Episode Summary
Yan Qiyue runs out of money and moves in with Shi Fake, reverting to her female identity. A series of romantic misunderstandings unfolds involving Li Pan'er, Shi Qianqian, and a cross-dressing Yan Qiyue. At the Matchmaking Hall, Fang Yue recognizes Yan Qiyue as the missing princess, just before Fang Yue is suddenly assigned to a diplomatic marriage escort. Meanwhile, Yan Qiyue coincidentally meets and befriends the Emperor, who is in disguise. The episode culminates in a brawl at He's Bakery, where Lu Chi steps in to defend He Kexian and her family from Zhu Yizhi's harassment.
Spoiler Alert
With her money gone, Yan Qiyue confides in Shi Fake about her troubles. Without a second thought, he gives her all the money he has. However, Yan Qiyue knows this is only a temporary fix. To provide a more permanent solution and save her the cost of lodging, Shi Fake invites her to live at his house, an offer she gladly accepts. There's one complication: Yan Qiyue has been living as a man, and Shi Fake worries about how this might be perceived, especially by Lu Chi. To avoid any misunderstandings, Yan Qiyue resumes her identity as a woman.
Lu Yi, who has been keeping an eye on Shi Fake, reports back to Lu Chi that a woman was brought home. Lu Chi then mentions to Li Pan'er that Shi Qianqian seems quite interested in this "newcomer" (still thinking Yan Qiyue is a man). This sparks jealousy in Li Pan'er. When Shi Qianqian later tries to talk to her while shopping for women's items, she pointedly ignores him, feeling even more upset.
Sensing the tension, Shi Fake speaks with his brother, Shi Qianqian, who confesses his feelings for Li Pan'er. He admits he lacks the courage to tell her because he feels she, being from the esteemed Xi Bao Pavilion, is out of his league. In a convoluted attempt to spur Shi Qianqian into action, Li Pan'er asks Yan Qiyue to dress as a man again. The two then act intimately in public while Zhu Yizhi is on patrol. As intended, the sight makes Zhu Yizhi upset, but when Li Pan'er sees Shi Qianqian's crestfallen reaction, she worries her plan was too harsh and has only made him retreat further. Shi Fake continues to encourage Yan Qiyue to be brave and confess her own feelings to Li Pan'er.
Following Shi Fake's advice, Yan Qiyue decides to confess to Li Pan'er. Shi Fake brings the now female-presenting Yan Qiyue to the Official Matchmaking Hall. There, Fang Yue instantly recognizes her as the princess from a portrait she has seen. Shi Fake grows suspicious of Fang Yue's intense focus on Yan Qiyue. In a sudden turn of events, Fang Yue is unexpectedly chosen to escort the princess for a political marriage alliance. The news enrages the Marquis of Wu'an, who was relying on Fang Yue to locate the princess of the Gaoyou Kingdom. On another front, the Marquis discovers Lu Chi's true identity, leading him to suspect that Lu Chi is working for the Emperor.
Meanwhile, Yan Qiyue desperately searches for a painting by the artist Mr. Linyuan, only to find it has already been sold at the Xi Bao Pavilion. She then stumbles upon a man, who calls himself Mr. Huang, being falsely accused of a crime. She steps in to defend him. This "Mr. Huang" is actually the Emperor in disguise. Impressed by her integrity, he offers to treat her to a meal. When he suggests the expensive Xi Bao Pavilion, she steers him to a humble roadside noodle stall to save him money. Over noodles, they connect deeply while discussing her search for the painting, talking late into the night. The Emperor walks her back to Shi Fake's home, and they part ways reluctantly.
Back at the residence, Yan Qiyue learns from Shi Fake that the princess is to be married off to the Gaoyou Kingdom, and she feels a pang of sorrow for a royal woman being forced into a loveless marriage.
The drama escalates when Zhu Yizhi goes to He's Bakery to cause trouble and extort money from He Kexian. Her brother, Shi Zhongshan, tries to defend her but is no match for Zhu Yizhi. Shi Fake arrives to help but is also overpowered. Just in time, Lu Chi gets word of the disturbance, rushes to the scene, and gives Zhu Yizhi a sound beating.
