Song of Youth Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Song of Youth Synopsis
During the Longqing period of the Ming Dynasty, Lin Shaochun, a young girl from a government family, suffered the tragic ruin of her family because her father was framed as unjustly corrupted.
Forced to make a living, she started to learn opera in a theatrical troupe and met Sun Yulou, a wealthy young man, who fell in love with her at first sight.
In order to avenge her father’s injustice, she decided to take the imperial examination in male disguise. However, Shao Chun’s plan failed when she was required to take a body check.
When Yulou heard the news, he helped Shaochun to get justice for her father. When the Sun family learned of Shaochun’s background, they were determined to stop Yulou and Shaochun from contacting each other.
Yulou has never given up. Shaochun felt grateful for his affection, and she was a self-reliant girl who grew up to be a nationally known businessman in just one year and married into the Sun family when it was in decline.
Subsequently, she maintained the relationship between her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law internally and solved various crises externally, finally winning praise from both sides
By chance, she discovered that the culprit of her family’s ruin was her father-in-law Sun Xun and that he was the one who really embezzled money. For the sake of justice, Shao-Chun finally chooses “public righteousness above family loyalty”.
Song of Youth Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the bustling ancient town of Jiangnan, Lin Shaochun navigated the crowded streets and bridges, her sole focus on finding Sun Yulou. After a mistaken sighting on a passing boat, she followed a group of children to a shadow play performance. There, a man behind a curtain was narrating the tale of Wang Bao Chuan, "The 18 Years' Waiting with Loneliness and Miserable." However, the audience was bored, complaining about the repetitive story and demanding refunds.
Recognizing the performer as Sun Yulou, Lin Shaochun stepped forward, proclaiming that he indeed had more stories to tell. Their eyes met across the space, and the audience, their clamor quelled, settled back down. Lin Shaochun then quietly slipped away. Sun Yulou, the shadow play performer, then began to narrate a significant period from his own life, starting when he was eighteen years old. That year marked a pinnacle for the Sun family.
His eldest sister, Sun You Zhen, had become an Imperial Noble Consort in the palace, enjoying the emperor's singular affection among three thousand beauties. This imperial favor led to their father, Sun Xun, being appointed as Senior Grand Secretary, a highly esteemed position. Their mother, Shen Shi, a kind vegetarian who devoted herself to daily Buddhist prayers, was paradoxically feared by Sun Xun's concubines.
By Sun Yulou's eighteenth year, most of these concubines had passed away, leaving only Aunt Mei, who, despite her own seemingly difficult demeanor, was always in awe of his mother. His eldest brother, Sun Shijie, a man of great knowledge and talent, was married to Wu Yuehong, the only daughter of General of Agile Cavalry Wu Da. Their marriage had been arranged between their fathers as a childhood pact. Yet, Sun Shijie harbored little affection for his wife.
Wu Yuehong, eager to win his approval, often attempted to mimic the graceful Luo Shen from a painting her husband admired. One day, after dressing up, she asked him how she looked, only for him to curtly question her attire. She explained her efforts to embody Luo Shen's elegance, but Sun Shijie dismissed her as merely "aping the beauty" and walked away.
Later, Wu Yuehong, contemplating the painting, decided that the only difference was the color of her lipstick, instructing her maid, Shi Jian, to change the painting's lips to crimson. Sun Yulou's second brother, Sun Junhao, had married Su Yingxue, renowned as the capital's most talented woman. Soon after their wedding, Sun Xun transferred his military authority to Sun Junhao. With his second brother often away on army duties, the couple experienced prolonged separations.
Su Yingxue would spend her days playing the zither, her melancholic melodies often heard throughout the Sun Residence. His third brother, Sun Jinge, was notoriously lazy and frequently indulged in visits to pleasure houses. His wife, Xu Fengqiao, daughter of the Secretary of the Grand Secretariat Xu Yunhe, had been raised almost like a boy due to her family's scarcity of male heirs. She governed Sun Jinge strictly; he lived in constant dread of her.
On one occasion, upon his return with tell-tale lipstick marks, he desperately tried to explain it away as residue from spicy food. Unconvinced, Xu Fengqiao forced him to consume an entire tub of chilies as a "cleansing ritual." Sun Jinge, in searing agony, fled from her pursuit, begging for mercy. Sun Yulou recalled his older sisters, Sun Youde and Sun Yourong, who had both married and moved far away during his childhood, their faces now indistinct in his memory.
Consequently, his youngest sister, Sun Xiaoxian, was his only consistent companion for many years. Sun Yulou himself was deeply fond of shadow play. One day, Sun Xiaoxian informed him that their father was expecting him at his birthday banquet, adding that Lady Yu, the capital's most celebrated Pipa player, would be performing. This news piqued Sun Yulou's interest, and he agreed to attend.
Sun Yulou later mused that fate truly played a hand when he met "that girl" at his father's birthday banquet. He was instantly captivated by her, a moment that transformed his entire life. During the festivities, a veiled woman appeared to play the Pipa. Her beautiful music enthralled Sun Yulou; in that moment, he felt an undeniable connection, knowing she was the one he desired.
Applause erupted from the guests, but a sudden gust of wind lifted the performer's veil, revealing her youthful face. An official, having seen Lady Yu before, recognized her as an imposter, claiming the real Lady Yu was nearly forty years old. The young woman explained that she was Lady Yu's apprentice, sent to perform because her master was unwell. Despite her explanation, other officials voiced their dissatisfaction.
Sun Yulou immediately rose to her defense, questioning whether the quality of the music, which everyone had enjoyed, was less important than the performer's identity. He pointed out that no one had noticed the impersonation until her face was revealed. He urged his father to reward, rather than punish, the talented young lady. Sun Xiaoxian also pressed their father for a decision.
Sun Xun, after a moment's consideration, stated that Lady Yu had indeed informed him beforehand about her apprentice filling in, and he praised the young woman's performance as superior to her master's. He then ordered a reward be bestowed upon her. The apprentice expressed her gratitude to Master Sun. The day after the banquet, a smitten Sun Yulou visited Lady Yu's establishment, hoping to meet her apprentice.
He expressed his admiration for the young woman's Pipa performance and his desire to make her acquaintance. Lady Yu, however, deceptively claimed that her apprentice had caught a severe cold the previous night and tragically passed away, her body already buried. Sun Yulou left disheartened. In truth, the young performer was Lin Shaochun; she had incapacitated Lady Yu, taken her Pipa, and performed at the Sun Residence.
Upon returning to her troupe, Lin Shaochun shared her reward money with her fellow performers, who celebrated her cunning and skill. However, her master, Liu Sanjue, reprimanded her sharply. He accused her of being impetuous and arrogant, reminding her that his teachings were for honest stagecraft, not for deceitful acts. Lin Shaochun argued that she had merely tested her skills and achieved recognition and a reward, asking if that wasn't enough.
Liu Sanjue, perceiving her impatience and eagerness for quick results, declared he had nothing more to teach her and expelled her from the troupe. Lin Shaochun protested the injustice of his decision. Later, as Sun Yulou walked home, still troubled by the news of the musician's "death," he saw Lin Shaochun standing on a bridge. Believing her to be a ghost, he murmured "Ghost."
Yet, his affection for her superseded his fear, and he resolved that her nature—human or spirit—mattered not. He bravely approached her, asking if she was "the spirit of her." Lin Shaochun, amused by his apparent gullibility, played along, declaring herself a ghost and challenging him if he was afraid. When he calmly stated he was not, she invited him for a drink.
Lin Shaochun then cryptically invited him to join her in the "Jaws of Death" and leaped into the river. Sun Yulou immediately plunged in after her, calling out for her, but found nothing. Lin Shaochun had quietly swum to the opposite bank, muttered "Idiot," and vanished into the night. Lin Shaochun returned to her nanny, who noticed her wet clothes. Lin Shaochun brushed it off as falling into a pond.
Her nanny expressed concern for Lin Shaochun's strenuous schedule of learning opera during the day and studying at night, especially with the imperial examination approaching. Lin Shaochun then revealed her expulsion from the Bai Theatrical Troupe. Her nanny was distraught, urging her to beg Master Liu for forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of completing her training for the examination.
Lin Shaochun, however, adamantly insisted she could achieve success on her own, dismissing her nanny's worries about the grave danger of a girl impersonating a man to take the imperial examination. She believed her years of learning provided sufficient disguise, accepting that if she failed, it would be her destiny.
In a somber room, Lin Shaochun studied portraits and notes describing influential officials: Jiang Cheng, an ambitious assistant commander who abused his power; Qian Ning, a cunning and trusted Senior Grand Secretary; and Li Chong, a straightforward yet volatile Commander of the Imperial Guards. These were the powerful figures involved in her family's downfall. She remembered the imperial edict that falsely accused her father, Lin Daoyuan, the Deputy Minister of Revenue, of corruption.
He was sentenced to eighty lashes, had all his family’s property confiscated, and his entire household banished. Her father died from the flogging, and her mother took her own life. When officers came to arrest them, her loyal nanny, out of profound gratitude to the Lin family, bravely presented her own daughter, Xiao Ya, as Lin Shaochun, sacrificing her to save Lin Shaochun from banishment.
The nanny brought Lin Shaochun warm ginseng soup, reaffirming her deep affection and sense of responsibility for Lin Shaochun. She acknowledged the hardships Lin Shaochun had endured and stressed the critical need for no mistakes as they neared their goal.
When the nanny asked about her future plans after being expelled from the troupe, Lin Shaochun's mind drifted back to an earlier time when she had knelt, pleading with Liu Sanjue to accept her as an apprentice, only to be told she was too old to begin learning opera.
Episode 2 Recap
After her parents died, the young Lin Shaochun wanted to apprentice with Liu Sanjue, the master of the acrobatic troupe, to learn skills, and then go to the capital to take the imperial examination as a man, but Liu Sanjue refused and turned her away. Lin Shaochun knelt outside the door and waited bitterly. Heavy snow fell from the sky, and Lin Shaochun was shivering with cold. Finally, she fainted in the snow.
Liu Sanjue couldn't bear it and took Lin Shaochun in. Lin Shaochun came to apologize to Liu Sanjue early in the morning. Liu Sanjue listed her three mistakes one by one, worried that she would attract disaster by being in the limelight. Lin Shaochun realized the seriousness of the matter. Liu Sanjue didn't want her to repeat the mistakes of her other two apprentices.
The eldest disciple, Liu Wushuang, was the only one who had learned all of her three unique skills, but Liu Wushuang used his skills to make huge profits. Liu Sanjue's other apprentice, Tao Yao, was eager for quick success and instant benefit and left before completing his apprenticeship. Lin Shaochun wanted to learn the third unique skill from her. Liu Sanjue asked her to be prepared to endure hardship. Mei Yiniang wanted to marry her niece to Sun Yulou.
Su Yingxue advised her to give up as soon as possible. Sun Xun's first wife, Shen Shi, had already found a good candidate, who was the youngest daughter of Li Zong, a third-rank official. Xu Fengqiao had heard that Miss Li was good at managing the household, and she managed everything in the Li family. Xu Fengqiao was worried that Miss Li would steal her limelight and privileges.
Xu Fengqiao heard that Miss Li was going to the temple to offer incense, so she waited there early. Xu Fengqiao took the initiative to greet Miss Li and tried her best to bring her and Sun Yulou together. Miss Li claimed that she was not afraid of arrogant and domineering people, and she would still manage the household after marrying into the Sun family. Xu Fengqiao suppressed her dissatisfaction and took Miss Li to the backyard for tea.
The maid deliberately poured a cup of hot tea on Miss Li. Xu Fengqiao severely reprimanded the maid and asked Miss Li to go in and change clothes. She saw a birthmark on Miss Li's back through the crack in the door. Xu Fengqiao spread the news that Miss Li had a birthmark on her back, and it soon spread like wildfire. Shen Shi disliked Miss Li's bad reputation and cancelled the marriage on the spot.
Xu Fengqiao was secretly happy. The magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture brought Sun Yulou to the poetry club to join in the fun. Sun Yulou was very disdainful of these affected practices. Just as he was about to leave, he saw a man who looked very much like Lin Shaochun come in. Sun Yulou took the initiative to greet him and asked if he had any sisters at home. Lin Shaochun flatly denied it.
The poetry competition began, and Sun Yulou challenged Lin Shaochun. The two of them answered fluently. Lin Shaochun didn't want to continue to entangle with him and quickly found an excuse to leave. Sun Yulou followed closely behind and exposed her as a woman on the spot. Lin Shaochun left in a fit of anger. Sun Yulou threatened to look for her everywhere with a portrait. Lin Shaochun had no choice but to take him to the acrobatic troupe.
Lin Shaochun dressed as a man and sang on stage. Sun Yulou was stunned. He stared at Lin Shaochun on the stage and was so excited that he couldn't speak. After the performance, Lin Shaochun sent Sun Yulou away and repeatedly explained her difficulties in dressing as a man. Sun Yulou reluctantly said goodbye to Lin Shaochun and went home. On the way, he couldn't close his mouth with happiness.
Xu Fengqiao wanted to find a woman who would listen to her every word to marry Sun Yulou. The maid suggested marrying her cousin Yao Dizhu from her uncle's family to Sun Yulou. Xu Fengqiao knew Yao Dizhu's strong personality. At the beginning, Yao Dizhu was selected as a show girl. She deliberately dressed up gaudily to come to the palace. The noble concubine was very dissatisfied with her. Yao Dizhu argued tit-for-tat.
The noble concubine ordered someone to beat her. Pan Xiniang quickly stood up to help Yao Dizhu out of the predicament, falsely claiming that Yao Dizhu had eye problems and that the servants had helped her dress up. Pan Xiniang tried her best to plead for Yao Dizhu, and the noble concubine was slightly relieved and drove Yao Dizhu out on the spot, allowing Pan Xiniang to stay in the palace. Both of them were satisfied and thanked her repeatedly.
Sun Yulou sent Lin Shaochun a lot of tonics, jewelry, and clothes. Lin Shaochun resolutely refused to accept them. Sun Yulou let her throw these things away in a fit of anger. Xu Fengqiao came to her uncle's house to see Yao Dizhu and persuaded her to marry Sun Yulou. Yao Dizhu just wanted to find a man who was in love with her, but she couldn't stand Xu Fengqiao's constant entanglement.
Sun Yulou waited bitterly for Lin Shaochun on the street and expressed his feelings to her in person. Sun Yulou repeatedly claimed that he was different from those playboys and asked Lin Shaochun to think about it carefully. From that day on, Sun Yulou came to support Lin Shaochun every day. Lin Shaochun was often distracted and was reprimanded by Liu Sanjue.
Liu Sanjue taught her to perform well and not to care about what the people under the stage were doing. Sun Yulou went to the troupe to find Lin Shaochun and learned that Lin Shaochun was drinking with dignitaries in a restaurant. Sun Yulou rushed over and saw Lin Shaochun toasting with those men. He rushed in to take Lin Shaochun away, but Lin Shaochun flatly refused.
Sun Yulou met Du Fuyin, the magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture, and asked him to call Lin Shaochun out. Du Fuyin invited Lin Shaochun to drink together. Lin Shaochun resisted desperately and pushed Du Fuyin away. Others rushed over after hearing the news. They besieged Lin Shaochun, and Sun Yulou pulled Lin Shaochun up and ran away. Lin Shaochun allowed him to watch the show, but asked him not to interfere in other matters.
She didn't want to implicate Sun Yulou, but Sun Yulou was not afraid of being implicated. He vowed not to give up on Lin Shaochun. Lin Shaochun's company with guests for drinking stole the limelight from other troupes. They came to Lin Shaochun to question her, condemning Lin Shaochun for stealing their business and wanting to smash the troupe. Lin Shaochun tried her best to stop them and was pushed to the ground.
Her forehead just hit the corner of the table. Lin Shaochun's face was disfigured, and she cried out in panic. Sun Yulou learned that Lin Shaochun's face was disfigured and she could no longer perform on stage. Sun Yulou rushed to comfort Lin Shaochun and promised to help her find a way.
Episode 3 Recap
Sun Yulou remembered that Imperial Physician Jiang had the White Jade Regenerative Ointment that could remove scars, and he rushed to ask him for it. However, the White Jade Regenerative Ointment was exclusively for the royal family and nobles and could not be given to common people. In desperation, Sun Yulou violently smashed his head against the wall. Blood immediately flowed from his forehead.
Imperial Physician Jiang quickly had someone bring the White Jade Regenerative Ointment, and Sun Yulou immediately took it to Lin Shaochun. Actually, this was a play that Lin Shaochun and her senior apprentices had planned beforehand. Lin Shaochun pretended to be injured and disfigured to make Sun Yulou completely give up. When Sun Yulou saw Lin Shaochun's forehead completely intact, he immediately understood everything. He put down the ointment and left in a huff.
That night, Lin Shaochun dreamed that she and Sun Yulou were playing in a river, deeply affectionate with each other. After Lin Shaochun woke up, she was still blushing with embarrassment. Lin Shaochun secretly peeked from a gap in the curtain at the audience below, but she couldn't find Sun Yulou's figure. She felt greatly disappointed.
A senior apprentice from the opera troupe noticed she was waiting for Sun Yulou and advised her not to betray his deep affection, revealing that the White Jade Regenerative Ointment was a royal medicine that ordinary people couldn't get. Lin Shaochun was worried that Sun Yulou would have a scar on his head, but it was inconvenient for her to visit the Sun residence. The senior apprentice told Lin Shaochun to think of a way.
As soon as Sun Yulou returned home, he locked himself in his room and sulked. Shen Qingyao heard he was injured and rushed to visit him. Sun Yulou vented all his anger on Shen Qingyao. Xu Fengqiao advised Shen Qingyao not to provoke Sun Yulou again. Sun Yulou defiantly hit his own wound hard, so Shen Qingyao had no choice but to leave sadly.
Aunt Mei suggested having Huanlang serve Sun Yulou, and Shen Qingyao immediately sent someone to find Huanlang. Lin Shaochun heard that Sun Junhao's wife, Su Yingxue, loved playing the zither, so she disguised herself as an employee of Ruyi Zither Shop to deliver a zither to Su Yingxue at the Sun residence. Su Yingxue hadn't ordered one, but she loved zithers dearly. She couldn't resist playing a few notes and adored the zither.
Huanlang was a servant in the Sun residence, who grew up with Sun Yulou. He was on an errand at the manor. As soon as he received Shen Qingyao's order, he immediately rushed back to see Sun Yulou. He gave Sun Yulou a mask and tried desperately to cheer him up. Sun Yulou remained gloomy. Huanlang guessed that he had fallen in love with a girl and promised to help him make things happen. Lin Shaochun left, carrying the zither.
She pretended to have a stomachache and went to the outhouse, where she coincidentally bumped into Sun Yulou. Sun Yulou thought Lin Shaochun had gotten up to see him and was so happy he couldn't stop smiling. Su Yingxue arrived shortly after and asked Lin Shaochun to order an identical zither for her, then had her maid, Qinxin, escort Lin Shaochun away. Lin Shaochun secretly left the White Jade Regenerative Ointment behind.
When Sun Yulou saw the ointment, he realized that Lin Shaochun had specifically brought it for him. He was immediately filled with confidence and took Huanlang to chase Lin Shaochun. The servants, following Shen Qingyao's orders, stopped Sun Yulou, not letting him leave the house even half a step. Sun Yulou had no choice but to go to Shen Qingyao to plead his case. Huanlang also chimed in, falsely claiming that Sun Yulou was going to a poetry society gathering.
Shen Qingyao told him to invite his poetry society friends to the house, so Sun Yulou had no choice but to return to his room to rest. Xu Fengqiao seized the opportunity to arrange a marriage between Sun Yulou and Yao Dizhu. Shen Qingyao agreed to meet Yao Dizhu. Xu Fengqiao suggested having Yao Dizhu stay at the residence for a few days to allow her to spend some time with Sun Yulou first.
Shen Qingyao gave Xu Fengqiao full authority to handle the matter. Yao Dizhu arrived at the Sun residence on time. Xu Fengqiao, who had been waiting for a long time, quickly took her to see Shen Qingyao. Sun Yulou and Huanlang drew a map of the house. They plotted for a long time but couldn't think of a way to escape. Shen Qingyao sent someone to invite Sun Yulou. Sun Yulou was not interested in the arranged meeting.
Huanlang advised him to meet her first and then find an opportunity to leave the residence. Sun Yulou reluctantly came to meet Yao Dizhu. He deliberately put on the appearance of a dissolute young master, holding Yao Dizhu's hand and wouldn't let go, telling her to stay with him that night and promising not to take a concubine within three years. Yao Dizhu couldn't stand his licentious behavior and turned and left in a huff.
Shen Qingyao was so angry she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Yao Dizhu heard that Sun Yulou had done it on purpose and developed a strong interest in him. She actively sought him out to confront him, pressuring Sun Yulou to propose marriage as soon as possible. Sun Yulou was instantly dumbfounded. Yao Dizhu saw the map on the floor and guessed that Sun Yulou wanted to escape.
She relentlessly questioned him about the reasons, and Sun Yulou then recounted his story with Lin Shaochun in detail. Yao Dizhu was moved by his deep affection and promised to help him pass messages to Lin Shaochun. Yao Dizhu came to deliver a message to Lin Shaochun: Sun Yulou invited her to meet tomorrow at noon under the large banyan tree at Long'en Temple.
Sun Yulou and Yao Dizhu went together to ask Shen Qingyao for leave, falsely claiming they were going to Long'en Temple to offer incense. Shen Qingyao believed them and let them go out. Just as the appointed time approached, heavy rain suddenly poured down from the sky. Lin Shaochun grabbed two umbrellas and went out. She arrived at the agreed location, and Sun Yulou arrived shortly after. Their eyes met, and a thousand words welled up in their hearts.
Sun Yulou was drenched to the bone by the rain, and Lin Shaochun lent him an umbrella. The rain suddenly stopped. Sun Yulou believed that heaven was pitying him, so he invited Lin Shaochun to make a wish with him and hung their wishes on the large banyan tree, believing they would definitely come true within one day. Otherwise, Sun Yulou would no longer bother Lin Shaochun from then on.
Lin Shaochun, with a flash of inspiration, wrote the wish: "Sun Yulou immediately disappears and is never seen again" and hung it on the tree. Sun Yulou wanted to take Lin Shaochun for a stroll around, and they would come back after dark to verify the wishes. Lin Shaochun readily agreed. Huanlang took down Lin Shaochun's wish slip. He was instantly stunned and didn't know how to fulfill this wish.
Sun Yulou took Lin Shaochun for a stroll on the street. They saw someone performing a magic trick, making a rabbit disappear instantly. Sun Yulou actively volunteered to participate in the trick. He crawled in. Suddenly, bailiffs arrived, and the people scattered in all directions. Lin Shaochun hurriedly ran to look for Sun Yulou, but he had already vanished without a trace.
Episode 4 Recap
Magistrates confiscate the magic performance props, leaving Lin Shaochun frantically searching for Sun Yulou, unaware that Huanlang orchestrated his "disappearance" to fulfill her wish. Seeing her distress, Sun Yulou emerges, prompting Lin Shaochun to feign fainting, which he sees through. She declares that they are now even, but Sun Yulou, deeply in love, refuses to give up. Lin Shaochun, unwilling to implicate him, tries to push him away, but he remains steadfast.
Yao Dizhu informs Xu Fengqiao that Sun Yulou is deeply in love with Lin Shaochun. Xu Fengqiao, disapproving of Lin Shaochun being an actress, vows to break them up. Yao Dizhu advises against this, urging Xu Fengqiao not to meddle or tell Shen Shi. Sun Yulou continues to openly visit Lin Shaochun at the troupe. Xu Fengqiao enlists Sun Jingge to investigate, who then comes to the troupe and makes inappropriate remarks about Lin Shaochun, much to Sun Yulou's irritation.
Sun Jingge is impressed by Lin Shaochun's beauty and talent himself. Backstage, a man, orchestrated by Sun Jingge, appears, claiming to be Lin Shaochun's lover and accusing her of planning to scam Sun Yulou. Lin Shaochun recognizes this as a malicious setup and insists on taking the man to the authorities. The man tries to physically assault her, but Sun Yulou intervenes, ordering Huanlang to seize him.
Sun Yulou publicly discredits the man by pointing out he's wearing rose powder, to which Lin Shaochun is allergic, something Sun Jingge immediately tries to cover up by dismissing the man. Lin Shaochun thanks Sun Yulou for his help and promises to prove her innocence, hinting at having a "chastity mark" to prove her purity. Sun Jingge later recognizes Lin Shaochun as the performer who previously played pipa at their mansion, claiming to be Yu Niangzi's apprentice.
Sun Jingge pays off the man. Xu Fengqiao chastises Sun Jingge for his incompetence, but he assures her he has another scheme. Sun Jingge then deliberately informs Yu Niangzi about Lin Shaochun's whereabouts and identity as the performer who impersonated her apprentice at the Sun mansion. Initially, Yu Niangzi had claimed her apprentice was dead, but learning of Lin Shaochun's deception, she becomes enraged and vows revenge. Xu Fengqiao is keen to see the ensuing conflict.
Yu Niangzi confronts Lin Shaochun at the troupe, demanding 100 taels and for her to leave the capital, threatening to expose her. Lin Shaochun apologizes for the impersonation but refuses to comply, choosing to go on stage to perform, infuriating Yu Niangzi. Unexpectedly, the authorities announce they have accepted a case against Lin Shaochun, much to Yu Niangzi's surprise, as she had not filed a complaint herself. Magistrates arrive to arrest Lin Shaochun.
Sun Yulou assures her he will save her. He then instructs Huanlang to spread rumors about Yu Niangzi's declining skills, pressuring Yu Niangzi to cooperate. At the trial, presided over by Sun Yulou's friend, Magistrate Du, Yu Niangzi, influenced by Sun Yulou's efforts, unexpectedly claims Lin Shaochun as her apprentice, despite having previously denied it and denying filing the complaint herself. Magistrate Du, recognizing the complexity, orders a public musical competition between them. Yu Niangzi performs beautifully.
Lin Shaochun, out of respect and to mend their relationship, intentionally plays a simpler piece, allowing Yu Niangzi to appear superior. Impressed by their performances and Lin Shaochun's gesture, Magistrate Du declares Yu Niangzi the winner. Realizing Lin Shaochun's intentions, Yu Niangzi invites her home. Lin Shaochun seizes the opportunity to formally apprentice under Yu Niangzi, who accepts. Yu Niangzi warns Lin Shaochun that powerful figures, specifically "noble young masters," are behind the troubles, including the false complaint.
Sun Yulou proposes to Lin Shaochun, asking her to become the fourth mistress of his household. Lin Shaochun doesn't formally accept due to other commitments but is deeply touched and inwardly accepts his feelings, while Sun Yulou pledges to wait for her. Xu Fengqiao, despite Yao Dizhu's repeated advice against interfering, continues to devise schemes to separate Lin Shaochun and Sun Yulou, but Sun Yulou consistently thwarts her efforts. Sun Yulou demonstrates his devotion by sending Lin Shaochun chicken soup and gifts to her troupe members, who express envy. Lin Shaochun accepts an invitation for a private performance.
Episode 5 Recap
Xu Fengqiao initiated contact with Lin Shaochun, attempting to deter her from Sun Yulou due to their differing social statuses. She then arranged for Lin Shaochun to undergo etiquette training with Jin Mama, a royal instructor. Despite initial reluctance, Lin Shaochun proved exceptionally skilled but resisted Jin Mama's overly strict methods, even physically overpowering her. Lin Shaochun subsequently told Xu Fengqiao to relay a message to Sun Yulou, urging him to cease his pursuits.
Noticing Lin Shaochun's change in attitude, Sun Yulou confronted Xu Fengqiao, who manipulated him by claiming her actions were for his own good and to gain the approval of Shen Qingyao. Believing her, Sun Yulou thanked Xu Fengqiao, unaware of her true intentions to deal ruthlessly with Lin Shaochun. Lin Shaochun's primary goal remained avenging her father. Her master, Liu Sanjue, advised her to abandon revenge and embrace happiness with Sun Yulou, but Lin Shaochun was resolute.
Her Mama, distressed to see Lin Shaochun seemingly distracted by romance, threatened to leave to find her long-lost daughter, Xiaoya, eight years after sacrificing Xiaoya for Lin Shaochun's safety. Lin Shaochun, ashamed, tearfully reassured Mama that she had not forgotten her quest for justice, vowing to remain focused. To distance herself from Sun Yulou without causing a permanent break that might hinder her plans, Lin Shaochun, advised by her senior sister, encouraged him to pursue an official career.
She took Sun Yulou to Long'en Temple, writing a wish for him to take the imperial examination and become a just official, thereby preventing injustices. She set a condition that they should not meet until he passed, which Sun Yulou reluctantly accepted, motivated by her vision. Sun Yulou diligently studied at home. While Xu Fengqiao mistakenly believed he had broken up with Lin Shaochun, Yao Dizhu suspected otherwise.
After confirming with Sun Yulou that Lin Shaochun had inspired his academic ambition, Yao Dizhu went to Long'en Temple to pray for him. There, a broken horse rein led her to encounter Lin Shaochun, cross-dressed as a man, engaging in deep discussions about national affairs with other male scholars. Upset by what she perceived as Lin Shaochun's unfaithfulness to Sun Yulou, Yao Dizhu, feeling Lin Shaochun was unworthy, resolved to win Sun Yulou's affection herself.
Lin Shaochun, meanwhile, sought to broaden her horizons through these discussions in preparation for her own exam attempt. The Emperor, emphasizing fairness in the upcoming imperial examination and to avoid conflict of interest given Sun Shijie and Sun Yulou's participation, appointed Wang Mian as the chief examiner, sidelining Sun Xun. Sun Yulou and Sun Shijie observed the talented but impoverished scholar Jia Fengyuan, who drunkenly recited poetry, asserting his patriotic sentiments.
Meanwhile, Sun Shijie was vexed by his wife, Wu Yuehong, who performed elaborate rituals to pray for his success, despite his disdain for her. On the eve of the exam, Yao Dizhu presented Sun Yulou with a pair of fine brushes. Lin Shaochun, accompanied by Mama, visited her father's grave, vowing to pass the exam and avenge him.
However, upon arriving at the examination hall the next day, Lin Shaochun was disheartened to find strict body searches were mandatory for all candidates to prevent cheating. Her years of preparation seemed to be in vain, leaving her silently despairing as Sun Yulou, seeing her, mistakenly believed she was there to support him. Mama suggested that if Sun Yulou passed, he could help with the revenge, but Lin Shaochun did not wish to rely on anyone. When the results were posted, Sun Shijie was awarded the title of "Zhuangyuan" (top scholar), Jia Fengyuan secured the second position as "Bangyan", and Sun Yulou ranked thirty-seventh.
Episode 6 Recap
Sun Shijie attained the rank of top scholar in the imperial examinations, a fact which delighted Wu Yuehong, while Sun Shijie himself remained calm. Sun Yulou also passed, ranking thirty-seventh, bringing joy to himself and Shen Shi. Sun Yulou expressed his wish to marry Lin Shaochun to Shen Shi, but she dismissed his request. Jia Fengyuan, who placed second, and Gu Zhen, who placed third, were also celebrated.
The Emperor praised the top scholars, granting Sun Shijie a 6th rank position in the Hanlin Academy, and Jia Fengyuan and Gu Zhen 7th rank positions. Jia Fengyuan, having no kin in the capital, sought patronage from Sun Xun, who welcomed him into the Sun residence. Jia Fengyuan vowed his loyalty, while secretly paying a waiter to conceal his identity, with an underlying interest in Su Yingxue.
Meanwhile, Xu Fengqiao, observing the success of Sun Shijie and Sun Yulou, grew annoyed with the idle Sun Jingge. She desired to control Sun Yulou’s future wife to consolidate her power within the Sun family, a goal Sun Jingge promised to assist her with. Later, at a celebratory banquet hosted by Sun Xun, Sun Yulou feigned drunkenness to leave early. He then sought permission from Shen Shi to go out, but she refused.
Yao Dizhu intervened, claiming she and Sun Yulou had planned to go lantern viewing. Shen Shi then allowed them to leave. Outside, Yao Dizhu let Sun Yulou go to Lin Shaochun, hoping to make a good impression on him. Lin Shaochun, barred from taking the imperial examinations, had shifted from male to female roles in opera. Her Shifu, Liu Sanjue, encouraged her not to dwell on the exams and suggested seeking Sun Yulou's help to clear her father's name.
Lin Shaochun was reluctant to burden him. Sun Yulou eagerly told Lin Shaochun about his new appointment at Dali Temple and proposed marriage. Lin Shaochun was delighted but revealed she had an unresolved matter. Sun Yulou promised to help, but Mama interrupted, preventing Lin Shaochun from divulging the details. Mama later explained to Lin Shaochun that it was too soon, as Sun Yulou was new to his official post.
She proposed testing Sun Yulou's integrity first by using the case of Wang Pozi. Mama recounted how the Sun family had allegedly forcibly taken Wang Pozi's land, leading to the accidental death of her son, Wang Chuan. To test Sun Yulou, Lin Shaochun and Liu Sanjue visited Wang Pozi's tea house and loudly praised Sun Yulou as an upright official who would uphold justice even against his own family.
They fabricated a story about Sun Yulou helping them recover debts from the Sun family's daughters-in-law. Hearing this, Wang Pozi, accompanied by her daughter-in-law and grandson, went to Dali Temple to file a complaint. She accused Huan Lang and others from the Sun family of forcibly occupying her land for a villa and causing Wang Chuan's death during the process. She stated that her attempts to seek justice had been repeatedly rejected.
Sun Yulou, now serving at Dali Temple, promised to investigate thoroughly. Yao Dizhu, disguised as a man named Yao Yizhu, insisted on becoming his advisor, and Sun Yulou reluctantly agreed for a few days. Sun Yulou questioned Huan Lang, who claimed that the Sun family had offered 30 taels for land worth 10 taels, but Wang Chuan demanded 60.
Huan Lang asserted that Wang's wife had swallowed the receipt, and during a scuffle, Wang Chuan accidentally hit his head on a pillar and died. Huan Lang further claimed that Wang Pozi had burned Wang Chuan's body, citing lack of money for burial, which prevented an autopsy. In court, Wang Pozi accused Huan Lang of murder. Huan Lang denied it and called Chen Shi, a neighbor, as a witness.
Chen Shi testified that she had witnessed Wang Pozi's family causing trouble, accepting money but then denying it, and that Wang Chuan had indeed collided with a pillar during the pushing and shoving, implying he was not intentionally killed by Huan Lang. To ascertain the truth, Sun Yulou instructed Wang Pozi's family and Chen Shi to provide detailed written accounts of the incident and descriptions of Wang Chuan's clothing on the day of his death.
Episode 7 Recap
Yao Dizhu found out that Chen Shi, the witness Huan Lang found, gave false testimony. She immediately reported back to Sun Yulou. Sun Yulou sent men to arrest Huan Lang. Knowing that the matter was exposed, Huan Lang repeatedly begged Sun Yulou for mercy. Sun Yulou had grown up with him since childhood and felt reluctant, but still hardened his heart to punish Huan Lang, having him arrested and thrown into prison.
Mama heard about this and eagerly reported the good news to Lin Shaochun, telling her to truthfully tell Sun Yulou about her father's injustice. Lu Ming, an official from the Dali Temple, requested the Emperor to re-examine Lin Yuandao's case. The Emperor readily agreed. Sun Xun proactively requested to participate in the case. Some officials raised questions, so the Emperor assigned Lu Ming full responsibility.
Lu Ming took out the case files of Lin Yuandao's case and crossed out his name, only to be caught red-handed by Sun Xun. Sun Xun dragged him to see the Emperor, insisting that he wanted to clear himself of his crimes. Sun Xun explained that military provisions were found in Lin Yuandao's home, and the money must have been embezzled by Lu Ming. The Emperor decreed a thorough search of Lu Ming's house.
The constables found a large amount of gold, silver, and jewelry in a hidden chamber within the wall of Lu Ming's house. With the evidence and the culprit present, Lu Ming's corruption charges were confirmed. He was paraded through the streets in a prisoner's cart. Lu Ming loudly protested his innocence. Lin Shaochun and Mama witnessed this scene.
Lin Shaochun did not want Sun Yulou to suffer this calamity as well, so she abandoned the idea of asking him to help clear the injustice. Sun Yulou waited for Lin Shaochun at her doorstep. The two confided in each other, then reluctantly parted ways. Mama had sacrificed her daughter Xiao Ya back then precisely to one day clear Lin Yuandao's injustice. Now, with no hope of redress, Mama was heartbroken and devastated.
Lin Shaochun could not bear to see her so sad and silently returned to her room. The Imperial Concubine dreamed that a boy in colorful clothes was going to take her to see the Emperor, but instead led her to the edge of a cliff. The Imperial Concubine woke up from the nightmare in fright. The Emperor held her tightly, trying his best to comfort her.
The next day, the Emperor sent people to put up a notice, forbidding children under ten from wearing colorful clothes, otherwise, they would not be spared. Lin Shaochun was greatly inspired by the notice and wanted to enter the palace to be chosen as a concubine, to personally appeal her injustice to the Emperor. Her master advised her to think twice, but Lin Shaochun had made up her mind. Her master reminded her to minimize the harm to Sun Yulou.
Mama fully supported Lin Shaochun in going for the concubine selection, telling her to break up completely with Sun Yulou to avoid inviting trouble. Yao Dizhu was indignant when she learned that Sun Yulou was still seeing Lin Shaochun. Sun Xun, upon learning that Sun Yulou had upheld justice over family for Huan Lang, summoned Wang Pozi's family of three to the Dali Temple.
He produced the bill for Wang Chuan's huge gambling debt, publicly exposing Wang Pozi for blackmailing and falsely accusing a court official. Wang Pozi was stunned, then knelt down and begged Sun Xun for mercy. Sun Yulou was dumbfounded, secretly glad that he had not killed Huan Lang. Afterwards, Sun Xun ordered the banishment of Wang Pozi's family of three. Sun Yulou was filled with a sense of frustration.
He had wrongly judged a case on his first try and sat alone in the public court, reflecting on his mistake. Yao Dizhu spoke kindly to him, advising him. Sun Yulou came to find Lin Shaochun overnight. Learning that she was still at the variety show troupe, he went to Lin Shaochun to confide his inner gloom. Lin Shaochun felt sorry for him, so she accompanied him for a walk on the street to clear his mind.
As the two navigated through the bustling crowd, they only then realized it was the Empress Dowager's birthday. Lin Shaochun lingered at the flower stall, unwilling to leave, and was later deeply attracted by a dazzling array of lanterns. Sun Yulou quietly bought the flowers Lin Shaochun liked. Lin Shaochun was very happy and wove a bracelet from willow branches. She was just about to put it on Sun Yulou. Suddenly, a torrential rain poured down from the sky.
Sun Yulou pulled Lin Shaochun and ran. They found a place to shelter from the rain, and Lin Shaochun personally put the bracelet on Sun Yulou. Sun Yulou pulled Lin Shaochun to a roadside noodle shop to take shelter from the rain. The proprietress, seeing that they were lovers, eloquently recounted the story of her and her old partner's lifelong devotion. Sun Yulou and Lin Shaochun were touched by their story.
They sat facing each other, with endless sweet nothings to say. It was late, but Lin Shaochun and Sun Yulou still hadn't had enough. The old couple snuggled together, asleep. Before leaving, Lin Shaochun gave the bouquet of flowers to the old couple. Sun Yulou and Lin Shaochun walked hand in hand down the street. Finally, they boarded a boat together to enjoy the night scenery and gaze at the moon.
Lin Shaochun immediately decided not to return that night and to enjoy the moon with Sun Yulou. Sun Yulou was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. Overcome by alcohol, he fell asleep on Lin Shaochun's shoulder. Lin Shaochun looked at him, thinking that she would have to break up with him cruelly at daybreak, and couldn't help but burst into tears.
Episode 8 Recap
Lin Shaochun left a letter for Sun Yulou, claiming she was severely ill and bidding him a final farewell. Sun Yulou woke up on a boat to find her gone, then discovered her home empty and learned from Liu Sanjue at the opera troupe that Lin Shaochun had left. Heartbroken, Sun Yulou departed, unaware Lin Shaochun was watching, struggling with her emotions as Liu Sanjue reminded her that a good fate, once missed, cannot be regained.
Lin Shaochun, however, was resolute in her mission to clear her father's name and could not be entangled in romance. Lin Shaochun, accompanied by Granny Chang, then participated in the triennial imperial selection. Before the process began, a fellow showgirl advised Lin Shaochun to bribe Painter Liu. Lin Shaochun witnessed Painter Liu extort money from a showgirl and, upon her inability to pay, depicted her as a demoness.
Lin Shaochun helped the showgirl by posting her beautiful portrait across the city, which caught the attention of Eunuch Hai. Confronted, Painter Liu bribed Eunuch Hai and claimed he had written the wrong name on the portrait. When it was Lin Shaochun's turn, she made it clear she had no money but would expose him if he didn't paint her well. Painter Liu, intimidated, promised to submit an accurate portrait and asked for her patronage if she gained favor.
Meanwhile, Yao Dizhu, trying to cheer up a despondent Sun Yulou, accidentally saw Lin Shaochun in a selection sedan chair through a telescope. Jealous, she reported this to Sun Yulou, who was shocked and saddened, recalling a willow-braided bracelet, a symbol of farewell. During the selection, Lin Shaochun passed the medical examination and rigorous etiquette training.
In an endurance test where showgirls were left in an empty room with food, only Lin Shaochun remained quietly seated while others ate and slept, impressing Aunt Jiang who dismissed the others. Sun Yulou, determined to understand Lin Shaochun's actions, bribed an eunuch to put laxatives in Granny Chang's food, creating an opportunity to meet Lin Shaochun.
Disguised as an eunuch, he confronted her, but Lin Shaochun feigned ambition, claiming she sought endless wealth and status through the selection, only considering marriage to Sun Yulou if she failed. Heartbroken, Sun Yulou returned home. Yao Dizhu, seeing Sun Yulou's despair, offered to investigate Lin Shaochun's past, hiring informants. She soon discovered Lin Shaochun was the daughter of the disgraced official Lin Yuandao, leading her to believe Lin Shaochun entered the palace to clear her father's name.
Yao Dizhu relayed this to Sun Yulou. Sun Yulou and Yao Dizhu then visited Imperial Consort Sun Youzhen, Sun Yulou's elder sister. Sun Youzhen summoned Lin Shaochun, allowing Sun Yulou to pose as a painter and confront her. Although Lin Shaochun initially denied her true motive, Sun Yulou tricked her by mentioning Granny Chang, leading Lin Shaochun to confess she wanted to clear her father's name.
Despite Lin Shaochun's fear of implicating him, Sun Yulou promised to restore Lin Yuandao's innocence, assuring her of his family's influence. Sun Yulou then asked Sun Youzhen to help him re-examine the case to restore his official power. The Emperor, overhearing their conversation, was pleased and granted Sun Yulou permission to handle old cases.
Episode 9 Recap
Lin Shaochun, a showgirl, garnered attention in the palace after a meeting with Imperial Concubine Sun Youzhen. Other showgirls and the matron, Mama (also referred to as Aunt Jiang), were curious. Lin Shaochun downplayed the encounter as casual conversation, but the matron remained suspicious, even slandering Lin Shaochun to Sun Youzhen and accusing her of trying to curry favor.
Despite Eunuch Hai bringing Lin Shaochun special food and other showgirls attempting to befriend her, the matron removed the gifts, asserting that Lin Shaochun would not be tolerated in the palace if she tried to win over the concubine. Meanwhile, Sun Yulou reopened the old embezzlement case of Lin Shaochun's father, Lin Yuandao, who was accused of stealing military provisions and funds.
Sun Yulou reviewed the case files, finding it suspicious how such large quantities could be swapped unnoticed, and suspected foul play within the Ministry of Revenue's granary. Inspired by a restaurant owner's methods of shortchanging customers, Sun Yulou investigated. He discovered that the granary's rice measures had hidden compartments and that custom-made rice bags were used to embezzle grain.
Sun Yulou's father, Sun Xun, instructed his aide, Huanlang, to monitor Sun Yulou's progress, even providing Sun Yulou with a command token to aid his investigation. Sun Yulou arrested Liu Ying, the supervisor of funds, and Wu Xiang, the granary manager. When Liu Ying denied guilt, Sun Yulou used a clever ruse: he made Wu Xiang believe Liu Ying had confessed by having Lin Shaochun's master (or Liu Sanjue) impersonate Liu Ying's pained screams.
Wu Xiang, terrified, confessed to his part in the embezzlement using custom rice bags. Despite an official, Li Huan, accusing Sun Yulou of using torture, Sun Yulou proved Liu Ying was unharmed, exposing Wu Xiang's lie. The Emperor, impressed, ordered Wu Xiang and Liu Ying's arrest, promoted Sun Yulou to Dali Temple Left Secretary, and posthumously cleared Lin Yuandao and Lu Ming of all charges, restoring their honors and titles. Lin Yuandao was even posthumously named Minister of Revenue.
Sun Yulou quickly informed Sun Youzhen of his success. Upon hearing that the Emperor was selecting showgirls, Sun Yulou rushed to the palace to prevent Lin Shaochun from being chosen. He publicly read the edict clearing her father, bringing Lin Shaochun to tears of joy. To escape selection, Lin Shaochun feigned a severe pollen allergy, causing her face to swell "like a bun," and claimed her condition was untreatable.
Although the Emperor initially found her portrait beautiful, her swollen face led him to cancel her eligibility, with Sun Youzhen's support. Sun Yulou, waiting outside, joyfully recognized the disfigured Lin Shaochun and took her away, an event observed by Yao Dizhu. Later, Sun Yulou lovingly restored the Lin family mansion to its former glory. He brought Lin Shaochun, blindfolded, to her childhood home. Overwhelmed by memories, Lin Shaochun was deeply moved.
Sun Yulou further impressed her by reuniting the matron (Mama) with her daughter, Xiaoya. Seizing the moment, Sun Yulou proposed marriage, asking Lin Shaochun to "repay him with her body." Lin Shaochun, deferring to Mama, received her blessing, as Mama was immensely grateful to Sun Yulou for clearing Lin Yuandao's name and finding Xiaoya. Though initially hesitant about marrying into a powerful family, Lin Shaochun agreed to marry Sun Yulou.
However, Sun Yulou's mother, Shen Shi, was furious, believing he only reopened the case for a woman. Despite Xu Fengqiao's attempts to calm her, Shen Shi vehemently opposed the marriage. Sun Yulou, however, vowed to marry only Lin Shaochun, leading to a fierce argument between mother and son before Sun Xun intervened.
Episode 10 Recap
Sun Xun vehemently opposed Sun Yulou's marriage to Lin Shaochun, citing her past as the daughter of a criminal and her participation in the palace selection. He feared her background would jeopardize Sun Yulou's career and implicate Sun Youzhen. Sun Yulou, however, vowed to marry only Lin Shaochun, even threatening to leave the capital, which led to his punishment by Sun Xun. Desperate, Sun Yulou sought advice.
Yao Dizhu, suspecting Lin Shaochun was using Sun Yulou to clear her father Lin Yuandao's name, suggested testing her sincerity. Sun Yulou, confident in Lin Shaochun's true affection, refused. Xu Fengqiao, aware of Sun Yulou's stubbornness, worried he might defy his parents and marry Lin Shaochun. She urged Yao Dizhu to win Sun Yulou over, but Yao Dizhu preferred to make Lin Shaochun retreat gracefully. Yao Dizhu devised a plan that required Sun Yulou to be absent for several days.
During a family meal, Shen Shi, prompted by Xu Fengqiao, feigned her grandmother's illness and requested Sun Yulou accompany her to her old home. Sun Yulou initially resisted but was compelled by Sun Xun's insistence and Shen Shi's use of filial piety. Sun Jingge attempted to volunteer but was subtly stopped by Xu Fengqiao, a moment observed by Sun Xiaoxian. Sun Yulou wrote a letter to Lin Shaochun, entrusting Huan Lang with its delivery.
However, Xu Fengqiao intercepted Huan Lang, seized the letter, and, threatening him with the authority of Sun Xun and Shen Shi, claimed she would deliver it herself while going to the Lin family to propose. Xu Fengqiao then visited Lin Shaochun, offering false congratulations on Lin Yuandao's name being cleared. She then fabricated a story, claiming the Emperor had decreed Sun Yulou marry Princess Nan'an due to his service in clearing Lin Yuandao's case, which had earned him imperial favor.
Xu Fengqiao advised Lin Shaochun to find another husband. Lin Shaochun, disbelieving, demanded to hear it from Sun Yulou himself. Xu Fengqiao then directed her to Shuiyue Temple to confirm the news with Princess Nan'an, who was a close friend of Yao Dizhu and part of the elaborate scheme. At Shuiyue Temple, Lin Shaochun, disguised as a nun, confronted Princess Nan'an. She revealed her identity, professed her love for Sun Yulou, and pleaded with Princess Nan'an to relinquish him.
Princess Nan'an refused, asserting the imperial decree, and had Lin Shaochun taken to her residence. There, Lin Shaochun overheard "Sun Yulou" begging for her release and then being beaten. Though she couldn't see him, she suspected it wasn't Sun Yulou. Princess Nan'an brought her out, revealing a badly beaten figure claiming to be Sun Yulou, whose voice Lin Shaochun recognized, leading her to believe it was him.
Princess Nan'an then presented Lin Shaochun with two choices: have "Sun Yulou" killed (and declared ill) or drink a cup of "poisoned" wine herself. Without hesitation, Lin Shaochun drank the wine and collapsed. Yao Dizhu witnessed the entire event, finally convinced of Lin Shaochun's genuine love for Sun Yulou. Lin Shaochun soon awoke to find Princess Nan'an beside her, who explained that the entire ordeal was a staged test of her sincerity.
Lin Shaochun rushed to find Sun Yulou but instead encountered her Master, Liu Sanjue, who admitted to impersonating Sun Yulou. Relieved, Lin Shaochun then saw Yao Dizhu, who confessed to orchestrating the test. Lin Shaochun and Yao Dizhu resolved their misunderstandings, and Yao Dizhu sincerely wished happiness for Lin Shaochun and Sun Yulou.
Upon Sun Yulou's premature return from his old home (where he discovered his grandmother was not ill), he was greeted by Lin Shaochun, who rushed into his arms, realizing how deeply she cared for him. Meanwhile, Shen Shi, eager for an update, learned that Lin Shaochun had passed the test. She decided to send a betrothal gift to Yao Dizhu's family, but Yao Dizhu unequivocally refused.
She desired a husband whose heart belonged solely to her and declined to disrupt Sun Yulou and Lin Shaochun's relationship. Despite Xu Fengqiao's pleas, Yao Dizhu packed her bags and departed from the Sun family. Later, Yao Dizhu learned from Xu Fengqiao that Shen Shi was planning a "Thousand Red Banquet" at the Sun residence to select a wife for Sun Yulou.
Yao Dizhu diverted her journey to the Lin family to inform Lin Shaochun, where Sun Yulou was also present. Yao Dizhu advised them to temporarily separate, as their unbetrothed cohabitation could harm Lin Shaochun's reputation and negatively affect Sun Yulou. Lin Shaochun, impressed by Yao Dizhu's magnanimity, agreed. At the Sun residence, while preparing for the "Thousand Red Banquet," Shen Shi noticed Su Yingxue drinking again and advised her not to attend.
Su Yingxue, distressed by the prolonged absence of letters from Sun Junhao, felt her status as the second mistress was merely nominal. She found a measure of solace when a melodious flute tune drifted to her ears. Separately, Jia Fengyuan's memorial concerning the Yellow River flooding disaster was rejected by Sun Xun. When confronted, Sun Xun rebuked Jia Fengyuan for overstepping his authority and disrespecting the Grand Secretaries, warning him against seeking rapid advancement.
Episode 11 Recap
Sun Yulou, eager for Lin Shaochun to win his mother's approval, asked his Godmother to prepare Lin Shaochun for the Qianhong Banquet. Lin Shaochun, initially wanting to be her authentic self, reluctantly agreed to adopt Shen Qingyao's preferred style to avoid disappointing Sun Yulou. She also sought information about the other attendees from her master, Liu Sanjue, and his disciple, Liu Wushuang, who was later revealed to have faked his blindness. Meanwhile, a frustrated Jia Fengyuan played the flute.
Su Yingxue, drawn by the music, sought him out. Jia Fengyuan, upon learning she was Sun Junhao's wife, kissed her unexpectedly. Su Yingxue slapped him, and when the butler arrived, she quickly covered up the incident. On the day of the Qianhong Banquet at Sun Manor, Sun Yulou excitedly awaited Lin Shaochun's arrival with his Godmother. Shen Qingyao, however, directly escorted Godmother into the garden, though she later showed some interest in Lin Shaochun's appearance.
Xu Fengqiao caught Sun Jingge peeking at the ladies with binoculars and promptly disciplined him. Xu Fengqiao then seized the opportunity to reveal Lin Shaochun's background as a performer to Shen Qingyao, who subsequently advised Godmother against bringing "cats and dogs" to Sun Yulou. During a performance by the storyteller, Liu Wushuang, Xu Fengqiao publicly mocked Lin Shaochun's origins, prompting laughter from the other guests until Sun Yulou intervened in her defense.
Later, in the garden, Sun Yulou enthusiastically praised Lin Shaochun to Shen Qingyao. Lin Shaochun approached to greet Shen Qingyao, who, while appearing pleased with Lin Shaochun's attire (which she favored), initially ignored her. Shen Qingyao and Xu Fengqiao observed Lin Shaochun closely. While Shen Qingyao struggled to find fault with Lin Shaochun, who seemed to excel in everything, Xu Fengqiao insisted Lin Shaochun was merely putting on an act and proposed an embroidery competition to test her.
Lin Shaochun, using skills taught by Liu Sanjue, quickly completed an exquisite piece, astounding the other women and even impressing Shen Qingyao, much to Xu Fengqiao's chagrin. Lin Shaochun then directly confronted Shen Qingyao, openly admitting her feelings for Sun Yulou. She criticized the banquet for valuing social status over genuine merit, and shocked Shen Qingyao by exposing the various misdeeds and questionable characters of the other female attendees. After her bold speech, Lin Shaochun left Sun Manor.
Sun Yulou chased after her, promising to convince his mother. Lin Shaochun, however, remained skeptical and urged him to return. Liu Wushuang warned Sun Yulou that their marriage would face significant challenges. Following the banquet, Xu Fengqiao continued to disparage Lin Shaochun to Shen Qingyao. However, Shen Qingyao, recognizing Lin Shaochun's straightforwardness and formidable nature, instead reprimanded Xu Fengqiao for inviting morally corrupt ladies who could destabilize Sun Manor. Shen Qingyao admitted she wanted another chance to test Lin Shaochun.
Sun Yulou, with his Godmother as matchmaker, brought lavish betrothal gifts to Lin Manor, but Lin Shaochun rejected his proposal. She feared that Shen Qingyao's continued disapproval would jeopardize Sun Yulou's official career, though she reaffirmed her commitment to marry only him. Seeking counsel from Liu Sanjue, Lin Shaochun was advised by Liu Wushuang that wealth was the key to gaining entry into a prestigious family like the Suns. He recalled witnessing Xu Fengqiao engaged in moneylending activities.
Inspired, Lin Shaochun saw a group of homeless girls on the street who wished to avoid becoming courtesans and were lining up for porridge. She devised a plan to earn money, bringing them back to her manor. Sun Yulou visited, and Lin Shaochun excitedly shared her plan, promising him both fame and fortune within days. Lin Shaochun then, with Godmother's help, approached Madam Zhang.
Noticing Madam Zhang's neglected garden and messy pond, Lin Shaochun offered her girls' assistance in cleaning and restoring it. Madam Zhang gladly accepted. After the garden was thoroughly cleaned to Madam Zhang's satisfaction, the girls were allowed to stay.
Episode 12 Recap
Lin Shaochun, with the help of her godmother, earns considerable money by securing cleaning jobs at noble households in the capital, selling fruits and lotus roots, and collecting old clothes which she skillfully refurbishes and sells cheaply to the poor. Sun Yulou mostly stays at home or attends to his duties at the yamen. His mother, Shen Shi, is relieved when she learns, even by confirming with his attendant, that he has not been seeing Lin Shaochun.
Shen Shi frequently scolds Wu Yuehong for her lack of manners, such as interrupting, and urges her to focus on pleasing Sun Shijie and having children. Shen Shi also mocks Wu Yuehong for not being pregnant, though Wu Yuehong later experiences vomiting. Wu Yuehong, in turn, subtly criticizes Shen Shi's own relationship with Sun Xun, further escalating their friction.
Desperate to conceive and gain Sun Shijie's favor, Wu Yuehong buys an expensive "miracle pill" for men from a quack doctor and secretly adds it to Sun Shijie's tea. This causes him severe stomach pain, and he realizes her deception, moving out in anger. Shen Shi disapproves of Wu Yuehong's unladylike martial arts practice, urging her to learn poetry and gentleness.
When Sun Shijie praises Mr. He's wife for her intellect, making Wu Yuehong feel inadequate, she vows to win him "face" through her strengths. After failing at embroidery, Wu Yuehong sees an opportunity when the Emperor orders officials to exercise, and Sun Shijie is badly injured in a wrestling match.
She invites Sun Shijie's colleagues for a martial arts competition, and despite Sun Shijie's embarrassment, she intervenes by subtly using hidden "red dates" to ensure his victory against Mr. He and subsequently scares away other colleagues. Deeply humiliated, Sun Shijie declares he will divorce her, but Sun Xun forbids it due to family alliances. Wu Yuehong, furious, returns to her family, and Sun Xun orders Sun Shijie to apologize and bring her back within two days.
Meanwhile, while traveling by carriage, Sun Shijie accidentally causes a young woman's clothes to be soiled. Immediately captivated by her beauty, he attempts to compensate her with his ancestral jade pendant, which she refuses. He secretly gives the pendant to her maid, who then reveals their address to him. Separately, Jia Fengyuan seeks Sun Xun's assistance to secure a vacant Censor position, but Sun Xun evades his request.
When Su Yingxue delivers clothes she made for Sun Xun and Shen Shi, Jia Fengyuan is smitten by her. He finds an excuse to follow her, and in his attempts to seduce her, he plays the flute for her nightly. Su Yingxue, initially cautious and fearing repercussions, eventually succumbs to his persistent sweet words. One evening, while at Jia Fengyuan's courtyard, she encounters Xu Fengqiao. After a brief conversation, Xu Fengqiao departs.
Jia Fengyuan then declares his feelings to Su Yingxue and, in a dramatic gesture to prove his sincerity, stages a scene by calling for servants. Terrified, Su Yingxue hides with him behind a rockery, where he asks her to discover who Sun Xun plans to recommend for the Censor position.
Episode 13 Recap
Southern regions face severe flooding, sending numerous displaced people to the capital. They flock to wealthy households, including the Lin residence. Initially, Mammy Chang blocks the gates due to the overwhelming number of people. However, Lin Shaochun decides to use her dowry silver to establish a relief shelter and clear out empty rooms in the mansion to accommodate the victims.
Meanwhile, Sun Xun, a high-ranking official, observes his rival, Liang Jingguan, who has been reinstated to his official post in the capital after impressing the Emperor with a memorial on disaster relief. Sun Xun, having previously impeached Liang Jingguan, feels resentful. At the relief shelter, Xiao Ya is greatly impressed by Wang Jun, a kind young master from the prominent Wang family, who tirelessly volunteers. Lin Shaochun asks Sun Yulou to investigate Wang Jun, who confirms his good character.
Xiao Ya and Wang Jun work well together, and she begins to develop feelings for him. Sun Yulou, inspired by Lin Shaochun's benevolence, plans to go south for disaster relief. He hopes to earn merit and persuade the Emperor to grant him a marriage to Lin Shaochun, who encourages him to do good deeds. Xiao Ya accidentally injures her foot, and Wang Jun tenderly carries her to be bandaged, showing great concern that deeply moves her.
Lin Shaochun notices Xiao Ya's affection but Xiao Ya, feeling unworthy due to her humble background, believes a union with Wang Jun is impossible. Lin Shaochun reassures her and promises to help. Lin Shaochun accompanies Xiao Ya to the Wang family to propose marriage. Madam Wang rejects Xiao Ya because of her low social standing.
Lin Shaochun then subtly threatens Madam Wang by revealing knowledge of the Wang family's misdeeds, forcing Madam Wang to reluctantly agree to the marriage to protect her family's reputation. However, Wang Jun intercepts Lin Shaochun and Xiao Ya, rejecting the marriage himself. He claims that as the legitimate eldest son of the Wang family, he cannot marry a servant. Xiao Ya is heartbroken.
Lin Shaochun, sensing Wang Jun's true feelings despite his rejection, decides to host a "throwing of the embroidered ball" event for Xiao Ya. Wang Jun protests, fearing Xiao Ya might marry someone unworthy. During the event, Wang Jun secretly watches as Xiao Ya's embroidered ball is caught by another man, and he storms off to drink.
Lin Shaochun confronts him, and Wang Jun confesses that his birth mother was murdered by Madam Wang, and he fears Xiao Ya would suffer the same fate if she married into the corrupt Wang household. He also expresses concern for his younger sister, Wang Luoshui, if he were to leave. Lin Shaochun encourages him to establish his own household.
Lin Shaochun devises a cunning plan: she informs Madam Wang that Wang Jun has contracted a deadly plague and intends to donate all his property to the court for disaster relief. Fearing the loss of her assets, Madam Wang agrees to divide the family, effectively disowning Wang Jun and Wang Luoshui from her branch. Lin Shaochun then presents Wang Jun with his inherited property and encourages him to start anew.
Although Wang Jun still desires Xiao Ya, he believes she is taken. Lin Shaochun urges him to "snatch" her back. On Xiao Ya's wedding day, Wang Jun courageously intervenes, fighting off the sedan chair carriers and declaring his love. Xiao Ya rushes out and agrees to marry him. Lin Shaochun reveals that this was all her elaborate scheme to unite Wang Jun and Xiao Ya.
Wang Jun expresses his gratitude, promising to cherish Xiao Ya, and they leave with Wang Luoshui to settle in another county. Mammy Chang is thankful for Lin Shaochun's efforts for Xiao Ya but worries about Lin Shaochun's own marriage prospects with Sun Yulou. Separately, Su Yingxue discovers Sun Xun's memorial recommending Liu Quan for the position of Imperial Censor and informs Jia Fengyuan, who covets the post.
Jia Fengyuan then spreads rumors that Sun Xun has already "internally decided" Liu Quan as Censor, infuriating the Emperor. Sun Youzhen, Sun Xun's son, attempts to defend his father. Sun Xun, hearing of the rumors, gathers his household to find the leaker. A dog is used to identify the culprit, barking continuously at Su Yingxue. Su Yingxue confesses to secretly reading the memorial, claiming she wanted Liu Quan to deliver a letter to Sun Junhao, her husband.
Shen Shi, Sun Xun's wife, believes her and intercedes, leading to Su Yingxue being confined for a month. To dispel the Emperor's suspicions, Sun Xun is compelled to recommend Jia Fengyuan for the Censor position instead. Su Yingxue later secretly meets Jia Fengyuan, who expresses delight at his successful scheme and promises to treat her well, despite her complaints about his methods.
Meanwhile, Xu Fengqiao, pleased by the absence of Wu Yuehong (who has returned home) and Su Yingxue's confinement, feels she can now dominate the Sun family. She forces Sun Jingge to study diligently, hoping he will succeed in the imperial examinations.
Episode 14 Recap
Sun Yulou arrives in a disaster-stricken area, discovering severe flooding and shoddy dikes built two years prior with insufficient materials. He confronts Official Chen, who blames his subordinate, Qiu Chan, stating Qiu Chan committed fraud, embezzled public funds, and either fled or committed suicide. Sun Yulou realizes he must reinforce the dikes quickly, but the imperial relief funds are inadequate, primarily allocated to victims. Local merchants refuse to donate more than 5,000 taels, feigning poverty.
Sun Yulou suspects Liang Jingguan recommended him to oversee the project, hoping he would fail or be executed in case of riots. Sun Xun learns of Sun Yulou's dangerous situation and appeals to his family for financial aid, emphasizing that money is the best solution. Sun Shijie offers his entire salary. Su Yingxue and Aunt Mei contribute their savings.
Xu Fengqiao offers to sell her jewelry, though she initially hides her true financial standing and privately considers wanting to split the family. Shen Qingyao expresses gratitude and urges Sun Shijie to reconcile with Wu Yuehong due to her influence. Meanwhile, Xu Fengqiao learns of a vacant official position under Sun Xun. She encourages her husband, Sun Jingge, to pursue it, hoping to gain independence for their household.
Sun Xun, burdened by Liang Jingguan's opposition and the need to supervise Jia Fengyuan, seeks a loyal and capable assistant. Overhearing a conversation between Sun Xun and Shen Qingyao, Xu Fengqiao recommends Sun Jingge. Despite Sun Xun's skepticism, Shen Qingyao supports the idea, and Sun Xun reluctantly agrees to test him. Sun Jingge pretends to study but secretly reads "Romance of the Western Chamber."
When Sun Xun tests him on "Liyun Datong Pian," Sun Jingge recites from "Romance of the Western Chamber," infuriating Sun Xun, who beats and expels him. Xu Fengqiao, enraged, beats Sun Jingge herself, who retaliates, causing her nose to bleed. Sun Jingge flees the residence and is enticed into gambling, losing 3,700 taels. The gambling house manager sends men to collect the debt from Xu Fengqiao, who, furious but cornered, promises to pay in three days.
Suspecting fraud, she reports the gambling house to Official Du. Official Du's search yields no evidence of foul play. Facing threats from the manager to report to the Emperor, Official Du explains that Xu Fengqiao, as Sun Jingge's wife, filed the complaint, and advises the manager to settle with her. Shen Qingyao scolds Xu Fengqiao for her reckless actions, fearing damage to Sun Xun's reputation, and resolves to borrow money from her friends to cover the debt.
At a temple, Shen Qingyao encounters Lin Shaochun, who has become a wealthy and respected figure in the capital through her own efforts and charity. Learning Lin Shaochun is praying for Sun Yulou, Shen Qingyao informs her of Sun Yulou's predicament and Xu Fengqiao's gambling debt. Lin Shaochun agrees to help. The next day, a group arranged by Lin Shaochun disrupts the gambling house, causing significant losses.
The manager, desperate, returns Sun Jingge's IOU to Shen Qingyao, rescinding the debt, much to Xu Fengqiao's delight. Shen Qingyao thanks Lin Shaochun, who offers all her wealth to help Sun Yulou without seeking any personal gain, refusing to leverage the situation for her marriage. Moved by Lin Shaochun's integrity, Shen Qingyao promises to persuade Sun Xun to accept Lin Shaochun as Sun Yulou's wife. However, Sun Xun refuses both Lin Shaochun's financial aid and her entry into the family.
Meanwhile, news arrives that disaster victims are besieging Sun Yulou. He promises them food within a day to disperse the crowd. He then summons local merchants, who all feign poverty and sign statements confirming their lack of resources. Sun Yulou subsequently stages a "robber invasion" and sends Huan Lang and constables to search the merchants' homes, seizing their hidden food and money. When merchants protest, Huan Lang presents their signed statements, claiming the seized goods are stolen property.
Sun Yulou distributes the food and uses the funds to resettle the victims, successfully resolving the crisis. The Emperor praises Sun Yulou's competence and orders his return to the capital. During court, Sun Xun publicly thanks Liang Jingguan for recommending Sun Yulou. However, Jia Fengyuan impeaches Liang Jingguan, exposing his false disaster reporting, which nearly led to catastrophe for Sun Yulou. Liang Jingguan attempts to deflect blame onto his subordinates.
After court, Jia Fengyuan apologizes to Liang Jingguan, explaining his impeachment was a tactic to avoid Sun Xun's suspicion. Jia Fengyuan reveals his deep-seated hatred for Sun Xun, whose schemes led to his father's suicide. Liang Jingguan and Jia Fengyuan agree to conspire to bring down Sun Xun, planning to use escaped prisoners or desperadoes to destroy the Sun family.
Episode 15 Recap
The Sun family rejoices as Sun Yulou returns, having resolved a crisis and earned imperial commendation. Sun Shijie also brings Wu Yuehong back, and she reconciles with Sun Xun and Shen Qingyao. However, their happiness is cut short when their steward, Huan Lang, is found unconscious with a ransom note: Sun Yulou has been abducted by bandits led by Chai Tou, who demand 300,000 taels.
Sun Xun hesitates to pay, fearing accusations of corruption, so Shen Qingyao sends a maid to seek Lin Shaochun's help. Lin Shaochun arrives with a cart of "silver" that is mostly stones. When the bandits discover the trick and threaten Sun Yulou's life, Lin Shaochun proposes a plan: Sun Yulou will write down Sun Xun's alleged crimes, and the bandits can regularly extort money from the Sun family.
Sun Yulou initially refuses to implicate his father, so Lin Shaochun writes the charges herself and forces his handprint. The bandits agree. However, Lin Shaochun had used a special vanishing ink. Soon after, the bandits are ambushed and captured by officials under Magistrate Du. During interrogation, Chai Tou presents the "evidence," which has turned into a blank paper. Magistrate Du, finding no proof of corruption, orders the bandits' execution. Sun Yulou thanks Lin Shaochun and promises to marry her.
Sun Yulou reports his success to the Emperor, who, wanting to bestow honors, asks what Sun Yulou desires. Sun Yulou requests an imperial marriage to Lin Shaochun, which the Emperor grants, along with honors for the couple. Sun Xun is surprised but accepts the decree. Later, Sun Xun tries to dissuade Lin Shaochun by recounting a tale of a scholar whose career was ruined by marrying a commoner, but Lin Shaochun eloquently counters, valuing love and character above status.
Impressed, Sun Xun gives his blessing for the marriage. Meanwhile, Liang Jingguan worries about Lin Shaochun's intelligence strengthening Sun Xun's position, but Jia Fengyuan assures him of his plot to bring Sun Xun down. Jia Fengyuan manipulates Su Yingxue into obtaining Sun Xun's handwritten Diamond Sutra, falsely claiming he would sell it to elope with her.
Leveraging the fact that Lin Shaochun's father, Lin Yuandao, died when Sun Xun was head of the imperial treasury, Jia Fengyuan forges evidence implicating Sun Xun in Lin Yuandao's death, using Liu Ying and Prime Minister Wu as scapegoats. He delivers this "evidence" and a bottle of oleander poison to Lin Shaochun, instructing her to poison Sun Xun's tea on her wedding day.
Lin Shaochun, though skeptical, secretly visits Sun Xun's study with Sun Yulou and confirms the forged letters' handwriting matches Sun Xun's, deepening her suspicions. On their wedding day, Sun Yulou and Lin Shaochun complete their ceremony. During the tea-serving ritual, Lin Shaochun offers tea to Sun Xun. Shortly after drinking, Sun Xun begins to vomit blood. Xu Fengqiao immediately accuses Lin Shaochun of poisoning him.
Lin Shaochun appears to confess or offers no defense, leading Shen Qingyao to order her arrest, much to Sun Yulou's shock. Liang Jingguan anxiously awaits news of Sun Xun's death. Su Yingxue, sent by Jia Fengyuan, learns from Shen Qingyao that Sun Xun is in critical condition. Fearing Sun Xun might recover, Liang Jingguan and Jia Fengyuan arrange for the renowned divine doctor Zhu Wuji to be kidnapped and replaced by an imposter.
Sun Yulou, convinced Lin Shaochun had a hidden motive, finds a harmless tea stalk, which Imperial Physician Jiang confirms is non-poisonous. The imposter Zhu Wuji arrives at the Sun mansion to administer a fatal "treatment," but Sun Xun unexpectedly wakes up, revealing he was never actually poisoned.
Episode 16 Recap
Before her wedding, Lin Shaochun received a letter falsely implicating Sun Xun and Liu Ying in her father Lin Yuandao's death. She verified Sun Xun's handwriting but, suspecting deceit, informed him, and they devised a plan. Sun Xun apprehended the imposter, who claimed the real Zhu Wuji was dead and refused to name the mastermind behind the 10,000 taels he received. Lin Shaochun extracted the amount, and Sun Yulou immediately sent people to investigate the money trail.
Meanwhile, a nervous Su Yingxue secretly informed Jia Fengyuan about the capture. Feigning surprise, Jia Fengyuan assured her he was not involved before rushing to report to Liang Jingguan. Fearing exposure, Liang Jingguan adopted Jia Fengyuan's plan: he falsely reported 10,000 taels stolen from his home, claiming the thief left handprints. Official Du's men quickly caught the thief trying to exchange the money.
Under interrogation, the thief confessed to being the brother of "Chaitou," a bandit leader killed by the Sun family, and sought revenge by stealing money from Liang Jingguan to hire assassins for Sun Xun. Official Du imprisoned him. The Emperor, informed of the incident, ordered increased security and extended condolences to both Liang Jingguan and Sun Xun. Sun Xun, suspecting Liang Jingguan's involvement but lacking evidence, vowed to find the person who mimicked his handwriting.
Knowing Jia Fengyuan's skill in calligraphy, Sun Xun summoned him. However, Jia Fengyuan had intentionally injured his right hand with a centipede, successfully deceiving Sun Xun and claiming the injury prevented him from writing. Sun Xun and Shen Qingyao praised Lin Shaochun, entrusting her to assist Xu Fengqiao in managing the household. While Lin Shaochun willingly accepted, Sun Yulou was concerned she would overexert herself.
Xu Fengqiao, feigning sincerity, inwardly resented Lin Shaochun and vowed to oppose her, dismissing Wu Yuehong and Su Yingxue’s lack of interest in household duties. In other family matters, Wu Yuehong struggled to gain Sun Shijie's affection. Her maid Shijian advised her against excessive submissiveness. Emboldened by alcohol, Wu Yuehong forcibly attempted intimacy with Sun Shijie, who resisted, leaving her frustrated by his lack of enthusiasm.
Su Yingxue secretly met Jia Fengyuan, pleading with him to elope, but he prioritized his revenge. She threatened to expose their affair, citing her teeth marks on his hand, but he remained resolute, eventually leaving her in anger. Su Yingxue vowed revenge if she was merely a tool in his schemes. Xu Fengqiao, fearing Lin Shaochun would usurp her position, complained to Sun Jingge, who flattered her.
She plotted to sabotage Lin Shaochun’s upcoming palace visit with Sun Yulou to thank the Emperor and Consort Sun Youzhen. Xu Fengqiao instructed her maid Yinsuo to retrieve Consort Sun Youzhen’s gift, a begonia auspicious gown, and secretly cut all its golden threads. She then presented the damaged gown to Lin Shaochun, falsely claiming it was new. Shen Qingyao encouraged Lin Shaochun to wear it for the special occasion. In the palace, Sun Yulou noticed the gown was amiss.
Lin Shaochun pulled a thread, revealing all the golden threads had been cut. Realizing Xu Fengqiao's malice, Lin Shaochun quickly used paints on a nearby table to draw a magpie-on-branch cloud collar onto the gown. The Emperor, noticing the unique cloud collar, inquired about it. Lin Shaochun cleverly explained it as a display of the family's frugality, following Sun Xun's decree after a natural disaster. Impressed, the Emperor gifted her a Ruyi satin embroidered auspicious robe.
He recognized Lin Shaochun as a showgirl who was once allergic to pollen, but she lied, claiming a doctor cured her. The Emperor, out of respect for Consort Sun Youzhen, did not press the matter but subtly warned Sun Yulou to be careful with his eloquent wife. Upon their return, Aunt Mei was envious of the treasures bestowed by the Emperor, which Lin Shaochun generously shared with the family.
Xu Fengqiao attempted to apologize for the gown incident, blaming Yinsuo, but Sun Yulou did not believe her. Lin Shaochun, however, accepted the apology to avoid further conflict. Sun Xun reiterated that his four daughters-in-law should get along peacefully, and Shen Qingyao tasked Lin Shaochun with helping manage the household. Later, Su Yingxue overheard that Jia Fengyuan had bought a house, and Sun Xun even helped furnish it, causing her worry and Xu Fengqiao's displeasure.
Episode 17 Recap
The story begins with Su Yingxue pleading with Jia Fengyuan not to leave her. Jia Fengyuan initially refuses, claiming he never suffered such indignity even when destitute, but eventually embraces her, unable to abandon her sorrow. Meanwhile, Lin Shaochun rises early to assist Xu Fengqiao in managing the household, despite Sun Yulou's worries about her being bullied by the difficult sisters-in-law. Lin Shaochun assures him she will neither offend nor be bullied.
Xu Fengqiao formally introduces Lin Shaochun to the household staff, including powerful housekeepers like Rong Shou's wife (whose husband is the mansion steward) and Qing Xi's wife. Lin Shaochun immediately delves into the household accounts and discovers a monthly discrepancy of one hundred taels of silver. Xu Fengqiao claims she personally covers this deficit, but Lin Shaochun is suspicious.
Further investigation into cosmetic prices reveals they match the ledger, making Lin Shaochun wonder if Xu Fengqiao truly adds her own money. However, housekeepers complain to Xu Fengqiao that Lin Shaochun is naive, unaware of the capital's buyers' cartel that fixes prices and provides kickbacks. Xu Fengqiao, receiving her kickbacks, decides to let Lin Shaochun manage for a while, confident she will either resign or lose money trying to fix things, while Xu Fengqiao continues to profit.
Sun Yulou cautions Lin Shaochun about the difficulty of uncovering internal corruption. Lin Shaochun, unwilling to let merchants overcharge, gathers her godmothers and other esteemed ladies from various households. She reveals that the Sun family is charged higher prices by the local buyers than other households. When the buyers refuse to lower their prices, Lin Shaochun proposes that all the ladies jointly boycott them and instead source goods from Jiangnan, a move that could save half their expenses.
Her godmothers and the other ladies eagerly support this plan. This move infuriates Xu Fengqiao, as it completely cuts off her illicit income. She instructs Rong Shou's wife and Qing Xi's wife to tell the buyers to be patient, promising to drive Lin Shaochun out of the Sun family once the immediate crisis passes. Xu Fengqiao then incites the housekeepers to resist Lin Shaochun, aiming to isolate her.
The arrival of the Duke of Nan'an, a close friend of Sun Xun who loves the Sun family's home-cooked meals, provides Xu Fengqiao an opportunity. Shen Shi tasks both Xu Fengqiao and Lin Shaochun with preparing a grand banquet.
Xu Fengqiao feigns illness and recommends Lin Shaochun handle the entire event alone, a suggestion Shen Shi accepts, cautioning Lin Shaochun that the Duke is a man of strong temperament who shows his displeasure if the food is not to his liking. In the kitchen, Lin Shaochun finds Rong Shou's wife and the other housekeepers feigning severe illness and refusing to work.
Realizing this is sabotage, Lin Shaochun sends her personal maid, Xiaohong, with money to order a banquet from Hongyu Tower. Sun Xun entertains the Duke with pastries while awaiting the main feast. However, Lin Shaochun discovers that Xiaohong, instead of going to the restaurant, has been sitting in the garden and lies about losing the money. Lin Shaochun, suppressing her anger, sends easy-to-digest pastries to the Duke.
Xiao Cui, Rong Shou's daughter, confronts her mother about bullying Lin Shaochun, warning her they might lose their monthly stipend. Her mother beats her. Xiao Cui later encounters Lin Shaochun and pleads for her mother's forgiveness. Lin Shaochun then confronts the housekeepers in the kitchen. She pretends to believe their illness is "deep in the bone marrow" and proposes a painful "scraping with a knife" treatment, even deliberately pricking one with a needle.
Terrified, the housekeepers abandon their act and quickly prepare the banquet. The feast is a success, much to the Duke of Nan'an's delight, who praises the food as even better than before. Everyone, except a shocked Xu Fengqiao, breathes a sigh of relief. After the banquet, Lin Shaochun brings Rong Shou's wife before Shen Shi to report her misconduct, accusing her of deliberately sabotaging the banquet due to a grudge over the reduction in buyer expenses.
Rong Shou's wife tearfully begs for forgiveness. Considering Rong Shou's wife's long service, Shen Shi punishes her by docking three months of rice money. Lin Shaochun, dissatisfied with the leniency, intends to protest, but Sun Yulou stops her, offering to take three days leave to take her out and clear her mind. Lin Shaochun decides she needs to thoroughly reform the household management. Lin Shaochun attempts to gather information from junior maids, but Rong Shou's wife obstructs her.
From Sun Xiaoxian, Lin Shaochun learns that Rong Shou's wife and Qing Xi's wife are loyal to Xu Fengqiao and are powerful figures even Mei Yi Niang and Sun Xiaoxian hesitate to offend. Lin Shaochun decides on a new strategy: she attends Qing Xi's wife's son's wedding, offering congratulations and later gifting her an expensive hairpin. This public display of favor leads to rumors that Qing Xi's wife has been "bought off" by Lin Shaochun.
Rong Shou's wife, unable to tolerate Qing Xi's wife's smugness, loudly quarrels and even fights with her, witnessed by many maids and housekeepers. Lin Shaochun, observing Xiaohong, suspects her of being Xu Fengqiao's spy. She uses a blank ledger, claiming it contains incriminating evidence against the maids, to scare Xiaohong into confessing. Xiaohong, after apologizing to Lin Shaochun, immediately reports back to Xu Fengqiao. Rong Shou's wife suspects Qing Xi's wife of betraying them, but Xu Fengqiao, uncertain, advises caution.
Lin Shaochun then threatens to expel disobedient maids, prompting them to beg for mercy. She then promises not to punish past mistakes if they truthfully confess their wrongdoings, which they eagerly do.
Episode 18 Recap
Lin Shaochun initiated household reforms by making maids confess their wrongdoings and report others. She exposed Rongshou's wife's numerous crimes, threatening to report her to officials and expel her from the residence. Rongshou's wife begged for mercy, leading Lin Shaochun to arrange for her daughter, Xiaocui, to replace maid Xiaohong. This action, however, cut off Xu Fengqiao's income streams, deeply enraging her.
Lin Shaochun's effective management and money-saving efforts earned praise from Sun Xun, who encouraged Xu Fengqiao, Su Yingxue, and Wu Yuehong to learn from her. Shen Qingyao also commended Lin Shaochun for uniting the female dependents of various households to manage purchasing, which saved significant silver. While Sun Xun admonished Wu Yuehong for her lack of interest in household affairs, Xu Fengqiao made sarcastic remarks towards Lin Shaochun.
Sun Yulou defended Lin Shaochun, and Shen Qingyao intervened to stop the bickering. Sun Yulou advised Lin Shaochun that her sharp approach, though well-intentioned, could be too confrontational for family life, and Lin Shaochun promised to get along with her family, vowing to manage those who couldn't. Lin Shaochun then attempted to foster better relations: she made Wu Yuehong's favorite snacks, but Wu Yuehong initially refused, stating Xu Fengqiao had forbidden her from speaking with Lin Shaochun.
However, a hungry Wu Yuehong eventually ate the snacks, praised Lin Shaochun's cooking, and came to view her as a good person. Lin Shaochun advised her to trust her own judgment over gossip. Lin Shaochun also played the pipa in the garden, attracting Su Yingxue. While Su Yingxue expressed disinterest in household management, she confessed to envying Lin Shaochun and Sun Yulou's mutual affection.
Lin Shaochun then approached Xu Fengqiao, who feigned gratitude for being relieved of her duties and explained past misunderstandings, claiming they were family. Lin Shaochun suggested that once Xu Fengqiao recovered, they could manage the household together. Xu Fengqiao, however, internally scoffed at Lin Shaochun's perceived attempt at reconciliation. Lin Shaochun privately noted that while Wu Yuehong was straightforward and Su Yingxue kept to herself, Xu Fengqiao seemed outwardly friendly but schemed behind her back.
Later, Shen Qingyao announced her intention to gift her pearl headpiece, bought by Sun Xun during a trip to Jingzhou, to Madame Zhang for her birthday. She asked Lin Shaochun to retrieve it from the storeroom, which Lin Shaochun now managed. Xu Fengqiao, who had already pawned the headpiece, was startled and dropped her teacup, catching Lin Shaochun's attention.
Fearing exposure, Xu Fengqiao, inspired by seeing Qingxi's wife eating a sugar-made spatula, had Yinsuo arrange for a replica pearl headpiece to be made of sugar, intending to frame Lin Shaochun. When Lin Shaochun searched the storeroom, she couldn't find the headpiece. Xu Fengqiao then arrived, presenting a new-looking headpiece and claiming she had kept it in her room. Lin Shaochun noticed a fruity, sugary scent, which Xu Fengqiao quickly dismissed as dropped candy.
Xu Fengqiao then locked the headpiece in a cabinet and gave the key to Lin Shaochun. That night, Lin Shaochun, suspecting a trick, went to the storeroom and found the sugar headpiece melted. Rongshou's wife, learning of the missing headpiece from Xiaocui, spread rumors that Lin Shaochun had sold it for money, hoping for Lin Shaochun's downfall. She quickly congratulated Xu Fengqiao, who, believing she would regain household management, hosted a celebratory dinner for Rongshou's wife and Qingxi's wife.
Lin Shaochun, however, saw Sun Jingge gambling away money. Knowing his addiction, she devised a plan. She reported the "stolen" headpiece to Shen Qingyao. Xu Fengqiao immediately accused Lin Shaochun of embezzlement. Lin Shaochun then revealed that Sun Jingge was responsible. She claimed to Shen Qingyao that she had mistakenly docked Sun Jingge's monthly allowance by three "qian", causing him to get angry and create a disturbance in the storeroom, during which the headpiece accidentally fell into the river.
To stage this, Lin Shaochun deliberately docked Sun Jingge's allowance. When he came to confront her, Xiaocui discreetly hung a crude replica pearl headpiece (made by her mother) on his back. Lin Shaochun, Wu Yuehong, and Su Yingxue then "chased" Sun Jingge, who ran to a bridge. The replica headpiece "accidentally" fell into the lake, frightening Sun Jingge, who then hid.
Upon learning of the incident, Shen Qingyao reprimanded Xu Fengqiao and docked her and Sun Jingge's monthly allowance to cover the cost. After Xu Fengqiao scolded Sun Jingge, Lin Shaochun arrived to speak with her privately. Lin Shaochun returned the kickbacks Xu Fengqiao had received from the purchasing agents, stating that Rongshou's family, believing Xu Fengqiao would resume management, had used her name to demand these.
Lin Shaochun then tore up the old documentation of these dealings in front of a speechless Xu Fengqiao, exposing her charade with the pearl headpiece and warning her not to repeat such actions. Lin Shaochun expressed her desire for them to coexist peacefully and stabilize the family, warning that she would deal with anyone who caused chaos.
Lin Shaochun also privately promised Sun Jingge that she would not dock his pay again, and she and Sun Yulou would help bear part of the cost for the pearl headpiece. Meanwhile, Shen Qingyao was despondent, having brought a simple gift to Madame Zhang's banquet and feeling embarrassed by the other guests' lavish presents. Lin Shaochun found her sulking and offered to help her save face.
Knowing Madame Zhang's youthful love for dancing, Lin Shaochun performed a "Jinghong" tune on the pipa. Madame Zhang was moved and spontaneously began to dance. After the performance, a delighted Madame Zhang thanked Lin Shaochun, who graciously credited Shen Qingyao for the idea, further pleasing Madame Zhang, who then requested another song.
Episode 19 Recap
Lin Shaochun and Shen Shi were returning home by carriage after a banquet when they nearly collided with Liu Sanjue, Lin Shaochun's master. Lin Shaochun, delighted, immediately greeted her master. Shen Shi, stepping out of the carriage, was stunned to recognize Liu Sanjue, and both women froze, having clearly known each other in the past. Liu Sanjue, however, denied any acquaintance with Shen Shi, claiming to be of low status, which left Shen Shi visibly flustered.
Lin Shaochun sensed a deeper history between them, and Shen Shi later discreetly inquired if Liu Sanjue had children. Despite their evasiveness, Lin Shaochun harbored suspicions. As Liu Sanjue's birthday approached, Lin Shaochun began preparing gifts. Sun Yulou, finding Lin Shaochun's attire too simple, gave her an ancestral jade pendant as a love token. Lin Shaochun, lacking a return gift, had earlier given him a rattan bracelet she had made.
At the birthday celebration, Liu Sanjue's apprentices, Willow Wushuang and Tao Yao, playfully impersonated their master, but Lin Shaochun easily saw through their tricks. The four then enjoyed a happy hotpot meal, where Liu Sanjue emphasized the importance of Tao Yao maintaining her reputation. During the celebration, Tao Yao noticed the jade pendant Lin Shaochun wore, a gift from Sun Yulou.
She recognized its design as identical to one Sun Shijie had previously possessed (and in one account, mortgaged to her). Tao Yao then sent Sun Shijie's jade pendant back to him, prompting him to recall a past incident where he had dirtied Tao Yao's clothes. Filled with guilt, Sun Shijie visited Tao Yao to apologize and offer compensation. Tao Yao politely refused his money, making him feel even more indebted.
Captivated by her beauty and poignant singing during a performance, Sun Shijie found himself deeply attracted to her. He confided in Tao Yao about his unhappiness and frustrations with his "tigress-like" wife, Wu Yuehong. Tao Yao offered him kind advice but also subtly played hard to get, initially declining his requests to return, though she was confident he would persist.
Meanwhile, Wu Yuehong, seeking to please her husband, discovered that Lin Shaochun had arranged for a nourishing soup to be made for Sun Yulou. Inspired, she decided to prepare a similar soup for Sun Shijie. Upon his return, Sun Shijie drank the soup and, with Tao Yao on his mind, recited a poetic compliment. Wu Yuehong, misinterpreting his words as praise for herself, was overjoyed, believing it was the first time he had ever complimented her.
Despite Wu Yuehong's efforts, Sun Shijie remained preoccupied with Tao Yao. One evening, despite a heavy rain, Sun Shijie risked the weather to visit Tao Yao, who had thoughtfully prepared dry clothes for him. When she asked about Wu Yuehong, Sun Shijie openly expressed his dislike for his wife and boldly declared his feelings for Tao Yao.
However, Tao Yao, continuing her strategy, or perhaps showing concern for his marriage, initially refused his advances, causing Sun Shijie to angrily vow never to return. Later, Sun Xun discovered errors in Sun Shijie's official reports and severely reprimanded him. Although Sun Shijie outwardly acknowledged his father's scolding, his mind was still entirely focused on Tao Yao. He secretly crafted a zither, inscribing "kindred spirit" on it, and sent it to Tao Yao as an apology and a deeper expression of his affection.
Episode 20 Recap
After being rejected by Tao Yao, Sun Shijie becomes withdrawn, isolating himself and neglecting his family, including his wife, Wu Yuehong. His family, particularly Shen Shi, mistakenly blames Wu Yuehong for their marital strife. Frustrated, Wu Yuehong lashes out at Sun Xun during a family meal, revealing that he had misrepresented the number of Japanese pirates to the Emperor and that their marriage was initially arranged because Sun Xun coveted her father's military power.
Enraged, Sun Xun reprimands Wu Yuehong and punishes her by making her kneel in the ancestral hall. Meanwhile, Tao Yao returns Sun Shijie's qin, deeply hurting him. Despite being injured from her punishment, Wu Yuehong attempts to learn the qin to please Sun Shijie, who claims he only likes musical women. However, she struggles and fails to master the instrument. Observing the affectionate relationship between Sun Yulou and Lin Shaochun, Wu Yuehong seeks their advice.
Lin Shaochun encourages Wu Yuehong to embrace her strengths rather than trying to imitate others. Remembering her talent for polo, Lin Shaochun suggests Wu Yuehong participate in an upcoming match. To ensure Sun Shijie watches, Sun Yulou resorts to knocking him unconscious and bringing him to the polo field. Sun Shijie is furious upon waking but is ultimately made to watch the game.
Wu Yuehong takes the field and demonstrates remarkable skill, scoring multiple goals and leading her team to victory. Sun Shijie, influenced by his friends, is captivated by Wu Yuehong's valiant performance and begins to see a new, admirable side to her. After the match, Wu Yuehong spots Sun Shijie and excitedly calls out to him. However, Sun Shijie, seeing Tao Yao leaving, immediately gives chase, expressing his deep longing for her.
A maid intervenes, revealing that Tao Yao also deeply misses Sun Shijie, which moves him to tears. He promises to visit Tao Yao soon. Returning home, Sun Shijie shows unexpected tenderness towards Wu Yuehong, praising her and apologizing for his past dismissiveness. He promises to treat her well.
He then moves to the study, claiming he wants to avoid disturbing her sleep, which Wu Yuehong misinterprets as a thoughtful gesture from her husband, making her very happy and grateful to Lin Shaochun. However, Sun Shijie secretly begins visiting Tao Yao. Although Sun Xun has ordered him to reflect at home, Sun Shijie regularly leaves early and returns late, claiming to meet friends. Lin Shaochun grows suspicious of his secretive behavior and suspects he has another woman.
She discusses her concerns with Sun Yulou. Sun Shijie, overcome by Tao Yao's allure, becomes intimate with her. Tao Yao, driven by ambition, aims to bear Sun Shijie a child, preferably a son, to secure her position and possibly supplant Wu Yuehong or at least achieve equal standing within the Sun household. Lin Shaochun learns of Sun Shijie's affair with Tao Yao and confronts Tao Yao, who remains unrepentant.
Tao Yao insists on her relationship with Sun Shijie, initially claiming she only wishes to be his mistress and not marry into the Sun family. Lin Shaochun, however, strongly opposes this and vows to investigate Tao Yao's background, promising to intervene if she discovers any manipulative intentions. Worried about the investigation, a maid prompts Tao Yao to act. Tao Yao deliberately cuts her wrist with a dagger.
When Sun Shijie arrives to visit her, she exposes her wound, eliciting his profound sympathy and concern. Sun Shijie is so smitten he even hides outside her house and follows her after she leaves.
Episode 21 Recap
Sun Shijie, deeply enamored with Taoyao, follows her one night to a dilapidated temple where she meets a masked man from the Four Seas Gang. The man demands money and beats Taoyao when she refuses to swindle Sun Shijie, claiming he is the only one she cares for. Sun Shijie intervenes, falsely stating he has informed the authorities, which scares the masked man and his accomplices away.
Taoyao then confesses to Sun Shijie that their encounter was part of a meticulously planned deception, where she was either coerced by the Four Seas Gang or initiated the scheme herself but unexpectedly fell in love with him. She claims she tried to escape multiple times but was caught and beaten. Believing her, Sun Shijie vows to protect her, even contemplating divorcing Wu Yuehong to marry Taoyao.
He seeks help from Magistrate Du, who agrees to protect Taoyao, hoping for Sun Shijie's favor with Sun Xun. Meanwhile, Sun Yulou asks Yao Dizhu to investigate Taoyao, and Yao Dizhu reports her findings to Lin Shaochun. Lin Shaochun confronts Sun Shijie with evidence of Taoyao's history of swindling. Sun Shijie, however, remains convinced Taoyao is an innocent victim. Magistrate Du arrests members of the Four Seas Gang based on Taoyao's information. The gang admits to coercing Taoyao into fraud.
Lin Shaochun urges Magistrate Du to prosecute Taoyao, but Magistrate Du, pressured by Sun Shijie, refrains from holding Taoyao accountable. Feeling discontent, Sun Shijie complains to Taoyao about Lin Shaochun's "hard-heartedness." Taoyao, wanting to appear virtuous and consolidate her position, insists on going to jail to protect Sun Shijie. Magistrate Du imprisons her.
Taoyao, however, has bribed a jailer and orchestrated a plan: she convinces Black Ear, a prisoner sentenced to execution, to sign a confession taking full responsibility for coercing her. Taoyao secures Black Ear's cooperation by arranging for his family's financial security, after which Black Ear drinks poison and dies. Magistrate Du, presenting Black Ear's confession, formally exonerates and releases Taoyao. Lin Shaochun, discerning the deception, warns Taoyao that justice will eventually prevail.
Taoyao, maintaining her façade, humbly refuses Sun Shijie's immediate offer to marry her, citing her poor background and recent imprisonment. Seeking deeper understanding, Lin Shaochun consults Liu Sanjue, who reveals Taoyao's true ruthless nature. Liu Sanjue recounts buying Taoyao from a troupe years ago after witnessing her mistreatment and aspiring to train her into a star. Taoyao endured harsh training, performing with bleeding feet, driven by ambition for wealth.
However, her insatiable desire for money led her to leave Liu Sanjue and pursue a life of swindling. Liu Sanjue later learned that Taoyao had financially ruined Cao San, the very man who once championed her. Despite Taoyao's cruel betrayal, Cao San, dying in a dilapidated temple, still proclaimed her the kindest woman he knew. After Cao San's death, Taoyao publicly mourned him, deceiving many into believing her sincere grief.
Lin Shaochun concludes that Taoyao is a cunning and formidable adversary. Unaware of Sun Shijie's true feelings, Wu Yuehong diligently tries to please Sun Xun and Shen Shi with pastries and an awkward poem, amusing the family. Lin Shaochun, disheartened by Wu Yuehong's naivety, excuses herself. Sun Yulou comforts Lin Shaochun. Determined to expose Taoyao, Lin Shaochun inquires about a medicine that could convincingly simulate severe illness without causing actual harm.
Episode 22 Recap
Sun Yulou brought Lin Shaochun to seek out Imperial Physician Jiang, falsely claiming that they were too busy with official duties and didn't want a child, wanting to feign illness in front of their parents. Imperial Physician Jiang then gave them red phosphorus powder. Today marked one year since Sun Yulou and Lin Shaochun first met. Sun Yulou took Lin Shaochun to the night market and specially prepared wonderful performances. Lin Shaochun was very happy.
The performers took off their masks, and to her surprise, they were Liu Sanjue, Madam Yu, the nanny, Xiaoya, and Wang Jun. Lin Shaochun thanked Sun Yulou for his elaborate arrangements. The two of them together launched fireworks into the sky, and instantly, brilliant fireworks bloomed in the night. Lin Shaochun and Sun Yulou nestled together, savoring this rare comfort and warmth. Lin Shaochun asked Liu Wushuang to tell stories to Wu Yuehong.
Wu Yuehong eagerly asked him for advice on how to please her man. Liu Wushuang suggested that she should go and see Sun Shijie's behavior outside. Sun Yulou forced Sun Shijie to drink the medicine for feigning illness, asking him to test Taoyao's true feelings. Sun Shijie resolutely refused. Sun Yulou explained the pros and cons to him, and only then did Sun Shijie reluctantly drink the bottle of medicine.
Lin Shaochun and Sun Yulou settled Sun Shijie in an inn, and also sent for Taoyao, falsely claiming that Sun Shijie had contracted a plague. Taoyao proactively requested to stay and take care of Sun Shijie. Wu Yuehong secretly followed Sun Shijie's carriage to the inn and saw with her own eyes Taoyao holding Sun Shijie's hand and crying.
She was furious, gritting her teeth, and wanted to rush in to confront Taoyao, but Shijian desperately held her back, advising her not to ruin Lin Shaochun and her husband's plan. Wu Yuehong had no choice but to leave dejectedly. Taoyao wanted to go back to pack some things before returning to care for Sun Shijie, so she asked Lin Shaochun and her husband to help look after him.
Taoyao had studied medicine since childhood, and had long realized that Sun Shijie was not sick at all. She decided to play along and put on an act. Unexpectedly, Wu Yuehong suddenly appeared and, without a word, rushed forward to punch and kick Taoyao. Afterward, Wu Yuehong went to Xu Fengqiao for help. Xu Fengqiao promised to find someone to drive Taoyao away.
She made an exorbitant demand, asking Wu Yuehong for a lot of silver and also taking her dowry jade bracelet. Sun Shijie specially bought many gifts to visit Taoyao, but the place was already empty. Sun Shijie was heartbroken and inconsolable, sitting forlornly in Taoyao's residence. The next morning, Sun Shijie returned home dejectedly. Wu Yuehong had also not slept all night; she hurriedly played the zither to please Sun Shijie.
Sun Shijie finally understood and vowed to cherish Wu Yuehong even more from then on. Taoyao woke up groggily and found that she and her maid were locked on a boat. She guessed that they had both been sold. Taoyao tried to escape but was caught on the spot. They were about to sell them to pirates. Taoyao promised to give them three times the commission, and they immediately released Taoyao and Shijian. Su Yingxue had been vomiting incessantly.
After examination, it was confirmed that she was pregnant. Su Yingxue then went to Jia Fengyuan. Jia Fengyuan worried that the child would affect his future and begged Su Yingxue to abort the baby. Su Yingxue firmly refused, but unable to resist Jia Fengyuan's coaxing and deceiving, Su Yingxue reluctantly agreed to take the abortion pill.
Su Yingxue accidentally discovered an old maid and a household servant having an illicit affair behind the rockery, so she reported them to Shen Shi. Shen Shi, in a fit of rage, drove them away. Lin Shaochun knew that this old maid was a very capable person and had helped her quite a bit, so she quickly stepped forward to plead for them. Shen Shi didn't buy it and told Su Yingxue to deal with the two servants herself.
Lin Shaochun pleaded with Su Yingxue, saving the two individuals and giving them a sum of money to make a living. Seeing this, Su Yingxue conceived the idea of asking Lin Shaochun to help her keep the baby in her womb. Su Yingxue personally visited Lin Shaochun, first tearfully recounting the pain of her and Sun Junhao being together so little, and then revealing her secret affair with Jia Fengyuan and her pregnancy. Lin Shaochun did not want to abet evil and refused her outright. Su Yingxue knelt down and begged Lin Shaochun desperately. Lin Shaochun reluctantly agreed to consider it carefully.
Episode 23 Recap
Lin Shaochun found herself in a difficult situation. Although Sun Yulou noticed her distress and offered help, Lin Shaochun couldn't reveal the true nature of her troubles. Soon after, Xiao Cui rushed in to report that Su Yingxue's embroidery building was on fire. The entire family, including Sun Yulou and Lin Shaochun, hurried to the scene. The fire was extinguished, but Su Yingxue lay on her bed, appearing suicidal. Lin Shaochun quickly realized Su Yingxue had deliberately started the fire.
Su Yingxue, fearing her pregnancy would be exposed upon Sun Junhao's return and wishing for a clean reputation, confessed her desire to die. Lin Shaochun, seeing her desperation and her wish to avoid serving Sun Junhao, agreed to help her. The next day, Shen Qingyao informed Su Yingxue that Sun Junhao was returning, but Su Yingxue showed no joy. She requested leave to visit Long'en Temple to pray for Sun Junhao.
Shen Qingyao was initially hesitant, but Lin Shaochun offered to accompany her, and Shen Qingyao agreed. Lin Shaochun then concocted a story about Su Yingxue having a twin sister named Su Yingning, who was skilled in the arts and had been raised in a nunnery, a lie Su Yingxue corroborated. At Long'en Temple, Lin Shaochun revealed a clever plan to Su Yingxue. On their way back, they learned Sun Junhao had already arrived home.
Su Yingxue, in a hurry, insisted on taking a perilous shortcut. As her carriage navigated the path, it stumbled. Su Yingxue pushed her maid, Qin Xin, from the carriage, then discreetly jumped out herself before the carriage plunged down a cliff. Lin Shaochun, informed of the accident, found Qin Xin but no sign of Su Yingxue, and immediately sent people to search for a body below the cliff.
Su Yingxue later emerged from hiding, and Lin Shaochun instructed her to assume the identity of Su Yingning from that day forward, providing her with a new household registration, money, and a disfigured body to be identified as the deceased Su Yingxue. Su Yingxue, profoundly grateful, tearfully departed to begin her new life. A funeral was held for Su Yingxue at the Sun manor.
Jia Fengyuan, who happened to pass by, was devastated to learn of Su Yingxue's supposed death and got drunk in his grief. That evening, a drunken Jia Fengyuan encountered a disguised Su Yingxue. Mistaking her for a ghost, he was terrified until she held his hand, confirming she was alive, and recounted the entire scheme.
Jia Fengyuan, initially hesitant to harbor her due to the risks, agreed to let her stay, promising to formally marry her as Su Yingning once the scandal had subsided. Sun Junhao returned to the heart-wrenching news of Su Yingxue's death. He was consumed by guilt for not having written to her during his three years away fighting. He vowed to give his entire military salary to the Su family to honor Su Yingxue's parents.
Sun Xun approved, despite Xu Fengqiao's concerns about the family's finances. Sun Junhao mourned tirelessly, kneeling by the coffin for days. Concerned for his health, Shen Qingyao decided to arrange a new marriage for him after the mourning period. Xu Fengqiao recommended Yao Dizhu, a suggestion Shen Qingyao readily approved, tasking Xu Fengqiao with the arrangements. However, Yao Dizhu was a spirited woman who spent her days drinking and composing poetry with men, much to her parents' chagrin.
When Xu Fengqiao proposed the marriage, Yao Dizhu made audacious demands: a husband who would not share her bed nor interfere with her private life. Sun Junhao, having witnessed Yao Dizhu's unconventional behavior, found her conduct unrefined and unacceptable. When the matchmaker from the Sun family arrived, Yao Dizhu rudely dismissed her. Sun Junhao then sent a letter annulling the engagement, citing his dissatisfaction with her behavior.
Enraged, Yao Dizhu stormed to the Sun manor, causing a dramatic scene that embarrassed Shen Qingyao. Lin Shaochun intervened, calming Yao Dizhu, who then apologized to Shen Qingyao before leaving. Learning that Sun Junhao had already departed for his military camp, Yao Dizhu's anger flared anew. She resolved to pursue him, make him fall deeply in love with her, and then cruelly abandon him as revenge.
To achieve this, she feigned illness and bribed a doctor to recommend a period of recuperation in the countryside. Her parents, unaware of her true intentions, sent her off with an old maid as a chaperone. On their journey, Yao Dizhu constantly offered the maid drinks and water until the maid needed to relieve herself in the woods.
Yao Dizhu seized the opportunity, sent the coachman away on an errand, and then drove off alone in the carriage to find Sun Junhao. As the Chongyang Festival drew near, the Sun manor buzzed with preparations. During the festival banquet, a maid named Songlian intentionally drew Sun Shijie's attention. Sun Shijie abruptly left the feast to pursue her, causing concern among his family, though Sun Xun was primarily angered by his son's sudden departure. That evening, Sun Shijie returned to the manor with a woman named Taoyao, announcing his intention to take her as a concubine.
Episode 24 Recap
Sun Shijie brings Peach Blossom home, declaring his intention to take her as a concubine. This shocks his wife, Wu Yuehong, whom Sun Shijie blames for trying to sell Peach Blossom through a middleman. He threatens to divorce Wu Yuehong if she continues to be difficult. Wu Yuehong admits Xu Fengqiao suggested selling Peach Blossom, leading to an argument.
Sun Shijie states that the middlemen have been caught and Peach Blossom deserves justice, also instructing Sun Jingge to discipline Xu Fengqiao. Sun Xun and Shen Shi disapprove of Peach Blossom, seeing her as disreputable, and forbid Sun Shijie from taking her as a concubine. Sun Xun gives Sun Shijie an ultimatum: disown Peach Blossom or be disowned himself. Peach Blossom then feigns illness and faints.
Sun Shijie cradles her, accuses Sun Xun of being heartless, and defiantly leaves with Peach Blossom, despite Wu Yuehong's distraught cries. The next day, officials impeach Sun Shijie, leading the Emperor to dismiss him from office. Sun Shijie returns to Peach Blossom, who consoles him and offers her jewelry to sell for their livelihood, deepening his affection and guilt. Meanwhile, Wu Yuehong seeks advice from Lin Shaochun and Xu Fengqiao.
Xu Fengqiao suggests letting Peach Blossom enter the household to control her, but Wu Yuehong fears losing Sun Shijie's attention entirely. Lin Shaochun advises Wu Yuehong to consider her future and alternative solutions, promising to help deal with Peach Blossom while cautioning her against rash actions. In another development, Lin Shaochun learns that Xu Fengqiao is troubled by Chen Gongzi, whose father once saved Sun Laotaiye's life, creating a deep debt for the Sun family.
Chen Gongzi frequently extorts money for his gambling debts and debauchery, even complaining to Sun Xun if his demands are not met. Unable to deal with him, Xu Fengqiao goes to her maiden home. Lin Shaochun decides to investigate Chen Gongzi to stop his exploitation of the Sun family. On her journey, Xu Fengqiao's pity for beggars leads her to give them money, which attracts more beggars who attempt to rob her carriage until her servant, Yinsuo, calls for officers.
Concurrently, Yao Dizhu travels to Mucheng and stays at an inn, where she encounters a distressed Liu Huilan, who mentions wanting to leave someone. The inn has two "Heavenly Character Room No. 1" rooms. While Yao Dizhu bathes and contemplates how to seduce Sun Junhao, he and his men mistakenly enter her room while searching for a bandit's wife. Yao Dizhu, seeing him as an opportunity to test her charm, attempts to seduce him, but he remains unimpressed.
A scream from the adjacent room leads Sun Junhao to discover Liu Huilan murdered, presumably by bandits. Yao Dizhu also witnesses this. The innkeeper explains that Sun Junhao, known as "Second Master," often helps local people against rampant bandits whom local officials fear. Yao Dizhu later notices Sun Junhao tracking her. He explains he's investigating Liu Huilan's murder and seeks her help. Yao Dizhu demands he treat her to a meal. After she eats, Sun Junhao abruptly leaves.
Back at the inn, Yao Dizhu finds her bag disturbed and suspects Sun Junhao. The next day, her horse's horseshoe is loose. A scammer named Zhao Da tricks Yao Dizhu into leaving her horse and bag with him, promising to fix the horse and store her bag in a wardrobe, which turns out to be a decoy. Yao Dizhu realizes she's been scammed and is left penniless.
She then encounters Sun Junhao again and insists on traveling with him to Mucheng after he initially offers her money. Seeing Zhao Da in the street, Yao Dizhu points him out, leading to a chase. Zhao Da is caught and, after Yao Dizhu tricks him into believing her stolen money is poisoned, he confesses. Sun Junhao recovers her bag, and Yao Dizhu continues to insist on staying with him. Sun Junhao notices they are being tracked but proceeds silently.
Episode 25 Recap
Xu Fengqiao went to Dali Temple to accuse beggars of robbery. Sun Yulou handled the case, finding that the beggars were vulnerable individuals displaced by a flood, with relief funds from the Ministry of Revenue dwindling and Benevolence Hall unable to cope. Understanding their desperation, Sun Yulou decided not to prosecute and compensated Xu Fengqiao for her losses. Upon returning to the Sun family, Xu Fengqiao complained to Sun Xun and Shen Shi. Lin Shaochun offered to cover the compensation.
Sun Xun reminded Sun Yulou about the importance of impartial justice. Realizing the difficulty of being an official, Sun Yulou sought Lin Shaochun’s help. Lin Shaochun soon resettled the displaced women, children, and elderly. She then convinced Wu Yuehong, after an initial apology to Xu Fengqiao on Sun Yulou's behalf, to teach these women martial arts. Lin Shaochun explained that skilled female guards could provide employment and convenience for noble ladies.
Wu Yuehong enthusiastically embraced her new role, enjoying her time teaching the women, which also gave her less time to dwell on Sun Shijie. Her students eventually found employment thanks to their new skills. Meanwhile, Wu Yuehong spotted Sun Shijie selling calligraphy and paintings on the street. Feeling pity, she had Shijian anonymously buy all his works. Later, Sun Shijie was accosted and beaten by someone claiming his stall.
Sun Xun passed by and instructed Butler Ding to intervene, but then left without acknowledging Sun Shijie, stating he was no longer connected to the Sun family. Shen Shi was furious at Sun Xun’s coldness, arguing that Sun Shijie was being mistreated. Sun Xun insisted that Sun Shijie needed to experience hardship to learn. When Shen Shi persisted in wanting to help Sun Shijie, Sun Xun threatened her with divorce. Lin Shaochun, Wu Yuehong, and Xu Fengqiao arrived.
Shen Shi, fearing for Sun Shijie's safety, even suggested allowing Taoyao to marry into the family if it meant bringing Sun Shijie home, but Sun Xun remained steadfast. Lin Shaochun promised to find a way to help Sun Shijie return. Taoyao, despite learning of Sun Xun’s indifference, still harbored hopes of marrying into the Sun family. Sun Shijie brought her leftover food from a restaurant, which disgusted her.
Unwilling to live a hard life, Taoyao decided to resume singing for money. At a teahouse, she encountered Chen Boyuan, a wealthy imperial merchant pretending to be a poor scholar. Taoyao saw through his disguise and bought a poem from him. They began performing together, and Chen Boyuan developed feelings for Taoyao. Taoyao then falsely claimed that Sun Shijie had abused her, provoking Chen Boyuan to vow revenge.
Playing hard to get with Chen Boyuan, Taoyao secretly had Songlian investigate his background. Upon confirming his wealth and status, Taoyao began to distance herself from Sun Shijie. Chen Boyuan confessed his love to Taoyao, claiming to be penniless and in debt but promising to treat her well. Taoyao, secretly delighted, feigned hesitation and asked for time.
When Sun Shijie later visited, Taoyao brutally broke up with him, stating she had never truly loved him and did not wish to endure a difficult life. Despite Sun Shijie's disbelief and heartbreak, she forced him to sign a document severing all ties. Taoyao then met Chen Boyuan at the dock, presenting him with the signed document. After Chen Boyuan again claimed poverty and an inability to support Songlian, Taoyao gave Songlian money and left with Chen Boyuan on a boat.
Episode 26 Recap
Chen Boyuan brought Taoyao to a dilapidated house, claiming it was his home. Taoyao, thinking he was still feigning poverty, followed along, only to find creditors waiting. They demanded a hundred taels, but Chen Boyuan explained Lin Shaochun had already helped him repay the sum. The creditors clarified that Lin Shaochun only covered the principal, leaving Taoyao stunned. She realized she had fallen into Lin Shaochun's trap.
Lin Shaochun had previously offered to help Chen Boyuan, out of gratitude for the Chen family's past kindness to the Sun family, on the condition that he take Taoyao out of the capital without harming her. Penniless, Chen Boyuan sold Taoyao to the creditors, who dragged her away as she cursed him and Lin Shaochun. Meanwhile, Shen Qingyao and Mei Yiniang personally arrived to take Sun Shijie home.
Ashamed, Sun Shijie refused, vowing to become self-reliant so that when Taoyao returned, she would stay. Shen Qingyao was both angered and worried by his continued attachment to Taoyao. Yao Dizhu, traveling towards Muchen, took shelter from a heavy rain with Sun Junhao and his brothers in a ruined temple, where they were ambushed by black-clad assailants. The attackers stole a wooden hairpin, a gift from Liu Huilan before her death.
Sun Junhao swiftly killed the assailants and retrieved the hairpin, discovering a wet hidden paper note. It revealed Liu Huilan had been taken by Yelang, a notorious and cunning bandit leader in Muchen, to be his wife, and died trying to escape. Yao Dizhu speculated Liu Huilan might have known she was being targeted by Yelang.
During their time in the temple, Yao Dizhu told Sun Junhao she was going to Muchen to confront a man named Sun Junhao for a debt, intending to make him fall for her and then abandon him for his arrogance. Unbeknownst to her, Sun Junhao was the man she sought. He sprinkled pear blossom powder on her clothes and played a captivating tune on his flute.
The next morning, Sun Junhao sent Ajiu to escort Yao Dizhu away, fearing Yelang, but she refused, insisting on going to Muchen alone. Exhausted and resting, she attracted three wolves. She climbed a tree in fear, only for the wolves to be killed by a masked man. This man then knocked her out and took her to Yelang's lair. Yelang demanded Liu Huilan's belongings, but Yao Dizhu feigned ignorance, claiming the hairpin was elsewhere.
Yelang ordered her execution, but Sun Junhao arrived in time with his men, rescuing her. Sun Junhao was injured, as was Yelang, who then fled with his remaining bandits. Yao Dizhu thanked Sun Junhao, realizing he had been secretly protecting her.
Despite Sun Junhao's pleas for her to return home, explaining that he had killed the wolves and Yelang would return, Yao Dizhu stubbornly insisted on following him to Muchen, recalling her master's advice that a true man is ambitious and broad-minded. She helped him bandage his wounds and vowed to stay. Soon after, Yao Dizhu collapsed with a high fever. Sun Junhao rushed her to Muchen to Mr. Baicao, who diagnosed her with a serious illness requiring rest.
Yao Dizhu, feigning additional weakness, convinced Sun Junhao to let her stay. She quickly recovered and helped Mr. Baicao in his clinic. To make Yao Dizhu give up and leave, Sun Junhao arranged for a soldier to impersonate him. Yao Dizhu confronted the impostor, finding him unimpressive, and angrily scolded him. Sun Junhao again urged her to go home, but she refused, insisting on staying to defend the country with him.
Mr. Baicao then revealed Sun Junhao's past: he was the sole survivor of a brutal war, rescued from the battlefield by Mr. Baicao and his disciple, Qu Linger. Sun Junhao was deeply depressed by the loss of his comrades, but Qu Linger's devoted care gradually healed his physical wounds and helped him regain his spirit. They lived a peaceful life, gathering herbs and shopping. However, while they were selling medicine in the city, Yelang and his bandits attacked.
Qu Linger, unwilling to abandon their precious medicines, was killed by Yelang. Heartbroken and enraged, Sun Junhao fought back fiercely, killing many bandits before Yelang escaped. Fueled by grief, vengeance, and a desire to protect the people of Muchen and honor Qu Linger, Sun Junhao re-enlisted in the army.
Episode 27 Recap
Sun Junhao returns home to explain his decision to be stationed in Mu City. His mother, Shen Shi, firmly opposes it due to safety concerns, but his father, Sun Xun, supports him on the condition that Sun Junhao marries Su Yingxue to secure an heir for the Sun family. Sun Junhao reluctantly agrees, marrying Su Yingxue. However, on their wedding night, he presents her with a divorce letter and leaves for Mu City.
A heartbroken Su Yingxue burns the letter and begs him to stay, but Sun Junhao departs anyway. In Mu City, Wild Wolf bandits, disguised as merchants or carrying explosives, wreak havoc and leave a challenge letter for Sun Junhao. Yao Dizhu bravely assists Doctor Baicao in treating the wounded. Sun Junhao urges her to leave for her safety, but she firmly refuses, vowing to stay and help protect Mu City while learning medicine.
Meanwhile, Sun Shijie struggles to make a living by selling calligraphy and paintings and running a private school. Wu Yuehong notices his plight and, at Lin Shaochun's suggestion, arranges for her disciples' children, who are beggars, to study with him. Sun Shijie discovers this arrangement and confronts Wu Yuehong. Her female disciples defend her, injuring Sun Shijie. Wu Yuehong carries him back and massages him.
Sun Shijie initially rejects her charity, but Wu Yuehong explains her desire for the children to be educated and praises his talent, warming his heart. Aunt Mei observes Sun Shijie and Wu Yuehong together and reports it to Shen Shi, who is delighted and wants Sun Shijie to return home. Lin Shaochun devises a plan for Shen Shi to feign illness.
Sun Shijie rushes home concerned, but discovers Shen Shi's ruse when she quickly recovers after a maid breaks her favorite vase, revealing leftover food in her bed. Shen Shi admits she faked illness to bring him back. Sun Shijie agrees to stay. Wu Yuehong offers him the bedroom and moves to the study. At breakfast, Sun Shijie shows affection and care for Wu Yuehong, much to her delight and the family's happiness.
Following Lin Shaochun's advice to "say no" or be reserved, Wu Yuehong tries to resist Sun Shijie's attempts to persuade her to move back to the bedroom, even though she is secretly pleased. Unable to maintain her resolve, she seeks further advice from Lin Shaochun, who counsels her not to constantly refuse him. Separately, Lin Shaochun finds lipstick on Sun Yulou's collar, making her uneasy.
Later, while visiting a temple, she learns from Madam Zhu that the yamen is closed, contradicting Sun Yulou's claim of going to work. Suspecting him, Lin Shaochun discreetly follows Sun Yulou to a lavish house. Expecting to find him with another woman, she is surprised to discover Sun Yulou alone on the bed. He reveals he orchestrated this elaborate romantic setup to test if Lin Shaochun still cared for him, feeling neglected by her busy schedule. Sun Yulou expresses his desire to have a child with her, and they share a beautiful night.
Episode 28 Recap
Lin Shaochun realizes Sun Yulou deliberately left a lipstick mark to trick her, but she plays along, using the opportunity to compensate him for neglecting him. Her maid, Xiao Cui, admires Lin Shaochun's wisdom in marital relations and notes how Lin Shaochun, usually the one setting traps, fell for Sun Yulou's. Lin Shaochun admits Sun Yulou is good to her. Heavy rains destroyed Pan Shi Bridge, stopping grain transport and causing prices to spike in the capital.
Sun Xun requests funds from the Ministry of Revenue to repair it, but Liang Jingguan accuses him of attempted embezzlement. They argue before the Emperor, who, citing a treasury deficit, challenges them to find their own solutions, promising favor to whoever succeeds first. Liang Jingguan, confident, sends Jia Fengyuan to discover Sun Xun's strategy. However, Sun Xun sees through Jia Fengyuan's intentions and cleverly avoids revealing his plans, even making him agree a non-sour tea is sour.
Tao Yao, sold into a brothel by Chen Boyuan and forced to entertain clients even while pregnant and subjected to abuse, escapes while Chen Boyuan is drunk. She inadvertently hides in the back of Jia Fengyuan's carriage. Chen Boyuan, following her, finds a handkerchief dropped by Jia Fengyuan. At home, Jia Fengyuan discovers Tao Yao and, learning she knows Sun Shijie, brings her inside. Tao Yao tearfully recounts her ordeal and begs him to contact Sun Shijie.
Jia Fengyuan initially refuses to help and is uninterested when she attempts to seduce him. When she tries to commit suicide, Jia Fengyuan stops her, offering safety and riches if she obeys him. Chen Boyuan then arrives at Jia Fengyuan's residence, claiming Tao Yao is his runaway concubine and presenting her deed of sale. Jia Fengyuan hides Tao Yao, then tricks Chen Boyuan into drinking poisoned tea. Chen Boyuan passes out, and Jia Fengyuan destroys the deed.
Chen Boyuan wakes up in a prisoner's cart, having been exiled to the frontier after Jia Fengyuan accused him of trespassing and extortion. Yao Dizhu diligently helps Mr. Baicao treat injured soldiers. When Sun Junhao assists a resistant patient, tearing his clothes, Yao Dizhu offers to mend them, but Sun Junhao refuses and provocatively visits a brothel, embracing Hong Niangzi. Enraged, Yao Dizhu confronts him, but he ignores her, driving her away.
Hong Niangzi observes Sun Junhao's gaze and suggests he likes Yao Dizhu. Sun Junhao denies it, haunted by past tragedies with Qu Ling'er and Su Yingxue, fearing he would harm Yao Dizhu. Yao Dizhu complains to Mr. Baicao, deciding to give up on Sun Junhao, but Mr. Baicao assures her Sun Junhao's actions stem from affection, complicated by his role as commander amid renewed threats from the "Wild Wolves."
Inspired, Yao Dizhu dresses beautifully and visits the camp, charming soldiers who propose marriage. Sun Junhao, displeased, throws away her flower and scolds her. She argues that as a woman jilted in the capital, she needs a reliable husband. Sun Junhao, speechless, retreats to drink and orders his subordinate, A Jiu, to warn soldiers not to look at Yao Dizhu, threatening severe punishment. Soldiers subsequently avoid her. Yao Dizhu confronts Sun Junhao, accusing him of jealousy, which he doesn't deny.
She taunts him by saying she'll marry someone else, but he stops her. As she presses him to confess his feelings, news breaks that "Wild Wolves" have killed five people to provoke him. Sun Junhao rushes out, where black-clad attackers ambush him and Yao Dizhu. Sun Junhao protects her, then kills the attackers, who reveal "Wild Wolves" placed a 10,000-silver bounty on his head.
Yao Dizhu asks what he was about to say, but he coldly tells her to marry anyone she wishes, claiming indifference. Heartbroken but feigning strength, she vows to win him. Sun Junhao later confides in Hong Niangzi, who takes him to a tree hole by the river to share his worries. Wu Yuehong teaches children martial arts, while Sun Shijie teaches reading.
The children prefer martial arts but listen to Wu Yuehong due to her promise of candy, making Sun Shijie admire her increasingly. Wanting to reconcile with her, Sun Shijie seeks advice from Sun Yulou and Lin Shaochun. Lin Shaochun suggests sincerity, while Sun Yulou recommends visiting the wishing tree at Long En Temple. Later, at Long En Temple, Sun Yulou, Shen Shi, and others join Sun Shijie and Wu Yuehong in writing wishes.
One of Sun Shijie's wishes falls from the tree and is picked up by Wu Yuehong, who discovers his desire to be "like a pair of lovebirds" with her. Delighted, she embraces him.
Episode 29 Recap
Sun Shijie accompanies Shen Shi to Longen Temple, where he briefly spots a nun resembling Tao Yao, but is called away. The Sun family, led by Sun Yulou, gathers at a wish tree. Sun Shijie, distracted, has Sun Yulou write a romantic wish for him: "May we fly as a pair of lovebirds in the sky, and grow as two branches of one tree on earth." The wish falls, and Lin Shaochun suggests Wu Yuehong read it aloud.
Wu Yuehong, unable to fully grasp its meaning, leaves Sun Shijie disappointed, who feigns a stomachache and departs. Xu Fengqiao later retrieves the wish and realizes its romantic nature, and Lin Shaochun explains its meaning to Wu Yuehong, who is initially delighted. Sun Shijie finds Tao Yao and Song Lian hiding at the temple, with Tao Yao struggling and being admonished. Song Lian tells Tao Yao that Sun Shijie is nearby.
Tao Yao initially wants to avoid him, claiming she wants him to live well without her, even though she is pregnant with his child (a fact she initially tries to deny to Song Lian). Overhearing their conversation, Sun Shijie learns of the pregnancy and prevents Tao Yao from leaving, reconciling with her. Wu Yuehong and Lin Shaochun, searching for Sun Shijie, witness him embracing (or carefully helping) Tao Yao.
Sun Shijie apologizes to Wu Yuehong, revealing Tao Yao's pregnancy, which leaves Wu Yuehong heartbroken. She throws the wish slip at him as Sun Shijie and Tao Yao depart. Shen Shi brings Tao Yao back to the Sun family. Sun Shijie and Tao Yao kneel before Sun Xun and Shen Shi. Sun Xun permits Tao Yao to stay temporarily until the child's birth, after which a blood test will confirm paternity; if not Sun Shijie's, she must leave the family.
Wu Yuehong, angered by Tao Yao's favored status, attacks her, but Sun Shijie protects Tao Yao and takes her away. Tao Yao is given a grand room and expresses her excitement at finally being in the Sun family, though she feigns shame that her pregnancy is the reason. Sun Shijie reassures her, but Tao Yao notices a change in his attitude. Wu Yuehong complains to Lin Shaochun and Sun Yulou.
Lin Shaochun advises caution and asks Sun Yulou to investigate Tao Yao's past via Chen Boyuan. Lin Shaochun later learns Chen Boyuan is missing and suspects Tao Yao. Tao Yao confronts Lin Shaochun, boasting about Sun Shijie's devotion and warning Lin Shaochun not to investigate Chen Boyuan, claiming she has retrieved her bond of servitude. She also uses her pregnancy to threaten Lin Shaochun.
Meanwhile, Baicao Xiansheng falls while gathering herbs, and Yao Dizhu promptly helps him, noticing a severe injury and advising him to stop. Sun Junhao summons Baicao Xiansheng and Yao Dizhu as many soldiers suffer from a high fever, diagnosed as a plague-like illness requiring the rare "hu'er cao". Yao Dizhu volunteers to collect the herb. Sun Junhao, concerned for her safety (fearing wolves), secretly follows.
Yao Dizhu consumes "diburong" for thirst, and Sun Junhao mistakes the red juice for her spitting blood, rushing to her aid. Yao Dizhu then asks him to help gather herbs. Bandits seize Yao Dizhu, mistaking her for Sun Junhao's lover, and use her to threaten him. Sun Junhao, feigning indifference to distract them, declares Yao Dizhu an ordinary citizen of Muchen. When the bandits attempt to kill her, Sun Junhao swiftly kills the bandit.
Yao Dizhu is deeply hurt by his apparent disregard, but Sun Junhao explains his priority is to protect Muchen and its people, promising to avenge her if she died. Despite this, Yao Dizhu initially withdraws from him, focusing solely on caring for the patients. Later, villagers chop down an old tree and discover numerous love letters from Sun Junhao to Yao Dizhu hidden within its hollow.
The letters become public knowledge, embarrassing Sun Junhao, with the entire city talking about them. Yao Dizhu, while initially shy, reads the letters and is overjoyed. She confronts an embarrassed Sun Junhao, praises his writing, expresses her feelings, and demands he take responsibility. Yao Dizhu reveals she had always known he was "Second Master" and understood his previous attempt to send her away using an imposter. She vows to stay and protect Muchen with him. Deeply moved by her profound affection, Sun Junhao embraces her, promising their love is eternal.
Episode 30 Recap
Lin Shaochun, troubled by Tao Yao's manipulations and her pregnancy with Sun Shijie's child while residing in the Sun Manor, seeks advice from Liu Sanjue. Liu Sanjue suggests she wait for Tao Yao to expose herself before taking action. Lin Shaochun then enlists Liu Wushuang to help devise a plan. Tao Yao begins to ingratiate herself, flattering Shen Qingyao, styling her hair, and providing delicious food, quickly winning her favor.
She pretends to reconcile with Wu Yuehong, bringing her food, but Wu Yuehong suspects poison and rejects her. Tao Yao then intentionally spills hot soup on herself in front of Sun Shijie, blaming Wu Yuehong. Sun Shijie scolds Wu Yuehong and leaves with Tao Yao, causing Wu Yuehong deep hurt. Shen Qingyao sends Tao Yao supplements, which Tao Yao generously distributes to the servants, earning their praise and consolidating her position in the manor.
Observing Tao Yao's growing influence, Xu Fengqiao, irritated, invites Tao Yao to play a card game. Tao Yao, a skilled player, deliberately loses, owing Xu Fengqiao money and even kneeling in defeat. This convinces Xu Fengqiao to drop her guard, believing Tao Yao to be harmless. Tao Yao later explains to her maid, Songlian, that this was a strategic move to disarm Xu Fengqiao.
Songlian also reminds Tao Yao that Jia Fengyuan is pressing them for action, but Tao Yao prioritizes securing her standing in the manor first. Meanwhile, Wu Yuehong continues training her disciples. Sun Shijie attempts to apologize but Wu Yuehong ignores him, even kicking him down during a training demonstration. Feeling unappreciated, Sun Shijie leaves. Tao Yao, knowing Shen Qingyao's fondness for orchids, places many pots in Wu Yuehong's training area to provoke her.
When Wu Yuehong angrily demands they be moved, Sun Shijie passes by. Tao Yao either deliberately breaks a pot or injures her hand while moving them, prompting Sun Shijie to blame Wu Yuehong, comfort Tao Yao (even covering her with Wu Yuehong's favorite clothes), and scold his wife. Wu Yuehong is enraged and heartbroken, at one point seeking solace at Jishantang. Desperate, Wu Yuehong seeks Lin Shaochun's advice.
Lin Shaochun suggests Wu Yuehong pretend to reconcile with Tao Yao by taking her shopping, to understand her better before ultimately defeating her. Wu Yuehong agrees and takes Tao Yao to a renowned rouge shop. There, Tao Yao spots someone resembling Chen Boyuan entering a tea house opposite. Terrified, she sends word to have him arrested. However, the man turns out to be Liu Wushuang in disguise.
Tao Yao, upon learning it wasn't Chen Boyuan, fears his continued existence and instructs Songlian to tell Jia Fengyuan to eliminate him. Concurrently, Xiaocui informs Lin Shaochun about the incident, leading Lin Shaochun to suspect official involvement and ask Sun Yulou to investigate if any recently exiled individuals match Chen Boyuan's description. In a separate development, Wild Wolf's activities have become rampant. Sun Junhao resolves to proactively eliminate him.
Yao Dizhu devises a clever strategy: spread false information to lure Wild Wolf into a trap, then use an "empty city" ruse to ambush and annihilate his forces. Sun Junhao gathers his soldiers for a farewell drink, promising to marry Yao Dizhu upon his triumphant return. Wild Wolf, believing Sun Junhao's army has fully mobilized, confidently leads his men to attack the supposedly undefended city. Upon entering, he finds the city empty, and the gates close, revealing the trap.
Sun Junhao and his soldiers emerge, engaging Wild Wolf in battle. Wild Wolf is ultimately defeated and killed by Sun Junhao. The soldiers cheer, and Sun Junhao publicly declares Yao Dizhu the woman he will never let down, crediting her with the victory and prompting her to press for marriage.
Episode 31 Recap
Sun Junhao celebrates the defeat of the wild wolves. Yao Dizhu, who did not attend the celebration, helps Mr. Baicao dry herbs, thinking happily of Sun Junhao. After Mr. Baicao leaves, Yao Dizhu discovers a severely injured man, Gu Ye, hidden in a haystack. Gu Ye claims he was forced into banditry a year ago, was beaten for refusing, and only got severely injured on his first robbery.
He insists he never harmed anyone and asks Yao Dizhu to verify his story with a Liu couple at General's Slope. Yao Dizhu bandages his wounds, and while initially skeptical, she temporarily believes him, though she warns him after he compliments her scent. Meanwhile, Sun Xun is delighted after finding a solution to the national treasury deficit, a task given by the Emperor to him and Liang Jingguan.
His wife, Shen Qingyao, and Aunt Mei compete to congratulate him, much to Shen Qingyao's annoyance. Taoyao tries to please Sun Xun and Shen Qingyao by serving them. Sun Xun is unwelcoming towards Taoyao, but Shen Qingyao defends her, urging Taoyao to rest for her pregnancy and leave chores to servants. Taoyao feigns guilt, claiming she wants to work due to causing trouble.
Later, Shen Qingyao and Aunt Mei again vie for Sun Xun's attention, leading to Shen Qingyao kicking Aunt Mei. Annoyed, Sun Xun leaves. Taoyao is caught by Sun Xun secretly searching his study for his national strategy. She quickly claims she was cleaning, but Sun Xun notices the document drawer has been disturbed. He warns her not to enter his study again without exposing her.
Sun Yulou informs Lin Shaochun that Chen Boyuan was exiled to the frontier and subsequently drowned en route. Lin Shaochun suspects Chen Boyuan was murdered to silence him, believing Taoyao has ulterior motives and is backed by a court official. Lacking concrete evidence, Lin Shaochun decides to wait for Taoyao to make a mistake. Meanwhile, Songlian's secret meeting with Jia Fengyuan's contact is compromised when she is followed, and a crucial message is destroyed by a passing carriage.
Taoyao, realizing they are exposed, devises a new plan: Songlian is to bribe a fruit vendor to relay messages to Jia Fengyuan. Lin Shaochun instructs Nanny Chang to monitor Songlian. Nanny Chang discovers the suspicious exchange with a fruit vendor and tracks him to Jia Fengyuan's residence. Lin Shaochun, realizing Su Yingxue is in Jia Fengyuan's household, decides to send a guqin to Su Yingxue, hoping she can help uncover information about Jia Fengyuan.
Inside Jia Fengyuan's residence, Su Yingxue overhears him giving Sun Xun's stolen national treasury plan to Liang Jingguan. She is caught eavesdropping and quickly pretends to be delivering dim sum, but is dismissed. Liang Jingguan, suspicious of Su Yingxue, urges Jia Fengyuan to eliminate her and Taoyao. Jia Fengyuan is reluctant, citing Su Yingxue's pregnancy with his child, but warns her that his hatred for the Sun family, especially Sun Xun, runs deep, blaming Sun Xun for his father's death.
He forbids her from leaving the house. Lin Shaochun sends a kite into Jia Fengyuan's residence, bearing a coded message in musical notes. Su Yingxue recognizes Lin Shaochun's handwriting and message. Jia Fengyuan sees the kite but, not understanding the message, tears it. Feeling indebted to Lin Shaochun, Su Yingxue fakes abdominal pain to summon a midwife. She bribes the midwife with her jade bracelet to deliver a message to Lin Shaochun.
Lin Shaochun learns from the midwife that Taoyao and Jia Fengyuan are conspiring against Sun Xun. She rushes to inform Sun Xun, but he has already left for court. Liang Jingguan presents the stolen plan to the Emperor, who is initially pleased. Liang Jingguan boasts that his strategies will greatly enrich the treasury and make the Emperor rely on him. Upon Sun Xun's return, he convenes a family meeting.
Lin Shaochun publicly accuses Taoyao of stealing Sun Xun's national strategy for Jia Fengyuan. She reveals she had dusted gold powder on Sun Xun's papers in his study and points to Taoyao's handprints as proof. Taoyao admits to touching the documents. Shen Qingyao and Aunt Mei demand Taoyao's arrest. Sun Shijie pleads for Taoyao, citing her pregnancy, while Wu Yuehong is furious. Sun Yulou and Sun Jingge insist on legal punishment.
However, Sun Xun reveals that Taoyao did not betray the Sun family. He explains that he had caught Taoyao trying to steal documents and, upon her confession about Jia Fengyuan's bribery, orchestrated a counter-scheme. Taoyao, realizing Jia Fengyuan's unreliability, chose to side with the Sun family, following Sun Xun's instructions to modify and deliver the false documents to Jia Fengyuan. Lin Shaochun is shocked by Taoyao's cunning.
A few days later, the Emperor discovers Liang Jingguan's plan is ruthless and would lose public support, becoming furious and reprimanding him. Sun Xun then presents his own, superior plan, which the Emperor approves, giving him full authority and reinstating Sun Shijie to assist him. Liang Jingguan is sent home for reflection, realizing he walked into Sun Xun's trap. Sun Xun further humiliates Liang Jingguan by forcing him to apologize to the officials he had harmed.
Jia Fengyuan is implicated by Liang Jingguan and exiled to Lingnan. He hastily prepares to leave. Sun Xun visits Jia Fengyuan, who attempts to ingratiate himself. Sun Xun reveals he knows Jia Fengyuan is Jia Zhen's son, not Jia Shicai's, and clarifies that the Emperor, not Sun Xun, ordered Jia Zhen's execution years ago, and that Sun Xun had even tried to save Jia Zhen. Su Yingxue, pregnant, comforts Jia Fengyuan, pledging to stay by his side.
Moved, Jia Fengyuan asks her to remain in the capital to care for their child, sparing her from his suffering. Exhausted from managing household affairs, Lin Shaochun coughs frequently. Shen Qingyao, concerned for Lin Shaochun's health, suggests Taoyao take over household management. Sun Xun initially refuses, prioritizing Taoyao's pregnancy. However, after Shen Qingyao shows him Taoyao's impeccably organized accounts, Sun Xun agrees to let Taoyao temporarily manage the household.
Sun Yulou, Wu Yuehong, and Sun Jingge are displeased by Taoyao's new role. Taoyao, feeling triumphant, tries to show Sun Shijie a cooling windmill she made. Sun Shijie, however, is indifferent and makes excuses to leave, citing national affairs, causing Taoyao to realize he is actively avoiding her. Songlian suggests he might just be tired.
Episode 32 Recap
Sun Shijie reconciles with Wu Yuehong, admitting his feelings for Tao Yao were fleeting and that he now values Wu Yuehong. Seeing this, Tao Yao, realizing Sun Shijie no longer loves her and reminded by Song Lian that her unborn child is not Chen Boyuan's, plots to frame Wu Yuehong. She feigns friendship, then deliberately falls down the stairs, faking a miscarriage and accusing Wu Yuehong of pushing her. Jiang Taiyi confirms the miscarriage.
Despite Wu Yuehong's denials, Shen Shi, supported by Sun Xun, dismisses the matter to avoid further complications. Wu Yuehong realizes Tao Yao wants her divorced, but Tao Yao's plans are complicated by the Sun-Wu family alliance. Sun Shijie scolds Wu Yuehong for speaking ill of Tao Yao, leading Wu Yuehong to leave in anger. Lin Shaochun advises Wu Yuehong to leave the Sun family, believing it will expose Tao Yao's manipulative nature, but Wu Yuehong hesitates.
Meanwhile, Xu Fengqiao recognizes Tao Yao's cunning and warns her household staff to be vigilant. Xu Fengqiao later discovers Tao Yao has been mismanaging and misappropriating funds from the household accounts. When confronted, Tao Yao uses a debt owed to her by Sun Jingge as leverage to warn Xu Fengqiao against interfering in her affairs. Separately, Gu Ye, recovering from his injuries, attempts to win over Yao Dizhu, urging her to leave Sun Junhao, but she rejects his advances.
Sun Junhao investigates Gu Ye and discovers he lied about his past; his village, General's Slope, was destroyed by "Wild Wolves" a year ago, making his bandit capture story improbable. Yao Dizhu, initially distrustful, softens towards Gu Ye after he saves her from wolves on the mountain and carries her down after she sprains her ankle. However, when Sun Junhao finds them, Gu Ye declares his intention to marry Yao Dizhu, sparking jealousy in Sun Junhao.
Yao Dizhu diffuses the tension, calling Gu Ye a child. Sun Junhao, suspicious, orders A Jiu to watch Gu Ye, especially after learning he trains homing pigeons, fearing they are used for espionage. Gu Ye publicly demonstrates his control over the pigeons, forming the character "珠" with them, and professes his love again, momentarily swaying Yao Dizhu. Fearing he will lose Yao Dizhu, Sun Junhao proposes marriage, and she joyfully accepts.
However, the day before their wedding, soldiers are poisoned at a banquet, and a note from "Wild Wolf" threatens Sun Junhao, forcing him to cancel the wedding. Meanwhile, Sun Yulou visits his sister, Sun Youzhen, in the palace. Sun Youzhen tasks him with organizing the Grand Consort's funeral, suggesting it could be a path to promotion. Sun Yulou initially demurs, wishing to earn his rank independently, but agrees after she mentions Sun Xun.
He later takes Lin Shaochun shopping, where she selects a precious hairpin. Sun Yulou recognizes it as a funerary item belonging to the late Consort Yun, raising concerns about theft within the palace.
Episode 33 Recap
To uncover the truth behind a high-profile theft and expose multiple conspirators, Lin Shaochun devises a cunning plan. She has Sun Yulou feign illness, using red phosphorus powder, so that Sun Shijie is appointed to host the funeral for the Consort Dowager. This move is part of a "three birds with one stone" scheme designed to test Taoyao's loyalty, identify the real thieves, clear Sun Shijie's name, and ultimately bring down Liang Jingguan.
During the Consort Dowager's funeral, chaos erupts when the coffin is robbed, and the guards are killed. Liang Jingguan seizes this opportunity to frame Sun Shijie for the crime. He orders Sun Shijie's arrest and, through torture, coerces captured thieves to implicate Sun Shijie and plant stolen items in his duty room. With seemingly irrefutable evidence, the Emperor sentences Sun Shijie to death and confines Sun Xun to his home.
Desperate, Sun Youzhen, Sun Xun, and Sun Yulou plead with the Emperor. Sun Youzhen's persistence eventually secures an audience. Despite their initial reluctance, Sun Yulou, defying his family's concerns, vows to uncover the truth within seven days, promising to share Sun Shijie's fate if he fails. The Emperor grants his request. Meanwhile, the Sun household is in turmoil. Taoyao, fearing the Sun family's downfall, attempts to sell her valuables through Songlian.
Lin Shaochun, having tasked Taoyao with household management to test her, orchestrates Concubine Mei and Manager Song to sell jewels, prompting Taoyao to follow suit. Taoyao then tries to escape with what she believes are silver notes but is intercepted at the dock by Sun Xun, Shen Shi, Lin Shaochun, and Sun Yulou. Lin Shaochun exposes Taoyao's deception: her pregnancy was with another man's child, conceived after leaving Sun Shijie, and she faked a miscarriage, framing Wu Yuehong.
Lin Shaochun also reveals that Sun Shijie's role in the funeral was part of their plan to expose Taoyao. Furious, Taoyao discovers her silver notes are fake. Taoyao and Songlian are arrested. On the final day of the seven-day deadline, Sun Yulou presents his evidence to the Emperor. He reveals he had secretly sprinkled mandrake powder on the funeral items. When the captured thieves are presented, they show clear signs of rashes, while Sun Shijie is unharmed.
Sun Yulou further exposes the thieves as former palace tricksters. The Emperor declares Sun Shijie innocent and orders the thieves' execution. Sun Yulou then publicly accuses Liang Jingguan as the mastermind behind the frame-up. Despite Liang Jingguan's denials, the Emperor, considering his old age, dismisses him from his post. Sun Xun later attempts a conciliatory gesture towards Liang Jingguan, but it is rejected.
With the crisis resolved, Sun Yulou expresses relief and his desire to have a son with Lin Shaochun, who is happy for Wu Yuehong's reconciliation. Sun Shijie goes to the Wu family to reconcile with Wu Yuehong. Her father, Father Wu, initially furious, orders his household guards to beat Sun Shijie. Wu Yuehong bravely intervenes to protect him, and Sun Shijie apologizes profusely.
Although Father Wu suggests a divorce, Wu Yuehong, still devoted to Sun Shijie, chooses to return home with him after her father's reluctant consent and warnings. Later, Lin Shaochun, Sun Yulou, Sun Shijie, and Wu Yuehong go on an outing and encounter Taoyao working as a qin player. Wu Yuehong initially desires to confront her, but Sun Shijie advises against it, considering Taoyao irrelevant. They ignore Taoyao, who also pretends not to recognize them. Lin Shaochun also speaks with Liu Sanjue, suspecting an old connection between her and Sun Xun and Shen Shi.
Episode 34 Recap
The wedding of Sun Junhao and Yao Dizhu was postponed after a poisoning incident left many soldiers dead and the culprit at large. Sun Junhao vowed to eliminate the "wild wolf" remnants before holding a grand ceremony. While tending to medicine, Yao Dizhu burned her finger and became tearful, missing her distant parents on her upcoming birthday. Guye, upset with Sun Junhao for the disrupted wedding, discovered it was Yao Dizhu's birthday.
He attempted to leave the city to pick her favorite begonias but was violently stopped by guards. Sun Junhao intervened and brought Guye back, explaining the city lockdown. Yao Dizhu learned Guye's intentions. When Sun Junhao prepared to escort imperial grain, he promised to marry Yao Dizhu in three days upon his return, despite her wanting to share his hardship sooner.
Guye, overhearing this, left in a huff, prompting Yao Dizhu to confront him about his selfish love; he vowed never to give up on her. During the grain escort, Sun Junhao's convoy was ambushed by bandits, leading him to suspect Guye had leaked information, though he lacked proof. To identify the spy, Sun Junhao sent different individuals, including Yao Dizhu and Guye, to four separate grain camps after receiving reports of potential theft.
The Nan Taolin camp, where Guye was sent, was set on fire. Sun Junhao immediately accused Guye of being a "wild wolf" spy. Guye denied this, claiming his actions were solely to prevent Sun Junhao and Yao Dizhu's marriage. Yao Dizhu vehemently defended Guye, insisting on his innocence and offering to share his punishment, emphasizing that she viewed him as a brother. Amidst public demands for Guye's execution for revenge, Sun Junhao reluctantly ordered it.
However, a last-minute report of another murder in the city led Sun Junhao to temporarily imprison Guye. Later, both Guye and Yao Dizhu were instructed to leave, with Guye vowing to protect Yao Dizhu. Meanwhile, Sun Xun's daughter, Sun Youde, became a widow at 28, without children, after her husband from the Li family suddenly died. Her mother, Shen Shi, was distraught. Sun Xun sought family members to accompany Shen Shi to the Li family for the funeral rites.
Sun Shijie couldn't go, announcing Wu Yuehong's pregnancy, which brought joy to the family. Sun Jingge was asked, but his wife, Xu Fengqiao, feigned illness, unwilling to be outshone by Wu Yuehong. Sun Yulou volunteered but was ordered by Sun Xun to remain in the capital due to the Emperor's high regard for him. Lin Shaochun and Aunt Mei then volunteered to accompany Shen Shi, and Sun Xun readily agreed.
Xu Fengqiao, fiercely competitive after learning of Wu Yuehong's pregnancy, coerced Sun Jingge into staying home to conceive a child, a scene witnessed by the storyteller Liu Wushuang. During the journey to the Li family, Shen Shi grieved deeply, while Lin Shaochun offered comfort and shared her contrasting views on remarriage, believing family honor shouldn't restrict personal happiness. Lin Shaochun also unexpectedly spotted Liu Wushuang in the city.
At the Li residence, the Li family, particularly Li Ying and Li Xiang's wife Xilan, showed hostility. They were displeased with Shen Shi's 2,000 tael offering and suggested the Sun family stay at an inn, claiming no space. Sun Youde intervened, offering her own courtyard. Lin Shaochun discovered Li Ying held an old grudge against Sun Youde for exposing her past affair. Li Xiang attempted to swindle money from Sun Youde with fake account books, which Lin Shaochun exposed.
He demanded 10,000 taels to buy a position, but Sun Youde refused, urging him to earn his merits. Li Xiang angrily complained to his mother. At dinner, Li Xiang continued to press for money, and Li Ying insinuated that Sun Youde was hoarding funds to remarry. Shen Shi was enraged by the Li family's conduct. Sun Youde, feeling distrusted, offered to hand over the account books to her mother-in-law, who refused, fearing ridicule.
Later, Li Xiang and Xilan plotted to seize control of Sun Youde's finances. However, an encounter with what they believed to be their deceased elder brother's ghost led them to apologize profusely to Sun Youde the next morning, much to the confusion of Sun Youde and Lin Shaochun.
Episode 35 Recap
At the Li family's estate, a somber funeral for the eldest son is underway. Mrs. Li, though comforted by Shen Shi, is soon embroiled in scandal. During an outing in the garden with Shen Shi, Lin Shaochun, and Sun Youde, Mrs. Li boasts about Li Ying's exceptional embroidery. However, a man suddenly crashes the gathering, claiming to be Li Ying's lover and presenting her exquisitely embroidered undergarment as proof.
Mrs. Li recognizes the embroidery as Li Ying's, but Li Ying denies knowing the man. Deeply embarrassed, Mrs. Li has the man driven away. The strange incident leaves Mrs. Li unsettled, and while Lin Shaochun advises caution, Sun Youde suspects a hidden hand at play. Meanwhile, Mocheng faces a bandit crisis. Sun Junhao prepares for a dangerous mission to gather reinforcements, with Yao Dizhu's full support.
Before leaving, he entrusts Yao Dizhu's protection to Guye, sternly warning him not to harm her. Guye, however, harbors a secret agenda. He is actually Jia Yunpeng, the younger brother of Jia Fengyuan. Their father, Jia Zhen, was framed and died, leading to the brothers' separation and their family's ruin. Jia Fengyuan, now a high official, has meticulously planned revenge against Sun Xun, Sun Junhao's father, believing him responsible for their tragedy.
Guye, adopted by a bandit leader and later becoming the powerful "Wild Wolf," reconnects with Jia Fengyuan. Jia Fengyuan manipulates Guye, urging him to continue as a bandit leader and orchestrate Sun Junhao's death to make Sun Xun suffer. Guye initially gains Sun Junhao's trust, especially through Yao Dizhu. Jia Fengyuan and Guye plot to assassinate Sun Junhao. They ambush him while he is traveling alone, believing they have successfully killed him.
However, Sun Junhao, protected by special imperial armor filled with blood, faked his death. He later leads a surprise attack on the bandit stronghold, forcing a wounded Jia Fengyuan and Guye to escape. Jia Fengyuan then orders Guye to kill Yao Dizhu. Guye refuses, admitting his feelings for her, but Jia Fengyuan insists that revenge must take precedence. Yao Dizhu, having been warned by Sun Junhao and given a powerful poison, safflower powder, already knows Guye's true identity.
She had poisoned Guye but withheld the antidote, desperately trying to persuade him to abandon his path of vengeance. Guye, however, remains resolute. As Sun Junhao and his troops arrive, Guye tells Yao Dizhu to learn from his example and not trust easily. During the ensuing battle, Guye thanks Yao Dizhu, wishes her and Sun Junhao happiness, and then commits suicide. The masked bandits with him also take poison and die.
A distraught Yao Dizhu reveals she hadn't intended for Guye to die and had hoped to save him. Guye dies without revealing his accomplices. Overcome with grief, Yao Dizhu is comforted by Sun Junhao, who promises they will marry soon. Though offered a mission by the prefect to suppress bandits in Liyang, Sun Junhao prioritizes his wedding, declining the request. Sun Junhao and Yao Dizhu celebrate a grand wedding.
On their wedding night, Yao Dizhu presents Sun Junhao with a resignation letter, encouraging him to fulfill his duty to the court and assuring him she will wait for his return. Meanwhile, Jia Fengyuan, though saddened by Guye's death, is forced to depart for Lingnan, where pirates are rampant.
Episode 36 Recap
On the second day of their marriage, Sun Junhao led his soldiers to Liyang. Yao Dizhu packed her luggage, preparing to return to the capital to fulfill her filial duties to her parents. Mr. Baicao encouraged her to use her medical knowledge to benefit the common people, and also bought her favorite snacks as a gift. Yao Dizhu and Mr. Baicao reluctantly parted ways, and she embarked on her journey back to the capital.
The Li family submitted a petition to the imperial court, forcing Sun Youde to commit suicide for her husband. The magistrate personally came to the Li manor to supervise the execution. When Lin Shaochun learned of this, she rushed over to investigate. Sun Youde suddenly started vomiting incessantly. Lin Shaochun examined her and discovered she was pregnant. Li Ying used the excuse that she couldn't explain this to the magistrate. Lin Shaochun personally came to explain to the magistrate.
Li Xiang insisted that Sun Youde commit suicide, otherwise it would implicate the magistrate. Lin Shaochun brought up Sun Xun, and also accused the magistrate of forcing two lives to their deaths. The magistrate, wary of Sun Xun's influence, had no choice but to drop the matter. Li Ying invited a doctor to examine Sun Youde's pulse.
Lin Shaochun quickly called Madam Li aside and explained the stakes to her: if Sun Youde was truly pregnant, the imperial court would definitely punish the Li family; if Sun Youde was not pregnant, the Li family would still bear the infamy of forcing Sun Youde to resort to such a desperate measure, and Li Ying would have difficulty marrying off later. Madam Li weighed her options repeatedly, then, using Sun Youde's pregnancy as an excuse, sent the magistrate away.
In fact, Sun Youde was not pregnant; Lin Shaochun had helped her come up with this idea to temporarily cope. Li Ying was relentless and hurled insults at Sun Youde. Lin Shaochun then asked Sun Youde to help her with something. Sun Youde spent money to have Li Xiang become a student at the county school. Even if he couldn't secure an official position in the future, he could use the opportunity to build connections with court officials.
Li Xiang was naturally overjoyed and extremely grateful to Sun Youde. Li Xiang reported to the county school on time and unintentionally overheard people discussing Li Ying being involved with a bad man. Li Xiang was overcome with shame. Xilan urged Shen Qingyao and Lin Shaochun to leave the Li family as soon as possible. Sun Youde wanted to wait until she was more stable before discussing it.
Li Ying also sent someone to brew a prenatal tonic for Sun Youde, repeatedly threatening that if Sun Youde wasn't pregnant, drinking it would be life-threatening. Lin Shaochun quickly helped Sun Youde pick up some food, seizing the opportunity to knock over the medicine bowl and break it. Li Ying was relentless and forcibly dragged Sun Youde to the kitchen to drink the medicine. Shen Qingyao stepped forward to stop Li Ying.
Li Xiang, furious, ran home and, without a word, severely beat Li Ying. Madam Li rushed out to stop him. Li Xiang felt utterly humiliated, having been mocked by his classmates. Li Ying offered all sorts of explanations. Xilan hurled insults at Li Ying. The two of them started arguing fiercely at the slightest disagreement, eventually coming to blows. Madam Li was so angry that she fainted on the spot. Madam Li finally woke up.
She sent everyone away, wanting to be alone for a while. Madam Li didn't know what to do and sought help from an old servant nearby. The old servant advised her not to ruin Li Xiang's official career for the sake of Li Ying. Madam Li decided to agree to Li Ying's marriage with that man, promising to provide money and effort to help him establish a household, as long as he treated Li Ying well.
Li Ying firmly refused, stating she didn't even know the man. Li Xiang fanned the flames from the side. Madam Li tried to persuade Li Ying to consider Li Xiang's official career. Li Ying became furious, shouting loudly at Li Xiang and his wife. The three of them started fighting. Madam Li quickly stepped forward to stop them, telling Li Ying to marry that man or get out of the house. Li Ying weighed her options repeatedly and finally agreed.
Li Xiang sent invitations to his classmates, inviting everyone to Li Ying's wedding. When the examiner came for the test, all his classmates answered fluently, but Li Xiang stammered and couldn't recite. The examiner severely reprimanded him and ordered him to be arrested for a thorough investigation into how he managed to get into the county school. Li Xiang's repeated pleas for mercy were futile. Madam Li, upon learning of Li Xiang's arrest, was utterly distraught.
She urged Sun Youde to raise money to bail Li Xiang out. Lin Shaochun suggested a family division, so that Xilan could use her share of the money to save Li Xiang; otherwise, Xilan would have to raise the money herself. Madam Li considered it repeatedly and agreed to divide the family assets as soon as possible. Sun Youde received a quiet large residence.
Lin Shaochun advised her to sell the house quickly and go live somewhere where no one knew her. Lin Shaochun called Liu Wushuang to help Sun Youde manage her household affairs. Sun Youde was immediately stunned. She and Liu Wushuang had met seven years ago during the Ghost Festival. That night, the lanterns on the street suddenly caught fire and burned, causing people to flee in all directions.
Sun Youde got separated from her maid, Shui Rong, and accidentally had her foot trampled by the surging crowd. Terrified, she crouched on the ground, crying incessantly. Fortunately, Liu Wushuang appeared in time and helped Sun Youde up. Liu Wushuang fell in love with Sun Youde at first sight and took the opportunity to express his feelings to her. Sun Youde, however, considered him a bad person.
Liu Wushuang escorted Sun Youde to her doorstep and then left without looking back. After Sun Youde grew up, Shen Qingyao invited a nanny to teach her etiquette. Sun Youde practiced many times but could never grasp the essentials and was scolded by the nanny. Sun Xun returned from his inspection in Hainan, bringing back many local specialties. That day happened to be Sun Youde's birthday. Sun Xun let her choose a gift first, and Sun Youde picked an inkstone.
Sun Jingge also wanted it and started fighting with her over it, resulting in the inkstone shattering into pieces. Sun Youde cried heartbrokenly. Soon after, Shen Qingyao invited a matchmaker to arrange a marriage for Sun Youde, but Sun Youde firmly refused to marry.
Episode 37 Recap
Shen Shi considered a match between Sun Youde and the Wu family young master, but after hearing of his ailments and Sun Youde's strong reluctance, she decided to reconsider. Troubled, Sun Youde met Liu Wushuang, who encouraged her to write her wishes on a Kongming lantern. Sun Youde inscribed the names of the disliked Li Momo, Sun Jingge, and the matchmaker on it.
Miraculously, all three subsequently suffered misfortunes, making Sun Youde deeply grateful to Liu Wushuang and convinced of his method's efficacy. Sun Youde began meeting Liu Wushuang secretly, sometimes escaping through a wall or dog hole to enjoy time in the city. Their affection deepened significantly. However, Sun Xun arranged a marriage for Sun Youde with Li Moxie, the eldest son of the wealthy Li family.
When he discovered Sun Youde's secret outings, he confined her and insisted on the marriage, despite Sun Youde's steadfast refusal and Shen Shi's initial hesitation about the Li family's status. Sun Xun, suspecting Sun Youde had a lover, threatened Liu Wushuang's life to force her compliance. Sun Youde and Liu Wushuang planned to elope, agreeing to meet by the river. Sun Xun's servants ambushed Liu Wushuang, who barely escaped by jumping into the river.
Sun Youde arrived to find only bloodstains and Liu Wushuang's belongings, believing him dead. Devastated, she was forced to marry Li Moxie. However, on her wedding day, she was overjoyed to see Liu Wushuang alive among the crowd. Lin Shaochun later revealed that Liu Wushuang had been secretly helping Sun Youde. Lin Shaochun then persuaded Shen Shi to reluctantly bless Sun Youde and Liu Wushuang's reunion, as Sun Youde's life with the Li family was unhappy.
Meanwhile, Sun Yulou visited his sister Sun Youzhen, who comically dodged Princess Zhaohua, fearing the princess would endlessly discuss plays with her. Sun Youzhen gave Sun Yulou a collection of gifts for the family, including an admired enamel snuff bottle for him. The Emperor invited Sun Youzhen and Sun Yulou to a hunting trip. Princess Zhaohua, secretly joining the hunt dressed as a man, was nearly thrown from her horse after shooting an eagle.
Sun Yulou swiftly saved her, captivating Princess Zhaohua, who instantly declared her desire to marry him. Despite the Emperor's reminder that Sun Yulou was already married, she persisted, and Sun Yulou agreed to divorce Lin Shaochun. Upon returning to the Sun mansion with Shen Shi, Lin Shaochun received a divorce letter from Sun Yulou.
Though angered, Lin Shaochun accepted, agreeing to fulfill Sun Yulou's wishes, but subtly suggested Princess Zhaohua send more wealth and treasures if she felt guilty for taking her husband. Princess Zhaohua, feeling some guilt, sent many valuable gifts to Lin Shaochun. Suspecting Sun Yulou's true nature, Princess Zhaohua summoned him.
Sun Yulou's attempts to ingratiate himself by harshly scolding the maid Caijin and his later inappropriate advances towards Caijin during a wardrobe change revealed his true unpleasant and lecherous character, leaving Princess Zhaohua thoroughly disgusted and avoiding him.
Episode 38 Recap
The story begins with the Emperor and Sun Youzhen discussing the impropriety of Sun Yulou's proposed marriage to Princess Zhaohua. The Princess herself cancels the engagement, branding Sun Yulou a scoundrel. With this cleared, Sun Yulou convinces Lin Shaochun, who had temporarily returned to the Lin manor, to come back home to have children, even carrying her back when she initially resists. Upon their return, they encounter Sun Yourong, Sun Yulou's third sister, who has come back from Changzhou.
Sun Yourong claims to have prospered by lending money, showcasing lavish but old-fashioned jewelry. However, Lin Shaochun quickly grows suspicious of her financial boasts. She observes Sun Yourong's maids hungrily eating leftovers and notices the maids do not even know Sun Yourong's preferred tea, confirming Lin Shaochun's suspicion that Sun Yourong is in fact in financial distress.
Lin Shaochun discreetly warns Xu Fengqiao and Wu Yuehong against investing in Sun Yourong's "business," leading them to decide against it after witnessing the maids' poor state. Aunt Mei is initially persuaded by Sun Yourong. Later, Sun Yourong desperately tries to convince her family to invest, but everyone finds excuses to refuse. That night, Sun Jingge is caught by Xu Fengqiao attempting to steal money from her. He claims it is for business, but Lin Shaochun is skeptical.
Lin Shaochun and Sun Yulou devise a plan to help him. Sun Yulou buys Sun Jingge's antique birdcage for a significant sum. Sun Jingge then secretly gives this money to Sun Yourong, who urgently accepts it, asking him to keep it a secret. Sun Yulou and Lin Shaochun confront Sun Jingge shortly after. Shen Qingyao notices bruises on Sun Yourong's arm and asks Lin Shaochun to investigate.
At breakfast, Lin Shaochun subtly pressures Sun Yourong about her impending departure, prompting Sun Yourong to leave abruptly, feeling pushed. Despite some initial family disapproval and gossip suggesting Lin Shaochun drove Sun Yourong away, Lin Shaochun assures Sun Yulou that her actions are for Sun Yourong's own good. After Sun Yourong leaves the manor, having returned her rented carriage, maids, and jewelry, Lin Shaochun follows her.
Sun Yourong tearfully confesses her predicament: her husband, Fang Jiading, became abusive after their family's decline and his inability to find employment. She had secretly come to her family for help out of desperation, but her pride and Fang Jiading's insistence prevented her from openly asking. Lin Shaochun, now understanding the full extent of her plight, promises to help her fully.
Episode 39 Recap
Lin Shaochun, a capable woman, is instrumental in the Sun family's affairs. Her brother-in-law, Fang Jiading, struggles with his career. Sun Yulou, Lin Shaochun's husband, orchestrates with Du Shiqing to secure Fang Jiading a position as a scribe at the yamen, subtly hiding his involvement. Fang Jiading, initially thrilled, soon feels inadequate after seeing Liu Quanyou's superior writing and making accounting mistakes. Advised to pursue imperial exams due to his family's poverty, he burns his writings in despair.
His wife, Sun Yourong, daughter of Sun Xun, offers unwavering support, inspiring him to study diligently from scratch. Sun Yourong later reports Fang Jiading's progress to Shen Qingyao and other family members, who praise her embroidery skills. Shen Qingyao also inquires if Fang Jiading still mistreats Sun Yourong, to which Sun Yourong assures her of his positive change. Meanwhile, Sun Jingge, another son of Sun Xun, is passionate about studying unique gadgets but is often misunderstood and seen as frivolous.
Sun Yourong, empathetic to his nature, secretly asks Lin Shaochun to look out for him. One night, Sun Jingge's tinkering causes an explosion. Sun Xun is enraged, beats his son, and expels him from the house. Sun Yulou follows Sun Jingge, who reveals his ambition, showing him a copy of "Tiangong Kaiwu." Lin Shaochun and Sun Yulou decide to help Sun Jingge prove his worth to the family.
Separately, Yao Dizhu returns to the capital after a journey, delighting her parents who prepare a welcoming feast. She later marries Sun Junhao, making her an extended member of the Sun family, a fact Lin Shaochun acknowledges with happiness. Shen Qingyao, Lin Shaochun, and Xu Fengqiao visit Sun Youzhen, who resides in the palace. Sun Youzhen arranges a play for her family, which draws the uninvited Princess Zhaohua.
The Princess shows clear animosity towards Lin Shaochun, mocking her about Sun Yulou's previous rejection of the Princess's proposed marriage. Lin Shaochun clarifies that her earlier fake engagement with Sun Yulou was a ploy to advise the Princess to seek a spouse who truly loves her. In a fit of anger, Princess Zhaohua deliberately smashes the Emperor's precious pocket watch, blaming Lin Shaochun.
When the Emperor arrives, Lin Shaochun, to prevent further trouble, claims responsibility but confidently states that Sun Jingge can repair it, much to Xu Fengqiao's dismay. Sun Jingge successfully repairs the watch, impressing the Emperor, who then appoints him as the head of Zhongshangshu. This achievement earns Sun Jingge his family's respect and pride, with Sun Xun encouraging his son to excel.
A family celebration is suggested by Xu Fengqiao to honor Sun Jingge's success, and Sun Jingge expresses his gratitude to Lin Shaochun. Sun Xun genuinely thanks Lin Shaochun for her invaluable contributions to the Sun family's prosperity. During a conversation with Sun Xun, Lin Shaochun accidentally drops a 'Dong Jiao Zhu' ornament. Sun Xun immediately recognizes it as belonging to Liu Sanjue, an opera performer, and inquires about her whereabouts. This triggers a flashback to Sun Xun's youth.
As a poor scholar, he met Liu Sanjue, who helped him retrieve his lost writings, leading to a blossoming romance. Liu Sanjue's father, Master Liu, approved of their union and provided Sun Xun with funds to travel for the imperial examinations. Before Sun Xun's departure, Liu Sanjue expressed her fear that he might forget her after achieving success.
Sun Xun swore eternal devotion, presenting her with a pair of 'Dong Jiao Zhu' as a betrothal gift, of which she accepted one. After Sun Xun passed the exams, he returned, celebrating with friends while Liu Sanjue watched from afar. However, on the day of her own arranged marriage, Shen Qingyao, daughter of the powerful official Shen Lingying and Sun Xun's childhood betrothed, arrived and threatened suicide if Sun Xun did not marry her.
Sun Xun found himself in a dilemma, torn between his love for Liu Sanjue and the political advantages offered by Shen Qingyao's family, which could secure his future career. Liu Sanjue, unwilling to compromise or share her beloved, tearfully decided to end their relationship and left him. In the present, moved by the sight of the 'Dong Jiao Zhu,' Sun Xun goes to the opera house to watch Liu Sanjue perform, deeply affected by her art.
Episode 40 Recap
After years apart, Sun Xun and Liu Sanjue reunite, sharing a moment of deep emotion. Sun Xun offers help, but Liu Sanjue politely declines. Sun Xun believes Liu Sanjue still holds feelings for him, as she gifted one "Dongjiao Pearl" to Lin Shaochun, much like Sun Xun still keeps the other.
Liu Sanjue, though pleased Sun Xun still possesses the pearl, urges him to bury his feelings and live a peaceful life with his wife, Shen Shi, and their children, rather than be entangled in official intrigues. She agrees to remain in the capital so they can meet as friends. Meanwhile, Jia Fengyuan gains recognition for quelling pirates in Lingnan, earning praise from the Java Kingdom and the Emperor, who promotes him to Hanlin Academy Imperial Reader.
Sun Xun, uneasy about Jia Fengyuan's return, fears for his family. He sends Shen Shi to warn Sun Youzhen, who is a consort to the Emperor, to be cautious of Jia Fengyuan and to improve relations with Princess Zhaohua. Jia Fengyuan, however, already plots with the ousted official Liang Jingguan to bring down the Sun family, starting with Sun Youzhen. Their plan involves exploiting the death of the First Prince, the Emperor's deceased son, by implicating Sun Youzhen.
Jia Fengyuan has bribed Consort Pan's maid, leveraging Consort Pan's grief and resentment over her son's early death. Consort Pan orchestrates a scene where the First Prince's spirit tablet falls before the Emperor, blaming Sun Youzhen's gift of a colorful robe for the child's demise. The Emperor, recalling Sun Youzhen's unsettling dream of a boy in a colorful robe pushing her off a cliff, orders a thorough investigation, forbidding anyone from warning Sun Youzhen.
Concurrently, Su Yingxue experiences a difficult childbirth, with Jia Fengyuan absent. She sends for Lin Shaochun, who, with Yao Dizhu visiting her, seeks Yao Dizhu's medical expertise. Yao Dizhu successfully delivers Su Yingxue's son. Hating Jia Fengyuan's corrupt nature, Su Yingxue entrusts her newborn son to Yao Dizhu, wishing him to be raised far from Jia Fengyuan's influence.
She warns Jia Fengyuan to change his ways, or he will never see his son, infuriating him, though he cannot bring himself to harm Su Yingxue. Sun Youzhen attempts to reconcile Lin Shaochun and Princess Zhaohua at a dinner, which proves successful. However, immediately afterward, the Emperor confronts Sun Youzhen with Imperial Physician Li and Consort Pan.
Imperial Physician Li testifies that Sun Youzhen paid him 10,000 taels of silver seven years prior and provided a colorful robe worn by a plague-stricken child, instructing him to give it to the First Prince, leading to his death. Sun Youzhen vehemently denies the accusation, but the Emperor disbelieves her and orders her arrest. Lin Shaochun intervenes, suggesting Imperial Physician Li might be under duress and proposes summoning his family to the palace.
The Emperor agrees, also confining the entire Sun family to their residence. Jia Fengyuan, who had held Imperial Physician Li's family hostage, discusses with Liang Jingguan how to handle this. Liang Jingguan suggests finding imposters to pose as Imperial Physician Li's family, a plan Jia Fengyuan initially has reservations about but eventually accepts. With the Sun residence surrounded by guards, Sun Xun gathers his family. He sends Sun Yulou to take Sun Xiaoxian and Wu Yuehong through a secret passage.
Wu Yuehong refuses to leave, wishing to share the family's hardship, so Concubine Mei entrusts Sun Xiaoxian to Sun Yulou. Sun Yulou takes Sun Xiaoxian to Nanny Chang at the Lin residence for safekeeping, arranging for her to be hidden in the countryside, before heading out to gather information from the Prince of Nan'an's residence. Sun Xun hosts a banquet, apologizing to his family for the suffering.
He confesses to Shen Shi his enduring feelings for Liu Sanjue, promising to compensate her in their next life. Shen Shi, in turn, confesses that she deliberately staged an elopement to marry Sun Xun after he passed his imperial exams. Concubine Mei confesses to sleeping with Sun Xun when he was drunk, a fact Shen Shi already knew and forgave. Sun Shijie and Wu Yuehong affirm their bond, with Wu Yuehong revealing her pregnancy.
Finally, Sun Jingge presses Xu Fengqiao, who admits to using family funds for high-interest loans, attributing her actions to Sun Jingge's past idleness, which he acknowledges, leading to a moment of shared laughter among the family.
Episode 41 Recap
Imperial Physician Li’s wife and son are brought before the Emperor, where Imperial Physician Li continues to accuse Sun Youzhen of poisoning the First Prince. Lin Shaochun suspects the family is either coerced or impersonating the real family, noting the son is mute and the wife cannot describe Imperial Physician Li’s distinct features. She requests three days to investigate, which the Emperor grants, subsequently jailing Imperial Physician Li and confining Sun Youzhen.
Lin Shaochun visits Imperial Physician Li, urging him to reveal the truth to protect his family. Imperial Physician Li requests red water chestnuts cake, a coded message to confirm his family’s safety. Liang Jingguan, realizing Imperial Physician Li's true intention to see the person who makes the cake, orchestrates for Consort Pan to help Madam Li (disguised as a palace worker) meet Imperial Physician Li in jail. Lin Shaochun learns of Madam Li's presence in the palace.
Princess Zhaohua identifies Madam Li as she exits but allows her to leave without confrontation. Lin Shaochun then attempts to intercept Madam Li, but masked assassins sent by Jia Fengyuan abduct Lin Shaochun. Jia Fengyuan intends to kill her, but Liang Jingguan prevents this, keeping Lin Shaochun as a hostage. Su Yingxue secretly witnesses these events. As the three-day deadline approaches, Lin Shaochun is still missing. Consort Pan takes the opportunity to slander Lin Shaochun to the Emperor.
Sun Yulou desperately seeks help from the Prince of Nan'an Commandery, who, fearing implications for his own family, advises Sun Yulou to flee. The Princess of Nan'an County is distressed but helpless. The Emperor orders Sun Youzhen's execution. Princess Zhaohua feigns illness and recounts a dream warning against killing that day, attempting to delay the execution, but the Emperor remains resolute.
Just as Sun Youzhen is about to drink the poisoned wine, the Emperor, moved by her final words, intervenes and spares her temporarily. Meanwhile, Su Yingxue drugs the guards holding Lin Shaochun. Lin Shaochun refuses to leave without Imperial Physician Li's family. To create a diversion, Su Yingxue sets fire to the backyard. Jia Fengyuan, upon discovering the fire, moves Imperial Physician Li’s family to Lin Shaochun's room. Lin Shaochun prepares servant clothes for herself and Madam Li.
They drug their guards, hide Madam Li’s son in a commode, and escape amidst the chaos. Back in the room, Su Yingxue confesses to Jia Fengyuan that she freed them, then poisons herself. She tells him she couldn't stand by while Lin Shaochun, who had previously saved her, was in peril, and urges him to leave official life and find their son in the countryside before she dies in his arms. Lin Shaochun brings Madam Li to the Emperor.
Imperial Physician Li testifies, exposing Jia Fengyuan's conspiracy to frame Sun Youzhen. The Emperor, in a rage, banishes Jia Fengyuan to the frontier, imprisons Consort Pan in the cold palace, and pardons Imperial Physician Li for his coercion. Despite the Emperor's efforts to reconcile, Sun Youzhen, profoundly affected by her near-death experience, chooses to dedicate her life to Buddhism. Sun Yulou and Lin Shaochun return to the Sun family, where they are joyfully welcomed, including by Shen Qingyao.
Sun Xun hosts a celebratory banquet. Sun Yulou goes to bring Sun Xiaoxian back from the countryside. However, he finds Sun Xiaoxian content and happy with her rural life and a newfound compatible companion, and allows her to remain there. Later, Liang Jingguan kidnaps Nanny Chang and Xiao Ya’s family, then sends a letter to Lin Shaochun. Lin Shaochun meets Liang Jingguan, where she sees a raving Jia Fengyuan being escorted away for banishment.
Liang Jingguan then reveals a "truth" about Lin Shaochun's father, Lin Yuandao. He claims that Lin Yuandao, Jia Fengyuan's father, and Liang Jingguan himself had conspired to expose Sun Xun, but Sun Xun outmaneuvered them. He states that Sun Xun framed Jia Fengyuan's father, leading to his public suicide and the family's ruin, and that Lin Yuandao was also ultimately killed by Sun Xun after feigning loyalty. Lin Shaochun, though skeptical, is deeply troubled by Liang Jingguan's claims and vows to investigate Sun Xun if he is indeed her father's murderer.
Episode 42 Recap
Sun Yulou, concerned about impending rain, goes to meet Lin Shaochun. Lin Shaochun, distraught and fearing Sun Xun is her father's killer, asks Sun Yulou if he would hate her if she ever did something to betray him. Lin Shaochun, suspecting Ding Rongshou, Sun Xun's close steward, instigates his wife, Ding Maomo, to follow him, hinting he has another woman. Ding Maomo follows Ding Rongshou to a secluded manor and confronts him.
He allows her to search, and she finds no other woman, realizing she was mistaken. Lin Shaochun later sends Chang Maomo's people to investigate the manor, but they are expelled, increasing Lin Shaochun's suspicion. Lin Shaochun then impersonates Sun Xun to interrogate Ding Rongshou about the manor. However, Ding Rongshou sees through the disguise and insists on confronting the real Sun Xun, forcing Lin Shaochun to leave.
Sun Xun, upon finding Ding Rongshou missing, questions Ding Maomo, who reveals Lin Shaochun's earlier instructions regarding her husband. Sun Xun suspects Lin Shaochun's involvement and summons her. Sun Xun takes Lin Shaochun, disguised as a man, to a reservoir construction site. She witnesses the local people's immense gratitude towards Sun Xun for solving their water problems. Lin Shaochun asks Sun Xun about her father's death, but he denies any involvement, and she remains unconvinced, despite seeing his popularity.
Lin Shaochun discusses Sun Xun with Liang Jingguan, considering him a good official. Shortly after, a manor owned by Liang Jingguan catches fire. Liang Jingguan rushes there and uncovers hidden gold bricks. Sun Xun arrives with officers, and the two mutually accuse each other of corruption. Before the Emperor, Sun Xun successfully accuses Liang Jingguan of embezzling military funds, funds for city walls, and disaster relief, and of framing him.
Sun Xun provides a deed showing Liang Jingguan bought the manor last month. The Emperor, convinced, orders Sun Xun to thoroughly investigate Liang Jingguan. Fearing complications, Sun Xun has Chang Maomo, Xiaoya, and Wang Jun arrested. Lin Shaochun confides in Sun Yulou and seeks his help. Sun Yulou drugs Sun Xun, allowing Lin Shaochun to confront the drugged Sun Xun and force him to release Chang Maomo and her family.
Lin Shaochun then escorts them away, vowing to uncover Sun Xun's crimes. Sun Xun severely reprimands Sun Yulou, warning him to stay away from Lin Shaochun and revealing the complexity of the situation. Shortly after, while Lin Shaochun is eating with Chang Maomo, Xiaoya, and Wang Jun, the three family members suddenly die from poison. Lin Shaochun realizes the food was tampered with and suspects Sun Xun. Sun Yulou is horrified by his father's suspected actions.
Lin Shaochun, disguised as a palace maid, seeks Princess Zhaohua's help to place fake incriminating evidence against Sun Xun among the Emperor's memorials. Hu Gonggong, overhearing this, decides to replace it with real evidence against Liang Jingguan to assist Sun Xun. However, while attempting to do so, he is caught by the Emperor. Under interrogation, Hu Gonggong claims Sun Xun was his instigator.
Fearing the repercussions, Sun Xun immediately arranges for his family, including Sun Shijie's family, Sun Jingge's family, and Shen Shi with Aunt Mei, to flee to Sun Junhao for safety. Shen Shi, deeply distraught, bids Sun Xun a tearful farewell, suffering a fit of anger that causes her to spit blood, before leaving in a carriage.
Episode 43 (Ending) Recap
The story begins as Sun Xun accepts his fate. Despite being accused of various crimes, including corruption and framing court officials, the Emperor, acknowledging his four sons' loyalty and service, pardons his family. Sun Xun drinks a cup of poisoned wine and collapses, seemingly dead. Devastated by his father's death and the family's apparent ruin, Sun Yulou mourns bitterly, drowning his sorrows in wine with his beloved shadow puppets. Lin Shaochun returns to the Sun mansion, finding it in disarray.
She discovers Sun Yulou in despair, believing the family home will be sealed. Lin Shaochun assures him of her unwavering presence. Sun Yulou, however, only asks her to sing "The Purple Hairpin" one last time. As she sings, Sun Yulou recalls their past and love. They dance together until he succumbs to intoxication, falling asleep in her arms. Lin Shaochun then gently lies beside him. The next morning, Lin Shaochun awakens to find Sun Yulou gone, leaving a letter.
In it, he professes his deep love but states he cannot face her due to past grievances, imploring her not to seek him out. Later, Liu Sanjue visits Sun Xun's grave, and Lin Shaochun soon arrives to perform filial duties in Sun Yulou's absence. Liu Sanjue encourages Lin Shaochun to find Sun Yulou, warning her against a lifetime of regret.
Lin Shaochun returns the East Jiao Pearl to Liu Sanjue before resolutely embarking on her quest to find Sun Yulou, clutching his portrait. Before she departs, Yao Dizhu brings Lin Shaochun a letter from Sun Junhao, detailing the family's well-being. Sun Shijie has opened a private school in Mucheng, living happily with Wu Yuehong and their son, Sun Xiaoyi. Sun Jingge runs a repair shop in Mucheng, where he and Xu Fengqiao maintain a lively, if bickering, relationship.
Shen Shi and Aunt Mei live peacefully, still hoping for Sun Xun's return. Sun Junhao also plans to bring Yao Dizhu to live with them when the weather warms. Reassured by the news, Lin Shaochun continues her journey. Meanwhile, after Sun Xun's staged demise, Liang Jingguan, initially thought to be Sun Xun's victim, is reinstated and grows arrogant, mirroring Sun Xun's former power. This was all part of an elaborate scheme orchestrated by Sun Xun, the Emperor, and Lin Shaochun.
Sun Xun's "death" and the family's "ruin" were a ruse to expose Liang Jingguan's deep-seated corruption, including framing Lin Yuandao (Lin Shaochun's father) and embezzling a vast sum of military funds—thirty-eight thousand taels of silver. Lin Shaochun, having initially misunderstood Sun Xun, learned the truth and collaborated in the plan, even faking a break with the Sun family to help expose Liang Jingguan's palace informants. The "fake deaths" of Chang Maoma's family were also part of this deception.
Confronted by the Emperor, Liang Jingguan protested his innocence. To his shock, Sun Xun dramatically reappeared, alive and well, presenting irrefutable evidence of Liang Jingguan's crimes. The Emperor immediately ordered Liang Jingguan's arrest and execution, promising Sun Xun that all involved would be justly rewarded and urging him to find Sun Yulou. Lin Shaochun journeys tirelessly, enduring hardships as she travels far and wide, constantly inquiring about Sun Yulou. Despite repeated setbacks, she never loses hope.
One evening, she discovers Sun Yulou performing a shadow puppet show, telling the story of his and Lin Shaochun's past. A sudden heavy rain scatters the audience, and Lin Shaochun is lost in the crowd. Sun Yulou frantically searches for her, fearing she is gone. Just as he is about to despair, Lin Shaochun appears before him, holding an umbrella. She reveals the truth: Sun Xun is alive, and their family is safe and well.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Sun Yulou tearfully embraces Lin Shaochun. She urges him to return home to reunite with his family, and they cling to each other, shedding years of pent-up sorrow.
