These peonies are heirlooms left to He Weifang by her mother. He Weifang has painstakingly nurtured these flowers, not for tomorrow’s flower banquet. Liu Chang has noticed her dedication, and the thousand-year-old ice mountain has begun to show signs of thawing. The beloved daughter of Prince Ning, Lady Li Youzhen, harbors mutual affection with Liu Chang. Liu Shen confidently believes that the Liu family will form an alliance with Prince Ning through marriage, thereby attaching themselves to Minister Chen. However, Minister Chen considers that Jiang Changyang, the Flower and Bird Envoy who also serves as the Deputy Minister of the Guanglu Temple under Prince Ning’s orders, accompanying Lady Li Youzhen to visit old acquaintances at the Liu household, has clearly revealed Prince Ning’s favored son-in-law. Soon, Lady Li Youzhen pays a grand visit, and the entire Liu household mobilizes everyone to welcome her. Jiang Changyang, already drunk, lies along the way, and only descends from the sedan chair after Lady Li Youzhen has finished conversing with Liu Chang.
Upon recognizing Jiang Changyang’s face, He Weifang recalls that he was the one acting like a deity at the Zhutian Master Hall that day and cannot help but chuckle self-mockingly. Liu Shen and Mrs. Liu are utterly ingratiating, taking Lady Li Youzhen and the Flower and Bird Envoy to view the peony flowers. As Lady Li Youzhen attempts to pick a peony to adorn her hair, He Weifang hurriedly stops her, claiming that these peonies are her mother’s dowry heirlooms and should not be plucked casually. Liu Chang also advises Lady Li Youzhen against picking them, which immediately displeases her, leading her to mock He Weifang for treating these items as precious treasures. He Weifang remains unaffected by Lady Li Youzhen’s sarcasm, feigning greed, prompting Liu Chang to hastily apologize to the lady on He Weifang’s behalf. Jiang Changyang steps forward, appeasing Lady Li Youzhen and finally persuading her to relent regarding the peonies.
These officials disdain the common folk who diligently tend their modest plots, and He Weifang also looks down upon corrupt officials like the Flower and Bird Envoy who accept bribes. She pretends to be greedy, attracting ridicule from others. Even if she endures some scorn and contempt, she remains steadfast in protecting these flowers. During the banquet, Lady Li Youzhen disregards etiquette and sits arrogantly in the seat originally designated for the Liu family’s daughter-in-law. He Weifang pays little attention, choosing to sit at another empty seat. A self-proclaimed righteous assassin infiltrates the banquet and attempts to assassinate the Flower and Bird Envoy Jiang Changyang amidst the festivities. However, Jiang Changyang was prepared and manages to neutralize the assassins without sustaining any injuries, demonstrating his ability to handle the situation effectively. Observing this, the peonies witness Jiang Changyang’s reliance on his powerful connections and his pride in favor, further solidifying their negative impression of him.
All the assassins are captured, and Liu Chang accompanies Lady Li Youzhen to admire the flowers nearby. After expressing goodwill to Liu Shen, the county steward requests to take his leave, but unexpectedly, Jiang Changyang instructs his men to handle the aftermath and resumes drinking and merrymaking. After a hearty meal and drinks, the group engages in an archery competition within the mansion. Liu Chang demonstrates remarkable archery skills, hitting the bullseye with a single arrow, while Jiang Changyang misses entirely, failing to hit any targets. Despite this, some continue to praise Jiang Changyang in a deceitful manner, akin to pointing at a deer and calling it a horse. Meanwhile, He Weifang, responsible for preparing tea and snacks, inadvertently discovers that Jiang Changyang is deliberately concealing his true intentions. Each arrow he shoots hits a thin rope, causing the lucky copper coins to fall off. He Weifang intends to seek permission from the mistress of the household to move the peonies back to her own courtyard but accidentally overhears a shocking secret.
The imperial-prescribed Zi Xi Pill given by the Liu family was actually a counterfeit. The He family provided a hefty dowry and a precious daughter in marriage, only to receive fake medicine in return. No wonder He Weifang’s mother still passed away despite taking the medicine. He Weifang feels guilty and heartbroken. After Yu Lu’s counsel, she has an epiphany and decides to leave this ruthless place to plan her revenge meticulously. She instructs Yu Lu to convey a message, calling Liu Chang over to discuss a divorce. When He Weifang broaches the subject of divorce, Liu Chang, deeply wounded in his pride, firmly refuses, leaving He Weifang utterly despairing.
