At Peony’s urging, Jiang Changyang hosts a banquet at the Jiang residence, inviting various aristocratic scions to watch a play. Peony decorates the stage with an array of exquisite flowers, drawing admiration from all present. Many of the guests want to buy them, but Peony explains that Jiang Changyang has already purchased Hua Man Zhu’s entire stock. However, if they become regular patrons of Hua Man Zhu, they will enjoy priority on all future flower purchases.
Meanwhile, Zhu Fu apologizes to Lü Gengchun (“Xiao Chun”) for her earlier misunderstanding; Lü Gengchun accepts. Shengyi, seeing this, specially prepares a refined, light-scented powder as a gift for Lü Gengchun. Lü Gengchun, who does not care for such fragrances, politely declines, leaving Shengyi feeling somewhat crestfallen.
Wang Qing shows up again, this time playing the considerate role by offering Shengyi a hand ointment. Shengyi reluctantly accepts but repays him for it. Recognizing Wang Qing as the ex-husband who once beat Shengyi, Zhu Fu rushes forward to defend her—only to accidentally hurt Shengyi as well.
That evening, after learning what happened, Peony tells Zhu Fu to apologize to Shengyi. Yet Peony also admits she shares Zhu Fu’s sentiment: if Wang Qing appears again, they should give him a beating each time they see him. Shengyi, however, is torn. In her heart, she longs to find a man she can lean on and feels Wang Qing may have changed. Peony points out that rather than marriage itself, the truly important thing is whether Shengyi finds someone who truly understands her. Peony can only hope Shengyi takes her words to heart.
At the Liu residence, the county lady (Ji’an County Lord) arrives bearing Purple Bamboo Shoots tea, reminding Madam Liu that it must be enjoyed within two months of picking for the best flavor. Madam Liu catches her meaning and suggests setting the wedding for the sixth day of the following month. Standing by, Liu Zishu (Liu Chang’s courtesy name in some versions) cites his busy schedule at the Ministry of Revenue to delay the matter, arousing the lady’s displeasure. Madam Liu tries to defuse the tension.
Seeing Liu Chang still fuming, the county lady agrees to postpone the wedding, causing him to relent. Yet her next sentence reveals that she had someone “teach a lesson” to a certain Ministry of Revenue official, who then took leave from work. Enraged, Liu Chang accuses Li Youzhen (the county lady’s formal name) of making decisions for him without consultation. She retorts that she only did it for his sake—and cannot believe he’s ungrateful. Prince Ning’s dog bumps into the county lady, who looks angered at first. Yet on hearing it was a gift from Prince Ning, she immediately forgives it and even feeds the dog herself. Displeased, Liu Chang sarcastically likens the dog to a bully relying on powerful allies. The county lady snaps back at him for always opposing her. Even so, as she loves him deeply, she relents and tries to soothe him—but they quickly argue again. Realizing Liu Chang still harbors feelings for He Weifang, she candidly reveals everything about the Shuiyu Pavilion incident.
Liu Chang’s first reaction is to defend He Weifang, saying she is not that kind of person—and in doing so, he ignores the lengths to which the county lady has gone to secure this marriage, even tarnishing her own reputation, as well as her attempt to force him and the Liu family to accept her. Infuriated, the county lady argues back, and Liu Chang refuses to give in, plunging their relationship to a new low.
Meanwhile, Jiang Changyang invites Peony to Huanyun Tower to watch a contest among the top courtesans. Noticing someone has tampered with his wine, he instructs Chuan Yu to discard it all, since his notorious reputation often makes him a target for poisoners. Liu Chang is also present, drowning his sorrows with alcohol. In his drunken state, he accidentally drops his policy essay into the water. Not recognizing him beneath his mask, Peony kindly helps retrieve it. She praises the essay, unaware that this masked man is actually Liu Chang, who then recognizes her.
Falling to his knees, Liu Chang pleads for reconciliation, saying he has already had a serious falling-out with the county lady and is willing to give up his current position and status for He Weifang. Peony’s demeanor changes, and she mockingly suggests he should see a physician for his head before it’s too late. Offended, Liu Chang accuses her of looking down on him like everyone else. Peony fires back that he wants everything both ways. If he truly wants respect, he must first prove himself worthy—by respecting himself.
Nearby, Jiang Changyang watches the drama unfold, cloaked and masked. Peony spots him at once. Huanyun Tower is packed with guests tonight, and the hour grows late. Only one room remains unoccupied. If Peony and Jiang Changyang both wish to stay, there is only one way for that to happen.
