Luo Shu remains unconscious for a long time before finally waking up. From Cai Baozi, she learns that Qi Menglin has been imprisoned. Struggling to get up, she insists on visiting him. Han Muzhi and Lian Shu arrive with news: the imperial court has received Han Muzhi’s memorial and sent an imperial envoy to investigate the stolen military grain and the Qi family’s case. Han Muzhi promises to arrange for Luo Shu to visit Qi Menglin in prison disguised as a kitchen maid delivering food.
Qi Menglin, severely injured, drifts in and out of consciousness, dreaming of Luo Shu. To his surprise, Luo Shu actually visits him, bringing a lavish feast. She removes her outer robe to reveal a bright red wedding dress, proposing to hold a wedding ceremony in the prison cell. Moved to tears, Qi Menglin agrees, and the two complete the wedding rituals. Qi Menglin repeatedly confirms this is not a dream but worries about burdening Luo Shu, urging her to leave. Luo Shu insists on standing by him, and after sharing a ceremonial cup of wine, they officially become husband and wife.
Provincial Administrator Zhao intends to take Peng Cheng and Qi Menglin back to Liu Yiqing, but Han Muzhi firmly opposes this, insisting they wait for the imperial envoy. Liu Yiqing suddenly arrives at the Linfen county office, accusing Han Muzhi of shielding Qi Menglin and ordering his immediate dismissal. However, as Han Muzhi is an officially appointed magistrate, Liu Yiqing lacks the authority to remove him. Liu Yiqing then produces his final trump card—the imperial mandate flag—forcing Han Muzhi to surrender.
The imperial envoy arrives unexpectedly with three officials, and Liu Yiqing hurriedly greets them. The envoy demands to see Han Muzhi, whom Liu Yiqing reluctantly brings forward. Han Muzhi lists Liu Yiqing’s crimes: colluding with Qin Yi to monopolize grain, deliberately withholding disaster relief grain, inflating prices for profit, and causing over three hundred deaths from starvation in Linfen. He also accuses Liu Yiqing and Qin Yi of swapping the military grain and burning the granary to frame Governor Qi.
Liu Yiqing vehemently denies the accusations, shifting all blame to Governor Qi and Qin Yi. The envoy requests Qin Yi’s testimony, but Qin Yi is dead. Han Muzhi calls on Sun Qian to testify, but Sun Qian can only accuse Lian Qi, who is also dead. Sun Qian then brings in Ru Yan, the granary official’s lover, to testify against Qin Yi. However, as Ru Yan is a courtesan, her testimony is deemed unreliable. Han Muzhi attempts to have Peng Cheng testify, but Peng Cheng dies suddenly in prison.
The envoy is at a loss, while Liu Yiqing is secretly pleased, as there is no evidence to convict him. Luo Shu then arrives with Peng Cheng, shocking Liu Yiqing and Zhao. Peng Cheng, presumed dead, is alive. Luo Shu explains that she anticipated Liu Yiqing would silence Peng Cheng and had him fake his death with a pill from Xu Wuzuo, convincing Peng Cheng to cooperate.
Peng Cheng confesses that he was Qin Yi’s subordinate. Qin Yi and the Qi family had once collaborated in business, but the Qi family cut ties with Qin Yi out of fear of repercussions. Qin Yi, resentful, joined forces with Liu Yiqing, offering the grain swap and granary fire as proof of loyalty. Liu Yiqing, wary of Qin Yi’s growing power, ordered Peng Cheng to assassinate Han Muzhi, promising to elevate Peng Cheng’s status afterward.
Liu Yiqing continues to deny the accusations, claiming Peng Cheng is framing him and threatening to appeal to the emperor. The envoy demands evidence from Han Muzhi, but Han Muzhi has none. Suddenly, Liu Wan arrives with evidence of Liu Yiqing’s crimes. She pleads with her father to repent and offers to accompany him in accepting punishment. Liu Yiqing’s defenses crumble, devastated that his own daughter would turn against him.
The emperor, learning the truth about the Shanxi cases, orders severe punishment for Liu Yiqing, Zhao, and others. Although Qin Yi perished in the fire, his property is confiscated. Governor Qi is dismissed and exiled. Liu Wan’s role in exposing Liu Yiqing earns her a pardon, sparing Liu Yiqing from execution, though he is also exiled. Zhao is stripped of his position and reduced to a commoner. Qi Menglin, for forging documents and misusing military grain, is sentenced to exile two thousand li.
Two years later, Han Muzhi finally finds Liu Wan. As he prepares to report to the capital, Liu Wan congratulates him. Han Muzhi shows her the sachet she once gave him, vowing to wait for her forever. Liu Wan, not wanting to burden Han Muzhi, is moved by his unwavering commitment.
On New Year’s Eve, Officer Cai, Cai Baozi, Xu Wuzuo, and Chen Meiqing await Han Muzhi’s return for a reunion dinner. As Han Muzhi delays, they think of Luo Shu and Qi Menglin, wishing them happiness and health from afar. Luo Shu accompanies Qi Menglin into exile two thousand li away. While Qi Menglin serves in a military garrison, Luo Shu builds a thriving business with Lian Shu, assembling a trade caravan. She gathers rare medicinal herbs to restore Qi Menglin’s health and uses her influence to ensure he avoids hard labor. Qi Menglin, unable to assist Luo Shu directly, manages their household.
Qi Menglin prepares a feast for the New Year, but Luo Shu’s caravan is delayed. As heavy snow falls, Qi Menglin grows anxious. Finally, Luo Shu returns through the snow, and the two share a joyful reunion dinner, their laughter filling their small courtyard.
The End.
