Han Muzhi confirms Qi Menglin’s identity as the governor’s son through a letter and releases him. To ease his shock, Han organizes a banquet in his honor. Qi Menglin, tired of a pampered life at home, had run away seeking adventure.
When Luo Shu reports to Han Muzhi, Qi Menglin recognizes her and mocks her, calling her weak and effeminate. Despite his insults, Luo Shu apologizes, which only fuels his demands. He insists she act as his guide, and after obtaining Han Muzhi’s approval, she reluctantly agrees.
The next day, Luo Shu finds Qi Menglin ready for mischief. Leaving his attendant behind, he drags Luo Shu through the marketplace, buying excessive amounts of supplies and making her carry them. When he escalates by purchasing a heavy millstone, Luo Shu hires a cart to transport the items, frustrating Qi Menglin, whose prank fails.
Luo Shu takes Qi Menglin to experience the harsh realities of life, bringing him to a filthy slum. There, she distributes the supplies Qi Menglin purchased to the poor, who scramble to claim them. When one elderly man is left empty-handed, Qi Menglin gives him money, feeling a newfound satisfaction. Despite Luo Shu’s advice to stop, Qi Menglin insists on giving away all his money.
A local troublemaker observes Qi Menglin’s generosity and lures him to a cockfighting match. Qi Menglin quickly loses a significant amount of money. Spotting the scam, Luo Shu discreetly warns him, but Qi Menglin confronts the game master, who, along with his associates, threatens him. Just as Qi Menglin prepares to hand over more money, Luo Shu reveals she had taken his silver notes for safekeeping and drags him away amidst the chaos.
The two run back to the county office, with Qi Menglin exhilarated but shaken. Luo Shu returns his money, and Qi Menglin, content, retires to his room. Han Muzhi advises Luo Shu not to guide Qi Menglin again, but she shifts the conversation to Xu Luan’s case, suggesting they revisit it. Han Muzhi agrees, despite Chen Meiqing’s warnings about the political risks, as the former magistrate who ruled on the case is now Han’s superior. Determined to seek justice, Han proceeds with the investigation.
Luo Shu seeks Constable Cai’s help in unraveling Xu Luan’s case. Cai, learning of Luo Shu’s integrity from his sister, treats her as a younger sibling. Together, they consult the coroner, who recalls the incident clearly: a man named Lin Xiong accused Xu Luan of killing his wife, Liu Sanniang. Xu, a water delivery worker, had been at Lin’s home late at night, leading Lin to suspect an affair between his wife and Xu. The coroner had examined Liu Sanniang’s body, which was found beheaded, but the former magistrate hastily convicted Xu Luan without further inquiry.
Luo Shu reports her findings to Han Muzhi, urging a re-examination of the case. Though Chen Meiqing strongly opposes, fearing repercussions, Han Muzhi remains resolute. Luo Shu, concerned for Han’s career, advises caution, but his determination is unwavering.
On her way to investigate, Luo Shu encounters Qi Menglin, who insists on joining the case with his attendant, Lianshu. Together, they head to Lin Xiong’s house, which is locked tight. Qi Menglin tries to climb over the wall, but Luo Shu calmly heads to a nearby teahouse, where she starts asking questions. The teahouse owner disparages Liu Sanniang, accusing her of being flirtatious, while his wife defends Liu’s character. The argument between the couple reveals contrasting opinions, adding to the complexity of the case.
Qi Menglin gathers the neighbors for tea and fruit, encouraging them to share information. They reveal that Lin Xiong and Xu Luan were childhood friends. After Liu Sanniang’s first husband, Li Fengchun, passed away, she married Lin Xiong and gave birth six months later, raising suspicions about the child’s paternity. Rumors also circulated about her having an affair with Xu Luan.
Meanwhile, Luo Shu investigates further and learns that Liu Sanniang was known to be gentle and reserved, rarely leaving her home. However, Xu Luan was notorious for taking advantage of others. With conflicting accounts, Luo Shu and Qi Menglin decide to stake out Lin Xiong’s house. When Lin finally returns, they confront him. His nervous demeanor raises their suspicions that he may have framed Xu Luan for the murder of Liu Sanniang.
Convinced of Lin Xiong’s guilt, they head to Han Muzhi to report their findings.
