Chen Qushui informed Dou Zhao and Song Mo that the Duke of Britain and other elders from the extended family had come to pay respects. While Song Mo dismissed the need for formalities, Dou Zhao volunteered to meet them, stating they couldn’t avoid interaction forever. The elders criticized Dou Zhao for offering tea to the deceased before the living, accusing her of disrespect. Dou Zhao cited imperial traditions to defend her actions, but the elders insisted she kneel and serve tea again. Song Mo resisted, but Song Yichun reprimanded him, saying that as the heir, he must show respect. Dou Zhao offered to kneel, but Song Mo stopped her, delivering the tea himself. His piercing gaze left Song Yichun no choice but to accept it.
Song Han gifted Dou Zhao an exquisite chess set, and the aunt praised her poise. However, when the topic of the household finances came up, the aunt resisted handing over control to Dou Zhao and even eyed her dowry. Song Mo firmly defended Dou Zhao’s capabilities, citing her proven financial acumen. Dou Zhao then presented her dowry of 70,000 taels of silver, shocking everyone. She explained it was merely profits from farming potatoes and proposed reinvesting it to cover household expenses. This demonstration left the aunt doubting her own abilities. Dou Zhao shared business strategies, earning respect from the family, though Song Mo reminded everyone that exploiting a wife’s dowry for the husband’s family could lead to public criticism.
Impressed by Dou Zhao’s skills, the Duke’s family proposed placing their finances under her management to ensure greater profits. While most agreed, Song Yichun stormed off in frustration, feeling overshadowed by Dou Zhao’s success.
Later, Dou Zhao and Song Mo discussed the family dynamics, identifying opportunities to manage the competing interests of the uncle and third uncle. Song Mo admired her insight and assured her that if the Duke’s family caused more trouble, Chen Qushui would summon the guards to handle it.
In a lighter moment, Song Mo taught Dou Zhao how to use a firearm. Though initially scared, she gained confidence, hitting her target and earning praise from Song Mo. However, when she noticed his injured hands again, she insisted on helping him bathe. Despite Song Mo’s shyness, Dou Zhao dismissed his protests, stating it was her duty as his wife. Seeing the scars on his back, she felt both heartache and admiration, recognizing the sacrifices he made for his country. Holding him tightly, she promised they would always face life honestly together, a vow Song Mo gladly accepted.
Meanwhile, Dou Ming brought snacks to Wei Tingyu and found him painting. Curious, she asked to see his work, but he teased her, promising to show it later. However, before anything more could happen, Dou Ming was called to attend Wei Tingzhen.
At Wei Tingzhen’s residence, Dou Ming found her servant being punished. She herself was forced to serve hot ginseng soup while kneeling, enduring her mother-in-law’s criticism for not contributing wealth to the family. Wei Tingzhen compared her unfavorably to Dou Zhao, mocking her lack of dowry and ability to generate income. Wei Tingyu arrived in time to defend Dou Ming, reminding Wei Tingzhen that they were in his household, not hers. Though angered, Wei Tingzhen backed down.
Back at her maiden home, Dou Ming shared pleasantries with her mother, Wang Yingxue, who noticed her daughter’s thin appearance and suspected mistreatment. Despite Dou Ming’s assurances that Wei Tingyu protected her, Wang Yingxue remained worried. She criticized Dou Zhao’s financial prowess, claiming Dou Ming valued emotions over wealth, unlike Dou Zhao. When Dou Ming praised Dou Zhao’s business advice, Wang Yingxue dismissed it as unnecessary and gave Dou Ming silver notes to appease her in-laws.
Later, Dou Ming tearfully confided in Dou Zhao about the challenges at her in-laws’. Dou Zhao reassured her, offering practical advice on managing finances. Wang Yingxue, overhearing their conversation, interrupted, insisting that Dou Ming didn’t need to concern herself with trivial matters, promising to find Wei Tingyu a job through her connections.
Meanwhile, spies from the Duke’s household infiltrated Dou Zhao and Song Mo’s estate to report on their activities. Chen Qushui suggested replacing the staff, but Dou Zhao hesitated, fearing this could worsen infiltration by rival factions. She reassured everyone that her loyalty to Song Mo was steadfast, even as she affectionately argued with him over her formality in addressing him. Song Mo seized the moment to kiss her, finally coaxing her to use a more personal address.
At the Wei household, Dou Ming found a completed painting of herself by Wei Tingyu, delighting her. However, their moment was interrupted by a summons from Wei Tingzhen. Fearing another confrontation, Dou Ming reluctantly went alone. Wei Tingzhen criticized her management skills, but Dou Ming silenced her by presenting Wei Tingyu’s official appointment letter, asserting her role as the household’s mistress. From outside, Wei Tingyu overheard the exchange, quietly smiling at Dou Ming’s resolve.
