After the matter was resolved, Du Yangxi and Chai An discussed the riddle posed by the old lady. Although Chai An’s casual remark seemed insignificant, it sparked an idea in Du Yangxi, allowing him to provide Shouhua with a satisfactory answer and successfully pass the test. Du Yangxi reprimanded the four individuals and gifted Shouhua a luxurious folding fan made of hinoki wood. However, Shouhua unexpectedly presented another challenge by deliberately throwing the fan into the Bianjing River. She demanded that Du Yangxi retrieve the fan and return it to her, stating that only by doing so could the couple reconcile and mend their broken relationship.
Seeing this, Du Yangxi was overwhelmed with frustration and considered jumping into the river to search for the fan, which led onlookers to mistake him for attempting suicide. Fortunately, Fan Lianghan happened to pass by and, noticing Du Yangxi’s distress, realized that the old lady had set a difficult task. He sent his servants to help retrieve the fan, but their efforts were in vain. Realizing the situation, Du Yangxi devised a plan to substitute the lost fan. He personally asked Chai An for assistance, first having Kangning and Fuhui invite Shouhua to Panlou, then placing a new fan inside a fish to present to her.
Shouhua was furious upon seeing this, accusing Kangning and Fuhui of conspiring with outsiders to deceive her. Fuhui was completely unaware of the scheme, while Kangning was angry with Chai An. Upon returning home, Shouhua knew the fan was not the original one but had no way to prove it. Du Yangxi cleverly navigated the situation, successfully overcoming the second challenge.
Later, Du Yangxi noticed that Shouhua had made a new pair of shoes. Initially thinking they were for him, he tried them on only to find they didn’t fit at all. He then realized they were meant for her deceased husband. Consumed by jealousy and resentment, Du Yangxi believed that Shouhua still harbored feelings for her late husband, which explained why she was so difficult with him. Overwhelmed by his emotions, Du Yangxi sought solace in alcohol with Chai An, drinking himself into a stupor.
Meanwhile, the neighboring Mrs. Cui suddenly opened a tea shop called “Cui’s Tea House,” directly competing with the Four Blessings Teahouse. This infuriated Mrs. Li, who wanted to confront Mrs. Cui but was calmed down by her daughters. Shouhua noticed Mrs. Li carrying a painting by Du Yangxi and learned that someone had offered three hundred guan for it. She warned Mrs. Li that such offers were often attempts to gain favor.
At the same time, Qiongnu brought in a quick and lively maid named Chou’er to replace Chunlai. Shouhua was very pleased with Chou’er’s clever and cheerful demeanor. Mrs. Li gently advised Shouhua to stop dwelling on her late husband, reminding her that while her late husband was admirable, she should cherish the person in front of her. Otherwise, her actions would be unfair to Du Yangxi. Shouhua was moved by these words.
That night, Du Yangxi returned home drunk, and Shouhua stayed by his bedside to care for him. As she was about to fetch sobering medicine, Du Yangxi suddenly embraced her from behind. He confessed that he had been an orphan since childhood, raised solely by his mother, who endured societal judgment and criticism to bring him up. He expressed deep gratitude for her sacrifices.
Du Yangxi admitted that he could not compare to Shouhua’s late husband, lacking a prestigious family background, noble character, or magnanimity. He described himself as selfish, greedy, and petty, driven by a relentless pursuit of success through hard study, all to prove that even an orphan could achieve greatness and bring honor to his family.
Hearing about Du Yangxi’s difficult past, Shouhua felt a mix of emotions, understanding that his wisdom was born from hardship and suffering. However, Shouhua was still unfamiliar with the dynamics of marital relationships, believing that couples should maintain a formal and respectful distance to sustain their bond. Du Yangxi, on the other hand, did not want to be part of such a cold relationship and pleaded with Shouhua to show him affection.
This tender plea softened Shouhua’s heart, and she finally kissed him on the forehead. Overjoyed, Du Yangxi took the opportunity to consummate their marriage, and the couple reconciled. The next morning, Du Yangxi drew a pear blossom on Shouhua’s undergarment, and the two were deeply affectionate, enjoying their renewed closeness.
Meanwhile, the Cui’s Tea House, run by the charming Rongmei, attracted numerous customers, causing the Four Blessings Teahouse to lose business. Qiongnu wanted to personally attend to customers, but Mrs. Li refused, unwilling to follow Mrs. Cui’s example of using her daughter to make money. She still hoped to find a good match for Qiongnu in the future. Shouhua, Fuhui, and Kangning returned to their娘家 (mother’s home), only to find Yan Zimei following their carriage. Mrs. Li noticed this and instructed her son-in-law, Fan Lianghan, to teach him a lesson. However, Fan Lianghan went too far and accidentally beat Yan Zimei to death.
