The emperor raises a suggestion, but Jiang Changyang immediately opposes it, unwilling to implicate the innocent Peony. He recalls a painful memory: years ago, Princess Shouchang, who treated Jiang like a younger brother, met her demise because Jiang insisted the emperor accompany him to Mengzhou. Haunted by this failure, Jiang remains determined to protect those around him.
Meanwhile, Xiaochun diagnoses the women at Hanyun Tower and bluntly highlights their health issues. To ease the tension, Peony steps in, promising to develop nourishing pills and tonics for them. This calms the atmosphere and strengthens their trust in her. Peony decides to expedite opening the clinic, providing Xiaochun a space to treat women discreetly. Despite the increased risk of exposure to her father, Xiaochun reassures Peony that Lü Wanrong is preoccupied with his new estate.
On their way out of Hanyun Tower, Peony and Xiaochun encounter four men dressed as scholars. However, Peony notices their agility and the weight of the scrolls they carry, suspecting something is amiss. She warns Yun Niang, who quickly informs Jiang Changyang. Sensing danger, Jiang has the emperor escape through a secret passage while he stays behind to confront the intruders. The four “scholars,” sent to assassinate Jiang, harbor deep hatred for his alleged collusion with Prince Ning and indulgence of the emperor. Recognizing their noble intent, Jiang spares them, offers medical care for their injuries, and treats them with respect.
Peony, clutching a kitchen ladle, hides outside, ready to strike the assassins if needed. During the commotion, Yun Niang is injured by a poisoned blade. Peony, having seen this poison before, quickly prepares an antidote. Thanks to her timely treatment and assistance from the imperial physician, Yun Niang’s recovery is assured within two weeks. Grateful for Peony’s quick action, the emperor, disguised as Saburo, presents her with a token of appreciation. Jiang also brings her fine wine but awkwardly avoids claiming credit for the gift. When Saburo seeks advice on wooing someone he loves, Peony helps while teasing Jiang, who clearly listens in jealousy.
The emperor observes Peony and Jiang’s bickering, which resembles the playful quarrels of a loving couple. Reflecting on his own strained relationship with Consort Shu, he feels a twinge of sadness.
Elsewhere, County Princess Li Youzhen grows envious upon hearing that Liu Chang frequently sends Qiu Shi to visit He Weifang. She orders Peony brought to her palace under the pretense of promoting beauty products for noblewomen. Once there, Li Youzhen subjects Peony to petty bullying, even attempting to have He Weifang trampled by a horse. However, the horses act skittishly, refusing to charge. Furious, Li Youzhen stabs a horse with a hairpin, causing it to panic and throw her off. The horse stomps on her abdomen, rendering her unable to bear children. Before the horse can strike again, Consort Shu intervenes, killing it with a spear to save Li Youzhen.
Noblewomen demand Peony’s arrest, but Consort Shu defends her, insisting that the innocent should not suffer unjustly. This marks the beginning of a friendship between Peony and the brave consort, who invites Peony to visit the palace monthly to share stories of the outside world. Noticing Consort Shu’s aversion to bitter medicine, Peony offers to help improve its flavor.
Li Youzhen’s injury enrages Prince Ning, who storms into Jiang’s residence, demanding Peony be handed over. Jiang cleverly devises an excuse to protect her, but Prince Ning insists that Jiang marry a more docile and beautiful woman to resolve the matter. The tension mounts as Jiang strategizes how to shield Peony from further harm.
