Episode Summary
Following the exams where her brother and admirer Song Qingzhao ranked highly, Jian Mingshu finds herself popular but avoids unwanted attention with Lu Chang's help. Lu Chang publicly claims a prior engagement in Jianglin to deter suitors. Meanwhile, Su Tangli reveals she's working for the dangerous Prince Yu and tries unsuccessfully to recruit Lu Chang. Prince Yu tests Su Tangli's loyalty with a brutal ordeal. A major crisis arises when official documents list Jian Mingshu as Lu Chang's sister, conflicting with her household registration (hukou). To protect her, Lu Chang rushes to officially change the hukou, legally making them siblings and sacrificing any romantic possibility. Conflicted after learning of Song Qingzhao's past actions for her, Jian Mingshu tells Lu Chang she's considering dating Song Qingzhao. Heartbroken but resigned, Lu Chang gives his blessing and later drunkenly reaffirms his brotherly support, while Prince Yu remains wary of Su Tangli.
Spoiler Alert
So, the exam results are shaking things up. Turns out, the top scorers include Jian Mingshu's brother (hold that thought, it gets complicated!) and Song Qingzhao, the guy who's clearly smitten with her. Naturally, her besties, Yin Shujun and Wen'an Xian Zhu, are having a blast teasing her about being the center of attention. But fame has its price – Jian Mingshu gets mobbed by a gaggle of young ladies suddenly desperate to be her friend. Yin Shujun and Wen'an Xian Zhu make a swift escape, dragging Jian Mingshu with them, but the wannabe friends give chase!
Enter Lu Chang, looking all heroic on his horse, intervening just in time. He also has to deal with the crowd that's gathered for the "Bang Xia Zhuo Xu" – basically, families eager to snag one of the promising new graduates as a son-in-law. Lu Chang throws a curveball, announcing publicly that he's already engaged to someone back in Jianglin and can't possibly break his word. Ouch. Wonder who that hurts more, the potential in-laws or someone else nearby?
Back home, Jian Mingshu is buzzing about the day's events with Zeng Yi, but she's also super curious about this alleged fiancée in Jianglin. Zeng Yi explains that Lu Chang did know a girl from childhood, but back then, romance wasn't on his radar. Now? Trying to rekindle that old flame seems unlikely. Zeng Yi, perhaps sensing something, gently probes Jian Mingshu: if Lu Chang were the one rejected, would she ever consider taking him back? Jian Mingshu is crystal clear – nope, she doesn't do reruns. What's done is done.
Speak of the devil (or maybe just complicated pasts), Su Tangli shows up, wanting a private chat with Lu Chang. This immediately sets off Jian Mingshu's spidey-senses, making her wonder if this is the mystery woman from Jianglin. Su Tangli's news is heavy, though. She reveals she's now working with the ruthless Prince Yu, who stops at nothing to get what he wants. She's planning to use the Prince for her own agenda and tries to recruit Lu Chang to join Team Evil. Lu Chang flat-out refuses and warns her she's treading dangerous ground. Su Tangli isn't interested in his advice; if he won't join her, she basically tells him to watch his step.
Prince Yu is furious that Su Tangli couldn't sway Lu Chang. His reaction is terrifying: he has her knocked unconscious and buried alive. Yes, you read that right. It's a twisted loyalty test – if she digs herself out and tries to run, his men have orders to kill her. Su Tangli wakes up in this nightmare, realizes it's a test, and smartly heads straight back to the Prince's residence. This woman is playing a dangerous game!
Meanwhile, a crisis is brewing. Lu Chang's friend, Ying Xun, rushes in with official documents for Lu Chang's family's move to the capital (Jingcheng). Here's the kicker: the documents list Jian Mingshu as Lu Chang's sister. The problem? Her official household registration (the vital hukou) doesn't match. If the authorities discover this discrepancy, it could blow everything wide open. Lu Chang is thrown into a panic – he has to get her hukou changed to match the documents, making her legally his sister.
While Lu Chang is dealing with this bureaucratic bomb, Jian Mingshu learns that Song Qingzhao actually defied his father and got injured defending her interests while she was unconscious earlier. This news hits her hard, making her reconsider his devotion and leaving her feeling conflicted. Unbeknownst to her, Lu Chang is already on his way to the government office to make the sibling status official. He knows this act will obliterate any chance of a romantic future between them, but her safety is his absolute priority.
Jian Mingshu starts seriously wondering if she should give Song Qingzhao a real chance. She discusses it with Yin Shujun, who agrees they seem like a good match but stresses the decision is Jian Mingshu's alone. This prompts Yin Shujun to open up about her own marriage to Prince Rui – things have been frosty since the "Mr. Jiang" incident. Though she respects the Prince, the warmth isn't there. Jian Mingshu advises her to talk to him honestly. Wen'an Xian Zhu suggests inviting Prince Rui on their next outing – a good plan!
Later, Lu Chang finds Jian Mingshu asleep in the courtyard. Overwhelmed by everything, he pulls her into a hug. She wakes, sensing his turmoil, but he just vaguely blames "old memories." Then, Jian Mingshu delivers the blow: she was waiting for him to ask his thoughts... on her trying to date Song Qingzhao. You could practically hear Lu Chang's heart breaking. He forces out a quiet "Okay," then retreats to cry in private. The sad irony? Even with his blessing, Jian Mingshu doesn't feel particularly happy.
The paperwork goes through. Lu Chang, Jian Mingshu, and Zeng Yi's hukous are officially transferred to Jingcheng. When Zeng Yi sees Jian Mingshu listed under Lu Chang's household, she gives him a knowing, perhaps sorrowful, look. Lu Chang, looking utterly defeated, signs the document. It's done.
To twist the knife further, Jian Mingshu makes ginseng chicken soup specifically for Song Qingzhao. Seeing this thoughtful gesture sends Lu Chang spiraling. He escapes to go drinking with Ying Xun, lamenting that maybe, just maybe, if things weren't legally defined this way, he might have had a chance. But the choice is made; he has to be the supportive brother now. He gets completely drunk, and Ying Xun has to help him home. Jian Mingshu takes over caring for him, sending Zeng Yi to rest. In his drunken state, Lu Chang gently touches her head, murmuring that whoever she chooses to marry, he'll always support her. Oh, the angst!
Elsewhere, Prince Yu remains suspicious of Su Tangli, despite her act of perfect obedience.
Seeing Lu Chang's constant gloom, Zeng Yi gently tells him he needs to learn to let go. With palpable pain, Lu Chang confirms he accepts his role: he will support Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao from his position as her brother.
