Episode Summary
In this episode, Lu Zhuxi's sincere marriage proposal to Zhu Yanyan is tragically overshadowed by the murder of her grandfather, Premier Zhu, who had secretly already approved the union. The Marquis of Wu'an is the prime suspect, raising the stakes for everyone's safety. This prompts Lu Chi to propose to Shi Fake, but her family rejects him due to his background. The episode ends on a cliffhanger as a mysterious woman, Fang Yue, is unexpectedly appointed as the new Head Matchmaker over Shi Fake.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with a misunderstanding between Lu Chi and Shi Fake. Worried for her safety, Lu Chi has his men protect her from the shadows, but Shi Fake mistakes this for surveillance. After a direct confrontation, Lu Chi explains his true intentions, and Shi Fake is pleased by his concern. Meanwhile, the antagonistic Marquis of Wu'an plots to ruin the impending marriage proposal between Lu Zhuxi and Zhu Yanyan.
Following Premier Zhu's initial rejection of the proposal, Shi Fake and Lu Chi are fraught with worry. Lu Zhuxi, however, remains unusually calm and confident, much to Lu Chi's frustration. He assures them he has the situation under control. When the day comes to present the betrothal gifts, Lu Zhuxi forgoes the lavish treasures prepared by Lu Chi. Instead, he presents his personal diaries, a sincere and heartfelt gesture to show his true self.
At the Premier's residence, Zhu Yanyan is deeply moved by Lu Zhuxi's sincerity. Convinced her grandfather will now approve, she happily leads the group to his study. Their joy turns to horror when they discover Premier Zhu has been murdered. The shock is too much for Zhu Yanyan, who collapses in grief.
Suspicion immediately falls upon the Marquis of Wu'an. Lu Chi and Shi Fake reason that he is the only one brazen enough to murder a high-ranking court official, proving his desperation. This escalates Lu Chi's fears for Shi Fake's safety, as she has repeatedly interfered with the Marquis's schemes. Lu Zhuxi astutely deduces that such a silent, efficient assassination must have been planned for a long time. Fearing for Zhu Yanyan's life, he decides to take her to the safety of Qianya Mountain, a plan Lu Chi readily agrees with.
Later, Lu Zhuxi finds Zhu Yanyan, who is reluctant to leave her grandfather's home. He convinces her by revealing a betrothal gift list that Premier Zhu had already prepared, proving he had already consented to their marriage and was merely testing Lu Zhuxi's sincerity. With this revelation, Zhu Yanyan agrees to go with him.
Inspired by the sudden tragedy and the fragility of life, Lu Chi decides he cannot wait any longer and proposes to Shi Fake, who joyfully accepts. However, when he formally asks her family for her hand, he is met with a cold reception from her mother. She is particularly against the union when she learns Lu Chi is from Qianya Mountain, a place rumored to be a haven for bandits. Shi Fake tries to sway her mother by revealing that she and Lu Chi have a shared childhood history. Lu Chi promises her family he will prove his worthiness.
In the midst of this personal turmoil, a professional milestone approaches for Shi Fake. The Official Matchmaking Hall is set to announce its new Head Matchmaker, a position everyone believes will go to her. Sensing her anxiety about their future, Lu Chi reassures her, promising he will marry her no matter what.
The next day at the Hall, as Shi Fake works, a woman named Fang Yue arrives, stating she is looking for someone. Before Shi Fake can inquire further, Lord Zheng arrives to make the official announcement. In a stunning twist, the new Head Matchmaker is not Shi Fake, but the mysterious newcomer, Fang Yue.
