Episode Summary
In this episode, a family conflict over a plot of land is cleverly resolved by Ning Xiuxiu, who leverages a job offer made to her husband, Big Foot Feng. While Feng travels to the county town, he becomes involved in a raid against corrupt officials and heroically saves Du Chunlin's life, getting injured in the process. This event solidifies his status as a local hero and brings him and Ning Xiuxiu closer than ever, culminating in a heartfelt confession of love and the consummation of their marriage. Meanwhile, Feng Si betrays his village by agreeing to help a group of bandits.
Spoiler Alert
After rescuing Ning Xiuxiu from Rooster Ridge, Big Foot Feng takes the injured Du Chunlin to a hospital. Upon his recovery, Du Chunlin personally thanks Feng and offers him a job at the Farmers' Association in the county town, inviting him to bring his wife, Ning Xiuxiu, along. However, Feng is concerned about his brother, Feng Er, who has just rented thirteen acres of land from Fei Zuoshi. Worried that his brother can't manage it alone, he declines the offer. Before leaving, Du Chunlin secretly leaves a silver dollar for him.
That night, Ning Xiuxiu finds the money and tells her husband to return it. The plot thickens around the thirteen acres of land, which originally belonged to Tietou's family. They lost the land to Fei Zuoshi after failing to repay a debt, and she, in turn, rented it to Feng Er, leaving Tietou and his mother desperate. Big Foot Feng urges his brother to return the land, but Feng Er adamantly refuses, even hiding the deed under his pillow. When their mother tries to steal the deed while he sleeps, Feng Er catches her and verbally abuses her.
Big Foot Feng rushes in to defend his mother, leading to a heated argument. Feng Er accuses them of betrayal and brings up how Ning Xiuxiu refused a dowry of fifteen acres from her own family. Just then, Xiuxiu arrives and, to everyone's surprise, supports Feng Er's decision to farm the land for now. This instantly changes Feng Er's attitude, and he praises her as a model daughter-in-law.
Later, Ning Xiuxiu reveals her clever plan. She tells the family about Du Chunlin's job offer. While Feng Er is pleased at the prospect of his brother's success, he realizes he can't manage over thirty acres of land by himself. Big Foot Feng seizes the opportunity to again suggest returning the thirteen acres to Tietou's family. To prove the job offer is real, Xiuxiu shows them the silver dollar Du Chunlin left.
Meanwhile, a new threat emerges as Hu San and his bandits scout Xiazhuang Village, targeting Pan Xiaogui's home. Feng Si overhears their plan but is discovered. To save his own life, he offers to act as their inside man.
Torn between his brother's future and the newly acquired land, Feng Er has a sleepless night. His wife persuades him to prioritize Big Foot Feng's career. The next morning, as Feng heads to the county town to return the money, Ning Xiuxiu tasks her mother-in-law with convincing Feng Er to give back the land. Xiuxiu herself visits Fei Zuoshi and, with Ning Susu's help, successfully persuades her to rent the land back to Tietou's family. In exchange, Fei Zuoshi asks Xiuxiu to write a letter to her son, Fei Wendian, urging him to return home, which Xiuxiu does on the spot.
On his way to the county, Big Foot Feng hitches a ride with Xiao Qing, a worker from the Fei family, who is delivering the very letter Xiuxiu wrote. Feng is curious about its contents, but Xiao Qing won't let him see it. At the Farmers' Association, Feng learns Du Chunlin is away for a couple of days and is given a place to stay by a Mr. Shen.
That night, Feng is awakened by a commotion. Mr. Shen is gathering his men, the Green Flag Gang, to meet Du Chunlin. Feng joins them as they raid the Shuhe County government, arresting corrupt officials. At the same time, Ning Kejin leads a raid on the county's security regiment, seizing their weapons. The two groups rendezvous and find Du Chunlin. As they meet, the escaped security captain attempts to shoot Du Chunlin. Without hesitation, Big Foot Feng shields him, taking the bullet himself.
Feng is rushed to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. Du Chunlin sends for Ning Xiuxiu to care for him. When Fei Wendian receives the letter, he sees only a single character: "Return" , and immediately knows Xiuxiu wrote it.
At the hospital, Xiuxiu tends to her husband. In a tender moment, she overcomes her shyness to help a nurse give him an injection. He asks about the letter she wrote to Fei Wendian. She tells him it contained only the one word and confesses that she has moved on from Fei Wendian and wants to build a life with him. This brings immense joy to Feng.
After his recovery, Big Foot Feng returns to the village as a hero. Ning Kejin ensures his return is a grand affair, with drums and gongs, recounting his brave act to the entire village. That night, Feng and Xiuxiu finally confess their deep feelings for one another, holding hands and sharing intimate words, and their relationship is consummated.
