Liu Chang, fueled by bitterness, reluctantly eats the wedding sweets from Jiang Changyang and He Weifang’s marriage, marking the beginning of his descent into darkness. To win Li Youzhen’s trust, he displays deep affection, offering to marry into Prince Ning’s residence and stay with her forever. However, he conceals the truth about his crippled leg, which was injured by Prince Ning, instead fabricating a story about falling from a height while eager to see her. Believing his words, Li Youzhen is deeply moved by his supposed devotion. Liu Chang insists on marrying her in just ten days, and although Li Youzhen feels the timeline is rushed, she agrees, touched by his urgency.
Meanwhile, preparations for the wedding encounter complications. The flowers provided by Lü Wanrong, though precious, fail to meet the high expectations of the Princess. A suggestion arises to seek rare flowers from Danzhou, but the journey would take too long. Someone mentions that He Weifang has been developing a new flower variety, leading Lü Wanrong to approach her for help. He Weifang reveals her creation: a flower named Golden Belt (Jin Chanyao), inspired by an ancient peony variety but resembling a lotus. The unique flower, vibrant and elegant, carries auspicious symbolism and is highly coveted. Lü Wanrong pleads with He Weifang, who agrees to provide the flower—on the condition of a trade.
Lü Wanrong sells the Fang Garden to He Weifang and purchases the Golden Belt flowers at five times their value. With the garden back in her possession, Peony (He Weifang) is overjoyed, as it fulfills her dream. Though her wedding to Jiang Changyang is the next day, her excitement is palpable. Unlike her anxious groom, Peony feels at ease, trusting in Jiang Changyang’s kindness and sincerity, despite his outward facade as a villain to deceive Prince Ning. Her confidence reassures Jiang Changyang, who is deeply touched.
On the wedding day, Peony receives a handmade hairpiece from Zhu Fu and Xiaochun, crafted with love despite its simplicity compared to the elaborate Phoenix Crown from the Weaving and Dyeing Bureau. Cherishing their thoughtfulness, Peony decides to wear both. However, before the ceremony, Xiaochun rushes in with urgent news. Peony, veiled, leaves the wedding preparations to resolve a crisis at Prince Ning’s residence: the Golden Belt flowers are under attack by pests, threatening their roots. Using tea as bait, Peony saves the flowers, helping Lü Wanrong and his family avoid a disaster. Jiang Changyang arrives to protect Peony from Prince Ning’s potential wrath, ensuring her safety before leaving with her.
Elsewhere, Liu Chang’s marriage into Prince Ning’s residence is a grand affair, surpassing most aristocratic weddings in splendor. Coincidentally, as Liu Chang’s bridal sedan departs, it crosses paths with Jiang Changyang and Peony on horseback. Hearing the sound of Jiang Changyang’s horse, Liu Chang lifts the sedan curtain and catches a glimpse of Peony’s unveiled, smiling face in the wind.
Later, Jiang Changyang hosts a small banquet in Peony’s courtyard, where she feels most comfortable. Knowing he lacks nothing, Peony personally brews rose-infused hejin wine (wedding wine) for them to drink together. Their original plan for a simple ceremony is interrupted when Xu Jijiu insists on observing formal rituals. Reluctantly, they are led to perform the traditional wedding rites.
