Episode Summary
Qi Shaoheng and Liu Luan'er's wedding is hastily arranged after receiving Madam Qi's blessing, but a dowry crisis threatens to stop it until Shi Fake devises a clever solution. Shi Fake's mother is forced into retirement, passing her prestigious title and ceremonial robe to her daughter. The wedding proceeds, but a drunken, jealous confrontation leads Lu Chi to reveal his secret identity as the master of the Xi Bao Ge to Shi Fake.
Spoiler Alert
Better Halves (2025) Episode 5: A Wedding, a Secret, and a Shocking Reveal
The path to the altar for Qi Shaoheng and Liu Luan'er is finally cleared, but new troubles are brewing on the horizon for our favorite matchmaker, Shi Fake.
The episode kicks off with a heartwarming moment as Madam Qi, after seeing how genuinely Liu Luan'er cares for her son, tends to Liu's wounds and gives her blessing for the wedding. The couple is overjoyed, but Liu Luan'er feels a pang of guilt for the earlier deceptions. She confesses everything to her future mother-in-law about the scheme to win her approval. This leaves Qi Shaoheng puzzled, as he knows the assassins who attacked them were serious about killing them. Madam Qi reveals she had already suspected that while some of the black-clad men were hired by Shi Fake as part of the plan, others were genuine killers with deadly intent.
Meanwhile, Shi Fake is enjoying a moment of triumph after receiving an award. She is deeply touched that Lu Chi was injured protecting her. As the two share a tender moment, Qi Shaoheng playfully interrupts. Grateful for Shi Fake's help in securing his marriage, he promises to help clear her family's name.
Just as things seem to be looking up, Lu Chi's trusted aide, Lu Yi, reports that the formidable Marquis of Wu'an may be planning a move against the Guan Mei Ting (Official Matchmaker's Hall). In a lighter moment, Shi Fake, overwhelmed with gratitude for all his help, suggests to Lu Chi that they become sworn siblings, an offer he flatly refuses, hinting at deeper feelings.
The wedding plans hit a sudden snag when Madam Qi, in an unexpected turn, insists the marriage happen immediately—the very next day. This frantic urgency startles everyone. The situation becomes more complicated when Madam Qi presents a long and expensive betrothal gift list, which Liu Luan'er's father cannot possibly afford.
Determined to see the true love between Qi Shaoheng and Liu Luan'er triumph, Shi Fake sneaks back to her family home to pray to her ancestors for guidance. She and Lu Chi devise a clever solution: the families will forgo the traditional betrothal gifts and dowry, instead exchanging items of equal value. Their planning is interrupted when Shi Fake's parents suddenly return home.
Their freedom, however, comes at a steep price. Lu Yi brings news that the Marquis of Wu'an, after failing to gain leverage over Qi Shaoheng, has shifted his focus to Li Ang of the Zongbing Fu (Garrison Commander's Mansion). Shi Fake's parents were released only after her mother, the esteemed Head Matchmaker Tao Shoumei, was forced to sign a document admitting to false suspicions. This act bars her from ever returning to her position at the Guan Mei Ting. In a touching scene, Tao Shoumei acknowledges her daughter's hard work and talent, passing on a ceremonial robe that symbolizes the "number one matchmaker in the world." She entrusts Shi Fake with the honor of wearing it to officiate Qi Shaoheng's wedding.
As Shi Fake prepares for the ceremony in her new robes, Lu Chi climbs over the wall to see her, only to be caught by her two older brothers. They mistake him for a scoundrel and disapprove of him being near their sister. It takes all of Shi Fake's charm and playful pleading to save Lu Chi from their wrath.
At the wedding, Shi Fake works to build goodwill for Liu Luan'er by distributing pastries from He Kexian's family bakery. He Kexian's sister, He Ketian, seizes the opportunity to praise her brother's devotion to Shi Fake. The celebration sees Lu Chi and He Kexian openly vying for Shi Fake's attention.
Later, a drunk Shi Fake confronts Lu Chi, her inhibitions lowered by the wine. She confesses her jealousy over his relationship with his attendant, Li Pan'er, whose obedience she mistakes for affection. To finally put her fears to rest and prove his feelings, Lu Chi makes a stunning confession: he is the true master of the mysterious and powerful Xi Bao Ge (Pavilion of Precious Treasures).
