Oh My Lord Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Oh My Lord Synopsis
Bai Li, who is suspicious and has a great ability to make decisions, is known as “Lord Qiansui”, who meets Chen Youyou, a clever and cute girl from Fuxian City.
In order to save her father’s life, Chen Youyou is forced to marry Bai Li, the eunuch who is highly relied upon by the city lord.
From the initial attack and defense to the final warmth of each other, they are breaking the barriers with their hearts and staging a laughable love story in Fuxian City.
Oh My Lord Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Lord Qiansui, Bai Li, visited the House of Respectful Affairs for a body examination. Eunuch Li mentioned that the annual examinations were previously supervised by Eunuch Wang, Wang Renhou, but Bai Li hadn't undergone one at the House of Respectful Affairs for many years since Wang Renhou's passing and Bai Li's departure from the palace. Eunuch Li then changed his tone, insinuating that if the examination were to stop, Bai Li’s ongoing investigation should also cease.
Bai Li quickly realized that Eunuch Li was attempting to extort him for a secret letter. When Eunuch Li confirmed their shared understanding, Bai Li swiftly killed him. Just then, he heard a noise and discovered another person hiding in a box in the room. In Fuxian City, beauty reigns supreme, deeply intertwining with a person's status and opportunities. This leads everyone, rich or poor, to obsess over enhancing their appearance.
Lord Xian, the former top beauty of Fuxian City, was particularly aggrieved after Lord Qiansui, Bai Li, usurped his title. He swore to reclaim his position and frantically searched for the latest beauty trend: dirty peach rouge, which his butler could not find anywhere. Meanwhile, Chen Youyou and her assistant, Tiao, were skillfully marketing this very dirty peach rouge on the streets.
Chen Youyou had an ingenious business strategy: she would first create an illusion of scarcity, sparking widespread curiosity, and then release her product to a frenzied public, ensuring massive profits. Her father, Chen Pingzhi, admired her entrepreneurial spirit as they discussed their earnings. As they conversed, a small eunuch rushed past and collided with Chen Youyou. She grabbed him, demanding accountability, but the eunuch lunged at her.
Bai Li, who was passing by with his entourage, intervened, disarming the eunuch and seizing a secret letter from him – evidence of Eunuch Li’s embezzlement and murder of a disaster relief agent. Unbeknownst to Chen Youyou, her father, Chen Pingzhi, had secretly added a powerful spice to the rouge to enhance its scent. When Lord Xian used it, his face broke out in a severe allergic reaction, ruining his highly prized complexion.
Enraged, he had Chen Youyou, Chen Pingzhi, and Tiao arrested. Lord Xian then devised a plan: he would send a painter hidden in a box into the House of Respectful Affairs to secretly sketch Bai Li's body examination. This drawing would then be widely circulated throughout the city to expose Bai Li as a eunuch and discredit his status as Fuxian City’s most handsome man.
However, Chen Youyou managed to escape and, by sheer accident, hid in the very same box intended for the painter. She was inadvertently transported back to the House of Respectful Affairs and, from her hiding spot, witnessed Bai Li killing Eunuch Li. When Bai Li discovered her, she frantically screamed "Assassin!" to draw attention, then quickly concocted a story.
She tearfully claimed she had merely been a devoted admirer of Lord Qiansui, risking her life to sneak into the House of Respectful Affairs just for a glimpse of him, and had witnessed an attempted assassination on his life, which Bai Li bravely thwarted. Her quick thinking confused the situation, making it difficult for Bai Li to simply dismiss her as a suspicious intruder. The Castellan, Qi Yun, summoned both Bai Li and Chen Youyou.
During the meeting, Lord Xian (the Castellan's uncle), with his damaged face, seized a new opportunity to undermine Bai Li. He suggested that given Chen Youyou's purported deep admiration and Bai Li's busy life without a caregiver, a "duishi" (companion for eunuchs) marriage between them would be a "beautiful story" and a perfect solution. The Castellan, seemingly convinced by Chen Youyou's performance and Lord Xian's persuasive words, immediately approved the union.
Lord Xian secretly threatened Chen Youyou with her father Chen Pingzhi's life, forcing her to stay by Bai Li's side to gather information. Reluctantly, Bai Li had no choice but to accept the Castellan's arrangement. He unceremoniously carried Chen Youyou, still in her wedding attire, to his mansion.
His personal guard, Gu Tianhe, had prepared a festive wedding celebration, misunderstanding Bai Li's true feelings, but Bai Li was clearly displeased by the elaborate display, even ordering Gu Tianhe to be punished. According to Fuxian City customs, the newlyweds had to sit opposite each other and share a bowl of noodles, a ritual meant to symbolize their eternal love. Chen Youyou internally resolved not to be the first to eat, fearing it would make her submissive for life.
Neither wanted to be seen as submissive by eating first, but the matchmaker insisted that the ceremony wouldn't be complete until the noodles were finished. As they begrudgingly ate, Chen Youyou leaned in too far and accidentally brushed Bai Li's lips, startling her. After the awkward meal, the ceremony was deemed complete, and they were sent to the bridal chamber.
In the bridal chamber, a maidservant offered Chen Youyou unsettling advice about serving eunuchs, describing two types: those who, having lived long in the palace, might have "unmentionable fetishes" requiring physical endurance from their wives, and those who have "bodyguards" to handle intimate matters, leaving the wife only with daily chores. This terrifying information solidified Chen Youyou’s resolve to protect herself. As she armed herself with household items, Bai Li entered.
He picked up his pillow and, ignoring her dramatic display of self-defense, simply ordered her to sleep in the woodshed. Chen Youyou was delighted by this command and happily left for the woodshed.
Episode 2 Recap
The morning after her forced marriage to Lord Qiansui, Bai Li, Chen Youyou was found by her maid, Xiao Tiao. Xiao Tiao recounted being forcibly taken from Lord Xian's Mansion to serve as a wedding maid and expressed concern for Chen Youyou, who affirmed their mission to stay safe and rescue her father, Chen Pingzhi. Shortly after, Chen Youyou and Xiao Tiao observed Bai Li's personal guard, Gu Tianhe, accidentally bumping into Bai Li.
Witnessing their close interaction, Chen Youyou mistakenly concluded that Bai Li favored men, which unexpectedly made her feel more at ease about her situation. Meanwhile, Gu Tianhe reported to Bai Li on Chen Youyou's background as a wanderer before arriving in Fuxian City. Gu Tianhe expressed concern that Chen Youyou had witnessed Bai Li's true identity and the inner official's execution.
Bai Li, however, believed Chen Youyou's lie about the official being an assassin was a clever attempt to protect herself. He considered her intelligent and unlikely to act against him, but he still instructed Gu Tianhe to eliminate her if she made any moves that could threaten his plans. Later, Xiao Tiao delivered an apple from Lord Xian's butler to Chen Youyou.
This reminded Chen Youyou of Lord Xian's command to please Bai Li and covertly monitor his activities in exchange for her father's life. Despite Bai Li's highly guarded nature, Chen Youyou resolved to fulfill her duty. She found Bai Li and enthusiastically offered to help him undress, suggesting there was no need for formality between them as she merely wished to draw closer. Annoyed by her persistence, Bai Li curtly dismissed her.
When she continued to act brazenly, he resorted to an extreme measure: he pushed her onto the bed and claimed to have administered a potent poison. He explained that if she ever uttered a lie, her heart would race, and she would ultimately die from the poison consuming her heart. Chen Youyou initially scoffed at his threat but was shaken when Bai Li dared her to test its truth.
Believing herself poisoned, Chen Youyou desperately tried to expel the toxin by forcing herself to vomit. Gu Tianhe then approached her, offering a path to an antidote. He presented her with two options: sign a divorce agreement and leave Bai's Mansion, or endure a period of suffering to naturally expel the poison. Chen Youyou defiantly refused to divorce Bai Li and chose the latter.
Gu Tianhe instructed her to run laps around the city until a handkerchief she carried was completely soaked with sweat, explaining this was the only way to detoxify her body. As Chen Youyou ran, the townspeople openly pitied her, gossiping about her misfortune of marrying someone "not a real man." During her exhausting ordeal, she encountered Qi Shengwen, the Castellan's cousin, who was attempting to distribute free pastries. After much coaxing, Chen Youyou reluctantly sampled one.
She instinctively claimed it was delicious, but quickly realized she experienced no adverse reaction, confirming that Bai Li had merely tricked her. Enraged, Chen Youyou promptly hired a stand-in to continue her public penance. However, Gu Tianhe quickly uncovered her deception, much to the amusement of the guards who had been betting on the duration of her "suffering."
Back at the mansion, Chen Youyou attempted to exact revenge by preparing a batch of "poisoned" pastries for Bai Li, but Gu Tianhe once again exposed her plot. When she offered the pastries, Bai Li stated he preferred cold food and instead commanded her to stand in front of an archery target, holding the pastries, while he practiced.
Seeing her hesitation, Bai Li instructed Gu Tianhe to produce a divorce agreement, giving Chen Youyou a choice: serve as his target or leave Bai's Mansion immediately. Unable to abandon her mission, Chen Youyou dramatically declared her profound admiration for Bai Li, and reluctantly positioned herself as his target. Bai Li, without looking, shot arrows that landed perilously close to her, but she stood firm.
Later, Gu Tianhe mused that neither poison nor threats of physical harm had compelled Chen Youyou to reveal her intentions or leave, leading him to ponder if her feelings for Bai Li were genuine. Chen Youyou later reported to Lord Xian, who was highly amused by Bai Li's continued aloofness and her struggles to get close to him.
Lord Xian praised Chen Youyou's efforts but told her not to rush, assuring her of Chen Pingzhi's safety as long as she remained embedded within Bai Li's household. Determined, Chen Youyou began meticulously documenting Bai Li's schedule in a "Lord Qiansui's Daily Life Handbook," noting his 7 PM official duties and 9 PM martial arts practice. She attempted to foster intimacy by bringing him a late-night snack, which Bai Li refused, citing his habit of not eating at night.
Undeterred, she left the snack for him anyway. Frustrated by Bai Li's continued aloofness, Chen Youyou complained to the Castellan, exaggerating her distress of sleeping in the woodshed amidst various pests. More importantly, she emphasized that Bai Li's refusal to be intimate undermined the Castellan's intention for their marriage. Amused by her vivid tale, the Castellan sent Mrs. Zhao to Bai Li's Mansion to ensure Chen Youyou would share Bai Li's bedroom, thereby enforcing their marital cohabitation.
Proud of her success, Chen Youyou later encountered Qi Shengwen, the Castellan's cousin, who had been waiting for days to present her with a "Friendship Cake," a new pastry inspired by her previous suggestions. She encouraged Qi Shengwen despite his uncle's skepticism about his baking skills, and they cemented their friendship. With newfound access to Bai Li's bedroom, Chen Youyou was tasked with assisting him during his bath in Gu Tianhe's absence.
She narrowly avoided seeing his naked body, which momentarily startled her. To alleviate the awkwardness, she quickly excused herself to retrieve his clothes, and while doing so, discovered a razor among his belongings, noting its rather old-fashioned appearance.
Episode 3 Recap
Chen Youyou, intent on gathering more information, tried various ways to win over the unapproachable Bai Li, who gradually found himself developing feelings for her. One night, Chen Youyou boldly joined Bai Li in his bed. He initially resisted, citing his discomfort with sharing a bed, but Chen Youyou, aware of Nanny Zhao and others monitoring outside, insisted they maintain appearances. She even placed a pillow between them, assuring him she was not a restless sleeper.
However, Bai Li's annoyance grew. He eventually wrapped her in a blanket and put her on the floor, warning her against making further noise. Lying on the floor, Chen Youyou spoke in her sleep, expressing fear of the dark. Bai Li, observing her, was transported back to his own childhood. He dreamt of his master reassuring him not to be afraid and revealing a plan to protect him, emphasizing that his true identity as a boy must remain a secret.
Bai Li, now awake, observed Chen Youyou’s restless sleeping, noting her drooling and sleep-talking, which contradicted her earlier claim. A wave of softness washed over him, and he gently placed a pillow under her head before returning to his own sleep. The next morning, Chen Youyou, seeing the pillow, decided Bai Li had some conscience after all. Feeling grateful, she diligently mended a tear in his wrist guard, imagining his words of appreciation and her own playful responses.
She then joined him for breakfast, trying to brighten his mood. She noticed his stern expression and inquired if he was unhappy, but he simply told her to eat. She gently chided him for only eating porridge, and he offered a small smile, which she immediately pointed out. She playfully placed a decorative item on his head, encouraging him to smile more often as he looked kinder that way.
Their tender moment was interrupted by the arrival of Prince Xian, who came bearing provocative "newlywed gifts" for Bai Li, including a "Guanyin of Fertility" and a "deer's penis from Mount Changbai." Prince Xian's steward began reading elaborate, insulting wishes, clearly intended to mock Bai Li's status as an eunuch. Bai Li cut him off, prompting Prince Xian to introduce the items himself.
Chen Youyou, understanding Prince Xian’s malicious intent, quickly rallied the household to cheer for the gifts, effectively silencing Prince Xian's further taunts. She then knelt, humbly apologizing for any offense and appealing to Prince Xian to spare her for the Castellan’s sake. Bai Li, however, defended her, stating she had done nothing wrong and should not kneel. Prince Xian challenged him, implying Bai Li thought he was at fault.
Bai Li clarified that his wife was merely timid and startled by Prince Xian’s gaze. Chen Youyou, seizing the opportunity, declared they would graciously accept the gifts and use them to strengthen her and Bai Li’s relationship, ensuring they would not disappoint Prince Xian or the Castellan. Annoyed but unable to retort, Prince Xian left in a huff.
As he departed, a painter delivered a portrait depicting Bai Li and Chen Youyou as a loving couple, which further infuriated Prince Xian. However, he soon realized that their perceived marital bliss would actually benefit his own schemes, making Chen Youyou a more valuable pawn. He then instructed his subordinate to publicize their loving image throughout Fuxian City and advised Nanny Zhao to employ "extreme measures" to ensure the success of this unusual marriage.
Meanwhile, Chen Youyou instructed Xiao Tiao to pawn the valuable gifts, stating that cash was more practical. She offhandedly told Xiao Tiao to "dispose of" the medicinal tonics, deeming them worthless. General Gu, speaking to Bai Li, praised Chen Youyou’s meticulous care, noting she even sewed his wrist strap and defended him against Prince Xian. Bai Li dismissed it as merely what a couple should do, implying she had nothing better to do.
Bai Li gradually realized that since Chen Youyou's arrival, his formerly quiet manor had become infused with new life. General Gu then boldly suggested that Chen Youyou harbored deeper feelings, even "coveting his beauty." Bai Li, unamused, sent him off for punishment but recalled him to ask about an investigation into Eunuch Wang Renhou, who was now believed to be alive after sending a letter to a distant relative. Bai Li stressed the importance of any new information.
Chen Youyou, having successfully pawned the gifts, obtained a large sum of banknotes, which she planned to use as a surprise to cheer up Bai Li, who she believed was still fuming from Prince Xian's visit. While Bai Li was shaving, Chen Youyou excitedly burst in, ready to share her good news. Startled, he accidentally cut himself. Observing his injured chin, Chen Youyou mistakenly concluded he was "heaty" from anger.
As she tried to apply medicine, General Gu arrived, frantically reporting that Xiao Tiao had gone "crazy," causing a "mess" in the chicken coop due to the tonics Chen Youyou had instructed her to "dispose of." They all rushed to the scene, where Xiao Tiao was comically chasing hyperactive chickens. Amidst the chaos, Chen Youyou accidentally stumbled and fell into Bai Li's arms.
Later, Chen Youyou carefully applied medicine to Bai Li’s cut, apologizing for the commotion caused by the chickens and offering herself for punishment, as long as he didn’t resort to his previous violent methods. She then presented him with the banknotes from the pawned gifts, but Bai Li, surprisingly, told her to keep them, remarking they were "newlywed gifts." Delighted, Chen Youyou praised his kindness and beauty.
She then offered him a cup of bitter tea, convinced it would help with his "heatiness," pointing to the "bump" on his chin as proof. Bai Li then revealed a small, intricately carved wooden bed he had prepared for her, instructing her to sleep there from now on. Compared to her chaotic and tense start at the manor, Chen Youyou felt her life had become much easier.
Overjoyed, Chen Youyou called Bai Li to the rooftop, where she had chilled watermelon, a "secret recipe" passed down from her family. She offered him a piece, asking if it was sweet, and then shared her philosophy that life's worries could always be eased with something sweet. She recounted her impoverished childhood, when a taste of sweetness from her father taught her that anything was possible. She encouraged Bai Li not to get angry over "someone worthless."
Her words stirred Bai Li’s memories of his own childhood, when his master had disciplined him for sneaking food, teaching him that "only those who endure hardship will rise above others." Lost in thought, Chen Youyou noticed an eyelash on his face and excitedly urged him to make a wish, citing her father's belief in its efficacy. Bai Li found the idea childish, so Chen Youyou decided to make a wish for him, wishing him "happiness every day."
In her exuberance, she nearly tumbled off the roof, but Bai Li swiftly caught her, pulling her into an embrace. Flustered and embarrassed by the sudden intimacy, Chen Youyou quickly retreated to her room. Bai Li followed, playfully chiding her for not saying goodnight. She quickly mumbled "Good night" and pretended to sleep, but her mind raced, replaying the embrace and questioning her burgeoning feelings for him, knowing he was a Grand Eunuch.
The next morning, Chen Youyou began sweeping the courtyard, causing Bai Li to sneeze repeatedly. General Gu advised her to clean when Bai Li was absent, as he was allergic to dust. Despite his discomfort, Bai Li did not express anger. Soon after, Jiang Bihan arrived with a "sweet soup to clear your lungs," attempting to gain Bai Li’s favor, but he politely dismissed her, citing official duties. While Bai Li was out, Chen Youyou decided to clean his room.
She discovered a hidden compartment and, upon opening it, found three nameless memorial tablets. Unaware of their significance, she expressed apologies for inadvertently disturbing them and began to wipe away the dust. At that moment, Bai Li returned. Furious at her intrusion, he yelled at her, accusing her of being "sneaky" and searching his belongings.
Chen Youyou tried to explain she was only cleaning, but Bai Li cut her off, ordering her out of his room and forbidding her to ever enter it again. Despite her protests and attempts to use Nanny Zhao as an excuse, he remained unyielding, leaving Chen Youyou feeling deeply wronged. This incident alarmed Bai Li, causing a misunderstanding and an argument.
Shortly after, a messenger arrived with an invitation from the City Lord, requesting Bai Li’s presence at a banquet, along with his family. Bai Li was left in a difficult position, especially since Chen Youyou had just stormed out. He discussed the predicament with General Gu, emphasizing that their long-standing plans could not be jeopardized. He pondered whether Chen Youyou, with her growing proximity, might uncover their secrets and whether it was wise to keep her by his side. Yet, he also wondered, if not with him, where else could she possibly go?
Episode 4 Recap
Chen Youyou accompanied Bai Li to a gathering hosted by the City Lord. Whispers quickly spread among the noble ladies, remarking on Chen Youyou's presence. They approached her, feigning compliments on her appearance, then quickly shifted to taunt her for being merely a "nominal couple" with a eunuch.
Unfazed, Chen Youyou cleverly retorted, highlighting the superficiality of their own "extended and luxurious families" where wives might have to queue for dinner with their husbands, unlike her "small family" where she could share meals freely. The ladies, calling her a "poor hoyden" who had "married up," accused Bai Li of using his position as the Castellan's Eunuch Mastering the Seal for personal gain, specifically for Chen Youyou's custom-made pink dress, claiming he was not performing his duties.
Chen Youyou fiercely defended Bai Li's diligence and integrity. Seeing the tension, Bai Li appeared, and Chen Youyou playfully acted clingy, asking him to recommend her dressmaker to the other ladies. Bai Li subtly pulled her away, instructing her to stay put. Later, during the banquet, the City Lord requested Bai Li to perform a sword dance. Some guests mocked the sight of a eunuch dancing, suggesting he was trying to prove his "manliness."
During his performance, Bai Li's neck scarf accidentally slipped, revealing his Adam's Apple. The crowd instantly erupted in shocked whispers, remembering a previous unfinished examination of Bai Li and now demanding a re-examination, questioning how a eunuch could possess such a feature. Chen Youyou quickly stepped forward, bravely declaring that it was not an Adam's Apple but a "laryngeal disease" caused by Bai Li's years of "serving the City Lord year-round" and "excessive exhaustion."
She asserted it was a "sign of his loyal assistance" and that he remained "reticent" to avoid bothering the City Lord with trifles. Qi Shengwen voiced his disbelief, but an Imperial physician confirmed the existence of such a disease, prompting the City Lord to put an end to the questioning. Chen Youyou silently acknowledged that her past experiences "journeyed north and south" with Chen Pingzhi had broadened her knowledge of various rare illnesses, allowing her to assist Bai Li.
That night, Madam Zhao, intent on reconciling Bai Li and Chen Youyou, prepared a special sweet soup for Chen Youyou and burned ambergris in the room, believing "it's easy for a girl to pursue a man." Chen Youyou initially resisted, grumbling about Bai Li's "short fuse," but eventually drank the soup. Soon after, she started feeling unusually hot.
Unbeknownst to Madam Zhao, Gu Tianhe, misinterpreting Bai Li's instructions (perhaps from an earlier conversation about getting Chen Youyou to leave due to their argument), entered and informed Chen Youyou that he was ordered to "send her away." He then knocked her unconscious and placed her in a carriage to take her out of the city. However, due to the bumpy road, Chen Youyou accidentally fell out of the moving carriage into a haystack, unnoticed by Gu Tianhe.
When Bai Li returned and found Chen Youyou's room empty, Madam Zhao admitted to giving Chen Youyou a "drug" to facilitate their reconciliation, but was under the impression Chen Youyou was still in the room. Bai Li realized Gu Tianhe had misunderstood and acted upon his earlier, unrevoked order. Furious, Bai Li raced after Gu Tianhe's carriage but found it empty.
He threatened Gu Tianhe, ordering him to find Chen Youyou or never return to the mansion, before setting out alone on horseback to search for her. Gu Tianhe, distraught, wondered if he had "misread him again." Meanwhile, Chen Youyou regained consciousness in the haystack and was found by Qi Shengwen, who brought her back to his Bamboo House.
Still disoriented from the soup and the fall, Chen Youyou recounted being "kicked out" and feeling "pissed off" despite risking herself to help Bai Li earlier. Qi Shengwen noticed her flushed face and asked if she was "allergic" to the "sweet soup." Feeling increasingly agitated, Chen Youyou tried to leave, but Bai Li arrived. She confronted him, accusing him of driving her away, while Qi Shengwen intervened, asserting Chen Youyou did not want to leave with Bai Li.
Bai Li firmly declared, "She is my wife," and warned Qi Shengwen to "behave yourself." He then forcefully carried Chen Youyou away. As she struggled, Chen Youyou angrily accused him of ordering Gu Tianhe to "hit my head" and causing her to fall from the carriage, almost dying. Overwhelmed by the drug's effects, she became increasingly affectionate, touching Bai Li and noting his wildly beating heart, confessing her own heart was racing too.
They shared a brief, intimate "finger kiss" before a passing guard, witnessing the scene, quickly hurried away, pretending to have "not seen anything." As Bai Li carried Chen Youyou back to the mansion, Jiang Bihan and her maid observed their intimate moment, with Jiang Bihan expressing confusion as to why they were "so intimate now" after Chen Youyou had seemingly "riled Lord Bai" earlier.
Back at Bai's Mansion, Gu Tianhe reported that the Imperial physician confirmed Chen Youyou was physically "okay." Bai Li, hoping Chen Youyou might have spoken of him, was disappointed when Gu Tianhe said she hadn't. Later, in her room, Chen Youyou, still wary of Madam Zhao, expressed reluctance to leave, fearing another dose of "sweet soup."
Bai Li reassured her that the "drug's effect" had worn off and, seeing her feign illness to avoid him, gently convinced her to stay, offering a quilt and noting the coldness of the woodshed. Chen Youyou, seizing the opportunity, set three conditions for staying: no more threats, no more expelling, and no more tantrums. Bai Li agreed to all. To her surprise, when she boldly demanded to sleep on the bed while he slept elsewhere, he also agreed.
She then muttered to herself, "Don't think I will forgive you so easily." The next morning, Gu Tianhe informed Bai Li that Madam Zhao had "packed up and left Bai's Mansion in the early morning." Soon after, Qi Shengwen arrived, revealing that he had dismissed Madam Zhao for "putting Chen Youyou at risk" and warned Bai Li that "if anyone dares to bully" Chen Youyou, he "will surely teach him a lesson."
Bai Li hinted that Qi Shengwen might not know who truly invited Madam Zhao, suggesting Chen Youyou might be to blame. However, Qi Shengwen dismissed Bai Li's "housework" and reaffirmed his loyalty to Chen Youyou as a friend, vowing to protect her. Qi Shengwen then invited Chen Youyou to his Bamboo House to make new pastries, aiming to cheer her up.
Bai Li tried to stop her with flimsy excuses, like asking if the front yard had been cleaned, but Chen Youyou quickly countered them. She instructed her maid to move her belongings to the wing-room, asserting her decision to leave the main quarters. As she left with Qi Shengwen, Chen Youyou, feeling liberated, openly vented her frustrations about Bai Li, calling him "cruel as a wolf," "welshed on his promise," "retaliated with ingratitude," and one who "put on sanctified airs."
Qi Shengwen encouraged her to express her feelings freely and assured her she could always find refuge at his Bamboo House. Together, they gathered "wild ginger" in the forest, and Qi Shengwen, despite telling a bad joke, shared his knowledge of its medicinal properties and poetic significance. He praised Chen Youyou's practical wisdom, asserting that her experiences and travels were as valuable as any book. Feeling truly appreciated, Chen Youyou enthusiastically suggested incorporating the wild ginger into new snacks.
Later, Jiang Bihan visited Chen Youyou, bringing a "nutritious soup" made from "precious herbs that his Lord gave me before." Feigning concern about Chen Youyou's reputation after being left in the wilderness, Jiang Bihan subtly tried to assert her claim over Bai Li. Chen Youyou, seeing through the facade, offered Jiang Bihan green tea, advising her not to "backbite."
Jiang Bihan continued to imply her importance to Bai Li, stating she had "known his Lord for years" and "weighed with him," offering her assistance in the future. She then recounted her past, how her family fell due to villainous plots, and how Bai Li rescued her, claiming she understood his "regard" but that an "unbridgeable gap" lay between them. Chen Youyou misinterpreted this "gap" as a reference to Gu Tianhe, thinking Bai Li had feelings for him.
Jiang Bihan quickly clarified that Gu Tianhe was "nothing but a guard" and that Bai Li had even tried to arrange a blind date for him the previous year, which Gu Tianhe clumsily ruined. This revelation finally made Chen Youyou realize her previous misunderstanding about Bai Li's affections.
Episode 5 Recap
Chen Youyou received a message, delivered by an apple, reminding her of her difficult position. She lamented that Lord Xian would make her father suffer, but if she didn't cooperate with Bai Li, Bai Li himself would make things difficult for her. She felt like she was an undercover agent unsure if she should continue her mission.
Later that evening, Gu Tianhe reported to Bai Li that all of Eunuch Li's accomplices in the embezzlement case had been arrested and sent to the imperial prison. Bai Li instructed him to interrogate them thoroughly and show no mercy. Bai Li then asked the time, realizing it was 5:45 PM and Chen Youyou had not returned. Gu Tianhe mentioned she had briefly come back to the mansion before going out again, wondering if she was with His Royal Highness.
Bai Li feigned indifference, stating she could go wherever she pleased. However, when Xiao Tiao arrived, relaying Chen Youyou's invitation to the Lake Pavilion, Bai Li immediately rushed out. At the Lake Pavilion, Chen Youyou apologized to Bai Li for moving the spirit tablets without his permission. To show her sincerity, she had prepared river lanterns to pray for his ancestors.
She shared that her own mother died young, leaving her feeling like a child without a home, not even knowing where to commemorate her. She had learned that lighting river lanterns could bring blessings to her mother, and now she hoped these lanterns could similarly bring happiness and peace to Bai Li's ancestors. Bai Li was touched and thanked her, signaling their reconciliation. Chen Youyou, seeking to understand him better, then asked if he liked Miss Jiang.
Bai Li explained that Miss Jiang’s father had been a benefactor to the Bai family, and he was merely repaying a debt by housing her. He then turned the question to Chen Youyou, asking who she had been spending her time with lately. She admitted to being with His Royal Highness, quickly adding that she was only helping him with his cooking passion.
Bai Li, visibly jealous, reminded her that Bai's Mansion was her home and she shouldn't always be out when she was free. As Bai Li walked away, Chen Youyou tried to ask more questions, but he cut her off, saying only one question per day was allowed. She worried about accidentally angering him again if she couldn't understand him better.
That night, Bai Li was tormented by thoughts of Chen Youyou and His Royal Highness, even having a vivid fantasy of kissing her while eating noodles, which made him physically recoil. When Chen Youyou later brought him a bowl of fragrant noodles, he claimed not to be hungry, his face flushed. The next morning, Gu Tianhe informed Bai Li that the kitchen had prepared soup noodles, a mid-summer tradition to cool the body.
Bai Li abruptly declared that no one in Bai's Mansion was allowed to eat noodles anymore, ordering them to be taken away. Xiao Tiao had to snatch Chen Youyou's noodles, explaining that defying the order would lead to expulsion. Chen Youyou, left hungry, questioned Bai Li's strange behavior, noting his displeasure at her making noodles the night before.
Other staff in the mansion also wondered about Bai Li's sudden ban, with one person speculating it had something to do with Chen Youyou. Chen Youyou, still hungry, went to His Royal Highness Qi Shengwen to eat. Meanwhile, Madam De was discussing the imperial palace renovation with Lord Xian and Bai Li. Madam De was extremely difficult to please, finding all proposals for the palace's beauty ordinary and spiritless.
Lord Xian tried to make Bai Li look bad by highlighting his late arrival. However, Bai Li explained his tardiness was due to searching for rare twin lotus flowers, also known as hibiscuses with the same heart, symbolizing eternal devotion. He suggested these flowers would allow Madam De to send her thoughts to the late castellan, who the palace was being renovated for. Madam De was impressed by his thoughtful idea and granted Bai Li full responsibility for the renovation.
Despite her initial satisfaction, Madam De later secluded herself in her room, eating in unhappiness as she reminisced about the castellan. After enjoying pastries with His Royal Highness Qi Shengwen, Chen Youyou received another apple, a clear summons from Lord Xian. She immediately went to him. Lord Xian was having a portrait painted, complaining about Bai Li causing him annoyance and upstaging him.
He commanded Chen Youyou to perform a task: sabotage Bai Li's renovation plan by breaking the twin lotus flowers. He threatened that if she failed, it would not be the lotus flower that broke, but her father Chen Pingzhi's head. Chen Youyou was horrified and agreed, knowing Lord Xian was holding her father captive. That evening, Bai Li tried to offer her supper, but Chen Youyou was too distraught, internally lamenting her predicament.
She was torn between her loyalty to Bai Li and her father's life, anguishing over having to ruin Bai Li's efforts. She worried that if she broke the lotus, Madam De would blame Bai Li. The apple she received earlier now only had half a piece left, symbolizing her dwindling time. The next morning, Bai Li set out to retrieve the twin lotus flowers but was diverted by a report of trouble at the imperial palace.
He decided to deal with the disturbance first, planning to collect the lotus later. Chen Youyou saw her chance and attempted to sneak in. At the palace, Chen Pingzhi was indeed causing the disturbance, feigning a broken leg and demanding to see Madam De, accusing Lord Qiansui (Bai Li) of risking workers' lives for speed. Gu Tianhe arrived and threatened to chop off his "broken" leg, which quickly made Chen Pingzhi stand up and resume work.
Chen Youyou managed to get close to the lotus pond. However, she found herself unable to harm the flowers, feeling guilty about ruining Bai Li's efforts. She struggled with the dilemma between her father's life and Bai Li's success. As she was still agonizing over what to do, Bai Li and Gu Tianhe returned. Gu Tianhe startled her, causing her to accidentally break one of Madam De's beloved twin lotus flowers.
Gu Tianhe immediately interrogated her, but Chen Youyou, panicking, claimed she was only trying to gather lotus seeds to make lotus seed soup for Bai Li. With the twin lotus flowers now damaged and Madam De's inspection just an hour away, Bai Li was left in a desperate situation, needing to find a solution to complete Madam De's task.
Episode 6 Recap
Madam De, anticipating the unveiling of the twin lotus flowers, recited a poem about their beauty and urged Bai Li to reveal them. To her surprise, Bai Li presented a tank filled with Koi fish, a solution devised by Chen Youyou to mitigate the earlier damage to the real lotus flowers. Her attendants were indignant, demanding to know why there were fish instead of the promised lotus flowers.
However, Bai Li calmly explained that while real flowers wither, he had prepared "never-withering twin lotus flowers" which symbolized eternal beauty. He described how the green leaves and Koi fish in the tank represented auspiciousness and would bring spiritual energy to the imperial palace. He further suggested that Madam De could personally cultivate real twin lotus flower seeds to show her devotion to the late castellan, implying that her sincere effort would yield results.
Madam De was greatly pleased by this ingenuity and accepted his explanation, ordering him to fill the palace grounds with these unique lotus tanks for the upcoming beam raising ceremony. Meanwhile, Lord Xian was enraged that Bai Li had so easily appeased Madam De with a few fish tanks. He sent his butler to Chen Youyou, issuing a grave threat: if Bai Li attended Madam De's imperial palace the next day, Chen Pingzhi's life would be forfeit.
Chen Youyou was distressed, realizing she needed to prevent Bai Li from appearing at the ceremony. Soon after, Jiang Bihan approached Chen Youyou, offering flower tea. Chen Youyou, weary from the lotus ordeal, politely declined, citing a weak stomach. Jiang Bihan expressed disappointment, mentioning that Bai Li had also refused her soup noodles that morning, and wondered if she had done something wrong. Chen Youyou reassured her that Bai Li simply didn't want her to overwork.
Taking the opportunity, Chen Youyou then flattered Jiang Bihan and inquired about Bai Li's preferences. Jiang Bihan claimed that Bai Li particularly enjoyed drinking liquor. Chen Youyou, with her maid, cleverly deduced that Jiang Bihan was likely saying the opposite, meaning Bai Li probably had a low tolerance for alcohol. This gave Chen Youyou an idea to get him drunk.
Later that evening, Bai Li found a note inviting him to a small gathering in the courtyard to apologize for recent troubles. He arrived at the Wind Booth to find Chen Youyou had prepared roasted meat and wine. She toasted him, announcing that it was their "100th-day wedding anniversary," a fact that surprised Bai Li. She then presented him with a handmade gift, a soft, furry object, claiming it was for comfort and cleaning.
Just as she explained its uses, a servant rushed in with alarming news: Bai Li's beloved Ferghana horses had inexplicably gone bald. Bai Li, distraught, immediately left to investigate. Chen Youyou quickly brought him back, insisting they continue their celebration. She enthusiastically explained her unique method of roasting meat on a stone slab. As she plied him with wine, toasting to his success and future endeavors, Bai Li happily drank. Chen Youyou, however, became increasingly intoxicated.
She openly admired Bai Li's handsome appearance and tried to demonstrate a "proper" way to eat the roasted meat. Ultimately, Chen Youyou herself became completely drunk. Swaying unsteadily, Chen Youyou stumbled and fell into Bai Li's arms. She tearfully apologized for causing him trouble, claiming it wasn't intentional. Bai Li, misunderstanding her distress, thought she was still upset about the twin lotus flowers and gently assured her he didn't blame her.
Chen Youyou then poured out her frustrations, recounting past instances where she felt mistreated by him, including being shot with arrows and poisoned. Deeply moved, Bai Li promised to change and allow her to "be herself" in his presence. Drunkenly, Chen Youyou demanded that he confess his feelings and declare her as his. She then forcibly kissed him, and afterward, playfully slapped him, declaring it as "repayment" for his past advances.
Despite her erratic behavior, Bai Li was captivated and passionately kissed her back, lost in the moment. Unbeknownst to them, Jiang Bihan happened to pass by, witnessing their intimate embrace, and fled in jealousy. This drunken outburst also inadvertently exposed Chen Youyou's identity as Lord Xian's spy to Bai Li. Shortly after, Gu Tianhe, returning from tending to the bald horses, encountered Lord Xian's butler acting suspiciously at the back gate. The butler dropped a box and quickly vanished.
Gu Tianhe brought the box to Bai Li. Upon hearing "Lord Xian's butler," Chen Youyou instinctively grabbed the box. Inside, she found only an apple core, a stark reminder of Lord Xian's threat against her father, Chen Pingzhi. She burst into tears, realizing her attempt to incapacitate Bai Li had failed. In her drunken state, she begged Bai Li to drink more, believing it would somehow "save the apple," and by extension, her father.
The next morning, Xiao Tiao woke Chen Youyou, who realized with a jolt that it was already 9:00 AM and she had failed to complete Lord Xian's task. Xiao Tiao mentioned that Bai Li had looked quite angry when he carried Chen Youyou back the previous night. Panicked, Chen Youyou rushed to Bai Li's room, desperately searching for a solution. She discovered a Secret Letter on his bed.
She considered taking the letter to Lord Xian, hoping it would appease him and buy her father some time, believing Bai Li would understand the dire circumstances. Bai Li and Gu Tianhe observed Chen Youyou as she made her way to Lord Xian's Palace, further confirming their suspicions of her being a spy.
Gu Tianhe urged Bai Li to take action against her, but Bai Li, despite his shock at her betrayal, realized his deep feelings for her prevented him from harming her, resolving instead to secretly protect her. To their confusion, Chen Youyou hesitated outside the palace gates, pacing back and forth but not entering. Torn by her conscience, Chen Youyou ultimately decided not to betray Bai Li and returned the Secret Letter.
Desperate, she then secretly sought out Lord Xian to plead for an alternative way to save Chen Pingzhi. Lord Xian, threatening to "mince" Chen Pingzhi, forced Chen Youyou to agree to sabotage Bai Li's renovation project within three days, ensuring he would not complete the imperial palace on schedule.
Episode 7 Recap
Chen Youyou found herself in a desperate situation after another setback. She decided to risk everything by sneaking into the imperial palace to rescue Chen Pingzhi. While there, she unexpectedly witnessed Bai Li being reprimanded by Madam De for his failure to produce a satisfactory gown. Driven by a desire to protect him, Chen Youyou took on the daunting task of creating the gown for Madam De herself.
Earlier, Chen Youyou had gone to the imperial palace and met Qi Zhengwen, sharing her frustrations about living in Bai Li's mansion. She complained about Bai Li, mentioning how he almost "ate her" for breaking his twin lotus flowers. Qi Zhengwen expressed concern for her difficult situation and gave her a token to facilitate her entry and exit from the palace.
Chen Youyou immediately thought of using this token to help her father, quickly dismissing Qi Zhengwen's offer to show her around so she could focus on her plan. Meanwhile, Gu Tianhe reported to Bai Li about Chen Youyou's activities. Bai Li, impatiently asked why she was constantly busy with other things. Gu Tianhe clarified that he was merely following Bai Li's orders to monitor her.
He then informed Bai Li that Chen Youyou had been with His Royal Highness Qi Zhengwen at Madam De's imperial palace. Infuriated, Bai Li ordered Gu Tianhe to leave. Upon Chen Youyou's return, Bai Li, clearly upset and jealous, confronted her about her whereabouts. He suggested that as a member of his mansion, she should be mindful of her identity and not wander off.
Chen Youyou, annoyed by his sudden concern, claimed she needed "personal space" and that he was too busy to need her. Bai Li, refusing to admit his true feelings, merely stated he was hungry and demanded she prepare dinner, despite it being only afternoon. Realizing his request was a thinly veiled act of spite due to his jealousy, Chen Youyou decided to retaliate.
With the help of Xiao Tiao, she prepared a "vinegar banquet," including dishes like radishes in vinegar, East lake fish in vinegar gravy, walnuts in vinegar, old vinegar tea-scented ribs, and vinegar-scented pork knuckle slices, hoping the excessive sourness would spite Bai Li. Bai Li found the dishes overwhelmingly sour and tried to get her to eat, but Chen Youyou, feigning disinterest, insisted she was not hungry and just wanted to watch him dine.
After dinner, Chen Youyou used the token given by Qi Zhengwen to sneak back into the imperial palace to map out a rescue plan for Chen Pingzhi. She found her father, who remarked on her apparent ease of access to the palace, suggesting she was doing well in Bai Li's mansion. Chen Youyou quickly reminded him of her forced marriage and urged him to focus on saving his own life.
She handed him a map she had drawn, instructing him to study it and prepare to escape in three days, promising she would be there to help him. As she was leaving, Chen Youyou overheard Madam De berating Bai Li for failing to produce a satisfactory gown for the upcoming memorial anniversary. Madam De threatened him with flogging if he couldn't deliver by the deadline. Chen Youyou accidentally made a noise, attracting Madam De's attention.
Madam De grew angry at Chen Youyou for trespassing. Bai Li quickly intervened, claiming Chen Youyou was new to the palace and he was responsible for her lack of etiquette. However, Chen Youyou stepped forward, declaring her expertise in needlework and confidently promising to create a gown that would satisfy Madam De within two days.
Madam De, intrigued by her bold claim, agreed to the proposal but warned that if the gown was not to her liking, both Chen Youyou and Bai Li would face severe punishment. Afterward, Bai Li angrily grabbed Chen Youyou, chastising her for her reckless behavior. He explained that Madam De was a woman of unwavering principles, the beloved wife of the former castellan, and the most influential figure in Fuxian City.
He stressed that many tailors had already been brutally punished for failing to meet her expectations regarding the gown. Chen Youyou defended herself, saying she only intervened to save him from punishment and was confident she could satisfy Madam De. Back at Bai Li's mansion, Chen Youyou presented her design for the gown, but Bai Li showed her a large collection of designs that had already been rejected by Madam De.
He explained that directly asking Madam De about her preferences could lead to severe punishment, as a maid had discovered. Bai Li then revealed that Madam De's personality changed dramatically after the former castellan's death. She resorted to overeating to cope with her grief, which led to her current appearance and even the cancellation of Fuxian City's "most beautiful women" ranking list. Chen Youyou sympathized with Madam De's sorrow.
She then consulted Qi Zhengwen for ideas, but he admitted he didn't know Madam De's preferences. Bai Li, observing their close interaction, felt a pang of jealousy. Qi Zhengwen, however, offhandedly mentioned that the former castellan always knew what his aunt liked. This comment sparked an idea in Chen Youyou. Chen Youyou requested Bai Li's help to visit the Castellan's Palace to research.
In the Book Collection House, they discovered records indicating that the former castellan died young in Fuxian City in 195, during a time of peace, raising questions about the cause. Bai Li disclosed that the former castellan was poisoned by Imperial Physician Su, and he vowed to investigate the truth. They continued their research and found a touching account of the former castellan's wedding to Madam De in 185.
The record detailed his promise to make a gown for Madam De with his own hands and bestow a palace upon her on each of their significant wedding anniversaries, such as the Tin Wedding, China Wedding, Jade Wedding, Ruby Wedding, and Golden Wedding. Chen Youyou realized the profound emotional significance of these handmade gowns; by wearing such a garment, Madam De would feel surrounded by her late husband's love and care.
This discovery provided her with the perfect inspiration for her design. With a clear vision, Chen Youyou began diligently working on the gown. Bai Li, showing an unusual level of care, stayed by her side, even making her fruit porridge, which astonished his subordinates, Gu Tianhe and Xiao Tiao. Xiao Tiao remarked on Bai Li's uncharacteristic behavior and advised Gu Tianhe not to interfere. Bai Li tenderly removed a loose thread from Chen Youyou's hair, a moment of quiet intimacy.
Once the gown was sewn, Chen Youyou asked Bai Li to try it on to ensure it would fit Madam De, reasoning that his slightly taller stature made him a suitable stand-in. Bai Li reluctantly donned the elaborate woman's gown, looking awkward and struggling with movement. Chen Youyou playfully teased him, complimenting his beauty in the female attire. Mortified, Bai Li demanded she take it off, but Chen Youyou, finding his predicament amusing, playfully ran around the room, leading to a lighthearted chase and struggle between them.
Episode 8 Recap
Chen Youyou and Bai Li presented the exquisite golden silk wide-sleeved fairy gown with mandarin ducks to Madam De. To make the gift more meaningful, they staged a shadow play depicting the former castellan appearing in Madam De's dream, reminiscing about their love and presenting the gown as a "second decade" anniversary gift. Madam De was visibly moved, reminiscing about her late husband.
While she admired the gown, she expressed that her changed appearance made her feel undeserving of such a beautiful garment. Chen Youyou reassured her, stating that true love transcends changes in physical form and that the former castellan would not mind. Convinced, Madam De agreed to try on the gown. After trying on the gown, Madam De was highly pleased. She then inquired if Chen Youyou had been trying to gain her favor to ask for a reward.
Seizing this opportunity, Chen Youyou explained that her own past hardships made her deeply empathize with the construction workers at the imperial palace. She humbly requested Madam De to show compassion by releasing Chen Pingzhi. However, Bai Li promptly interrupted, claiming he too had intended to report on the palace's renovation. He subtly diverted Chen Youyou's request, proposing instead that the imperial kitchen prepare better meals for the workers and grant them an additional two hours of rest time.
Madam De, believing both to be kindhearted, approved Bai Li's suggestions, instructing him to ensure they were carried out without delaying the project. Enraged by Bai Li's interference, Chen Youyou confronted him outside, accusing him of intentionally sabotaging her efforts to save her father. Bai Li, in turn, provocatively admitted to enjoying achievements and honors. Frustrated, Chen Youyou locked herself in her room, contemplating asking Bai Li for help, but ultimately dismissing the idea.
She believed he was insincere and would never assist a "spy" like her. She resolved to stick to her original plan to rescue her father independently. When Chen Youyou went to the construction site to rescue Chen Pingzhi, she overheard workers discussing a tragic accident. They claimed that Chen Pingzhi, who had led recent protests, had been crushed to death by a collapsing wall in a staged accident orchestrated by Lord Qiansui, leaving his body incomplete.
Heartbroken, Chen Youyou rushed to the site, desperate to see her father, but soldiers blocked her entry, citing Lord Qiansui's strict orders. Bai Li then appeared, trying to guide her away and suggesting they discuss the matter at home. Realizing Bai Li knew both Chen Pingzhi was her father and her true identity as a spy for Lord Xian, Chen Youyou accused him of intentionally causing her father’s death.
She reminded him of his past cruel actions toward her, questioning if he had ever shown her any genuine affection. When Bai Li asked if she truly saw him as a cold-blooded and ruthless person, Chen Youyou, overcome with grief, called herself a fool for ever hoping to be special in his eyes. She lashed out, claiming that all their shared precious moments, like the river lanterns and puppets, were nothing but pretense.
She tearfully demanded to know if he had ever been sincere. After a long, painful silence, Bai Li uttered a single word: "No." Devastated, Chen Youyou immediately signed the divorce agreement, declaring their relationship severed, and accidentally stabbed Bai Li before storming out of Bai's Mansion. Chen Youyou then attempted to enter the mortuary to see her father’s body, but she was once again denied entry without Lord Qiansui’s permission.
She left, clutching painful memories of her father’s past encouragements, like his words to always eat something sweet to conquer bitterness and to remember that as long as one is alive, there's always a chance to turn things around and live on. Meanwhile, Bai Li was severely punished for his supervisory negligence, receiving a flogging and a three-year suspension of his salary, and was ordered to compensate the victims' families. Lord Xian, Qi Zheng, secretly reveled in Bai Li’s misfortune.
He instructed his butler to erase all traces of Chen Youyou and her father from his mansion and to distance himself from the imperial palace incident, assigning the project to Qi Zhengwen instead. Back at Bai's Mansion, Xiao Tiao passionately defended Chen Youyou to a recuperating Bai Li, recounting how Chen Youyou had diligently sewn bracers for him, pricking her fingers in the process, and traveled far and wide to gather special ingredients for his meals, emphasizing her unwavering devotion.
Xiao Tiao questioned how Bai Li could treat her so harshly. Though physically wounded, Bai Li was clearly tormented by Chen Youyou’s departure. Gu Tianhe then informed Bai Li about the rampant human trafficking in Fuxian City and the city lord's urgent demand for arrests. Seeing Xiao Tiao preparing to leave the mansion to search for Chen Youyou, Bai Li became deeply concerned, realizing that Chen Youyou, now alone and vulnerable, might fall prey to the traffickers.
Injured, he desperately searched for her but could not find her. Indeed, Chen Youyou had already been kidnapped by human traffickers. The traffickers beat and scolded Chen Youyou before locking her in a woodshed. Alone and distressed, she found strength in her father's past words of encouragement: "As long as you’re alive, there’s always a chance to turn things around."
When one of the traffickers attempted to scare her by pretending to be a ghost, Chen Youyou, emboldened by her father’s memory, fought back fiercely and beat him. Enraged, the trafficker called for his accomplice, ordering them to bury her.
Episode 9 Recap
After leaving Bai Li's mansion in a fit of rage and believing he was responsible for her father Chen Pingzhi's death, Chen Youyou found herself homeless and distraught. She was soon captured by human traffickers and taken to a Fortune Shop located in the suburb of the city. The shop's owner, Mr. Huang, exploited abducted women by forcing them to cry tears of fear, which he then used to produce and sell a unique "love tear rouge."
When Chen Youyou was unable to cry on command, Mr. Huang threatened to chop her up to make an example of her. Thinking quickly, Chen Youyou saved her life by suggesting a new marketing strategy. She presented herself as a business genius, not a cosmetic master, and proposed a plan for "love tear rouge" focusing on precise localization and small profits with quick turnover, impressing Mr. Huang who then appointed her as his "Second Chief."
He instructed his men to follow her plan, threatening to bury them all if it failed. Meanwhile, Bai Li was frantically searching for Chen Youyou, having gone sleepless for three days and nights. His men reported finding a comatose missing woman in the suburb, but no direct clues to Chen Youyou. It was only when Bai Li accidentally saw the unique rouge Chen Youyou had created being sold that he finally got a lead.
Chen Youyou's business acumen led to great success for the Fortune Shop. Mr. Huang praised her innovative idea of carving fruit onto the rouge and creating the slogan "Embrace the four seasons with beauty." He solidified her position, making her his sworn sister and the official Second Chief, much to the displeasure of the former Second Chief, who was demoted to Third Chief. Bai Li, realizing the Fortune Shop was where Chen Youyou was, went to investigate.
He attempted to enter the private backyard but was blocked by guards, who told him outsiders were not permitted, confirming his suspicion that something fishy was going on. Unable to openly raid the place without endangering Chen Youyou, he chose a covert approach. Chen Youyou, now with Mr. Huang's trust, secretly taught the other captive women coded dance movements to map out escape routes, discovering there was no easy way out.
The jealous Third Chief grew increasingly suspicious of Chen Youyou's movements and warned Mr. Huang, but the owner, blinded by the profits Chen Youyou was generating, dismissed his concerns and continued to favor her. To infiltrate the shop and reach Chen Youyou, Bai Li disguised himself as a woman, was deliberately captured by human traffickers, and successfully brought inside. Late one night, as Chen Youyou attempted to sneak out, the Third Chief caught her.
He accused her of deceit and, ignoring her reminder of the wealth she brought Mr. Huang, decided to kill her. Just as he was about to strike, Bai Li, having shed his disguise, appeared and saved Chen Youyou. Chen Youyou, still believing Bai Li had betrayed her, lashed out at him, calling him a murderer. Bai Li finally revealed the truth: Chen Pingzhi was not dead.
He explained that he had secretly sent Chen Pingzhi out of Fuxian City to protect him from Lord Xian, knowing Chen Youyou's plan to seek a reward from Madam De would not guarantee her father's safety. He presented Chen Youyou with a letter in Chen Pingzhi's handwriting, confirming his survival and thanking Bai Li for saving him.
Seeing her father's familiar script, Chen Youyou realized her grave mistake and tearfully reconciled with Bai Li, also complaining about the rats, cockroaches, and bugs in her confinement. With their misunderstanding resolved, Chen Youyou and Bai Li were interrupted by the arrival of the Castellan, who had also infiltrated the Fortune Shop. The three quickly formed a plan to rescue the other abducted women.
Chen Youyou would distract Mr. Huang and his men by discussing future business plans, including the launch of a limited edition, high-priced rouge, and the construction of a large rouge workshop with grand houses for Mr. Huang and small yards for his loyal men. While she kept Mr. Huang engrossed in dreams of immense wealth, Bai Li and the Castellan began freeing the women. However, their plan was discovered when the jealous Third Chief intervened, exposing their true intentions.
A fierce battle erupted between Chen Youyou, Bai Li, and the human traffickers. A large rescue operation began from outside the shop, initiated when the Young Prince's forces were alerted by his son, who had found Chen Youyou's token. The Castellan managed to escape and informed the commanding officer that Bai Li and Chen Youyou were still inside, prompting a full-scale rescue operation. As Bai Li rescued Chen Youyou, Mr. Huang ambushed them from behind with a hidden weapon.
Chen Youyou shielded Bai Li, taking a cut to her arm. Enraged by her injury, Bai Li killed Mr. Huang. However, moments after Mr. Huang fell, Bai Li, severely wounded from the prolonged fight, collapsed. Chen Youyou desperately tried to rouse him, crying over his unconscious body.
Episode 10 Recap
Chen Youyou expressed deep regret and gratitude to Bai Li, blaming herself for being impulsive and not trusting him, which led to his severe injury. She acknowledged his bravery in saving both her father and her, risking his own life, and vowed to repay his kindness. She then stayed by his side throughout the night. The next morning, Youyou attended to a recovering Bai Li.
Xiao Tiao excitedly announced that His Royal Highness Qi Shengwen had arrived at the Bai's Mansion, waiting in the vestibule with snacks, having diligently sought Youyou while she was missing. Youyou felt she must express her gratitude and not be rude. Bai Li, however, feigned sudden, severe pain and blurred vision to keep her by his side, but Youyou insisted on going, despite Xiao Tiao subtly pointing out Bai Li's obvious act.
Qi Shengwen, believing Bai Li to be a murderer who used underhanded tactics to keep Youyou, offered her comfort and protection, urging her not to be afraid. He revealed he knew about her father's death. Youyou attempted to clarify Bai Li's innocence, but Qi Shengwen interrupted, calling Bai Li despicable and vowing to help her. Bai Li arrived, accusing Qi Shengwen of trying to drive a wedge between him and Youyou.
Qi Shengwen retorted that he only wanted to ensure Youyou isn't forced into anything. Bai Li directly asked Youyou if she was unwilling to be with him. Youyou tried to intervene, but Bai Li cut her off, declaring that as he and Youyou are divorced, Qi Shengwen is an outsider in their affairs. Bai Li then rudely dismissed Qi Shengwen, who warned Bai Li that this matter wasn't over. Bai Li instructed Gu Tianhe to prepare special meals for Youyou.
When Jiang Bihan arrived with medicine, Bai Li, expecting Youyou, quickly pretended he had already eaten to send her away. Moments later, Youyou arrived. Believing Bai Li to be full, she attempted to take the medicine away, but Bai Li promptly stopped her, insisting he wanted to drink it. After taking the bitter medicine from Youyou, Bai Li unexpectedly kissed her, then commented that it's sweet now. This passionate gesture left Youyou's face flushed and her heart racing.
She quickly fled the room. Outside, Xiao Tiao noticed Youyou's red face and teased her about having a crush on Bai Li, which Youyou denied. Alone, Youyou wondered if her rapid heartbeat signified she had fallen in love with him. Meanwhile, Bai Li stormed into the imperial prison to interrogate the human traffickers who harmed Youyou. He demanded to know which hand they used to hit her and how many times, vowing to inflict tenfold the punishment she endured.
As Bai Li brutally carried out his revenge, Qi Shengwen also arrived at the prison, intending to seek justice for Youyou. This led to another heated confrontation between the two men. Qi Shengwen claimed Youyou as his "soulmate" and asserted his right to intervene, while Bai Li dismissively reminded him that Youyou is his "wife" and their affairs are private.
Qi Shengwen retorted by pointing out Bai Li's responsibility for Youyou's kidnapping and declaring that since Bai Li and Youyou are divorced, he will no longer yield in his pursuit of her. Bai Li defiantly challenged him. Upon returning home, Bai Li found Youyou afraid in her room because the candle had gone out. He personally relit it for her, a gesture that warmed her heart.
She reflected on their moments together, her heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and burgeoning affection. However, she dismissed these feelings as mere appreciation for him saving her father, labeling it a "delusion" born from being touched. Driven by confusion, Youyou spent the entire night contemplating her true feelings for Bai Li, but the more she thought, the less clear she became.
The next morning, Youyou indirectly discussed her predicament with Xiao Tiao, framing it as a "friend's" story: a tough man who is exceptionally kind to her friend and her family, even kissing her, causing her friend's heart to race and making her miss him when he's absent. Xiao Tiao quickly deduced Youyou was talking about herself. Still unresolved, Youyou decided to pack her belongings with Xiao Tiao, needing to distance herself to sort out her emotions, leaving a letter behind.
Bai Li discovered her and Xiao Tiao had left the mansion, frantically setting out to find her. Jiang Bihan was delighted by Youyou's departure, believing Youyou recognized her own unworthiness and chose to leave. She instructed her servant to keep an eye on Youyou, fearing she might return to pester Bai Li. Meanwhile, Qi Shengwen learned of Youyou's move, and actively pursued her. Bai Li eventually tracked Youyou down to the Fortune Shop and confronted her about leaving.
Youyou, overwhelmed by her racing heart whenever Bai Li was near and unsure how to maintain distance, curtly dismissed him, explaining that she needed to dedicate all her energy to managing the Fortune Shop, which the city lord had bestowed upon her. Seeing Bai Li rejected, Gu Tianhe suggested childish schemes like breaking Youyou's windows, sawing her bed, or ripping off her roof to force her back to the mansion.
Bai Li initially found these ideas immature but, driven by desperation, tried to damage her roof. However, he quickly became concerned about Youyou catching a cold or getting wet and lingered, unable to leave. Youyou returned, realizing she forgot a ledger. Bai Li quickly hid in a cabinet. As Youyou approached the cabinet, Qi Shengwen arrived, interrupting her. He presented her with a housewarming gift: a magnificent array of potted flowers, which he arranged in front of the Fortune Shop.
He explained that since she'll be busy, he wanted to bring the beauty of nature to her, hoping she'd feel happy every morning, just like their trip to the mountains. Youyou expressed her gratitude for the beautiful gift. After Qi Shengwen left, Youyou rushed back to the cabinet to check on Bai Li. He emerged and embraced her intimately, surprising and embarrassing her, causing her to flee once more.
Episode 11 Recap
Chen Youyou found herself grappling with the declining business of the Fortune Shop. She considered seeking Bai Li's help but quickly dismissed the thought, reminding herself that they had agreed to maintain some distance and that she needed to solve problems independently as the shop's owner. Meanwhile, upon learning of the Fortune Shop's struggles, Qi Shengwen decided to seek Madam De's counsel.
Madam De advised him that to truly win someone's heart, one must understand their deepest desires rather than making decisions for them, using the analogy of offering peaches to someone who desires apples. Later, His Royal Highness Qi Shengwen arrived at the shop with two apples, which initially startled Chen Youyou, making her wonder if he knew about her father's true fate.
She tried to refuse the apples, explaining that she had moved out of Bai's Mansion and could no longer help him gather information on Bai Li. Qi Shengwen interrupted her, clarifying that he had never asked her to spy on Bai Li. He revealed that the apples were a blessing, symbolizing Chen Youyou and Bai Li as a perfectly matched couple.
He then pointedly advised her that since she was now romantically linked with Bai Li, she should refrain from getting too close to other men, especially himself (Qi Shengwen). The next morning, Bai Li appeared at the Fortune Shop, determined to make breakfast for Chen Youyou himself. His culinary attempt, however, filled the kitchen with smoke and almost set the place ablaze, leaving him covered in soot.
While he tried to win her over with a hastily made glutinous rice cake with yams, Qi Shengwen also arrived, bringing a handmade cat nest and food for a kitten Chen Youyou once had. The two men immediately began to bicker over Chen Youyou, with Bai Li claiming ownership as her ex-husband and Qi Shengwen asserting his right to pursue her since she was now single.
Fed up with their constant arguing, Chen Youyou decided to go to the market to buy new kitchen supplies, but to her dismay, both men followed her. Their prominent presence in the market caused a stir, freezing all other shoppers in their tracks, which frustrated Chen Youyou so much that she aborted her shopping trip. On their way back, Bai Li accidentally bumped into a small child, who immediately burst into tears.
Unsure how to comfort the crying child, Bai Li stood awkwardly while the child's parents, fearing to offend him, repeatedly apologized. Chen Youyou stepped in, soothing the child and gently chiding Bai Li for his stern demeanor, which had scared the little one. Back at the Fortune Shop, Chen Youyou asked both men to leave. Bai Li, however, tried to prolong his stay, claiming he was too sleepy to leave.
His attendant, Xiao Tiao, misunderstood his intentions and returned to Bai Mansion to retrieve Bai Li's bed, hoping to accommodate his master at the shop. This exposed Bai Li’s true motive, leaving him embarrassed and forcing him to return home. At Bai's Mansion, a woman from Bai's Mansion mistakenly believed Bai Li's angry return signaled a renewed interest in her. Buoyed by this thought, she prepared epiphyllum cakes for him.
To her shock, she stumbled upon Bai Li meticulously grooming himself, getting dressed up not for her, but implicitly for Chen Youyou. He was so engrossed in his preparations that he didn't even notice her presence. Back at the Fortune Shop, Chen Youyou faced a new challenge. Many women she had previously rescued, having nowhere else to go, returned, seeking refuge and asking to live at the shop.
Overwhelmed by the sudden influx of dependents and the shop's already poor business, Chen Youyou was torn. Despite her financial struggles, she couldn't bring herself to refuse them, agreeing to let them stay while she figured out a solution. Seeing Chen Youyou distressed, Bai Li took her to a scenic spot with a panoramic view of Fuxian City to watch the stars.
He comforted her, encouraging her to believe in her own strength and reminding her that success is never achieved overnight. While gazing at the stars, Chen Youyou found a spark of inspiration. The idea came to her that if she could capture the attention of everyone in Fuxian City, she could save the Fortune Shop. She decided to host a "Talent show," distributing flyers to invite performers. However, the initial response was dismal.
Due to the Fortune Shop's notorious past association with abducting women, no one dared to sign up. Upon hearing this, Bai Li decided to offer himself as the "biggest stunt" in Fuxian City, planning to participate in the show to draw crowds. He hurried to the Fortune Shop, only to find that Qi Shengwen had already arrived, and the place was bustling with eager participants.
Chen Youyou, seeing Bai Li, explained that since he had previously expressed disinterest in such "empty titles," she had asked the talented and influential Qi Shengwen to participate, which would surely encourage others to follow suit. This revelation left Bai Li seething with jealousy. Separately, Qi Shengwen, deeply reflecting on Madam De's earlier advice about truly understanding a person's desires, stood before a portrait of his mother. He expressed his conviction that he had finally found the woman he was meant to be with, assuring his late mother that Chen Youyou was a truly wonderful person.
Episode 12 Recap
With the help of Bai Li and Qi Shengwen, the talent show at the Fortune Shop proceeded enthusiastically. Qi Shengwen, also known as the Little Prince, assisted in the show. Distinguished guests, including Madam De and Prince Xian, attended the event, where various pastries were served and enjoyed by all.
Chen Youyou then presented the show, announcing that its theme was not about appreciating conventional beauty or ugliness, but about "appreciating the heart," aiming to inspire a different kind of beauty in everyone. As the show was about to reach its climax, a dancer for the finale was injured, leaving Chen Youyou no choice but to step in and perform herself. Her heartfelt performance and the profound message she conveyed deeply moved Madam De.
Consequently, Madam De announced that the Fuxian City's "Most Beautiful Woman" ranking would be restarted, but with new criteria that would consider a person's character and talent in addition to their appearance. For the grand finale, Madam De proposed the "double Zhezhi dance," a performance she used to share with the former castellan. As Chen Youyou took the stage to dance, she was joined by Bai Li, who became her unexpected partner.
They danced joyfully to the applause of the crowd, and they shared a romantic kiss behind the curtain. This tender moment, however, was witnessed by Qi Shengwen from afar. Heartbroken by what he saw, Qi Shengwen, who had harbored feelings for Chen Youyou and intended to confess, realized his dreams were just that. After the show, he found Chen Youyou and offered her the pastries he had made especially for her, wishing the Fortune Shop success.
Then, he confessed his deep affection, recounting how he had felt a connection with her from their first meeting and vowed to protect her. He admitted he had once hoped to take her away from Bai Li to live a carefree life, but seeing her hold Bai Li's hand made him realize his perceptions were merely his own wishes.
Chen Youyou, moved by his sincerity, kindly told him that she regarded him as her dearest friend, emphasizing that he was the kindest person she knew. She expressed her happiness in their shared adventures but gently explained that her eyes only lit up when she saw Bai Li, like seeing stars in the sky. Qi Shengwen, clutching the hairpin he intended to give her, lamented not meeting her earlier, but ultimately accepted her decision.
He told her he didn't want his feelings to be a burden and promised to silently stand by her, wishing her happiness. Later, Bai Li apologized to Chen Youyou for his earlier jealousy towards Qi Shengwen, admitting he feared losing her. Chen Youyou playfully teased him for his lack of confidence, and they spent the evening in lighthearted banter, reluctant to part ways.
As Bai Li was about to leave, Chen Youyou quickly stopped him, claiming her window was broken and asking for his help. When Gu Tianhe offered to assist, Bai Li swiftly pushed him aside, eager to stay with Chen Youyou. Inside her room, while pretending to examine the "broken" window, Bai Li was overcome with emotion and spontaneously kissed Chen Youyou.
During the kiss, Chen Youyou noticed Bai Li's Adam's apple felt more pronounced and worried about his throat condition, suggesting she find a doctor. This prompted Bai Li to confess a long-held secret. Bai Li revealed his true identity as Su Wen, the son of Imperial Physician Su. He explained that his entire family was tragically killed after his father was framed for poisoning the former castellan.
He was the sole survivor, rescued by Wang Renhou, the former castellan's personal eunuch, and had lived under the disguise of a eunuch ever since. His sole purpose was to uncover the truth behind his family's demise and clear their name. Chen Youyou was deeply shocked and heartbroken to learn of the immense hardships Bai Li had endured. Overwhelmed with empathy, she vowed to protect him wholeheartedly.
She assured him that no matter his path—whether to remain anonymous or seek revenge—she would stand by his side. Bai Li was profoundly moved by her unwavering support and promised that one day he would shed his false identity to give her his true self and a real home, where they could build a family and have children, free from any pretense. Chen Youyou reaffirmed that his identity held no importance to her, only his safety, and she solemnly swore to guard his secret.
Episode 13 Recap
Chen Youyou's innovative approach to running Fortune Shop, featuring unique performances in each of the Sky, Land, Black, and Yellow booths, led to booming business. Her staff praised her clever ideas that attracted an endless stream of customers daily. One day, Gu Tianhe delivered a special plaque to Chen Youyou, indicating it was from his lord and inviting her to the Sky booth for a show.
Playfully, he kept the nature of the performance a secret, which Chen Youyou found endearing. Inside the Sky booth, Chen Youyou was surprised to find Bai Li, who should have been on duty at the Castellan's Palace. Bai Li expressed how much he missed her, claiming that "one day apart seems like three years." Chen Youyou was touched by his zither performance, especially a beautiful melody called "Please come back home while enjoying the flowers along the path."
Bai Li then offered her freshly made, unburnt glutinous rice cakes with yam and fruit porridge, asking her to return to Bai's Mansion to live with him. Chen Youyou agreed, expressing her desire to have his porridge every day. Without hesitation, Bai Li instructed Gu Tianhe to move all of Chen Youyou's belongings into the Wind Booth, which was his own bedroom. Gu Tianhe, surprised by this directive, confirmed it was indeed Bai Li's private chamber.
Upon Chen Youyou's return to Bai's Mansion, Jiang Bihan confronted her, questioning why she would leave her successful role as shopkeeper at Fortune Shop to come back. Jiang Bihan hinted at the divorce agreement Chen Youyou had signed earlier. Before Chen Youyou could fully respond, Bai Li arrived, greeted Chen Youyou, and directed her to check on her belongings in his room, completely dismissing Jiang Bihan.
Shortly after, Gu Tianhe presented Jiang Bihan with the title deed to her ancestral house, which Bai Li had redeemed. While her servant saw this as a special Valentine's gift, Jiang Bihan understood Bai Li's true intention: to encourage her to leave and make room for Chen Youyou. She defiantly declared that she would not leave.
Meanwhile, heartbroken over Chen Youyou, Qi Zhengwen poured his feelings into creating pastries, describing their bittersweet taste as the "flavor of protection" and reciting poetry about the endless sorrow of lovesickness. As the Qixi Festival, or Valentine's Day, approached, Chen Youyou prepared a special drawing as a gift for Bai Li, patiently waiting for him to return home. Bai Li, however, was busy with an urgent matter conveyed by a pigeon letter and arrived late.
When he finally appeared, Chen Youyou, despite being sleepy from waiting, eagerly presented her drawing. Bai Li, feigning indifference, criticized the quality of her drawing, but then admitted he loved it and that anything from her was "priceless." He then revealed his own gift: an "ice tank" filled with the sweetest core of a watermelon. He explained that he had given the less desirable parts to the servants, who were now complaining about being overwhelmed with watermelon.
On this romantic Qixi Festival night, Bai Li, as a heartfelt re-confession of his love, solemnly burned the divorce agreement Chen Youyou had previously signed, symbolizing their reaffirmed commitment. Later, under the starlit sky, Chen Youyou and Bai Li released a Kongming lantern. Chen Youyou shared a Fuxian City legend about lovers lighting a lantern on Qixi to ensure they grow old together and never separate.
As they watched their lantern ascend, Chen Youyou gave her name to Bai Li, promising to be with him forever. Their romantic evening was abruptly interrupted by Jiang Bihan's screams from the backyard, claiming she had fallen into the laundry pool while praying for Bai Li's safety. When Bai Li, worried, suggested making ginger soup and changing clothes, Jiang Bihan exaggerated her condition, insisting she was too frail for an ordinary doctor and requested an imperial physician from the palace.
Though Bai Li offered to send Gu Tianhe, Jiang Bihan's plea subtly manipulated him into going himself, effectively separating him from Chen Youyou. Alone with Jiang Bihan, Chen Youyou confronted her, pointing out that Jiang Bihan's shoes were dry, proving she had faked the fall. Jiang Bihan dropped her pretense, expressing her bitterness over Chen Youyou stealing Bai Li, whom she claimed was originally in love with her. She accused Chen Youyou of using seductive tricks to usurp her place.
Chen Youyou tried to reason with her, but Jiang Bihan vehemently stated that Chen Youyou was the one who needed to face reality. Jiang Bihan then revealed she knew Bai Li was not a real eunuch and was secretly investigating the Su family's injustice.
She pulled out Bai Li's razor, using it to underscore her knowledge of his true identity, and threatened to expose him to the Castellan for "deceiving the emperor," a crime punishable by death for his entire clan. Jiang Bihan gave Chen Youyou an ultimatum: leave Bai Li and Bai's Mansion immediately, or she would expose his secret. Chen Youyou was visibly shocked, inadvertently confirming Jiang Bihan's suspicions and revealing her vulnerability.
When Bai Li returned with an imperial physician, he noticed Chen Youyou's pale face, though she insisted she was just tired. Heartbroken and burdened by Jiang Bihan's threat, Chen Youyou knew she couldn't tell Bai Li the truth. That night, she tearfully packed her belongings and quietly left Bai's Mansion, forcing herself to suppress her pain and affection for Bai Li. The next morning, Bai Li woke to find Chen Youyou gone.
He frantically searched for her before confronting Jiang Bihan, demanding to know what she had said. Jiang Bihan feigned innocence, claiming they only had "girl's talk" and expressed surprise that Chen Youyou had "run away from home." Bai Li, disbelieving her, threatened Jiang Bihan, warning her to pray for Chen Youyou's safety, or he would make her pay.
Bai Li then rushed to Fortune Shop, where his servant and Xiao Tiao worried that if he couldn't find Chen Youyou, he might "destroy the entire Fuxian City." Inside, Bai Li found Chen Youyou surrounded by two handsome men, Chuyi and Shiwu, who appeared to be posing for a portrait. To protect Bai Li, Chen Youyou put on a cold act.
She dismissed Bai Li's attempts to assert his ownership over her, claiming she was tired of him and had found "new boyfriends" to alleviate her boredom. She bluntly stated that her past affections were merely "for fun" and a means to save her father and acquire Fortune Shop. Now that her goals were achieved, she no longer needed to pretend. Bai Li refused to believe her, reminding her of their promise of honesty.
But Chen Youyou cruelly insisted that she no longer liked him and that they should have an amicable breakup, saving face at the end. To further infuriate him and drive him away, she announced her plans to purchase a mansion where Chuyi and Shiwu could take turns accompanying her from the first to the fifteenth of each month. Enraged, Bai Li finally left.
As soon as he was gone, Chen Youyou instructed the painter to distribute the finished portraits of her with the two handsome men all over the city, ensuring everyone would see them.
Episode 14 Recap
Chen Youyou, having moved into Fortune Shop, appeared to embrace a life of revelry. She even spread rumors throughout the city that Bai Li was unable to perform his husbandly duties, trying to publicly humiliate him and make him give up on her. When Bai Li’s attendant informed him that people were saying he had been "divorced by Miss Chen" and that he "couldn't" perform, Bai Li immediately went to confront Chen Youyou.
She was in the process of buying a new house when Bai Li revealed he had already purchased it, blocking her plans. Bai Li challenged Chen Youyou, questioning why she was buying houses, gathering handsome men, spreading paintings, and circulating rumors about his inability to have sex. He asked if she was desperate to distance herself from him or if she was trying to protect his identity.
Chen Youyou insisted he thought too highly of her and reiterated that she simply wanted to enjoy life, asking him to stop bothering her. Bai Li reminded her of their promise to always be honest and clear up misunderstandings, asking why she had changed. Chen Youyou coldly declared that there was no misunderstanding; she no longer wished to pretend to like him.
Bai Li refused to believe her, threatening to cut off the hands of any painters who depicted her with other men and to kill any handsome men she associated with, emphasizing his power as Lord Qiansui. At this point, Qi Shengwen intervened, pushing Bai Li away and claiming that Chen Youyou was now with him, urging Bai Li to leave her alone.
Chen Youyou then directly told Bai Li she was merely a swindler, adept at cheating on money, sex, and feelings, and now that she had "got it," she had no reason to stay, repeating that she did not like him at all. Noticing she still held a portrait of them, Bai Li accused her of secretly harboring feelings for him. In response, Chen Youyou tore the portrait in half, declaring, "Do you believe me now?"
Later, Qi Shengwen found a heartbroken Chen Youyou. He offered her pastries, but she was so distraught she mistook a salty egg yolk flavored pastry for a sweet one. Qi Shengwen gently encouraged her to express her sadness, reminding her of their past commitment to honesty and telling her he didn’t believe she truly felt "bored." He promised to always be there for her. Meanwhile, Bai Li, alone, pondered if Chen Youyou had ever truly loved him.
Jiang Bihan, seizing the perceived opportunity, approached Bai Li. She invited him to the market to select items for her parents' upcoming death anniversary, subtly reminding him of her family's past kindness. Bai Li, though reluctant, accompanied her. At the market, they encountered Chen Youyou and Qi Shengwen. Bai Li intentionally acted affectionate with Jiang Bihan to provoke Chen Youyou.
His attendant also engaged in a heated argument with Chen Youyou’s attendant, defending Bai Li’s actions and claiming that a house he had given Jiang Bihan was originally intended for Chen Youyou, who hadn't appreciated it. Seeing Chen Youyou’s distress, Qi Shengwen responded by acting intimately with her to provoke Bai Li in return. Back at Bai's Mansion, Bai Li remained distant from Jiang Bihan, even refusing the home-cooked meal she had specially prepared for him.
Enraged, Jiang Bihan asserted her belief that she was the rightful mistress of Bai's Mansion and vowed that Bai Li was hers and no one could take him from her. Unbeknownst to them, Chen Youyou, feeling the exhaustion of pretending to be happy, found herself subconsciously walking towards Bai's Mansion, realizing it had become her habitual destination. She decided to sneak in for a quick glance at Bai Li. In the mansion, Jiang Bihan secretly drugged Bai Li's tea.
He soon became disoriented and collapsed. As she attempted to take advantage of his weakened state, Bai Li fiercely resisted, grabbing her by the neck and threatening to kill her if she came any closer. Jiang Bihan, confused by his rejection, argued that she was helping him confront his true feelings.
She then revealed she knew his true identity—that he was not a eunuch—and insisted that with Chen Youyou gone and no one else in the mansion, he should accept her. Bai Li firmly stated that his heart belonged to another. He revealed that his true family name was Su, not Bai, and that he had only saved her to repay Prime Minister Jiang’s kindness to the Su family, warning her not to misunderstand his actions.
Jiang Bihan refused to accept this, believing her noble birth and beauty made her irresistible. As she pressed closer, Bai Li, in a desperate act, crushed a ceramic bowl in his hand, threatening to die rather than betray Chen Youyou. Jiang Bihan, finally understanding the depth of his unwavering love, could not bring herself to bless him.
Instead, she warned him that his stubborn devotion would eventually lead him to lose everything because of that "wench" (Chen Youyou), and then she left in despair. At that moment, Chen Youyou, who had snuck into the mansion, entered Bai Li's room and saw him holding Jiang Bihan down on the bed. Misinterpreting the scene, she assumed they were together and fled into the rainy night, sobbing uncontrollably. Qi Shengwen found her, trying to console her.
He urged her to release her emotions, and she reflected on her earlier hope that they could be happy together after all they had been through. He confessed his willingness to care for her, regardless of whether she used or deceived him, simply wanting her happiness. He asked her to be selfish once and allow him to be selfish once. Chen Youyou, still heartbroken but unable to force herself, gently declined his offer.
The next morning, Bai Li frantically searched for Chen Youyou at Fortune Shop, demanding to know her whereabouts. He then confronted Qi Shengwen, accusing him of hiding her. A fight broke out between the two men. During the struggle, Qi Shengwen warned Bai Li that if Chen Youyou were to agree, he would gladly take her far away.
However, he admitted that Chen Youyou’s heart belonged solely to Bai Li, and because of this, he would not allow Bai Li to hurt her again. Qi Shengwen then gave Bai Li one final chance to cherish Chen Youyou, vowing to make him suffer if he ever failed her again. True to his word, Qi Shengwen later brought Chen Youyou to a meeting point, reassuring her that someone was waiting for her there.
Episode 15 (Ending) Recap
Bai Li had prepared a romantic setting to welcome Chen Youyou back and began a shadow play. He narrated their journey together, telling the story of a little wild cat, always alone, who sharpened its claws to avoid being bullied. Everyone feared it until a girl appeared and tirelessly showed it kindness, giving it the sweetest watermelon, the warmest clothes, and showing it the brightest stars.
Her kindness made the cat experience happiness for the first time, and it grew used to being touched and embraced. But one day, the girl disappeared, having stolen its heart and leaving its life colorless. The cat searched endlessly, crossing forests, hills, and rivers, until it finally found her. It resolved that this time, no matter what, it would never let her leave again.
After the shadow play, Bai Li directly asked Chen Youyou how she could leave him alone after stealing his heart. Chen Youyou, still worried for his life, offered to return his heart if it would keep him safe. Bai Li passionately declared that he had fallen in love with her and his heart would now only beat for her.
He recalled a theatrical performance, stating that when love runs deep, life and death intertwine, and without her, he would rather die. He assured her that he wasn't afraid of ruin, even if Jiang Bihan knew his secret, adding that Jiang Bihan had already left his mansion and would no longer trouble them. He reminded Chen Youyou that she was the one who illuminated his life when it was filled with darkness after he stopped being Su Wen.
He asked her to entrust her entire self to him, promising to protect her and their home from all hardships, asserting that as Lord Qiansui, there was nothing he couldn't handle. Chen Youyou, moved by his words, apologized. Bai Li then playfully accused her of spending her days with other attractive men, making him sad. Chen Youyou retorted, mentioning his encounter with Jiang Bihan in his room. Bai Li smiled, realizing she had secretly returned to check on him.
He then confessed that if it weren't for her, he would never lose control, even risking his life. He touched her heart, asking if it hurt, and she confirmed it did. Upon their return to the mansion, Gu Tianhe and the staff held a joyful welcome celebration, chanting well wishes for their marriage. Bai Li promised to spend his lifetime making up for not giving her a perfect wedding, a promise Chen Youyou made him swear not to break.
She affectionately addressed him as "my love," and he declared that from now on, her home would always be wherever he was. As they were about to enjoy their wedding night, Chen Youyou suddenly experienced stomach pain. Bai Li panicked and loudly called for Gu Tianhe to summon an imperial physician, but Chen Youyou quickly stopped him, clarifying that it was simply her monthly period.
Bai Li, relieved and embarrassed, immediately doted on her, offering her a bitter herbal drink and saying he would suffer the pain for her in their next life. Gu Tianhe, unaware of Chen Youyou's true condition, mistakenly thought she was ill due to marriage. He brought a variety of sweets and preserved fruits, along with a bowl of iced watermelon, which Bai Li had prepared for Chen Youyou earlier.
Bai Li, furious that he brought cold food during her period, angrily sent Gu Tianhe away. Gu Tianhe later intercepted Tiao, who was bringing a special sweet soup to relieve Chen Youyou's pain, warning her not to disturb the couple or she would suffer punishment at "the old place" just like him. Gu Tianhe then resignedly went to "the old place," where he was tied up and tickled on his feet as punishment.
Meanwhile, Qi Zhengwen decided to let go of his feelings for Chen Youyou. He closed down his secret pastry-making spot and delivered instruments to the Jixiang Small Restaurant as a gift. He also presented Chen Youyou with an improved version of his "friendship cake," suggesting they become good friends who share pastry-making knowledge. Bai Li, displaying a touch of jealousy, took a bite of the cake.
Qi Zhengwen then announced his departure to travel to various city-states to study pastry techniques, but not without warning Bai Li to treat Chen Youyou well, or he would return to take her away. Bai Li confidently assured him there would be no need. Later, Bai Li, still plagued by insecurity despite their reconciliation, had a nightmare, waking up in a cold sweat and calling out Chen Youyou’s name.
Chen Youyou comforted him, reminding him of her promise to stay by his side forever. She suggested they visit Tanmen temple on the fifteenth, as he was on vacation, to pray for blessings. She offered to protect his dreams from then on. Bai Li, to Gu Tianhe’s surprise, agreed to this, setting aside his usual skepticism about gods and Buddha, his only focus being to make Chen Youyou happy.
As they traveled to Tanmen temple by carriage, Chen Youyou outlined their schedule, including separate sleeping arrangements due to the temple's sacred nature, which Bai Li playfully protested. Upon arriving at the temple, Bai Li felt an unsettling sense of familiarity with the surroundings and even thought he recognized someone he saw, making him wary. Gu Tianhe, ever vigilant, vowed to protect them both. Inside the temple, Chen Youyou knelt to pray.
She sincerely petitioned Buddha to bless her husband, Bai Li, describing him as a good man who upholds justice, performs good deeds, and has been kind to her. She spoke of his years of burden and secrets, and how he now suffered from nightmares, pleading for Buddha to remove his affliction or, if necessary, transfer the suffering to her. Bai Li, having overheard her prayer, joined her, kneeling beside her.
He also prayed to Buddha, asking not to heed Chen Youyou's offer to bear his pain. He emphasized that she was the sole light in his dark life and wished for her to remain healthy and joyful by his side, offering to take on any pain or suffering she might endure instead. As he finished his prayer, he heard a noise from behind the Buddha statue and went to investigate.
Chen Youyou followed close behind, but as they entered an adjacent room, they were ambushed. Chen Youyou was forcefully taken away, and as Bai Li looked up, he was confronted by his master. His master sternly reprimanded Bai Li for disloyalty, impiety, and unrighteousness, accusing him of neglecting his duties, succumbing to romantic attachments, breaking his vows, and forgetting his original purpose. He then demanded if Bai Li acknowledged his mistakes.
