Yunyang Bo visits Song Mo, learning about the mysterious female strategist behind Song Mo’s plans. Observing the scented pouch Song Mo carries, Yunyang Bo assumes it belongs to someone Song Mo admires and eagerly offers to arrange a marriage proposal. Despite Yunyang Bo’s reassurances that the Duke of Dingguo will be fine, Song Mo remains uneasy.
Song Mo learns from Elder Wu about Dou Shishu’s controversial remarks in court. Elder Wu also cryptically suggests Song Mo try Dou family rice dumplings, sparking suspicion. Song Mo’s guards, Lu Zheng and Lu Ming, question why Dou Zhao, a seemingly ordinary woman, wields such influence in court matters. They fear she manipulates her family and might even control them. Song Mo keeps his thoughts to himself, deciding to observe quietly.
Meanwhile, Dou Shishu, upset over being sidelined, approaches Wang Yingxue, suggesting marriage alliances between Wu Shan and Dou Ming, and Wei Tingyu and Dou Zhao. Wang, understanding Dou Shishu’s intentions, agrees to cooperate. Privately, Wang considers Wu Shan a better match for Dou Ming, given Wei Tingyu’s reputation as a frivolous spender who has squandered his family’s wealth.
Wei Tingzhen, Wei Tingyu’s sister, finds him at a brothel and urges him to meet Dou Zhao. Though reluctant, Tingyu is persuaded when Tingzhen emphasizes Dou Zhao’s wealth and beauty. Upon hearing of Wei Tingyu’s visit, Dou Zhao recalls her miserable past marriage to him, where he accused her of colluding with Song Mo. She prepares to confront him and settle old scores.
When Wei Tingyu arrives at the Dou household, he is captivated by Dou Ming’s graceful butterfly chase but startled by Dou Zhao’s bold archery. Wu Shan, however, admires Dou Zhao’s confidence. Dou Zhao intentionally contrasts herself with Wei Tingyu’s preferences, causing him discomfort. During an archery display, Dou Zhao outshines Wei Tingyu, who repeatedly misses his target despite boasting of his skills. Embarrassed, Wei Tingyu wishes to withdraw from the marriage but cannot find a reason.
Feeling inadequate, Dou Ming is comforted by Wei Tingyu, who reassures her that everyone has unique strengths. His gentle gesture of removing a leaf from her hair leaves Dou Ming flustered. Later, Dou Zhao deliberately stitches a crude tiger charm for Wei Tingyu, contrasting with Dou Ming’s delicate embroidery. While Wei Tingyu admires Dou Ming’s work, Wu Shan prefers Dou Zhao’s charm, deepening the rivalry.
Wang Yingxue organizes a butterfly-catching activity to foster connections among the youths, subtly supporting Dou Ming and Wu Shan. However, during the event, Wu Shan’s tiger charm falls, and Wei Tingyu, wanting Dou Ming’s charm, insists on exchanging them. Before they can argue further, a swarm of butterflies swarms Wu Shan, leading to his collapse.
Dou Zhao, alerted by her suspicions of a plot, discovers Wu Shan unconscious and suffering from a severe allergic reaction. Remembering a passage in The Chronicle of Zhao’s World, she realizes Wu Shan is at risk of dying on the Dragon Boat Festival. Furious, Dou Zhao slaps the maid who arranged for Wu Shan’s presence and orders his immediate transfer to an open area.
Meanwhile, in another room, Dou Shishu entertains Dai Jian, the magistrate of Shengtian, offering rice dumplings. Dai seems aware of hidden motives. Suddenly, Song Mo arrives with soldiers carrying rice dumplings gifted by Dou Shishu. Upon inspection, they find gold concealed inside. Song Mo warns Dou Shishu against framing Jiang Meisun, threatening to expose the bribe to the Emperor.
Hearing that Wu Shan has been moved outside, Song Mo assumes foul play and rushes to the scene. He finds Dou Zhao attempting to treat Wu Shan. Despite protests from Dai Jian and others, Dou Zhao insists immediate care is necessary, as the nearest doctor is too far. Trusting Dou Zhao’s sincerity, Song Mo orders guards to shield her and Wu Shan, forbidding anyone to interfere on pain of death.
As Wu Shan coughs up blood, Wang Yingxue accuses Dou Zhao of endangering the Dou family. Dou Shishu and Dai Jian also blame Song Mo for the incident, adding tension to the unfolding drama.
