Episode Summary
To save her beloved, Young Master Qiujiang, from the clutches of the powerful Marquis of Wu'an, Cheng Ruoning is forced to cruelly push him away. This leads to a desperate suicide attempt, which is thwarted by Shi Fake. With Lu Chi's help, Shi Fake orchestrates a grand public contest to select a husband for Cheng Ruoning, cleverly outmaneuvering the Marquis. The plan successfully reunites the lovers and culminates in a public confrontation where the Marquis's authority is challenged.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Shi Fake in disbelief, having discovered that Wu Anhao is the one arranging a marriage between Cheng Ruoning and the notorious Marquis of Wu'an. Convinced the Marquis has sinister motives and that Cheng Ruoning will be miserable, Shi Fake tries to persuade the matchmaker, Fang Yue, to drop the case, but Fang Yue insists on proceeding.
The Marquis of Wu'an, impatient, sends his butler to summon Cheng Ruoning. When she initially refuses, he resorts to threatening the safety of those close to her, forcing her to comply. That evening, a distressed Cheng Ruoning finds Young Master Qiujiang. She gives him a large sum of money and cruelly feigns that she no longer has feelings for him, urging him to leave for good. Heartbroken and believing she has rejected him, Qiujiang departs in sorrow.
Meanwhile, after studying a painting, Lu Chi senses that Shi Fake might be in grave danger and vows to stay by her side as a protector. The next day, he joins her, and they go to see Cheng Ruoning, hoping to mend things between her and Qiujiang. However, Cheng Ruoning flatly states she wants nothing more to do with him. This sudden change of heart makes Shi Fake suspect the Marquis's interference. Upon learning that Qiujiang has already left, Shi Fake rushes off to find him, warning Cheng Ruoning that his departure won't stop the Marquis and could even put him in greater peril.
Moved by Shi Fake's passionate loyalty, Cheng Ruoning grants her permission to visit anytime without being announced. Lu Chi and Shi Fake manage to catch up with Young Master Qiujiang, explaining the truth about the Marquis's coercion. They suggest he hide at Qianya Mountain for safety. However, upon learning the real reason for Cheng Ruoning's actions, Qiujiang refuses to hide. He bravely decides to return to the capital, determined to face the danger with her, declaring he would rather die than be separated from her.
Forced into a meeting at his residence, Cheng Ruoning makes her opposition clear to the Marquis, but he arrogantly dismisses her, confident his noble status makes the marriage an inevitability. Devastated, she returns home and, seeing no other way to escape the union, prepares to hang herself. Just in the nick of time, Shi Fake bursts in and saves her, pleading with her not to do something so foolish.
Determined to find a solution, Shi Fake and Lu Chi brainstorm. Lu Chi suggests the only way is to make the Marquis back down himself. This sparks an idea for Shi Fake. She devises a brilliant plan: first, she orders 300 wedding cakes from He Kexian's shop. Then, she floods the city with flyers announcing that Cheng Ruoning, the daughter of the capital's wealthiest family, will hold a public contest at the Baihua Art House to select a husband. The news creates a massive stir, and countless eligible men sign up, eager for a chance. The plan also gives a welcome boost to He Kexian's business. Shi Fake even convinces Lu Chi and He Kexian to enter the competition.
On the day of the contest, a huge crowd gathers. The Marquis of Wu'an arrives, supremely confident that he will win, especially seeing Lu Chi and He Kexian as his supposed rivals. But as the competition begins, Shi Fake presents a surprise contestant: Young Master Qiujiang, whose appearance stuns everyone. After three rounds, thanks to Shi Fake's clever arrangements, Qiujiang emerges as the victor. As Shi Fake is about to publicly announce the engagement, the Marquis steps in to stop it, threatening Cheng Ruoning. Unflinching, Qiujiang declares he is not afraid and would rather die than give her up. When the Marquis attempts to have his men seize Qiujiang, Shi Fake steps forward in front of the massive crowd and publicly accuses the Marquis, leaving him unable to act in the face of so many witnesses.
