Later, she confessed she was only kidding and had merely admired the teacher's talent, finding his jealous reaction amusing.

Rong Jiashang then shared stories from his youth at the military academy, describing his rebellious and proud nature, his fights with older students, and the close friends he made, calling himself the "man of the hour." He told her how glad he was to have returned to Shanghai and met her. He then recounted their first encounter at the Metropolis Club, admitting he was more nervous than she was during their dance, fearing his clumsy steps.

He revealed his deepest fear was losing her. Feng Shizhen, in turn, confessed that despite the many lies she had told, her initial attraction to him at the ballroom was genuine; she had instantly liked the elegant young man. Rong Jiashang then playfully demanded that she love only him, think only of him, consider him the most handsome man, and kiss him at least ten times a day.

As a heavy rain suddenly began, Rong Jiashang quickly took off his coat to shield Feng Shizhen, and they ran back to the hotel. Unwilling to be separated, they spent the night together. After a goodnight kiss, he insisted on collecting the remaining kisses he felt she owed him before they finally settled down for the night. The next morning, Feng Shizhen woke feeling blissful beside Rong Jiashang.

She was concerned about missing her train to Peking, worrying that her brother, Feng Shixun, would be anxious. Rong Jiashang, however, assured her he had a way to get her there on time. He inquired about his father and her family, to which she replied everything was arranged but expressed concern for Fanglin and Fanghua. She thanked him for saving Fanghua, but he lamented not being able to prevent her suffering.

Feng Shizhen reassured him it was not his fault, but the culmination of the ongoing feud between the Rong and Meng families. Rong Jiashang declared that although he might be her mistake, she was the best choice he had ever made, calling her his light that pulled him from nightmares and reminded him of his dreams. He revealed how incredibly happy she made him. A plane was ready for them, which Rong Jiashang had arranged.

Feng Shizhen was surprised and thrilled when she learned he would be piloting it, having secretly learned to fly in Chongqing for a year before returning to Shanghai. Feeling fearless with him by her side, she took her seat as he took off. As they flew above the clouds, Rong Jiashang pointed out the magnificent sea of clouds, a beautiful sight he had always wanted to share with her.

Feng Shizhen wondered if gods were watching over them, and Rong Jiashang affirmed they would surely bless them. Upon their arrival in Peking, a heavy snowfall had begun. Rong Jiashang suggested renting an apartment for Feng Shizhen, but she declined, stating she had already made arrangements with the school and needed to visit her respected teacher, Mr. Pei. Rong Jiashang asked to accompany her, but Feng Shizhen told him to wait a couple of days until she was settled.

She then proceeded to Mr. Pei's home with gifts from Shanghai. Mr. Pei and his wife warmly welcomed her, having eagerly awaited her arrival since receiving her telegram. Mr. Pei informed her that her senior colleague had resigned to get married, creating an opening for Feng Shizhen to work at the school, which she gladly accepted. Unexpectedly, Rong Jiashang appeared at Mr. Pei’s house. Feng Shizhen, feigning unfamiliarity, greeted him formally.

Mrs. Pei introduced him as her student Yang Xiucheng’s cousin, who was visiting Peking on business and had come to call on them. Mrs. Pei then turned to Feng Shizhen, urging her to consider marriage soon and find a good husband, a sentiment Rong Jiashang echoed, hinting that Feng Shizhen might already have a sweetheart. After dinner, Feng Shizhen bid farewell to Mr. Pei, and Rong Jiashang joined her as she left.

Spotting a small boy selling flowers in the snow, Rong Jiashang compassionately bought his entire bouquet, instructing him to use the extra money for new shoes, and then presented the roses to Feng Shizhen. As they walked, Rong Jiashang expressed his regret that he couldn't offer her a definite commitment yet, feeling he was too young and not strong enough to shoulder all responsibilities.

Feng Shizhen, however, assured him she didn't need any promises, as she already had what she truly desired – him. She reiterated her belief in his intelligence, integrity, and compassion, confidently stating that he would achieve great things beyond his family business. She also confessed that when she first saw him at the Metropolis Club, he was like "a ray of light illuminating the snowy mountains," and now she was bathed in that light, having no other desires.

She humorously added that if he weren't so good-looking, she might not have risked saving him from the Meng family. Rong Jiashang, teasing, wondered if her affection would wane with time, to which Feng Shizhen playfully responded that women's hearts could be unpredictable. He then lovingly declared his affection for her, and she reciprocated, affirming her love for him.

She thoughtfully remarked that since nothing in the world is constant, all they could do was live each day to the fullest and leave the rest to fate. Over the following days, Rong Jiashang and Feng Shizhen spent time exploring Peking together, their bond growing stronger. During a visit to the Forbidden City, Feng Shizhen reflected on the transient nature of empires and dynasties, likening them to ships destined to sink. Rong Jiashang countered that not all ships sink, and even if they do, people will always return to shore to build new vessels and continue their journey.

Episode 30 Recap

Rong Jiashang and Feng Shizhen spent their days immersed in conversation and sweet nothings. Rong Jiashang was impressed by Feng Shizhen's diverse talents, including English, mathematics, archery, and cryptography, a skill she had acquired through her university's math club. Feng Shizhen revealed that Meng Xu'an had taught her many other abilities, such as using guns and daggers, horsemanship, basic self-defense, lock picking, and intelligence gathering, all intended to train her as a spy, not an assassin.

She explained that she often challenged Meng Xu'an's views and acted independently, even having a heated argument with him on the day they parted ways. Rong Jiashang observed that Meng Xu'an was obsessed with conquering others and aimed to destroy the Rong family. He then suggested that Meng Xu'an might have feelings for Feng Shizhen, which she scoffed at, describing Meng Xu'an as a man who hated the world, comparing him to a "grenade in a stove" ready to explode.

She asserted that he disliked even himself and couldn't possibly love anyone else, believing he only spared her out of empathy as she reminded him of his younger self. Rong Jiashang, however, simply stated that she understood nothing about men and dropped the subject. The next day, Rong Jiashang took Feng Shizhen to an antique shop where he selected three paintings by Mr. Qi for his father, having already purchased a bracelet for his mother.

He then offered the paintings to Feng Shizhen as housewarming gifts. As they were about to leave for dinner, Shiori Hashimoto unexpectedly appeared. Feng Shizhen discreetly stepped aside, leaving Rong Jiashang to speak with Shiori. Shiori explained that she was in Peking on business with her father and expressed sympathy for Rong Jiashang's recent broken engagement. She offered to talk if he ever felt upset.

She then tried to get him to help her choose art pieces for her father, claiming she wasn't knowledgeable, but Rong Jiashang politely declined, stating he wasn't an expert either. When she invited him to dinner, he promptly refused, citing a prior engagement. Shiori, left with no choice, departed looking displeased. Back at their residence, Feng Shizhen noted Rong Jiashang's strong aversion to Shiori. Despite having broken up years ago, Feng Shizhen found his animosity surprising.

Rong Jiashang explained that he had once been foolish enough to believe Shiori genuinely liked him. However, he soon discovered her two-faced nature when she secretly dated other rich young masters in Chongqing while still involved with him. He had overheard a conversation between Shiori and her mother, which revealed Shiori's true intentions.

She later approached Rong Dingkun, not merely to marry into the Rong family with her Gold Kylin dowry, but to manipulate Rong Dingkun into assassinating her elder brother, Hashimoto Taiichi. Her ultimate goal was to support her younger brother, Hashimoto Taiji, in taking over the Hashimoto family business. Rong Jiashang relayed that Meng Xu'an's actions at the auction, which resulted in Hashimoto Taiichi's death, ironically fulfilled Shiori's malicious wishes.

Feng Shizhen, feeling sorry for Rong Jiashang for having been deceived twice, once by Shiori and then by herself, expressed her remorse for having originally come to the Rong family under false pretenses. Rong Jiashang quickly dismissed her apologies, assuring her that she was nothing like Shiori.

He confessed his deep love for Feng Shizhen, admitting that he often woke up in fear that she wouldn't be by his side and that their relationship was merely his wishful thinking or her pity. Suddenly, Rong Jiashang received a phone call from a confidant in Shanghai, who reported that Rong Dingkun had shown signs of regaining consciousness, mumbling weakly before lapsing back into a coma.

The doctor confirmed that Rong Dingkun was out of danger and would eventually wake up. The confidant also mentioned having uncovered new information regarding Feng Shizhen's long-standing case, too complex to discuss over the phone. Rong Jiashang, deciding he needed to return to Shanghai immediately, bid a hasty farewell to Feng Shizhen, promising to be back in two days.

He jokingly wished she would cry and beg him to stay, to which she retorted that if he didn't return soon, she might assume the Rong family was going bankrupt. When he asked if she would despise him if he lost everything, she playfully assured him that as long as he remained handsome, she would consider earning money to support him.

Six days later, Shiori Hashimoto, seeking Rong Jiashang, arrived at his hotel in Peking only to find that he had already returned to Shanghai. She then invited Feng Shizhen to lunch, who reluctantly accepted. During lunch, Shiori subtly probed Feng Shizhen about her relationship with Rong Jiashang. Feng Shizhen revealed her intention to settle in Peking and continue working as a substitute teacher at a local school.

Shiori feigned disappointment at the prospect of Feng Shizhen and Rong Jiashang being in a long-distance relationship, questioning if Feng Shizhen could bear to leave Rong Jiashang alone in Shanghai. Feng Shizhen calmly retorted that he, in turn, trusted her to be alone in Peking, philosophical about relationships and fate. Shiori also shared her sorrow over Hashimoto Taiichi's death, remarking that the auction had turned into a disaster.

Feng Shizhen recounted how she had spotted an assailant on the roof aiming a gun at the stage and, realizing shouting would be useless, tackled Rong Jiashang to save him. Shiori admired her bravery, while Feng Shizhen admitted to being scared in retrospect. Later that day, Rong Jiashang unexpectedly returned to Peking, heading straight to Feng Shizhen's school. He revealed that his sister, Fanghua, had accepted Wu Yunchi's proposal.

Concerned about the marriage, Rong Jiashang asked Feng Shizhen to call Fanghua and discuss it with her. At the hotel, Feng Shizhen called Fanghua, who admitted she had thought long and hard about the proposal. Fanghua knew Wu Yunchi was a playboy with many female acquaintances, including a Yue Opera singer, and that his proposal stemmed from guilt rather than love.

However, she felt that marrying him was her best option, given her recent ordeal, and a way to move forward with her life. She also mentioned her father's "detailed and shrewd plans" for his children's marriages, but believed Wu Yunchi, despite his flaws, was better than any man her father would choose, whom she referred to as "rich brats".

She yearned to get married, enter the next stage of her life, become a rich man's wife, live a luxurious life, and even pursue medical studies in America with him. Feng Shizhen warned her that marriage wouldn't change a man and that a life without love would be a slow, painful ordeal, but Fanghua was resolute, stating that she and Rong Jiashang were also taking risks.

Feng Shizhen expressed her love for Rong Jiashang and her contentment with even a single day of shared happiness, which Fanghua envied, adding that she had learned that luck was a privilege not everyone had, and she had to choose what was in her best interest. Respecting her decision, Feng Shizhen wished Fanghua a happy engagement. After the call, Feng Shizhen told Rong Jiashang that Fanghua seemed to truly like Wu Yunchi and was willing to gamble on their marriage.

Rong Jiashang, however, knew Wu Yunchi's preference for lively, challenging women, noting that Fanghua's honest and devoted nature would make him overlook her. He lamented that as an elder brother, his influence would wane once they were married. Feng Shizhen then informed him that Wu Yunchi had even gone to church to be baptized for Fanghua. She hoped this gesture indicated a genuine change of heart and a commitment to a good marriage.

That night, Rong Jiashang appeared preoccupied, staring at Feng Shizhen, who sensed something was amiss. He confessed he missed her greatly and regretted not having met her earlier to prevent her past sufferings. Feng Shizhen, however, declared her present happiness, stating no one had ever made her as joyful as he did. Rong Jiashang then asked who could commit such a cruel act against a child.

Feng Shizhen, her voice filled with emotion, revealed that her biological father was the one responsible. She recounted how her mother had taken her to meet him before her death, asking her to call him "father," and how he had then killed her mother and pushed her into a river. This was why she had initially prevented Rong Jiashang from investigating her past in Bailiu Town.

She also recalled his subsequent inquiries at the police for her body, confirming his culpability. Rong Jiashang comforted her, but Feng Shizhen, now convinced of her father's monstrous deeds, vowed to avenge her mother's death, even if it meant killing her own father. She somberly reflected that compared to her biological father, Rong Dingkun, despite his terrible actions, was a far better father because he would never harm his own children.

Unbeknownst to Feng Shizhen, Rong Jiashang's subordinate in Shanghai had already completed the investigation into her true identity. The subordinate reported that Feng Shizhen's mother, surnamed Bai, and her brother had traveled from Guojia Town or Darong Town. While no one explicitly named Bai died, a "Miss Qian" in Darong Town, who was a stepdaughter of the Qian family but whose biological father was a Bai, matched the timeline of Feng Shizhen's mother's death.

This Miss Qian had married into the Rong family in Guojia Town. The subordinate presented Rong Jiashang with a faded photograph of Miss Qian and her husband. To Rong Jiashang's horror, the husband in the picture was Rong Dingkun, implying that Feng Shizhen was his half-sister. Distraught and refusing to believe it, Rong Jiashang violently reacted, grabbing his subordinate by the collar, demanding he explain.

He then threatened him to keep the secret, reminding him of his son in the hospital. The subordinate, profusely vowing loyalty, agreed to bring Miss Qian's sister, the woman who provided the photo, to Shanghai for Rong Jiashang to question personally.

Episode 31 Recap

Rong Jiashang spent a restless night, deeply troubled by the revelation of Feng Shizhen’s true parentage. He rose quietly and sat alone, vowing to keep her identity a secret forever. Feng Shizhen awoke to find him absent, a flicker of confusion in her eyes. The next day, Rong Jiashang arrived early to pick up Feng Shizhen from school. Her colleagues, impressed by her teaching, expressed their admiration, with one saying, “The new teacher Miss Feng is awesome.

She easily enlightened me on math problems I couldn't solve.” Another colleague wondered aloud, “She's such a good and beautiful woman. What kind of man on earth can be good enough for her?” A third quickly retorted, “Stop guessing. She's already spoken for. Look over there.” When Rong Jiashang appeared, a teacher teased Feng Shizhen, “I hear from students that a handsome rich man is chasing you. Is that him? He looks handsome and amiable, unlike other rich young men.

Shizhen, you have to hustle. When are you going to get married?” Feng Shizhen replied that she hadn't decided yet, to which the teachers exclaimed, “Seriously? What a good man he is! He's one in a million. You can't even find a better man in romantic novels. What a pity!” Feng Shizhen maintained that being together was already a blessing, but her colleagues pressed, "Life is short for women. You should think for yourself."

Feng Shizhen insisted they would "enjoy every day we spend together." Later, she told Rong Jiashang that she wanted to save money to buy a house in Peking, indicating her desire to settle down there. Rong Jiashang respected her decision, no longer insisting she return to Shanghai with him. He noticed her genuine affection for children as she playfully engaged with local kids in the street. Rong Fanglin called Rong Jiashang to report on Rong Dingkun's condition.

She told him, “Father woke up. Just now, he asked where you were. I said you were in Peking for some business.” Rong Jiashang quickly inquired about his father's health, and Rong Fanglin explained, "He's clear-headed. But he's unconscious from the waist down. It's preliminarily estimated that the bullet hurt his spine. I'm afraid he can't accept such a fact.”

She added that Rong Dingkun had become furious upon learning the news, smashing infusion bottles in the hospital until nurses sedated him. Rong Fanglin also mentioned that Mrs. Rong and her aunts were with Rong Dingkun, and that Rong Fanghua and her husband Yunchi were returning. Rong Jiashang asked about Zhao Hua'an, to which Rong Fanglin confirmed his presence.

Rong Jiashang promised to return to Shanghai the next morning and instructed Rong Fanglin not to mention Feng Shizhen to their father. Before his departure, Rong Jiashang and Feng Shizhen visited a photo studio for a portrait. Despite the heavy snow, they found joy flying a kite together, a bittersweet moment before his journey. Rong Jiashang commented, “It's so cold in Peking. It's getting warm in Shanghai, I guess.”

Feng Shizhen replied, “The temperature makes no difference when you're not around.” Rong Jiashang disagreed, saying, “It makes a difference. Whenever I think of you, I don't feel cold.” He then suggested they fly a kite in Beihai Park next spring. Upon Rong Jiashang’s hurried return to Shanghai, Mrs. Rong greeted him, telling him, “Your father has been asking about you since he woke up. He's living in the West Hall. Go to see him.”

Before he entered Rong Dingkun's room, Rong Fanglin met him, warning him that their father's temper had changed dramatically and that even their mother was reluctant to attend to him. Rong Jiashang reassured her, “Don't worry. I'm going upstairs.” Inside, Rong Dingkun immediately lashed out, "You've found the way home? Did that woman finally allow you to come back?" He berated Rong Jiashang for his "cowardly" handling of the Du family engagement and the family's business.

Rong Jiashang countered by revealing Rong Dingkun's secret: that Meng Qingzhi had given birth to his son, who was now 17 years old and had been raised by Meng Xu'an. Rong Dingkun was shocked but quickly demanded his seal back, insisting Rong Jiashang had no right to manage the family's affairs. Rong Jiashang refused, suggesting Rong Dingkun needed to rest and that he had already contacted the best neurologist in New York to treat his condition.

Enraged, Rong Dingkun tried to grab the seal, fell from the bed, and slapped Rong Jiashang. Despite the assault, Rong Jiashang remained firm, instructing the nurse to administer a sedative to his father, who slowly calmed down. Reflecting on the situation, Rong Jiashang thought, "Our family and the Meng family are well-matched in strength. Neither of us can annex the other at one stroke. If we keep fighting each other, we'll both lose and the third party will benefit."

He continued, "Father, you don't own the Rong family alone. I can't let you ruin our family for your personal grudge. Fanghua has already paid a heavy price for your past mistakes, and I still need to protect other innocent people." He firmly declared, "I'm not interested in Rong's businesses. But from now on, I'll take the wheel for the Rong family. This is the best choice for the family."

Later, Rong Fanglin, seeing the slap mark on Rong Jiashang’s face, asked if their father had hit him. She expressed distress, saying, “He's being unreasonable. Whenever he feels unsatisfied, he maltreats us, saying that we try to hurt him.” Rong Jiashang calmly explained that Rong Dingkun, injured and newly discharged, was likely struggling to accept his new reality and was taking it out on those around him.

He urged Rong Fanglin not to take it personally, but she worried about their father's recovery, asking, "Jiashang, when do you think Father can recover?" Rong Jiashang admitted that "considering the current medical technology, we can't find a cure for him," only hoping he could soon accept his fate. Downstairs, Rong Jiashang and Rong Fanglin encountered Mrs. Rong and Zhao Hua'an talking quietly.

Zhao Hua'an approached Rong Jiashang, explaining that Mrs. Rong had invited him to dinner and that he had "several documents [that] need your father's signature and seal." Rong Jiashang announced that he was holding the seal and would be taking over the Rong family's commercial affairs due to his father's unstable mental state. Zhao Hua'an immediately pledged his full support, stating his loyalty to the Rong family. Rong Jiashang then invited Zhao Hua'an to his study to discuss matters further.

In the study, Rong Jiashang revealed his plans to overhaul the Rong family's businesses, specifically to cease the illegal opium trade, which he deemed "murderous" and "evil money." He explained that while opium "laid a solid foundation and has financially supported our company for years," it was "not a long-term business" and would "forever stick them in illegal businesses" if not stopped.

Zhao Hua'an expressed concern over the "heavy losses" and the difficulty of disbanding the men involved in such a profitable enterprise. Rong Jiashang responded, “Haven't we done enough wicked things? My father is paralyzed now. No offense, but he deserves it. I want to do this so that I can perform good deeds for my father and my family.” Rong Jiashang, however, did not give in, instead advising Zhao Hua'an to return home and care for his ailing wife.

Zhao Hua'an gritted his teeth in anger but dared not voice his displeasure. Rong Jiashang assured Zhao Hua'an that he would not be treated shabbily, acknowledging Zhao Hua'an's past contributions. Meanwhile, Hashimoto Taiji informed Shiori Hashimoto of Rong Dingkun's awakening and Rong Jiashang's takeover of the Rong family's affairs, urging her to marry Rong Jiashang immediately to secure control of the family. Shiori Hashimoto, however, felt the timing was premature.

She commanded her brother to continue monitoring the Rong family, convinced that "Rong Jiashang will be mine. He can't get away.” A subordinate reported to Meng Xu'an about Rong Jiashang's swift actions at the Rong commercial firm. Rong Jiashang had fired Zhao Hua'an's opium-smuggling subordinates, raised salaries for legal employees, and mandated that all business required his personal review and seal. This effectively cut off the opium trade, frustrating Meng Xu'an's efforts to find leverage.

The subordinate also mentioned Rong Dingkun was confined to his residence, with the family offering five times the usual salary for a nurse. Meng Xu'an mused on Rong Dingkun's misfortune, "This Rong Dingkun never dreamed that he would be paralyzed at this age and that his son grabbed his power. It's not enough. I want more. I'll make him watch it when his family is broken up and ruined."

When asked if he wanted Feng Shizhen's address, Meng Xu'an declined, stating, "As long as I know she's all right, I'm contented." Soon after, Yang Xiucheng requested a private meeting with Meng Xu'an, sending a note saying he knew all of Rong Dingkun's secrets. Yang Xiucheng, desperate and hunted by both Zhao Hua'an's men and the Du family, begged Meng Xu'an for protection, promising to divulge all of Rong Dingkun's secrets in exchange for his life.

Meng Xu'an, cautious, decided to first assess the value of Yang Xiucheng’s information. In Peking, Feng Shizhen unexpectedly encountered Sun Shaoqing while shopping. Shaoqing warmly thanked Feng Shizhen for saving her, saying, “Without your help, I would still be living a hell-like life. It's you who gave me a new life.” Shaoqing revealed she had married a diplomat in Japan and was in Peking with her husband on a business trip.

Feng Shizhen explained that she had resigned from the Rong family and was now a teacher in Peking. Shaoqing then eagerly inquired about her sister. Feng Shizhen told her that her sister had given birth to a son and that "the Rong family will be nice to her." Shaoqing shared that her sister also understood Feng Shizhen's decision to leave and missed her dearly.

Feng Shizhen provided her brother Feng Shixun's hospital address, where Shaoqing's nephew was hospitalized, suggesting Shaoqing could write to her sister via that address. They parted ways, wishing each other well. Back in Shanghai, Rong Jiashang brought food to Rong Dingkun, who was suffering immense pain and demanding opium. Rong Dingkun screamed, "I want opium! I want. . . I want opium!"

Rong Jiashang offered to provide a small amount for his pain, as permitted by the doctor, but withheld it as he tried to talk to his father. As Rong Dingkun drifted in and out of lucidity due to the pain and sedative, Rong Jiashang pressed him for information about his past, asking, "Father, did you have a wife and children before you married my mother?" Rong Dingkun, confused, asked who he was, and Rong Jiashang identified himself.

After Rong Dingkun recollected, he proudly stated, “You're my only son of your generation. . . You indeed made me proud.” Rong Jiashang then revealed that he had heard about another wife and children, and that Mrs. Rong and Zhao Hua'an had claimed they died of illness. Rong Dingkun denied it, insisting they were his brother's family. Rong Jiashang pressed further, asking, "Father, you said I was your first son. Do I have an elder sister, then?" Rong Dingkun unequivocally denied having a daughter, repeating, "No. You're the only son I have. You're my only son."

Episode 32 Recap

Rong Dingkun, after Rong Jiashang's departure, wore a cunning, cold smile. Meanwhile, Feng Shizhen, longing for her family, called her brother, Feng Shixun, in Shanghai. She learned that their parents were well, but her brother disagreed with their wish to retire to the countryside due to a lack of medical care. Feng Shizhen expressed concern that their parents were lonely and teased Feng Shixun about finding a wife.

She then inquired about Rong Dingkun, and Feng Shixun revealed that Rong Dingkun had awoken but was paralyzed, considering it karma. He grimly noted that for a proud and dictatorial man like Rong Dingkun, paralysis would be worse than death, and his women would no longer fawn over him. Feng Shixun asked if Feng Shizhen was still in contact with Rong Jiashang.

Feng Shizhen lied, claiming they were no longer in touch after she had deceived him, explaining she had moved to Peking to avoid trouble. Feng Shixun warned her to stay away from wealthy people like Rong Jiashang and to inform him if Rong Jiashang ever bothered her. Feng Shizhen then asked Feng Shixun to pass a message to Sun Shaoqing, informing her that Feng Shizhen had met her sister in Peking and a letter would be sent soon.

Feng Shixun mentioned that Sun Shaoqing was having a difficult time as her son had a high fever and believed her sister's letter would bring her comfort. Feng Shizhen confirmed the letter would be addressed to him for collection. Suddenly, Meng Xu'an arrived in Peking to see Feng Shizhen. He noted that she had become more interesting since knowing Rong Jiashang, implying she was more attractive. Feng Shizhen, cutting to the chase, asked his true purpose for visiting.

Meng Xu'an mentioned seeing Rong Jiashang at a ball, surrounded by admirers, with Shiori Hashimoto appearing to be the most hopeful suitor. Feng Shizhen sarcastically pointed out that Meng Xu'an's previous schemes had inadvertently helped Rong Jiashang consolidate power. Meng Xu'an then revealed that Yang Xiucheng, now in his employ, had provided crucial information, including a "shocking" secret about Feng Shizhen's origins.

He explained that Yang Xiucheng had monitored Rong Jiashang's investigation into Feng Shizhen’s past and obtained a copy of an old photograph. Meng Xu'an presented the photo, identifying the man as Rong Dingkun and one of the women as Feng Shizhen's birth mother, concluding that Rong Dingkun was her father, making her Rong Jiashang’s half-sister.

Feng Shizhen vehemently rejected this, stating that she would never believe such a claim based on a blurry photo and a fabricated story, asserting that Rong Dingkun could not be her father. She added that Meng Xu'an didn't know everything about her. Meng Xu'an then revealed his theory: that the person who tried to kill Feng Shizhen and her mother was indeed her father, Rong Dingkun.

He pointed out that the timing of her mother's death and her adoption coincided with Rong Dingkun's first wife and children supposedly dying of illness. Feng Shizhen, disturbed, ironically asked if Rong Jiashang was her missing younger brother. Meng Xu'an dismissed this due to age but speculated that Rong Dingkun might have hidden another son.

Still unconvinced, Feng Shizhen stated that it was all mere speculation unless Rong Dingkun himself confirmed it, reiterating that she and Rong Jiashang could not be siblings. Meng Xu'an invited her to return to Shanghai with him to meet her aunt, Qian, to verify the truth. Feng Shizhen questioned his motives, but he insisted she deserved to know.

Feng Shizhen expressed a desire for a peaceful life, but Meng Xu'an contended that she was not destined for such a life, suggesting her future would be "amazing." He informed her he would depart for Shanghai the next day and would wait for her at the Peking Hotel. Feng Shizhen was left deep in thought, recalling her first encounter with Rong Dingkun and the unsettling possibility that she and Rong Jiashang might be siblings.

The next morning, Feng Shizhen, her heart heavy, called Rong Jiashang. She expressed how much she missed him and warned him to dress warmly in Shanghai. Rong Jiashang shared his breakfast plans, mentioning her favorite crab-roe buns and wontons. Feng Shizhen longed for such food but joked that she'd make him taste his cooking first to ensure it was safe.

Rong Jiashang then informed her he had arranged for the Peking Hotel to save some fresh hairy crabs for her to pick up. Overwhelmed with emotion, Feng Shizhen began to cry, unable to speak. Rong Jiashang, sensing her distress, repeatedly asked if she was still on the line. After a moment, Feng Shizhen composed herself enough to say she had a class and abruptly ended the call, leaving Rong Jiashang thoughtful.

Later, Feng Shizhen went to the Peking Hotel to meet Meng Xu'an, agreeing to return to Shanghai to uncover the truth, but clarifying that she was not resuming their old arrangement. Meng Xu'an asked what she would do if Rong Dingkun was indeed her father, to which she replied he would find out when the time came. Feng Shizhen expressed her continued doubts about the photograph, questioning its authenticity and whether it truly proved her parentage.

Meng Xu'an reassured her, mentioning that her aunt, Qian, possessed additional evidence, and Rong Jiashang had already dispatched bodyguards to bring Qian to Shanghai after confirming her identity. Meng Xu'an revealed he had sent his subordinate, Wen, to intercept them. Feng Shizhen questioned if Meng Xu'an had chosen her for his plans because he knew of her connection to the Rong family.

Meng Xu'an denied being a prophet but admitted he chose her for her perseverance, persistence, intelligence, and education, qualities he found useful. He added that he had once been disappointed when she seemed to be "held back by her so-called love" but later understood that everyone has weaknesses, affirming his belief that she could achieve great things. Meng Xu'an asked why she loved Rong Jiashang, describing him as boyish, naive, and lost.

Feng Shizhen simply stated that "love just happens before you know it," acknowledging that Rong Jiashang might not be as mature or perfect as Meng Xu'an, but they were growing together, a process she cherished. She suggested that Meng Xu'an would understand this feeling once he truly fell in love. Meng Xu'an responded cryptically, "Perhaps I've found her." Meanwhile, at the Shanghai railway station, Meng Xu'an's subordinate, Wen, successfully intercepted Qian.

He swiftly overpowered Rong Jiashang's guards and escorted Qian away. Upon learning of his men's failure, Rong Jiashang was furious. He confronted his guards, berating them for their incompetence and ordering them to find Qian or not return. Feng Shizhen quietly returned to Shanghai with Meng Xu'an and settled into his residence. Meng Xu'an explained that he would arrange for her to meet her aunt, Qian, the following day. Feng Shizhen inquired about Qian's trustworthiness.

Meng Xu'an confirmed Qian's identity, reiterating that Rong Jiashang had verified it, and explained that Qian was her mother's half-sister, who survived a plague that wiped out their families because she had married and moved to Guangzhou. He asserted that Qian was the only one who could provide clarity. Feng Shizhen remained cautious, questioning if Qian's account would be merely "empty words."

Meng Xu'an laid out the compelling evidence: her mother died in Bailiu Town, the only recorded tragedy there at the time; her mother was the only woman named Bai who married a Rong in Guojia Town and had a son and daughter; and the time and location of the deaths aligned perfectly.

He added that Rong Dingkun had sent a silver longevity lock when her mother gave birth to her, though Feng Shizhen recalled not having any such item when she was adopted. Meng Xu'an further revealed that Rong Dingkun, as a child, had broken his leg in a fall, and it healed improperly, causing him pain on rainy days. He suggested that Rong Dingkun's medical records from his recent gunshot injury would confirm this. Feng Shizhen acknowledged Meng Xu'an's thoroughness.

The next morning, Wen brought Qian to meet Feng Shizhen. Upon seeing Feng Shizhen, Qian, overcome with emotion, cried out "Sister!" She then eagerly confirmed Feng Shizhen's identity by locating a red mole on the back of her neck, identifying her as "Daniu," the daughter of Bai Yuzhen and Rong Dingkun. Qian recounted how she had changed Feng Shizhen’s diapers as a baby and expressed profound relief that she was alive.

Sitting down, Qian recounted Feng Shizhen's origins: her mother was Bai Yuzhen, and her father, Rong Dingkun, was the sole heir of the fourth branch of the Rong family in Guojia Town. Feng Shizhen's original name was Fangzhen. Rong Dingkun had left home for Shanghai before Fangzhen's birth to seek his fortune. Bai Yuzhen later became pregnant again and, due to conflicts with Rong Dingkun's mother, returned to her maiden home, where she gave birth to Feng Shizhen’s younger brother.

Rong Dingkun, now wealthy, was overjoyed and sent word that he would bring them all to Shanghai to live a good life. Qian, having married and moved to Guangzhou, had only heard these stories through letters. She sorrowfully recounted that Bai Yuzhen, Fangzhen, and her brother supposedly died of illness on their journey to Shanghai. She further added that Rong Dingkun, after burying them, was believed to have contracted the same illness, which then spread, killing the entire Rong family.

In his grief, Rong Dingkun sold off all his rural properties and moved permanently to Shanghai. Qian then pressed Feng Shizhen, asking how she had survived and what had become of her brother. Feng Shizhen, however, corrected Qian's account, tearfully revealing that her mother had not died of illness but had been murdered by assailants on their journey. She recounted being stabbed and falling into a river, where she was rescued by her foster parents.

Her foster parents later found her mother's lifeless body, but her brother remained missing. It was her foster parents who had paid for her mother's funeral, not Rong Dingkun, which contradicted the rumor that Rong Dingkun had buried all three of them in the family graveyard. Feng Shizhen showed Qian the photograph, which Qian confirmed was hers, but stated Rong Jiashang's men had taken the original. Feng Shizhen then asked about her father's character.

Qian described Rong Dingkun as a benevolent, diligent man, admired by all for his character, wealth, and fidelity. He had worked his way up from poverty, sent lavish gifts to his family from Shanghai, and even rebuilt the ancestral hall. Her grandmother (Rong Dingkun's mother) affectionately called him "He," his pet name, believing him to be a "lucky star." Feng Shizhen felt a faint familiarity with the name "He."

Meng Xu'an advised her not to overthink it and arranged for Qian to stay at his residence, encouraging her to share any further recollections. Meanwhile, in Shanghai, a servant informed Rong Jiashang that Rong Dingkun had suffered a severe opium craving and almost destroyed his room, only calmed by Fanghua administering his prescribed medication, allowing him to sleep. Rong Jiashang entered his father's room, only for Rong Dingkun to awaken and angrily dismiss him.

Rong Jiashang attempted to persuade his father to seek advanced treatment from Dr. Robert in New York, offering to accompany him and arrange for his chosen companions, hoping he could recover enough to walk Fanghua down the aisle at her wedding. Rong Dingkun scoffed, calling it ironic, as Rong Jiashang had initially disdained the family business. He then accused Rong Jiashang of actively destroying the empire he had painstakingly built.

Rong Jiashang vehemently countered that he was saving the Rong family. He reminded his father that the family enterprise belonged to more than just him, and that shareholders and elders did not wish to see it consumed by Rong Dingkun's personal vendetta against Meng Xu'an. He also vowed to protect his younger siblings from being entangled in "blood debts."

Rong Jiashang challenged his father, stating that he could only criticize him when he started to consider the welfare of others and the family, rather than solely his own interests. Rong Dingkun, enraged, insisted that Rong Jiashang could not understand his sacrifices. Rong Jiashang fired back, accusing his father of being utterly self-serving, treating women as mere possessions and children as pawns for strategic marriages.

He pointed out how Rong Dingkun had first called Fanghua "cheap" after her failed engagement, only to praise her as "blessed" when another suitor, Wu Yunchi, agreed to marry her, highlighting the immense pain this caused Fanghua and Fanglin. Rong Dingkun, unrepentant, retorted that daughters were merely raised to secure "useful" marriages.

Episode 33 Recap

Rong Jiashang confronted Rong Dingkun, accusing him of murdering Bai, his first wife. Rong Dingkun grew enraged, assuming Zhao Hua'an had divulged the information, but Rong Jiashang only stressed the severity of the situation, urging his father to abandon his delusions. Rong Dingkun demanded opium, promising to reveal the truth about Bai in return. After Rong Jiashang provided the opium, Rong Dingkun smoked several puffs to steady himself.

He initially claimed that after marrying Bai, he went to Shanghai for business and was rarely home. Bai, feeling neglected, had an affair and bore a son and a daughter with another man. When he refused to acknowledge them, she tried to elope with her lover. On their way, they were either attacked by bandits or the man changed his mind, resulting in the deaths of Bai and both children. Rong Jiashang was skeptical.

As Rong Dingkun became drowsy from the opium, Rong Jiashang pressed him for more details. Rong Dingkun then confessed that Bai had an affair with his own brother, and he killed his brother in a fit of rage. When asked about his brother's current whereabouts, Rong Dingkun, barely conscious, muttered, "Vanished. I did it myself. . . You'll never find him again." He kept repeating the name "Ah He" and accused "Ah He" of driving him to his actions.

Rong Jiashang tried to get more information, but Rong Dingkun was too far gone to respond. Meanwhile, Meng Xu'an summoned Yang Xiucheng to meet with Feng Shizhen, who had returned to Shanghai and was staying at Meng Xu'an's residence. Yang Xiucheng apologized for his past actions in Wenchunli, admitting his guilt and offering to help Meng Xu'an topple the Rong family.

Feng Shizhen accepted his assistance, stating that helping Meng Xu'an was sufficient atonement for his past wrongdoings against her family. Yang Xiucheng then revealed a crucial piece of information: Rong Dingkun's real surname was Qin, not Rong. This was overheard from one of Zhao Hua'an’s trusted followers, who reported that Zhao Hua'an, while drunk at his daughter’s wedding, blurted out that Rong Dingkun’s real name was Qin Shuigen.

Yang Xiucheng also recounted how the true Rong family, including parents, grandparents, and siblings, supposedly died of a plague. However, local elders claimed the Rong family was safe in their secluded home until Rong Dingkun arrived with the infected bodies of his deceased wife and children, bringing the plague to the family. This suggested that Qin Shuigen orchestrated their deaths to assume the real Rong Dingkun’s identity.

Feng Shizhen found this theory plausible, especially considering Rong Dingkun's avoidance of the remaining Rong family relatives. Feng Shizhen recalled that Rong Dingkun, when delirious, had once mistaken her for "Ah He" and begged "Ah He" not to seek revenge. Yang Xiucheng then presented Rong Dingkun's medical report, which showed no past leg fractures, thus confirming that the current Rong Dingkun was indeed an impostor, as the original Rong Dingkun was known to have a leg injury.

The impostor’s suspicious, polygamous, and criminal nature, involved in arms and opium trafficking, starkly contrasted with Feng Shizhen's memories of her kind and righteous father, further solidifying the conclusion that they were two entirely different men. Feng Shizhen realized that Qin Shuigen had likely killed her true father, "Ah He," and assumed his identity. Distraught, she wanted to confront Qin Shuigen immediately to discover where her father’s body was hidden and clear his name.

However, Meng Xu'an advised caution, insisting they must first locate the body before confronting the still dangerous Qin Shuigen. Feng Shizhen also mentioned to Yang Xiucheng that her relationship with Rong Jiashang was over, as he seemed to believe they were siblings, a misconception she encouraged as they had no future together regardless of the truth.

Meanwhile, a violent thunderstorm brought Rong Dingkun a horrifying vision of someone coming to claim his life, causing him to scream for help until his housekeeper rushed to calm him. Later, Rong Dingkun summoned Zhao Hua'an and gave him a ledger detailing the weaknesses of various Rong Company managers. He instructed Zhao Hua'an to use this information to quickly reclaim control of the Rong Company's main authority.

Zhao Hua'an expressed concern about Rong Jiashang, but Rong Dingkun dismissed his son as an "ungrateful wolf" and reiterated that the Rong family's empire was built by him and Zhao Hua'an, not by Rong Jiashang. Zhao Hua'an, stating he regarded Rong Dingkun as his elder brother, assured him of his unwavering loyalty.

After Rong Jiashang's visit to Wenchunli with a Miss Li, where he briefly glimpsed Feng Shizhen's retreating figure, he received a call from the Peking Hotel inquiring about undelivered crabs for Feng Shizhen. He called Feng Shizhen’s previous residence in Peking, only to learn she had departed two days prior.

Suspecting she had returned to Shanghai, he immediately ordered his secretary Chen to search all of Shanghai for her, specifically instructing him to keep a close watch on Meng Xu'an's residence. Upon learning Feng Shizhen was indeed at Meng Xu'an's house, Rong Jiashang stormed over. Meng Xu'an intercepted him, blocking his path to Feng Shizhen.

Meng Xu'an informed a furious Rong Jiashang that Feng Shizhen had already seen the incriminating photos and knew the truth, making it clear Rong Jiashang had no right to see her. Rong Jiashang, consumed by anger, was ultimately dismissed by Meng Xu'an. Later, Feng Shizhen and Yang Xiucheng continued their investigation into her father’s remains. Feng Shizhen pondered that Qin Shuigen, being paranoid, wouldn't have carelessly disposed of such a critical piece of evidence.

Instead, he would have buried it somewhere he could easily monitor and control. She recalled her aunt mentioning that her father earned his fortune by winning a lottery, and Yang Xiucheng had previously uncovered that Qin Shuigen bought his first properties—two warehouses—near the water-gate in Zhabei after arriving in Shanghai.

Feng Shizhen connected this to her father’s past as a dock worker, suggesting he would have lived near a dock, specifically recalling the small dock behind Wenchunli, where she used to see cargo ships unload. She hypothesized that if her father’s friend who borrowed money was Qin Shuigen, they would have lived together near that dock. Yang Xiucheng added that the Rong family already owned property in Wenchunli before the fire.

Feng Shizhen reasoned that Qin Shuigen had deliberately set fire to Wenchunli to erase evidence, but he intentionally spared one particular old, two-story house with an arched iron gate and iron fences, which he had bought and resided in before he gained wealth. This house, he claimed, held sentimental value, leading him to forbid anyone from entering, only allowing the exterior to be repainted and a new iron gate installed. Feng Shizhen concluded with certainty that her father's body was buried within that specific old house in Wenchunli.

Episode 34 Recap

Overcome by sorrow, Feng Shizhen found solace in Meng Xu'an and Yang Xiucheng's gentle words. She decided to return to the old house in Wenchunli, asserting that Rong Dingkun had avoided touching that particular building because her father's body was hidden inside it, even going so far as to burn other parts of Wenchunli to conceal the truth.

Meng Xu'an and Yang Xiucheng, despite their attempts to persuade her to rest and not push herself too hard, accompanied her, along with Wen and others, back to the old house amidst a heavy snowfall. Rong Jiashang, who had been waiting outside Meng Xu'an's mansion, eventually left after Feng Shizhen failed to appear. At Wenchunli, they subdued the gate guard and entered the dilapidated house. Initially, Wen reported that the interior was empty except for some worn-out beds.

Feng Shizhen, however, was not convinced. She reasoned that if Qin Shuigen had committed a murder there, he would have needed to dispose of the body quietly and quickly, impossible with other lodgers around. She deduced that he must have first cashed his lottery ticket, then bought the house to evict the tenants, allowing him to conceal the body in a wall since her aunt had mentioned her father's friend, a mason, who looked like him.

Feng Shizhen pointed to the walls. Wen quickly checked, found a hollow section, and Meng Xu'an ordered him to break it open. Behind the wall lay a dried corpse. Feng Shizhen broke down, realizing her father had been so close all these years. Meng Xu'an found a longevity lock on the body, which Feng Shizhen recognized as one her father had bought for her younger brother, intensifying her grief.

Meng Xu'an comforted her, assuring her that her father would not blame her for her past hatred, as she had ultimately found him. Meanwhile, Rong Dingkun was startled awake by a vivid nightmare, crying out "No!" He imagined someone coming for him, claiming he had made them do it, and urged Rong Jiashang to "kill him" and "defend our family." A butler quickly summoned Rong Jiashang, reporting his master was having a bad dream and screaming.

Rong Jiashang asked for the downer the doctor had left, which the butler retrieved from the storeroom. Rong Fanghua and Rong Fanglin, alerted by the commotion, arrived. Rong Jiashang assured them everything was fine and told them to go back to sleep, reminding Rong Fanghua she needed to try on her wedding dress the next day.

Rong Fanghua questioned the propriety of getting married given her father's condition, but Rong Jiashang insisted everything would proceed as planned, promising their father would attend her wedding. Rong Dingkun, still in a daze, murmured about having "sealed him up," prompting Rong Jiashang to wonder if he was referring to "He" or "Qin Shuigen." The next morning, Wen called a newspaper, providing an anonymous tip about a dead body found in the Rong family's old house in Wenchunli.

The news quickly spread, with headlines questioning if the "blessed house" was now "blooded." Rong Jiashang, informed of the news by his secretary, rushed to Wenchunli. Reporters swarmed the entrance, but he managed to address them, stating that the Rong family had acquired the plot by chance and had no knowledge of the body. He vowed to cooperate with the police to find the truth.

Inspector Wang, present with his officers, showed Rong Jiashang the body, which was difficult to identify. Rong Jiashang pointed out that reporters had already tampered with the scene, questioning if it was a genuine discovery or a setup. Inspector Wang then revealed a strange detail: a scrip, an IOU from "Qin Shuigen" to "Rong Dingkun," was found in the corpse's mouth.

Noticing the paper was new, Inspector Wang suggested it was likely a prank and allowed Rong Jiashang to take it for his father. Rong Jiashang thanked him as the body was removed. At the New Metropolis Club, Feng Shizhen, deep in thought and drinking, recalled her first dance with Rong Jiashang there. Xiao Baoli joined her, acknowledging the pain of finding her father but also the closure it brought.

Feng Shizhen affirmed her resolve to seek justice against Qin Shuigen for his heinous acts against her family. When asked if Rong Jiashang knew she was in Shanghai, Feng Shizhen believed he probably did but decided it was better not to see him, given their current relationship. Rong Jiashang confronted his father with the IOU, demanding to know if he remembered lending the money. Rong Dingkun was visibly shaken, asking where the paper came from.

Rong Jiashang also pressed him on his insistence on buying the Wenchunli property. Rong Dingkun, fearful, asked if something had happened in Wenchunli. Rong Jiashang confirmed that the entire area had been renovated except for that specific old house, questioning why it remained untouched. Rong Dingkun, panicking, ordered for Zhao Hua'an to be summoned, but Rong Jiashang intercepted, assuring him he could handle it and demanding the truth about Qin Shuigen and the secrets of the old house.

Rong Dingkun pleaded with his son to prevent anyone from entering or damaging the old house, claiming its destruction would lead to the Rong family's downfall. Rong Jiashang then revealed that it was already too late; someone had broken in, discovered the body, and the news was now public, with newspapers claiming their "blessed house" hid a corpse. Rong Dingkun was in denial, repeating "Impossible!"

Rong Jiashang urged his father to reveal any disgraceful family secrets before they became public knowledge, warning that he would be powerless to help if he remained in the dark. At the Rong Mansion, Mrs. Rong discovered reporters swarming outside. Distraught, she ordered the gates secured and all household members to remain inside, except for those on errands. She called Zhao Hua'an, expressing her concerns about the newspaper's insinuations of concealed bodies and even sorcery.

Zhao Hua'an, reassuring her, dismissed it as sensationalism and rivals' attempts to discredit the Rong family, suggesting she take the children to their villa outside the city until the rumors subsided after the New Year. He promised to discuss countermeasures with Rong Jiashang at the company. Rong Jiashang, meanwhile, reflected on his father's fragmented confessions about Mrs. Bai, his brother, and "He," and the name "Qin Shuigen."

Still unclear about the true relationship between Qin Shuigen and He, he instructed Secretary Chen to investigate Qin Shuigen. Back at the mansion, a reporter managed to sneak in, photographing Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua. Rong Jiashang quickly intervened, forcefully expelling the reporter and smashing his camera, then angrily reprimanded his staff for the security breach, demanding improved electrified fences. Rong Fanglin, terrified by the commotion and news of the company's troubles, wondered if their family was doomed.

Rong Jiashang firmly reassured her that as long as he was there, he would not let the Rong family fall. At a board meeting, the Rong company's stock continued to plummet. Shareholders, demanding an explanation from Rong Dingkun, threatened to withdraw their investments. Rong Jiashang sharply criticized their disloyalty, reminding them of the many years they had profited without contributing, now abandoning the company in a minor crisis.

Zhao Hua'an attempted to mediate, acknowledging the crisis but advocating against dissolving the partnership. Rong Jiashang, while agreeing to their withdrawal, made a single demand: that out of respect for their past relationship with his father, they sell their shares exclusively to him, promising fair compensation. The shareholders reluctantly agreed. Just then, Inspector Wang arrived with crucial news for Rong Jiashang. A few days prior, an old widow had reported her husband's tomb desecrated and his body stolen.

The physical characteristics of her husband's body matched the one found in Wenchunli. Further investigation confirmed they were the same. The IOU, being brand new, was clearly a fabrication placed by someone intent on framing the Rong family. This proved the entire incident was a setup.

Relieved, Rong Jiashang offered Inspector Wang a sum of money, asking him to give it to the widow to help her rebuild her husband's tomb and properly rebury him, which Inspector Wang agreed to do. Later, Feng Shizhen placed her father's memorial tablet in a temple. Xiao Baoli accompanied her to pay respects. Meng Xu'an hosted a New Year's Eve dinner at Astor House, inviting Feng Shizhen and Xiao Baoli.

Meng Xu'an and Xiao Baoli discussed the outcome of the Wenchunli incident, agreeing that while the Rong family had been weakened, Feng Shizhen had not yet achieved her full objective, and that Rong Dingkun's true crimes would eventually be exposed to the world. As Feng Shizhen and Meng Xu'an were leaving the Astor House, wrapped warmly by Meng Xu'an in a coat, they were observed by Rong Jiashang, who was dining with Inspector Wang and others, causing him visible distress.

Feng Shizhen then asked Meng Xu'an to drive her home, acknowledging it was time to face her family. She asked Meng Xu'an to continue looking after her aunt, promising to bring her home after she had settled things. Arriving home, Feng Shizhen walked through the bustling streets filled with neighbors celebrating the New Year, her heart heavy with her unresolved burdens.

Episode 35 Recap

Feng Shizhen returned home, weary from her travels, to a warm welcome from her parents, who were delighted to have her home for the New Year. Her brother, Feng Shixun, lovingly prepared her favorite scallion oil noodles. Feng Shizhen revealed that she had quit her job in Peking to stay with them, and she confessed that she had found the body of her biological father, who had passed away twenty years ago, just like her biological mother.

Her parents comforted her, assuring her that her biological parents would be proud of her accomplishments. Feng Shizhen also mentioned that her biological mother's sister, Ms. Qian, was in Shanghai and wished to visit. Her parents happily extended their welcome, eagerly anticipating a family reunion.

Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang had meticulously pieced together all the clues, concluding that his father, Rong Dingkun, was none other than Qin Shuigen, the man who had murdered the real Rong Dingkun and his family, then assumed his identity. Rong Jiashang confronted Rong Dingkun, demanding the truth about the events of that year.

Initially, Rong Dingkun refused to answer, but Rong Jiashang pressed him, pointing out that Zhao Hua'an knew too many of Rong Dingkun's secrets and could easily take over the Rong family. Under pressure, Rong Dingkun finally confessed. He admitted to being Qin Shuigen. Years ago, he and Zhao Hua'an came to Shanghai to make their fortune. In Wenchunli, they befriended the righteous Rong Dingkun. One day, the real Rong Dingkun won 1,000 yuan in the lottery.

Qin Shuigen, in desperate need of 300 yuan to pay off a debt to Ma Laojiu that threatened his hand, asked Rong Dingkun for a loan. Rong Dingkun refused, citing his pregnant wife's impending arrival in Shanghai as the reason he couldn't spare the money. Enraged, Qin Shuigen tried to steal the lottery ticket and, in a struggle, accidentally killed Rong Dingkun. Zhao Hua'an witnessed the murder. Qin Shuigen promised him half of the lottery prize.

Fearing discovery due to the many residents in Wenchunli, they sealed Rong Dingkun's body in a wall. Qin Shuigen then impersonated Rong Dingkun to claim the prize. He discovered that the real Rong Dingkun had already written to his family, inviting his wife and parents to Shanghai. Qin Shuigen and Zhao Hua'an conspired to intercept and kill them before they reached Shanghai.

To further conceal the crime and eliminate all witnesses, Qin Shuigen acquired clothing from plague victims and sent them to the Rong household, fabricating a story that the entire family had died of the plague. He further confessed that he committed these acts so he could marry Rong Jiashang's mother and have Rong Jiashang, though he regretted not eliminating "that girl" (Feng Shizhen) as well. Rong Jiashang was furious upon hearing the full account, gritting his teeth in anger.

As he left, he sternly warned Rong Dingkun to revert to being Qin Shuigen. That night, Rong Jiashang stared at the sextant Feng Shizhen had given him, his mind in turmoil. The realization that Feng Shizhen carried such a deep-seated blood feud against his family left him feeling utterly ashamed and unworthy of facing her.

He lamented that he had always let her down, thinking he and Feng Shizhen were only separated by blood relation, but it was a blood debt. Ms. Qian arrived at Feng Shizhen's home for a visit, delighting Feng Shizhen's adoptive parents. Ms. Qian expressed her gratitude for their loving care of Feng Shizhen, who had grown into an outstanding young woman, deeply moving her. Feng Shixun prepared a grand meal to honor her.

After dinner, Feng Shixun led his parents, Ms. Qian, and Feng Shizhen to a bustling lantern festival. While Feng Shizhen went to buy roasted chestnuts, Wu Yunchi was accompanying Rong Jiashang. Rong Jiashang spotted Feng Shizhen in the distance, their eyes meeting once again, now as strangers and enemies. During their encounter, Feng Shizhen informed him she would not return to Peking, as she had things to do in Shanghai, and that they could no longer be together.

In response, Rong Jiashang resolved to make his father confess and announced that next month, after Wu Yunchi and Fanghua's wedding and sending Fanglin to study abroad, he would hold a press conference. He promised to make his father acknowledge all his crimes publicly, vowing to stand before Feng Shizhen "clear and clean" one day.

Reflecting further, Rong Jiashang felt disgusted by the Rong family's wealth, realizing every brick of the Qin family house was soaked in the blood of the real Rong family, making him hesitant to return home. Early the next morning, Wang Yitai received a call from the hospital informing her that Concubine Sun's young son, Rong Jiakang, had died despite medical efforts. The butler immediately relayed the tragic news to Rong Dingkun, who was heartbroken.

Concubine Sun wailed, clutching her deceased son. Mrs. Rong tried to console her, but Concubine Sun rebuffed her, verbally lashing out, causing Mrs. Rong to leave in anger. Rong Jiashang, witnessing the scene, instructed the butler to arrange for the child's body to be sent home. Wang Yitai did her best to comfort Concubine Sun, while Feng Shixun, who had been involved in the child's treatment, felt profound regret for not being able to save him.

Later, Meng Xu'an dispatched Wen to take Ms. Qian to the train station. Afterward, Meng Xu'an picked up Feng Shizhen to move her to Baoli's residence. Feng Shizhen explained to Meng Xu'an that her brother had helped convince their parents to let her move out, claiming Baoli needed an assistant. Meng Xu'an asked about Feng Shixun's political interests, offering to have him monitored if necessary, which Feng Shizhen appreciated.

The war between Generalissimo Cao and Commander Ma was raging, with Yang Xiucheng discovering that Zhao Hua'an was supplying munitions to both sides. Meng Xu'an suspected that Rong Dingkun was orchestrating this to isolate Rong Jiashang and regain control of Rong's Wharf, a situation that worried Meng Xu'an for Rong Jiashang. Feng Shizhen, however, believed that Zhao Hua'an and Rong Dingkun merely held leverage over each other and were using each other.

Meng Xu'an planned to exploit this by making the shareholders believe Zhao Hua'an intended to establish his own power, thereby creating internal strife to bring down the Rong family. Yang Xiucheng further revealed that Zhao Hua'an had his own shipping routes and a separate code.

Feng Shizhen expressed her urgency to find this code book to undermine Zhao Hua'an completely, dismissing Meng Xu'an's concerns about Rong Jiashang getting hurt, stating that she and Rong Jiashang were no longer connected and he was a man who could handle his own affairs. Feng Shizhen volunteered to decode any obtained messages, prompting Yang Xiucheng to begin intercepting telegrams to retrieve the new code.

Episode 36 Recap

Rong Jiashang returned home late and learned from the butler that Mrs. Rong was handling Rong Jiakang's funeral arrangements. The butler informed him that Mrs. Rong had sent people to observe the fengshui at the ancestral grave, ordered a coffin, and Concubine Sun was recovering, even taking walks in the courtyard. Rong Dingkun had also chosen a piece of jade to be buried with the youngest master.

Rong Jiashang, though offered mutton soup, declined as he had drunk a lot at a dinner party and had no appetite. He then went to see Rong Dingkun, who feigned weakness from a minor stroke affecting his arms. Rong Dingkun instructed Rong Jiashang to take 30,000 silver dollars from his private coffer for Fanghua's wedding dowry and to keep the rest safe for Fanglin's future marriage, emphasizing that his daughters should not marry miserably.

After asking about Mrs. Rong and being told she was at her maternal family's house but would return tomorrow, Rong Dingkun told the butler to have her see him. Once Rong Jiashang left, Rong Dingkun's expression changed, revealing his cunning pretense. Rong Jiashang, knowing Mrs. Rong was not at home, brought his men directly to Zhao Hua'an's residence. He found Zhao Hua'an in his bedroom with Mrs. Rong, Shujun.

Rong Jiashang pretended to want to play cards with Zhao Hua'an but then exposed their affair. Zhao Hua'an admitted it was a mistake and tried to keep it quiet, concerned about the Rong family's reputation. However, Shujun, furious, lashed out at Rong Jiashang, accusing him of murdering her son Xin'er and detaining Rong Dingkun, calling him a "conscienceless rascal" and "like father, like son." Zhao Hua'an dismissed her as "shortsighted."

Rong Jiashang then revealed that the man he knew as his father, Rong Dingkun, had confessed to being Qin Shuigen and killing the original Rong Dingkun for a lottery ticket years ago. He told Zhao Hua'an that "fire cannot be wrapped in paper," and the original Rong Dingkun's daughter, Feng Shizhen, was back.

Zhao Hua'an realized Feng Shizhen was Rong Jiashang's governess, recalling that Rong Dingkun had broken out in a cold sweat upon seeing her and was afraid of her. He admitted to hiding the body but stated that Qin Shuigen was the murderer and had been plagued by guilt ever since. Rong Jiashang sarcastically acknowledged his father's "hard work." Shujun then argued that without Qin Shuigen's ruthlessness, the Rong family would have collapsed, and Rong Jiashang would have been nothing.

She reminded him that he would always bear his father's crimes. Rong Jiashang countered by accusing Zhao Hua'an of embezzling funds by reselling "lost goods" from the southern You and Wu lines, stating he had witnesses and physical evidence. Zhao Hua'an, unperturbed, suggested that Rong Jiashang was too young to deal with the other powerful uncles and proposed taking over the dark businesses of the Rong Company, offering a yearly dividend.

Shujun vehemently rejected this, calling Zhao Hua'an and Rong Dingkun "two birds of a feather." Zhao Hua'an warned her that the other "murderous" elders could wipe out the Rong family. Rong Jiashang corrected him, clarifying that the original Rong family had already been exterminated, with only Shizhen remaining. Rong Jiashang, understanding Zhao Hua'an's ambition and expressing his own detestation for the family's dark industries, offered to discuss a share transfer.

Shujun protested, but Rong Jiashang reminded her of her own infidelity after her son's death. They agreed on an 80% market price for the shares, to be paid in cash, with lawyers meeting the next day. Rong Jiashang then took Mrs. Rong home. At home, Rong Jiashang suggested Shujun divorce Rong Dingkun and return to her maternal family, acknowledging that his father was not a good husband and her life had been difficult.

Shujun, however, wanted to wait until Fanglin was married to avoid damaging her daughter's prospects. Rong Jiashang agreed to draw up a divorce agreement, promising to help her get his father's signature for her freedom and to ensure Fanglin received all Shujun's dowry, as caring for his sister was his duty.

Shujun then told Rong Jiashang that while she knew he resented her for sending him to military school, she now saw it as a blessing that saved him from becoming "another Qin Shuigen." Rong Jiashang responded that he no longer hated her and wished them both well. Meanwhile, Feng Shizhen asked Yang Xiucheng to gather detailed background information on all the executives of Rong Company.

Yang Xiucheng also intercepted a telegram regarding Zhao Hua'an's acquisition of Rong Company shares, remarking that the Rong family was heading for major unrest. Feng Shizhen then requested more information about the Rong family's opium business. Meng Xu'an worried that Feng Shizhen still harbored feelings for Rong Jiashang, but she firmly stated their relationship was over and a man should not need a woman's protection.

She reiterated her primary goal: to utterly destroy the Rong family's "evil business" and let its managers fight among themselves, before catching them all. She insisted they must pay. Later, at a restaurant, Rong Jiashang met Wu Yunchi, who revealed he had sent reporters to cover the Rong family's affairs.

Rong Jiashang explained that he intended to let the shareholders fight for power, weakening themselves, after which he would step in to destroy all of the Rong family's "dirty" grey businesses, especially the opium trade, which he had always detested. Wu Yunchi expressed concern that this would lead to the Rong family's complete collapse and leave Rong Jiashang with nothing, questioning if Feng Shizhen would still want him, as women often required "material comforts."

Rong Jiashang assured him that Fanghua was taken care of with a dowry, and he planned to send Fanglin abroad to study. He dismissed Wu Yunchi's concerns about Feng Shizhen, finding the topic bitter. Shiori Hashimoto, seeing the news about the Rong family, expressed her concern for Rong Jiashang to her father, Hashimoto Shozo. She reminded him of her past relationship with Rong Jiashang in Chongqing and how she differed from other women who might be after his wealth.

Hashimoto Shozo then arranged a meeting with Rong Jiashang. During their tea, Hashimoto Shozo acknowledged Rong Jiashang's difficult situation and his rebellious uncles, advising him not to impulsively abandon the lucrative transportation and opium growing businesses, which constituted 60-70% of the family's assets.

Rong Jiashang, however, reiterated his intention to sell these businesses, stating his dislike for "blood money" and his desire to do good deeds to atone for his father's sins, as even his father now believed his injury was retribution. He described himself as cautious and conservative. Hashimoto Shozo then attempted to orchestrate a marriage between Rong Jiashang and Shiori, highlighting their previous connection and their suitability. Shiori, born of a concubine, was presented as equally talented and attractive.

Rong Jiashang politely declined, citing his youth and desire to keep business and emotions separate. He firmly rejected Shiori's offer of help, stating he did not need women to climb. Shiori confessed her genuine feelings and her desire to marry him, but Rong Jiashang told her their Chongqing relationship was merely a youthful crush and he now had a love interest, urging her to move on.

Back at Meng Xu'an's residence, Yang Xiucheng delivered a newly intercepted telegram, informing Feng Shizhen that Zhao Hua'an had upgraded his transportation code. Feng Shizhen worked tirelessly through the night and successfully deciphered the code. Meng Xu'an visited her, praised her work, but voiced his suspicion that Rong Jiashang might be colluding with Zhao Hua'an for the lucrative grey businesses. Feng Shizhen, however, staunchly believed Rong Jiashang would not be corrupt.

Seeing her focus, Meng Xu'an, slightly jealous, suggested she go out for a change of pace. Xiao Baoli took Feng Shizhen shopping, with Wen providing protection. Xiao Baoli encouraged Feng Shizhen to buy more clothes, remarking that being associated with Mr. Meng meant she shouldn't appear "shabby," but Feng Shizhen clarified she was not Meng Xu'an's woman. While shopping, they saw a newspaper headline announcing the Rong family's impending collapse due to a "weak leader and strong members."

They mused that while Rong Jiashang was young, the family's legitimate businesses were sufficient without the risky, unethical ones. From a distance, Rong Jiashang, leaving his company, saw Feng Shizhen and Xiao Baoli driving away. Later, Yang Xiucheng reported that a gang fight had erupted among the Rong family's factions in the south, resulting in three opium dens being destroyed and the newly planted opium bulbs crushed.

Feng Shizhen proposed sending a "secret letter" to Zhao Hua'an's rivals, such as Liu Sanwan, revealing the destination of his most important cargo. She believed this would incite further conflict among them, thereby helping to create more trouble for Zhao Hua'an. Meng Xu'an approved, calling her plan brilliant.

Episode 37 Recap

Feng Shizhen and Yang Xiucheng, with strong support from Meng Xu'an, meticulously arranged their plans. After an anxious night of waiting, they finally received news of a gang fight erupting at the Southern opium plantations. Their initial victory brought them immense satisfaction. Rong Jiashang received news from the South that Zhao Hua'an's plantation was almost completely burned during recent shareholder infighting. The opium stock was also destroyed or stolen during transport, leaving very little.

Zhao Hua'an himself was slightly wounded and on his way back to Shanghai. Rong Jiashang's subordinate noted that events were unfolding as expected, but Rong Jiashang sensed something more. He acknowledged that the plantation's destruction was anticipated, but Zhao Hua'an's personal transportation codes were usually meticulously guarded. The fact that his shipments were repeatedly intercepted and he suffered heavy losses suggested that someone had deciphered Zhao Hua'an's private codes, not just by chance, but as a deliberate attack.

Recognizing this unexpected assistance, Rong Jiashang decided to accelerate his own plans. He ordered all opium in the Rong Company's teahouses across Shanghai to be collected for mass destruction. He later updated Rong Dingkun on the company's financial recovery from the Wenchunli property sales and Zhao Hua'an's recent troubles, describing Zhao as "attacked from all sides and driven into a corner," desperately seeking help.

Rong Dingkun, expecting an angry outburst, listened calmly, stating he couldn't control Rong Jiashang anymore and that anger was futile. Rong Jiashang informed his father that the American doctor he'd arranged believed recovery was possible after surgery and inquired about a check-up date. Rong Dingkun questioned when Rong Jiashang planned to send him, expressing a desire to stay for Fanghua and Yunchi's wedding.

Rong Jiashang promised to personally send him to America once everything was settled, then advised his father to rest. After Rong Jiashang left, Rong Dingkun internally cursed him as an ungrateful son. With no other options, Zhao Hua'an turned to Hashimoto Shozo for assistance. Meng Xu'an learned that Zhao Hua'an and Hashimoto Shozo were forming a joint import-export company, primarily to sell Japanese munitions, indicating Zhao Hua'an's desperation.

Meng Xu'an was invited to their opening party and decided to attend, bringing Feng Shizhen with him. At the signing ceremony, Zhao Hua'an and Hashimoto Shozo formalized their partnership. Feng Shizhen approached Zhao Hua'an, confronting him about his past actions. She remarked on his improved appearance despite his recent troubles, noting his new partnership with Hashimoto Shozo.

Feng Shizhen then revealed she knew Qin Shuigen had killed her mother, but it was Zhao Hua'an who had pursued and attempted to kill her. She declared her intention to make him pay for his past crimes. As Feng Shizhen and Meng Xu'an departed, they encountered Rong Jiashang. He grabbed Feng Shizhen's wrist, but Meng Xu'an forcefully pushed him away, then led Feng Shizhen away without looking back.

Feng Shizhen discovered that Zhao Hua'an was transporting a batch of Japanese munitions provided by Hashimoto Shozo, which were due to arrive by noon the next day for delivery to the southwest. She and Meng Xu'an decided to target this shipment. Zhao Hua'an, taking no chances, personally oversaw his men as they moved the munitions into a warehouse, instructing them to guard it closely.

Meng Xu'an dispatched someone to send a telegram to the warehouse guards, impersonating Zhao Hua'an and ordering the immediate transfer of the cargo to the "Sunrise at Kunshan" ship at Wharf 4. The guards, suspicious of the late-night order, called Zhao Hua'an's residence for confirmation. However, Yang Xiucheng had intercepted the phone line. Impersonating the butler, Yang Xiucheng falsely claimed that Zhao Hua'an had been assassinated and, before falling into a coma, had specifically instructed them to transfer the cargo.

The guards, believing the urgent news, did not dare to delay and swiftly transferred all the munitions to the designated ship. Later, the guards, concerned for Zhao Hua'an, returned to his mansion to check on him, only to find him alive and well. Upon learning that his orders had been counterfeited and the munitions transferred, Zhao Hua'an became enraged, denying he had sent any telegrams or been assassinated.

His butler confirmed that no calls were received, indicating a manipulated phone line. Realizing he had been tricked, Zhao Hua'an furiously threatened his guards' families if they didn't retrieve the cargo immediately. He then rushed with his men to the ship at Wharf 4. On board, he discovered that the cargo was not his Japanese munitions, but American guns and ammunition belonging to a warlord.

Before Zhao Hua'an and his men could escape the trap, Wen, who had been lying in ambush at the dock, opened fire, igniting and blowing up the cargo ship. Feng Shizhen, observing the fiery explosion from a distance through a telescope, was relieved to see Wen's mission accomplished. She acknowledged that this was Zhao Hua'an's punishment for his past crimes, deeming suffering a fate worse than a quick death, just as Qin Shuigen was enduring.

Zhao Hua'an, having narrowly escaped the explosion, secretly returned home, only to find police officers searching and confiscating his property. The police informed his butler that Zhao Hua'an was a wanted criminal, accused of blowing up millions worth of government military supplies, and his assets were being seized. Panicked, Zhao Hua'an hid, realizing he was being hunted. Desperate, he sought out Mrs. Rong for help, viewing her as his last hope.

However, Meng Xu'an had anticipated this move and stationed men nearby, who promptly apprehended Zhao Hua'an as he tried to approach Mrs. Rong. Zhao Hua'an was brought to an ancestral hall, where Feng Shizhen awaited him. She revealed that the warlord's munitions had been temporarily transferred to another ship due to a leakage, and it was those munitions he had inadvertently blown up, asking if he enjoyed the "surprise" she had orchestrated.

Zhao Hua'an, realizing he had been outmaneuvered, admitted his crimes, confessing he was deceived by Qin Shuigen and expressing remorse for his role in the massacre of Feng Shizhen's family. He offered his remaining assets, including shares, bonds, and his most profitable opium teahouses, as compensation. He even offered to kill Qin Shuigen for her.

Feng Shizhen, however, found the idea of killing Qin Shuigen uninteresting, preferring that he live a life of suffering, stripped of dignity and tormented by loneliness, mirroring the fate she desired for Zhao Hua'an. As Feng Shizhen picked up a syringe, Zhao Hua'an desperately asked what she wanted.

She reminded him that her family, afflicted with pestilence, could have been cured with proper care, but he and Qin Shuigen had sealed their residence for five days, denying them food and water, watching them slowly die. She asserted that it was now his turn to atone. As Zhao Hua'an pleaded for his life, she scornfully reminded him of her family's pleas for mercy, which he had ignored.

In a desperate attempt to save himself, Zhao Hua'an blurted out that Feng Shizhen's younger brother was still alive. Stunned, Feng Shizhen demanded proof. Zhao Hua'an explained that although Qin Shuigen had ordered the child's death, he couldn't bring himself to kill him because his own wife had just given birth to a son. He lied to Qin Shuigen, claiming the child had frozen to death, and had then taken Feng Shizhen's brother to safety.

Feng Shizhen, desperate for answers, agreed to untie him in exchange for her brother's whereabouts. Zhao Hua'an revealed that he had entrusted Feng Shizhen's brother to an old widow in the countryside. The widow later moved to a southern plantation with the boy. A few years prior, the boy came to Shanghai to earn money for the ailing widow's treatment but eventually escaped Zhao Hua'an's surveillance and disappeared.

Zhao Hua'an specified that the boy wore a silver longevity lock engraved with the character "Zhen" on the front and a birth date on the back, though he noted the birth date seemed to belong to Feng Shizhen, not her brother. He asserted that finding the longevity lock would lead to her brother. Meng Xu'an then intervened, revealing that the syringe Feng Shizhen had used to threaten Zhao Hua'an was empty, a ploy to extract the truth.

He declared that Zhao Hua'an, though spared from death, would still face justice for his crimes and ordered him to be sent to the police station for proper legal punishment. Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang personally oversaw the collection and destruction of all opium stored by the Rong Company in Shanghai, expressing his belief that opium was a "malignant tumor" ruining the nation and that he was finally fulfilling his promise to eradicate it.

Meng Xu'an and Feng Shizhen later read newspaper reports detailing Rong Jiashang's actions. Meng Xu'an was surprised that Rong Jiashang would ruin his family's most profitable business for Feng Shizhen, acknowledging his decisive nature. Feng Shizhen, however, believed it was Rong Jiashang's long-standing goal to dismantle his family's illicit businesses, regardless of her influence. She firmly stated that her vendetta against Qin Shuigen would not be swayed by anyone.

Simultaneously, Rong Dingkun received a mysterious gift box containing a threatening message from an unknown sender. When Rong Jiashang confronted his father about this, he urged him to quickly resolve whatever problem it signaled. Rong Dingkun, however, demanded that Rong Jiashang eliminate all enemies targeting the Rong family and threatening his life, and protect the family.

When Rong Jiashang insisted he was already protecting the family through his actions, Rong Dingkun angrily accused him of disgracing the Rong family by destroying their opium business, a scandal widely publicized. Rong Jiashang retorted that if his father was afraid, he should remain in his room, as Rong Jiashang could guarantee his safety only if he stayed confined. He advised his disabled father to focus on recuperation rather than engaging in futile struggles.

After Rong Jiashang left, Rong Dingkun, despite his apparent helplessness, secretly vowed to engage in a bitter struggle against his son, unwilling to be a mere pawn. Elsewhere, Hashimoto Shozo inquired about the progress of Shiori's marriage proposal with Rong Jiashang. A family member informed him that Rong Jiashang had unequivocally rejected her, citing his disinterest in marrying a concubine's daughter. Hashimoto Shozo, offended, defended his daughter's status.

The family member then suggested an alternative: marrying Shiori to Colonel Matsuda, whose wife had recently passed away and who had a preference for younger women. This alliance would offer a double advantage, as Colonel Matsuda and his brothers held significant influence within the military, which would greatly benefit the Hashimoto family's business.

The family member stressed that a daughter's marriage should serve the family's interests, and becoming Matsuda's legal wife would elevate their clan's status in Shanghai more than becoming Rong Jiashang's concubine. Hashimoto Shozo agreed to consider the proposal.

Episode 38 Recap

A fire suddenly erupted in the West Hall, where Rong Dingkun resided. Upon hearing the news, Mrs. Rong immediately brought the entire family to the scene. The housekeeper confirmed that Rong Dingkun had already been rescued and safely relocated to the main house. Rong Dingkun promptly made a phone call, asking Shiori Hashimoto for a favor. He promised to fulfill any wish if the task was completed successfully, striking a quick agreement with her.

Rong Jiashang, learning of the fire, rushed home to check on his father. He found Rong Dingkun on the phone, who quickly claimed to be calling the fire department. Skeptical, Rong Jiashang ordered his father to be settled in his bedroom, restricting all contact with the outside world. He warned Rong Dingkun against any rash actions.

In response, Rong Dingkun defiantly stated that Rong Jiashang didn't understand how far a person would go to protect his family, vowing to destroy anyone who tried to ruin his family. Meanwhile, Feng Shizhen went to the tailor shop to pick up her clothes, only to be ambushed and kidnapped as she entered. Wen, who was waiting, grew concerned when Feng Shizhen didn't reappear. He went into the shop, learned she had been abducted, and immediately drove off in pursuit.

Thinking quickly, Feng Shizhen feigned discomfort and asked to open the window, discreetly dropping her earring onto the ground. As the car rounded a corner, she threw out her brooch as another clue. Wen quickly located Feng Shizhen's discarded earring and brooch, continuing his chase. Meng Xu'an was informed of Feng Shizhen's abduction and immediately suspected Rong Dingkun. He gathered his men and headed straight to the Rong residence.

When Feng Shizhen was confined, Shiori Hashimoto soon arrived, threatening to kill Feng Shizhen to reunite with Rong Jiashang. Feng Shizhen advised her to give up hope, infuriating Shiori Hashimoto, who then vowed to disfigure Feng Shizhen's face. Shiori Hashimoto asserted that Feng Shizhen was merely a "poor governess who's good at stealing men," while Feng Shizhen retorted that her connection with Rong Jiashang was one of mutual attraction, and called Shiori Hashimoto naive for believing Rong Dingkun's promises.

Feng Shizhen pointed out that Rong Jiashang, even when his father was healthy, never took his orders, so he would not listen to a "paralyzed old man" now. She concluded that Shiori Hashimoto only cared about Rong Jiashang's status and wealth, not him as a person. Meng Xu'an and his men stormed into the Rong family compound, demanding Feng Shizhen's whereabouts from Rong Dingkun. Rong Dingkun refused to cooperate.

Rong Jiashang knelt, pleading with his father, who simply sneered, stating it was "too late" and that they would "never see her again." Rong Dingkun even challenged Rong Jiashang, asking if he would stand by while an outsider pointed a gun at his father. Meng Xu'an, after learning that Wen had located the car, quickly led his men away to search for Feng Shizhen, with Rong Jiashang following suit, leaving Rong Dingkun to chuckle to himself.

Inside the abandoned building, Shiori Hashimoto lunged at Feng Shizhen with a dagger, but Feng Shizhen kicked her away. Enraged, Shiori Hashimoto scrambled up and rushed at Feng Shizhen again, attempting to choke her. Fortunately, Wen arrived just in time to intervene. The surrounding thugs then swarmed Wen. As Wen fought them off, Feng Shizhen used the dropped dagger to cut her restraints and joined the fight. Wen, increasingly overwhelmed and severely injured, eventually collapsed, barely clinging to life.

As Shiori Hashimoto regained consciousness, she pulled out a gun and aimed it at Feng Shizhen. At that critical moment, Rong Jiashang rushed in and shielded Feng Shizhen, taking the bullet. Meng Xu'an followed close behind and shot Shiori Hashimoto, injuring her leg. Feng Shizhen hurried to Wen's side and discovered a longevity lock engraved with the character "Zhen" around his neck.

Overjoyed and shocked, Feng Shizhen recognized it as the matching lock to her own, realizing Wen was her long-lost younger brother, Li. Wen, suffering from severe blood loss, fainted and was immediately dispatched to the hospital by Meng Xu'an's men. After an intense effort by the medical staff, Wen was out of critical danger, but remained in a coma due to extensive blood loss and brain hypoxia.

Feng Shizhen stayed by his side, asking Meng Xu'an about Wen's life over the years. Meng Xu'an recounted finding Wen as a clever, quick-witted street orphan years ago and taking him in. Feng Shixun arrived, and Meng Xu'an, to protect Feng Shizhen, falsely claimed Wen's injuries were due to business conflicts with "gangsters." Still concerned, Feng Shixun pulled Feng Shizhen aside, warning her to keep her distance from Meng Xu'an.

Feng Shizhen then revealed that Wen was their biological younger brother, Li, and Feng Shixun shared her joy. Meanwhile, Shiori Hashimoto's leg injury had damaged her tendons, and the doctor informed Hashimoto Shozo that it was beyond recovery, resulting in a lifelong disability. Shiori Hashimoto reacted with an angry outburst, yelling at the doctor, who Hashimoto Shozo quickly ushered away. He then severely reprimanded Shiori Hashimoto for her disgraceful actions.

Rong Jiashang subsequently arrived to visit Shiori Hashimoto, prompting Hashimoto Shozo and his wife to discretely leave the room. Shiori Hashimoto tried to explain that Rong Dingkun had forced her to kidnap Feng Shizhen. Rong Jiashang, however, made it clear that they could never be together.

He revealed that he had overheard Shiori Hashimoto and her mother discussing him in Chongqing, realizing that Shiori Hashimoto never genuinely loved him but was merely "playing him" while seeking a wealthy and powerful husband. Shiori Hashimoto, filled with regret, struggled to get up and beg for his forgiveness, but Rong Jiashang angrily left. On his way out, he handed a medicine box, which he had found at the auction, to Mrs. Hashimoto, who was waiting in the corridor.

Seeing the two remaining pills inside, Mrs. Hashimoto recalled the day of the auction and realized that Shiori Hashimoto had intentionally withheld the life-saving medicine from Hashimoto Taiichi, leading to his fatal relapse. Hashimoto Shozo, having discussed the truth with his wife, decided to marry Shiori Hashimoto off to Colonel Matsuda. Shiori Hashimoto vehemently objected, but Hashimoto Shozo's decision was final.

She desperately pleaded with her mother for help, but Mrs. Hashimoto coldly exposed Shiori Hashimoto's deception and murder of Hashimoto Taiichi. Shiori Hashimoto was stunned into silence, realizing her mother's intent for her to suffer worse than death. Mrs. Hashimoto commanded her guards to ensure Shiori Hashimoto lived until her marriage to Matsuda, threatening them with severe consequences if anything happened to her.

Elsewhere, Feng Shixun was attending a meeting with progressive youths from the newspaper when police officers suddenly burst in and arrested everyone. Feng Shizhen learned of her brother's arrest and immediately went to the police station. She was informed that Feng Shixun and the others had been sent to Tilanqiao Prison, and that their case was highly confidential, with superiors handling the interrogations. The officer subtly implied that Feng Shixun's fate looked grim.

Distraught, Feng Shizhen went late at night to seek help from Xiao Baoli, hoping to arrange a visit to Feng Shixun. Xiao Baoli, acknowledging the sudden shift in the political climate, advised her to go home and wait for news, promising to leverage her contacts in the police department to gather information.

Episode 39 Recap

Upon learning of Feng Shixun’s arrest, Rong Jiashang immediately called Chief Liu of the police department for information. Chief Liu advised him not to interfere, explaining that the arrests made the previous night were unusual and those detained, identified as revolutionaries and famous cadres, were unlikely to be released. Rong Jiashang pressed him to at least reveal Feng Shixun’s location—Tilanqiao Prison—so that they could arrange for his well-being.

Chief Liu, acknowledging his limited influence in that facility, promised to see what he could do to help find contacts. Concubine Sun overheard Rong Jiashang’s phone call and realized Dr. Feng had been arrested as a revolutionary, which seemed to be a grave matter. When Mrs. Rong’s maid called her to serve Rong Dingkun breakfast, Concubine Sun was distracted and worried. Noticing her long face, Rong Dingkun chided her, but she used the opportunity to mention Feng Shixun’s arrest.

She explained her concern by reminding Rong Dingkun that Feng Shixun had saved her and her late son Jiakang’s lives, and she felt a debt of gratitude. Rong Dingkun, seeing a chance for manipulation, hinted that he could intervene if Feng Shizhen herself were to humble herself and beg him for help. However, he emphasized that he would not act unless Feng Shizhen personally sought his assistance. Later, Feng Shizhen went to Tilanqiao Prison to visit her brother.

Unbeknownst to her, Rong Jiashang had arranged this visit but kept it a secret to avoid burdening her, believing it was something his family owed her. Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang and Wu Yunchi were also outside the prison. Wu Yunchi suggested that Rong Jiashang seek help from his father, Rong Dingkun, as the new director of the Shanghai Police Headquarters, Li Dezheng, was an old acquaintance of Rong Dingkun.

Rong Jiashang quickly dismissed the idea, stating that his father despised Feng Shizhen's family and would never offer assistance. Instead, he proposed finding a way to appeal to Director Li directly, believing everyone has a weakness. Inside the prison, Feng Shizhen found Feng Shixun with a bruised and battered face. He downplayed his injuries, saying that if he wasn't beaten, he couldn't prove he had been to prison. He was grateful she managed to visit and bring him clothes.

Feng Shizhen reported that the outside world was in chaos, with insurgents being hunted across the city. She assured him their parents were unaware of the true extent of his predicament, believing he was only under investigation. She apologized, feeling responsible for his situation, but Feng Shixun consoled her, telling her not to blame herself and affirming that his political ideals were not wrong.

He confided that some comrades had been secretly executed the previous day and he feared for his own life. He asked Feng Shizhen to tell their parents not to worry if he didn't make it out. Feng Shizhen, however, insisted that he was the family's pillar and promised to exhaust all efforts to save him, urging him to protect himself. He, in turn, asked her to care for their parents, saying no one else in their family should get hurt.

Outside, Meng Xu'an was waiting for Feng Shizhen. He chided her for not seeking his help and revealed he had anticipated trouble, though he believed Feng Shixun was not their primary target (Zhang Guoquan), ensuring his life was not in immediate danger. He suggested that additional bribes would spare Feng Shixun further suffering during interrogation. Feng Shizhen asked to borrow money from Meng Xu'an, promising to repay it with interest.

Meng Xu'an then disclosed that Rong Jiashang was the one who had pulled strings for her prison visit. Feng Shizhen maintained that Rong Jiashang’s assistance did not diminish her deep-seated vendetta against Rong Dingkun, whom she knew as Qin Shuigen. Meng Xu'an agreed to lend her the money. Concurrently, Concubine Sun, seeing a newspaper article listing Feng Shixun among those to be executed at noon, became terrified.

She rushed to Rong Dingkun’s room, only to see Rong Jiashang taking gold bars and cash from his father’s safe. Rong Dingkun furiously berated Rong Jiashang for using Rong family assets to save "that sinister woman's brother," boasting that Director Li would not help him and telling him to inform Feng Shizhen to prepare for her brother's funeral. After Rong Jiashang departed with the money, Concubine Sun knelt before Rong Dingkun, pleading with him to save Feng Shixun.

She reminded him of Feng Shixun's past kindness to her and Jiakang, arguing that saving him would be a blessing for her deceased son. She further tried to persuade Rong Dingkun by suggesting that if he helped, Rong Jiashang would be remorseful and return control of the family business to him. She even offered to "deal with Feng Shizhen" to prevent her marriage to Rong Jiashang, confidently stating that women were adept at handling other women.

Rong Dingkun, seeing her desperation, offered a dark proposition: he would save Feng Shixun if she killed Feng Shizhen. He instructed her to retrieve a gun from his study and warned her to act quickly, as Feng Shixun was scheduled for execution at noon, leaving her with less than two hours.

When she hesitated, claiming she had never even killed a fish, Rong Dingkun offered an additional incentive: he would grant her a divorce, knowing she wished to leave the Rong family and be with Feng Shixun. He promised that after killing Feng Shizhen, she could take her private savings and go to Feng Shixun, spend her life comforting him, and seek his forgiveness and atonement. Believing him, Concubine Sun, in despair, went to retrieve the gun.

Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang arrived at the police headquarters with a large box of valuables. Secretary Zhang initially informed him that Director Li was busy and unavailable. Rong Jiashang insisted on waiting, invoking his father's name. After a short wait, Meng Xu'an emerged from Director Li's office. Meng Xu'an had already spoken with Director Li, whom he affectionately called "Uncle Li," reminding him of their fathers' close relationship.

Meng Xu'an explained that Feng Shixun was merely caught in the crossfire, and Director Li had already signed an amnesty order for Feng Shixun's release. Rong Jiashang thanked Director Li for his help. Back at Feng Shizhen’s residence, Concubine Sun suddenly appeared and announced that Feng Shixun would be executed that very noon. Feng Shizhen and her mother were shocked. Concubine Sun claimed to have overheard Rong Jiashang and Rong Dingkun discussing it.

When Feng Shizhen started to leave to verify the information, Concubine Sun pulled out a gun and pointed it at her. She explained, with a distraught expression, that Rong Dingkun had promised to save Feng Shixun only if she killed Feng Shizhen. Feng Shizhen's mother cried out in alarm. Feng Shizhen calmly tried to reason with Concubine Sun, warning her not to trust Rong Dingkun, who was a deceitful man, and suggesting his promise might be a lie.

She offered to take Concubine Sun to see Feng Shixun immediately. However, Concubine Sun was frantic, convinced there was no time left and Feng Shixun would be executed in less than an hour. She desperately believed that killing Feng Shizhen was the only way to save Feng Shixun and fired a shot into the air to emphasize her resolve. At that moment, Meng Xu'an burst in and shot Concubine Sun. Rong Jiashang and Feng Shixun arrived just as she fell.

Feng Shixun cradled the dying Concubine Sun. Rong Jiashang quickly checked her gun and found it was unloaded, revealing she had never intended to kill Feng Shizhen but merely to scare her into pleading with Rong Dingkun. Concubine Sun, in her final moments, confessed this to Feng Shixun and tearfully revealed her full name, Sun Shaolan, asking him to remember her.

Feng Shixun then pulled a letter from her pocket, written by her sister Shaoqing, but she passed away in his arms before he could read it to her. Rong Jiashang was appalled by his father Rong Dingkun’s ruthless plot to eliminate both Feng Shizhen and Feng Shixun using Concubine Sun. Meng Xu'an apologized for shooting and killing Concubine Sun, explaining he acted to protect Feng Shizhen. Feng Shizhen reassured him that he was only trying to save her.

She reflected on Rong Dingkun’s persistent attempts to kill her, including the previous kidnapping attempt with Hashimoto Shiori, and realized that their conflict would inevitably escalate to a life-or-death struggle. Rong Jiashang returned home and confronted Rong Dingkun, condemning his father for exploiting Concubine Sun. When Rong Dingkun learned of her death, he showed no remorse, instead deriding her as "useless" and an "ungrateful woman," similar to Rong Jiashang himself, for their respective affections towards the Feng family members.

Rong Dingkun mocked their sentimental attachments, calling them "funny." Rong Jiashang left, utterly disillusioned with his father's cruelty. Rong Jiashang went to the company and instructed his secretary to transfer all of the Rong family's company shares and real estate assets to Feng Shizhen, stating that they rightfully belonged to her. He asked the secretary to deliver the documents to Feng Shizhen after Fanghua’s wedding and advised him to prioritize his child's health.

Rong Jiashang then confronted Rong Dingkun again, asserting that he had given his father too many chances and could no longer tolerate his actions. He declared that after everything was over, he would atone for his father’s sins alongside him, signaling his intent to expose Rong Dingkun’s crimes.

Episode 40 (Ending) Recap

Today marked the wedding of Rong Fanghua and Wu Yunchi, and while the Rong estate buzzed with celebration, Rong Fanghua found herself lost in thought. Rong Fanglin comforted her, encouraging her to anticipate a new life with Yunchi in their own home, distinct from the one she had known.

When Rong Fanghua worried about being a burden to Yunchi, Rong Fanglin reminded her of their shared aspirations to be strong, independent women with their own purpose, not merely defined by their marital or maternal roles. She urged her sister to hold onto her dreams even after marriage, and then helped her into her wedding dress. Meanwhile, Wang Yitai assisted Rong Dingkun with his attire, commenting on his distinguished appearance.

She reflected on Rong Fanghua being the first daughter to marry, lamenting that her daughter hadn't been born a lineal daughter to the first wife, which had subjected her to ridicule because of Wang Yitai's concubine status. She found solace in Rong Fanghua's good match and expressed her sole desire to live a good life caring for Rong Dingkun. Rong Dingkun, observing his children's growing ambition to leave the nest, was assured by Wang Yitai that they would always return.

She urged him to prioritize his health, hoping for a grandson by the following year. Rong Dingkun then expressed a wish to witness the festivities. Later, as Wang Yitai prepared Rong Fanghua, she reminisced about her daughter's childhood, amazed at how quickly she was getting married. She presented Rong Fanghua with her most treasured earrings, wishing her a splendid wedding.

Wang Yitai advised her daughter to be more accommodating in her marriage to Yunchi, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful life. Separately, Rong Jiashang handed Wu Yunchi a dossier containing evidence of his father's crimes, requesting it be published after the wedding. Wu Yunchi expressed apprehension about the Rong family's ruin, but Rong Jiashang accepted it as their deserved fate, dating back to his father's initial misdeeds.

He told Yunchi not to worry about him and to focus on caring for Fanghua, assuring him all other matters were handled. Feng Shizhen, intending to attend the wedding, was accompanied by Feng Shixun, who worried about her safety given Rong Dingkun's cruel nature. Feng Shizhen tried to reassure him, asserting that Rong Dingkun wouldn't dare harm her at a public event and vowed to confront him after the wedding.

Feng Shixun, however, insisted on his role as her protective brother. Meng Xu'an's subordinate questioned the timing of uniting Meng Xiaojiu with Rong Dingkun. Meng Xu'an, however, believed it was an opportune moment, suggesting that Rong Dingkun, having been disappointed by Rong Jiashang, might cherish a more docile son like Xiaojiu. The wedding ceremony commenced, with the priest officiating. Wu Yunchi and Rong Fanghua exchanged heartfelt vows, pledging eternal fidelity through all circumstances.

They were pronounced husband and wife, receiving heartfelt blessings from those present. During the banquet, Rong Jiashang sent someone to escort Rong Dingkun to a private room. Feng Shixun confronted him there, apologizing for his intrusion but needing answers. Rong Dingkun, aware of Feng Shixun's purpose, deflected blame onto Feng Shizhen and dismissed Sun Shaolan as a willing participant in his schemes, despite being his concubine and bearing his child.

Feng Shixun accused Rong Dingkun of twisting truth and excelling at self-justification, lamenting that he wasn't a politician. Rong Dingkun tried to end the discussion, stating he had another guest, but Feng Shixun declared himself Rong Dingkun's final visitor. Feng Shixun then produced a scalpel, offering Rong Dingkun a peaceful death if he cooperated. Just then, Meng Xiaojiu arrived at the door, hoping to recognize Rong Dingkun as his father.

Rong Dingkun, held at knifepoint by Feng Shixun, quickly dismissed Meng Xiaojiu, claiming to have other business and wanting to rest. Meng Xiaojiu, worried, offered to fetch Rong Jiashang for a doctor, but Rong Dingkun insisted he only needed sleep and sent him away. Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang approached Feng Shizhen, complimenting Rong Fanghua's beauty and imagining Feng Shizhen in a wedding dress.

He acknowledged his father's unforgivable actions but also his paternal role, promising to secure justice for Feng Shizhen after the wedding. Feng Shizhen, however, expressed her reluctance to involve him further in her long-standing feud with Rong Dingkun, though she agreed the conflict must end. A servant then mentioned sending Meng Xiaojiu to Rong Dingkun, and Feng Shizhen, upon learning Feng Shixun had also inquired about that room, realized his dangerous intent.

Exclaiming in alarm, she rushed towards the room, inadvertently dropping her longevity lock, which Rong Jiashang picked up and pocketed before following her. Inside, Feng Shizhen desperately pleaded with Feng Shixun, reminding him of the numerous victims of Rong Dingkun's cruelty, including Sun Shaolan and their own family. She implored him not to stain his hands with murder, emphasizing his role as a healer.

Rong Jiashang intervened, revealing he had already submitted all evidence of Rong Dingkun's crimes to the newspaper for public exposure, assuring Feng Shixun that justice would prevail. He warned that killing Rong Dingkun now would only jeopardize his own future and life. Feng Shizhen then appealed to Feng Shixun's familial duty, reminding him that with their brother Wen still in a coma, he and their parents were her last remaining close family, begging him not to abandon them.

Overwhelmed, Feng Shixun reluctantly lowered his scalpel. Suddenly, Rong Dingkun produced a pistol and aimed it at Feng Shizhen. Meng Xiaojiu screamed, "Daddy!" Rong Jiashang bravely shielded Feng Shizhen and took the bullet, collapsing. Feng Shizhen rushed to his side, relieved to find that the longevity lock had miraculously deflected the shot, leaving him unharmed. To everyone's astonishment, Rong Dingkun then rose from his wheelchair, pistol in hand, and took Feng Shizhen hostage.

A flashback revealed Zhao Hua'an had provided Rong Dingkun with a powerful German medicine, enabling him to stand for a critical fifteen minutes. Rong Dingkun defiantly stated that he would now show them how a "caring" father would eliminate the woman who ruined his family. Rong Jiashang declared he would die with Feng Shizhen and questioned if Rong Dingkun desired Meng Xiaojiu, the "mad boy," as his heir.

Meng Xiaojiu, calling out "Daddy," was harshly rebuked by Rong Dingkun, who questioned how Qingzhi could have birthed such a "freak." Meng Xu'an then entered, confirming Meng Xiaojiu as Rong Dingkun's true son. He scorned Rong Dingkun's villainy and desperate act of holding a woman hostage, asking how it felt to be utterly abandoned. Rong Dingkun dismissed Meng Xiaojiu as a "bastard," but Meng Xu'an pushed Meng Xiaojiu's wheelchair closer, urging Rong Dingkun to look closely at his son.

As Meng Xu'an advanced, Rong Dingkun, still holding Feng Shizhen hostage, retreated towards a window, repeatedly demanding Meng Xu'an to stop. In a decisive move, Meng Xu'an fired, striking Rong Dingkun. Rong Dingkun stumbled backward through the window, dragging Feng Shizhen with him. Rong Jiashang and Meng Xu'an immediately pulled Feng Shizhen back to safety. Rong Dingkun was also retrieved, but he had been fatally strangled by Feng Shizhen's scarf during the fall.

His swift and unexpected death, at the hands of a simple scarf, left everyone stunned. The man who had fueled so much conflict was suddenly gone. A wave of relief, tinged with disbelief, washed over the attendees, as if a prolonged battle had abruptly ended. As the reality settled in, a collective sigh of relief filled the room. Feng Shizhen and Rong Jiashang, overcome with shared emotions, embraced passionately.

At the dock, Wu Yunchi, Rong Fanghua, and Rong Fanglin prepared for their departure. Rong Fanglin reminded her sister to care for herself and write. Rong Fanghua, in turn, reassured her mother, promising to return after her studies and noting Wu Yunchi's protective presence. Wu Yunchi pledged to care for them both. Wang Yitai informed Rong Fanghua that she (Wang Yitai) and Mrs. Rong were moving to a Nanjing residence, urging her daughter to visit and remember her maternal home.

Wang Yitai offered farewell advice, emphasizing self-care and continued education, recalling Mr. Feng's guidance. Rong Jiashang, seeing his sister off, mentioned Feng Shizhen's own impending departure. He believed he and Feng Shizhen needed time to heal separately, convinced that time would mend their wounds and that their paths might cross again. He reaffirmed that his decision to publicize Rong Dingkun's crimes was his alone, freeing his family from that burden.

With final emotional goodbyes, Rong Fanghua, Wu Yunchi, and Rong Fanglin embarked on their journey. Feng Shizhen met with Meng Xu'an to say goodbye. She shared that Wen had recovered, and she and Feng Shixun planned to move their family to Peking, where Feng Shixun would open a clinic and she would teach, allowing her more time with Wen. She expressed a desire to shed her past in Shanghai and start anew.

Feng Shizhen thanked Meng Xu'an for his steadfast support over the years, assuring him she would never forget his kindness and wished him well. Meng Xu'an, pained by her departure, simply replied that being remembered by her was sufficient. Later, Xiao Baoli questioned Meng Xu'an's failure to persuade Feng Shizhen to stay, knowing his feelings for her. Mrs. Rong and Wang Yitai moved to Nanjing.

Rong Jiashang, the last to leave the Rong residence, packed his belongings, feeling a poignant mix of nostalgia and uncertainty. At the train station, he saw Feng Shizhen on the opposite platform. He was heading to Guangzhou for military school, while she was bound for Peking. They exchanged a silent, knowing smile, then boarded trains heading in different directions. Three years later, in Peking, a recovered Wen handed Feng Shizhen a letter from Meng Xu'an.

Feng Shizhen learned that Meng Xu'an's business was flourishing, he had made significant donations to soldiers, and Xiao Baoli was marrying an honest scholar. Wen also observed the countless monthly letters from Rong Jiashang, questioning why Feng Shizhen never replied or sought to reunite. Feng Shizhen simply told him to attend to his tasks.

From Guangzhou, Rong Jiashang wrote to Feng Shizhen, lamenting the heat and his dreams of her visiting, while fearing the weather would be too much for her. He shared his success in military school exams, recalling their first meeting three years prior. He described himself as stronger and more tanned, wondering if she would recognize him. He also mentioned his dog, Moon Cake, was happy with him and had puppies. During this time, Du Lanxin managed the Rong family's business.

In a phone call with Rong Jiashang, she playfully chided him for his "hands-off" approach, but he expressed full confidence in her. She complained about the "mess" he left but admitted she wouldn't have helped without his past kindness. She pressed him about his return, to which he vaguely replied, "In a while," jokingly conceding the business's profits to her. At his graduation ball, Rong Jiashang declined to dance with anyone, explaining he lacked a suitable partner.

His friend teased him, noting Feng Shizhen's lack of replies to his letters and suggesting she might have moved on. Rong Jiashang, however, held firm, stating that he knew she was waiting for him and would come to him someday. His belief proved true when Feng Shizhen appeared at the ball. Disbelieving, Rong Jiashang wondered if he was dreaming. Feng Shizhen approached him, gracefully asking him to dance. They danced, then shared a deep, passionate kiss, a reunion that filled them with immense joy. " Now that I have seen you, should I not rejoice?"