Episode Summary
Shi Fa Ke is assigned a divorce case that threatens her mother's reputation as a perfect matchmaker. The husband, Xu Ao, is accused of having an affair with a pregnant courtesan. With help from Lu Chi, Shi Fa Ke investigates the matter and uncovers that the situation is a complex misunderstanding. She successfully proves Xu Ao's innocence, reveals the truth behind the accuser's motives, and reunites the couple, preserving her mother's legacy.
Spoiler Alert
A Mother's Perfect Record on the Line
When Shi Fa Ke hears whispers tarnishing the name of Xu Ao, a man her mother once matchmade, she is quick to anger. In her eyes, her mother, the renowned matchmaker, is infallible. Her confidence is bolstered when news arrives of Xu Ao’s promotion to a coveted position in the Imperial Cavalry Division Command Office—a role the Marquis of Wu'an had long desired. Shi Fa Ke is pleased, certain that Xu Ao’s wife, Lady Liu, will lead a blessed life.
The celebration is cut short, however, when Lady Liu unexpectedly demands a divorce. This news is music to the ears of Matchmaker Deng, a rival who sees this as an opportunity. If Xu Ao, a product of Top Matchmaker Tao's work, gets divorced, it would shatter the myth of her perfection. Seizing the chance, Matchmaker Deng maliciously assigns the divorce case to a stunned Shi Fa Ke. The case is a direct challenge to her mother's legacy, but with the official request in hand, she has no choice but to accept.
Flustered, Shi Fa Ke runs into Lu Chi, who wants to take her to lunch. Embarrassed by the situation after having boasted to him about her mother's flawless record, she makes an excuse and rushes home, hoping to get some indirect advice from her mother on handling such a delicate matter.
Shi Fa Ke's investigation begins with a visit to Lady Liu. She finds the home impeccably managed and struggles to understand why Lady Liu would want a divorce, especially now that her husband has been promoted. At first, Lady Liu is hesitant, but she eventually confesses the reason: Xu Ao frequently stays out all night, entangled with a woman named Hua Yuerong from the Baihua Art House. She claims Hua Yuerong even came to their home to confront her, announcing she was pregnant with Xu Ao's child.
Meanwhile, Lu Chi waits for Shi Fa Ke, tailed by her ever-present older brother, Shi Xianxian. When Shi Fa Ke explains the situation, Lu Chi suggests they investigate the Baihua Art House together. Shi Xianxian’s attempt to follow is thwarted by the sudden appearance of Li Pan'er, who finds herself charmed by his awkwardness.
At the art house, Shi Fa Ke and Lu Chi find Xu Ao drinking with Hua Yuerong. Believing she has walked in on the affair, an incensed Shi Fa Ke thrusts the divorce papers at Xu Ao. To her surprise, he adamantly refuses to sign and tears them to pieces. Before the argument can escalate, Lu Chi pulls her away.
Outside, Lu Chi calmly helps Shi Fa Ke analyze the details of the scene they just witnessed. He points out inconsistencies that suggest the relationship between Xu Ao and Hua Yuerong isn't what it appears to be. Convinced there is more to the story, they decide to dig deeper. Later that night, Shi Fa Ke secretly observes the Xu residence and is shocked to see Xu Ao climbing over the wall just to get into his own home. She also uncovers Hua Yuerong's true, unrelated motives.
With the misunderstanding cleared, Shi Fa Ke brings Lady Liu (Liu Yingying) to the art house for the full story. Moved by Xu Ao's deep devotion to his wife, Hua Yuerong confesses everything. Shi Fa Ke then reveals her own findings, explaining that she had already discovered Hua Yuerong was in love with someone else entirely, proving Xu Ao's innocence and saving the marriage.
