Luo Shu, deeply upset by Qi Meng Lin’s near-death state, scolds him harshly. She berates him for his lack of courage and responsibility, accusing him of resorting to hunger strikes as a form of manipulation. Furious, she declares she would never marry someone as weak as him and storms out, leaving Qi Meng Lin stunned.
Han Mu Zhi’s Plea to Qin Yi
Desperate, Han Mu Zhi approaches Qin Yi with Cai Butou to request grain at a high price. Qin Yi, however, insists on payment upfront. When Han Mu Zhi tries to invoke Liu Yi Qing’s name, Qin Yi remains unmoved and demands that Luo Shu come to him directly. Frustrated by Qin Yi’s unreasonable demands, Han Mu Zhi leaves in disappointment.
Realizing they are out of options, Han Mu Zhi decides to request relief grain from Liu Yi Qing. Meanwhile, Luo Shu begins to suspect a deeper conspiracy: Qin Yi’s refusal to sell grain and Liu Yi Qing’s deliberate withholding of relief grain seem far from coincidental.
Qi Meng Lin, shaken by Luo Shu’s scolding, abandons his hunger strike and sends Lian Shu to check on her. Upon learning that Luo Shu is helping Han Mu Zhi search for grain, Qi Meng Lin vows to uncover the truth behind her parents’ deaths. He even pleads with his grandmother to persuade his father to allow him to investigate.
Liu Yi Qing’s Manipulations
Han Mu Zhi reluctantly visits Liu Yi Qing, but the official avoids meeting him. Just as Han Mu Zhi is about to leave, Liu Wan invites him to a lavish dinner. Han Mu Zhi suspects Liu Yi Qing is withholding grain as leverage due to his decision to call off the engagement with Liu Wan. He apologizes to Liu Wan and pleads with her to speak on Linfen’s behalf, urging her father to release the relief grain.
Liu Wan, feeling wronged, assures Han Mu Zhi that she would never take revenge on innocent citizens because of his rejection. She agrees to speak to her father but walks away, leaving Han Mu Zhi to stew in frustration. Later that night, Liu Wan confronts Liu Yi Qing, urging him to release the grain, but Liu Yi Qing advises her to stay out of the matter.
A Night of Despair
Overwhelmed and dejected, Han Mu Zhi turns to alcohol. Drunken and heartbroken, he laments his helplessness on the streets, questioning his sacrifices and failures. Luo Shu finds him in this state and tries to comfort him, but Han Mu Zhi expresses his despair over giving up the woman he loves for the greater good, only to face constant setbacks. Unable to console him with words, Luo Shu silently stays by his side until Cai Butou arrives and convinces Han Mu Zhi to return to his lodgings.
Luo Shu Faces Qin Yi
Determined to help Han Mu Zhi, Luo Shu swallows her pride and visits Qin Yi the next morning. Qin Yi, elated to see her, revels in the moment. Luo Shu pleads with him to sell grain to Han Mu Zhi, even pointing out that the value of his hoarded grain would plummet once the disaster subsides. Qin Yi, however, sticks to his terms: payment upfront. In desperation, Luo Shu offers her personal savings, but Qin Yi refuses and demands she kneel before him. Without hesitation, Luo Shu kneels and humbles herself, even admitting defeat, to secure the grain.
Qin Yi agrees to sell the grain—but only if Luo Shu marries him. Shocked, Luo Shu flatly rejects the proposition and leaves. Qin Yi gives her three days to reconsider, threatening that Han Mu Zhi won’t get a single grain otherwise.
Conspiracies and Tough Choices
Meanwhile, Qi Meng Lin’s condition improves, and the Qi Governor sends Qi Yan Jin to summon him. Qi Meng Lin, feigning serious injury, earns his father’s sympathy. He apologizes profusely, causing the Qi Governor to relent and remove the guards from his quarters, even allowing him to visit his grandmother.
Qin Yi, unwilling to let Luo Shu go, sends his steward to spread rumors that she is preparing to marry him. When Han Mu Zhi and Cai Butou hear the news, they try to dissuade her. However, Luo Shu is resolute in her decision to take the risk for Linfen’s citizens. She asks Han Mu Zhi and Cai Butou to keep the matter a secret. Qi Meng Lin, arriving at Luo Shu’s lodging, overhears their conversation.
Qi Meng Lin’s Determination
Enraged and desperate, Qi Meng Lin returns home to ask his father for military grain to help Han Mu Zhi. The Qi Governor, however, refuses outright, choosing to remain neutral and watch the conflict between Qin Yi and Liu Yi Qing unfold. Frustrated and powerless, Qi Meng Lin is once again left distraught, refusing to eat or drink as he struggles to find a way to aid Luo Shu and Han Mu Zhi.
This episode highlights the mounting tensions, personal sacrifices, and difficult choices made by the characters as they navigate political intrigue and humanitarian crises.
