Episode Summary
In this episode, Lin Yan uncovers a major lead connecting the Prince of Zhao to a conspiracy. Both he and Shaoguang try to sever their emotional ties. The Shen family drama hits a boiling point when Li Fengxia walks in on her husband at a brothel, ready to end their marriage.
Spoiler Alert
A Not-So-Grand Reopening
A Rival Stops By
Shen's restaurant is officially back in business. The grand reopening gets an unwelcome guest. Lu Yun from the rival Yunlai Tavern shows up. He's not there to wish them well. He's there to gloat.
He heard that Meng Pushe's niece is now engaged to Lin Yan. He figures Shaoguang just lost her powerful connection. He basically tells her to enjoy the good times while they last. Shaoguang doesn't give him the time of day. She knows he's just there to stir up trouble.
The Investigation Heats Up
A Trip to Shian County
Lin Yan and Liu Chang head out to Shian County again. This time, they go straight to Mrs. Zheng's house. They're officially there to investigate the county magistrate. That's their cover story, anyway.
Mrs. Zheng is very welcoming. She serves them some water shield cakes. Lin Yan thinks she brought them all the way from Qingyang. But she tells him a Miss Shen stopped by a few days ago. She left the cakes specifically for her.
A Key Witness Speaks
Lin Yan puts it all together. Shaoguang has already been here. He learns she went through a tough time just to find that water shield for him. He then asks about the Cui family.
At first, Mrs. Zheng says she knows nothing. But Lin Yan and Liu Chang are easy to talk to. She realizes they are officials from Jingzhao Prefecture. They genuinely want to clear the Cui family's name. So she finally tells them the truth.
Her family had a marriage arrangement with the Cui family long ago. The wedding was called off after the Cuis were destroyed by the "selling of offices" scandal. Mrs. Zheng always believed Cui Rangzhi was a good man. She is certain he was framed.
She also drops a bombshell. Around September of last year, the Prince of Zhao's fourth son, Li Ang, came to town. He was asking questions about her. Her husband, the magistrate, got suspicious. He made up an excuse to send Li Ang away. Then he started his own private investigation. He discovered that the Prince of Zhao has secret dealings with Noble Consort Dou. This is the big break Lin Yan has been looking for.
Awkward Encounters
A Roadside Stop
On the way back to the capital, Lin Yan's carriage passes the Shen restaurant. Shaoguang's father, Shen Jianshe, sees the carriage and flags it down. He insists that Lin Yan come inside for a visit.
Lin Yan refuses to get out. A-Yuan packs up some food. Shaoguang brings it to his carriage window. As she hands it over, Lin Yan sees a mark on her arm. He feels a flash of concern. But then he remembers how her family lied to him. He gets cold again and tells the driver to leave immediately.
The Marriage Problem
Back in the city, Meng Pushe visits Lin Yan. He wants to talk about the marriage between Lin Yan and his niece, Shen Jingwen. Lin Yan states a simple fact. According to the law, he cannot marry her.
But Meng Pushe isn't giving up. He says his niece really likes Lin Yan. He thinks he can ask the Emperor for a special exemption. He's determined to make this marriage happen.
A Surprising Conversation
Shen Jingwen hears that Lin Yan neither agreed nor refused the proposal. She decides to visit him herself. At his office, she spots a wooden tablet on his desk. Shen Shaoguang's name is carved into it. She immediately understands what's going on.
She tells Lin Yan she will not force him into a marriage he doesn't want. But her grandfather is very excited about the whole thing. She doesn't want the old man to be disappointed. She asks Lin Yan to just pretend for a little while.
An Attempt to Move On
That night, Lin Yan looks at the wooden tablet. He decides he's done with this whole mess. He doesn't want to be tangled up with Shaoguang anymore. He throws the tablet into the trash.
At the very same time, Shaoguang is having a similar thought. She wants a fresh start. She takes off the red string bracelet from her wrist and throws it away. They are both trying to let go.
The next day, the Shen family is in a panic. Shen Yangyang is missing. They go to Jingzhao Prefecture to file a report. Liu Chang finds them. He explains that Yangyang showed up early that morning. She wanted to ask some academic questions. Lin Yan had already told him to send a message to the family.
The Shens meet with Lin Yan. He is incredibly cold and formal. He calls them "outside guests," making it clear they are no longer close. Shaoguang apologizes one last time. She promises she will not cause him any more trouble.
Family Drama Explodes
A Cry for Attention
Things are tense between Shen Jianshe and his wife, Li Fengxia. She still won't wear the ring he bought for her. He tries to get some sympathy by helping in the kitchen. He "accidentally" cuts his finger while peeling a radish. He expects her to rush over and fuss over him.
She does not. Li Fengxia tells him she has cut her fingers hundreds of times over the years. She never once ran to him crying about it. His little act completely backfires.
The Worst Possible Timing
Rejected and miserable, Shen Jianshe goes to the Ruyue Pavilion to drink. Meanwhile, Shaoguang and A-Yuan are packing up food for their new delivery service. Li Fengxia sees they've gotten sauce on their clothes. She decides to make the delivery herself.
The delivery address is a private room at the Ruyue Pavilion. Inside, two courtesans are trying to cheer up a very drunk Shen Jianshe. He is actively pushing them away. Just then, Li Fengxia opens the door. She sees her husband with two other women.
She calmly throws a few coins on the floor. She tells the two girls to get her a brush and some paper. You know exactly what she's about to write.
