Dou Zhao realized that Wang Yingxue’s schemes forced her return home, much to Wang Yingxue’s delight. Upon returning, Dou Zhao administered acupuncture to Cui Shi and prepared medicine packs for her recurring illnesses, instructing Zhao Zhangru on their use if she wasn’t around. When Cui Shi awoke and saw Dou Zhao, she cried like a child, aware that Wang Yingxue’s manipulations had worsened her condition to force Dou Zhao back. Cui Shi, outraged at Wang Yingxue’s signing of the marriage contract, wanted to confront her, but Dou Zhao stopped her, asserting she needed to face some matters herself. While Cui Shi blamed herself for failing to protect Dou Zhao, she trusted Dou Zhao’s intelligence and reminded her to remain cautious.
Dou Shishu sent luxurious clothing for Dou Zhao, concerned her modest appearance might embarrass the family in the capital. Hearing music outside, Cui Shi assumed it was traveling musicians playing for her birthday. Unbeknownst to them, it was Song Mo playing. Dou Zhao, Cui Shi, and Zhao Zhangru promised to await her safe return. Alone in the courtyard, Dou Zhao planted a purple nine-petaled flower and called out to Song Mo, knowing he was nearby. She thanked him for his care and the melody. Song Mo praised her clarity and ability to grasp complex situations, and Dou Zhao admired his boldness in overcoming obstacles. Song Mo returned the earring he had shot off on the ship, leaving Dou Zhao surprised and touched that he had kept it.
Chen Qushui noticed new servants in the household and became worried about Jiang Huisun’s worsening health, as she coughed blood daily. Dou Zhao moved back into the family home. While Wang Yingxue pretended to welcome her, she secretly demanded that Dou Zhao curb her independent streak. Dou Zhao outwardly agreed but was immediately punished by being made to copy books. She complied without complaint. That night, Zhao Zhanggui delivered a new inkstone and paper, containing a hidden message from Chen Qushui. Dou Zhao recalled records from The Chronicle of Zhao, noting that Song Mo was fated to kill his father and brother that year, turning his hair white overnight. She suspected the Duke of England was involved and instructed Chen Qushui to investigate further.
Dou Ming visited Dou Zhao, inviting her to go boating and offering to copy the assigned texts on her behalf. Dou Zhao found Dou Ming unrecognizable compared to her past self, though Dou Ming didn’t grasp the implication. Hearing footsteps outside, Dou Zhao extinguished the candle, and Dou Ming hid by resting on Dou Zhao’s lap, creating an unexpected moment of closeness. Ji Yong and Song Mo also sent copied texts for Dou Zhao, with Song Mo’s handwriting eerily matching her own left-handed script. Ji Yong’s attempt was nearly indistinguishable. Su Xin suggested using both, making Dou Zhao smile.
Ji Yong, now working for King Qing, demonstrated Song Mo’s skills to him. Song Mo impressed King Qing by shooting arrows blindfolded, hitting targets with precision. King Qing admired Song Mo and wanted him in his ranks. Song Mo, citing his mother’s illness, declined and returned to the capital, carrying orders for military dispatches. Upon his arrival, Song Mo discovered his mother had passed away. Grieving at her funeral, his brother explained that Jiang Huisun had refused food and called for Song Mo until her death. Song Mo blamed himself, kowtowing in remorse.
Hearing of Song Mo’s return, the Duke of England summoned him. The Duke, deeply sorrowful, held a comb his wife had used and lamented her sudden passing, pretending she was simply out enjoying flowers and would return soon. Before Song Mo could console him, Song Yichun accused him of having an affair with a maid, Meirui, who had killed herself while pregnant. Song Yichun presented a piece of jade belonging to Jiang Huisun, which Meirui had worn. Despite Song Mo’s denial and request for witnesses, Song Yichun struck him and ordered him to be punished under family law.
Learning the Duke of England had locked Song Mo in a storeroom, Dou Zhao, though under house arrest, insisted on rescuing him. Song Mo, enduring severe punishment, questioned why his father treated him so cruelly. He offered to leave permanently if unwanted, but Song Yichun refused to relent, instead planning to strip Song Mo of his title and expel him from the family in a formal ceremony before the clan.
Locked in the woodshed, Song Mo reflected on a lantern Dou Zhao had given him, understanding its meaning for the first time. As he drifted into semi-consciousness, he imagined Dou Zhao approaching. Opening his eyes, he found she was really there. Dou Zhao explained that Chen Qushui had orchestrated his escape, creating a distraction while Lu Zheng and Lu Ming rescued him. However, Lu Zheng died defending the gate to prevent pursuers from catching them.
Song Mo, heartbroken, lamented that strangers sacrificed their lives for him while his family sought to kill him. Dou Zhao, ignoring societal norms, risked everything to save him. She confessed that Song Mo had once saved her life, though she didn’t elaborate. Song Mo recognized her handwriting from the theater and confirmed she was the masked woman, though Dou Zhao didn’t admit it. Treating Song Mo’s wounds, Dou Zhao noticed a streak of white in his hair, recalling his tragic fate from her past life.
Despite his injuries, Song Mo insisted on returning. He refused to abandon the clan ceremony, knowing the Emperor would confirm his disinheritance if the ritual proceeded. Determined to fight back, he declared he needed strength, not healing, to wield a blade.
