Episode Summary
The episode kicks off with news of an arranged marriage between the prominent Ling Guo Gong Fu and Jing An Hou Fu. Ming Tan, the bride-to-be from the Jing An Hou Fu, is against the union, suspecting the Liang family (Duke Ling's family) is after her family's military power and knowing the groom, Liang Zixuan, is already involved with his cousin. Ming Tan cleverly sabotages the initial betrothal gift ceremony. While trying to gather evidence of Liang Zixuan's affair at Hanyan Temple, she encounters Prince Dingbei, Jiang Xu, who is fleeing assassins. A series of misunderstandings and close calls ensue, including Jiang Xu secretly hitching a ride on Ming Tan's carriage and later finding her snooping in the Liang family's secret chamber where he's uncovered evidence of their corruption. Ming Tan gets knocked out by Jiang Xu after trying to take some of the evidence. The episode ends with Jiang Xu having exposed some of the Liang family's misdeeds and making a dramatic entrance at a palace banquet, much to everyone's surprise, while Ming Tan publicly snubs the Liang family matriarch.
Spoiler Alert
The talk of the capital is the upcoming power marriage between the Ling Guo Gong Fu (that's Duke Ling's household) and the Jing An Hou Fu (Marquis Jing'an's family). Our leading lady, Ming Tan, from the Marquis's side, is basically the "it girl" of the season. So, when Duke Ling's family sends over betrothal gifts, you'd expect it to be a huge deal, and it is – just not in the way they hoped.
Ming Tan is less than thrilled. Turns out, the Liang family (that's Duke Ling's crew) isn't after her sparkling personality; they've got their eyes on her family's military power. Plus, the groom-to-be, Liang Zixuan, is already secretly entangled with his cousin. Yeah, Ming Tan is so not signing up for this mess.
When Mama Liang, Li Lingyi, shows up at Ming Tan's place, all smiles and ready to seal the deal, Ming Tan isn't having it. She coolly points out that some of the fancy betrothal gifts are, well, a bit rubbish – cheap knock-offs mixed in with the good stuff. It’s a subtle but clear message: "You think I'm marrying into your family for status? Please." Li Lingyi, trying to smooth things over, promises to send new, better gifts, but also reminds everyone that the whole city saw these gifts arrive. Awkward. Ming Tan, ever the strategist, gives her maid a little nod, and oops – a screen topples over! Conveniently, Nanny Li declares it a bad omen, and just like that, the engagement is put on ice. For now.
But Ming Tan isn't just going to wait around. She hears Liang Zixuan is taking his cousin, Zhu'er, to the Hanyan Temple for some "praying." More like praying Ming Tan doesn't find out Zhu'er is already pregnant with his child! Ming Tan, naturally, tails them. Her plan? Snag the wooden prayer tablet they're sure to leave behind – the one with their names on it. Perfect evidence to call off this sham of a marriage.
Meanwhile, at the very same Hanyan Temple, Prince Dingbei, Jiang Xu, is having a much worse day. He’s just survived an assassination attempt on his way back to the capital (and he’s pretty sure the Liang family is behind it). Injured, he ducks into the temple to hide.
Inside, Ming Tan is on her mission, trying to retrieve that incriminating prayer tablet. She nearly takes a tumble, but a mysterious figure – surprise, it’s Jiang Xu! – catches her. There’s a brief, flustered moment (her stocking is torn, the scandal!), and she thanks him before trying to skedaddle. Just then, the local constabulary, the Xian Wei, shows up outside, yelling about catching thieves. Ming Tan, thinking fast and probably assuming they're after Jiang Xu (and not wanting to be caught in a compromising situation), flashes her family's token and basically tells them to get lost. They do, because nobody wants to mess with the Jing An Hou Fu.
After Ming Tan leaves, Jiang Xu spots a jade pendant she dropped. He tries to return it but has to duck for cover again as soldiers pass by. In a move that’s either desperate or daring, he ends up hitching a stealthy ride on Ming Tan's departing carriage. This doesn't stay secret for long. An assassin’s blade comes flying, and Jiang Xu yells for Ming Tan to get out of there. Too late – her cowardly coachman has already bolted. Jiang Xu, despite his injuries, makes short work of the attackers. He then has the audacity to ask Ming Tan for a lift into the city. She shuts him down hard. Sharing a carriage with an unknown, unmarried man? Bad for her reputation, especially since she has no idea who this dude even is. Jiang Xu, clutching his wounds, can only watch in frustration as a water flask and medicine – things he desperately needs – fall from her carriage as it pulls away. Ouch.
Back home, Ming Tan’s friend, Bai Minmin, rushes over after hearing about the temple attack. That's when Ming Tan realizes the crucial prayer tablet is gone! No proof, no easy way out of the engagement. Bai Minmin, ever the supportive bestie, suggests a new plan: infiltrate the Ling Guo Gong Fu and find direct evidence of Liang Zixuan’s affair with his cousin.
So, Ming Tan ropes in her adoptive mother, Zhang Yunru, to accompany her to the Duke's mansion, ostensibly to "apologize" for the whole betrothal gift fiasco. While Zhang Yunru keeps Li Lingyi busy, Ming Tan slips off, supposedly to find a "Miss Rong'er," but really heads straight for Liang Zixuan's study. She ditches her maid and starts searching. No luck in the main room, but then she discovers a secret chamber. And guess who’s already in there? Yep, Jiang Xu again! A sword is suddenly at her throat. Ming Tan, thinking he’s just a common thief like her (in a way), suggests they both just take what they came for and call it even.
While this is happening, Li Lingyi is telling Zhu'er to lay low and not cause any more trouble. Smart, but a little late for that.
In the secret room, Jiang Xu uncovers a stash of official silver. Ming Tan, seeing her chance for some serious evidence against the Liangs, tries to grab a piece. Bad move. Jiang Xu promptly knocks her unconscious. She wakes up back in her own mansion, completely bewildered. Bai Minmin is frantic with worry. The gravity of the situation hits Ming Tan: if she can't get out of this marriage, her whole family could be dragged into the Liang family's dirty dealings.
Over at the Liang residence, Liang Qiwei (presumably the Duke himself) is fuming. All the silver from the secret room is gone. In its place? A letter from Jiang Xu, accusing him of embezzling military funds and stating that the recovered silver is just the tip of the iceberg. Burn.
The episode culminates at the Shangyuan Festival palace banquet. Li Lingyi spots Ming Tan and tries to bring up the wedding again, all smiles and pleasantries. Ming Tan delivers the ultimate social snub by completely ignoring her. Then, making a grand entrance that has the whole court buzzing, Prince Dingbei, Jiang Xu, arrives.
