Episode Summary
Jian Mingshu is accused of murder by Jia Fuyin but is temporarily saved by Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao, with Prince Rui's intervention. Jian Mingshu discovers a clue linking her past to Jianglin via an account book from Lady Wei. Song Mu is shocked to learn Jian Mingshu is the Jian Mingshu. Prince Rui supports Yin Shujun's involvement in Hualang Ge. It's revealed Prince Yu orchestrated Wei Dushi's death for Su Tangli, who remains suspicious. Jian Mingshu is framed for Wei Dushi's murder with planted evidence and arrested. Song Qingzhao gets himself jailed with her, and they escape a poisoning attempt and a subsequent chase, with Lu Chang arriving with a warrant to save them. Song Qingzhao is injured, leading to tender moments with Jian Mingshu and jealousy from Lu Chang. Song Mu now adores Jian Mingshu and offers her a family heirloom. The episode ends with Su Tangli aiming a bow at an unsuspecting Prince Yu.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Jian Mingshu in some seriously hot water. Jia Fuyin is practically spitting nails, convinced she’s mixed up in the latest mess, and is all set to lock her up and throw away the key. Thankfully, our guys Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao swoop in just in the nick of time. Lu Chang drops the bomb that Prince Rui is aware of the situation and has ordered the Dali Temple to co-investigate. That’s enough to make Jia Fuyin back off, at least for now. During this chaos, Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang spot Wei Zhuo, and it dawns on them that he was the VIP being wined and dined by Wei Dushi that night – turns out, he’s a much bigger deal than they thought!
First order of business for Jian Mingshu? A chat with Lady Wei. And score! Lady Wei hands over an account book revealing that a certain bracelet (you know the one!) traces back to Jianglin. While the exact spot isn't noted, it’s another huge clue for Jian Mingshu that her past is deeply tied to Jianglin. Speaking of Lady Wei, with Wei Dushi now permanently out of the picture, she’s not exactly shedding tears – more like quietly celebrating her escape from a miserable situation. Jian Mingshu, ever the investigator, takes this crucial account book to Lu Chang, who, bless his heart, is more worried sick about her taking such risks than anything else.
Meanwhile, over at the Song household, poor Song Qingzhao is getting another earful from his mom, Song Mu. She then ropes Jian Mingshu into trying to talk some sense into her son. This is where it gets good: Jian Mingshu finally spills the beans – she’s the Jian Mingshu that Song Qingzhao has been talking about. Let’s just say Song Mu is left completely gobsmacked once that sinks in.
In royal circles, Consort Gui is worried about Yin Shujun’s involvement with Hualang Ge, fearing it’ll lead to trouble, and wants her to quit. But Prince Rui steps up for Yin Shujun, pointing out that her joining Hualang Ge was something he agreed to before their marriage. Backing out now, he argues, would just make them look guilty. Yin Shujun, touched by his support, already has a plan up her sleeve. Later, there's a charged moment as Yin Shujun helps Prince Rui with his robes. She closes her eyes, clearly expecting a kiss, but Prince Rui, ever the smooth (or perhaps flustered?) operator, sidesteps by suddenly exclaiming about the beautiful moonlight and rushing to the window for a gulp of fresh air. Oh, you two!
Now, about Wei Dushi’s demise – it turns out Prince Yu orchestrated it to help Su Tangli get her revenge. However, Su Tangli isn't convinced Wei Dushi was the only one responsible for her father's death. Prince Yu tries to assure her that Wei Dushi was indeed the last culprit, hoping she’ll finally lay down her vendetta and just stay by his side. Good luck with that, Prince Yu.
Jian Mingshu is caught in a tough spot. She’s desperate to uncover her origins, which means a trip to Jianglin, but she’s terrified of how Lu Chang will react and the thought of leaving him. In a tender moment, Lu Chang gently blows sand out of Jian Mingshu’s eye – a classic romantic C-drama move! Of course, Song Qingzhao walks in right then, ever the expert at interrupting potential kisses, and quickly breaks the spell.
The investigation into Wei Dushi's death reveals he was drugged. Wei Zhuo confesses he was the one who gave Wei Dushi the drugged wine. It seems Wei Dushi had tried to set Wei Zhuo up by sending his concubine, Yan Shao, to him, hoping to create a scandal that would force Wei Zhuo into an alliance. Wei Zhuo, however, saw right through the scheme. The current theory is that the actual murderer found Wei Dushi already drugged (or dead) and just seized the opportunity.
But things take a dark turn for Jian Mingshu. Jia Fuyin claims everyone but her has an alibi for the night of the murder. To make matters worse, Ying Xun conveniently finds the murder weapon – and it’s something Jian Mingshu apparently brought from outside the residence. Framed much? Lu Chang, without the official paperwork from the Ministry of Justice, has no choice but to let Jia Fuyin arrest Jian Mingshu. He immediately rushes off to find Prince Rui for help. Prince Rui explains that the Minister of Justice is out on a case and can only sign the necessary documents the next day. Undeterred, Lu Chang grabs the papers and heads out of the city to track him down.
Never one to leave a friend behind, Song Qingzhao gets himself thrown into the same jail cell as Jian Mingshu – even getting his pageboy to punch him for authenticity! Their friendly neighborhood jailer soon brings them some steamed buns, but Song Qingzhao, with his sharp eyes, signals to Jian Mingshu that something’s off. They pretend to eat but spit the food out later. Sure enough, a rat that nibbles on the leftovers promptly dies. Poisoned! Thinking fast, Song Qingzhao and Jian Mingshu play dead. When the jailer comes to check on them, they make their move, and Song Qingzhao manages to break them out.
A thrilling chase ensues with the jailers hot on their heels. Just when things look dire, Lu Chang arrives, warrant in hand, and joins the fray. Song Qingzhao gets injured protecting Jian Mingshu, and Lu Chang can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy watching Jian Mingshu fuss over him. When Jia Fuyin finally catches up, Lu Chang’s official document stops him in his tracks. As a final mic drop, Jian Mingshu produces the remaining half of the poisoned bun, leaving Jia Fuyin utterly speechless.
Safely out of jail, Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu take the injured Song Qingzhao back to his parents, who thankfully don’t blame them for the ordeal. Lu Chang then ensures Jian Mingshu gets home safely, much to the relief of Zeng Yi.
Later, Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu visit Song Qingzhao. He’s practically beaming that his injury brought Jian Mingshu to his side, but Lu Chang expertly positions himself as a human barrier between them. Song Mu, who is now completely charmed by Jian Mingshu (a stark contrast to before!), even tries to give her a bracelet intended for her future daughter-in-law. Song Qingzhao, worried this will make Jian Mingshu uncomfortable given the implications, tries to intervene. Lu Chang, witnessing all this, looks even more miserable. When Lu Chang asks Jian Mingshu if she’ll accept the bracelet, she remains silent, her mind clearly elsewhere – still consumed by her unknown past and not ready for such commitments. Song Qingzhao’s parents, however, are all in, practically ready to arrange the engagement tomorrow! But Song Qingzhao, ever considerate (and perhaps realistic), knows Jian Mingshu might not feel the same way and thinks they should wait.
On a different note, there's some family drama brewing. Lu Shangshu (Lu Chang’s biological father, remember?) shows up with a load of gifts for Zeng Yi, which she flatly refuses. Interestingly, when Wei Zhuo brings gifts, Zeng Yi accepts them without a fuss and even invites him in for a chat. She confides in Wei Zhuo, revealing that Lu Shangshu is indeed Lu Chang's father. Lu Shangshu then makes a pointed comment about their "family of four" needing to reunite, but Wei Zhuo isn't falling for his act.
And just to make sure we’re all on the edge of our seats, the episode ends with Prince Yu taking Su Tangli out hunting. As he walks off to retrieve their game, Su Tangli’s expression shifts into something cold and dangerous. She raises her bow, aiming it directly at Prince Yu’s unsuspecting back. Cliffhanger!
