Fan Lianghan approaches Chai An, explaining the predicament with Yang Xian and pleading for his help to stop Kangning from being forced into the Yang family. Chai An, feigning indifference, states that he will only act if Kangning personally asks for his help. Confident she will come to him, he waits in his pavilion, but to his surprise, Kangning passes by without acknowledging him, accompanied by Lady Li.
In reality, Kangning has devised her own plan to deal with Yang Xian. She invites him to a lavish banquet at Pan Pavilion, using charm and wit to manipulate him. Under the warm glow of lanterns and the enticing aroma of wine, Kangning engages Yang Xian with laughter and flirtation, carefully hiding her true intentions.
Chai An, already intrigued by Kangning, learns of the banquet and watches her from the shadows. As he observes her actions, he grows suspicious of her sudden friendliness toward Yang Xian. Sure enough, Kangning cleverly retrieves her stolen robe while Yang Xian is drunk. It turns out that Yang Xian has little genuine interest in Kangning—his actions are driven by spite toward his father, who pressures him to marry. Before leaving, Kangning leaves a poem embroidered on the robe’s sash, adding another layer to her scheme.
A Turn of Events
After Yang Xian is escorted out of Pan Pavilion by his servants, Chai An instructs his servant Deqing to follow Kangning. He is convinced that someone as proud as Kangning would never settle as a concubine and wants to see how her plan unfolds. Meanwhile, Fan Lianghan takes Chai An to the Xiangguo Temple market and shares a shocking secret about Qiongnu, a young woman the Li family took in years ago. Originally intended to marry a relative, Qiongnu became a widow after her fiancé died unexpectedly.
At the bustling market, Chai An discreetly observes the Li family’s stall. He notices Wang Neishi, a eunuch close to the favored Consort Shang, purchasing a pearl-embroidered robe Fuhui is selling as a rare treasure. Suspecting that the robe holds some hidden significance, Chai An intervenes behind the scenes to ensure Wang Neishi successfully buys it.
Afterward, Chai An questions Fuhui about the robe, but she evades his inquiries. Though Chai An suspects she is lying, he lets the matter drop for now, warning her that any dishonesty could lead to serious consequences.
That evening, Kangning sits in front of her dressing table, lost in thought. She is unsure if her plan will work and prepares herself for the worst—if forced to marry Yang Xian, she is determined to take drastic action. Elsewhere, Consort Shang wears the pearl-embroidered robe to meet Emperor Renzong, but when he notices the embroidered poem on the sash, he becomes furious.
Chai An Saves the Day
The next morning, Yang Xian arrives with his entourage to take Kangning as his concubine. Just as Kangning is about to board the sedan chair, a servant rushes in with urgent news. Yang Xian realizes Kangning has set him up and, enraged, tries to retaliate. However, Chai An appears in time to intervene, warning Yang Xian to back off. Unwilling to defy public opinion, Yang Xian leaves humiliated.
Grateful for his help, Kangning makes pastries as a token of thanks and brings them to Pan Pavilion. There, she overhears Liang Junqing bragging to Chai An about causing the trouble with Yang Xian. Realizing the entire ordeal was rooted in Liang Junqing’s actions, Kangning furiously confronts them. She harshly scolds Chai An for his involvement, her sharp words cutting deep into his pride.
Following this incident, Kangning develops a deep disdain for Liang Junqing and begins to view Chai An as no better than a frivolous scoundrel. Meanwhile, Chai An is frustrated with Liang Junqing’s recklessness but ultimately decides not to pursue the matter further after Fan Lianghan mediates. Liang Junqing seizes the opportunity to borrow a jade comb from Chai An, claiming his mother admired it and wanted a replica. Unaware of Liang Junqing’s ulterior motives, Chai An agrees.
A New Crisis
Kangning starts learning the art of perfumery from Shouhua, but Qiongnu’s melancholic demeanor raises suspicions. Lady Li buys jewelry for her daughters, but Qiongnu overhears a conversation and realizes she is being excluded, leaving her heartbroken.
Chai An, still upset over Kangning’s misunderstanding, looks for an opportunity to explain himself but struggles to find the right moment. Late at night, Qiongnu sneaks out to meet Liang Junqing but does not return.
The next day, Lady Li discovers Qiongnu’s absence and fears she has brought shame to the family. When Qiongnu finally returns, Lady Li punishes her harshly, alarming the other sisters. Kangning and Shouhua try to calm their mother, who blames herself for past decisions—had she not taken in Qiongnu, her son might not have drowned in the river, leaving the Li family without a male heir.
Overwhelmed by guilt and humiliation, Qiongnu attempts suicide but is stopped by the sisters. Refusing to reveal whom she met or why she left, Qiongnu’s secrecy leaves the family in turmoil. Meanwhile, Chai An visits the Li residence to retrieve the jade comb, only for Kangning to accuse him of exploiting Qiongnu. She slaps him and has him shut out of the house, further straining their relationship.
