That night, as Du Yangxi returns from visiting a friend, he learns that his mother has been taken in by the Li family. Rushing over, he sincerely thanks Lady Li, who is delighted to see mother and son reunited. She orders more dishes to be added to their meal and tells them to return home after eating. Du Yangxi’s mother reminds him to be grateful and not to become arrogant, thinking he can climb the social ladder if he becomes successful in the future. Du Yangxi understands her words and declares that he will personally visit the Li family the next day to propose.
Meanwhile, Lady Shouhua notices that Kang Ning seems unsettled. She instructs Qiong Nu to falsely claim that Chai An has been injured. As expected, upon hearing this, Kang Ning impulsively rushes out but is stopped by Shouhua. Realizing that Kang Ning still has lingering feelings for Chai An, Shouhua advises her to reflect on her true emotions before the engagement between the Li and Du families is finalized. Kang Ning hesitates, showing signs of doubt.
Just then, Chai An arrives at the Li residence. Overjoyed, Kang Ning intends to confess her feelings to him. However, Chai An begins to make critical remarks about the Li family, angering Kang Ning. She lashes out, saying that while Chai An claims not to look down on her family, his words prove otherwise. She declares that she will never tolerate anyone insulting the Li family. Even if she remains unmarried for life, she would rather die in the Li household than ever set foot in the Chai family again.
With this, the two part ways on bad terms, and Kang Ning formally becomes engaged to Du Yangxi. Chai An, heartbroken, drowns his sorrows in alcohol at Pan Tower while listening to music. Fan Lianghan rushes in to inform him of the engagement and scolds him for his harsh words. He tells Chai An that Kang Ning was about to change her mind and accept him, but because of his temper, their relationship is now beyond repair.
However, Chai An refuses to accept this and is even more displeased that Lady Li treats marriage as a transaction. He believes the Li family is heartless and only cares about scheming. Seeing his resentment, Fan Lianghan reveals the hardships the Li family has endured—how they were once bullied by their own clan, had their wealth stolen, and how Lady Li had to become fierce and strong to protect her five daughters. Hearing this, Chai An feels both guilty and regretful. But when his mother urges him to marry, he bitterly responds that Kang Ning is already engaged, and her goal has been achieved.
On the day of the provincial exam, Lady Li wakes Kang Ning early. Accompanied by her eldest sister, Kang Ning reluctantly prepares a box of “Victory Cakes” for Du Yangxi as a token of good fortune. The day before the exam results are announced, the emperor makes a public appearance, and a large crowd gathers, leaving behind various lost items. Hao De and Le Shan insist on going “street cleaning,” so Kang Ning and Qiong Nu secretly take them out.
While outside, Kang Ning finds a hairpin identical to the one she once broke. Suspecting that Chai An deliberately left it for her, she takes it back to her room. The next morning, news spreads that a valuable item has gone missing from the palace. Kang Ning, feeling uneasy, tells Qiong Nu, who suspects it might be something the empress lost.
Knowing the gravity of the situation, Kang Ning and Qiong Nu devise a plan. They decide to secretly return the item at night to avoid suspicion. Just as they prepare to do so, Chai An suddenly appears, revealing that the hairpin was his gift to Kang Ning. He reminisces about their past conflicts and tender moments. Though touched, Kang Ning refuses to accept his gift, and they bid farewell for good.
Soon after, Du Yangxi emerges as the top scorer in the provincial exam. Overjoyed, Lady Li fully acknowledges him as her son-in-law, and wedding preparations begin. When Chai An learns of Kang Ning’s upcoming marriage, he volunteers to join a maritime expedition to Dashi Kingdom, planning to leave the country. His mother, shocked, desperately tries to stop him. But Chai An only mutters that February 2nd was supposed to be his wedding day, leaving his mother filled with deep regret.
Determined to prevent Chai An from leaving, his mother personally visits Lady Li to apologize and plead for forgiveness. She even kneels, begging her to reconsider. However, Lady Li only mocks her. Finally, Chai An’s mother reveals the truth about her desperation. Though moved, Lady Li has already received Du Yangxi’s formal proposal and cannot go back on her word. She firmly declares that Kang Ning is already promised to the Du family and that the betrothal ceremony will take place in three days, leaving no room for change.
