Hilarious Family 2 Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Hilarious Family 2 Synopsis
The innkeeper Ai Sixi, a staunch celibacy advocate, finds herself targeted by the authorities as a "singlehood exemplar" due to an absurd lawsuit. To help her out of this predicament, Jing Kan, who owes Ai Sixi a debt of gratitude, is forced to marry her.
What begins as a marriage of convenience, with both expecting to go their separate ways soon after, takes a dramatic turn when the "young couple" becomes entangled in the power struggles of the Jing family, a prestigious local tea supplier.
Under the roof of the Jing residence, each branch of the family is eccentric in their own way: the seemingly detached but sharp-minded matriarch Wei Junyi; Jing Kan’s power-hungry and ruthless birth mother Luo Zhusi; the self-important and pampered eldest sister Jing Zhenzhu; the vain, hypocritical, and honey-tongued maid Lü Jiao’e; the arrogant and domineering younger brother Luo Aji; and the timid, slick live-in son-in-law Lin Donglin.
Faced with endless challenges, Ai Sixi and Jing Kan exhaust every strategy to navigate these complexities. Just as they are on the verge of giving up, they unexpectedly discover the true meaning of "family" within the intricate dynamics of the Jing household.
Hilarious Family 2 Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Ai Sixi had long harbored a dream of opening a serene inn nestled among blooming flowers, where she could chop wood and feed horses. However, an unexpected turn of events two years prior compelled her to realize this dream sooner than planned, though she hadn't yet amassed sufficient funds. Her inn, Yueji Inn, was situated in a remote area, which unfortunately attracted illicit activities.
One evening, Ai Sixi discovered guests gambling upstairs and angrily confronted them, reminding them that such illegal acts could draw the attention of officials. The gamblers, however, were unrepentant, suggesting that her choice of a secluded location was precisely to facilitate such activities. Compounding Ai Sixi’s frustration, her employee and younger brother figure, Agui, also complained about the inn's out-of-the-way spot. Ai Sixi retorted by challenging Agui to report her to officials, asking what crime she had committed.
She referenced a past incident where a person "died violently," lamenting that she couldn't explain it to the authorities and wondering what it had to do with her. This unresolved issue contributed to her cynical view of officials and justice.
Later that night, Ai Sixi, seeking solace in wine, knelt before a Guan Gong statue, fervently wishing for prosperity for the inn, enough to support her and Agui, and for a lingering issue concerning Jin Buhuan to be resolved, ensuring her safety. Trouble soon arrived when Ms. Huo stormed into the inn, weeping that her daughter’s dowry had been gambled away by Huo Lao’er, her daughter’s husband.
Ai Sixi, pointing to a "No Gambling" sign, asserted that it was not the inn's responsibility. She further provoked Ms. Huo by suggesting that marrying Huo Lao’er was the root of her troubles. Ms. Huo, incensed, threatened to report the inn to the authorities. Agui later revealed that people were now calling Ai Sixi the "Black Widow." True to her word, Ms. Huo reported the inn, and constables arrived, leading to its closure.
Meanwhile, Advisor Xia was escorting Magistrate Meng home. Their conversation revolved around the alarmingly low marriage rates in Anning Prefecture, which had provoked the Prefect's fury, especially due to its impact on tax revenue. Magistrate Meng, having drunk too much, needed to relieve himself. Just then, Ai Sixi appeared, hoping to persuade him not to seal her inn.
In her haste, and using a cane due to a foot injury, she almost struck the Magistrate, which he misinterpreted as an assault. Learning that her "Yueji Inn" was actually a gambling den, Magistrate Meng became furious, denouncing her as a "shameless outlaw" and reaffirming the sealing and confiscation of her property, which he called the "Yueji Gambling Den" rather than her "Yueji Inn." Determined to reopen her inn, Ai Sixi learned that Magistrate Meng was fond of paintings.
While by a lake attempting to fish, she was followed by Ms. Huo. Qin Kan, a painter, was also in pursuit of Ms. Huo for an unpaid portrait. Observing Ms. Huo threatening Ai Sixi, Qin Kan intervened but accidentally pushed Ai Sixi into the water. Ms. Huo, seeing her opportunity, then pushed Qin Kan in as well. Ai Sixi, recovering quickly, rescued the unconscious Qin Kan and brought him back to her place.
As she tended to him, she found herself drawn to his handsome features. When Qin Kan awoke, he declared he had no family and was a killer, advising Ai Sixi to mind her own business for her safety. Ai Sixi found him charmingly clumsy and perceived him as "an educated killer," noting his compassionate act of leaving food bowls for stray animals outside his home.
Qin Kan explained his embroidered pillow, a constant reminder of someone who once called him useless, clarifying that this person was indeed his target, though his motive was not childish revenge. Later, Ai Sixi learned through Agui that reopening the inn via a friend would cost fifty taels, which Ai Sixi deemed too expensive. She then recalled Magistrate Meng’s interest in Wu Daozi’s paintings and considered having Qin Kan replicate one.
Ai Sixi and Agui encountered Qin Kan being harassed by two men demanding compensation for unflattering portraits. Ai Sixi bravely stepped forward, easily dealing with the thugs and defending Qin Kan. As she and Agui escorted Qin Kan home, Ai Sixi pressed him for help. She fabricated a story about a dying friend, Wang, whose last wish was to see a Wu Daozi painting, and asked Qin Kan to create an identical replica.
Qin Kan, initially hesitant, eventually agreed to consider it. Armed with Qin Kan's reproduction, Ai Sixi sought out Magistrate Meng. However, her timing was poor, as Advisor Xia burst in with urgent news: Prefect Song was soon to inspect Taiping County due to the high number of unmarried women. Magistrate Meng, already frustrated by the issue, declared that all eligible unmarried women in the county would be exiled to Shamen Island, a punishment worse than death, to set an example.
His anger intensified when he noticed the signature "Qin Kan" on the painting, realizing he had been duped. Enraged, he branded Ai Sixi a "lawless scoundrel" and officially ordered her inn to be confiscated. Desperate, Ai Sixi sought out Advisor Xia, who informed her that Yueji Inn had been permanently shut down and she was on Magistrate Meng’s blacklist.
He offered to help for a price: one hundred taels of silver and a year's worth of nightly entertainment from Miss Hu of Xiange Studio. Ai Sixi vehemently refused, stating she couldn't afford it and that she was being wronged. As Ai Sixi pleaded with Advisor Xia, Qin Kan, observing from a distance, mistook their interaction for an assault. He immediately intervened, knocking out Advisor Xia.
Before Ai Sixi could explain that Qin Kan was the one responsible, the constables, having witnessed the incident, seized her. In court, Magistrate Meng, recognizing Ai Sixi's "love herself" philosophy, accused her of gambling, assault, and corrupting public morals. He sentenced her to exile on Shamen Island. Advisor Xia then proposed a seemingly ingenious solution: a forced marriage. This would both punish Ai Sixi and provide a favorable report for the Prefect.
Ai Sixi, though initially defiant against marriage, eventually consented, asking if she could choose her groom. Later, in her jail cell, she told Qin Kan she needed him to marry her the following day to fulfill the Magistrate's order. Qin Kan, having finally understood the true situation, offered his apologies.
Episode 2 Recap
On the day of Landlord Song's wedding, the bride's mother wept bitterly, revealing that Landlord Song was a severe alcoholic who frequently beat his concubines when drunk, leading to the deaths of several. That evening, as Landlord Song prepared to enter the bridal chamber, he lifted the veil only to find Ai Sixi. Ai Sixi, having heard of the landlord's cruelty, had intervened to help the unfortunate bride, Yue, introducing herself as the renowned 'Jin Buhuan'.
Landlord Song then unexpectedly died from poison in his tea, leaving Ai Sixi entangled in a murder accusation. Separately, Jing Kan was initially unwilling to marry Ai Sixi, but under her persistent flattery, he reluctantly agreed. He made it clear, however, that their marriage would be a mere formality. Ai Sixi was delighted, knowing her task to get married would now be completed.
The next day, after her release from prison, Ai Sixi was accompanied by two constables, who ominously brought two coffins. Her mission was to get married by noon, but she couldn't find Jing Kan. Suspecting she was playing tricks, the constables prepared to arrest her. Ai Sixi seized an opportunity and fled, eventually finding Jing Kan being kidnapped by two women. She immediately intervened to help him escape, only to discover that one of the women was Jing Kan's mother.
It turned out Jing Kan was a young master from a wealthy family, and his grandfather had just passed away, prompting his mother to force him home for the funeral. Jing Kan clarified that his real surname was Jing. Meanwhile, Luo Zhusi, the second mistress of the Jing family, and her maid Cuiying, were complaining. Luo Zhusi had learned that the deceased patriarch had not left a will, sparking her ambition to seize the family fortune.
After paying respects at the funeral, Jing Kan, accompanied by Ai Sixi, visited his grandmother, Wei Junyi. Wei Junyi was surprised to hear that her grandson had married and suggested he move into his parents' former courtyard. However, Jing Kan refused, still holding Luo Zhusi responsible for his own mother's death and therefore reluctant to stay at home. The two constables, who had been searching for Ai Sixi, encountered her and Jing Kan.
Seeing that Ai Sixi was married and had completed her task (her deadline being noon), they instructed her to sign and affix her fingerprint to a public notice, announcing her marriage to the world. They also discussed that Magistrate Meng had ordered them to solve Landlord Song's murder within three months and was serious about catching "Jin Buhuan."
Realizing she was the target, Ai Sixi, now wanted for Landlord Song's murder, decided to follow Jing Kan to the Jing family mansion to escape the immediate fallout. As Luo Zhusi and Cuiying were secretly plotting, Ai Sixi unexpectedly passed by their window, startling Luo Zhusi. Ai Sixi was then taken to Jing Kan's room. Her joy was short-lived, however, as Luo Zhusi and Cuiying soon arrived to interrogate her about her relationship with Jing Kan and his whereabouts.
The following day, Wei Junyi and Luo Zhusi summoned Ai Sixi to the main hall to question her about her past with Jing Kan. Ai Sixi inventively fabricated a tragic background for Jing Kan, and inadvertently confirmed that her "inn" was indeed a gambling house, which Luo Zhusi already suspected from a public notice. Luo Zhusi refused to acknowledge Ai Sixi as her daughter-in-law.
However, Wei Junyi was shocked to learn that Ai Sixi had previously physically confronted Luo Zhusi, and surprisingly, she took Ai Sixi’s side to some extent. Feeling thirsty, Ai Sixi wandered off in search of water. While asking a servant for directions, she encountered Xue Muyun, the first mistress of the family, who greeted her warmly. Xue Muyun subtly probed for information about Jing Kan, but Ai Sixi, being genuinely unfamiliar with him, could not provide many details.
Meanwhile, Luo Zhusi continued to vent her frustrations. Wei Junyi sent her personal maid, Lv Jiao E, with a soothing Bird's Nest White Jade Ointment, intending to calm Luo Zhusi down. Seizing the opportunity, Luo Zhusi and Cuiying tried to manipulate Lv Jiao E, attempting to sour her relationship with Ai Sixi.
They reminded Lv Jiao E that Luo Zhusi had once hoped to arrange a marriage between her and Jing Kan, contrasting that with Ai Sixi's current position and trying to convince Lv Jiao E to persuade Wei Junyi to expel Ai Sixi. Ai Sixi, overhearing this, clarified that while she might "seem" like a maid, she was not one.
Lv Jiao E later recounted to Luo Zhusi that Jing Kan had mentioned his marriage to Ai Sixi was "not real" and merely "helping her," further fueling Luo Zhusi's suspicions about Ai Sixi's true intentions within the family.
Episode 3 Recap
Feeling restless within the grand but tedious Jing household, Ai Sixi decided to venture out. She soon encountered Lv Jiao E, who harbored her own intentions of marrying Jing Kan and displayed immediate hostility. Lv Jiao E deliberately provoked Ai Sixi, demanding that she kneel for four hours daily as the eldest grandson's wife. Ai Sixi, feeling thirsty, requested water, but Lv Jiao E insisted she use "please" in her request.
When Ai Sixi stood to look at what she believed was her grandfather's portrait, Lv Jiao E corrected her, identifying it as Mr. Lu, the Sage of Tea, and explaining that the Jing family, as tribute tea purveyors, naturally displayed his image. Just then, Jing Zhenzhu, Jing Kan's cousin, returned home, putting on an extravagant display of grief for their late grandfather.
She dramatically lamented his passing, claiming she had just left for a hot spring trip to Yangzhou and returned to find him gone, even declaring she no longer wished to live. Zhenzhu then proceeded to "take" items, such as an ivory cup and a pearwood armchair, from the ancestral hall, tearfully claiming they reminded her of her grandfather and she wished to keep them close. Observing this, Ai Sixi, after learning Zhenzhu's identity, realized she could employ a similar tactic.
She too began weeping and talking to the late grandfather, taking items like three golden wine cups, a Gold-Sprinkled Sichuan Fan, prayer beads, and a cup holder, all while proclaiming they would remind her of him. A servant remarked that Ai Sixi had fainted multiple times from crying while vying with Zhenzhu for items. Zhenzhu herself was said to be in a coma from her strenuous mourning.
Ai Sixi later asked for soup, initially forgetting to add "please" but quickly correcting herself. Later, at dinner, Luo Zhusi and Cuiying tried to expose Ai Sixi's unfamiliarity with Jing Kan. Cuiying offered Ai Sixi a serving of "Jing Kan's favorite, ginger duck," knowing he detested ginger. Ai Sixi tried to play along, but Luo Zhusi and Cuiying pointed out Jing Kan's aversion to ginger, even when ill.
Ai Sixi defended herself, explaining that while on their travels, Jing Kan was less particular about food. Luo Zhusi pressed further, questioning Ai Sixi about Jing Kan's preferences for silk or satin clothing and his shoe size, remarking that despite living with him, Ai Sixi seemed to know nothing. When cornered and directly asked who she was, Ai Sixi, at a loss for answers, declared she was pregnant, claiming they were "married because of the child."
Wei Junyi, Jing Kan's grandmother, was initially surprised but delighted at the news of an heir, instructing everyone to treat Ai Sixi as a "treasure" and ensure her well-being. Luo Zhusi, furious that Ai Sixi's feigned pregnancy had thwarted her plan to discredit her, confided in Cuiying, hinting at ways to deal with "an unborn child." Shortly after, Luo Aji, Luo Zhusi's nephew, arrived, offering to avenge her anger.
He mentioned returning early because "Someone took Miss Hu from Xiange Studio" and brought Luo Zhusi pastries. Luo Zhusi, feigning concern, advised him to focus on serious matters and gave him money and jewelry for his mother's upcoming birthday in Zhoushan, subtly showing her affection for him. After Aji left, Luo Zhusi explicitly stated that Jinyu Tea "must belong to Aji," revealing her long-term ambition for him to inherit the family business.
Meanwhile, Xue Muyun and Jing Zhenzhu discussed Jing Kan's return, interpreting it as Wei Junyi's attempt to destabilize Luo Zhusi's position. Zhenzhu suggested they let Wei Junyi and Luo Zhusi "fight" while they "reap the benefits" by "setting the arena" and "stirring things up." Later, Lv Jiao E, visibly nervous, served Ai Sixi chicken soup, which Ai Sixi commented tasted "strange." Lv Jiao E refused to taste it herself.
Ai Sixi soon complained of stomach pains, attributing it to overeating, and excused herself to the privy, reassuring Wei Junyi she was fine. Wei Junyi, however, continued to shower Ai Sixi with attention, ordering more rich foods and loose clothing to ensure her comfort. Lv Jiao E and Cuiying, observing Ai Sixi's lack of severe reaction despite drinking several large bowls of soup, were confused as their plan to use safflower to induce a miscarriage had seemingly failed.
Ai Sixi also received loose-fitting maid's clothing, which she questioned, engaging in a brief, sarcastic exchange with the maid about "aura" before putting them on. Jing Kan, infuriated by Ai Sixi's presence, confronted her. He accused her of being "shameless" for returning and claiming to be his wife, lamenting that she had ruined his pride and his mother's honor. Ai Sixi, caught off guard, pleaded with him not to drive her away in front of his mother.
Jing Kan reluctantly agreed to stay until his grandfather Jing Dayou's funeral the next day before leaving. Later that night, under a grape arbor where he used to study with his mother, Ai Sixi joined him. She accurately guessed that he intended to kill Luo Zhusi, believing Luo Zhusi was responsible for his mother's death.
Jing Kan confirmed this, explaining his mother had given everything to the family but was denied entry to ancestral grounds, and he viewed the entire family as accomplices. Ai Sixi questioned why he hadn't stayed to inherit the family business and expel Luo Zhusi, but Jing Kan stated he didn't care about the family fortune. He declared that his grandfather's funeral would also be "the day Luo Zhusi dies."
He described his plan: "chop her head and stab her stomach," explaining he had practiced these methods on "pork belly" and "tenderloin," but was less familiar with slitting a throat. Ai Sixi taunted him, questioning his courage. Jing Kan, agitated, vowed Luo Zhusi "won't see the sun the day after tomorrow." The following day, at Jing Dayou's funeral, Jing Kan was extremely nervous.
Ai Sixi subtly encouraged him to act, but when he attempted to draw a knife, it fell to the ground. Wei Junyi, seeing the blade, immediately reprimanded Jing Kan, stating that bringing a weapon to a funeral was ominous. Ai Sixi quickly intervened, claiming Jing Kan was merely protecting himself because "someone is out to get him" at the funeral.
She then revealed a series of planned sabotages: the coffin rope would snap, the shovel handle would break, the incense wouldn't light, leading to accusations that the Old Master didn't want Jing Kan back due to his changed surname. She further predicted that Jing Kan would be tripped while offering tea, falling onto a hidden "blood pouch" made of pig pancreas as someone shouted, "Our family cannot accommodate him!" A surprised servant blurted out, "How do you know all this?"
, inadvertently confirming the plot. Wei Junyi, seeing the gravity of the situation, swiftly ended the confrontation, prioritizing the funeral. After the burial, Wei Junyi gathered everyone at the ancestral hall. She reflected on the family's turbulent history, acknowledging that Jinyu Tea had brought both "fortune and disaster" and lamenting the deaths of her two sons due to the business.
She expressed a longing for a simple life, "free from inner strife" and "those who think themselves clever and line their own pockets." She then announced a clan meeting for two days later to choose a new Chief of Jinyu Tea, emphasizing that the candidate must possess "integrity, good character, and courage."
When Luo Zhusi eagerly voiced her agreement, assuming the role for herself, Wei Junyi instead tasked Xue Muyun with organizing the clan meeting, subtly stripping Luo Zhusi of her existing power and creating a new rivalry. Wei Junyi then told Jing Kan and Ai Sixi to stay at home, citing Ai Sixi's pregnancy as the reason, and allowed Ai Sixi to remain standing without kneeling.
Back in their room, Jing Kan was consumed by self-reproach, calling himself a "coward" for failing to avenge his mother. Ai Sixi, with a mix of sarcasm and practicality, suggested he abandon the idea of killing, noting his kind nature. She then proposed a different form of revenge: instead of leaving, he should seek to become the Chief of Jinyu Tea at the upcoming clan meeting.
She explained that the "cruelest way to take revenge" was "to take away what she loves the most," making Luo Zhusi "miserable" by seizing the leadership. Jing Kan agreed, recognizing it as a better plan, and conceded that staying home would at least ensure better food. He then half-jokingly asked when Ai Sixi would leave. Ai Sixi reminded him that without her help, he would have "died" many times that day.
Jing Kan, curious, asked how she knew about the sabotages. Ai Sixi revealed she had simply overheard Luo Zhusi instructing her carefully chosen servants to prepare the traps: sanding down the coffin rope, sawing the shovel handle, dampening the incense, and preparing the blood pouch. Jing Kan, impressed by her simple yet effective method of information gathering, remarked that "the best disguise is an ordinary appearance."
Ai Sixi then suggested they stage an act: she would pretend to insist on leaving with her bundle, and he would dramatically beg her to stay, even clinging to her leg, until she "reluctantly" agreed, allowing him to save face. Jing Kan found the idea amusing, calling her informal, to which Ai Sixi retorted that he was no different.
Episode 4 Recap
Xue Muyun and her son-in-law, Donglin, discussed the upcoming clan meeting to select a new chief manager. Donglin believed Luo Zhusi, with her ruthless nature and strong current standing, was the most likely candidate, while Jing Kan was merely an inexperienced youth who couldn't compete with her. Donglin suggested aligning with the powerful, but Xue Muyun disagreed, recalling past negative experiences with Luo Zhusi and refusing to support her.
Throughout their conversation, Jing Zhenzhu repeatedly interjected, demanding to be chosen as chief manager, even offering Xue Muyun a shop if she supported her. Neither Xue Muyun nor Donglin seriously considered Zhenzhu for the role. Xue Muyun declared her intention to "give Luo Zhusi a lesson," determined not to let their family be seen as pushovers.
Donglin, fearing the consequences, tried to caution her, but Xue Muyun was resolute, calling them "chicks" for even considering fighting against Luo Zhusi, whom she likened to a weasel. She adamantly stated she would vote her own way and stormed off. Donglin then decided to go and explain Xue Muyun's erratic behavior to Luo Zhusi himself, hoping to prevent further irreversible conflict between the two branches of the family.
When Xue Muyun met Luo Zhusi, she feigned strong support, promising their family's two votes. However, she soon suggested that once Luo Zhusi became chief manager, she should hire a list of "capable guys" Xue Muyun had prepared. Luo Zhusi, maintaining a calm demeanor, rejected this, stating such a move would be "inappropriate" and "against family rules," especially for the chief manager.
Xue Muyun, incensed by the rejection and the mention of family rules, retaliated by reminding Luo Zhusi that she herself had already placed many of her own people in Jinyu Tea shops over the years, and that Jing Kan and his pregnant wife were the legitimate heirs of Jinyu Tea, and she could choose to vote for Jing Kan instead. Luo Zhusi merely reiterated that she had no opinion on who Xue Muyun chose to vote for.
Frustrated, Xue Muyun left, sarcastically wishing Luo Zhusi well and abandoning her offer of support. After Xue Muyun's departure, Luo Zhusi's composure broke, revealing her anger at Xue Muyun's perceived attempt to "get her hands on Jinyu Tea." She instructed her maid, Cuiying, to arrange a meeting with Sixth Uncle. Meanwhile, Jing Zhenzhu approached her grandmother, Wei Junyi, also lobbying for the chief manager position. She asked for Wei Junyi's support, promising it would be a decision without regret.
Wei Junyi then revealed that there would be no voting, surprising Zhenzhu, who had spent much time pondering potential outcomes. Wei Junyi described the Jing family's dire financial state, highlighting that the chief manager role was not as enviable as it seemed. She then pressed Zhenzhu on her plans for managing Jinyu Tea if she were chosen.
Zhenzhu enthusiastically proposed diversifying the business by selling wine (claiming it could be watered down or turned into vinegar if unsold), opening an arena for various animal fights to attract addicted customers, and eventually establishing a pawnshop to offload unsold goods for profit. Wei Junyi listened, then sarcastically called Zhenzhu a "business genius." That evening, Ai Sixi and Jing Kan were in their room.
Ai Sixi complained about the bitter taste of Jinyu Tea's leaves, which she found lacking in fragrance, aftertaste, and throat-feel, and having a coarse water flow. Jing Kan was surprised by her knowledge of tea. Ai Sixi then presented Jing Kan with a hand-drawn "price list" for her services, detailing various tasks and their corresponding silver fees, such as talking with Grandmother for five qian or comforting Jing Kan for five qian.
Jing Kan was taken aback by her mercenary approach, questioning why talking to Luo Zhusi cost more than talking to his grandmother. Ai Sixi retorted that no one else would help him, and that having children would also come at an extra cost. Jing Kan, despite his shock, agreed to the terms, signing the "contract" by biting his finger, while Ai Sixi used a prepared stamp.
Ai Sixi clarified their relationship was, ostensibly, that of a married couple, but in reality, "boss and assistant," a point Jing Kan understood. She then playfully ordered him to pour her water, stating that her "fake pregnancy" (which she had previously announced) meant he should be cautious to protect his future. Jing Kan complied, but Ai Sixi found the tea too bitter. Luo Zhusi met with Sixth Uncle to garner his support.
She expressed her frustration, stating that if Wei Junyi insisted on appointing Jing Kan, an inexperienced manager, she intended to establish her own business, which Sixth Uncle understood as a desire for a family separation.
Luo Zhusi voiced her regret for such a move, knowing it would disrespect her late husband Beishui, her father-in-law, and the family ancestors, but she felt that Jinyu Tea, despite its grand facade, was crumbling, and giving it to Jing Kan would only hasten its demise. Sixth Uncle sympathized, acknowledging her suitability for the role.
He then introduced Chief Tan from Laolongtan Tea, explaining that many Jing clan elders held shares in Laolongtan and Chief Tan's influence could secure support for Luo Zhusi's separation and new venture. Luo Zhusi immediately discerned that Chief Tan would not help for free. Chief Tan then revealed his condition: he desired the unique tea pan-firing method of Jinyu Tea.
After Chief Tan left, Cuiying questioned why Luo Zhusi was still holding back when the Jing family seemed unconcerned about her. Luo Zhusi explained that giving away the pan-firing method would deprive her son, Aji, of a crucial skill for his future.
Cuiying informed her that seven of the twelve Jinyu Tea shop managers and assistants were willing to join her if she separated, though they would need a new tea plantation since the current one belonged to the Jing family. Luo Zhusi instructed Cuiying to tell these seven managers that if Wei Junyi made Jing Kan chief tomorrow, she would immediately demand a separation. After these arrangements, Luo Zhusi's thoughts drifted to the past.
She recalled a childhood incident where silver went missing from the household. Luo Zhusi falsely accused young Jing Kan of theft. Despite Jing Kan's protests, Luo Zhusi, wielding significant power within the family, ensured he was punished. Jing Kan's mother, Concubine Qin, tried to replace the missing silver, but this only led to her being further framed by Luo Zhusi. As a result, Jing Kan was forcibly separated from his mother and sent away from the family home.
This traumatic experience fueled a silent vow within Jing Kan to rise again and avenge his mother. Ai Sixi accompanied Jing Kan to his mother Concubine Qin's grave, praising its beauty and expressing a wish to be buried in such a lovely place. Jing Kan shared that it was his mother's favorite tea mountain. Ai Sixi asked about Luo Zhusi's involvement in his mother's death. Jing Kan clarified that his mother committed suicide but insisted Luo Zhusi was undeniably responsible.
Ai Sixi shared some food she "borrowed" from his grandfather's excess supply, emphasizing she took from an excess in a food box, not directly from his plate, and showing respect to his mother's memory as his elder. She then pointed out some camellia oleifera flowers, explaining their unique characteristics like fuzz on their twigs and the "holding the offspring" phenomenon where flowers and fruits appear simultaneously. Jing Kan was impressed by her knowledge. Suddenly, they heard cries for help.
Jing Kan was wary, warning of bandits who often feigned distress to rob and kill. However, Ai Sixi, undeterred and even excited by the prospect of adventure, insisted they investigate. They found an elderly man, Mr. An, dangling precariously from a cliff edge. They quickly fashioned a rope from a sturdy branch and managed to pull him to safety. Mr. An explained he had fallen while trying to collect some wild tea from the cliff.
Ai Sixi, unaware of its value, dismissed it as "lousy tea leaves," which offended Mr. An, who called her an "idiot." Jing Kan noted Mr. An's ungrateful tone, but Ai Sixi brushed it off as a good deed done for his mother's sake. The next day, the clan meeting officially began. Jing Kan arrived late, dressed in formal attire for what he considered his "big day."
Ai Sixi, who had previously advised him to put on a show of leaving, was told by Jing Kan not to, as it would "degrade him." To their surprise, the elderly man they had rescued from the cliff, Mr. An, was among the esteemed clan relatives present. Wei Junyi commenced the proceedings by acknowledging their common ancestry and, as the trustee of Jing Dayou's (Jing Kan's grandfather) will, gathered the family to witness the succession of Jinyu Tea.
The will was then read, officially naming "Luo Zhusi, wife of my second son," as the new chief manager of Jinyu Tea. Jing Kan was deeply disappointed by the revelation, while Luo Zhusi, though surprised, composed herself and vowed to diligently manage Jinyu Tea, working hard without complaint, being diligent and frugal, abiding by rules, being selfless, and making the family business prosper under Wei Junyi's leadership.
After Luo Zhusi was seated, Wei Junyi announced a new distribution of the twelve Jinyu Tea shops, stating that the burden on a single chief manager was unfair. She proposed distributing the shops among the households to encourage a shared understanding of managing the business. Luo Zhusi deferred to Wei Junyi's decision. Wei Junyi then assigned nine shops to Luo Zhusi and the remaining three to Xue Muyun.
Jing Kan, seeing himself without a share, started to leave in disappointment, but Mr. An intervened. Mr. An reminded everyone of Concubine Qin's significant contributions to Jinyu Tea's success through her "Banfang Tea." He argued that with Jing Kan's return and his new family, it was opportune to give the young man an opportunity to develop his business skills. When asked for his opinion, Sixth Uncle agreed. Mr. An then suggested that Jing Kan should also be given a shop.
Luo Zhusi, implying Jing Kan's lack of interest in tea, questioned the idea, but Ai Sixi quickly interjected, insisting Jing Kan was interested. Mr. An then proposed assigning Jing Kan the long-dilapidated and deserted shop at Anping Bridge, framing it as a trial. He presented this as a "casual suggestion" that could be withdrawn if Luo Zhusi found it "inappropriate."
Luo Zhusi, publicly maintaining impartiality, agreed to the proposal, stating that Jing Kan was also her son and she would follow Mr. An's advice. Wei Junyi concluded the meeting, calling upon everyone to contribute to Jinyu Tea's future, and dismissed the attendees. As they left, Jing Kan remarked to Ai Sixi that it had turned out "pretty good."
Episode 5 Recap
Luo Zhusi was furious upon learning that Jing Kan had received the worst of the family's shops. Her maid tried to calm her, reminding her that the Anping Bridge shop was shabby and inauspicious. However, Luo Zhusi was more concerned that Mr. An had spoken on Jing Kan's behalf, suggesting a burgeoning alliance. She saw this as the Old Lady paving the way for Jing Kan, believing her position would eventually be usurped.
Luo Zhusi acknowledged that the Old Lady was left with no choice but to rely on her, but vowed to "give Jing Kan another push" to expose his uselessness to the matriarch. Meanwhile, Jing Kan, frustrated with his own weakness, carved a straw figure with his name on it, declaring his intention to "kill the weak self within me." Ai Sixi, observing him, consoled him, teasing that she expected him to be wailing after failing to become the Chief.
Jing Kan explained that the Jing family held deep respect for the An clan, who had saved their ancestors upon their arrival in Taiping County, and Mr. An himself had significantly aided Jinyu Tea in its early days. Though emotional, Jing Kan denied crying, claiming it was his "weak self flickering back to life" and that he would "draw him back in." He asserted that he wanted everyone to acknowledge his existence.
Ai Sixi reminded him that avenging his mother should be his priority, not saving face. Jing Kan agreed, adding that a man might be killed but never humiliated. As they spoke, a servant delivered a letter from Mr. An, inviting both Jing Kan and Ai Sixi to his courtyard for a chat. Across the Jing estate, Jing Zhenzhu hammered on her mother Xue Muyun's door, demanding a shop.
She complained that the three shops allocated to the first branch weren't solely Xue Muyun's, and that even Jing Kan, who treated his aunt (Luo Zhusi) poorly, received one, while she, who constantly called her "Mother," got nothing. Xue Muyun firmly refused, stating that Jing Zhenzhu was not suited for business and spent money like water. Giving her a shop would only harm her.
Jing Zhenzhu then suggested calling Luo Zhusi her mother, pointing out that Luo Zhusi, not a Jing by birth, managed nine shops. Xue Muyun dismissed her daughter and son-in-law as "two pests" and left. Jing Kan and Ai Sixi arrived at Mr. An's serene courtyard. After thanking Mr. An for his support, Jing Kan denied any disappointment about not becoming Chief.
Ai Sixi, noticing Jing Kan's emotional state, teased that his "weak self is truly dead" and suggested their past favors (saving Mr. An's life) had balanced their karma. Mr. An clarified that his support for Jing Kan was not due to any debt, but "tea to drink." He then challenged Jing Kan to identify three different teas. Ai Sixi, unable to drink tea due to her pregnancy, asked if there was a reward; Mr. An only offered praise.
Jing Kan correctly identified the first tea as "Anhua Foshou from Laolongtan Tea," describing its unique steaming method and flavor profile. He then named the second as "Tingxicui from Ruicao Tea," noting a subtle shift in its floral fragrance. He explained the distinct tea-making methods of Taiping's three major tea shops: steaming for Laolongtan, pan-firing for Jinyu Tea, and flower-scenting for Ruicao Tea. Ai Sixi, growing impatient, assumed the third tea must be from Jinyu Tea.
Jing Kan, upon tasting it, found it familiar yet "a bit thin." Mr. An then revealed it was "Banfang Tea," a tea created by Jing Kan's own mother over ten years ago. He eloquently described its "three greens" and "three scents," attributing them to a unique pan-firing method now lost. Mr. An had tried for years to recreate it, but without success, and lamented the original creator was "no longer here."
This revelation deeply moved Jing Kan, who realized Mr. An was speaking of his mother. Ai Sixi, witnessing Jing Kan's emotional turmoil, felt a sympathetic "stomach ache," which she blamed on cold water. Jing Kan reflected on how his mother's Banfang Tea had helped Jinyu Tea win the Tea Contest and earn the right to make tribute tea, yet her contributions remained unseen. Ai Sixi encouraged him to live for himself and prioritize avenging his mother.
Inspired, Jing Kan declared his intention to open the Anping Bridge shop and "take back, piece by piece, what my mother lost to Luo Zhusi." Ai Sixi promptly reminded him to pay her on time, to which Jing Kan promised he would never break his word. He commented on how their fates seemed to align, turning misfortune into fortune. When Jing Kan asked Ai Sixi to help him manage the shop, she offered to recommend someone instead.
Ai Sixi later introduced her cousin, Guiwei, as "Mr. Wise of Taiping County" to Guiwei, preparing him for the role. Guiwei was hesitant about the elaborate charade, but Ai Sixi explained that she might need to flee someday and wanted to secure his future, having already negotiated a generous salary of five taels a month. Guiwei, amazed by his good fortune, confirmed that Jing Kan was indeed the eldest grandson of Jinyu Tea.
Ai Sixi again experienced period-like pains, blaming cold water. She then instructed Guiwei to pack his belongings, as she would be taking him to the Jing Residence. Upon arriving at the lavish Jing estate, Guiwei was visibly awestruck, despite Ai Sixi's warnings to keep his voice down.
Ai Sixi arranged a magnificent feast for Guiwei, ordering "a full set" of every dish on the menu, including Lubo meat, mandarin duck roast, pan-dragon dish, stir-fried prawns, frog legs, bamboo shoot chicken breast, braised pufferfish, flower pearls, braised venison, braised mushroom, stir-fried Huangcai with jellyfish, steamed eggplant, and Gelidium amansii. She told Guiwei to pack any leftovers. Ai Sixi then excused herself to "scout around," as the situation outside was "not so tense."
Ai Sixi visited the Taiping Government yamen to inquire about Jin Buhuan. To her shock, the officer, Jia, informed her that Jin Buhuan had been apprehended for the murder of Landlord Song, Prefect Song's brother, and that seven or eight individuals linked to Jin Buhuan had already been sent to Anning Prefecture. Jia dismissed concerns about wrongful accusations, stating that those who could be linked to Jin Buhuan's notorious name were habitual criminals anyway.
Realizing the danger this posed, Ai Sixi quickly feigned disinterest and left the yamen. Back at the Jing Residence, Guiwei continued to devour the lavish meal. Jing Zhenzhu, passing by, inquired about him. Guiwei, identifying himself as Ai Sixi's cousin, mistook Jing Zhenzhu for a "nanny," further irritating her. He then brazenly offered her a chicken leg with his unwashed hands. Disgusted, Jing Zhenzhu threw the chicken leg back at him, leading to a heated exchange.
Threatening to headbutt him, Jing Zhenzhu charged, but Guiwei dodged, causing her to collide with a doorframe and injure her head. Xue Muyun and the servants rushed to her aid. Later, Ai Sixi returned, and Guiwei recounted Jing Zhenzhu's antics. Ai Sixi dismissed it as merely "more odd folks here."
Feeling guilty about the innocent people wrongly implicated as Jin Buhuan, Ai Sixi instructed Guiwei to find a trusted person to write a letter to the Anning Prefecture yamen, clarifying that Landlord Song's death was related to "Sweet Couple Tea" and not Jin Buhuan, to exonerate the "seven or eight people" arrested. Guiwei offered to make her some brown sugar water for her "period pain."
Jing Kan then entered, immediately recognizing Guiwei despite Ai Sixi's attempts to maintain his "Mr. Wise" facade. After Guiwei left to make the brown sugar water, Jing Kan asked Ai Sixi about her "scheming." He mentioned tidying up the shop and planning its operation with Guiwei. Ai Sixi then demanded the 4 taels, 3 qian, and 50 wen Jing Kan owed her, and upon hearing the total was "a little over 50 taels," she insisted on immediate payment.
She dramatically declared her intention to leave Anning Prefecture for distant lands like Dali, Turfan, or Suzhou. Jing Kan, however, stated he had no money, jokingly suggesting he'd have to sell his grandmother's cane. Ai Sixi accused him of "boiling a frog in warm water," prompting Jing Kan to promise repayment within six months. He jokingly told her to "get out," then quickly corrected himself, inviting her to sit.
Jing Zhenzhu, her head now bandaged, complained to Xue Muyun about Guiwei. Xue Muyun, realizing Zhenzhu had been unreasonable, simply laughed. In the kitchen, Guiwei prepared brown sugar rice wine for Ai Sixi when a maid overheard him. Suspicious of Ai Sixi's supposed pregnancy and concurrent period, Wei Junyi arrived to check on her. Wei Junyi presented Ai Sixi with fish maw.
As Guiwei brought the brown sugar rice wine, he innocently blurted out that Ai Sixi's "period came, so her belly hurts." Wei Junyi, realizing the contradiction, began to laugh and insisted on calling a physician. Ai Sixi tried to avoid it, claiming she was fine and it was a waste of money. However, Wei Junyi insisted, "to be safe." Physician Zhou was summoned. As he prepared to take Ai Sixi's pulse, she discreetly slipped him silver under the table.
Wei Junyi's maid attempted to expose Ai Sixi, but Ai Sixi quickly silenced her. Physician Zhou, having been bribed, declared Ai Sixi's "pregnancy signs are steady. . . the child is very healthy," like "pearls rolling on a jade plate," and stated no stabilizing medicine was necessary. Everyone was surprised. Jing Kan then spoke to Physician Zhou, confirming that with his help, the child's true parentage could "forever remain hidden," thus allowing his revenge to "forever be taken."
Ai Sixi hushed them, claiming the "child is sleepy" and "kicking" her. Just as they began to celebrate this successful deception, Wei Junyi suddenly pushed open the door and entered, coldly stating, "Good, you're all here."
Episode 6 Recap
Ai Sixi's fake pregnancy was exposed, leading to severe punishment for both her and Jing Kan. A family member angrily stated that Ai Sixi deserved to be jailed for her deception, while another expressed disappointment in Jing Kan. The family rule for "a deliberate liar" was a flogging of twenty times, which Jing Kan endured. Ai Sixi tried to intercede, offering to take further punishment herself, but was silenced.
An elder woman lamented how Ai Sixi had broken the family's heart and accused her of being "bold and evil-minded," saying she didn't deserve to be part of the family. Luo Zhusi, eager to reclaim Jing Kan's shop, proposed that the shop "doesn't need to be open" and should be "returned to the main store for unified management," hinting that a "reliable female manager" (meaning herself) should oversee it.
Wei Junyi, attempting to de-escalate, took responsibility for the family's discord and for the fighting over the shop. Ai Sixi tearfully apologized to Grandmother, the family, and Jing Kan, claiming that Jing Kan had no knowledge of her fake pregnancy. Others doubted her, questioning why Jing Kan wouldn't know and implying she orchestrated the lie for personal gain within the family.
Ai Sixi defended her actions, explaining that she lied because she feared being expelled from the family and wished for Jing Kan to return home to care for Grandmother, as well as for them to live a peaceful life together. She asserted that she was desperate after Mother relentlessly pressured her. Finally, she pleaded for Jing Kan to be spared any further involvement, as he was her "only husband."
Despite skepticism from other family members, Jing Kan confirmed his ignorance of the fake pregnancy and promised Grandmother that they would have a baby, asking her to trust him. Luo Zhusi accused Wei Junyi of being partial, but Wei Junyi insisted on punishment according to the rules.
She declared that for the next three months, Ai Sixi would perform all household chores, including washing, cooking, and cleaning, and serve everyone, adding that Ai Sixi needed to learn proper manners for a daughter-in-law. When other family members complained that this punishment was too lenient and that Jing Kan and his wife were "deceitful and incompetent" and unfit to manage a shop, Jing Kan stepped forward.
To protect Ai Sixi and prove his worth, he boldly vowed to make the Anping Bridge Shop profitable within three months. He promised that if he failed, he would quit, leaving the shop for the other families to fight over. Luo Zhusi then proposed that instead of learning manners at home, Ai Sixi should go to Yuanyang House in town. Ai Sixi, accepting her fate, agreed.
Luo Zhusi, still seething, confided in her maid Cuiying that Ai Sixi was cunning, knowing precisely how to "manipulate Mother" by shielding Jing Kan to ensure Mother's protection. Luo Zhusi then instructed Cuiying to leverage her friendship with Governesses Hua and Zhu at Yuanyang House to make Ai Sixi's time there difficult.
When Cuiying misunderstood, thinking it was merely to teach Ai Sixi manners, Luo Zhusi clarified her true intent: to separate Ai Sixi and Jing Kan, believing that "without this woman, Jing Kan is just nothing." She further instructed Cuiying to tell Liu of the tea plantation to withhold all tea leaves from Jing Kan, ensuring he would fail to make his shop profitable within three months.
Before Ai Sixi left, Jing Kan expressed concern about her going to Yuanyang House and about his own promise regarding the shop, calling it his "dream of fortune, cash cow, and last hope." Ai Sixi reassured him that she would not let him down since he had defended her. She lightheartedly suggested getting paid "20 taels a day" for her time in Yuanyang House, to which Jing Kan generously offered "50 taels."
Ai Sixi, however, dismissed the idea of Yuanyang House being tough, imagining it involved only "serving people drinks or learning some needlework," and expressed relief at having a "quiet life" away from the exhausting atmosphere at home. Jing Kan then gave her a sachet, instructing her to open it only "in an emergency," and advised her to "keep a low profile" and "not brag too much." Meanwhile, Jing Kan arrived at his new Anping Bridge Shop and found Guiwei sleeping.
He woke Guiwei, who confirmed his commitment to helping Jing Kan succeed, acknowledging that Ai Sixi, Guiwei's cousin, had "tried really hard to entrust" Jing Kan to him. Guiwei's initial strategy involved simply opening and cleaning the shop, as selling tea (a consumable item) required a clean environment. He then pointed out that they still lacked the most crucial item: tea leaves. Jing Kan and Guiwei visited the tea plantation, where Guiwei marveled at its size.
Liu of the tea plantation explained the process of storing tea and the steaming technique for tea production, emphasizing the preciousness of tea and the meticulous care required. Jing Kan questioned why the plantation was now producing steamed tea, noting that Jinyu Tea's pan-firing method hadn't improved, and suggested focusing on innovation. Liu countered that the decision was Chief Luo's, driven by difficult business conditions and the need to cater to customers who still preferred steamed tea.
He also cited financial constraints and the extensive resources required for technical breakthroughs, stating that Jing Kan, not being a shop owner, couldn't understand the difficulties. Guiwei intervened, introducing himself as the manager of Anping Bridge Shop and requesting tea. However, Liu refused, citing established rules that required a signed order from Chief Luo to supply tea, especially since the Anping Bridge Shop had been closed for years.
Jing Kan, realizing Liu's uncooperativeness, instructed Guiwei not to argue further and told Liu to inform Chief Luo that "she won't laugh at me." After their unsuccessful visit to the tea plantation, Jing Kan and Guiwei sought out the legendary 'Tea Prince' for tea supplies. While searching, they overheard two children discussing tea culture and the Tea Prince.
Eager for information to help his shop, Jing Kan approached the children, falsely claiming to be a close friend of the Tea Prince. The children, however, shrewdly demanded a hefty sum of ten taels of silver for information on the Tea Prince's whereabouts. Jing Kan paid the children, only to receive vague information about the Tea Prince moving. Back at Yuanyang House, Ai Sixi was tasked with cleaning. Her work was deemed unsatisfactory, and her meal was cancelled.
When she defiantly attacked a governess, biting her arm, she was further punished by being made to grind "30 jin of flour." To heighten her torment, a half-eaten steamed bun was placed tantalizingly out of reach. Suddenly, Wei Shuangxi (No. 132), who recognized Ai Sixi from her former inn, appeared and offered her a steamed bun, revealing she had "an inside track."
Wei Shuangxi critically observed Ai Sixi's "foolhardy" actions and explained that Yuanyang House's name was a homophone for "unjustly accused," signifying that many incarcerated women were indeed wronged. She asked Ai Sixi if she wanted to escape, warning of extreme torture if caught. Ai Sixi, feeling desperate, insisted she was already "terribly tortured" and would never blame Wei Shuangxi, whom she considered a "heaven-sent angel." Wei Shuangxi agreed to help her escape immediately.
Wei Shuangxi led Ai Sixi to a wall, explaining the escape route: "Pass the Sipo Bay and you'll go straight to Sheji Altar. Then you'll reach Jianping Academy," where they would meet if separated. As they prepared to climb, Ai Sixi expressed gratitude to Wei Shuangxi for being such a loyal friend. Wei Shuangxi helped Ai Sixi ascend the wall.
However, once Ai Sixi was on top, Wei Shuangxi released her hold and abruptly yelled for the governesses, reporting Ai Sixi's escape attempt. The governesses swiftly pulled Ai Sixi down and subjected her to a brutal flogging. Ai Sixi initially feigned indifference to the pain, but eventually broke down, crying and begging the governesses to stop, promising not to escape again.
Governess Zhu then informed Wei Shuangxi that she had "made a contribution" and would be released after catching one more runaway. Ai Sixi realized Wei Shuangxi's betrayal, angrily denouncing her for selling her out. A governess recited the rules, stating that insulting and cursing a stranger without repentance would result in a "big demerit," requiring three family members to vouch for release, otherwise she could "never leave this place."
Ai Sixi was then subjected to the "Misfortune-dispelling Liquid," a concoction of "pepper and tears of other women," which was poured into a basin for her injured feet, causing her to scream and plead for mercy.
Episode 7 Recap
Jing Kan and Guiwei ventured into a remote area, searching for the legendary Tea Master. Guiwei expressed doubt about the location, but Jing Kan insisted that true masters often prefer secluded dwellings. They discovered an open courtyard where a man was meticulously preparing tea. Believing they had found the Tea Master, they approached him. The man, indeed identifying himself as the Tea Master, began to expound at length on his expertise.
Guiwei found him rather pretentious, but Jing Kan dismissed this as eccentric behavior from a highly knowledgeable individual. The Tea Master then prepared a bowl of tea for them, which Jing Kan found to be quite ordinary. Jing Kan also found himself disagreeing with some of the Tea Master's pronouncements on tea ceremony. He directly inquired if the Tea Master had any pan-fired tea for purchase, but the Tea Master claimed to have none.
Disappointed, Jing Kan and Guiwei prepared to leave. As they were departing, the Tea Master, upon learning that Jing Kan was from Jinyu Tea, suddenly called them back. He then produced five jin of premium bud tea, claiming it was pan-fired using the secret method of Monk Da Fang's Songluo Tea. He offered to sell it to Jing Kan as a way of "repaying a favor" he had with Jinyu Tea, though he provided no details.
However, he attached two conditions: if the tea wasn't sold within three days, he would reclaim it, and payment was required upfront. Guiwei was astonished at the price of 100 taels for five jin, especially with the upfront payment. Jing Kan readily agreed, explaining that he sought not just the tea, but the Tea Master's significant influence in the tea world, placing him among esteemed figures like "Beiju Master, Nan Master," and believing the tea's value to be much higher.
He hoped this acquisition would silence his detractors. Jing Kan then realized he didn't have the 100 taels himself and asked Guiwei. Guiwei confessed he only had a few taels but offered the 100 taels Ai Sixi had entrusted to him. This reminded Jing Kan of Ai Sixi, and he expressed a desire to visit her. Meanwhile, Ai Sixi was enduring a harsh punishment in Yuanyang House. Jing Kan, attempting to see her, was intercepted by a governess.
The governess concocted elaborate lies, claiming Ai Sixi was busy arranging flowers and eating well, and even made animalistic noises to suggest a sow was being slaughtered. Jing Kan, oblivious, left lotus pastries and lotus root pudding for Ai Sixi and gave the governess some money. He then asked her to relay a message to Ai Sixi: he had borrowed the 100 taels she left with Guiwei. The governess assured him that Ai Sixi's money was essentially his.
Inside, Ai Sixi, bound and suffering, overheard Jing Kan's words, intensifying her despair and leading her to bite the governess. Shortly after Jing Kan left, Guiwei rushed to the shop, distraught, informing Jing Kan that the Tea Master's courtyard was deserted. Realizing they had been scammed, Jing Kan sent Guiwei to search for the fake Tea Master while he went to find the fish-selling boy. Unbeknownst to them, Cuiying and the fish-selling boy were celebrating their successful deception.
Overhearing the fish-selling boy confirming that Cuiying had arranged for Ai Sixi to suffer in Yuanyang House, Jing Kan, deeply concerned for Ai Sixi, rushed into Yuanyang House, where he found her tied up and unconscious. Upon recovering and returning home, Ai Sixi declared her intention to leave Jing Kan's residence. She demanded her 100 taels back. When Guiwei reluctantly informed her that Jing Kan had been scammed and her money was gone, Ai Sixi was heartbroken.
She tearfully left the house, finding solace by a lake. Guiwei soon found her there and tried to comfort her, but Ai Sixi, lamenting her misfortune, bitterly noted that Jing Kan's "sincerity" was worthless, unable to buy even half a bun. She even hit Guiwei for giving her money away. Later, to Jing Kan's relief, Ai Sixi returned to the shop. She wryly stated she returned because Jing Kan still owed her money.
She questioned if he had borrowed money from his grandmother to buy tea. Jing Kan admitted he had, explaining that he had previously vowed never to "use" family money, but after meeting Ai Sixi, he realized "borrowing" was different. He implored her to stay and guide him. Ai Sixi, after some consideration, acknowledged that with Luo Zhusi controlling the Jing family tea plantation, they couldn't get tea from there, rendering the shop an "empty shell."
With half of their three-month deadline passed, she suggested it was a good thing they couldn't rely on the family tea. Kan and Guiwei, filled with renewed confidence, pledged to follow Ai Sixi's lead in running the shop. As their first step, Ai Sixi led Jing Kan and Guiwei to observe other tea shops to understand their competitors. They witnessed Mr. Wang at a Jinyu Tea branch attempting to sell "Yunjiaojin Tea" to a customer named Mr. Yu.
Mr. Yu haggled aggressively, demanding the tea at five qian per jin instead of the usual one tael, threatening to buy Longwochun from Laolongtan otherwise. Mr. Wang, in a desperate attempt to close the deal, offered five boxes of tea snacks as a bonus if Mr. Yu bought ten jin.
A shop assistant tried to warn Mr. Wang that the tea snacks were old and spoiled, but Mr. Wang quickly silenced him, pointing out that there was no manufacturing date written on them. Mr. Yu accepted the deal, promising to use Mr. Wang's tea in his new tavern. Jing Kan and Guiwei were surprised by this unscrupulous sales method.
Jing Kan mistakenly thought Ai Sixi intended to poach Mr. Wang, but Ai Sixi quickly dismissed the idea, stating that Mr. Wang was Luo Zhusi's man and his deceitful nature made him untrustworthy. She concluded that they indeed needed a capable manager. As heavy rain began, Jing Kan asserted his own managing abilities. Ai Sixi and Jing Kan then sought out Mr. An again, looking for guidance.
Jing Kan, admiring Mr. An's wisdom and expertise, presented him with a Gongchun teapot, which his mother had left him, claiming it was made by Da Bin. Mr. An confirmed the authenticity by showing them the distinctive thumbprint on the handle, while also explaining the superior qualities of Yixing pottery. Overwhelmed, Jing Kan knelt and earnestly requested Mr. An to accept him as a disciple to learn the art of tea business.
Guiwei also encouraged Mr. An, reminding him of his close friendship with Jing Kan's mother and how Mr. An had quickly sold 200 jin of Jinyu Tea in the past. Mr. An, however, declined, stating that he already had his "final disciple" and nothing more to teach. He even presented their persistence as a "test" they failed. Despite their continued pleas, Mr. An remained firm, only offering to cook dinner.
After some back and forth, Ai Sixi, seeing no other option, took the teapot and decided to leave with Jing Kan. Mr. An then stopped them one last time, offering to help if they left the teapot. He recommended his "very clever" final disciple, Ruan Ling. Following Mr. An's direction, Jing Kan and Ai Sixi found Ruan Ling's house. To their shock, Ruan Ling was the very person who had scammed Jing Kan by posing as the Tea Master.
Ruan Ling, feigning ignorance, invited them in and promised a full explanation, while subtly trying to escape under the pretext of buying food. Ai Sixi, realizing his trick, grabbed him and tied him up. Ruan Ling then claimed he was innocent, asserting that the scammer was his twin brother, the "Tea Master," while he was "Tu Master." He insisted they should seek the money from his brother. Ai Sixi, not believing his story, demanded the 100 taels.
Ruan Ling confessed he had already spent it. Jing Kan suggested reporting him to the authorities, but Ruan Ling pleaded, claiming his mother was gravely ill and did not have much time left, wishing only to make her fish soup one last time. Though skeptical, Ai Sixi, after Ruan Ling directed them to the clinic, agreed to go with him to verify his story.
Episode 8 Recap
Ruan Ling, bound by Ai Sixi and Jing Kan, attempted to talk his way out of trouble by claiming he would not run away. He then spun a tale of misfortune, stating he was forced to deceive people because his gravely ill mother required expensive daily medical treatment. He presented a comatose patient at a clinic as his mother. Jing Kan, feeling sympathetic, noted Ruan Ling's difficult life.
Ai Sixi, however, remained skeptical, demanding Ruan Ling wake the "mother" to prove his sincerity. When the actual patient, Cuiying, awoke and questioned Ruan Ling's identity, his deception became undeniable. Pressed further, Ruan Ling finally confessed that his real mother had passed away. Despite Ruan Ling's deceit, Jing Kan saw a potential advantage. He proposed to Ai Sixi that instead of reporting Ruan Ling to the authorities, they should employ him at their tea shop to work off his debt.
He argued that Mr. An, a reliable man, would not have highly praised Ruan Ling's abilities without reason. Ai Sixi initially demanded her money back, but Jing Kan suggested that Ruan Ling's cunning, while not to be used for harm, could be redirected to benefit their business. Ruan Ling, surprised they would still consider him after his betrayal, was told their trust lay solely in Mr. An.
He then recounted his own experience of being swindled out of all his savings, an event he now viewed as a valuable, albeit painful, life lesson. Ruan Ling initially resisted the idea of selling tea, dismissing it as a "rightful path." In response, Jing Kan and Ai Sixi decided to take him to the local yamen. There, they found the yamen overflowing with citizens reporting fraud, and the constables were too overwhelmed to handle new cases.
Witnessing the angry crowd's cries to kill swindlers, Ruan Ling realized many victims were likely looking for him. He quickly changed his tune, agreeing to work for them. Back at the shop, they drew up a contract stating Ruan Ling's monthly salary of one tael, with ninety percent dedicated to repaying his debts to them and to the fruit vendors he had previously defrauded.
Ai Sixi also insisted that he reside at their shop, providing board and lodging, to prevent any escape. Ruan Ling's attempts to renegotiate were met with a threat to summon all his other victims, forcing him to reluctantly accept his new position as a shop assistant at the Anping Bridge Shop under Guiwei's watchful eye. During breakfast, Guiwei complained about Ruan Ling's excessive bathing habits, which left him to do most of the shop's work.
Their conversation was interrupted by Lü Jiao'e, whose sudden appearance flustered Guiwei. Lü Jiao'e delivered a message from Wei Junyi, the Old Lady, asking Ai Sixi to deliver some vests and pearl headbands to their Great-grandaunt. Jing Kan inquired about this Great-grandaunt, learning she was the Old Lady's aunt, a figure of high seniority. He also discovered she was married to a silk shop owner and had a long-standing rivalry with Luo Zhusi, even having physically fought Cuiying.
Ai Sixi, intrigued by this "brave woman," expressed a keen interest in meeting her. It was Luo Zhusi's birthday, and she reminisced over a red agate bracelet, the first gift from her late husband, Beishui, symbolizing everlasting love. She voiced her sadness that Beishui seemed to prioritize Qin Baoyi, and that she was now destined to be eternally alone.
Cuiying tried to console her, assuring her of Beishui's love and noting the numerous birthday gifts she had received, although no one from the Jing family had remembered. Luo Zhusi expressed her heartbreak that her adopted son, Aji, only acknowledged his birth mother's birthday. Later, a servant informed her that Wei Junyi, the Old Lady, invited her to lunch. Luo Zhusi felt a glimmer of hope, especially upon seeing Wei Junyi wearing the jade bracelet she had gifted her.
However, Wei Junyi's true intention was not to celebrate Luo Zhusi, but to commemorate the day, 53 years prior, when Beishui first called her "Mother." Luo Zhusi was deeply hurt by Wei Junyi's deliberate oversight and the insensitive focus on her deceased son. The meal escalated into a heated argument. Luo Zhusi confronted Wei Junyi about her apparent favoritism towards Qin Baoyi, contrasting it with Wei Junyi's neglect of her own birthday.
Wei Junyi countered, praising Qin Baoyi's dedication to the tea business, implying Luo Zhusi lacked such commitment. Wei Junyi then pointed to a jade bracelet, falsely claiming it was a gift from Qin Baoyi, though Luo Zhusi had originally given it to her. This further inflamed Luo Zhusi, who demanded respect. Wei Junyi dismissed her, accusing her of being ill-mannered and narrow-minded.
A maid confided in Jing Zhenzhu that Wei Junyi's actions were a deliberate retaliation because no one had paid their respects to the Old Lady on Luo Zhusi's birthday. Jing Zhenzhu then aggravated Wei Junyi further by complaining about Luo Zhusi's perceived slights. Enraged, Wei Junyi instructed Jing Zhenzhu to deliver harsh threats to Luo Zhusi, vowing to outlive her and warning her to treat Wei Junyi with respect if she wished to continue living well in the family.
In her room, a furious Luo Zhusi vented to Cuiying, regretting her lack of sharp retorts during the argument. She practiced comebacks but ultimately concluded that, as Wei Junyi was her mother-in-law, such rudeness was inappropriate. Just then, Jing Zhenzhu arrived, relishing her role as provocateur.
She maliciously exaggerated Wei Junyi's threats to Luo Zhusi, adding that Wei Junyi would even "sweep her tomb" if Luo Zhusi did not treat Jing Zhenzhu with more kindness, and informed Luo Zhusi that, in Wei Junyi's eyes, Luo Zhusi was merely an "outsider" compared to the "virtuous, gentle, and amiable" Qin Baoyi. This proved to be Luo Zhusi's breaking point.
She ordered Cuiying to gather all the hairpins and jewels Wei Junyi had ever given her, and sent a message declaring that she would no longer acknowledge Wei Junyi as her mother-in-law, thereby severing their relationship forever. Meanwhile, Ai Sixi and Jing Kan prepared to infiltrate Yuanyang House to rescue the Great-grandaunt. Jing Kan expressed reservations about the dangerous endeavor, but Ai Sixi reminded him that without a guarantee letter, the Great-grandaunt faced indefinite suffering.
Ai Sixi also reassured him that the Old Lady was recovering from her earlier fainting spell caused by the argument with Luo Zhusi and only needed rest and medicine. To gain entry, Jing Kan reluctantly disguised himself as a woman, enduring Ai Sixi's playful mockery. Inside, they split up: Ai Sixi created a diversion, while Jing Kan searched for the Great-grandaunt. Jing Kan inadvertently stumbled into a women's sleeping quarter and discovered the Great-grandaunt, who was indeed Wei Shuangxi.
Wei Shuangxi was startled to see Jing Kan dressed in women's clothing. Ai Sixi then revealed that Wei Shuangxi was the same person who had framed and reported her during her own confinement in Yuanyang House, where Ai Sixi was known as inmate No. 357. As they attempted to escape by climbing over a wall, Jing Kan introduced Wei Shuangxi to Ai Sixi. Ai Sixi, recognizing Wei Shuangxi, seized an opportunity for retribution.
She instructed Wei Shuangxi to squat, then used her as a step to climb over the wall, leaving Wei Shuangxi in a humiliating and exposed position. As Ai Sixi scaled the wall, Wei Shuangxi cried out for the governesses, alerting them to the escape attempt and explicitly mentioning "No. 357" (Ai Sixi).
Jing Kan, dismayed by Ai Sixi's actions, tried to intervene, reminding her that Wei Shuangxi, despite her past misdeeds, had shown him kindness and would be doomed if left behind. Ai Sixi, however, remained firm, asserting that those who frame others deserved to suffer. Wei Shuangxi desperately tried to shift the blame onto Ai Sixi, accusing "No. 357" of tricking her into escaping and claiming she was close to earning her release. However, the governess, after hearing Wei Shuangxi's confession, dismissed her claims and ordered her to be flogged for her own foolishness and gullibility.
Episode 9 Recap
Jing Zhenzhu smugly recounted to her mother, Xue Muyun, how she had deliberately sown discord between Wei Junyi and Luo Zhusi, taking advantage of their conflict to acquire items they discarded. She boasted that her scheme was flawless and no one would uncover it, believing Luo Zhusi would soon be cast out of the household. Their conversation was interrupted by Lv Jiao E, who arrived to summon Jing Zhenzhu.
It seemed Wei Junyi and Luo Zhusi were embroiled in a fresh argument, each accusing the other of insults and demanding Jing Zhenzhu act as a witness. Reluctantly, Jing Zhenzhu attempted to refuse the summons, claiming an important meeting at the Tea Blossom Association. However, Lv Jiao E insisted, warning that if Zhenzhu did not appear, Wei Junyi and Luo Zhusi would come to her.
Despite Jing Zhenzhu’s pleas for her mother to accompany her, Xue Muyun quickly left, citing work at her shop. Faced with the furious pair, Jing Zhenzhu stumbled over her words, feigning memory loss about the exact statements made. She tried to play the peacemaker, suggesting they resolve their issues directly and then attempted to leave.
Wei Junyi, sensing Zhenzhu’s strange behavior and realizing her attempts to mediate were uncharacteristic, demanded to know the whereabouts of certain hairpins she had given Luo Zhusi. With her deception unraveling, Jing Zhenzhu admitted her aim was to ensure that Wei Junyi and Luo Zhusi maintained some dignity when they next met. Discovering Zhenzhu's malicious meddling, Wei Junyi became enraged and punished her by making her recite a pledge about obedience.
Meanwhile, Wei Shuangxi, having failed in an earlier escape attempt, was seen grinding grain, lamenting her bitter fate. Ai Sixi, bringing wine, appeared to observe her punishment. Wei Shuangxi, enraged to see Ai Sixi, initially confronted her. However, realizing she needed Ai Sixi's help to escape, Wei Shuangxi quickly shifted tactics, showering Ai Sixi with flattery, praising her courage and spirit, and even offering to massage her shoulders. Ai Sixi, recognizing Wei Shuangxi’s ingratiating nature, playfully called her a "bootlicker."
Wei Shuangxi then referred to herself as "No. 132," the number she was assigned in Yuanyang House, and revealed she was Jing Kan’s great-grand-aunt, appealing to their family connection. She begged Ai Sixi to help her leave the punitive establishment, promising Ai Sixi a life of luxury in the Jing Residence if she were freed.
Ai Sixi, acknowledging her own past difficulties in the Jing Residence, listened as Wei Shuangxi launched into a tirade against the Jing family, including her niece Wei Junyi, whom she described with bizarre childhood anecdotes of selfishness and foolishness. Ai Sixi, having observed Wei Shuangxi's sincerity, agreed to let bygones be bygones. She promised to ask Wei Junyi to write a guarantee letter, hoping for Wei Shuangxi's release the following day.
However, Wei Shuangxi was desperate to leave immediately and suggested they climb the walls of Yuanyang House. Ai Sixi hesitated, remembering that place as "unlucky," implying a previous experience. Despite Ai Sixi's reservations, Wei Shuangxi’s persistent pleas and promises to be her loyal servant convinced Ai Sixi to join her. As Ai Sixi was mid-climb, someone appeared, startling her and causing her to alert Wei Shuangxi, who promptly accused Ai Sixi of messing with her again.
A Nanny quickly apprehended Wei Shuangxi, reprimanding her for repeatedly attempting to escape and declaring that future escapees would be "hung and dried on the wall" as a new form of punishment. Wei Shuangxi, mistakenly identifying Ai Sixi as "No. 357," vowed revenge. Cuiying sought out Ruan Ling, who was at a shop studying a poem by Lu Tong. Cuiying confronted Ruan Ling about scamming the Baita Bridge Shop out of 50 taels of silver.
Ruan Ling claimed it was merely "free training" to raise their awareness of getting scammed and contrasted his methods with Jing Kan's group. Cuiying threatened him with legal action, mentioning her connections in the yamen. Ruan Ling, now intimidated, asked what she wanted. Cuiying revealed her true intention: she wanted him to be her spy against Jing Kan and his associates.
Ruan Ling tried to dissuade her, claiming he had no intention of staying at Jing Kan's shop, which he disparaged as a miserable, disorganized place run by incompetent people. He advised Cuiying to ignore them, predicting their imminent downfall. Cuiying, however, saw through his attempts to evade and warned him that he was forbidden to leave the Anping Bridge Shop without her permission, as her people were monitoring all four gates of Taiping County.
Back at the Jing residence, Ai Sixi pleaded with Wei Junyi to help rescue Wei Shuangxi, arguing that Yuanyang House was abusing women. As they spoke, Wei Shuangxi was carried in, unconscious and severely beaten. Wei Junyi was horrified to see her aunt in such a state. While Wei Shuangxi was unconscious, she repeatedly called out Ai Sixi’s name.
Lv Jiao E, who was tending to her, mistakenly believed that Ai Sixi and Wei Shuangxi had become friends at Yuanyang House. However, upon regaining consciousness, Wei Shuangxi vehemently declared Ai Sixi her "mortal enemy." After settling into the Jing family residence and receiving solicitous care from Lv Jiao E, Wei Shuangxi shared her hatred for Ai Sixi. Lv Jiao E, learning of Wei Shuangxi's strong dislike for Ai Sixi, joined in the criticism.
Wei Shuangxi then revealed Ai Sixi's past as a gambling house owner, a fact unknown to Wei Junyi and a grave taboo in the Jing family due to a history of gambling problems. Wei Shuangxi proposed a plan: instead of exposing Ai Sixi immediately, they should play a "cat and mouse" game, making her life miserable by forcing her to fully embrace her fabricated role as a cook.
The next morning, Lv Jiao E woke a sleeping Ai Sixi to inform her that Wei Shuangxi, now recovered, desired a meal prepared and personally fed by Ai Sixi, a request that Wei Junyi had surprisingly approved. Ai Sixi, realizing the insidious nature of Wei Shuangxi's request and her enemies' scheme, reluctantly agreed, promising to prepare a "proper meal" for her.
Meanwhile, Ruan Ling returned to Jing Kan's tea house, disgusted to find tea cups used for wine and noodles, and the entire shop in disarray. Despite his irritation, he began to meticulously clean the shop, scrubbing everything spotless. When Jing Kan returned, he was pleased with the cleanliness but mistakenly attributed it to Guiwei. Ruan Ling, frustrated by the lack of appreciation and the general incompetence, berated Jing Kan for his poor business practices and the shop's disheveled state.
Jing Kan, attempting to appease Ruan Ling, acknowledged his capabilities, gave him instructions for purchasing indocalamus leaves, and even brought him a bowl of rice cake soup to calm his anger. Ruan Ling, finding the soup but no spoon, continued to grumble about Guiwei's "pig-like" habits. After initially appreciating the gesture and believing Jing Kan bought the soup for him, Ruan Ling became furious when he discovered the soup was missing, realizing his small comfort was also gone.
Episode 10 Recap
Ai Sixi prepared a Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup for Wei Shuangxi, who, suspicious of poisoning, insisted Ai Sixi taste it first. Ai Sixi dramatically declared it delicious, leading Wei Shuangxi and Lv Jiao E to drink it. However, Wei Shuangxi quickly recognized the soup as Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup from Zuixian Restaurant, noting its distinctive deer sinews and smooth base, although she also detected a strange taste.
After Lv Jiao E finished her bowl, she collapsed, followed shortly by Wei Shuangxi. Wei Shuangxi, just before losing consciousness, remarked to Ai Sixi, "357, you're ruthless enough." Ai Sixi then also succumbed to unconsciousness, making a remark about needing to return to her room to sleep. Meanwhile, Ruan Ling and Guiwei were trying to sleep when their room began leaking rainwater. Ruan Ling attempted to rouse Guiwei, but he was fast asleep and oblivious to the growing puddle.
Elsewhere, Jing Kan was attempting to purchase tea from merchants for their business, Jinyuming Tea House, but the merchants doubted his business's sales. Observing this, Ruan Ling intervened, playing the role of a wealthy and reluctant buyer, boasting about their high monthly demand and existing Baiyan stock while feigning disinterest in the merchants' Yinzhen tea, eventually securing a better price.
Jing Kan was delighted and, despite his lack of skill, attempted to repair the leaking roof himself, only worsening the situation. Ruan Ling, exasperated, climbed onto the roof to fix it properly but then fell. Upon seeing Ruan Ling on the ground, Guiwei mistakenly accused him of trying to escape, prompting Ruan Ling to angrily try to explain, though his anger about the worsening leak caused him to struggle to speak and tell Guiwei to "shut up."
Later, Wei Junyi deliberately challenged Ai Sixi to cook dinner for an upcoming family gathering, knowing Ai Sixi claimed she couldn't cook. Ai Sixi reluctantly accepted the task. That evening, Ai Sixi presented a lavish spread of dishes, which initially impressed everyone, including Luo Zhusi, who had just tried to embarrass Wei Junyi by suggesting her herbal tea used low-quality tea leaves.
However, Wei Shuangxi, already suspicious, observed Ai Sixi explaining to her that she had ordered the dishes from various restaurants and then creatively rearranged them to disguise their origins. In a private exchange, Wei Shuangxi, referring to Ai Sixi as "No. 132" and herself as "No. 357," acknowledged Ai Sixi's cleverness but remained intent on exposing her.
The family members soon began to recognize specific dishes from local eateries like Zuixian Restaurant (a turtle stew with its characteristic roasted shell edge, though Ai Sixi added chicken legs) and Fu's Restaurant (braised mushrooms without the glass noodles Ai Sixi had added). When Wei Junyi questioned Ai Sixi, she defiantly suggested Wei Junyi should learn to cook.
Wei Junyi then revealed her counter-move: she had invited the head chefs from Zuixian Restaurant and Fu's Restaurant, Chef Bai and Chef Jiang, to identify their dishes. Caught in her deception, Ai Sixi tried to deflect by sharing embarrassing childhood anecdotes about Wei Junyi, stories she had learned from Wei Shuangxi. This enraged Wei Junyi, who then exposed Ai Sixi's true identity as an innkeeper, not a cook or gambling house owner as Wei Shuangxi had claimed earlier.
Wei Junyi, furious at both Ai Sixi and Wei Shuangxi for disgracing the family, declared them "rotten apples," adding Jing Zhenzhu as a third, and punished them to kneel in the ancestral hall for three days. Even after this, Wei Shuangxi continued her rivalry with Ai Sixi, taunting her as they knelt. Soon after, a groggy Lv Jiao E, having recovered from the fainting soup, emerged and furiously attacked Ai Sixi for poisoning her.
Jing Kan, Ai Sixi, and Guiwei gathered to discuss the tea shop's operations. Ruan Ling, though present, attempted to distance himself from Jing Kan's large tea purchase, claiming he only negotiated the price. Ai Sixi, showing more interest, offered to help sell the tea. It quickly became apparent that Jing Kan had made a vague bet with Luo Zhusi: if the shop wasn't "opened" within three months, he would lose it.
Ruan Ling pointed out the lack of specific conditions for winning the bet. Realizing his oversight, Jing Kan decided to confront Luo Zhusi to clarify the terms. He found Luo Zhusi discussing an absent Aji with her maid. Jing Kan, attempting to set favorable terms, suggested that if he ran the shop too well, Luo Zhusi would be upset.
Luo Zhusi, confident in her cunning, easily agreed to his proposal: if the shop's account showed a surplus of 300 silver taels by the deadline, Jing Kan would win. Privately, Luo Zhusi scoffed at Jing Kan's confidence, revealing to her maid that she had already obtained their account books from Ruan Ling and knew their current poor sales. She then instructed her maid to delay Wei Junyi's return from Mount Liuhua, planning to ensure Jing Kan's defeat.
Later, Guiwei observed Ai Sixi's growing affection for Jing Kan, noting her concern for him and her increasingly familiar way of referring to him. Ai Sixi admitted to Guiwei that she hadn't lived there long but felt reluctant to leave. Just then, Old Yu, a man Ai Sixi had once helped, arrived with urgent news.
He informed her that officials were actively searching for Jin Buhuan again, as previous arrests had failed to capture the culprit responsible for Landlord Song's death, which Ai Sixi was implicated in. Yu urged her to flee, having arranged a carriage to Suzhou in three days' time. Ai Sixi confirmed her awareness of the situation and her reluctance to leave the Jing family.
That night, while sharing red bean rice cake soup with Jing Kan, Ai Sixi, masking her impending departure, spoke cryptically about the future. They reminisced about their playful arguments, like when she "tricked" him into painting and how he "begged" her to marry him in jail, recalling the time he hit an advisor that landed him in prison. Ai Sixi then advised Jing Kan not to be burdened by past resentments, particularly concerning his mother, and to look forward.
Jing Kan, in turn, reflected that knowing Ai Sixi had made him realize that hiding things makes them more obvious, and it's better to live an honest life like hers, without pretense, leading to a more grounded existence. Ai Sixi remarked that his family, despite Luo Zhusi's annoying presence, was truly good. She emphasized the preciousness of family bonds, wondering aloud how much fate it takes to become a family, using their conversation as a veiled farewell.
Ai Sixi also instructed Guiwei to help Jing Kan with the tea shop bet, reiterating her belief that no one stays with anyone forever and that "except for death, nothing in life is a big deal." The next day, Ai Sixi picked out things for Jing Kan and again confirmed to Guiwei that she would not tell Jing Kan about her departure.
