Episode Summary
Qiao Manman, under pressure to cure the Imperial Consort's headaches despite not being a real doctor, faces suspicion from Fu Chengjin regarding her identity and medical knowledge. Fu Chengjin, however, sees her as potentially useful for his own hidden agenda and subtly guides her. Qiao Manman cleverly uses intimidating "treatments" on the Imperial Consort, who then feigns recovery to avoid them. Meanwhile, the amnesiac Princess Aliya continues to believe she is Ji Mo's wife. As Fu Chengjin helps Qiao Manman, he finds himself increasingly drawn to her lively personality, and she, in turn, starts to show her gratitude by paying attention to his preferences.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 5: Recap & Spoilers – A Clever Ruse and Budding Feelings
The episode kicks off with Qiao Manman getting a fright when the Imperial Consort speaks, but Fu Chengjin remains composed. He confidently states that Qiao Manman's medical expertise is undeniable and that she will cure the Consort's persistent headaches within three days.
However, Fu Chengjin is privately skeptical about Qiao Manman's earlier mention of the "Baihui" acupoint. Back at the Prince's Mansion, he pointedly asks Qiao Manman its location. She panics when Fu Chengjin clarifies that the Baihui acupoint is on the crown of the head, as she had just told the Imperial Consort it was on the neck. Qiao Manman quickly improvises, claiming she was referring to a different, similarly sounding term.
After Qiao Manman departs, Fu Chengjin consults medical books, confirming the Baihui acupoint is indeed on the top of the head. This deepens his suspicions, and he immediately tasks his subordinate, Jiu Tian, with an investigation. Soon after, Fu Chengjin invites Qiao Manman for tea, casually quizzing her about the common plants in her supposed homeland, the Xilin Kingdom. Internally, Qiao Manman is in turmoil – she knows nothing about Xilin's flora. Thinking fast, she names a random plant she isn't even familiar with, managing to deflect his questions for the time being.
Meanwhile, Princess Aliya's physical health continues to improve, but her amnesia persists. She still believes she is Ji Mo's wife and enthusiastically embraces her wifely duties. Seeing her "husband" diligently writing every day, she volunteers to become his publicist, planning to popularize his stories through public storytelling performances.
Qiao Manman is weighed down by a heavy secret: she's not a doctor and has no idea how to treat the Imperial Consort's headaches. Her anxiety even manifests as nightmares where the Imperial Consort, furious, sentences her for deceiving the imperial family. Distraught and unable to sleep, she wanders out of her room for some fresh air.
By now, Fu Chengjin's investigation has revealed that Qiao Manman is not the real Princess Aliya. Her true identity remains unknown, but Fu Chengjin decides not to act hastily. Given that his own leg injury is feigned, Qiao Manman's actual background is less important than her potential cooperation in his plans.
Fu Chengjin encounters the troubled Qiao Manman in the courtyard. Instead of confronting her, he offers a subtle hint: if the Imperial Consort is also faking her illness, then "fighting fire with fire" (or "using poison against poison," as the original phrasing suggests) might be the solution. His words spark an idea in Qiao Manman, and she finally figures out how to deal with the Consort. Her mood instantly brightens. Just then, she notices the courtyard filled with fireflies. A playful mood takes over, and she catches many, crafting a small, glowing lantern.
As the cool evening breeze blows, Fu Chengjin observes Qiao Manman's joyful pursuit of the fireflies, finding her incredibly endearing. It has been years since his mother passed away, and he hasn't encountered a woman as vibrant and intelligent as Qiao Manman. He feels a stirring in his heart. Later that night, alone in bed, he finds himself replaying their interactions, increasingly intrigued by her.
When the day arrives for Qiao Manman to "treat" the Imperial Consort, Fu Chengjin accompanies her to the Consort's residence. Qiao Manman, indeed full of tricks, begins the treatment with an unbearably hot medicinal bath. When the Consort can't stand it, Qiao Manman switches tactics, bringing out very large acupuncture needles. The sight of these massive silver needles terrifies the Imperial Consort, who promptly declares that her illness has vanished and she no longer requires any treatment.
Grateful for Fu Chengjin's support and advice, Qiao Manman begins to take a keen interest in his well-being, particularly his meals. She even goes out of her way to consult the maids, diligently noting down all of Fu Chengjin's favorite dishes.
