Episode Summary
Wei Yun's plan to access the Armory is blocked by Lu Qi Ba, who then launches a smear campaign to ruin his reputation. In response, Chu Yu proves her strategic mind by rebranding a crucial banquet and cleverly winning the favor of the Grand Princess. The episode concludes with Wei Yun and Chu Yu both being led to the same inn, where the Crown Prince is supposedly hiding.
Spoiler Alert
A Failed Meeting and a Clumsy Ride Home
The Armory is Off-Limits
Alright, let's get into it. Wei Yun’s plan to get inside the Armory Division hits a wall immediately. He meets with Lu Qi Ba at Yixiang Pavilion, but the guy isn't helpful. Lu Qi Ba tells him the only way in is to officially inherit his title. He needs the "fish tally," which is a symbol of his new authority. Lu Qi Ba warns him. Trying to get in before that is basically a suicide mission. So, that meeting was a total bust.
An Awkward Carriage Moment
After the failed meeting, Chu Yu gets a ride home in Wei Yun’s carriage. Just as they're about to reach the Wei mansion, a decorative bell gets tangled in her hair. She can't get it out herself. So she pulls Wei Yun into the carriage to help her. He gets really close to her. The whole situation makes him remember the first time he saw her. His heart just starts pounding like crazy.
Rumors, Lies, and a New Puppy
The Smear Campaign Begins
That whole meeting with Lu Qi Ba was a setup. I knew that guy was shady. The very next day, rumors are flying all over the city. People are saying Wei Yun spends all his time getting drunk at Yixiang Pavilion. They claim he's with a different woman every night. The stories get even worse. Some people are saying he blew a fortune on a prostitute and even got into a big fight over her. This is a calculated attack. The rumors are meant to stop him from inheriting his title, especially during a mourning period.
His mother-in-law, Xie Yun, hears the gossip and starts to worry about Chu Yu. Chu Yu's brother, Chu Jin, thinks they should just leave her at the Wei mansion.
Wei Yun's Terrible Lie
Just as Chu Yu is rushing inside the mansion, Jiang Chun spots them. Chu Yu quickly makes up an excuse and disappears. Wei Yun is left standing there, still holding the bell from her hair. He's sweating a little from the close call in the carriage. Jiang Chun notices and asks him about it. He lies and says it's just a hot day. Right then, a cold breeze blows past. Jiang Chun is confused, and Wei Yun’s lie falls completely flat.
Chu Yu Gets a Dog (and Wei Yun is Terrified)
Later, a little puppy wanders into Chu Yu's courtyard. She absolutely adores it. Back home, her mother never allowed her to have pets. But here in the Wei mansion, nobody cares. Chu Yu decides to keep the cute little dog.
This leads to a pretty funny moment. Chu Yu brings an invitation to Wei Yun, but her handwriting is awful. He offers to rewrite it for her. Just as he finishes, the new puppy runs into the room. Wei Yun completely loses his cool. We learn he is terrified of dogs. He looks pale and genuinely scared.
Chu Yu Fights Back
The Gratitude Banquet
Chu Yu isn't just going to sit back while people trash her husband's name. She comes up with a smart plan. She suggests they change the official "Inheritance Banquet" into a "Gratitude Banquet." It’s a clever way to counter the negative rumors and reframe the entire event.
Winning Over the Grand Princess
Chu Yu personally delivers the new invitation to the powerful Grand Princess, Li Changming. She doesn't just drop it off, though. She brings a very specific, thoughtful gift. Chu Yu knows the princess keeps many handsome and talented men as retainers. So, she created a custom set of playing cards. Each card features a small, carved portrait of one of the princess's ten favorite retainers. The Grand Princess is seriously impressed with the gift.
New Alliances and a Mysterious Inn
A Cold Retainer and a Secret Pouch
As Chu Yu leaves, she's stopped by Xue Hanmei, one of the princess's people. Xue Hanmei gives her a small silk pouch. She says it's from the princess and might help the Wei family with their problems. Chu Yu takes it, but she suspects the pouch might be from Xue Hanmei herself.
Later, we see the princess ask Xue Hanmei what she thinks of Chu Yu. Xue Hanmei says Chu Yu is interesting and would probably get along well with the princess. The princess then tries to touch Xue Hanmei's chin, but Xue Hanmei pulls away. She claims she just came from the herb garden and might have something on her hands that could harm the princess. The princess backs off. She seems to like Xue Hanmei's cold and distant attitude.
Reopening an Old Case
In another part of the city, Gu Chu Sheng is making moves. He decides to reopen the investigation into Prince Qin's old treason case. To do this, he needs help from Song Wen Chang, the son of the Duke of Hu. Gu Chu Sheng makes his case sincerely, and he gets the help he needs.
Everyone's Looking for the Crown Prince
The episode ends with a few key players all heading to the same place. Wei Yun asks Song Wen Chang for help finding the Crown Prince. Song Wen Chang just brings him to the front of an inn, leaving Wei Yun confused. But then Chu Yu shows up. She says the Grand Princess told her to come to this exact spot to find the Crown Prince. Since they were both sent here, Wei Yun figures he must be inside. He follows Song Wen Chang into the inn, and the hunt is on.
