Wang Simo gifts Xu Xinnian’s parents and siblings carefully chosen presents. She offers his younger sister an expensive set of cosmetics, but noticing her lack of excitement, Wang Simo quickly adds two popular storybooks. Xu Xinnian’s sister, a fan of such books, is delighted and immediately serves Wang Simo tea in gratitude.
With the family now in good spirits, Wang Simo explains her visit, admitting her actions might have caused Xu Xinnian some distress. Xu Pingzhi reassures her, praising his son’s mild and understanding nature. He insists Xu Xinnian won’t hold a grudge and takes Wang Simo to see him.
Meanwhile, Xu Xinnian, overwhelmed by the humiliation of being expelled by Wang Zhenwen, contemplates hanging himself. His cousin clings to him desperately, trying to stop him. When Xu Pingzhi opens the door and sees the scene, he quickly shuts it to prevent Wang Simo from witnessing the commotion. Xu Xinnian’s mother also intervenes, claiming Xu Xinnian is reading and shouldn’t be disturbed.
Suspicious of their behavior, Wang Simo eventually opens the door herself. To her surprise, she finds Xu Xinnian calmly studying while Xu Qi’an grinds ink nearby. Xu Xinnian’s parents, catching on to Xu Qi’an’s signal, discreetly hide the rope and change the subject. To lighten the mood, they invite Wang Simo on a walk.
Before leaving, Wang Simo places a stone on Xu Xinnian’s desk and glances at him with concern. Xu Qi’an, puzzled by the gesture, asks about its meaning. Xu Xinnian explains the phrase “my heart is as steadfast as a stone,” realizing that Wang Simo cares for him. His despair fades, replaced with renewed hope.
Wei Yuan’s Secret Plan
The emperor assigns Wang Zhenwen the critical task of reforming the Ministry of Personnel, a move Wei Yuan seizes as an opportunity to eliminate lingering corruption in the court. Wei Yuan preemptively investigates the ministry’s personnel records, removing incriminating documents tied to major offenders.
To ensure these documents reach Wang Zhenwen without exposing himself, Wei Yuan involves Xu Qi’an. He instructs Xu Qi’an to use the opportunity to earn Wang Zhenwen’s favor by delivering the materials. However, Xu Qi’an devises an even better plan: he has Xu Xinnian deliver the documents instead, ensuring that Wang Zhenwen views him in a positive light.
That evening, Wang Zhenwen’s residence is bustling with activity. Under immense pressure from the emperor’s demand to investigate the Ministry of Personnel, Wang Zhenwen faces potential dismissal if he fails. At the critical moment, Wang Simo delivers the confidential documents to her father, saving his position. Although Wang Simo credits Xu Xinnian, Wang Zhenwen astutely deduces Wei Yuan’s involvement.
A Mutual Understanding
The emperor rewards Wang Zhenwen for his success and rejects his request to retire. Following court, Wang Zhenwen visits Wei Yuan to express his gratitude. Wei Yuan, ever strategic, first discusses market grain prices before turning the conversation to personal matters.
During their exchange, Wei Yuan reveals his upcoming plan to lead an expedition against the Witch Clan, asking Wang Zhenwen to safeguard the emperor and maintain stability in the court. Touched by Wei Yuan’s integrity and vision for the empire, Wang Zhenwen realizes that Wei Yuan’s ambitions extend beyond mere political rivalry—his heart is devoted to the nation’s welfare. For the first time, Wang Zhenwen sees Wei Yuan’s true character.
