Serendipity Recap, Plot, Synopsis

Serendipity Synopsis

Jian Ming Shu, the young lady of the Jiangning Jian family, who unexpectedly falls off a cliff and loses her memory, escaping a tragic massacre of her family. She is saved by her love interest, Lu Chang, and they travel together to the capital for the imperial exam. As the story progresses, Ming Shu, who has doubts about her own identity, enters the inner courtyard to investigate and unravel mysteries, only to discover clues about her true heritage.

However, her investigation leads her into a series of dangerous situations, and she believes she is stepping into danger alone, but little does she know, Lu Chang has always been quietly protecting her. With Lu Chang's gentle care and companionship, Ming Shu’s heart gradually melts. Together, they face numerous challenges and, in the end, confirm their feelings for each other, spending the rest of their lives together

Serendipity Recap

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During the prosperous and peaceful era of the Da'an Dynasty, all industries thrived and the civil service examination was highly popular. It became customary for families to seek sons-in-law among the newly titled scholars. Whether one possessed extraordinary talent or was a noble descendant, no one could escape this trend. Even secluded young ladies would peek from their chambers, deeply admiring the scholars.

Lu Chang was studying freely at the Jian family academy and was expected to win the top spot in the upcoming exam. Although the Jian family was one of the wealthiest in Jiangnan, they were still considered part of the lower gentry. Thus, Jian Jinhai took a liking to Lu Chang as a potential son-in-law. Coincidentally, Lu Chang was also the man Jian Mingshu had feelings for.

With the marriage competition taking place tomorrow, Lu Chang was bound to be fiercely sought after by many families, and Jian Jinhai had already made his preparations in advance. Jian Mingshu, the eldest daughter of the Jian family, managed the family’s shop. The upcoming marriage contest was the perfect opportunity for their gold store to shine. That day, Gao Wan and Madam Wu came to the shop to select betrothal gifts.

When Jian Mingshu overheard that Gao Wan planned to take Madam Wu to dine at Tingzhu Pavilion, she approached them with an exquisite hair ornament and exposed Gao Wan’s intentions. It turned out Tingzhu Pavilion was located in a secluded area far from the city, and with the hour being late, it would be hard to return that night. However, there were private rooms there. Only then did Madam Wu realize she had been deceived and angrily left.

Gao Wan, humiliated, lashed out and tried to strike Jian Mingshu, but Lu Chang arrived just in time to save her. Jian Mingshu was overjoyed to see Lu Chang again after so long. At that moment, Madam Wu’s brother came to thank her and offered to serve her loyally. Hearing this, Lu Chang turned away with jealousy. Jian Mingshu quickly followed him—since his return from studying abroad, they hadn’t had a proper conversation.

Yet Lu Chang’s response was cold and brief, and they parted after just a few words. Two years ago, before Lu Chang left to study, Jian Mingshu had braved the snow to see him off, her eyes full of reluctance. In those two years, Jian Mingshu had become the mistress of the family business, and Lu Chang had also changed greatly. But Jian Mingshu didn’t mind. She was willing to break the ice and take the initiative.

People make their own fate—all one can do is try their best. Lu Chang found the jade pendant of his teacher, Mr. Su, in Gao Wan’s residence, which puzzled him. Mr. Su had been Lu Chang’s mentor, and he knew Mr. Su’s character well. He had long wanted to clear Mr. Su’s name, though the path was full of thorns. That was why he kept his distance from Jian Mingshu—he didn’t want to drag her into it.

Jian Mingshu had always opposed the marriage contest, so Jian Jinhai decided to keep it from her for the time being. Jian Mingshu knew Lu Chang was the most sought-after candidate for marriage and, although she knew he wouldn’t agree to their plans, she also feared other families might resort to underhanded tactics. So, she supported Jian Jinhai in participating in the contest—but she would only marry Lu Chang.

Lu Chang’s friend invited him for a talk and revealed that when Mr. Su was imprisoned, Jian Jinhai had cursed and humiliated him. Lu Chang was heartbroken and at a loss—he had always respected Jian Jinhai for his generosity and kindness. The next day, the four prominent families of Jianglin personally came out to vie for Lu Chang. Meanwhile, Jian Mingshu arrived at the Lu residence with many gifts. When the exam results were posted, Lu Chang indeed came first.

The families rushed to capture him as their son-in-law, swarming the streets. Lu Chang had to fight his way out, overcoming obstacle after obstacle. Jian Mingshu went to see Lu Chang’s mother, Aunt Zeng, and expressed her sincere intentions. Aunt Zeng had always liked her and raised no objections. But she reminded her that Lu Chang was a man of few words and deep thoughts. Jian Mingshu planned to explain things to him face-to-face.

She invited Aunt Zeng to the Jian residence and left a note asking Lu Chang to come pick her up. When Lu Chang returned home, he decided to speak frankly with the Jian family. At the Jian residence, he made it clear he had no intention of marrying. Jian Jinhai invited him to sit and have tea, then offered the vast Jian family fortune as temptation. Still, Lu Chang refused.

Jian Jinhai, full of sincerity, became angry at being rejected so firmly. Lu Chang, in turn, asked if he still remembered insulting his teacher. The maid told Jian Mingshu that Lu Chang had agreed, and she was relieved—it seemed he still remembered their past. When she was little and missed her mother, crying day and night, Lu Chang had comforted her with pastries.

The maid said that Jian Jinhai and Aunt Zeng had chosen today as an auspicious day—they could consummate the marriage now and hold the ceremony later. Jian Mingshu believed it. Though she felt something was off, she still happily donned her wedding attire and went to the bridal chamber. However, when Lu Chang woke from the drugged state and found himself in the bridal chamber, he was furious.

Jian Mingshu explained she knew nothing about the drug and didn’t want to believe it had all been one-sided. But Lu Chang tore off his wedding robe on the spot, angrily accusing her of using gratitude to force love and severing all ties. Jian Mingshu’s heart instantly went cold. She had thought he remembered their childhood bond, but it turned out to be just her wishful thinking.

They had known each other for so many years—if Lu Chang had feelings for her, how could he misunderstand her like this? Jian Mingshu said no more. With tears streaming down her face, she poured two cups of wedding wine. She drank with him one final time—as a farewell.

Jian Mingshu was furious upon learning that Jian Jinhai had drugged Lu Chang, and Jian Jinhai himself was also greatly angered by the situation. Madam Zeng knew that Jian Mingshu had genuine feelings for Lu Chang, and it was a pity that he had rejected her so decisively, causing a good marriage to fall through.

Because of what happened with Lu Chang, Jian Jinhai felt sorry for his daughter, but Jian Mingshu said she had already fought for it, so she had no regrets. Jian Jinhai specially had someone make a new piece of jewelry for Jian Mingshu using her newly developed craft. After Aunt Zhou saw Jian Mingshu off, she returned to her room and saw the wedding gown, which made Jian Mingshu feel sad.

Just as she was about to order someone to throw it away, she received word that a lead had been found regarding Aunt Zhou’s whereabouts. Her movements seemed suspicious, so Jian Mingshu ordered an investigation and insisted on uncovering the truth before Jian Jinhai found out. Lu Chang and Madam Zeng left Jianglin in haste to assume an official post in the capital.

On the way, Jian Mingshu briefly crossed paths with Lu Chang while she was investigating Aunt Zhou’s whereabouts. She knew that Lu Chang was indeed heading for the capital. Even though she had said she would let go, seeing him again still made her heart ache. At Xinghua Garden, Jian Mingshu discovered Aunt Zhou entangled with a man, clearly having a shady relationship.

She overheard the man saying he planned to wipe out the Jian family, shocking Jian Mingshu so much that her presence was exposed, and she was chased. Meanwhile, a group of black-clad men broke into the Jian residence and killed everyone. A servant gave his life to shield Jian Jinhai and buy him time to escape. On the other side, Jian Mingshu only managed to flee because her maid died protecting her.

Driven to desperation, Jian Jinhai and Jian Mingshu were cornered. Jian Mingshu fell off a cliff, and Jian Jinhai was killed on the spot. Resting at the bottom of the cliff, Lu Chang heard a scream and went forward with a torch, only to find someone had fainted. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a gravely injured Jian Mingshu.

With people still searching above the cliff, Lu Chang realized the area was unsafe and quickly extinguished the torch, taking Jian Mingshu onto the carriage. Jian Mingshu was the only survivor of the Jian family. The black-clad pursuers would not let her off easily. Lu Chang found the situation suspicious and decided to return to inform Jian Jinhai of Jian Mingshu’s condition, only to witness the horrifying aftermath of the Jian family massacre.

The authorities hastily closed the case, claiming the Jian family had colluded with bandits. When Lu Chang’s friend visited the Jian residence, the butler, barely alive, revealed that the attackers had come to demand information about Mr. Su from Jian Jinhai. It suddenly dawned on Lu Chang that this was what Jian Jinhai had meant back then. After suffering this tragedy, Jian Mingshu woke up not recognizing Lu Chang or Madam Zeng, nor remembering her own identity.

She had lost her memory. The physician said she could not handle any more shock, so Lu Chang instructed Madam Zeng never to mention the Jian family incident until Jian Mingshu recovered. For now, he could only bring her to the capital, claiming she was his younger sister named Lu Mingshu. He was determined to protect her. Lu Chang put away Jian Mingshu’s jewelry and was about to remove her bracelet when she suddenly woke up.

She still couldn’t remember anything. Lu Chang insisted he was her brother and told her she was called Lu Mingshu. Jian Mingshu didn’t easily believe him, though she did feel a strange sense of familiarity with them. When Jian Mingshu got out of bed by herself, Lu Chang hurried to help her back. Meanwhile, her portrait had been posted everywhere in the city, labeled as part of a search for relatives.

Upon seeing this, Lu Chang forbade Jian Mingshu from going outside and made plans to leave via a small, hidden path. Jian Mingshu opened the window and saw her own portrait with “seeking relatives” written on it. She tricked Madam Zeng into leaving and went to the Jian family’s gold shop. The black-clad men had already been lying in wait, and Lu Chang appeared again just in time to save her.

Back in the room, Lu Chang urged Jian Mingshu and Madam Zeng to pack up and leave immediately. A waiter at the inn had been observing their movements, so Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu deliberately said they would head south by water, while in truth they went by land. On the carriage, Jian Mingshu shook her gold bracelet and asked if it truly belonged to her.

Lu Chang said their mother had always favored her and gave her all the best things. He noticed rashes on Jian Mingshu’s skin and guessed it was because she had grown up pampered and couldn’t get used to the coarse clothing Madam Zeng gave her. At an inn, Madam Zeng helped Jian Mingshu bathe in herbal medicine and applied ointment. The next day, Lu Chang took her to pick out some undergarments.

As Lu Chang was about to pay, Jian Mingshu noted that the fabric wasn’t worth the price and bargained it down significantly. Since they needed money badly in the capital, Jian Mingshu was very careful with spending. That night on the road, Madam Zeng caught a chill and started coughing. Jian Mingshu quickly covered her with a coat.

When the carriage axle broke and a storm was coming, the three of them took shelter in a nearby house, only to discover that many other carriages there had broken axles as well. Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu braved their fear and went inside to investigate, only to find the house full of corpses.

Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang carefully entered the house and found many corpses on the ground. At the same time, they heard a woman’s cry for help from upstairs. Lu Chang shielded Jian Mingshu as they cautiously went upstairs. Lu Chang went to deal with the mountain bandits, while Jian Mingshu grabbed a branding iron and rescued the woman who was nearly assaulted.

As Lu Chang could not split his attention to save Jian Mingshu, it was fortunate that Song Qingzhao appeared and saved her. Tao Yiqian, trembling in the corner, was extremely grateful upon realizing it was Jian Mingshu who had saved her. She pleaded with Jian Mingshu to help rescue her maid and bodyguards. Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao saw the bandits return, but there were only four of them, so they decided to fight.

Jian Mingshu was accidentally targeted by the bandits and fled into the woods to save her life. Lu Chang rushed to her rescue but fell off a cliff in the process. Seeing her brother fall from the cliff, Jian Mingshu cried out in heartbreak, only for Lu Chang to climb back up the next second. Jian Mingshu no longer had any doubts and wept aggrievedly. To save her, Lu Chang had been willing to risk his life!

The three of them temporarily rested there. Hearing Jian Mingshu call him brother, Zeng Yi was overjoyed. That night, Lu Chang hid away to apply medicine to his injuries. Jian Mingshu accidentally barged in and, seeing his bare upper body, immediately covered her eyes. She had come to deliver medicine to Lu Chang, knowing he was secretly tending his wounds to avoid worrying Zeng Yi.

Jian Mingshu returned again and, seeing Lu Chang struggling to treat the wounds on his back, snatched the medicine and helped him, her eyes full of distress. Seeing the frostbite on Lu Chang’s hands, Jian Mingshu took out ointment given by the lady they saved and applied it to his hands, causing Lu Chang’s face to flush red unknowingly. Song Qingzhao invited Lu Chang to head to the capital together.

However, seeing the luxurious air about Song Qingzhao, Lu Chang was very cautious, although Song Qingzhao treated the "siblings" very honestly. To thank them for saving her, Tao Yiqian offered a lot of silver as gratitude. Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang were unwilling to accept it, but Jian Mingshu understood the intention behind it and accepted. This silver was not just thanks; it was also a hope for their silence.

After setting out again, their movements were discovered by pursuers, but Lu Chang had prepared and managed to mislead them into thinking they had not taken Jian Mingshu. Jian Mingshu was actually in Song Qingzhao’s luxurious carriage. Lu Chang knew that Song Qingzhao’s identity was definitely not ordinary; a man of such status willing to save others spoke volumes of his character, so Lu Chang was relieved to entrust Jian Mingshu to him. On the way, heavy rain suddenly fell.

Song Qingzhao’s carriage leaked, and Jian Mingshu spotted a pavilion not far away. She dashed into the rain, spinning around. To her, if she couldn’t avoid getting wet, she might as well enjoy it to the fullest. Song Qingzhao’s eyes lit up immediately and he joined her. The two of them hid in the pavilion, watching the rainbow after the rain. Upon arriving in the capital, Lu Chang’s group parted ways with Song Qingzhao.

Song Qingzhao specially instructed his people to keep an eye on them in case they needed help. After parting ways with Tao Yiqian again, the three found the place Ying Xun had arranged. Ying Xun was now working in Liangzhou Prefecture. When he saw Jian Mingshu, he paused for a moment but then quickly led them into the rented house, saying it was very good.

Jian Mingshu looked helplessly at the dilapidated courtyard before her, but Zeng Yi said it could still be lived in after some tidying up. After tidying up the courtyard, Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu went out to stroll the streets. Now, Jian Mingshu trusted Lu Chang completely, making it hard for him to handle. Zeng Yi made new clothes for them. Lu Chang, with a sour face, walked off, but Jian Mingshu didn’t blame him.

Instead, she felt sorry for him working so hard for the family. Hearing her words, Lu Chang’s lips quietly curved into a smile. That night, Zeng Yi prepared a table full of dishes. Jian Mingshu took out the remaining ninety taels of silver, but Zeng Yi and Lu Chang thought she should keep it. The next day, Lu Chang was heading to Songling Academy. He picked up a dog and gave it to Jian Mingshu, naming it Zaozao.

Before leaving, Lu Chang was very worried and asked Ying Xun to help take care of Zeng Yi and Jian Mingshu. Lu Chang’s purpose in going to Songling Academy was to find influential people to help with the case. The sachet Song Qingzhao carried was precisely from Songling Academy. Song Qingzhao was about to visit Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu when he ran into Jian Mingshu on the street.

Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao ran into each other on the street. She planned to do business in the capital to earn money. Although Lu Chang didn’t want her to worry about such things, she was unwilling to stay idle. Hearing this, Song Qingzhao admired Jian Mingshu even more. He invited her to a teahouse for some food, while Jian Mingshu was still pondering what business to start in the capital.

Song Qingzhao talked endlessly about his mother's love for cosmetics, which gave Jian Mingshu some inspiration. Song Qingzhao and Jian Mingshu saw a maid beside Tao Yiqian arguing with a shop owner because the hairpin she had bought was poorly made and soon broke, but the owner refused to refund her. Seeing this, Jian Mingshu stepped forward to help. She drew a design and suggested modifying the hairpin according to her drawing.

Both the shop owner and the maid's eyes lit up. In fact, Jian Mingshu didn’t know why, but she was very interested in jewelry and could instinctively see how to improve it. At the academy, Yang Zishu swaggered in looking for Lu Chang with an air of bullying. As a result, Lu Chang gave him a good lesson, and Yang Zishu immediately became very respectful. In the academy, Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao finally met again.

Jian Mingshu was planning to open a jewelry shop, and her first task was to find a storefront. She happened to see that the previous shop owner was planning to leave because of family matters. Jian Mingshu hoped to take over his shop, but she only had ninety taels, which was far from enough. Just as she was feeling helpless, she ran into Tao Yiqian, who generously offered to lend her the money.

However, Jian Mingshu refused because this was something she wanted to accomplish on her own. Tao Yiqian then revealed her real name—she was Yin Xianjun, the third daughter of the Yin family. Jian Mingshu didn’t mind, understanding that it was often inconvenient for women to travel under their real names. Prince Rui was planning to marry into the Yin family but hated extravagance and refused to decorate his mansion. Prince Rui was Song Qingzhao’s cousin.

He hoped Song Qingzhao could attend a tea banquet at the Yin residence. The Empress had heard rumors that Yin Shujun had questionable virtue; if this were true, Prince Rui would have to choose another fiancée. He asked Song Qingzhao to investigate secretly. Lu Chang had been secretly working to overturn his late teacher's case. Since Grand Tutor Yin had once been his teacher's mentor, Lu Chang thought there might be an opportunity to get close to him.

Upon seeing that Song Qingzhao had an invitation to the Yin family's tea banquet, Lu Chang hoped to accompany him. In order to earn some silver, Yin Xianjun introduced Jian Mingshu to the Yin family to become a study companion for the eldest daughter. She specifically reminded her that the eldest daughter was a legitimate heir with a high status.

However, about a year ago, she had a drastic change in personality—beating servants, killing cats and dogs, and even pushing her nanny into the water. With the marriage to Prince Rui approaching, the elder madam of the Yin family hoped to find someone to watch over Yin Shujun. Yin Xianjun introduced Jian Mingshu to her second sister, Yin Liangjun, who was kind and gentle. However, Yin Shujun immediately looked down on Jian Mingshu, calling her a pauper.

Yet, as Lu Chang’s sister, Jian Mingshu was well-versed in poetry and literature. Yin Shujun secretly slipped her a note trying to frame her. Yin Shujun then openly tried to have Jian Mingshu thrown out of the Yin household. Jian Mingshu calmly explained herself, and her words convinced the teacher. Yin Shujun still refused to give up, causing Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang to grow increasingly anxious.

At that moment, the elder madam of the Yin family arrived, stopped Yin Shujun from making more trouble, and instructed Yin Xianjun to bring Jian Mingshu to see her after class. Lu Chang was very displeased that Jian Mingshu had gone to the Yin family on her own to work as a study companion. After class, Yin Xianjun intended to take Jian Mingshu to meet the elder madam, but Jian Mingshu asked her to go ahead first.

It turned out Yin Shujun was secretly meeting a man, and Yin Liangjun originally planned to catch them in the act. Jian Mingshu intervened and helped Yin Shujun. Meanwhile, Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang met with Imperial Censor Yin. Not long after, Censor Yin left, citing urgent matters. Shortly after, Young Master Jiang also excused himself and hurriedly left. Song Qingzhao found this suspicious.

Censor Yin later came to the elder madam's place in a rage after hearing that the teacher had resigned that day. Jian Mingshu found it strange—if Yin Shujun had previous misconducts, why did the teacher resign only now? Censor Yin wanted to quickly find a replacement teacher. Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang volunteered, and Censor Yin arranged accommodations for them without hesitation. Jian Mingshu and Yin Shujun clashed fiercely, which made the elder madam decide to keep Jian Mingshu.

One day, Jian Mingshu saw Yin Liangjun anxiously looking for her cat and followed her, only to see Yin Shujun holding the cat in her arms. Yin Liangjun was immediately terrified. The maid explained that all animals that Yin Shujun had touched before had ended up dead, and Yin Liangjun was also very scared.

At night, Jian Mingshu finally returned to her room to rest, but Lu Chang climbed in through the window, blaming her for lacking vigilance. Soon after, Song Qingzhao also arrived. Seeing Song Qingzhao smiling warmly, Lu Chang instantly became furious. Hearing Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao discussing opening a shop made him even more jealous; he hadn't even known Jian Mingshu was planning to open a shop.

Jian Mingshu hurriedly explained, saying that learning more would help her recovery from soul separation. However, while she could open a shop, both Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao disagreed with her staying at the Yin residence as a companion reader, but Jian Mingshu insisted on staying. The next day in the study hall, Jian Mingshu began seriously analyzing the relationships between the three daughters of the Yin family. Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao arrived at the school as well.

From that day on, one would teach literature and the other music. Their arrival greatly excited Yin Liangjun, for Song Qingzhao was the cousin of Prince Rui, and Lu Chang was also extraordinarily handsome. During the literature class taught by Lu Chang, he noticed Song Qingzhao and Jian Mingshu passing notes and had Song Qingzhao assist with playing the qin. The two handsome gentlemen captivated all the ladies present.

After class, Yin Shujun was kept behind because she, as usual, had not submitted her homework. Lu Chang easily threatened her by saying he would report her daily to Grand Tutor Yin, forcing Yin Shujun to accept a punishment of three strikes with the ruler. Lu Chang asked Jian Mingshu to administer the punishment, but Jian Mingshu suddenly changed her mind and wanted to inspect Yin Shujun’s room instead.

Yin Shujun had thought Lu Chang would not agree but was shocked to learn that he was Jian Mingshu’s elder brother. Lu Chang declared that he was very protective and would not tolerate anyone disrespecting Jian Mingshu. Jian Mingshu boldly entered Yin Shujun’s room to inspect it. She picked up an embroidered pair of mandarin ducks and refused to return it, almost getting into a fight with Yin Shujun.

Jian Mingshu could tell that something was wrong with the room; Yin Shujun was clearly a noble lady skilled in calligraphy and painting. Jian Mingshu used the jewelry she made herself to build relationships with the servants in the mansion, hoping to learn more about Yin Shujun. Aunt Zeng felt that Jian Mingshu’s desire to open a shop was her way of gradually reclaiming herself.

Only now did Aunt Zeng realize that Jian Mingshu was not a spoiled noble girl but someone with a rich inner world. Song Qingzhao was delayed returning home while running errands for Prince Rui, angering his father, who sent him to the ancestral hall to kneel as punishment. The Song family had always been strict in raising Song Qingzhao. Jian Mingshu saw Yin Shujun holding a cat in the garden.

When she approached, Yin Shujun cursed at her, so Jian Mingshu took the cat from her arms. Yin Shujun was informed by her parents that she would be marrying Prince Rui in a few days. She was born noble, and marrying into the royal family was supposed to be her best fate, but for Yin Shujun, it was not the best outcome.

Furious, Yin Shujun returned to her room and had her maid deliver something to her third uncle, believing she could still change her fate. Jian Mingshu watched Song Qingzhao playing the qin and felt envious, unsure whether she had learned before. Song Qingzhao said that if she had learned, her body would remember. When Jian Mingshu sat down, she discovered that she indeed knew how to play.

Seeing this, Lu Chang recalled how Jian Mingshu had once come to him with a qin, sincerely seeking guidance. Only now did he realize that she had truly wanted to learn, not just to find an excuse to see him. Lu Chang quickly offered to teach her himself if she wished to learn. Not wanting to marry, Yin Shujun secretly swapped her birth document.

The next day, she presented herself confidently before the noble consort’s attendants, relieving Grand Tutor Yin’s worries. Jian Mingshu accidentally fell into the water, and after Lu Chang rescued her, he asked Song Qingzhao to investigate. While the nobles and Yin family parents were gathered, Yin Liangjun deliberately suggested that it was Yin Shujun seeking revenge on Jian Mingshu. When Jian Mingshu woke up, she told Lu Chang that she had remembered some things, but the details were still unclear.

Lu Chang didn’t want her to stay at the Yin residence any longer and treated it as a mere accident. However, Song Qingzhao found that the bridge surface had been coated with tung oil. Song Qingzhao admitted that he had come to investigate Yin Shujun’s character, but Jian Mingshu insisted on believing in her. Yin Shujun denied any involvement, but despite her denials, the evidence was undeniable. Furious, Grand Tutor Yin punished her with kneeling under family law.

The news that Yin Shujun had plotted against Jian Mingshu spread quickly, even being turned into storybooks. When the matter reached the ears of Noble Consort Hua, she refused to let Prince Rui proceed with marrying Yin Shujun. Although Prince Rui needed the Yin family’s support, the Yin family had more than one daughter.

The Noble Consort decided to arrange a marriage alliance with another daughter of the Yin family. Madam Yin worried that Yin Shujun would have difficulty marrying in the future. Moreover, how could they ensure fairness if they replaced the candidate? How should Yin Liangjun and Yin Xianjun be chosen between? The Grand Preceptor Yin believed Yin Liangjun should be selected, as she had always been dignified and virtuous.

If Yin Liangjun was to be married off, as the elder sister, Yin Shujun must quickly marry as well. The Grand Preceptor Yin instructed Madam Yin to find a marriage match for her as soon as possible, preferably far from the capital to avoid further trouble. The next day, Madam Yin summoned Jian Mingshu, handed her the monthly allowance she had previously promised, and admitted she had no other solution at this point.

However, Jian Mingshu was unwilling to just leave. She believed the one who harmed her was not Yin Shujun. Jian Mingshu decided to stay at the Yin household and continue investigating. With so much silver laid before her, Jian Mingshu was inevitably tempted and regretted it deeply in front of Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao. Although Yin Shujun had not treated Jian Mingshu well, Jian Mingshu believed in her upbringing.

Moreover, the previous rumors had all been spread without anyone witnessing anything firsthand. If she left, who would speak up for her? Women had a hard enough life as it was and must support each other. Lu Chang recalled how Jian Mingshu had managed her family alone after her mother's death, and he saw the similarity between her and Yin Shujun, who was also suffering. Thus, he decided to help her investigate to the end.

A matchmaker came to the Yin family proposing marriage, but the suitor was seeking a concubine and was already over forty years old. Furious, Madam Yin drove the matchmaker out. Hearing that the marriage alliance candidate had been changed to Yin Liangjun, Yin Shujun felt relieved, but in the household, everyone except Jian Mingshu mocked her for bringing misfortune upon herself. Yin Shujun was puzzled to hear that Jian Mingshu had not left.

When Jian Mingshu came to see her, she had already met with Shuangyan and learned that Yin Shujun had secretly switched her birth information. Jian Mingshu straightforwardly asked if she already had someone she loved—someone named Jiang Wenrui. Jian Mingshu produced a sachet embroidered with the character Rui, which Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang had found earlier.

Jian Mingshu continued to scare her, saying that although she was free from the arranged marriage, she now had to marry before Yin Liangjun, and it was rumored she would have to become the concubine of a forty-year-old man. Madam Yin’s third wife met with Yin Liangjun. Even though the marriage alliance candidate was now her daughter, neither Yin Xianjun nor the third wife minded.

Yin Shujun confided to Jian Mingshu that she and Jiang Wenrui had fallen in love, but when the marriage alliance matter arose, she neither clarified nor stopped the rumors, hoping to avoid the alliance. Yin Shujun begged Jian Mingshu to help inform Jiang Wenrui to come propose marriage quickly. After hearing the truth, Song Qingzhao decided to report honestly to Prince Rui, but Jian Mingshu quickly stopped him.

Although Yin Shujun's actions were improper, as a fellow woman, Jian Mingshu could understand her behavior. Lu Chang recalled Jian Mingshu's own desperate search for a husband back then, realizing that she too had once been cornered. At Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang’s request, Song Qingzhao agreed to delay reporting to Prince Rui, but time was running short for their investigation. Song Qingzhao brought Jiang Wenrui to meet Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang.

Jian Mingshu presented a handwritten letter from Yin Shujun asking him to propose. However, Jiang Wenrui used her ruined reputation as an excuse and was even secretly arranging marriage talks with another family. Angrily, he turned to leave, only to find Yin Shujun standing at the door, having overheard his betrayal. Heartbroken, Yin Shujun walked away, while Jian Mingshu, Song Qingzhao, and Lu Chang were all indignant. Back at the residence, Yin Shujun fell into utter despair.

Her reputation was now completely ruined, and she even considered suicide. Jian Mingshu quickly snatched the knife from her hands and reminded her that someone was manipulating everything behind the scenes. They must uncover the truth and find the real culprit. After a long conversation with Yin Shujun, Jian Mingshu returned to her room, where Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang were shocked to see she was injured.

Jian Mingshu noticed a maid washing shoes stained with tung oil—shoes that belonged to Yin Liangjun’s maid. Yin Xianjun told Jian Mingshu that Yin Liangjun had visited her courtyard that day, using the excuse of borrowing a hand warmer. They began to suspect that Yin Liangjun had orchestrated everything to steal the marriage alliance that Yin Shujun no longer wanted. Song Qingzhao brought Lu Chang to meet Prince Rui.

At that time, Prince Rui was engrossed in a chess problem he could not solve. Lu Chang seized the opportunity to recommend himself. Their purpose in coming was to request that the marriage alliance be postponed so they could investigate thoroughly. Prince Rui, who was implementing new policies and was evidently a wise man, agreed to delay the marriage alliance after hearing Lu Chang’s well-argued case. With the imperial examinations approaching, Prince Rui placed high expectations on Lu Chang.

Jian Mingshu specially thanked Lu Chang for this matter; though he appeared cold, he was truly a caring elder brother. Yin Xianjun told Yin Liangjun that the Noble Consort still favored Yin Shujun and wanted to continue discussing a marriage alliance with her. Yin Liangjun was filled with hatred and even suspected that Lu Chang and Yin Shujun had an illicit relationship.

Little did she know that Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang had deliberately created this false impression to attract attention. Yin Xianjun, thinking she had uncovered a scandal, planned to expose them during the formal betrothal ceremony the next day. Meanwhile, Yin Shujun was tending to flowers in her room when she suddenly fainted. At the same time, Lu Chang received news that Jian Mingshu had been injured in the study. He rushed anxiously to the greenhouse, but just as he arrived, the door was slammed shut behind him, and he too began to lose consciousness.

After the noble figures in the palace discussed the betrothal ceremony, they were about to leave when the Third Lady of the Yin family arrived, saying that Yin Liangjun had brought some exotic flowers from the Western Regions and invited everyone to view them. The crowd bustled over to the flower house, only to see Yin Shujun and Lu Chang lying on a bed together, while Yin Liangjun put on a show of astonishment.

Censor Yin’s face darkened with anger, but at that moment, Yin Shujun appeared from outside the room, stunning everyone present. It turned out that the person lying on the couch was not Yin Shujun, but Jian Mingshu dressed in her clothes. Today's event was a scheme devised by Jian Mingshu to clear Yin Shujun’s name, and the person who had painstakingly lured everyone to the flower house was the real culprit.

Yin Liangjun hurriedly denied it, but Jian Mingshu exposed her for stealing tung oil and spilling it on the shoes. In a moment of panic, Yin Liangjun blurted out that she had already buried the shoes that day! Seeing her true nature revealed, Yin Liangjun gave up pretending. She claimed that she had never been inferior to Yin Shujun since childhood, only lacking parental support. Lu Chang continued, saying that although they had been framed, they had long been prepared.

He hinted that Censor Yin could summon the imperial physicians to check if there were substances causing dizziness in the flower house. The physician’s diagnosis made Yin Liangjun panic, but she still refused to admit guilt. At that moment, it was discovered that dizzying substances were found in Yin Xianjun’s room. Jian Mingshu pointed out that the substances were placed by Yin Xianjun, who had originally sought her help to enter the mansion, intending to use her as an accomplice.

Yin Xianjun stubbornly denied it, but Song Qingzhao brought over Qiutong, the maid from the Third Lady’s side, who had been bribed to spread rumors about Yin Shujun. Seeing her mother implicated, Yin Xianjun finally knelt down and confessed. She admitted that she had always been a quiet and unnoticed member of the Yin family and only wanted to find a better future for herself.

Grand Preceptor Yin, who had been recuperating at a separate estate, rushed over to preside over the matter. The palace nobles and Lu Chang tactfully withdrew to give way. Yin Liangjun admitted her fault to her grandfather, while Yin Xianjun couldn’t help but vent her grievances, saying she only wanted to be someone cherished and held high by the family.

Grandfather told her that the arranged marriage was merely a political strategy, and even a legitimate daughter would face difficulties in such an alliance. Censor Yin explained that they had always hoped to find suitable matches for the two girls, not to hastily marry them off. Grandfather decided to send them to the ancestral hall according to family rules, but Yin Shujun pleaded for her sisters, resulting in a lighter punishment.

After the matter was settled, Grand Preceptor Yin left, and Lu Chang deliberately waited for him on the roadside. The First Lady of the Yin family sincerely thanked Jian Mingshu and then asked whether Yin Shujun had someone she liked, given her swapping of the horoscope note. Yin Shujun quickly admitted her fault for not clarifying the rumors and bringing shame to the family. However, Censor Yin did not blame her.

They finally realized that they had never respected Yin Shujun’s feelings, and Censor Yin no longer wished to sacrifice his daughter's happiness for political gains. Unexpectedly, Yin Shujun announced she was willing to marry Prince Rui. Although she did not know him well, she believed that since he was still willing to marry her under such circumstances, he must be a man of broad heart. Thus, the marriage was decided.

Lu Chang later sought Grand Preceptor Yin, hoping to overturn his teacher's old case. Grand Preceptor Yin hinted that he could start investigating from Liu Xiankun’s associates. Having witnessed the hardships of impoverished women struggling for survival and seen merchant women fall from glory overnight, Lu Chang finally understood that women in the world could never truly step out of confinement and pursue themselves freely. Jian Mingshu finally left the Yin family and returned home.

Lu Chang had tidied her room in advance. Although Jian Mingshu loved it, she still felt uneasy, always wondering about her past self. But whether past or present, she told herself, "I am who I am. "Lu Chang said that no matter what she wanted to do in the future, he would support her and do everything he could to ensure her a lifetime of peace and happiness.

Jian Mingshu also promised that whether he rose to high ranks or fell into hardship, she would always stand by him and give him strength. Lu Chang felt even more that his previous judgment had indeed been poor. Song Qingzhao arrived with a heap of gifts. Aunt Zeng invited him to stay for lunch, during which Jian Mingshu kept serving him food, making Lu Chang increasingly restless. Song Qingzhao commented that he envied the way the siblings got along.

Lu Chang, with a hint of mischief, suggested that Jian Mingshu recognize Song Qingzhao as her sworn brother, which made Song Qingzhao’s face stiffen in refusal. Aunt Zeng could tell that Song Qingzhao had feelings for Jian Mingshu, but Lu Chang thought that marrying into a noble family like the Song family might be difficult, and that waiting for him to enter officialdom would be a more secure choice. Yin Shujun brought many gifts to thank Jian Mingshu.

Although she was sincerely grateful, she still looked proud, behaving like a typical noble lady even when making friends. Upon hearing that Jian Mingshu planned to open a shop, Yin Shujun readily offered her support. After Liu Xiankun’s son disappeared without a trace, his adopted daughter became a popular dancer and was even taken into the Lu family residence. Lu Wencai became entangled with Liu Yuanying, but Liu Yuanying greatly despised him. While Jian Mingshu was racking her brain for a good shop name, Lu Chang suggested the name "Hualang Pavilion" for her.

Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao went together to meet Prince Rui. Lu Chang deliberately brought up the wedding date. After leaving the Yin residence, he had asked a friend to investigate and discovered that someone else was behind the scenes pushing Yin Xianjun to fight for the marriage alliance. It turned out to be Yin Xianjun’s aunt, the biological sister of Tian Chongjun, the current Inspectorate Censor. However, Yin Xianjun was likely unaware of this connection.

Tian Chongjun was affiliated with Prince Yu, and now that Prince Yu was meddling in Prince Rui's marriage matters, it showed his scheming nature. Lu Chang hoped that Prince Rui would help, but Prince Rui spoke first—he had already investigated Lu Chang and naturally knew what he was after. However, to reopen the case, there needed to be sufficient grounds, and whether it would succeed would depend on Lu Chang's own abilities.

On the way back, Song Qingzhao started to recall how Lu Chang had looked while discussing political affairs. Surprisingly, when talking politics with them just now, Song Qingzhao no longer felt bored. Jian Mingshu saw Lu Chang looking troubled and asked him what he was thinking. Lu Chang mentioned Mr. Su, who was not only his mentor but also like a loving father.

Ying Xun rushed over at night, having found out that the Lu family was planning a banquet for officials from the Ministry of Rites, with an impressive scale. It was said that they had even invited a couple of folk performers. Lu Chang decided to disguise himself as a performer to infiltrate the Lu residence, but he would also need a young lady of similar age to pretend to be his wife.

Jian Mingshu silently raised her head beside him, but Lu Chang firmly refused to pretend to be a married couple with her, leaving no room for discussion. Yin Shujun arranged a meeting with Prince Rui to express her gratitude. Previously, when she was entangled in rumors, Prince Rui still insisted on marrying her, and Yin Shujun was deeply thankful. Prince Rui stubbornly claimed that he minded as well, but he had no choice because of the marriage alliance.

Yin Shujun immediately responded that this suited her perfectly; however, she would still fulfill all the duties expected of a princess consort, just without true affection between them. Yin Shujun said that after marriage, she did not wish to stay at the residence every day and wanted to run a jewelry shop with her friends. Prince Rui stated that as long as she fulfilled her responsibilities, he would turn a blind eye. After thanking him, Yin Shujun left.

Ying Xun found a woman named Peach Blossom to pretend to be Lu Chang’s wife. To assist Lu Chang, Jian Mingshu practiced dancing diligently at home. She almost fell during practice, but Lu Chang caught her waist in time. Lu Chang could not bear Peach Blossom’s pretentiousness, so he ultimately chose Jian Mingshu instead. However, he was startled into spitting out his tea when she called him "my lord" during practice.

Disguised as folk performers, Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu entered the Lu residence but were questioned and asked to perform. Jian Mingshu's initial dance was not very graceful, but with Lu Chang’s encouragement, she eventually amazed everyone. That night, the two were arranged to stay in the same room. Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang argued endlessly over who should sleep on the floor.

Suddenly, someone entered to deliver something, and Lu Chang hurriedly covered Jian Mingshu with a quilt in fright. The next day, Lu Chang deliberately approached Liu Yuanying, but she was too guarded, and he could not extract any useful information. Jian Mingshu suggested that she should be the one to get close to Liu Yuanying, as it would be easier between women.

Yelong thought Lu Chang had fallen for Liu Yuanying and secretly told him that Liu Yuanying and Lu Wencai already had an affair. That night, Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu saw Lu Wencai coming out of Liu Yuanying’s room, gifting her a bracelet. However, Liu Yuanying immediately gave the bracelet to a maid. The maid Ziyun, who stayed close to Liu Yuanying, often secretly glanced at Lu Chang.

Jian Mingshu decided to distract Ziyun with a "handsome man trap" to approach Liu Yuanying herself. However, Liu Yuanying, wary as ever, recognized that Jian Mingshu was not Mu Qing and questioned her intentions. Jian Mingshu quickly made up a story, saying "Mu Qing" was a name used by her senior brother, not a single person, and tried to build rapport with her as a fellow dancer, hoping Liu Yuanying would keep the secret.

As Jian Mingshu babbled on about Liu Yuanying, Lu Chang peeled longans for her by her side. Madam Wang Xiuyun, wife of Lu Wencai, desperately wished to earn his affection, but Lu Wencai despised her for her aging looks. Her maid said that Lu Wencai’s indifference was because the dancer Liu Yuanying had bewitched him. Furious, Wang Xiuyun decided to teach Liu Yuanying a harsh lesson.

The Lu family was holding a spring banquet, and Song Qingzhao’s mother brought him to attend, also hoping to find him a suitable match. Lu Ruisan, the third daughter of the Lu family, had long been fond of Song Qingzhao, and the Lu family was eager to establish this marriage.

Wang Xiuyun deliberately damaged a hairpin bestowed by the imperial concubine and arranged for it to be given to Liu Yuanying, who was supposed to wear it while leading the dance at the banquet. When Liu Yuanying opened the package and saw the broken ornament, she was shocked. Jian Mingshu immediately realized that this was clearly a setup by Wang Xiuyun. Determined to help Liu Yuanying, Jian Mingshu decided to repair the ornament before the dance performance. Just as Jian Mingshu finished fixing the accessory and was about to deliver it to Liu Yuanying, she was intercepted by the lecherous Lu Wencai.

Jian Mingshu, in a hurry to deliver the hairpin, was held up by Lu Wencai. At that moment, Liu Yuanying was about to go on stage and grew anxious when she didn’t show up. To buy time, Lu Chang went on stage and began playing the qin, drawing the guests’ attention. Just as Jian Mingshu struggled to free herself, Song Qingzhao arrived and distracted Lu Wencai, allowing Jian Mingshu to escape and deliver the hairpin to Liu Yuanying.

After Lu Chang finished his piece and left the stage, Liu Yuanying’s performance proceeded smoothly. However, after the performance, Yerong, jealous of Liu Yuanying stealing the spotlight, accused her of seducing Lu Wencai. Jian Mingshu, growing anxious, added fuel to the fire, saying that as fellow women they should sympathize with each other. She pointed out that Liu Yuanying had no choice—knowing what kind of person Lu Wencai was, she shouldn’t be blamed for circumstances she couldn’t change.

Wang Xiuyun, who had come to confront her, overheard this and suddenly saw things clearly, choosing not to show up. In private, Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang met with Song Qingzhao and explained that they were posing as a pair of street performers. Liu Yuanying passed by and saw Song Qingzhao chatting animatedly with Jian Mingshu. She noticed that Lu Chang seemed upset, though Jian Mingshu didn’t seem to notice at all. Liu Yuanying later privately thanked Jian Mingshu.

Jian Mingshu couldn’t understand why she would subject herself to Lu Wencai. Liu Yuanying, full of sorrow, explained her helplessness due to her lowborn background. It turned out Lu Wencai was using her younger brother’s jade pendant to threaten her. Although Liu Yuanying had never met her brother, she had no choice but to believe it. Liu Yuanying also warned Jian Mingshu not to get too close to Song Qingzhao to avoid making Lu Chang jealous.

Jian Mingshu awkwardly replied that he wouldn’t. Madam Song grew anxious because of the banquet at the Lu residence, worried that Song Qingzhao might fall for the frivolous Third Miss Lu. Song Qingzhao came to greet his parents and even said he wanted to discuss politics with his father, suddenly appearing much more mature, which greatly shocked them.

But the reason for Song Qingzhao’s behavior was to seem mature enough so he could leave the house to help Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang. Wang Xiuyun recalled what Jian Mingshu had said earlier and felt deeply moved. Just then, Lu Wencai suddenly came to scold her, making Wang Xiuyun think that Liu Yuanying had tattled.

She had married Lu Wencai for some time now—he was greedy and lecherous, but her family insisted on the marriage, and there was nothing she could do. Lu Wencai once again set his eyes on Jian Mingshu and even started getting handsy. Lu Chang couldn’t bear it and struck him. Lu Wencai, furious, said he would settle the score after the banquet. Lu Chang got injured, so Jian Mingshu told him to sleep on the bed that night.

The two ended up sharing a bed. Liu Yuanying assumed that Song Qingzhao was Jian Mingshu’s childhood sweetheart and even imagined a melodramatic backstory. To protect her cover, Jian Mingshu had to nod and smile. Song Qingzhao visited the Lu residence again, longing to see Jian Mingshu. In his rush, he saw Jian Mingshu feeding Lu Chang and felt a twinge of sourness in his heart.

Jian Mingshu got along well with Liu Yuanying, but she still avoided the topic of Liu Xiankun. Lu Chang thought the most important thing now was to confirm that Liu Yuanying’s brother was safe and to make her realize how dangerous her current situation was—only they could help her. Lu Chang planned to use the Enyin Banquet to have Liu Yuanying testify against Lu Wencai, achieving two goals at once.

Since Liu Yuanying was very guarded, Jian Mingshu suggested making her believe that Song Qingzhao had deep feelings for her and was willing to do anything for her—that might convince her. Song Qingzhao readily agreed, and though reluctantly, Lu Chang agreed as well. Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao staged a scene in front of Liu Yuanying, with Song Qingzhao massaging her injured foot. Liu Yuanying hurriedly tried to stop Lu Chang from seeing this.

Lu Chang barged in and acted out a scene of fighting over his wife with Song Qingzhao. As the act went on, emotions started to feel real. After Song Qingzhao left, Lu Chang saw that Jian Mingshu was truly injured and grew anxious. He didn’t want her to get hurt and wanted to send her away, but to Jian Mingshu, Lu Chang was the most important person—she was willing to do all this for him.

Jian Mingshu had been feeling a little strange about her emotions toward Lu Chang recently. In a dream, she saw the back of a man, and when she awoke, she realized the clothes were identical to Lu Chang's. That night, Lu Wencai eagerly sought out Liu Yuanying. According to Lu Chang’s plan, Liu Yuanying drugged him with a sleeping potion that would leave him half-conscious and likely to speak the truth, and indeed, when he woke up, he remembered nothing.

Song Qingzhao made a special trip to bring Jian Mingshu some pastries, explaining that what he said the other day was not an act. If he truly admired someone, he would never change his mind because of her background. Before he could express his feelings, Lu Chang arrived. Liu Yuanying decided to cooperate with their plan and drugged Lu Wencai as instructed. She learned that the jade pendant belonging to her brother had been found by Lu Wencai elsewhere.

As for her brother’s whereabouts, he had no clear answer. Realizing she had been deceived, Liu Yuanying was filled with hatred. Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu then revealed their true identities and purpose. It turned out that Liu Yuanying’s father had likely been coerced into falsely accusing their teacher. Liu Yuanying told them that she and her brother had lived in their hometown since childhood.

A year ago, they were suddenly kidnapped and threatened with their lives to force Liu Xiangui to do something, although she was unsure what exactly. In hindsight, it must have been the false accusation against Mr. Su. At the Enyin Banquet, Song Qingzhao took his seat and deliberately brought up Liu Yuanying. Unexpectedly, the first performance turned out to be by Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang. Jian Mingshu’s dancing had improved remarkably after recent training, and Song Qingzhao was mesmerized.

Next came Liu Yuanying’s flying dance, which earned applause from all the noble guests. However, her monologue began to sound increasingly off. Through her dance, Liu Yuanying revealed the scars on her body, shocking everyone present. Song Qingzhao called for an investigation and a formal report, pointing out that Liu Yuanying was a government courtesan, and if not investigated, the Lu family would be shirking their responsibility. Cornered, the Lu family asked Liu Yuanying to tell the truth.

Liu Yuanying accused Lu Wencai of seizing her by force and even described a birthmark on his private area with precision. Lu Wencai vehemently denied it and calmly asked Wang Xiuyun to testify for him—only to be blindsided when Wang Xiuyun confirmed Liu Yuanying’s claims in detail, stunning the crowd. Jian Mingshu then further exposed that Xiangyun had also been assaulted by Lu Wencai. Wang Xiuyun testified that he had been forcibly taking women for years and demanded a divorce!

Minister Lu was horrified. Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang worked in tandem, calling for Minister Lu to handle the matter strictly according to the law, declaring that someone like Lu Wencai who knowingly broke the law should not be allowed to hold office. It turned out that Wang Xiuyun, upon learning that Jian Mingshu had been inquiring about Lu Wencai’s character, had brought the evidence herself to help expose him on the spot.

Liu Yuanying and Jian Mingshu were immensely grateful to her. Wang Xiuyun expressed her wish to one day break free from it all. With his path to advancement gone, Lu Wencai lashed out and said he wanted to divorce Wang Xiuyun. Minister Lu furiously demanded that he keep Wang Xiuyun, or return to the ancestral home and live out the rest of his life in disgrace.

Only then did Lu Wencai lower himself and plead with Wang Xiuyun not to leave, promising to let her manage all affairs in the household as long as she didn’t divorce him. Wang Xiuyun demanded he transfer all his property to her name and write a letter of repentance. Lu Wencai agreed to everything. Even so, Wang Xiuyun was disheartened. Her father had seen everything clearly yet still wrote to warn her to act with propriety and not be willful.

If she insisted on divorcing, she might never have a place in the family again. Therefore, Wang Xiuyun chose not to divorce but resolved to live her life well—on her own. Jian Mingshu began preparing to open her own jewelry shop. When Wang Xiuyun passed by and saw it, she was filled with envy—Jian Mingshu could choose the life she wanted. Jian Mingshu encouraged her, saying she could too. Life wasn’t meant to be about suffering.

Enlightened, Wang Xiuyun decided to seriously think about what she truly wanted. Aunt Zeng had extraordinary embroidery skills but had spent years taking on small jobs in the courtyard, clearly underutilized. Jian Mingshu hoped she could evaluate embroidered works for Hualang Pavilion. She deeply appreciated Aunt Zeng’s craftsmanship. So many women in the capital were trapped in inner chambers—she wanted the world to see their skills. Jian Mingshu went to ask Lu Chang for help writing the signboard for Hualang Pavilion.

Lu Chang thought that, as the shop owner, she should write it herself. He then guided her hand, stroke by stroke, to write the name. Without realizing it, both of them felt something stirring in their hearts. Yin Shujun heard about Liu Yuanying’s situation and thought she could take on commissions to help women with their problems. Jian Mingshu immediately agreed with the idea. However, there was still one more thing Jian Mingshu wanted to ask Yin Shujun.

In the courtyard, Song Qingzhao had set up a bell that would ring when his father arrived. One day, Minister Song came and was astonished to find Song Qingzhao reading and writing diligently. Jian Mingshu confided in Yin Shujun about her feelings for Lu Chang. Yin Shujun said it was perfectly normal—after all, she had lost her memory, and to her, Lu Chang was no different than he would be to any other woman.

Liu Yuanying suddenly came to Jian Mingshu with a memory—she recalled that the owner of Jian’s Gold Shop had once approached Liu Xiangui and scolded him severely. Though she lived in the pleasure quarters, Liu Yuanying was willing to contribute to Jian Mingshu’s women’s society, and Jian Mingshu was naturally more than happy to accept. In Yin Shujun’s garden, Jian Mingshu saw bamboo, and after returning home, she sketched it down.

Today is the grand opening of Hualang Pavilion. Song Qingzhao brought many gifts to offer his congratulations, and Lu Chang also gathered a few items. Coincidentally, both of them brought a feng shui stone. Jian Mingshu found it hard to decide which one to display. To remain neutral, she decided to place Lu Chang’s stone in the shop and Song Qingzhao’s in her room.

Hualang Pavilion officially opened today and, being a women’s society, was very well received on its first day. Jian Mingshu designed the layout to be quiet and clever. Aunt Zeng also found her own space within the shop. Song Qingzhao accidentally opened a painting of bamboo drawn by Jian Mingshu and assumed that she also liked bamboo. Seeing this, Liu Yuanying was even more convinced that Song Qingzhao had feelings for Jian Mingshu.

Lu Chang had been watching from the side for a long time and was just about to speak to Jian Mingshu when she was called upstairs to help. However, her whereabouts were also discovered by the assassins, who intended to eliminate her completely. Jian Mingshu was so busy her mouth was dry, so Song Qingzhao took the initiative to answer customer inquiries for her, making Lu Chang even more frustrated.

To help Jian Mingshu, Lu Chang took care of the customers’ children so the women could have time to shop, though he found it quite overwhelming. Song Qingzhao, busy picking out jewelry for his lady, later asked Jian Mingshu to customize a hibiscus hairpin. When Jian Mingshu glanced over at Lu Chang, she saw that he had already calmed the children down.

Jian Mingshu had dreamt many times of a man whose clothing was embroidered with bamboo patterns, but she could never clearly see his face. She had always believed that man was Lu Chang. However, today she saw Song Qingzhao waiting for her in the courtyard, and his robe had the exact same bamboo embroidery.

It turned out that Song Qingzhao had seen the bamboo painting by Jian Mingshu on opening day and, finding it elegant, had the bamboo design embroidered on his clothing. Jian Mingshu ran back to her room in a panic—it turned out that the man from her dreams was Song Qingzhao, not Lu Chang. She had been mistaken. Lu Chang stared at Song Qingzhao’s clothes, gritting his teeth. Aunt Zeng called everyone to breakfast.

Ying Xun also came, and with a glance from Lu Chang, ended up sitting next to Song Qingzhao. Unexpectedly, Jian Mingshu dramatically insisted on switching seats with him so she could sit beside Song Qingzhao. She spoke in an affected voice and even called his name. Jian Mingshu told Lu Chang about Jian Jinhai. Lu Chang said he had already looked into it and found nothing of concern.

Aunt Zeng saw things clearly—Lu Chang didn’t like seeing Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao together. She reminded Lu Chang not to let his feelings show and to remember his origins. Jian Mingshu told Ying Xun that she seemed to have fallen for Song Qingzhao. Ying Xun advised her to guard her heart and to love openly and confidently. When Jian Mingshu got up the next morning, she found that Lu Chang had already returned to the academy.

He left behind a letter saying he had given her the heirlooms passed down in her family. But when she saw the jewelry, Jian Mingshu found them oddly familiar. Back at the academy, Lu Chang couldn’t stop thinking about Jian Mingshu. It seemed he was finding it harder and harder to let her go. To clear his mind, he went to the garden to read. Yin Shujun’s arranged marriage with Prince Rui was imminent.

Madam Yin was worried about her daughter. Although it was a political marriage, she still hoped her daughter’s future would be harmonious. At the appointed time, Yin Shujun bid farewell to her parents and entered the royal residence. On the wedding night, Yin Shujun sat alone in the room for a long time, but Prince Rui didn’t come. He was still in the study, saying he wanted to keep her waiting for a bit.

But to give an account to the Noble Consort and the palace, he eventually went. When Yin Shujun heard he had arrived, she was nervous and drank some wine to calm herself. Sitting on the bed with a fan in hand, Yin Shujun waited. Seeing that she had already drunk the nuptial wine, Prince Rui didn’t insist on the fan ceremony and asked her to put the fan down herself. Prince Rui said he was only there for appearances tonight. Hearing this, Yin Shujun was delighted. She quietly took off her jewelry and outer robe and went to sleep, leaving Prince Rui somewhat puzzled.

Yin Shujun had a peaceful night’s sleep and woke to find that Prince Rui had already gone to court. To her, the ceremonial completion wasn’t important—as long as she played her role well, that was enough. At Songling Academy, Lu Chang grabbed Lu Wencai by the collar, but Lu Chang easily reversed it and caught him instead. Lu Wencai was furious but was fiercely taught a lesson by Lu Chang.

Jian Mingshu and Liu Yuanying specially congratulated Yin Shujun and Prince Rui on their marriage, presenting them with a pair of finely crafted bracelets as a wedding gift. However, Princess Wen’an didn’t quite trust Jian Mingshu. Yin Shujun quickly introduced her as a close friend, saying she had come with a request. Princess Wen’an wanted Jian Mingshu’s help in investigating someone.

It turned out that Princess Wen’an was troubled about her engagement—her family had arranged it three years ago to a man named Xie Xu. He was gentle, upright, and treated her well. Everyone thought there was no problem, but she felt something was off. Since last year, Princess Wen’an had felt that something about Xie Xu had changed. She suspected he no longer loved her and didn’t want to marry someone who didn’t love her.

Jian Mingshu understood her feelings and agreed to help. After all, it was better to uncover the truth before marriage than to regret it afterward. Xie Xu would be attending the wine-tasting banquet the next day, which Jian Mingshu would also attend. Princess Wen’an would arrange for them to meet.

Song Qingzhao decided to help Lu Chang display his talents at the wine-tasting banquet, hoping that rising fame in the capital would make it easier for him to get along with Jian Mingshu in the future. Ying Xun advised Lu Chang not to indulge Jian Mingshu in liking someone else. But Lu Chang replied that as long as she was happy, that was enough for him. Seeing the bamboo embroidery on Song Qingzhao’s cuff made Lu Chang feel even worse.

Song Qingzhao encouraged him to seize the opportunity and become a favored son-in-law among the noble ladies, but Lu Chang said he was only there to join in the fun with Jian Mingshu. Jian Mingshu was especially stunning today, and both Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang praised her without hesitation. At the wine-tasting event, Song Qingzhao was immediately noticed by many ladies upon arrival. Lu Chang was pulled into a small shop to taste wine.

When Xie Xu arrived, he drew the attention of the young men present. He was a top candidate in this year’s imperial exam and widely seen as a perfect match for Princess Wen’an. Song Qingzhao was also surrounded by merchants. Jian Mingshu, annoyed by their flattery, walked over to Lu Chang’s side. Lu Chang, enjoying a pleasant conversation with an elderly gentleman, consoled her and told her not to dwell on it.

When the tasting began, Jian Mingshu took a liking to a golden goblet and casually remarked that if she won, she’d take it back to Hualang Pavilion. Xie Xu was the first to take the stage. Song Qingzhao matched his poem, but Lu Chang didn’t care for such fame. Jian Mingshu hoped he would step up and bring honor to the humble scholars.

Only then did Lu Chang take the stage—his brilliance was unmatched, even Song Qingzhao couldn’t match his lines. Lu Chang won the top prize of the day and chose the wine from the old gentleman’s shop. Seeing Lu Chang’s display of talent, Song Qingzhao was genuinely happy. Lu Chang gifted the golden goblet to Jian Mingshu, asking her to take it back to Hualang Pavilion.

Jian Mingshu was taken by Princess Wen’an’s maid to a private room, where she saw Xie Xu and Princess Wen’an interact intimately yet appropriately. Xie Xu was so flawless it seemed unnatural, almost like he was acting. But Princess Wen’an had investigated him for over six months without finding a single flaw—except she hadn’t looked into the academy.

Lu Chang was coaxed into drinking a few cups and was drunkenly escorted back to the academy by Song Qingzhao, still muttering about wanting to take Jian Mingshu home. Seeing the bamboo on Song Qingzhao’s cuff, Lu Chang suddenly found the strength to tear it off and hold it tightly in his arms, repeatedly insisting it was his. Jian Mingshu decided to enter the academy to investigate Xie Xu.

Not wanting to trouble Lu Chang, she went to Song Qingzhao and offered to be his study attendant. Without hesitation, Song Qingzhao agreed. Disguised as Song Qingzhao’s study boy, Jian Mingshu entered the academy. Song Qingzhao even found a book of jewelry designs to give her, making Jian Mingshu feel he was the most gentle and thoughtful man in the world. Song Qingzhao’s hand accidentally brushed against Jian Mingshu’s, and he kept thinking about that moment even during lessons.

After class, Jian Mingshu followed Xie Xu and saw him drying books in the sun—but the books were nothing unusual. Just after Xie Xu left, Lu Chang arrived. Jian Mingshu quickly hid behind the books with them in her arms.

At night, Song Qingzhao specially asked the academy’s kitchen to prepare dishes and had them delivered to his room. Jian Mingshu’s eyes lit up at the sight. Just then, Lu Chang came knocking. Song Qingzhao hurriedly told Jian Mingshu to hide before going to open the door. Lu Chang, concerned that he hadn’t shown up for dinner, asked if he was feeling unwell.

Changing the subject, Lu Chang found an excuse to quickly send him away and opened the cabinet door—Jian Mingshu accidentally fell into his arms. That night, there was no sound from Prince Rui’s chambers. Yin Shujun planned to rearrange the room according to her usual habits and to pack up Prince Rui’s things into a box. The prince’s attendant was puzzled when he saw Yin Shujun’s room lights already out.

Prince Rui, however, said it was just fine—his life hadn’t changed a bit even after marriage. Later that night, Song Qingzhao had Jian Mingshu sleep on the bed while he set up a makeshift bed outside. He had always admired Jian Mingshu’s free spirit. But after only a few words, Jian Mingshu fell asleep.

Song Qingzhao, unable to fall asleep after tossing and turning, ended up hugging a book and going to the courtyard to read, just like Lu Chang often did. By the fourth watch of the night, Prince Rui had already woken up to prepare for court. He didn’t expect Yin Shujun to personally come and help him dress. She said it was the duty of a princess consort.

After Prince Rui left, Yin Shujun returned to her room to catch up on sleep. Prince Rui thought she was trying to win him back, but the attendant helplessly pointed out—it seemed more like she was just fulfilling her duties. Jian Mingshu woke early and found Song Qingzhao had just returned. He said he’d woken up early and needed to get ready for class.

Seeing Song Qingzhao flustered, Jian Mingshu took up the role of a study boy and helped him comb his hair. Though the result wasn’t pretty, Song Qingzhao treasured it deeply. Song Qingzhao told Jian Mingshu that he had heard Xie Xu was going out to meet someone. The two of them rushed over and indeed saw Xie Xu with a woman. They boarded a boat together, leaving behind an academy pass on the shore.

When they returned to the academy, they were caught red-handed by Lu Chang. He dragged Jian Mingshu back to his room and scolded her harshly—how important a woman’s reputation was! But Jian Mingshu said she was investigating a case and would stay to observe no matter what. Lu Chang had no way to deal with her—if she was going to stay, then fine, but she had to be his study attendant and stay away from Song Qingzhao!

That night, Jian Mingshu laid out her bedding on the floor, but Lu Chang picked her up and placed her on the bed, saying he had another place to sleep. He went to Song Qingzhao’s room. Song Qingzhao quickly explained that he hadn’t slept in his room the night before. Lu Chang brought dumplings he had made himself, stuffed with aged pickled bamboo shoots. Knowing Lu Chang was angry, Song Qingzhao had no choice but to eat them.

Lu Chang said that rumors were dangerous and boundaries between men and women should be observed—he didn’t want Jian Mingshu to get hurt. Lu Chang ended up sleeping in Song Qingzhao’s room, but the next morning, they found themselves on the same bed. Song Qingzhao was so startled he swore it was just out of habit. He still couldn’t comb his hair properly, so Lu Chang helped, making it look at least decent.

Jian Mingshu explored the academy thoroughly and suspected the woman might be in the back courtyard. Lu Chang reminded her that it wasn’t so simple—even if Xie Xu wasn’t a good person, what could Princess Wen’an really do? But Jian Mingshu simply wanted to help every woman—after all, marriage was a major life matter for a woman.

Xie Xu discovered that Jian Mingshu had disguised herself as a study boy to enter the academy and suspected she had come to investigate him. His lover was greatly worried about this. Jian Mingshu’s stomach was growling with hunger, so Lu Chang made her a bowl of noodles—her favorite. When she saw Xie Xu delivering clothes to Madam Lin for washing, she went to check but found no clues.

Instead, someone splashed water all over her, forcing her to return and take a bath. Lu Chang stood guard outside. Suddenly, Lu Wencai came with others to search for his cricket and insisted on searching Lu Chang’s room himself. Jian Mingshu hid in the bathtub. Lu Chang, through some quick maneuvering, managed to drive them out. Song Qingzhao was anxiously pacing outside, but luckily, Jian Mingshu wasn’t discovered.

When she got out of the water, Jian Mingshu was nearly out of breath. Lu Chang quickly held her and draped a coat over her shoulders. Her heart suddenly skipped a beat. Upon hearing that someone had falsely accused him of taking Lu Wencai’s cricket, Lu Chang concluded it must have been Xie Xu, who had already discovered Jian Mingshu’s presence. Xie Xu wasn’t about to give up and insisted on expelling Jian Mingshu from the academy.

The next day, Lu Chang recommended her to the academy for help, allowing Jian Mingshu to stay openly and legitimately. Yin Shujun was not favored after entering the prince’s manor, and rumors began to spread. Yin Shujun said she was well experienced in dealing with such gossip. She told her maid and the servants in charge of meals to add more nutritious dishes, hinting that she and Prince Rui, newlyweds, needed extra nourishment. This left Prince Rui completely puzzled.

In the back courtyard, Jian Mingshu heard that there was a woman named Tang Sheng. Although literate, she was reclusive and rarely left her room.

Tang Sheng happened to pass by, and Jian Mingshu took the initiative to greet her, but Tang Sheng walked by coldly with a veil over her face. The old woman said that she had heard Tang Sheng’s house caught fire when she was young, and her face was burned at an early age, so she wore a veil all year round. It was about a year ago that she came to the academy.

The Princess of Wen’an also began to suspect Xie Xu a year ago. Tang Sheng was thin and frail—one could easily mistake her for a woman. Besides, neither Song Qingzhao nor Lu Chang had ever heard of this person. Jian Mingshu deliberately tripped in front of Tang Sheng and went to her room to ask for medicinal powder for wounds, while carefully observing her surroundings, but found nothing suspicious.

Jian Mingshu purposely brought up Xie Xu, yet Tang Sheng showed no abnormal reaction and even took the lead in asking her a bunch of questions. Lu Chang felt it was odd and specifically visited Tang Sheng’s room, immediately recognizing her as Mr. Su’s daughter—Su Tangli. Su Tangli instinctively tried to hide upon seeing Lu Chang, but since they grew up together, there was no way he wouldn’t recognize her.

Lu Chang asked why, after recognizing him early on, she didn’t acknowledge him but instead kept hiding. Su Tangli said she was a person already considered dead, and she had to live under an alias to barely survive. They were now worlds apart, and she feared dragging him down. But Mr. Su had shown great kindness to him, and Lu Chang had always seen Su Tangli as his own sister.

Su Tangli politely declined his concern, saying she had already found someone she could rely on for life—that person was Xie Xu. In the past, Su Tangli had been tortured nearly to death in the Office of Entertainment. To seek revenge, she turned to Xie Xu. Five years ago, Xie Xu fell in love with her at first sight. Later, when she begged him to save her, he actually agreed.

Lu Chang reminded her that the Princess of Wen’an was already investigating. Xie Xu didn’t want Lu Chang to tell Jian Mingshu about her identity. It had been extremely difficult for her to escape the Office of Entertainment. But Lu Chang wanted to send her away, as Jian Mingshu was determined to solve the case and he didn’t want to get involved. Su Tangli said Jian Mingshu had evidence in her hands; Mr.

Su had passed clues to Jian Mingshu when she was imprisoned. This made Lu Chang realize that he had indeed misunderstood Jian Jinhai back then. At night, Prince Rui came to Yin Shujun’s room. To avoid him, Yin Shujun bathed for a long time. Seeing she couldn’t avoid him, she had no choice but to come out. Yin Shujun didn’t understand why he came to her room.

The two of them only had a pure cooperative relationship—there was no need for anything beyond that. Prince Rui pressured her about the recent rumors. Since she had stirred up the situation, he couldn’t let her down either. He carried Yin Shujun horizontally to the bed, hooked her chin, and was about to kiss her. When he saw her nervously gripping the bedpost, Prince Rui mischievously found an excuse and left.

Su Tangli was convinced that Jian Mingshu held evidence from Mr. Su, but Lu Chang insisted that she couldn’t be agitated, and he was determined to protect Jian Mingshu for life. Su Tangli was eager to overturn the case, but Lu Chang demanded she not approach Jian Mingshu. There was more bitterness in her words. Jian Mingshu came to deliver flowers and herbs to the old woman, when suddenly the name plaque fell. Song Qingzhao saved Jian Mingshu in time.

Jian Mingshu complained that Lu Chang should not have saved Lu Wencai. Su Tangli was also injured. When Jian Mingshu tried to check on her, she limped away. Song Qingzhao had hurt himself while saving her, and Jian Mingshu was very worried. He, unlike usual, even pretended to cry out in pain in front of her. Jian Mingshu was about to apply medicine to him personally when Lu Chang quickly snatched it away, afraid Jian Mingshu might touch him.

Jian Mingshu kept thinking about Su Tangli’s reaction today, while Lu Chang thought she was worried about Song Qingzhao. Jian Mingshu casually said it was just comfortable being around him—and she even dreamed about him. Jian Mingshu helped Su Tangli up, likely having already realized her true identity. Lu Chang hoped she would leave as soon as possible, but Su Tangli made excuses, saying leaving now would raise suspicion.

Jian Mingshu discovered that Lu Chang had gone to the rear courtyard but lied, saying he had gone to the library, which made her suspicious. That day, Xie Xu deliberately set a trap for Jian Mingshu. Halfway through the chase, she realized it was an ambush, but it was already too late. A man in black drew his blade and charged at her. This man was not sent by Xie Xu.

Hearing her cries for help, Su Tangli instinctively wanted to save her but was stopped by Xie Xu. Jian Mingshu collapsed from exhaustion. As the attacker closed in, she lured him into Xie Xu’s trap and tried her best to flee, but fainted from exhaustion. Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang were frantically looking for her. Su Tangli sent someone to tell them that Jian Mingshu had gone toward the back mountain.

Lu Chang found the unconscious Jian Mingshu near the trap and brought her back to his room to tend to her carefully. In her dream, Jian Mingshu saw that man again. As he was about to leave, she instinctively called out for him to stay. Lu Chang was pulled close by Jian Mingshu, but she called out Song Qingzhao’s name, leaving Lu Chang heartbroken.

Jian Mingshu believed the assassin wasn’t arranged by Xie Xu, but Song Qingzhao was furious—whether it was him or not, he hadn’t stepped in to help. That made him no different from an accomplice. To ensure her safety, Lu Chang wanted to send her back. But Song Qingzhao said there would still be unknown dangers outside and suggested keeping her close for protection. Lu Chang finally agreed. Jian Mingshu said she was sure Tang Sheng was a woman.

Lu Chang remained silent. Lu Chang went and beat Xie Xu up, warning him that if he dared hurt Jian Mingshu again, he would pay even if it cost him his life. As for Su Tangli, Lu Chang mocked him for being unable to let go of Su Tangli’s affection while still coveting the Princess of Wen’an’s status—if he couldn’t take responsibility, he should just come clean.

Su Tangli told Lu Chang she didn’t want Jian Mingshu to get hurt either, and Lu Chang didn’t blame her. When the two met again, Jian Mingshu accidentally saw them. She couldn’t understand why Lu Chang kept it from her. Su Tangli explained her background, and Lu Chang had no choice but to keep it secret for her. Jian Mingshu didn’t press further, but because of the Princess of Wen’an’s request, she had to ask clearly.

Jian Mingshu knew she had her difficulties, but that was no excuse to hurt others. But to Su Tangli, Xie Xu was a lifeline! Jian Mingshu wasn’t moved. Wrong was wrong. Lu Chang may have kept the secret for her, but Jian Mingshu had no such obligation.

Jian Mingshu felt wronged. Song Qingzhao specially brought food to comfort her. The more Jian Mingshu thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt. She was Lu Chang’s biological sister, yet he chose to keep things from her to protect someone else. Song Qingzhao said Lu Chang must have had his own reasons and that hiding the truth was for her sake.

Outside the door, Lu Chang nodded in relief upon hearing this, but when he saw Song Qingzhao wiping the food from Jian Mingshu’s lips, he couldn’t help but go in. Song Qingzhao then took his leave, having sensed Lu Chang’s wariness toward the closeness between him and Jian Mingshu. Jian Mingshu didn’t accept Lu Chang’s apology and kicked him out without a word.

Su Tangli hoped Xie Xu would cancel his engagement with the Lady of Wenan County, but Xie Xu, mindful of not yet having secured the title of heir, persuaded her to wait a bit longer for the sake of their future. Su Tangli didn’t press further, though both harbored their own agendas. Lu Chang begged and pleaded outside Jian Mingshu’s door, even writing on little notes, but Jian Mingshu remained angry.

Xie Xu, determined to gain the title of heir, needed the Lady of Wenan County’s support and had no intention of breaking the engagement. To curry favor with his future brother-in-law, Song Qingzhao gifted an exquisite pen, which Lu Chang rejected without hesitation. Yin Shujun and the Lady of Wenan County visited the academy that day. Because of Su Tangli, Jian Mingshu didn’t reveal what she had discovered.

Su Tangli grew worried at the Lady of Wenan County’s arrival, but Xie Xu was too occupied to meet her and was even sending her away. Su Tangli, unwilling to be manipulated, stormed off only to see Xie Xu gently draping a cloak over the Lady of Wenan County. Feeling upset, Su Tangli deliberately bumped her shoulder hard as she passed. Jian Mingshu came to Lu Chang and spoke about the Lady of Wenan County.

She hadn’t told her anything because she believed Lu Chang must have a reason for protecting Su Tangli. Since the Lady of Wenan County only sought the truth, she might be able to both protect Su Tangli and expose Xie Xu’s true nature. After a quarrel with Su Tangli, Xie Xu sweet-talked her and promised they would leave the capital early the next morning.

That night, Su Tangli woke from a nightmare, terrified of returning to a hell where she was used and manipulated by the powerful. Yin Shujun and Prince Rui entered the palace together to see his mother, pretending to be a loving couple. Prince Rui hadn’t expected Yin Shujun to maintain her composure so well in the palace. After leaving, Yin Shujun went to Hualang Pavilion, which had always helped women in need.

A grateful woman came to thank her and gifted her some flower seeds. Prince Rui, seeing Yin Shujun busy planting flowers, didn’t expect her to be so capable in managing household affairs as well. Prince Rui and Prince Yu were scheduled to visit the next day. Xie Xu had arranged for Su Tangli to leave the capital in advance but also secretly sent people to kill her en route.

Su Tangli narrowly escaped and, upon learning the truth, saw Lu Wencai passing by. She shouted and rushed into the house. Lu Wencai had always harbored intentions toward Su Tangli, and the two began to fight. The headmaster was furious and ordered them to reflect for three days, forbidding them from appearing when Prince Rui and Prince Yu arrived. Jian Mingshu, hearing of the incident, suspected that Lu Wencai had discovered Su Tangli’s true identity.

The next day, Prince Rui and Prince Yu arrived at the academy. Ten essays were selected, and while everyone praised Song Qingzhao’s piece, their expressions turned strange upon reading Lu Chang’s. Prince Yu, knowing Song Qingzhao was affiliated with Prince Rui, tried to suppress him and even mocked Lu Chang’s background. Minister Lu quickly intervened when the two princes nearly quarreled and called Lu Chang forward.

Upon seeing the birthmark on Lu Chang’s wrist, Minister Lu was shocked and began asking about his family background. Prince Yu, having stained his clothes, went to change and unexpectedly encountered an old acquaintance. Prince Yu, Prince Rui, and the others went to Huantao Hall only to find it locked. The mistress asked Jian Mingshu to open the doors. As she did, she found Lu Wencai’s corpse in the main hall and was horrified. A murder in the academy prompted the princes to order a thorough investigation.

The investigation into Lu Wencai’s mysterious death began. Minister Lu was heartbroken upon seeing his son’s body and pleaded for justice before the two princes. The coroner confirmed the victim had died less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick ago and also identified the murder weapon. Upon examining it, the princes found the character "Xie" inscribed on it. Xie Xu was the only person in the academy with that surname.

Xie Xu claimed the item had gone missing days ago and insisted that he hadn’t left since being confined. To prove his innocence, he asked Su Tangli to testify, saying she had visited him shortly before the murder. However, Su Tangli denied it. Enraged, Xie Xu exposed Su Tangli’s true gender in front of everyone, accusing her of harboring ulterior motives. The headmaster, puzzled, asked what was going on.

Xie Xu revealed that Su Tangli was the daughter of a criminal, and that Lu Wencai had discovered her secret. Claiming to have been manipulated and provoked into conflict, Xie Xu accused Su Tangli of killing Lu Wencai. Su Tangli was heartbroken that Xie Xu would sacrifice her to save himself, and the two began accusing each other. Prince Yu was pleased to witness this scene, knowing that the Marquis of Yongqing was on Prince Rui’s side.

Afterward, Lu Chang approached Su Tangli to ask what happened. Su Tangli denied killing Lu Wencai, and Lu Chang was relieved. As long as she wasn’t the killer, there was still hope. To uncover the truth, Jian Mingshu, Lu Chang, Song Qingzhao, and Ying Xun went to the crime scene. They didn’t believe Xie Xu and Su Tangli could have committed the murder. Jian Mingshu was called away by Madam Lin.

Song Qingzhao was shocked to hear Lu Chang and Ying Xun examining the corpse. After careful analysis, they concluded Lu Wencai hadn’t been shot but rather stabbed from behind after someone snuck in. Xie Xu and Su Tangli wouldn’t have been capable of such a calculated attack, so the real killer must be someone else. If that were true, the murderer would surely have bloodstains on them.

Ying Xun found Lu Wencai’s poetry drafts and deduced he must have snuck in to present his work to the princes, unaware the killer was already lying in wait. The bloody clothes hadn’t been found, and given the limited time, the killer likely didn’t have a chance to change. To expose the culprit, Lu Chang ordered hu-la-tang for everyone. Young Master Zhang refused to drink it no matter what.

Jian Mingshu pretended to accidentally spill soup on him, and he still refused to change his clothes. Once the prefect announced progress in the case and dismissed everyone, Young Master Zhang revealed a flaw. There were still bloodstains on Young Master Zhang’s undergarments. He confessed to killing Lu Wencai. After ten years of hard study, he had suffered under Lu Wencai’s bullying for years and finally snapped.

With the matter settled, Xie Xu was also found guilty of falsifying documents and harboring a criminal. Prince Rui planned to report all of this. As for what to do with Su Tangli, Minister Lu suggested leaving her at the academy under the headmaster’s temporary custody. With the case closed, Prince Yu cast a meaningful glance at Lu Chang before leaving. Back at the manor, Prince Rui found Yin Shujun had prepared silver ear soup for him.

Troubled about whether he should plead on behalf of the Marquis’s estate, Prince Rui was impressed by Yin Shujun’s thoughtful insights. Although the case was resolved, Jian Mingshu remained troubled. She felt jealous despite Su Tangli’s tragic background and regretted her feelings. Song Qingzhao came to comfort her. Before Young Master Zhang was taken away, Jian Mingshu asked if anyone had said something to him, but he remained silent. In prison, Young Master Zhang took poison and ended his life.

Jian Mingshu saw a doll fall out of his old clothes and was reminded of Liu Yuanying’s. She began to suspect that Young Master Zhang might be the brother Liu Yuanying had been searching for. At that moment, Lu Chang also arrived with news of his suicide. Jian Mingshu rushed to the prison with Liu Yuanying. The poison had already spread through his body, and he was on the brink of death.

Liu Yuanying felt overwhelmed with emotions upon seeing that her younger brother was still alive. Young Master Zhang used his last breath to tell her that he had been saved by a family surnamed Zhang. Later, when he went to find Liu Yuanying, he was told that she was already at the Lu residence, and afterward, there was the incident at the Enyin Banquet. That’s why he infiltrated the academy—to avenge Liu Yuanying.

Before the siblings could say much, Young Master Zhang coughed up blood and died in prison. Devastated, Liu Yuanying nearly took her own life. Her brother had been her only family in the world—her father and brother were both gone, what reason did she have to live? Jian Mingshu quickly stopped her and persuaded her that she must live to avenge her father. Only then did Liu Yuanying give up the idea of suicide.

Jian Mingshu had many doubts and went to Su Tangli to seek answers. Every time Young Master Zhang tried to kill Lu Wencai, someone handed him the knife from behind—Xie Xu’s sleeve arrow and the falling plaque, all were pushed along by Su Tangli. Su Tangli’s face darkened and she immediately denied everything, even nearly revealing Jian Mingshu’s family extermination case.

Lu Chang quickly arrived to stop her, asking Jian Mingshu to leave first as he wanted to speak to Su Tangli alone. Su Tangli feigned a pitiful look, saying she had almost misspoken because of the false accusations. In fact, Lu Chang also suspected something from Jian Mingshu’s words. Even if Su Tangli hadn’t stained her hands with blood, her heart must be full of wounds. Prince Rui used Liu Yuanying’s plea in court to reverse Su Changhua’s case.

Prince Yu’s faction strongly opposed it. Prince Rui was upset and hadn't eaten all day. Yin Shujun personally went to comfort him. With all the veteran ministers impeaching Prince Rui, Yin Shujun advised that if they were so desperate, it meant Prince Rui’s plan was at a critical juncture. He just needed to keep pushing forward. Prince Rui suddenly saw things clearly and finally agreed to eat.

But when he asked Yin Shujun to stay and dine with him, she refused and left. Princess Wen'an was furious upon learning the truth and wanted to run to the streets to curse people. Jian Mingshu persuaded her to break off her engagement. Jian Mingshu offered a plan, and Princess Wen'an decided to go drinking with her and Yin Shujun.

Yin Shujun, at first unwilling to drink due to her status as a married woman, agreed when she heard Princess Wen'an wanted to confront Prince Rui. The three of them then formed a sworn sisterhood at Hualang Pavilion. That night, Prince Rui waited outside Hualang Pavilion early. When he saw Yin Shujun, Princess Wen'an, and Jian Mingshu stumbling out drunk, he quickly carried Yin Shujun in his arms and had her carriage send Jian Mingshu home.

In the carriage, Yin Shujun cursed Prince Rui, saying he didn’t understand a woman’s heart and only busied himself with politics—a pitiful man. But Prince Rui respected her greatly. If they could always remain courteous and undisturbing to each other, that would also be a good match. Prince Rui’s expression changed repeatedly, and finally, through gritted teeth, he said, “Don’t even think about it. ”Lu Chang picked up Jian Mingshu at the alley entrance and carried her home.

Jian Mingshu thought she was dreaming about the man in blue again and stubbornly wanted to see his face clearly. She was terrified this person might be Lu Chang because under no circumstances could she fall in love with her “brother. ” Aunt Zeng, seeing Jian Mingshu drunk, went out to get hangover soup but sensed she was being followed. Fortunately, Wei Zhuo helped her, and after three bows of thanks, she returned home. Lu Chang stayed by Jian Mingshu’s bedside.

She was once again dreaming of the man in blue. Lu Chang felt very conflicted. Those memories were extremely painful for Jian Mingshu. Sometimes he wished she would never remember them in this life, but sometimes he hoped she would regain her memory. Minister Lu investigated the identities of Lu Chang and Aunt Zeng and confirmed they were his long-lost wife and son. Back then, he had been busy with government affairs and thought they had perished in the flood.

The next day, Jian Mingshu sobered up and felt a bit awkward when she saw Lu Chang. Xie Xu was taken by his father to kneel in front of the Commandery Prince’s residence to repent. When Princess Wen'an appeared, she pitifully said she was willing to call off the engagement to fulfill Xie Xu and Su Tangli, which caused a wave of scolding. Marquis Yongqing pleaded with the emperor for mercy on Xie Xu.

The Commandery Prince was the first to oppose and demanded the engagement be annulled. Prince Rui did not plead on Marquis Yongqing’s behalf, which surprised Prince Yu. Xie Xu was demoted to commoner status and permanently barred from taking imperial exams. In a rage, he confronted Su Tangli, who had long since seen through his dirty thoughts. Things between them were completely fair. When Xie Xu tried to attack Su Tangli, the guards from Prince Yu’s residence stopped him.

Xie Xu immediately realized that Su Tangli had latched onto Prince Yu and was determined not to let her go. Prince Yu took charge and brought Su Tangli out of the academy and into his residence. Su Tangli had already resolved to use Prince Yu’s hand to avenge her father. That day, under the pretense of delivering clothes, she approached Prince Yu and expressed her willingness to serve him, offering Marquis Yongqing’s residence as her pledge of loyalty.

Before being brought to Prince Yu, Su Tangli saw a blood-soaked woman being dragged away. She specifically bribed a eunuch and learned that there was a tale about an auspicious sign when Prince Yu was born, but it was a taboo topic. Su Tangli volunteered to serve Prince Yu in bed, but he remained suspicious. He asked her why she didn’t turn to Prince Rui instead.

Su Tangli said Prince Rui had stood by coldly when her father was in trouble and was never reliable. Prince Yu never lacked women who served him with beauty. If Su Tangli wanted to secure her place, she would have to try harder. Prince Rui finally managed to visit his mother in the palace. She praised Yin Shujun as an excellent princess and urged them to give her a grandson soon. Prince Rui responded awkwardly and then left.

When asked about Yin Shujun’s recent activities, it seemed she was constantly going out early and returning late, and they barely saw each other. Thinking of the day they slept on the same bed after her hangover, Prince Rui felt that Yin Shujun was avoiding him. That day, when Yin Shujun woke up and saw Prince Rui in her bed, she immediately kicked him out.

Prince Rui, about to leave the city the next day, insisted on going to Hualang Pavilion with the excuse of seeing her. Song Qingzhao had a hibiscus hairpin custom-made to give to Jian Mingshu. That day, there was a banquet at Hualang Pavilion. Prince Rui showed up unexpectedly, shocking Yin Shujun, who tried to drive him away, but he shamelessly insisted on staying. Jian Mingshu asked Yin Shujun what dishes she liked so she could prepare more.

Prince Rui even grabbed Yin Shujun’s hand and wouldn’t let go, making the others feel a bit shy. After the meal, Prince Rui apologized to Yin Shujun in private. Song Qingzhao asked Princess Wen'an to leave so he could speak alone with Jian Mingshu. Unexpectedly, Lu Chang appeared midway. A guest mistook Prince Rui for the shopkeeper and asked for a recommendation. He picked out a hairpin just like Yin Shujun’s.

Prince Rui was set to leave the city the next day to prepare for the Spring Plowing Ceremony, and all household affairs were entrusted to Yin Shujun. She especially reminded him to wear more clothes. Wei Zhuo came to care for a colleague’s mother. The old lady was confused and mistook Aunt Zeng, who had been caring for her, as her daughter-in-law. Aunt Zeng, seeing the old lady living alone, had been particularly attentive.

Wei Zhuo was very grateful upon hearing this. Jian Mingshu asked for a charm from Xu Yuanfu of Xiangguo Temple for Lu Chang. Lu Chang was delighted at first, but upon seeing that Jian Mingshu also gave one to Song Qingzhao, he became upset, grabbed Jian Mingshu’s sachet, and stuffed it into his own, saying only then it was truly one-of-a-kind. Song Qingzhao said he had something to say to Jian Mingshu alone, so Lu Chang went outside to eavesdrop.

Song Qingzhao gave Jian Mingshu the custom-made hibiscus hairpin. Although Jian Mingshu didn’t have romantic feelings for him, she accepted it so as not to affect his provincial exam performance. As the spring exam approached, the academy went on break. Lu Chang took the academy-arranged carriage home, but suddenly someone claimed to have been hit and Lu Chang was unjustly taken to jail. This was an intentional setup by Magistrate Jia.

Jian Mingshu was almost thrown into chaos upon hearing the news, but luckily Song Qingzhao, Yin Shujun, and Princess Wen'an were there. Song Qingzhao accompanied Jian Mingshu to visit the prison. The jailer only let her in after seeing the token from the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence. Lu Chang confirmed it was a frame-up, someone had set a trap.

He hadn’t figured out who yet, but asked Jian Mingshu to find the so-called victim and force Magistrate Jia to reopen the case. Magistrate Jia immediately reported this matter to Song Qingzhao’s father, saying that Song Qingzhao was showing undue favor to the Lu siblings. To catch the so-called victim, Qian Si, Jian Mingshu and Ying Xun disguised themselves as doctors and went to his home, but they were also turned away.

Jian Mingshu, Song Qingzhao, and Ying Xun lay in wait late at night. When Qian Si appeared, they stepped forward and captured him, tying him up at the entrance of his lover’s house, allowing Qian Si’s wife to catch him in the act. During the ensuing argument among the three, the truth about accepting bribes to give false testimony came to light.

Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao seized the opportunity and took Qian Si to the Liangzhou Prefecture to file a complaint and seek justice. Yin Shujun and the Princess of Wen’an specifically ordered the flags on their carriage to be raised in support of Jian Mingshu. Song Qingzhao stood by Jian Mingshu’s side as Yin Shujun and the Princess’s carriage stopped nearby. The Prefect Jia had no choice but to immediately convene court.

Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao requested Prefect Jia to summon the local clinic to examine Qian Si’s injuries. The clinic confirmed that Qian Si’s leg injury was real. Song Qingzhao hurriedly called upon the Dali Temple’s medical clinic, which concluded that although Qian Si’s leg was indeed broken, the injury was sustained earlier and was not caused by a carriage. Prefect Jia still delayed proceedings and continued to imprison Lu Chang.

As Jian Mingshu rushed about for Lu Chang’s sake, the assassin continued to watch her like a hawk. The one orchestrating Lu Chang’s case behind the scenes was Minister Lu, who sought to avenge his son. Jian Mingshu refused to eat or drink. Worried for her health, Song Qingzhao went out to buy her pastries. But when he turned back, Jian Mingshu had disappeared. She had been abducted into an alley by the assassin.

By the time Song Qingzhao arrived, she was already vomiting blood and unconscious. Ying Xun chased after the assassin, but the man committed suicide by poison. Jian Mingshu’s heart meridian was damaged. The doctor said only the “Condensed Heart Pill” could save her. Song Qingzhao rushed home to retrieve the medicine, only to be stopped by his father. His father asked what exactly his relationship with Jian Mingshu was.

Song Qingzhao honestly said she was the one he admired and, with her life hanging by a thread, saving her was the priority. His father refused to let him go unless he severed all ties with Jian Mingshu. For the first time, Song Qingzhao defied his father for her. While Jian Mingshu remained unconscious, Song Qingzhao stayed by her side and took great care of her.

In prison, Lu Chang heard that Jian Mingshu had been knocked unconscious not long after going out, and became extremely anxious. Back at home, Song Qingzhao knelt for a long time but still refused to sever ties with Jian Mingshu. He swore he would marry no one else in this lifetime. His father, furious, whipped him. If not for his mother shielding him, he might have been beaten to death. Still injured, Song Qingzhao came to care for Jian Mingshu.

Lu Chang asked the prison guard to let him meet Prefect Jia and requested to be released. Prefect Jia, wanting to prevent him from taking the exam, gave a condition: he could go out, but upon returning he must face heavy punishment. Lu Chang agreed without hesitation. Jian Mingshu remained unconscious for a long time. After much effort, Lu Chang was allowed to return home to visit her, only to be told that Jian Mingshu might not make it.

At a loss, Lu Chang held her hand, blaming himself, saying it was his fault, that he had let her down. All he wished was for her to open her eyes and look at him once. He didn’t wish for a second chance, only that she could wake up so he could make it up to her and protect her properly. When visiting time was up, Lu Chang reluctantly kissed Jian Mingshu on the forehead and left in a hurry.

In her dream, Jian Mingshu once again encountered the man in green robes and even became physically intimate with him. The next day, Jian Mingshu woke up and saw Song Qingzhao sleeping by her bedside. She asked if he had been the one caring for her all along and mistook him for the man in her dream. Minister Lu was shocked to hear that Lu Chang had been framed and imprisoned.

After returning to Liangzhou Prefecture, Lu Chang was subjected to severe punishment by Prefect Jia. He tightly held Jian Mingshu’s sachet, unable to ignore his feelings for her. Minister Lu arrived in time to save Lu Chang, saying he had been impressed by him last time and thus decided to help. Lu Chang repeatedly thanked him. Minister Lu warned him that he had already made enemies in the capital and must tread carefully going forward. After a review by the Ministry of Justice, Lu Chang was declared innocent.

Lu Chang left Liangzhou Prefecture and returned home. Madam Zeng wept uncontrollably. Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu tied red threads on each other’s wrists, symbolizing a wish for good fortune. That evening, Madam Zeng bustled about preparing a large table of food—tomorrow was the provincial exam, and everything had to be auspicious. Jian Mingshu asked about Lu Chang’s background and talked about her dream. In it, a man treated her with utmost care like a kind father.

She also dreamed of Lu Chang, who was gruff and ignored the food she brought him. The next day was the provincial exam at the examination hall. Madam Zeng and Jian Mingshu gave Lu Chang countless reminders. Song Qingzhao watched from afar. Though his parents were angry, he knew they would come that day, which made being close to Jian Mingshu dangerous for her.

Song's mother hurriedly got off the carriage to deliver something to Song Qingzhao, while Song's father remained prideful and refused to get out, watching from afar instead. Both Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao wore wishing charms that Jian Mingshu had specially sought for them. Jian Mingshu and Madam Zeng knelt in the courtyard daily to pray for Lu Chang’s success. Song Qingzhao’s parents did the same.

Song Qingzhao had figured it out—only by becoming an official and strengthening himself could he stay with Jian Mingshu long-term. Three days later, Jian Mingshu arrived at the examination hall to pick up Lu Chang but did not see Song Qingzhao. Song's mother dragged Song's father to pick him up, even threatening to run away from home if he didn’t.

Jian Mingshu looked at the gift Song Qingzhao had given her and thought she should return it at an appropriate time. Madam Zeng said if she truly liked Song Qingzhao, she would support her. But if she felt nothing, she shouldn’t lead him on and cause unnecessary sorrow. After all they’d been through, Lu Chang realized one thing—he must never lose Jian Mingshu.

Ying Xun reminded him that the two of them were currently siblings, and out of respect for Jian Mingshu’s feelings, Lu Chang could not tell her the truth yet. Yin Shujun and the Princess of Wen’an both knew that Song Qingzhao had deep feelings for Jian Mingshu. But Jian Mingshu confessed that she didn’t seem to have romantic feelings for Song Qingzhao. The two ladies assured her they would support her no matter what—they were, after all, close friends.

Madam Zeng had been looking after Aunt Li all along and even made pear soup for her that day. Wei Zhuo was deeply grateful. Song Qingzhao came to Hualang Pavilion. After much thought, Jian Mingshu returned the hibiscus hairpin to him. Though they got along well, she didn’t know what to do. Song Qingzhao understood her feelings but hoped they could continue interacting as they had before.

Since a gift had been given, there was no reason to take it back. If someday Jian Mingshu found her true love, it wouldn’t be too late to return it then. Lu Chang specially came to take Jian Mingshu shopping and held her hand the whole way. They entered a store, and since there was no musician that day, Lu Chang played Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix, leading Jian Mingshu to think Lu Chang had someone he admired.

Lu Chang kept guiding Jian Mingshu to remember the past—like how she used to call him "A’Chang gege" instead of "A’xiong. " Jian Mingshu was stunned for a long time upon hearing this. Back home, Wei Zhuo escorted Madam Zeng back. Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu’s interaction was full of gossip-worthy details. Lu Chang ranked first in the provincial exam, becoming the top scorer. Song Qingzhao also passed with high marks, but was heartbroken and drunk over Jian Mingshu’s rejection.

Jian Mingshu had been his motivation to enter politics—without her, there was no joy in success. But soon, Song Qingzhao came around. As long as he became an official, Jian Mingshu might one day reconsider him. Jian Mingshu was in her room taking Lu Chang’s measurements for clothes when Madam Zeng walked in with Song Qingzhao and witnessed their intimate moment. The air instantly grew tense. That day, Hualang Pavilion hosted a charity sale.

Song Qingzhao came to help Jian Mingshu, but ended up catching the attention of many young ladies. Lu Chang stayed behind to report to Prince Rui that he and Jian Mingshu were not siblings.

Lu Chang truthfully reported Jian Mingshu’s identity, speculating that the extermination of the Jian family might be related to Mister, and that Jian Mingshu was likely an important witness in the case—her identity must not be exposed prematurely. Prince Rui told Lu Chang to come serve as a temple official at Dali Temple after completing the imperial examination.

Jian Mingshu was busy with the charity sale today, but someone was already jealous of her because of her relationship with Song Qingzhao. Yin Shujun was being harassed by Young Master Jiang, who kept claiming he was bewitched and wanted to win her back, but just then Prince Rui arrived at Hualang Pavilion and saw Yin Shujun harshly reprimanding Young Master Jiang for being unfaithful.

Unable to stand it, Prince Rui kicked Young Master Jiang and ordered him locked up, forbidding the Jiang family from ever entering the royal residence again. Lady Lu privately sought out Jian Mingshu, saying she wanted to buy a gift for her beloved, Song Qingzhao. Jian Mingshu recommended a piece of jewelry priced at five hundred taels. Upon seeing this, Song Qingzhao simply raised the price to one thousand taels and wrote it down in the charity sale ledger.

He then publicly rejected Lady Lu, stating that there was no relationship between them and that he already had someone he loved in his heart. The charity sale was a great success today, and Song Qingzhao took Jian Mingshu to a restaurant to celebrate. Lu Chang went to Hualang Pavilion to look for Jian Mingshu, but was told she had gone out with Song Qingzhao. Meanwhile, he caught the eye of Lady Jiang.

Yin Shujun especially thanked Prince Rui for standing up for her today, saying that Young Master Jiang was a hypocrite and not worth her affection. But Prince Rui could tell that the bold and passionate Yin Shujun was still partly stuck in the past. Jian Mingshu returned home that night to find Lu Chang sitting on the roof waiting for her. They sat on the roof together enjoying the scenery.

Jian Mingshu admitted that she also liked Song Qingzhao, but not enough to talk about marriage. Lu Chang didn’t want her to avoid anyone—he just wanted her to be happy. However, Lu Chang hoped that before she became deeply attached to Song Qingzhao, she wouldn’t give him an answer yet. Jian Mingshu, in a playful manner, said she would think about it.

Lu Chang then jumped down from the roof, and when Jian Mingshu reminded him they had promised to act as they did in the past, he finally broke into a smile. Song Qingzhao’s mother disapproved of his choice and decided to pressure Jian Mingshu to understand that she was not a suitable match for Song Qingzhao due to their differing social status. Wei Zhuo came to help Aunt Zeng repair the roof.

Just after she saw him off, Minister Lu arrived. Aunt Zeng gave him no warm reception. Minister Lu believed that Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu were his children. He had seen Lu Chang a few times when he was young, but when they parted, Aunt Zeng had just become pregnant, and he knew nothing of Jian Mingshu. Aunt Zeng told him that she had told the children their father was dead.

When they married, she didn’t know Minister Lu was the young master of the Lu family. After they separated, he had already remarried, and she didn’t know how to explain it. Song Qingzhao’s mother sent her old maid to pressure Jian Mingshu, claiming her background was unworthy of Song Qingzhao. Jian Mingshu stood her ground and quarreled back without fear.

Minister Lu suddenly stormed out and fiercely drove the maid away, saying that even the royal family had married his daughter—let alone the Song family. Jian Mingshu was shocked by this sudden “father” that appeared, and Lu Chang quickly took her back inside, shutting Minister Lu out. Aunt Zeng then told the children about this ill-fated relationship.

Back then, she was just an embroidery girl who fled her arranged marriage and left home, and Minister Lu was the legitimate son of the Lu family who left home after a quarrel with his grandfather. That was how they met. Minister Lu had concealed his identity and married Aunt Zeng. When Lu Chang was four, a flood hit Wuhu. Aunt Zeng, pregnant, fled with Lu Chang.

Later, she heard Minister Lu had returned to the capital and taken a new wife. Furious, she took the children to Jianglin. Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang both resented Minister Lu for being heartless. But Aunt Zeng said she had just learned today that Minister Lu had once searched for them, believing they had died in the flood. With his grandfather gravely ill, he had no choice but to remarry.

As for whether they wanted to acknowledge him, it was entirely up to them. After Aunt Zeng fell asleep, Lu Chang told Jian Mingshu that he had always known their father wasn’t dead—he just didn’t expect him to be the current minister. At the age of four, he remembered Aunt Zeng bringing him to a grand mansion to look for his father, only to be driven out. Since then, Lu Chang never brought it up again.

Even if Minister Lu now held high office, Lu Chang didn’t care. As for Jian Mingshu, she had no emotional connection to Minister Lu, and even felt that a father shouldn’t be like that. Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu were the children of Minister Lu who had lived among commoners. Song Qingzhao’s father told his wife to take the old maid to the Lu family and apologize. Song Qingzhao was furious at his mother for being rude to Jian Mingshu.

Seeing both father and son standing united, Song’s mother was so angry she threatened to leave home. After court, Song’s father personally went to apologize to Minister Lu, but was turned away. Today was the imperial examination, and Lu Chang performed outstandingly, winning first place. The top three scholars had a ceremonial horseback parade through the streets. Jian Mingshu got up early to powder his face and pin flowers in his hair. Dressed in splendid robes and riding a spirited horse, Lu Chang kept looking up at Jian Mingshu standing on the pavilion as he rode by.

Among the top three scholars, one was Jian Mingshu’s brother, and one was Song Qingzhao, who admired her. Yin Shujun and Princess Wen’an teased that she must be feeling quite pleased today. However, a group of young ladies soon surrounded Jian Mingshu, eager to befriend her. Seeing the situation worsening, Yin Shujun and Princess Wen’an quickly pulled her away, but the girls chased after them.

Lu Chang dismounted and came running, while a group prepared to “catch a husband from the list. ” Lu Chang declared that he had already been betrothed in Jianglin and could not break the engagement. Back home, Jian Mingshu excitedly told Aunt Zeng about the day’s grand events and even asked about Lu Chang’s engagement in Jianglin. Aunt Zeng said he and that young lady had grown up together, but Lu Chang hadn’t been interested in romance at the time.

Now that time had passed, rekindling the relationship might not be possible. Aunt Zeng even asked about Jian Mingshu’s feelings, wondering if she’d reconsider if she were rejected. But Jian Mingshu was clear—she would never look back, better to miss it than regret it. Su Tangli came to talk to Lu Chang alone, making Jian Mingshu uneasy, guessing that Su Tangli might be the fiancée from Jianglin. Su Tangli told Lu Chang that she was now living in Prince Yu’s mansion.

Prince Yu would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, and Su Tangli wanted to use Lu Chang to reach hers. She even tried to recruit him to join Prince Yu. But Lu Chang refused and hoped Su Tangli wouldn’t take the wrong path. Su Tangli, however, rejected his well-meaning advice. If he refused to join her, then he should take care of himself.

Prince Yu, learning that Su Tangli had failed to sway Lu Chang, was furious and had her knocked unconscious and buried alive. If she escaped, he ordered her killed. Su Tangli woke and realized it was a test, and hurried back to Prince Yu’s mansion. Ying Xun came urgently to find Lu Chang, holding the official document showing his whole family’s entry into the capital. It clearly stated that Jian Mingshu was his sister.

But since she wasn’t yet registered in the Lu family’s household record, any inconsistency between the registry and official document would surely be investigated. Lu Chang, in a panic, decided to change the registry. Jian Mingshu inadvertently learned that Song Qingzhao had defied his father and gotten injured while she was unconscious. Her heart was full of complicated feelings.

Lu Chang was already on his way to change the registry—even though once this matter was settled, all his hopes would be dashed, nothing mattered more than Jian Mingshu’s safety. Jian Mingshu began wondering if she should respond to Song Qingzhao’s feelings. Yin Shujun thought they were well-matched but said the decision was hers alone. In truth, Yin Shujun’s marriage with Prince Rui wasn’t as perfect as it seemed.

Since the incident with Young Master Jiang, Prince Rui had grown distant. After their marriage, Yin Shujun realized Prince Rui was honorable, and she was genuinely happy. Jian Mingshu advised her to express her feelings to him. Princess Wen’an suggested going on an outing and inviting Prince Rui along. Lu Chang returned home to find Jian Mingshu asleep in the courtyard. He pulled her into his arms. Sensing something was wrong, Jian Mingshu asked what was bothering him.

Lu Chang said he was just remembering the past. Jian Mingshu had waited for him to ask whether she should try being with Song Qingzhao. Lu Chang’s heart shattered, but he forced himself to say yes, then locked himself away to cry in secret. Though he agreed, Jian Mingshu wasn’t truly happy. Their household records were transferred into the capital registry. Aunt Zeng looked back at Lu Chang after seeing Jian Mingshu’s name.

Lu Chang, dead inside, signed the registry with resignation. Jian Mingshu specially made ginseng chicken soup for Song Qingzhao. Seeing this, Lu Chang quietly left again, and went drinking with Ying Xun. If they hadn’t ended up together, he might have had a chance, but now that the choice was made, he had no future with her. He told himself to be a good brother and support all of Jian Mingshu’s decisions.

Drunk beyond reason, Lu Chang was carried back by Ying Xun. Jian Mingshu asked Aunt Zeng to rest while she stayed to take care of him. Lu Chang, in his drunkenness, patted her head and said no matter whom she wanted to marry, he would always support her. Prince Yu still didn’t fully trust Su Tangli, even though she continued to act sweet and obedient in front of him.

Seeing Lu Chang constantly downcast, Aunt Zeng urged him to learn to let go. Lu Chang forced a smile and said he was willing to stand by as her brother and silently give Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao his blessings.

Jian Mingshu, Yin Shujun, and the Princess of Wen’an County organized an outing and invited Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao to join, but Prince Rui was nowhere to be seen. Jian Mingshu’s family was about to move into a new residence, the Top Scholar’s Mansion granted by the emperor. Yin Shujun concealed her disappointment. Normally substituting tea for wine, she unusually drank alcohol today, feeling quietly melancholic—Prince Rui clearly wasn’t coming.

Song Qingzhao suggested going to the training grounds, which Jian Mingshu was very interested in. The Princess of Wen’an County stopped Lu Chang so the two of them could have fun together. Yin Shujun, using fatigue as an excuse, didn’t go. After the others left, she drank alone in silence. The Princess of Wen’an County told Lu Chang that Yin Shujun wanted to matchmake the two of them.

Lu Chang admitted that he hadn’t moved on from the past, but the Princess of Wen’an County wasn’t interested in marriage either. After what happened with Xie Xu, she realized that marriage isn’t the meaning of life—women’s brilliance isn’t confined to the inner quarters. As they walked, they saw Song Qingzhao teaching Jian Mingshu archery. The two looked like they were having a great time.

The Princess sighed that they made a perfect couple, while Lu Chang felt very upset inside. Lu Chang sought out Song Qingzhao for a private talk. The Princess of Wen’an County felt Lu Chang was jealous, and the air between the two men grew tense. Lu Chang asked Song Qingzhao about his feelings for Jian Mingshu.

As her older brother, he would respect her choices, but if she ever got hurt by him, he would make sure Song Qingzhao regretted it. Yin Shujun wanted to take a walk alone, but accidentally twisted her ankle. Not long after, she heard Prince Rui looking for her with his attendants. Seeing him, she was filled with joy, and Prince Rui expressed concern for her injury. Yin Shujun tried to matchmake the Princess of Wen’an County and Lu Chang.

Jian Mingshu also thought it was a good idea, but Lu Chang lost his temper and told her not to meddle in his affairs. This made Jian Mingshu think that Lu Chang was deeply in love with Su Tangli. Yin Shujun proactively spoke with Prince Rui. Lately, he had been avoiding her. If he wanted a separation, he should just say so. But Prince Rui said he had never considered divorce.

He knew Yin Shujun was cautious about love, so he wasn’t in a rush. Yin Shujun was secretly delighted and pretended to faint onto his shoulder. Prince Rui carried her back to the residence. Aunt Zeng, Lu Chang, and Jian Mingshu moved into the Top Scholar’s Mansion. Minister Lu came to offer congratulations, but both Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang were distant toward him.

Minister Lu wanted to pave the way for Lu Chang’s return to court and hoped he would return to his roots, but Lu Chang had no such intentions. Lu Chang officially took up a post at the Court of Judicial Review, with Ying Xun as his assistant. The first thing he did was bring up the retrial of Mr. Su’s case. Despite opposition, the emperor allowed the case to be reopened.

Song Qingzhao entered the Hanlin Academy, but lately he had only been writing and copying documents, which was not what he wanted to do. While delivering something to the Ministry of Rites, he accidentally came across the thin book of past examinees—and discovered something unexpected. Late at night, Song Qingzhao entered Lu Chang’s room to ask whether Jian Mingshu was really his sister.

She was actually the young lady of the Jian family who married into the Lu family after the exams. Lu Chang no longer concealed the truth and confessed what had happened. The Jian family case was deeply intertwined with Mr. Su’s case. Only when the real culprit was brought to justice could they tell Jian Mingshu everything. Song Qingzhao questioned Lu Chang’s feelings for Jian Mingshu—did he truly feel nothing for her as a woman?

Since he chose to be her brother, he should not cross the line! Jian Mingshu happened to be delivering food to Lu Chang and overheard Song Qingzhao’s words. Learning that she and Lu Chang weren’t really siblings struck her like lightning. She wandered the streets in a daze. She wasn’t Lu Chang’s sister, not a daughter of the Lu family—how could this be? The next morning at breakfast, Jian Mingshu arrived late.

In recent days, they had been like family, and the bond between them was beyond doubt. But who were they really? Jian Mingshu used the excuse of visiting Hualang Pavilion. Aunt Zeng and Lu Chang quickly gave her some buns and reminded her to eat no matter how busy she was. Jian Mingshu asked Song Qingzhao whether he would ever hide anything from her. Song Qingzhao was startled, worried that she already knew something.

Jian Mingshu also wanted to question Lu Chang but feared how to face him after hearing the truth. She made up her mind—she would uncover who she truly was. Su Tangli used knowledge about Prince Yu’s mother, Concubine Chen, to manipulate the situation. At his birth, auspicious omens had appeared, but he later became a symbol of misfortune. Prince Yu had never received his mother’s affection and, as a result, grew up yearning for maternal love.

To make the Prince of Yu depend on her, Su Tangli went as far as pretending to be his mother. She knew that this was the only way to stay by his side, and the one who offered this plan was Qi, who served the Prince of Yu.

The last time he saw Su Tangli escape from adversity, he realized he was not just a tool but a human, so he chose to help Su Tangli — a decision he made as a person. Madam Wei saw Yishiji and the County Princess of Wen'an at Hualang Pavilion. She took out her sister-in-law’s gold bracelet and said she wanted an identical one made.

As she was leaving, Yishiji and the County Princess of Wen'an noticed that Madam Wei was wearing many wooden tags. Madam Wei said her home was haunted and the accessories were for warding off evil. After she hurried away, the County Princess of Wen'an and Yin Shujun showed the bracelet Madam Wei brought to Jian Mingshu. It looked exactly the same as the one Jian Mingshu wore and had extremely intricate craftsmanship.

Jian Mingshu believed that tracing the bracelet’s origin might help uncover her identity. The County Princess of Wen'an mentioned that her mother, Song Qingzhao’s mother, and the wife of the Capital Commandant Wei were close friends in their youth. Due to the haunting, Madam Wei had taken to her bed. Song’s mother made a special visit and was shocked to see how seriously ill Madam Wei was.

It was said that the Capital Commandant Wei and Madam Wei shared a deep affection. Although Madam Wei came from a noble family, her family declined after marriage, but Commandant Wei’s love for her remained unchanged. Jian Mingshu, eager to see Madam Wei, asked the County Princess of Wen'an to have Madam Wei’s second daughter recommend her as someone capable of exorcising evil spirits.

Disguised as a celestial maiden, Jian Mingshu entered the Wei residence under the second daughter’s guidance, but was subjected to a thorough body search. As for the haunting, the second daughter told Jian Mingshu that it began with the first madam experiencing nightmares and sleepwalking, soon after which she started mumbling about seeing ghosts and took to her bed. Commandant Wei called the imperial physician to treat her.

He tried to keep the matter quiet, but eventually a maid saw some terrifying writing, and the news got out. Lu Chang came to bring Jian Mingshu food but was told by Yin Shujun that she had gone to the Wei residence and wouldn't return soon. Lu Chang and Ying Xun decided to visit Commandant Wei directly, but they were unsuccessful. Jian Mingshu wanted to meet Madam Wei, but no matter how she tried, the maids wouldn't let her in.

Lu Chang secretly sneaked into the mansion and was very worried when he saw Jian Mingshu in a strange outfit entering a room. He asked why she was there and whether she wasn't afraid he'd worry, acting on her own. Since the Wei family was connected to the case of Mr. Su, this made it dangerous for Jian Mingshu to get involved, but she insisted on staying to uncover the truth.

After running away from home, Song’s mother came to stay at the Wei residence. When she heard that Song Qingzhao had come, she was delighted, thinking he was there to apologize and take her home. But to her dismay, Song Qingzhao only greeted her and left, which upset her greatly. Jian Mingshu was pondering how to get close to Madam Wei when Song Qingzhao suddenly appeared behind her.

He came especially to see her and advised her not to get too deeply involved, but Jian Mingshu had made up her mind and wouldn’t give up halfway. That night, Song’s mother couldn’t sleep and asked her maid to make her calming tea, but the maid was gone. Holding a lantern, she went out into the courtyard to look for her and was startled by a female ghost in white.

While searching for clues, Jian Mingshu heard her cries for help. Song’s mother had hidden but was badly frightened. When the maid and a servant arrived, Jian Mingshu draped her own coat over Song’s mother to cover her disheveled state. Afterward, Song’s mother took a bath and prayed, asking Jian Mingshu to stay with her a little longer. Jian Mingshu agreed and listened to her recount stories about Madam Wei, the County Princess of Wen'an’s mother, and herself.

Madam Wei used to be cheerful and lively, but after marrying Commandant Wei, she became increasingly depressed. When they noticed her unhappiness, the two of them scolded Commandant Wei, but Madam Wei scolded them back. Since then, they hadn’t been close. Still, years of sisterly affection couldn’t just be forgotten. Song’s mother couldn’t ignore it. Jian Mingshu took the opportunity to ask her to introduce her to Madam Wei.

Song’s mother readily agreed and even complained about her son falling for a street girl — unaware that the "celestial maiden" before her was the very same girl she disapproved of. The next day, Song’s mother took Jian Mingshu to meet Madam Wei. Jian Mingshu asked about the bracelet on her wrist, and Madam Wei said it was a gift from Commandant Wei.

Sensing evasion in her response, Jian Mingshu pretended she was sick and needed to leave the residence to rest. Song’s mother immediately pulled her along to leave, but they were stopped by the matron on Commandant Wei’s orders. Soon after, Commandant Wei arrived in person. Madam Wei refused to leave, and he insisted on sending Song’s mother back.

At that moment, Song Qingzhao appeared and relayed both his and his father’s intentions, asking Song’s mother to stay and accompany Madam Wei. Song Qingzhao repeatedly reminded Jian Mingshu to be careful. Meanwhile, Lu Chang found Commandant Wei and demanded his cooperation in the investigation. When Commandant Wei feigned ignorance and refused, Lu Chang calmly pointed out that he and two others were behind it all, stating they already had substantial evidence. Commandant Wei was furious and, worried that Jian Mingshu was Lu Chang’s planted spy, gave orders to have her eliminated.

Jian Mingshu brought Song's mother to Nanny Li, accusing her of being the one pretending to be a ghost. On the day of the haunting, Jian Mingshu had clearly seen her shadow. Without hesitation, Song's mother ordered a search, and sure enough, the clothes were found in Nanny Lü’s room. However, Jian Mingshu said that even if she had been pretending to be a ghost, the full story should be reported to the madam.

Song's mother invited Madam Wei over, but upon learning the truth, she was not surprised. Though she tried to speak several times, she couldn’t say a word. Jian Mingshu spoke for her, revealing that the ghost disguise was ordered by Madam Wei. The entire Wei family was under Wei Dushi’s control, so this may have been Madam Wei’s way of sending a signal for help.

Madam Wei could no longer suppress the truth and finally admitted that pretending to be a ghost was her last hope of survival. She had always regretted not listening to her parents' advice and marrying that bastard. For twenty years, every day had been hell. Wei Dushi did not allow her to have any contact with the outside world. She stayed quietly in the residence, but whenever Wei Dushi was even slightly displeased, he would beat and kick her.

Madam Wei had thought about divorce, but her family had lost power, and Wei Dushi threatened her using her family's safety. Nanny Li was originally sent to spy on her, but sympathized with her and agreed to help deliver messages. It was the first time Song's mother had learned about her friend’s suffering over the past twenty years and resolved to help her escape. Afterward, Jian Mingshu privately asked Madam Wei about the origin of the bracelet.

Madam Wei could tell she had come to the Wei residence with another motive, but Jian Mingshu explained that even if it wasn’t about the bracelet, she would still help her. Madam Wei indeed didn’t know where the bracelet came from, but every valuable item in the residence had been recorded by Wei Dushi. All these were hidden by him in Madam Wei’s dowry treasure chest. So, to get the medicine and a divorce, she needed to retrieve that chest.

Jian Mingshu thought of Lu Chang, suspecting that there might be clues in that chest that he needed as well. Both for personal and public reasons, she was determined to help Madam Wei achieve a successful divorce. Late at night, an assassin sneaked into Jian Mingshu’s room to kill her. Fortunately, she escaped with her cleverness, and at the crucial moment, Lu Chang saved her. Wei Dushi brought people over but was bent on killing Jian Mingshu.

She said that if Wei Dushi ordered the torches extinguished, they would be able to find the assassin. Due to Lu Chang’s presence, Wei Dushi had no choice but to comply. Jian Mingshu immediately identified the assassin—she had just sprinkled phosphorus powder on his head, which would glow in the dark once the torches were out. Unexpectedly, Wei Dushi killed the assassin without hesitation. Lu Chang was concerned for Jian Mingshu’s safety in the residence.

She asked him why he treated her so well. Lu Chang touched her face and said that since she called him “Brother,” of course he would do his utmost to protect her. Jian Mingshu tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Lu Chang treated her so well—what if they weren’t truly siblings? But if she didn’t get to the bottom of it, she would be unsettled.

The next day, Song's mother and Jian Mingshu made an excuse to leave the Wei residence. Wei Dushi once again threatened Madam Wei. Nanny Lü’s ghost disguise was discovered by Wei Dushi. She refused to betray Madam Wei, and Madam Wei couldn’t bear to see her suffer, so she confessed. Immediately, Wei Dushi violently beat her. Outside the residence, Song's mother, Jian Mingshu, Lu Chang, and Song Qingzhao had been waiting and rushed back when they heard the news.

This was all part of their plan—to expose Wei Dushi’s abuse of his wife. They even specifically brought an imperial physician. Madam Wei no longer believed Wei Dushi’s sweet talk and resolutely demanded a divorce. For the sake of his official reputation, Wei Dushi had no choice but to agree. Madam Wei produced the divorce papers she had long prepared and made him sign them in front of everyone present as witnesses.

Wei Dushi signed them but then took the papers back, saying he had guests to entertain tonight and would send her away tomorrow, returning both the divorce papers and her dowry. After Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao left, Lu Chang reminded Song Qingzhao of his feelings for Jian Mingshu—what would happen if Song’s mother found out the one he liked was Xuanqing?

That night, Wei Dushi hosted a banquet for Wei Zhuo, hoping to gain his protection and rise in rank. He had even prepared a beauty, Yan Shao, as a gift for him, hearing that he had neither wife nor concubines. Wei Dushi didn’t truly agree to the divorce—it was only a stalling tactic. At that time, Madam Wei, Jian Mingshu, and Song’s mother were chatting together, thinking they had already escaped the claws of the devil.

Jian Mingshu secretly entered Wei Dushi’s study to search for clues. She successfully found the divorce papers and account books, only to then hear the news of Wei Dushi’s death. Magistrate Jia arrived and ordered everyone to stay for investigation. At a glance, he saw Jian Mingshu disguised as an immortal.

When Magistrate Jia saw Jian Mingshu, he gnashed his teeth in hatred and concluded she must be involved in the case. He ordered her to be taken away and detained, but fortunately Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao rushed over to help. Lu Chang stated that Prince Rui had heard about the case and the Emperor had ordered the Dali Court to investigate jointly. Faced with this, Magistrate Jia dared not detain Jian Mingshu further and left in a hurry.

Wei Zhuo saw Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang, and only then did the two realize that the guest Lord Wei Dushi had invited that night was him. They hadn’t expected him to hold such a high position. Jian Mingshu immediately went to find Madam Wei. Madam Wei had already obtained the ledger, which showed that the bracelet came from Jianglin, though it didn’t specify the exact place. Jian Mingshu understood that her identity must be connected to Jianglin.

Hearing of Lord Wei Dushi’s death, Madam Wei secretly rejoiced at being free from her suffering. Jian Mingshu handed the ledger to Lu Chang, who scolded her for acting recklessly and was extremely worried. When Madam Song learned that Jian Mingshu had been at the residence, she angrily scolded Song Qingzhao and asked Jian Mingshu to speak some sense into her son. Jian Mingshu quickly revealed her identity—she was the Jian Mingshu that Song Qingzhao had been talking about.

Madam Song didn’t react at first, but when she did, she was completely stunned. The Imperial Concubine worried that Yin Shujun might be caught holding compromising secrets while being at Hualang Pavilion and hoped she would withdraw from it. But Prince Rui believed there was nothing wrong with Yin Shujun joining Hualang Pavilion, and since he had promised her before marriage, backing out now would only make her look guilty.

Yin Shujun already had a strategy in mind, and was very grateful that Prince Rui stood up for her. As Yin Shujun helped Prince Rui change clothes, her hands barely moved. Seeing the deep affection in his eyes, she slowly closed hers. However, Prince Rui didn’t do what she had expected. Instead, he rushed to the window, panting heavily, and said something about how beautiful the moonlight was tonight.

Lord Wei Dushi’s death was actually orchestrated by Prince Yu to avenge Su Tangli, but Su Tangli couldn’t believe that anyone but Lord Wei Dushi had a hand in her father’s death. Prince Yu insisted that Lord Wei Dushi was the last one responsible and hoped Su Tangli would give up seeking revenge and quietly stay by his side.

Jian Mingshu was desperate to learn about her origins, but she was also afraid that if she left for Jianglin, Lu Chang would be hurt. When Lu Chang saw sand in Jian Mingshu’s eye, he immediately helped blow it out. The intimate gesture made Song Qingzhao quickly step in to interrupt. Before his death, Lord Wei Dushi had been drugged. Wei Zhuo revealed that the wine laced with the drug had been given by him.

That night, Lord Wei Dushi sent his concubine Yanshao to Wei Zhuo, intending to fabricate a scandal of Wei Zhuo taking another man’s concubine and force him into collusion. But Wei Zhuo saw through it. The real killer probably struck after discovering Lord Wei Dushi was dead. Magistrate Jia claimed that everyone had an alibi that night—except for Jian Mingshu—and summoned her again.

Meanwhile, Yingxun’s men found the murder weapon, which turned out to be something Jian Mingshu had brought in from outside the residence. As Lu Chang didn’t have an official warrant from the Ministry of Justice, he had no choice but to let Magistrate Jia take Jian Mingshu for now. He then went to seek help from Prince Rui.

Prince Rui explained that the Minister of Justice was out on a case and would return the next day to sign off, so Lu Chang took the document and went to find him outside the city. Song Qingzhao arranged to be placed in the same cell as Jian Mingshu and even had his page punch him for realism. The prison guard brought them poisoned steamed buns. Sensing something was wrong, Song Qingzhao signaled Jian Mingshu.

The two waited until the guard left before spitting out the buns. A rat that ate the leftovers soon died. Song Qingzhao and Jian Mingshu pretended to pass out, and when the guard came to check, Song Qingzhao quickly escaped with Jian Mingshu. The guard chased them relentlessly, but fortunately Lu Chang arrived just in time to help. Song Qingzhao was injured while protecting Jian Mingshu, and seeing how concerned she was, Lu Chang felt a pang of jealousy.

Magistrate Jia arrived, but dared not act rashly since Lu Chang had the official document. Jian Mingshu then presented the remaining half of the poisoned bun, leaving Magistrate Jia speechless. Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu brought Song Qingzhao back to the Song residence and kept apologizing to his parents, who, however, did not blame them. Lu Chang brought Jian Mingshu safely home, easing Aunt Zeng’s worries. Later, Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu visited Song Qingzhao again.

Song Qingzhao felt that his injuries were worth it since Jian Mingshu had come, but Lu Chang kept inserting himself between them. Ever since Madam Song discovered Jian Mingshu’s true identity, she had grown very fond of her and hurriedly gave her a bracelet intended for a daughter-in-law. Song Qingzhao feared Jian Mingshu would be unhappy if she knew the meaning behind the bracelet and quickly tried to stop it, making Lu Chang even more frustrated.

Lu Chang asked Jian Mingshu if she was willing to accept the bracelet, but she said nothing. With her origins still unknown, she had no mind to think about such matters. Song Qingzhao’s parents were ready to propose marriage the next day, but Song Qingzhao was worried that Jian Mingshu didn’t truly like him and thought it best to wait. Minister Lu brought many supplements, but Aunt Zeng repeatedly declined them.

However, she accepted the gifts from Wei Zhuo without hesitation and even invited him in to talk. Aunt Zeng told Wei Zhuo that Minister Lu was Lu Chang’s biological father. Minister Lu made it clear that he wanted their family of four to reunite, but Wei Zhuo wasn’t swayed by him. That day, Prince Yu took Su Tangli out for hunting. The moment he went to retrieve the prey, Su Tangli’s gaze changed, and she raised her bow with a fierce look, aiming at his back.

Prince Yu was scratched by a branch while hunting. Su Tangli specifically used a cloth once used by his mother to dress his wound, which made Prince Yu recall his mother again. In a daze, he held Su Tangli's hand and pleaded for her to stay with him, but she refused on the grounds that he should focus on recovering.

Prince Yu asked her to promise never to leave his sight, but Su Tangli smiled and said, "Am I a caged bird? "Madam Lü said she had matters at home and requested leave. Madam Wei deliberately gave her some silver. All of the concubines of the late Wei Dushi died mysteriously. Madam Wei told Jian Mingshu that she had once been pregnant but inexplicably had a miscarriage.

Afterward, none of Wei Dushi’s concubines who got pregnant were able to keep the child, and even the women themselves died. Half a year ago, the newly taken Concubine Huang gave birth to a child, but when Madam Wei went to see it, she discovered the baby was deformed, and Wei Dushi went into a frenzy. Madam Wei knew that Wei Dushi had a hidden illness—every child he fathered was a monster—and he killed everyone to keep the secret.

Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao decided to start their investigation with the concubines. They first went to Concubine Huang’s home but found the shop empty in broad daylight. They asked around and learned that Huang Laosi made a living by selling his daughters, behaving worse than a beast. Jian Mingshu saw a familiar knotting style outside the shop, instantly recognizing it as the kind used by Madam Lü. This led her to suspect that Madam Lü was Concubine Huang’s mother.

Lu Chang also deduced the same and rushed over to investigate. At that moment, Madam Lü had tied Huang Laosi to a chair. Because he had sold his wife and daughters, Madam Lü hated him deeply, especially since he ignored the death of their daughter. Lu Chang, Jian Mingshu, and Song Qingzhao met at the door to Huang Laosi’s house and happened to witness Madam Lü killing him in public. In court, Madam Lü confessed that she killed Wei Dushi.

It had nothing to do with Jian Mingshu or Madam Wei. As for the dagger, she had not intended to frame Jian Mingshu but only wanted to buy a couple of days to avenge herself on Huang Laosi. She had planned to turn herself in anyway. Prefect Jia sentenced Madam Lü to death according to the law. She had already resolved to die and now only felt that everything was finally over.

However, Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang suspected someone had instructed Madam Lü and questioned her further. Out of guilt toward Jian Mingshu, Madam Lü told them the truth. After her daughter died, she thought Madam Wei was responsible and found a way into the Wei household, only to discover Madam Wei was also a pitiable victim, not the real culprit. Wei Dushi strictly controlled the inner residence, and Madam Lü found no leads.

At that point, a woman approached her, told her it was Wei Dushi who killed her daughter, and promised that if Madam Lü died after avenging her daughter, she and Concubine Huang would be buried together. While in prison, Su Tangli came to visit wearing a veil and promised to fulfill that burial promise. Jian Mingshu deliberately waited in the prison and was surprised to find it was indeed Su Tangli.

This was not the first time Su Tangli had used someone else’s hand to kill. But Su Tangli said no one in the world could truly understand Madam Lü’s pain, and Madam Lü herself hoped Jian Mingshu would not pursue it further. Su Tangli mocked Jian Mingshu for feeling nothing because she had no memories. Jian Mingshu took out the bracelet and asked if Su Tangli recognized it.

Thinking of Lu Chang, Su Tangli had no choice but to deny it. Jian Mingshu woke from a nightmare, afraid she might become like Madam Lü and Su Tangli in the end. Lu Chang also realized that the person behind Madam Lü was Su Tangli, but Su Tangli still believed there was no one besides Wei Dushi who killed her father and was determined to investigate at all costs.

To clear Madam Lü’s name, Lu Chang specially wrote a petition signed by the people. Jian Mingshu was deeply grateful to him. Sometimes she wondered—with such a brother, what did it matter if she didn’t know her background? But if she couldn’t uncover her identity, how could she respond to her feelings for Lu Chang?

The Emperor investigated the accounts of Hualang Pavilion and found that not only had they not exploited the people, they had also done many charitable deeds. He went to the Noble Consort’s residence full of praise. Upon returning to the residence, Prince Rui told Yin Shujun the news. Yin Shujun not only had Prince Rui’s belongings moved to her place but also personally embroidered a sachet for him.

Prince Rui had said before that if she had feelings, she could speak directly instead of relying on others to pass the message. Yin Shujun proactively wrapped her arms around his neck. After being married for some time, the two of them were finally in love and consummated their marriage. Prince Yu carefully prepared a confession of love for Su Tangli’s birthday. He even gave her a rabbit lantern and wished her a happy birthday. He wanted to take Su Tangli as his consort and have her change her name and start a clean, new life.

Su Tangli was convinced that someone else was responsible for her father's death. As long as the hatred of her father’s murder remained unresolved, she would always be Su Tangli. The Prince of Yu gave a bitter smile, but said he could help her live a good life even as Su Tangli. He hoped she would let him be the one to carry out the revenge while she stayed by his side, watching over him.

Su Tangli looked at the Prince of Yu and nearly lost herself in the moment. But after a dazed pause, she pulled her hand away and gradually walked off. Jian Mingshu told Yin Shujun and the Princess of Wen’an that she and Lu Chang were not biological siblings. However, both of them could see that even so, Lu Chang was deeply devoted to Jian Mingshu.

Jian Mingshu also shared how Lu Chang had gotten seriously injured while trying to visit her in prison—at the time, he was frantic, rushed back without a second thought, and said something she couldn’t remember. But after he left, she suddenly woke up. Jian Mingshu suddenly realized—could it have been Lu Chang who kissed her back then?

Jian Mingshu went to ask Song Qingzhao about what had happened at that time and confirmed that it was indeed Lu Chang who had kissed her. But what was she to make of that? Song Qingzhao said his mother intended to propose a marriage and hoped to bring them together, but Jian Mingshu was overwhelmed with confusion.

Upon reflection, she realized she had long harbored feelings for Lu Chang, but she still didn’t know how he felt about her, nor what kind of relationship they truly shared. Su Tangli had Qi bring in Doctor Hu and also handed him a handkerchief to pass to Jian Mingshu, believing she would surely come. Indeed, Jian Mingshu came. Su Tangli revealed to her her real surname and past identity—now, Jian Mingshu was the last remaining member of the Jian family.

Jian Mingshu had always blamed Su Tangli for using unscrupulous methods in the name of revenge, but if she learned the truth, would she still feel the same? Su Tangli went on to say that the reason Lu Chang kept Jian Mingshu close was because she held key evidence in Mr. Su’s case—he saved her for his own sake.

Jian Mingshu didn’t want to believe it, but she couldn’t bring herself to give up on finding the truth of her identity. So, she left with Su Tangli. The Princess of Wen’an handed the letter left by Jian Mingshu to Song Qingzhao, wishing him well in finding the one he loved. Song Qingzhao refused to believe it and insisted on finding her to ask in person.

Lu Chang went to Hualang Pavilion looking for Jian Mingshu, but Yin Shujun and the Princess of Wen’an said she wouldn’t be coming for the next few days. Jian Mingshu had left a letter in her room explaining her absence, and Su Tangli also left a note saying she had taken Jian Mingshu to Jianglin. Lu Chang reacted as if facing a major crisis. Su Tangli brought Jian Mingshu back to the old Jian residence.

As the doors swung open, Jian Mingshu’s eyes were filled with confusion and curiosity. Su Tangli kept provoking her, hoping she would recall Madam Song, but Jian Mingshu had no memory of her at all. Su Tangli grew increasingly emotional, giving Jian Mingshu a pounding headache. Doctor Hu rushed in to stop Su Tangli from further agitating her and tried using hypnosis to help her recover her memories.

Under hypnosis, Jian Mingshu seemed to return to the past, seeing Lu Chang coldly reject her, and his resolve on the night of the bridegroom selection—tears streamed down her face. At that moment, a group of assassins broke into the Jian household. Su Tangli told Qi to hold them off—under no circumstances could the hypnosis be interrupted. Qi couldn’t handle them alone, and Su Tangli was also injured.

Lu Chang rushed in, and Su Tangli told him to save Doctor Hu and that the drumming must not stop. But Doctor Hu was hurt, and Jian Mingshu woke up from hypnosis and fainted in pain. Jian Mingshu was not in serious condition, but needed rest and recuperation. Lu Chang was furious that Su Tangli had taken Jian Mingshu to Jianglin without permission.

Her body was too weak to forcibly restore memories, not to mention that there were still people in Jianglin who wanted her dead. Su Tangli, wronged and aggrieved, said she only wanted the truth—and besides, Jian Mingshu now knew that she and Lu Chang were not siblings. When Jian Mingshu woke up, she could no longer remember the dream from hypnosis.

Hearing the argument between Lu Chang and Su Tangli, she couldn’t help but come out and drive them away, seemingly holding resentment toward Lu Chang. All she knew was that she was a member of the Jian family, and that the once prestigious Jian family had been annihilated with no survivors. Lu Chang insisted on staying by her side.

He suspected the Jian family’s massacre was the result of collusion between officials and bandits, and he was determined to bring Gao Shicai to justice. Jian Mingshu asked Lu Chang for one more favor—she wanted to pay respects to her family. Song Qingzhao rushed to Jianglin, thinking Lu Chang had told Jian Mingshu the truth. The two argued endlessly.

Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu had prepared some food, but Jian Mingshu had no appetite and only managed to eat some pastries that Song Qingzhao brought. Ying Xun saw Song Qingzhao keeping Jian Mingshu company and worried for Lu Chang, but Lu Chang said that Jian Mingshu’s recovery was more important now. After the Jian family’s massacre, Ying Xun’s father had buried them at this location. But Jian Mingshu couldn’t remember their voices, or their faces. Lu Chang didn’t want Jian Mingshu to blame herself—her family would want her to live well.

Lu Chang was ordered to investigate the Jian family massacre. Governor Gao personally came to greet him, but the moment he heard the name "Jian family," his expression drastically changed, and he was visibly panicked. Ying Xun's father said that the Jian family case was difficult to investigate, but he had found several jade ornaments in the market, said to be old belongings of the Jian family's women.

These ornaments were likely connected to the murderer, and the person who sold them was none other than Governor Gao’s cousin, Gao Wan. Lu Chang decided to start with him. Gao Wan was just about to sneak out of his home when Ying Xun brought men and captured him. Out of fear, Gao Wan claimed he was blinded by greed and had ordered men to steal treasures after the Jian family was wiped out.

However, Lu Chang did not believe him so easily. Jian Mingshu didn’t like Su Tangli, but the pain of losing loved ones made them sympathetic toward each other, so Jian Mingshu was still willing to meet her. Since the moment her father died, Su Tangli had been buried in painful memories, while Jian Mingshu was, in a way, more fortunate.

Jian Mingshu wanted to perform the soul-summoning ritual again to recall everything, but Hu Yi was already dead, and Lu Chang would never allow her to use such forbidden books again. Even so, Jian Mingshu was determined not to give up. Lu Chang discovered that Gao Wan's concubine was allegedly pregnant and being used by Governor Gao to control him, which was why he wouldn't confess.

To resolve this, they needed to find Qiu Niang, so Gao Wan would have no concerns. Jian Mingshu blamed herself for not remembering her family's faces, so Lu Chang drew portraits of her family members. Seeing his drawings brought her comfort. She would not drown in sorrow—she was determined to catch the culprit and avenge her father. Ying Xun found out that Qiu Niang was not actually pregnant; Governor Gao had tricked Gao Wan.

Lu Chang informed Gao Wan, and successfully obtained the accounting records of every stolen transaction. Governor Gao had already fled, so Lu Chang returned to the Su residence to look for clues. Jian Mingshu speculated that Governor Gao had converted money into silk and then exchanged it back into money overseas. To continue the investigation, Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao disguised themselves as foreigners and went to the Hongyuan Trading House.

Under the pretense of business, they rented a ship at double the usual price—specifically the Yongxing. Jian Mingshu suspected that Governor Gao must have taken the Yongxing to flee overseas. Late at night, Lu Chang led men to capture Governor Gao but encountered bandits who came to kill him. Jian Mingshu was accidentally injured. Seeing her lips turn purple, Ying Xun feared she had been poisoned.

Song Qingzhao rushed to find a doctor, while Lu Chang brought her back to the room and sucked the poisoned blood from her shoulder. Jian Mingshu woke midway and tried to stop him, fearing he would be poisoned too. But to him, if Jian Mingshu died, there would be no meaning to his life. Both of them passed out, and Jian Mingshu arrived just in time with the doctor and ordered them to be detoxified.

In her dream, Jian Mingshu returned once again to the Jian family, and saw the man in green. She no longer cared who the man in her dreams was, for she had seen her heart clearly—who he was didn’t matter anymore. Jian Mingshu knew whom she loved. The man in the dream slowly turned around, and Jian Mingshu smiled. The one she had loved from the beginning had always been Lu Chang.

But Jian Mingshu couldn’t help but worry—who was the young lady from Jianglin that Lu Chang had once cared about? Jian Mingshu secretly went to ask Ying Xun about her identity. Though Ying Xun wanted to reveal the truth, he held back—this was something Lu Chang had to say himself. When Lu Chang woke up, Jian Mingshu hurried over with concern to see him. Just then, Prince Rui arrived with Yin Shujun and the Princess of Wen’an.

Jian Mingshu’s mood had visibly improved. The Princess of Wen’an couldn’t help mentioning Song Qingzhao, remarking that he likely couldn’t let go of Jian Mingshu so easily. Lu Chang, holding solid evidence, interrogated Governor Gao. The people behind him had not only ordered him to commit these crimes, but also wanted him silenced. If not for their intervention last night, Governor Gao would have been dead already. Still, Governor Gao refused to talk, so Prince Rui personally stepped in to question him.

Prince Rui personally came to interrogate Governor Gao—he had promised Lu Chang to give him a chance to live. It was clear that the one behind Governor Gao was none other than Prince Rui. Governor Gao admitted that every word Lu Chang said was true and that they had evidence prepared in advance. Governor Gao hoped Prince Rui would protect his family's lives, and in return, he would testify against Prince Yu, as he held evidence of Prince Yu's corruption.

But he also warned them that Prince Yu's power was far beyond imagination. Back then, others had known about this too, but they all chose silence due to Prince Yu’s influence. Lu Chang stood firmly before Prince Rui, pledging to assist him in implementing new policies. Prince Rui was very pleased. Lu Chang frowned in distress.

According to Governor Gao, Minister Lu could have helped, but he chose to stand by and watch, indirectly leading to the destruction of the Jian family. Lu Chang was worried about how Jian Mingshu would face him, as Minister Lu was his biological father. That night, everyone went to the night market together. Yin Shujun, Jian Mingshu, and the Princess of Wen’an went as a group, while Prince Rui was already waiting for Yin Shujun.

As Yin Shujun went to find Prince Rui, Jian Mingshu took the initiative to talk to Song Qingzhao. Seeing this, Lu Chang couldn’t help but grow anxious. Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao bought a Kongming lantern and made a wish together. Jian Mingshu wanted to speak, and though Song Qingzhao initially tried to avoid it, Jian Mingshu spoke directly. She had once mistaken Song Qingzhao for the man in green from her dreams.

For a time, she thought it meant love, but she eventually understood—it wasn’t romantic affection. Song Qingzhao didn’t want to believe it and hoped she would give him more time. Prince Rui and Yin Shujun walked quite a distance together. Thinking she was tired, he carried her on his back. As they gazed at the lively scenery, they made a vow to join hands and protect the people of Da'an.

Su Tangli unexpectedly ran into Lu Chang—he didn’t expect her to still be in Jianglin. Lu Chang told Su Tangli that although Prince Yu appeared to be helping her take revenge by removing Wei Dushi, he was actually silencing people who knew too much. As for Su Tangli, Lu Chang no longer had the strength to persuade her.

Jian Mingshu asked Lu Chang whether Su Tangli was the young lady from Jianglin he had always thought of, and Lu Chang quickly denied it. Jian Mingshu then asked about the relationship between their two families—if it weren’t for Mr. Su’s evidence, would Lu Chang have still taken her in? Lu Chang assured her he would have, because her parents had shown him great kindness. They would return to the capital the next day.

Thinking back to the assassination attempt on the last trip, everything now felt like a dream. Back in the capital, Song Qingzhao was scolded by his father for leaving so abruptly. However, Song Qingzhao seemed emotionally distant, like a completely different person. He was like a lost soul—he knew Jian Mingshu’s heart did not belong to him, and there was nothing he could do.

When Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu returned home, Aunt Zeng was delighted to hear Jian Mingshu still willing to call her "Mother. " No matter what, they were still a family. Though the road ahead would be full of hardship, no matter how far she went, Aunt Zeng would always watch over her from behind. During the escort of Governor Gao back to the capital, the journey was unusually quiet.

Ying Xun found it odd, and unexpectedly, Governor Gao suddenly died in prison that very day. Prince Yu had sent someone to eliminate him. Su Tangli had returned to the capital several days ago but had not come to see Lu Chang. Governor Gao was unknowingly killed in the Dali Temple, and Lu Chang immediately turned his attention to Governor Lu, who would not sit still and wait for death.

Prince Yu was ruthless, so Governor Lu decided to form an alliance with Prince Rui to help him bring down Prince Yu. Su Tangli brought a knife and went to see Prince Yu—it was all an act. Prince Yu was acting too, completely denying that he was the real mastermind. Minister Lu came to the Dali Temple to visit Lu Chang. He was pleased that the Lu family now had a worthy successor, but Lu Chang questioned why he had ignored Jian Jinhai’s letter pleading for help.

This case involved Prince Yu. Minister Lu ignored Jian Jinhai’s letter for help. Three years ago, when Prince Rui promoted new policies, it caused a huge uproar in court. The emperor was so enraged that he expelled Prince Rui from the capital, and Minister Lu didn’t want to step in and stir up trouble. Lu Chang was furious. Just to cater to business interests, Minister Lu could abandon so many lives from the Jian and Su families.

It was Minister Lu who cut off the chances for survival for so many people. Lu Chang ordered his attendants to see the guest out. What truly upset him wasn’t the blood relationship, but the fact that Minister Lu clearly knew the new policies were beneficial to the country and its people, yet still chose to remain silent. Jian Mingshu believed that as long as there were people like Lu Chang in court, the future would certainly improve.

Song Qingzhao often came to Hualang Pavilion, staring foolishly at Jian Mingshu. Whenever he saw she was injured, he couldn’t help wanting to approach her. Today, Madam Lu came to Hualang Pavilion to shop, and Jian Mingshu saw a girl beside her—her daughter, Lu Wan’er—who had been abducted as a child and was only found three months ago.

Upon hearing the story of how Madam Lu and Lu Wan’er reunited, Jian Mingshu felt it was too much of a coincidence, especially considering that this Lord Lu was connected to Prince Yu. Seeing how dejected Song Qingzhao was, the Princess of Wen’an dragged him out to cheer him up. As Jian Mingshu came out of the shop, she happened to run into Lu Chang on the street, who didn’t bring an umbrella. The two went home together.

Along the way, Lu Chang tilted the umbrella toward Jian Mingshu, getting half soaked himself. Back at the mansion, they didn’t expect Minister Lu to be there. Lu Chang and Aunt Zeng were both cold toward him. Minister Lu hoped Jian Mingshu would put in a good word for him, but she was even more dismissive, even addressing him by his official title.

She said that not to mention being the Lu family’s young miss, she wouldn’t care for the title even if she were the Lu family’s matriarch. Later, Minister Lu went to see Aunt Zeng, trying to persuade her to have Lu Chang acknowledge his ancestry, so that he could have a secure future. Even if not for Lu Chang, she should consider Jian Mingshu’s marriage prospects.

Aunt Zeng simply said bluntly that he had no right to interfere with Jian Mingshu’s marriage—she was not his daughter. Song Qingzhao stayed up all night making a set of tools for Jian Mingshu and left them at Hualang Pavilion. Minister Lu came to seek refuge with Prince Rui. He had a lot of evidence against Prince Yu, including what Governor Gao had left behind. But Minister Lu demanded a marriage alliance between the Lu and Lu families.

Prince Rui told him to go back first, as he had no right to interfere in others’ marriage matters. Prince Rui knew Lu Chang would never agree to it. This marriage couldn’t happen, but the evidence Minister Lu held was also critically important. Jian Mingshu received the tools and asked the Princess of Wen’an to take her to thank Song Qingzhao. She also brought a gift set of writing supplies.

Lu Ruishan sent an invitation to Jian Mingshu, and Lu Chang guessed it was at Minister Lu’s request. He accompanied Jian Mingshu. Minister Lu hoped Lu Ruishan would marry Lu Chang, and Lu Ruishan was delighted. When Minister Lu brought up the marriage, Lu Chang was full of disdain. Back then, Minister Lu had framed him and sent him to prison—now he wanted to form a marriage alliance?

Lu Chang understood clearly that Minister Lu wanted to exchange the evidence for a marriage and rejected it immediately. Jian Mingshu and Lu Ruishan asked about Lu Wan’er, and heard she had been adopted by a physician—but now that physician had vanished without a trace. On the way back, Jian Mingshu saw Lu Chang looking terribly upset, so she asked about Minister Lu’s terms.

When she heard that he wanted to marry off his daughter to Lu Chang, Jian Mingshu couldn’t help but feel jealous and joked that Lu Chang’s peach blossoms were so abundant they couldn’t even be blocked. Because Lu Chang looked down on Lu Ruishan, Minister Lu decided to marry her off to a scoundrel. Lu Ruishan refused and vowed to win Lu Chang back.

The rumors outside were boiling over, saying Lu Ruishan was going to marry the newly top-ranked scholar Lu Chang—and the rumor was spread by Lu Ruishan herself. When Jian Mingshu heard it, she ran back to the mansion in the heavy rain. Yin Shujun returned home and overheard Prince Rui discussing Lu Chang and Lu Ruishan’s marriage, mistakenly thinking it was his strategy to bring down Prince Yu, and got very upset.

When Jian Mingshu got home, she questioned Lu Chang if he was really going to marry Lu Ruishan. Seeing how anxious she was, Lu Chang teased her on purpose.

Hearing that Lu Chang was going to marry Lu Ruishan, Jian Mingshu grew anxious and frustrated. Lu Chang explained that the news outside was deliberately spread by Prince Rui to counter Lord Lu and shouldn't be taken seriously. He just hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from Jian Mingshu. Jian Mingshu didn’t want Lu Chang to regret marrying someone he shouldn’t for the rest of his life.

Lu Chang wiped the rain from her face with a towel and said that no one could force him to do something he didn’t want to do. Aunt Zeng asked about the current situation between Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu. She wasn't sure whether Jian Mingshu had feelings for Song Qingzhao or Lu Chang.

When Lu Chang once saw Jian Mingshu talking with Song Qingzhao, Yin Shujun said that Jian Mingshu had turned down Song Qingzhao, so the one she liked should be Lu Chang. Aunt Zeng was worried that if one day Jian Mingshu remembered the past and recalled being rejected by Lu Chang, she might become distant. Would Lu Chang accept that? Lu Chang knew he had been wrong back then, so he would do his best to treat her well.

Yin Shujun realized she had wrongly blamed Prince Rui and tried her best to make amends early that morning. She was always straightforward with her words, and her outburst had only been because of Jian Mingshu. Prince Rui, however, wasn’t angry at her. He was just surprised that the one Jian Mingshu liked turned out to be Lu Chang.

Although he wasn’t certain whether Lu Chang had romantic feelings for Jian Mingshu, he clearly cared a lot about her as a sister. The Prince Zhao Residence was holding a lantern festival that night. Lu Chang waited early outside Jian Mingshu’s room and invited her to go see the lanterns together. On the way, Jian Mingshu found it strange there weren’t other people around. Lu Chang said it was probably still too early.

Jian Mingshu excitedly guessed lantern riddles with Lu Chang, only to find they formed the message Lu Chang wanted to say: “I like you. ” Jian Mingshu pretended to be angry, saying he still had that Miss Jiang Lin on his mind. She wasn’t unable to guess who he meant—she just wanted Lu Chang to say it himself.

Lu Chang quickly confessed that the one he had never been able to let go of was no one else but her—Jian Mingshu. That night, they confessed their feelings to each other. The next morning, Aunt Zeng asked Lu Chang to go see if Jian Mingshu was still sleeping in. Jian Mingshu, hearing Lu Chang’s footsteps, pretended to be asleep, and the two were sweet as could be.

When Aunt Zeng called them for breakfast outside, Jian Mingshu hurriedly pushed Lu Chang out, saying not to let Aunt Zeng find out just yet. Seeing both of them with dark circles under their eyes, Aunt Zeng assumed they hadn’t slept well. Under the table, Lu Chang secretly held Jian Mingshu’s hand. Lu Chang walked Jian Mingshu to Hualang Pavilion and said he’d come to pick her up that evening.

Yin Shujun noticed something was different between them and eagerly pried into it. When she learned they had already confessed their feelings, she was happy for them. In the corner, Song Qingzhao looked deeply disappointed. Lu Chang was in such a good mood that he gave Yingxun a small knife he had long admired. Yin Shujun, the Princess of Wen’an, and Jian Mingshu celebrated together.

They heard Lu Wan’er had become a popular figure in the capital, skilled in navigating relationships and charming everyone she met. With such a daughter, Lord Lu looked more radiant than ever. Lord Lu knew that Lu Wan’er’s return at this time must be tied to one of the two major powers. But no matter which side it was, as long as she could be used, she was his good daughter.

With such a daughter, Lord Lu no longer rushed to join Prince Rui, nor was he in a hurry for the marriage with Lu Chang. Instead, he hoped Lu Wan’er would gain the emperor’s favor. Song Qingzhao came to Lu Chang’s study, accusing him of breaking his promise first. But since Jian Mingshu had chosen Lu Chang, he wouldn’t persist. However, if Lu Chang ever made Jian Mingshu unhappy, he would make sure Lu Chang regretted it.

Aunt Li fell seriously ill and passed away. Aunt Zeng and Wei Zhuo stayed by her bedside until the end. Late at night, Song Qingzhao got drunk and stumbled to find Jian Mingshu, asking her what he lacked compared to Lu Chang—why couldn’t he be the one? The Princess of Wen’an quickly took Song Qingzhao back. Wei Zhuo moved next door to the Top Scholar Residence and became Aunt Zeng’s neighbor.

Jian Mingshu felt Wei Zhuo had feelings for her and asked Lu Chang what he thought. The Lu family built a relief shelter to distribute porridge to the displaced people. Jian Mingshu believed that handing out porridge only solved a temporary problem—what really mattered was addressing the root causes. Song Qingzhao came to apologize for his drunken behavior that day. He didn’t want to lose Jian Mingshu as a friend.

Jian Mingshu had always regarded him as her most cherished friend. Yin Shujun and Prince Rui were discussing how to help the displaced, and Jian Mingshu thought of making small items to sell. Aunt Zeng and Wei Zhuo went out to buy groceries together. Prince Yu summoned Su Tangli and asked her opinion on Hualang Pavilion’s relief efforts. Su Tangli knew what needed to be done.

That night, Su Tangli instructed Qi to act, but told him to go easy and not make it too real. However, the task wasn’t carried out well, and when Su Tangli returned home, she was viciously beaten by Prince Yu.

Because Su Tangli failed to carry out her task properly, she was severely beaten upon returning to the residence. Still, she pretended to be willing to trade her life for Prince Yu’s trust. Prince Yu picked her up and carefully applied medicine to her wounds while comforting her, saying that mistakes must be punished—that was his rule—and only Su Tangli was worthy of the care he gave.

Su Tangli was eager to leave, but Prince Yu forbade her from going anywhere, insisting that she stay so he could personally take care of her. Jian Mingshu brought preserved plum ginger to Wei Zhuo on Aunt Zeng’s behalf and happened to run into Cao Hai, who had come to visit Lu Chang. Upon learning Lu Chang had not returned home yet, Cao Hai said he would come another day. Jian Mingshu told Lu Chang about Cao Hai’s visit.

Lu Chang found it strange since they had already met at the Court of Judicial Review. A few days later, Cao Hai came again. Jian Mingshu told him Lu Chang was still busy with official duties, and Cao Hai began inquiring about their past in Jianglin. Lord Lu was summoned by the Emperor, who asked him whether Prince Yu or Prince Rui was more suitable to inherit the throne.

Terrified, Lord Lu prostrated himself and cautiously responded with perfectly diplomatic words. Prince Yu suspected Su Tangli had already developed loyal subordinates and ordered all of them to be eliminated. At a banquet hosted by the Emperor, Prince Yu accidentally knocked over a candleholder on the table, which enraged the Emperor. As punishment, the Emperor assigned the upcoming grand sacrificial ceremony to Prince Rui.

Su Tangli secretly went to Prince Yu’s study to look for clues, but Prince Yu soon returned and noticed his desk had been disturbed. Growing suspicious, he went to Su Tangli’s room. Knowing she couldn’t get back in time, Su Tangli pretended she had gone to bathe. Prince Yu wasn’t convinced and even pulled aside her clothing to check if her wounds showed signs of soaking in water. Song Qingzhao was investigating the old madam’s sudden illness at the banquet.

Lu Chang had already discovered that the real Miss Lu Si had died, and Lu Wan’er was an impostor. Su Tangli came at that moment to inform them that Lu Wan’er was one of Prince Yu’s people. She had overheard this in the Prince’s residence. Prince Yu’s true aim was to eliminate the evidence in Lord Lu’s hands.

Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu suspected that Prince Yu would take the opportunity to seek revenge on Prince Rui during the grand sacrificial ceremony. Lu Chang informed Lord Lu of this. Now deeply entangled in Prince Yu’s scheme, if anything were to happen to Prince Rui at the ceremony, Lord Lu would not escape death either. Joining forces with them was his only remaining chance. Lord Lu quickly agreed, on the condition that his entire family would be spared afterward.

Lu Chang went to the sacrificial altar and ordered a thorough inspection. Cao Hai, one of Prince Yu’s men, had secretly tampered with the altar. Jian Mingshu knew Lu Chang must have a plan. Since he had made up his mind, she would not stop him—in fact, she would face it together with him. Rituals for the ceremony required bathing and incense. Jian Mingshu was busy ironing clothes for Lu Chang.

Knowing that the day would likely be a life-or-death ordeal, Lu Chang looked at her with deep reluctance. Prince Rui insisted that Yin Shujun not attend the ceremony. Though disappointed, Yin Shujun complied. Lu Chang assigned Jian Mingshu to watch over Lu Wan’er, who had been distributing porridge and had not left the area.

On the day of the sacrificial ceremony, Yin Shujun rushed to the scene but immediately noticed that the person on the altar was not Prince Rui—the figure was clearly wrong! Something was definitely going to happen tonight. For such a major event, Prince Rui would never entrust it to someone else. The person replacing Prince Rui on the altar was none other than Lu Chang. Wei Zhuo captured an assassin.

Seeing the fireworks, Jian Mingshu assumed Wei Zhuo was sending a signal and thought Lu Chang was safe. But soon after, numerous sky lanterns floated up into the sky. Jian Mingshu glanced at the sinister-looking Lu Wan’er and instantly realized Lu Chang was in danger on the altar. The sky lanterns drifted toward the altar but were suddenly shot down by a volley of arrows. A large number of lanterns fell, igniting a fire and releasing poisonous smoke.

Jian Mingshu rushed over to find Lu Chang on the altar, poisoned and physically drained, yet still risking everything to save others. However, the stairs to the altar were already engulfed in flames. In the nick of time, Lu Chang held Jian Mingshu and leapt down from the altar. Lu Chang soon passed out, and Jian Mingshu gradually lost consciousness as well.

Yin Shujun rushed to the burning palace, believing Prince Rui was inside and tried to charge in to save him. Fortunately, Prince Rui stopped her. It turned out that Lu Chang had drugged Prince Rui and taken his place to face the danger. He had also told Prince Rui about a hidden door inside the room, allowing him to escape safely when the assassin locked the door.

Prince Yu thought everything was under his control, only to hear that something had gone wrong with the blessing ceremony. Prince Rui and Yin Shujun rushed to the ceremony site and rescued the unconscious Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu. With the mishap at the ceremony, Lord Lu was stripped of his position and thrown into prison. Before leaving, he told Lu Wan’er where his secret documents were hidden.

Lu Wan’er, full of confidence, came to the study intending to burn everything Lord Lu left behind, but she didn’t expect Su Tangli to appear at that moment and kill her. With this evidence, Su Tangli could finally clear her father's name. The next day, the Emperor received the news and flew into a rage, ordering Prince Yu to be confined while the matter was thoroughly investigated.

Yin Shujun was upset and blamed Prince Rui for keeping everything from her, but she knew he only wanted to protect her from danger. While unconscious, Jian Mingshu recalled all her lost memories—the bond she shared with Lu Chang since childhood, and the moment she was rejected on the night of the marriage contest.

She woke up in a daze and ran into the street looking for her father, but her memories told her that the Jian family had all died tragically. Seeing Jian Mingshu in such pain broke Aunt Zeng’s heart. Lu Chang was still unconscious. Ying Xun said he had always felt guilty about the Jian family case, and his act of risking his life was not just for Prince Rui, but also for the injustice done to the Jian family.

Jian Mingshu stayed by Lu Chang’s side every day to care for him. Seeing how worn out she looked, Song Qingzhao told her to rest and took over watching Lu Chang himself. Lord Lu confessed that he had acted under Prince Yu’s orders. Upon learning that Lu Wan’er had died and could not testify, the Emperor was so enraged he could barely breathe.

At the morning court session, officials repeatedly impeached Prince Yu and voiced their support for making Prince Rui the crown prince. The Emperor, however, became even more suspicious of Prince Rui. The matter of Prince Yu was handled with minimal fuss—the Emperor ordered him to leave the capital and reflect on his actions.

Prince Yu had deliberately arranged for officials to impeach him in court to make the Emperor suspect Prince Rui, thus preserving his own title. Mr. Su’s name was cleared. Su Tangli had finally settled one of the biggest matters weighing on her heart.

After Lu Chang woke up, Jian Mingshu finally breathed a sigh of relief. Prince Yu had schemed endlessly to preserve his title, hoping to one day make a comeback, but Jian Mingshu remained uneasy—how could a daughter simply let go of such things? Jian Mingshu claimed she was only worried about Su Tangli, but Lu Chang could tell that she seemed to have regained her memory.

Lu Chang was punished for impersonating a royal prince and was stripped of his post as Court Censor, ordered to return home and reflect. Minister Lu said they were lucky things hadn’t gotten worse, and that Prince Rui had merely been penalized with a year's salary. Minister Lu remarked that political ups and downs were commonplace, but from now on, Lu Chang must act with caution and avoid getting too close to Prince Rui. However, Lu Chang refused his goodwill.

Minister Lu demanded to know why he couldn't be forgiven, but Lu Chang said that if he had stepped in back then, Mr. Su wouldn't have died, and many innocent souls would not have perished. Enraged, Minister Lu asked Aunt Zeng and Jian Mingshu to persuade Lu Chang. At that moment, Jian Mingshu was overwhelmed by memories of her father. She resolved to seek revenge.

She believed in the principle of retribution, but since divine justice was so insignificant and the heavens so unfair, she would reclaim justice herself—even if it meant her own destruction. Su Tangli went alone to assassinate Prince Yu, but he had anticipated her move and was waiting. Su Tangli swore she wouldn’t spare him even in death. Prince Yu regretted ever feeling pity for her, nearly strangling her.

Prince Rui and Lu Chang arrived just in time to rescue Su Tangli. With red eyes, Prince Yu declared that the outcome of their confrontation was yet to be seen. Su Tangli and Lu Chang burned incense for Mr. Su. The case had recently been overturned, and they believed Prince Yu would surely pay the price. Lu Chang urged Su Tangli not to act rashly again. Su Tangli decided to return to her hometown in Jianglin.

Lu Chang nodded—it might be for the best. Minister Lu also came to offer incense for Mr. Su, but Su Tangli and Lu Chang were unwilling to speak much with him. It was raining that day. Lu Chang returned home holding an umbrella and was overjoyed to see Jian Mingshu. Jian Mingshu thanked him for all his help. She remembered everything—she was Jian Mingshu from the Jian family’s gold shop—and also recalled her promise to Lu Chang.

Now that they were parting, they would go their separate ways for the rest of their lives. Jian Mingshu wanted to see the case files from the Jian family massacre. She remembered everything vividly and wanted to know what exactly they had gone through. Lu Chang didn’t want her to be further traumatized, but Jian Mingshu was the only surviving member of the Jian family and had the right to know.

Lu Chang told her the only suspicious detail was the little dragonfly. She had gone out with Jian Mingshu, yet her body was found at the Jian residence. Jian Mingshu revealed that the one who had an affair with Concubine Zhou was Zhou Shicai, and her father never gave her any evidence. Lu Chang was willing to stay by Jian Mingshu’s side and face everything together. But Jian Mingshu didn’t want to involve him.

She deliberately brought up the past, saying her feelings for him had ended the moment he rejected her. Now, all she felt toward him was gratitude, and she begged him not to keep entangling himself. Lu Chang ran after her to apologize. He admitted he had wronged her in the past, but the mutual affection between them over the past months in the capital was real! Jian Mingshu firmly pushed him away. Her revenge should not involve anyone else.

Suddenly, the Emperor fell ill and coughed up blood. Prince Rui rushed overnight to care for him upon hearing he had lost consciousness. The next day, the Emperor awoke and was moved by the sight. Prince Rui begged for forgiveness for his past wrongs, calling the Emperor "father. " The Emperor’s heart softened considerably. After Prince Rui left, the Emperor summoned the Minister of Rites to the palace immediately. Wei Zhuo visited the residence for a banquet.

Jian Mingshu specifically asked about Cao Hai, but he didn’t seem to be from Jianglin. Song Qingzhao was worried about Jian Mingshu. She was separating from Lu Chang, and Song Qingzhao didn’t understand what inner turmoil she was experiencing. As her friend, he didn’t want her to do anything she would regret. Lu Chang had only offered assistance to the Jian family, and he had repaid everything he owed.

It was Jian Mingshu who owed Lu Chang a debt she could never repay. Jian Mingshu asked Song Qingzhao to transfer Jianglin’s record books to the capital—just as a keepsake. Madam Song saw Song Qingzhao and Jian Mingshu together and immediately entered the palace to see the Imperial Consort. The two were sisters and had always been close.

Madam Song came on behalf of Song Qingzhao’s marriage, and the Imperial Consort was also willing to speak on his behalf to the Emperor. Although Lu Chang had been punished, he was still the top scholar appointed by the Emperor, who still held him in high regard.

Lu Chang watched the shadow play in a daze, recalling how Jian Mingshu once invited him to watch a shadow play with her, only for him to coldly refuse. Song Qingzhao brought Jian Mingshu to see the shadow play, which turned out to tell the story of Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu. Jian Mingshu gradually began to shed tears. It was only after the play ended that Lu Chang and Ying Xun appeared.

Jian Mingshu was deeply saddened but repeatedly reminded herself not to look back. She used a hairpin to tear through the screen and told Lu Chang not to do anything meaningless anymore—things had come to this point; there was no turning back.

When Jian Mingshu returned to Hualang Pavilion, Yin Shujun and Princess of Wen’an looked helpless as they told her that the Emperor had bestowed a marriage upon her and Song Qingzhao, and the imperial decree had already been issued. Jian Mingshu was anxious—such a decree at this time felt extremely odd, and she knew she could not delay any longer.

When Lu Chang heard of the bestowed marriage between Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao, he went to her room in the middle of the night, intending to take her and Aunt Zeng away to a far-off place. But Jian Mingshu said the marriage had nothing to do with him and asked him not to interfere. His shadow play did not move her but instead cut deeply into her heart.

She once again pushed Lu Chang away, and after closing the door, tears streamed from her eyes. The Imperial Consort came to the Song residence, thinking that Song Qingzhao would be happy to have his wish fulfilled. Unexpectedly, Song Qingzhao begged her to rescind the decree, saying Jian Mingshu already had someone in her heart and that the entire matter was a misunderstanding. Although he truly had feelings for Jian Mingshu, fate was not on their side—it was one-sided.

But how could an imperial decree be easily revoked? This was Song Qingzhao's last chance. Was he really willing to watch the woman he loved marry someone else? Jian Mingshu obtained a household registration from Jianglin, thus cutting all ties with the Lu family from that moment on. Song Qingzhao repeatedly confirmed that there was no possibility between her and Lu Chang and hoped Jian Mingshu would give him a chance, but she still refused.

Jian Mingshu gave the 1,000 taels of profit from her shop to Aunt Zeng. Wei Zhuo was also present that day, and Jian Mingshu expressed her desire to recognize Aunt Zeng as her mother. Aunt Zeng, worried, looked at the tea Jian Mingshu offered her—drinking it would mean officially accepting Jian Mingshu as her daughter. Lu Chang rushed in and smashed the teacup, saying he never wanted to recognize Jian Mingshu as his sister—he only wanted to marry her.

But Jian Mingshu was sincere in wanting to acknowledge Aunt Zeng as her mother and Lu Chang as her elder brother. Wasn’t that what he had always wanted? Lu Chang brought Jian Mingshu to another room and asked her what she really intended to do. Jian Mingshu wanted to return to Jianglin and didn’t want Lu Chang to accompany her. But Lu Chang had already ordered someone to keep an eye on her—there was no room for discussion.

Ying Xun was tasked by Lu Chang to watch Jian Mingshu. After thinking it over, Jian Mingshu invited Lu Chang to dine with her at a restaurant and, with a complete change in attitude, began reminiscing with him. Under Jian Mingshu’s goading, Lu Chang drank the wine she offered and soon collapsed, his body weak.

Jian Mingshu said that it might have been better he didn’t agree to her back then; otherwise, he too would have been caught in this disaster. Jian Mingshu wished Lu Chang had never saved her, that they had never met. As Lu Chang fainted, he repeatedly begged Jian Mingshu not to go alone. Jian Mingshu said nothing, but after he lost consciousness, she kissed his cheek and, as always, called him Ah Chang gege. Lu Chang had a nightmare.

When he woke, it was already the next day. Jian Mingshu had left behind only a letter and departed. By then, she was likely already out of the city. Lu Chang rushed to catch up. Jian Mingshu gave a letter to Minister Cui, stating that she had no connection whatsoever to the Lu family and, because she was in mourning, could not marry Song Qingzhao. The letter reached Prince Rui and the Imperial Consort.

The Imperial Consort was furious, but thankfully Minister Cui was cautious and intercepted the letter in time—otherwise, her life would have been in danger. Su Tangli wanted to become a maid at the Lin household. Granny Li took all the money she had. Coincidentally, a victim came looking for Granny Li, revealing she was a swindler. Su Tangli drew her blade to reclaim the money, and at that moment, she saw the figure of Jian Mingshu standing outside.

Su Tangli and Jian Mingshu met in Ning’an. Although Su Tangli had her family name restored, her father’s death was still unavenged, so she could not live in peace—and neither could Jian Mingshu. They shared the same goal. The Lin family was managed by the Old Madam Lin, who was the wet nurse of Prince Yu and was highly regarded by him.

Su Tangli noted that although Old Madam Lin had ties to Prince Yu, she wasn’t involved in the case, so she didn’t understand why Jian Mingshu had come here. But Jian Mingshu recalled that the one who annihilated the Jian family back then was Cao Hai, and Cao Hai was likely from the Lin family. To raise such a demon, how innocent could Old Madam Lin be? Jian Mingshu suspected that Cao Hai was the son of Old Madam Lin.

She had already planned to find a way into the Lin household and, when they returned, trap them like rats in a jar. Su Tangli and Jian Mingshu had joined forces for revenge—they were determined to make Prince Yu and Cao Hai pay. Old Madam Lin went to a temple to pray but suddenly felt dizzy and nauseous. Jian Mingshu intentionally approached and offered to treat her, saying the medicine would make her feel better.

After taking the medicine, Old Madam Lin felt better immediately and asked Jian Mingshu to continue treating her. Jian Mingshu explained she was merely passing by and only wanted to burn incense for her parents before leaving. Seeing that she looked pitiful, Old Madam Lin insisted she come to the residence to treat her and even offered a monthly payment. Jian Mingshu successfully entered the Lin household.

As she passed by the ancestral hall, she overheard that it only opened when the young master returned for Old Madam Lin’s birthday. To bring Su Tangli into the household, Jian Mingshu spoke of a pitiful girl from her hometown. Old Madam Lin allowed her to call the girl over to work in the kitchen. Su Tangli also successfully snuck into the Lin residence.

Jian Mingshu wanted to confirm whether Old Madam Lin was indeed Cao Hai’s mother—soon, she would know for sure. That night, Old Madam Lin told someone to give Jian Mingshu an extra blanket. While passing a courtyard, she discovered someone was living there—a concubine of the young master, said to be pregnant. Jian Mingshu guessed that this woman might be Aunt Zhou. She quietly opened the door and saw Aunt Zhou heavily pregnant and apparently blind.

Hearing Jian Mingshu’s voice, Aunt Zhou became emotional. She said she had believed Cao Hai’s lies and had betrayed the Jian family, and had been repenting ever since. Aunt Zhou revealed that Old Madam Lin was indeed Cao Hai’s mother. After the Jian family was silenced, they wanted to eliminate her as well, but upon discovering she was pregnant, they locked her up, blinded her, and crippled her legs.

Aunt Zhou begged Jian Mingshu to kill Cao Hai and help her escape. All the Jian family’s assets had been hidden by Cao Hai in the kitchen; only by killing him could they reclaim it. Old Madam Lin didn’t want to keep Aunt Zhou alive and planned to kill her after she gave birth. Old Madam Lin finished copying Buddhist scriptures and had Yu’er deliver them to the small shrine. Jian Mingshu followed and unintentionally saw her mother’s Guanyin statue.

Yu’er said it was a New Year’s gift from the young master to Old Madam Lin last year. Jian Mingshu went to find Su Tangli and confirmed that Cao Hai was indeed Old Madam Lin’s son. There was no way she was unaware of his crimes. Her current wealth and status were all built on the Jian family’s fortune. On the surface, Old Madam Lin appeared virtuous, but in reality, she was a hypocrite with a vicious heart.

Su Tangli had someone procure some firecrackers that could easily blow up an entire family. Jian Mingshu inquired about the location of Old Madam Lin’s birthday banquet and, late at night, she and Su Tangli buried the firecrackers there. Upon returning to her room, Jian Mingshu sensed someone following her and instinctively drew a knife, only to find that it was Lu Chang. Lu Chang forcefully kissed Jian Mingshu—she had snuck out of the capital, quite impressive indeed!

Lu Chang had gone to Jianglin and discovered she wasn’t there, so he concluded she must have come here to take revenge on the Lin family, Cao Hai, and the Prince Yu who was soon to attend the banquet. Jian Mingshu replied that she was no longer the person she once was. Back then, she didn’t understand Su Tangli’s actions or why Nanny Lü was blinded by hatred. She had felt sympathy but not agreement.

But now, Jian Mingshu had become just like them. Lu Chang wasn’t here to stop her—he was just worried about her safety. He was willing to help her take revenge, to do whatever she wanted. Now that he was here, he wouldn’t leave. Jian Mingshu didn’t want him to see her like this and bit him hard. Jian Mingshu cried herself to sleep. When she woke up, she found Lu Chang cooking—he had no plans to leave.

Scholar, top scorer, none of that mattered anymore. Jian Mingshu changed her mind. Though Lu Chang was willing to accompany her, she didn’t want to drag him down to hell. Her left hand was for the dead, her right for the living. Although she couldn’t immediately judge which weighed heavier, she understood she couldn’t let the living suffer for her. Lu Chang was one of the living—he was in her right hand. Upon hearing this, Lu Chang was moved to tears.

Lu Chang did not come to persuade Jian Mingshu to give up her revenge, but to tell her that there were other ways to bring the Prince of Yu to justice. No matter what Jian Mingshu did, he would stay by her side. He was only worried that she might go down a path of no return and regret it later.

Lu Chang found out that the Prince of Yu might have instructed Cao Hai to raise private soldiers, which was an unforgivable offense in the imperial court—even if he was the emperor's eldest son. As for the imperial decree to bestow marriage, Lu Chang would find a way to deal with it. Jian Mingshu gave the bracelet to Lu Chang. She had suspected there might be something unusual about it, but could never figure it out.

Lu Chang noticed a small hole on the bracelet—when pressed, a key popped out. Jian Mingshu immediately recalled that there was also a small hole on the Guanyin statue in the ancestral hall. It seemed her father had hidden the evidence there. Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu told Su Tangli that they had found evidence of Cao Hai raising private soldiers, and hoped to temporarily put their previous plan on hold.

Su Tangli agreed—so long as the Prince of Yu could be utterly ruined, she was willing to cooperate. Lu Chang discovered that one of the people who had helped Cao Hai wipe out the Jian family had escaped and had been committing crimes ever since. Recently, he had set his sights on a couple preparing to return home with their earnings. Lu Chang warned them to take the water route, and he and Jian Mingshu disguised themselves as that couple.

Upon hearing that the husband was extremely submissive to his wife, Jian Mingshu instantly caught on. Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang dressed in foreign attire and checked into an inn, carrying a large amount of gold and silver, which soon attracted the attention of bandits. However, when the bandits hijacked their carriage, they found that the boxes were filled with stones instead of treasure. Before they could flee, Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu caught them.

Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang told the bandit leader, Master Jiao, that they had a big deal for him—ten thousand taels of gold in exchange for helping her take revenge. Cao Hai had taken the Jian family's wealth and returned it to the Lin family—about ten thousand taels. He was due to return soon to celebrate Old Madam Lin’s birthday, which would be the perfect time to strike. After some consideration, Master Jiao decided to investigate.

Prince Rui and Song Qingzhao rushed over upon receiving the news. Seeing that Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu had reconciled, Song Qingzhao felt a pang of jealousy. The Ministry of Rites had already chosen a date for Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao’s wedding one month later. Only now did Jian Mingshu realize that submitting the marriage rejection letter had been a foolish mistake.

Lu Chang said that perhaps once the truth about the Prince of Yu was uncovered, it might earn imperial clemency. Jian Mingshu stayed by Old Madam Lin’s side. When invited to eat together, she declined, saying she wasn’t hungry. Soon after, Old Madam Lin and the maids all fainted, as did everyone in the Lin family. Jian Mingshu went to the ancestral hall and retrieved the evidence from inside the Guanyin statue.

She and Su Tangli looked coldly at the unconscious men and women in the house—Jian Mingshu was the only surviving member of the Jian family. Old Madam Lin kept claiming it wasn’t her son’s doing, but Jian Mingshu told her that the Guanyin she prayed to every day had been carved in her mother’s likeness by her father—it wasn’t the Bodhisattva she had been kneeling to, but Jian Mingshu’s mother. But she wasn’t wrong to kneel.

Her entire family should be kneeling before the Jian family. Old Madam Lin always spoke of gods and virtue, but what kind of good had she truly done, what virtue had she really accumulated? Master Jiao indeed found many treasures in the Lin household and was about to load them onto the carriage when Cao Hai arrived with government soldiers. A battle broke out.

Hearing the fighting, Madam Zhou, unwilling to sit and wait for death, grabbed her meager savings and tried to sneak away. But just then, she went into labor. Jian Mingshu and Su Tangli watched coldly as the two evil factions slaughtered each other in the courtyard. The Prince of Yu ordered Cao Hai to take Master Jiao’s head, but Prince Rui, Song Qingzhao, and Lu Chang arrived just in time to apprehend everyone.

Cao Hai prepared to fight to the death but was killed by Jian Mingshu wielding a blade. Thirty-seven lives from the Jian family—he would repay that debt today. Madam Zhou’s baby was stillborn, and she herself bled to death, unable to be saved. Knowing she had committed great sins, she ended her own life in haste.

The Prince of Yu was thrown into prison, ready to be escorted to the capital for trial. Su Tangli, unable to wait, sneaked in for revenge, but to her surprise, the Prince of Yu was so frightened upon seeing her that he wet his pants. Su Tangli immediately realized that this man was not the real Prince of Yu! Su Tangli went to Prince Rui to confess for killing Cao Hai.

Prince Rui did not want to pursue the matter, but since it was of great importance, it had to be reported to the Emperor. The Prince of Yu had been impersonated—the man in custody had been sent to Ning’an under the Prince’s orders, but he himself had no idea where the real Prince of Yu was. Lu Chang speculated that the Prince of Yu went to such lengths to protect his identity in hopes of one day inheriting the throne.

Now that the Emperor was gravely ill, the Prince used the excuse of visiting Ning’an for his wet nurse’s birthday to divert attention—he was planning a coup. The Emperor summoned Minister Lu to discuss the matter of appointing a crown prince, but before they could begin, the Prince of Yu charged into the palace with troops. Upon learning of the coup attempt, the Emperor became so enraged that he spat blood.

The Prince of Yu brought the Imperial Concubine with him, framing her for various crimes as a pretext for his rebellion. Fortunately, Minister Lu and the Emperor had already moved the Tiger Tally. The Prince of Yu could not find it and flew into a rage, accusing the Emperor of always favoring the Concubine and Prince Rui. But in the Emperor’s heart, he had never favored one son over the other. Overwhelmed with anger, the Emperor fainted.

Minister Lu urged the Prince of Yu not to destroy everything and to quickly summon the imperial physicians. News arrived that Prince Rui was bringing Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao to the capital, which deeply worried Minister Lu. Prince Rui, along with Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao, was blocked from entering the palace. Song’s father arrived with troops to escort Prince Rui back to the mansion.

With the tense situation in the capital and no soldiers at their command, they had to proceed with caution. The Emperor had been placed under house arrest by the Prince of Yu. At that moment, Wei Zhuo entered the capital with half of the Tiger Tally, giving them a brief respite. Meanwhile, Jian Mingshu was kidnapped by the Prince of Yu’s men.

Lu Chang had no choice but to suggest a risky move: since the Prince of Yu did not yet know that Cao Hai was dead, they could use Cao Hai’s command token to enter the palace. Prince Rui assigned a highly skilled martial artist to accompany Lu Chang. Song Qingzhao insisted on joining the palace infiltration. Although his father tried to stop him, Song Qingzhao had already made up his mind.

He was familiar with the palace layout and was as close as a brother to Lu Chang—how could he possibly stand aside? Song’s father had no choice but to agree. When Minister Lu saw that the Prince of Yu had kidnapped Jian Mingshu, he immediately understood that the prince was using her to threaten Lu Chang. The Prince of Yu found the other half of the Tiger Tally and asked Minister Lu where the remaining half was.

Upon learning it had already been sent out of the palace by the Emperor, he flew into a rage. Lu Chang, disguised as Cao Hai, entered the palace with Song Qingzhao and Su Tangli among the entourage. The Prince of Yu summoned him for an audience outside the main hall. Su Tangli quietly slipped away, disguising herself as a palace maid to sneak in.

Su Tangli used the excuse of delivering pastries to enter the Emperor’s sleeping quarters but was stopped by the Prince of Yu’s guards. Minister Lu claimed he had summoned her, allowing her entry. Su Tangli asked Minister Lu to reveal the Tiger Tally’s location, but it had already been hidden by the Prince of Yu. Lu Chang, disguised as Cao Hai, entered the main hall. The Prince of Yu, upon discovering his identity, considered recruiting him.

Su Tangli, unsure of where the Tiger Tally might be hidden, decided to search the palace of the Prince of Yu’s mother. Minister Lu saw Su Tangli’s signal and assumed she had obtained the Tiger Tally. He pretended to have stomach trouble, but an attendant ordered him to help persuade Prince Rui to surrender. Minister Lu quickly agreed and insisted on bringing the Imperial Concubine with him. The Prince of Yu tried to use Jian Mingshu to force Lu Chang into obtaining the other half of the Tiger Tally from Prince Rui, but Jian Mingshu fiercely refused to give in.

Jian Mingshu refused to let Lu Chang be coerced by the Prince of Yu. The Prince of Yu threatened to kill Jian Mingshu in front of Lu Chang. Just when Lu Chang was helpless, Su Tangli entered with half of the Tiger Tally and urged Lu Chang to save Jian Mingshu quickly. The Prince of Yu released Jian Mingshu but demanded that Su Tangli bring the Tiger Tally to him in person.

Once Jian Mingshu stood behind Lu Chang, Su Tangli threw the contents of the box at the Prince of Yu. In that moment, both were safe. Su Tangli knew the Prince of Yu very well—he trusted no one but was sentimentally attached to his mother. As expected, Prince Rui would soon enter the palace with troops. Minister Lu was brought by the palace attendant to negotiate with Prince Rui.

He immediately handed the other half of the Tiger Tally to Prince Rui, begging him to enter the palace and save the Emperor—and to save Lu Chang at all costs. Su Tangli had only revenge in her heart for the Prince of Yu, never love.

Now that Prince Rui was entering the palace with troops, and Wei Zhuo was present, with half of the Tiger Tally in hand, the private soldiers raised by the Prince of Yu quickly turned against him. The Prince of Yu realized he had no way out but would rather die than become their prisoner. Su Tangli knocked the arrow from his hand with a sleeve arrow and walked forward.

She was glad he had lived this long—it gave her the chance to take revenge with her own hands. The Prince of Yu was stabbed in the chest and asked Su Tangli whether she had ever loved him. In the end, both were wounded in the abdomen and collapsed together. Minister Lu held on with his last breath until he saw Lu Chang. He took out something he had kept for Lu Chang—a sachet.

That day, Lu Chang had stubbornly refused to acknowledge him as a father, so Minister Lu had carried the sachet with him ever since. Finally, on this day, Lu Chang was willing to recognize him as his father. As the Emperor was dying, he instructed Prince Rui to bury the Prince of Yu in the imperial mausoleum after his death, to honor their bond as father and son.

He had already written the posthumous decree, believing that Prince Rui could be a good emperor and that the reforms he had always pursued could now be implemented. Prince Rui ascended the throne and planned to have Lu Chang lead the reforms. But Lu Chang insisted on going to Jianglin to serve as magistrate, saying that reforms needed to be implemented gradually. He wanted to start small in the provinces before returning to the capital.

Lu Chang also pleaded with Prince Rui to rescind the imperial marriage decree bestowed by the late Emperor to Song Qingzhao and Jian Mingshu. Prince Rui deliberately refused, saying it was not possible. When he saw the change in Lu Chang’s expression, he laughed and said the decree actually named "Lu Mingshu. " But since now only Jian Mingshu remained in this world, naturally there was no need for a marriage.

Lu Chang was returning to Jianglin, and Jian Mingshu would also go back. Everyone was reluctant to part with them. But Jian Mingshu was not leaving together with Lu Chang. Her mourning period was not yet over, and during this time, they would each focus on their own responsibilities before marrying. Yin Shujun was already pregnant, so the affairs of Hualang Pavilion were entrusted to Yuan Ying.

Minister Lu had lived by the principle of moderation all his life, but in the end, he sacrificed himself for his children and the country. Lu Chang and Aunt Zeng set up a memorial tablet for him at home, where he would always have a place. They only wished him peace in the afterlife. Song Qingzhao often wrote letters to Jian Mingshu but never sent them. He couldn't let go, so he entrusted everything to time.

Wasn’t that good in its own way? Lu Chang returned to Jianglin to implement a lending policy to help the people survive natural disasters. Hualang Pavilion was renamed under the Jian Family Gold Store brand, and branches opened in many places, dedicated to helping women in hardship. Jian Mingshu brought large amounts of silver and grain from the Jian family to the magistrate’s office to help the people of Jianglin through difficult times.

Lu Chang's achievements in governance were outstanding, and Prince Rui, greatly gratified, gave him full authority to carry out the new reforms. Today was the day the results for the new top scholar were announced. Lu Chang saw the lively scene of bride-catching under the rankings and couldn't help but think of Jian Mingshu in the old days.

Just then, a group of people arrived to seize Lu Chang, saying the lady had ordered that no matter what, he must be brought back. Upon seeing the Jian family’s banner, Lu Chang willingly followed them home and married her. Today, Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang were married. May their lives be as upright as bamboo, never part once united, forever side by side, sharing joy year after year.