Episode Summary
Prince Fu Chengjin, who has a leg disability, is ordered by the Emperor to marry Princess Aliya of the Xilin Kingdom, known for her spirited nature. Unwilling to marry a disabled man, Princess Aliya hires Qiao Manman from the Wanshi Agency to help her break off the engagement. Qiao Manman impersonates Princess Aliya and meets Fu Chengjin, who also wishes to cancel the marriage. During their meeting at the Lantern Festival, they are ambushed by assassins sent by the Second Prince. Qiao Manman surprisingly rescues Fu Chengjin. News of "Princess Aliya's" bravery reaches the Emperor, who then decrees their marriage. The real Princess Aliya confronts Qiao Manman, who asks for three days to resolve the situation.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 1 Recap & Spoilers
The premiere episode introduces us to Prince Fu Chengjin, a man of distinguished appearance and remarkable presence, despite a leg ailment that restricts his movement and often confines him to a wheelchair, necessitating a retinue of attendants. His life takes an unexpected turn when his father, the Emperor, summons him to the palace. Fu Chengjin, accustomed to his physical limitations precluding him from military duties, casually enjoys some sweet osmanthus tangyuan before heading to the imperial summons, pondering the reason for the call.
At the palace, Fu Chengjin learns the Emperor's intention: a marriage alliance with the princess of the Xilin Kingdom. This princess, Aliya, is reputed to be rather high-spirited, known for her mischievous and somewhat "elfin" nature. Regardless of her personality, the prospect of relocating to a foreign land for this marriage is a nuisance to Fu Chengjin. However, out of respect for his father, he cannot immediately refuse.
Meanwhile, we meet Qiao Manman of the Wanshi Agency (Wanshitang), a business that promises to solve all kinds of problems. The agency has fallen on hard times, with business dwindling to almost nothing, leaving her uncle in a state of distress. Seeing his desperation, he entrusts Qiao Manman with the task of turning their fortunes around.
Qiao Manman, determined and resourceful, wastes no time. On her very first day in charge, she secures a case from a man named Pei Er. Pei Er’s nefarious plan is to oust his recently widowed sister-in-law and seize his deceased brother's estate. Qiao Manman quickly sees through his scheme, astutely analyzes the situation, devises a strategy, and confidently accepts his deposit.
Her second client arrives shortly after: Princess Aliya of the Xilin Kingdom herself. Having heard that her betrothed, Fu Chengjin, is disabled, Princess Aliya is desperate to avoid the marriage. Attracted by the Wanshi Agency’s reputation for handling any request, she, accompanied by her attendant, seeks Qiao Manman's help. Swayed by the princess's predicament and the substantial payment offered, Qiao Manman readily agrees to take on the case.
The plan is set in motion that evening. Princess Aliya arranges a meeting with Fu Chengjin during the Lantern Festival, where they are to identify each other by their lanterns. Qiao Manman, donning a mask, impersonates Princess Aliya to meet Fu Chengjin. Coincidentally, Fu Chengjin also intends to break off the engagement. Believing Qiao Manman to be the princess, he attempts to voice his refusal. This is exactly what Qiao Manman wants, and she is inwardly thrilled, thinking the job is already a success.
Unbeknownst to them, the Second Prince, who is in charge of security, learns of Fu Chengjin’s outing with minimal escort, supposedly for a romantic rendezvous. Seeing this as a golden opportunity, he secretly orders his subordinates to assassinate Fu Chengjin amidst the festival's chaos.
Just as Qiao Manman (still disguised as Princess Aliya) and Fu Chengjin are about to go their separate ways, cheers erupt from a nearby couples' competition, promising a hefty prize to the winners. With the Wanshi Agency’s funds critically low, the lure of prize money is irresistible to Qiao Manman. She impulsively drags the reluctant Fu Chengjin, wheelchair and all, to participate.
Despite Fu Chengjin's lack of cooperation, the quick-witted and intelligent Qiao Manman manages to win the competition through her cleverness and adaptability. However, her triumph turns to disappointment when the grand prize turns out to be a mere single coin. Feeling utterly cheated, she disdainfully tosses the coin to Fu Chengjin as a "hardship fee" for his troubles and storms off.
At that moment, the assassins dispatched by the Second Prince make their move. Qiao Manman turns back at the sound of the commotion to see Fu Chengjin thrown to the ground. Without hesitation, she rushes to his aid. With a horde of attackers closing in, she is forced to lift Fu Chengjin and flee for their lives. Fu Chengjin, who has never been carried by a woman, is taken aback by her surprising strength, especially given her seemingly delicate frame. Once they reach a secluded spot, Fu Chengjin unexpectedly immobilizes Qiao Manman by striking her acupressure points. After she faints, he swiftly carries her away to safety.
By the next day, a sensationalized tale of "Princess Aliya" bravely rescuing Prince Fu Chengjin has spread throughout the palace. Hearing this heroic account, the Emperor is delighted and promptly issues a decree for their marriage. When news of the imperial edict reaches the real Princess Aliya, she is furious and storms off to the Wanshi Agency to confront Qiao Manman.
Cornered and desperate to save her own skin, Qiao Manman begs Princess Aliya for a chance to rectify the situation, pleading for three days to come up with a solution and provide an answer.
