Song Mo led his men in a surprise attack on the bandit ships from Dongyu, extracting the location of their base on Zhou Island. Energized by this discovery, he immediately requested permission to attack Zhou Island, aiming to make his mark in history.
In Futing, the townspeople were celebrating joyously. Hearing that the National Defense Army had returned, they lined the streets to welcome them. Young Marshal Song Mo had triumphantly led his troops to conquer Zhou Island, achieving significant victories. However, amidst this celebration, Yan Chaoqing reported that Song Yichun, the Duke of England and Song Mo’s father, had arrived. In the military camp, Song Yichun was tied up and about to be punished by Jiang Meisun for delaying military intelligence. Just then, Song Mo returned, having achieved victory against all odds, even with limited supplies. He volunteered to take his father’s punishment. Despite collective pleas for leniency, Jiang Meisun ordered Song Mo to receive ten lashes, though he was deeply pained by it. Jiang Meisun knew from the start that Song Mo’s surprise attack on Zhou Island was intended to plead for his father’s pardon.
Later, while tending to Song Mo’s wounds, Jiang Meisun regretted marrying his sister to Song Yichun. He pointed out Song Mo’s true motive for the assault on Zhou Island, lamenting that his nephew had such a father.
Meanwhile, Zhao Si’s daughter, Zhao Zhangru, prayed daily for prosperity, hoping for abundant harvests and wealth. Dou Zhao, however, dismissed these rituals, asserting that she could predict the eradication of the pirates this year, bringing them fortune. Zhao Zhangru jokingly called Dou Zhao a “female Zhuge Liang.” Their banter was interrupted when their maid, Susu, brought good news. The two sisters playfully teased Susu, accidentally soaking a silver note she was holding. After the laughter subsided, they dried the note.
Susu praised Dou Zhao’s foresight, noting that last year’s hoarded tea and silk had increased in value. While Susu saw a brighter future for business in Futing, Dou Zhao decided to sell all their goods and ships, foreseeing increased local taxes once the pirates were eliminated. Zhao Zhangru trusted Dou Zhao, joking that if she became the richest woman, her stepmother and the Marquis of Jining’s family would come begging for marriage proposals.
A messenger arrived from Dou Zhao’s family, reporting that Dou Shiying was gravely ill and wished to see her. Initially unwilling to return, Dou Zhao changed her mind when her mentor, Chen Qushui, signaled approval.
Song Mo, returning home, gifted his younger brother a battle knife. However, Song Yichun, as always, dismissed Song Mo, especially resenting Jiang Meisun’s treatment of him. Song Huiyun, wishing for peace between her husband and brother, comforted her son and prepared his favorite meal. But Song Yichun’s complaints persisted. When Song Mo defended Jiang Meisun, Song Yichun questioned whose son he truly was.
Upset, Song Mo wandered the streets, watching a father lovingly accompany his child, and recalled his father’s tenderness toward his younger brother. Feeling desolate, he stumbled upon a puppet show of Chronicles of Zhao’s World. Unnoticed, he donned a mask. At that moment, Dou Zhao returned home by carriage, greeted by prominent guests in her family’s residence.
Dou Ming, her younger sister, enthusiastically welcomed her but quickly noticed Dou Zhao’s plain attire. Dou Ming tried to whisk her away to change, but their mother, Wang Yingxue, insisted they meet the guests immediately.
Amid the gathering, Dou Laowu criticized Dou Zhao’s simplicity, comparing her to a servant. Dou Zhao cleverly retorted that her plain dress symbolized frugality during these war-torn times, reflecting the Emperor and Empress’s values. Embarrassed, Dou Laowu conceded and replaced the lanterns in the mansion with simpler ones. This caught the attention of Wu Shan, an arriving guest.
Later, Dou Zhao confided in Dou Shiying under a magnolia tree. She admitted her display of frugality was intentional, as her mother’s death anniversary was near. Dou Zhao also revealed her disdain for the banquet’s purpose: showcasing Dou family daughters to forge political alliances. She made her position clear, refusing to be used for political gain, and suggested they rely on Dou Ming instead.
Eavesdropping on the gossip of young men, Dou Zhao overheard them belittling Zhao Zhangru as the “tail end of the sugarcane” and mocking her wealth. Angered, Dou Zhao splashed water on them and dropped some silver coins to draw them away. Wu Shan, observing from a distance, grew more intrigued by Dou Zhao.
During the banquet, Dou Zhao secretly coached Dou Ming, enabling her to shine in a poetry duel. When Wu Shan suggested Dou Zhao compose a poem, Zhao Zhangru mischievously wrote one in her place. This led to an inappropriate poem from Pang Kunbai, sparking outrage. Dou Laowu identified Zhao Zhangru’s handwriting and proposed an arranged marriage to resolve the matter. Zhao Zhangru’s poor poetic skills prompted criticism, which enraged Dou Zhao.
Stepping out from behind the screen, Dou Zhao delivered a scathing poem, publicly ridiculing Pang Kunbai and his companions as sycophants. She left the banquet in defiance, with Zhao Zhangru and others following. Wu Shan admired her boldness.
Outside, Chen Qushui awaited Dou Zhao. While he advised her to remain low-key, Dou Zhao declared that exposing herself wasn’t a disadvantage. With the events of the day, she felt confident no one would dare propose marriage, freeing her from an unwanted future.
In the streets, Dou Zhao sensed she was being followed. She purchased a mask and put it on, coincidentally encountering Song Mo, who was similarly masked.
