The Glory Recap, Plot, Synopsis

The Glory Synopsis

Zhuang Hanyan, abandoned and raised in the southern countryside since childhood, eventually returns to the Zhuang family in the capital, attracting the attention of Fu Yunxi.

Fu Yunxi is afflicted with a strange illness and seeks to marry a woman of both virtue and talent to entrust his family and friends. Zhuang Hanyan, with her exceptional courage and kind heart, becomes his ideal choice.

As Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi fall in love during their mutual testing and maneuvering, Hanyan reconciles with her mother, rediscovering the lost family bond.

In her interactions with the Fu family, Zhuang Hanyan experience the warmth of a family and the beauty of affection. Together, Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi expose the hypocritical and unjust actions of Zhuang Shiyang, the head of the Zhuang family, and become a loving couple.

The Glory Recap

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Zhuang Hanyan was originally the third young lady of the Zhuang family, but she was abandoned and raised in the countryside from a young age. Her status did not bring her wealth and glory; instead, she suffered beatings from her uncle and aunt. Her uncle was a drunkard, and her aunt could not afford to buy him more alcohol. When she could no longer endure the beatings, she pushed Zhuang Hanyan out, intending to sell her for money.

At that moment, her uncle noticed Zhuang Hanyan’s beauty and attempted to violate her. Zhuang Hanyan resisted with all her might, and in the end, she was left barefoot, wearing thin clothes, and covered in wounds, collapsing outside the Zhuang family’s gates, thousands of miles away. A young girl discovered the unconscious Zhuang Hanyan. The attending nanny recognized her and joyfully informed the family head that the third young lady had returned.

Fu Yunxi, the Deputy Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, rushed over upon hearing the news to question Zhuang Hanyan. When Zhuang Hanyan woke up, she claimed that her uncle and aunt had encountered bandits and were unfortunately killed. Fu Yunxi quickly realized she was lying but did not expose her immediately. Instead, he warned her to tell the truth, or the law would not spare her once the real facts were uncovered.

As Fu Yunxi was leaving, Zhuang Hanyan heard a maid call him "Guye" (brother-in-law), making her realize that Fu Yunxi was actually her brother-in-law. The maid spoke highly of Fu Yunxi, saying that even the most complex cases in the capital were solved by him. Fu Yunxi raided Minister Huang’s residence. Minister Huang cursed at Fu Yunxi without any awareness of his crimes.

Fu Yunxi revealed the long list of his offenses and informed him that his powerful backer had already been executed in prison. In desperation, Minister Huang accused Fu Yunxi of raiding his home merely to seize his wealth. The moment those words left his mouth, Fu Yunxi executed him on the spot. Zhuang Hanyan stayed anxiously at the Zhuang residence, unsure if this place was truly her home.

Zhou Ruyin hurriedly came to befriend the legitimate third young lady, Zhuang Hanyan. Though Zhou Ruyin was only a concubine in the Zhuang family, if she could get closer to Zhuang Hanyan, her own status would improve. Seeing Zhuang Hanyan dressed in thin clothing in the courtyard, Zhou Ruyin quickly wrapped a cloak around her and took her to pay respects to the elders. The Zhuang family matriarch was undergoing a strong tonic treatment due to her weak blood circulation.

However, the excessive supplementation caused a nosebleed. Upon hearing that Zhuang Hanyan had come to pay respects, she pretended to be asleep and dismissed her. Zhuang Hanyan then went to visit her mother. Madam Zhou knocked on the door to announce the visit. Overjoyed at the chance to see her mother, Zhuang Hanyan carefully adjusted her hair and attire. However, she was met with a cold and unyielding gatekeeper who refused her entry.

Just as she was about to leave, she vaguely heard an argument inside the courtyard, which piqued her curiosity. What worried her even more was the fact that her mother’s door was locked. That night, Zhuang Hanyan overheard Madam Zhou scolding the maids in the courtyard. From the scolding, she could tell that the maids held strong resentment toward her. Only Madam Zhou seemed to sincerely take her in.

However, before the scolding was over, something happened in the front yard, and Madam Zhou hurried away. Meanwhile, the lead maid intentionally instigated conflict between Zhuang Hanyan and the fourth young master, Zhuang Yuchi, even going so far as to insult her, claiming she was a curse upon the Zhuang family. Zhuang Hanyan remained composed and expressionless. Zhuang Yuchi threw Zhuang Hanyan’s belongings out and even pushed her into the pond.

He blamed her for ruining his arranged marriage, insisting that she had brought misfortune upon the Zhuang family and disrupted its prosperity. Madam Zhou rushed back to the courtyard and scolded her son, Zhuang Yuchi, before apologizing to Zhuang Hanyan. She sincerely revealed that she only entered the household after Zhuang Hanyan’s eldest sister had passed away. In the middle of the night, Zhuang Hanyan brought medicinal soup to visit her grandmother, only to stumble upon an assassination attempt.

In her panic, she protected her grandmother and helped her escape. Fu Yunxi arrived just in time, scaring off the assassin. From the look in his eyes, he was deeply suspicious of the incident. The prime suspect, Zhuang Yuchi, defended himself, claiming he had nothing to do with the attack and, though he had clashed with Zhuang Hanyan during the day, he was not a killer. Zhuang Yuchi was to be taken to the Court of Judicial Review.

Madam Zhou pleaded for leniency, hoping to wait for her husband to return and preside over the matter. At that moment, Ruan Xiwen, the Zhuang family’s matriarch, suddenly appeared. Her presence was imposing, and she immediately ordered that Zhuang Hanyan be punished with thirty strikes for disrupting the family rules. Zhuang Hanyan never expected her first meeting with her mother to be under such circumstances.

She had thought her mother would be her refuge, but instead, she was punished without question. As the whip lashed across her back, leaving bloodstains, Madam Zhou couldn't bear it and tried to plead for mercy, only to be scolded by the matriarch’s attendant. Zhuang Yushan, defying her house arrest, secretly ran out to protect her younger sister.

Meanwhile, the grandmother had been tricked into the back courtyard, and upon witnessing the scene, she was furious but dared not speak against Ruan Xiwen. Finding an excuse about feeling unwell, she left in a hurry. Seeing her grandmother refuse to intervene, Zhuang Yushan angrily blamed Zhuang Hanyan, calling her a bringer of misfortune who had harmed their younger sister. Realizing she had spoken too rashly, she immediately knelt and admitted her mistake.

Zhuang Hanyan was once again expelled from the family by her mother through the enforcement of family discipline for no apparent reason. Since childhood, she had believed that as long as she studied hard and conducted herself with propriety, her mother would eventually cherish her. Just as she was being dragged out by the servants, Master Zhuang, who had returned home drunk, stumbled upon the scene. Seeing his beloved daughter beaten so severely, he was heartbroken.

He wanted to take her back to his room for treatment, but was scolded by Mistress Ruan, who reminded him that all the misfortunes that had befallen the Zhuang family were brought by Zhuang Hanyan. Master Zhuang pleaded with Lady Ruan to show some mercy to her own daughter, but Zhuang Hanyan had never blamed her mother for being so harsh on her. Instead, she had longed for her noble mother since childhood.

However, when Lady Ruan's status was mentioned, she suddenly flew into a rage, screaming like a resentful woman trapped in the inner chambers. She cried that if it weren’t for giving birth to Zhuang Hanyan, she would not have become crippled, nor would her maiden family have been ruined. At this moment, Zhuang Hanyan finally realized that her mother’s personality was far from what she had imagined. Zhuang Hanyan was taken in by her father.

Meanwhile, Fu Yunxi was investigating the case of the deaths of Zhuang Hanyan’s uncle and aunt in Danzhou. Coincidentally, he witnessed her being punished. Ignoring her injuries, he immediately interrogated her about the day's events, seeing through her scheme—she was using family discipline as a way to test who would truly accept her. He even suspected that the person involved in today's events had been lured by her.

Fu Yunxi couldn’t understand why she insisted on stepping into the abyss of the Zhuang family. Zhuang Hanyan explained that she simply wanted a home. Seeing her tears, Fu Yunxi remained indifferent and handed her a box of medicine, warning her that the capital was not as simple as she imagined. This small gesture brought her a sliver of warmth.

That night, Master Zhuang visited his daughter, telling her that her uncle had been his closest friend and a great benefactor of the Zhuang family. Once she recovered, she should return to the countryside to handle her uncle and aunt’s funeral affairs. He comforted her, promising that the family’s hidden wealth would be passed down to her in the future, ensuring she would not be mistreated.

Zhuang Hanyan stared blankly at the medicine given by Fu Yunxi when suddenly, Chai Jing appeared. As an assassin from Danzhou, Chai Jing staged an assassination attempt with Zhuang Hanyan. Had it not been for Zhuang Hanyan saving her in the past, Chai Jing would have already died.

Through this staged assassination, Zhuang Hanyan was able to grasp the true nature of each member of the Zhuang family—Aunt Zhou was gentle, the mistress was stern, but reality was not as it seemed on the surface. What truly worried her was not the Zhuang family but rather the Court of Judicial Review. She repeatedly instructed Chai Jing to protect herself, saying that as long as Chai Jing was safe, she herself would be safe.

The next morning, Zhuang Hanyan woke up to find that the maids were suddenly courteous to her, waiting early to dress her. Zhuang Yuchi, outraged on his sister’s behalf, resented Zhuang Yushan for protecting Zhuang Hanyan, only to be scolded by their mother. Zhuang Yushan, seeing her foolish younger brother, revealed the truth—if not for this commotion, how could she have escaped confinement? During a family meal with his wife and Zhou Ruyin’s family, Master Zhuang discussed Zhuang Hanyan’s future.

He truly felt sorry for her and hoped the family would accept her. However, Zhuang Yuchi, still bitter over his ruined marriage arrangement, did not want Zhuang Hanyan to stay. Although Master Zhuang was an official, he held no real power and was even blackmailed by his superiors—if Zhuang Hanyan did not leave the Zhuang family, his son's marriage prospects would be ruined.

Just as everyone was at a loss for what to do, a close maid suggested that since Zhuang Hanyan had already passed the age of maturity, they might as well consider her marriage prospects. The family found this idea feasible, but matchmakers refused to take up the task upon learning that it was for Zhuang Hanyan. Meanwhile, Zhuang Hanyan heard from Chai Jing that Fu Yunxi had gone to Danzhou.

She too was preparing to rid herself of the infamous "Barefoot Ghost" reputation; otherwise, she might truly never be able to marry. While Master Zhuang and Aunt Zhou were discussing Zhuang Hanyan’s marriage in the greenhouse, word suddenly came that the Old Madam had been possessed. She was lying in bed in a daze, shouting incoherently, just like Grandfather had back in the day.

With a family banquet scheduled for the next day, Master Zhuang instructed everyone to keep quiet about the incident and prevent rumors from spreading. That night, Zhuang Yushan suddenly barged into Zhuang Hanyan’s room, pretending to care for her by changing her charcoal and adding warm blankets. However, she took away the brazier and blankets and never returned them. Zhuang Hanyan, fully aware of Zhuang Yushan’s tricks, remained unbothered, while Zhuang Yuchi thanked his sister for standing up for him.

As the cold night set in, Zhuang Hanyan initially wanted to seek help from her father, but the maids refused to let her see him. Left with no choice, she wrapped herself in a cotton cloak to endure the cold. Chai Jing discovered that the rumors of the "Barefoot Ghost" had originated from the Daoist priest Duan. He had now reappeared in the capital, and the Old Madam’s illness was undoubtedly connected to him.

In a candle, Chai Jing found a hidden note, signaling that it was time to turn the tables. Having been branded as the "Barefoot Ghost" since childhood, it was finally time for her to cast off this name once and for all.

Zhuang Hanyan lay in the heavy rain, clutching a hairpin in shock, staring at the bodies of her uncle and aunt before her. She declared that she was the one who had killed them, but she insisted on returning to the capital, as that was her true home. She then threw the hairpin into the bottom of the well, only for it to be discovered by Fu Yunxi.

Zhuang Hanyan deliberately waited in the corridor for Daoist Master Duan—the very man who had falsely branded her with the infamous "Barefoot Ghost" stigma. At this moment, Master Zhuang was trying to conceal the Old Madam’s illness to avoid implicating Zhuang Hanyan, but she openly revealed the Old Madam’s serious condition.

As expected, after taking her pulse, Daoist Master Duan declared that the Old Madam had been afflicted by an evil force from seventeen years ago and that only he could exorcize it. He then performed a ritual in the courtyard. Meanwhile, government officials and the family’s future in-laws, who had come for the banquet, insisted on staying to witness Daoist Master Duan’s powers.

The Daoist took out a talisman and claimed that the person with a certain birth chart was the very source of the evil spirit. The crowd was astonished, refusing to believe that the "Barefoot Ghost" infamy from seventeen years ago had actually been pinned on Zhuang Yushan. At that moment, Zhuang Yushan arrived with her people, claiming that Daoist Master Duan had been manipulated by Zhuang Hanyan to frame her.

She even testified that she had personally witnessed a secret meeting between Daoist Master Duan and Zhuang Hanyan the night before, during which they exchanged a bundle. Upon hearing the commotion in the front yard, the matriarch handed the account book to a servant and instructed her to investigate. Under torture, Daoist Master Duan confessed everything.

Realizing that the "Barefoot Ghost" stigma had finally been pinned on her, Zhuang Hanyan retorted, "If he could be bribed today, then why not seventeen years ago? " However, the crowd refused to listen to her explanation. Just then, Madam Chen brought forth the chef and the Old Madam’s meal records, proving that her food had been laced with an incompatible mix of horse bean and clove cake, which had led to her illness.

The cook insisted he knew nothing of medicinal properties, while the only person in the household knowledgeable in medicine was none other than Concubine Zhou. Realizing that she had been exposed, Concubine Zhou immediately knelt and admitted to her poor judgment in trusting the wrong person. Master Zhuang, unwilling to let the family scandal spread, sought to downplay the incident and merely dismissed it as a misunderstanding, sparing Concubine Zhou from punishment.

Seizing the opportunity, Zhuang Hanyan had the Old Madam take the antidote and invited the uncles present to bear witness. To clear herself of the "Barefoot Ghost" stigma, she pointed out that criminals always had the character "thief" carved into their arms—and that the so-called Daoist Master was nothing more than a fraud.

In an attempt to distract the crowd, Daoist Master Duan began spouting doomsday prophecies, but Madam Chen, ignoring all restraints, tore open his clothing to reveal his mark of disgrace. Exposed as a thief, Daoist Master Duan, unwilling to be handed over to the Court of Judicial Review, tried to make Concubine Zhou confess instead. Zhuang Hanyan then questioned Concubine Zhou’s maid, pressing her on whether the person she encountered the night before was indeed her mistress.

The maid stammered and failed to give a clear answer. Desperate to absolve herself, Concubine Zhou chose to take her own life. In the end, Zhuang Hanyan was finally freed from the "Barefoot Ghost" accusation—it had all been a scheme by Concubine Zhou to frame her in order to seize the family inheritance. Due to the family’s tarnished reputation, a marriage engagement was annulled.

Concubine Zhou received only a light punishment—merely a few months of salary deduction and confinement—while a maid took the fall for all the crimes. Through this ordeal, Zhuang Hanyan vaguely sensed that her mother had been aiding her in secret, and she grew increasingly curious about the person who had secretly passed her a note. When the Old Madam awoke, she sought to make amends for years of neglect toward Zhuang Hanyan.

Concubine Zhou personally dressed her up, hoping that she would shine in the upcoming Plum Blossom Gathering. Zhuang Yushan, waiting in vain for Zhuang Hanyan to appear, eventually went looking for her. She caught sight of Zhuang Hanyan smiling at her reflection, admiring her jewelry. Seizing the moment, Zhuang Hanyan gifted Zhuang Yushan an expensive set of accessories under the guise of generosity.

However, Zhuang Yushan dared not wear them, and even Zhuang Yuchi could tell the jewelry was gaudy and tasteless. On the way to the gathering, Zhuang Hanyan was suddenly abandoned by her coachman, who fled in fear. Just then, she happened to encounter the Left Censor-in-Chief, Yuwen Changan, who sincerely offered her a ride. Sensing her wariness, he revealed his identity. Upon hearing his name, Zhuang Hanyan hurriedly saluted him as "Uncle Yuwen.

"During the journey, they engaged in a pleasant conversation, and Yuwen Changan even praised Zhuang Hanyan for resembling her mother in her youth. As expected, Zhuang Hanyan arrived at the Plum Blossom Gathering, much to Zhuang Yushan’s shock—her scheme had failed. Meanwhile, Fu Yunxi, having returned from Danzhou, had found Zhuang Hanyan’s hairpin and personally placed it on her hair. Only the two of them knew the true story behind it, each lost in their own thoughts. Zhuang Yushan, witnessing her beloved man’s intimate gesture toward Zhuang Hanyan, was utterly heartbroken.

Fu Yunxi retrieved the hairpin from the well and confronted Zhuang Hanyan, certain that it belonged to her and was the weapon used to kill her uncle and aunt. Facing his questioning, Zhuang Hanyan firmly denied ownership of the hairpin. However, Fu Yunxi was in no rush to verify her claim. Instead, he stated his intention to send the hairpin to the Court of Judicial Review.

Realizing that he was not planning to execute her on the spot—otherwise, he could have taken the hairpin there directly—Zhuang Hanyan had no choice but to accept it and even thanked him. On the way out of Meiyuan, Zhuang Yuchi and Zhuang Yushan had been waiting for some time. Their words were filled with reverence for Fu Yunxi's status and warnings for Zhuang Hanyan to stay away from him, implying that his position was far beyond her reach.

Zhuang Hanyan felt a whirlwind of emotions. She had not expected Fu Yunxi to be so persistent in investigating the case and was increasingly worried that her hidden secrets might be exposed. Thus, she planned to have her subordinate, Chai Jing, eliminate Fu Yunxi to remove the threat. Chai Jing, having been saved by Zhuang Hanyan in the past, was deeply grateful and had vowed to protect her for life.

However, Zhuang Hanyan knew this action was highly risky and could drag her into even greater danger, so she decided to proceed cautiously. As night fell, on his way home, Fu Yunxi encountered an old man selling candied hawthorn. Out of kindness, he bought two skewers as a small gesture. Unexpectedly, the old man reacted with fear upon seeing the copper coins and fled in a panic. Sensing something was amiss, Fu Yunxi grew alert.

Soon, he fell into a meticulously planned ambush, surrounded by hidden traps and flying weapons. It turned out that Chai Jing had initiated the assassination on her own to protect Zhuang Hanyan. After an intense fight, Fu Yunxi, though slightly injured, used his exceptional martial skills and intellect to lure his attackers into the Fu family estate. Meanwhile, Zhuang Shiyang quietly entered Zhuang Hanyan's room and tactfully brought up her past engagement with Fu Yunxi.

It turned out that Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi had once been betrothed, but due to a misunderstanding, she was labeled as the "Barefoot Ghost" and sent away to Danzhou, while her elder sister married into the Fu family in her place. However, the happiness was short-lived.

After the death of the Fu family patriarch, her sister was poisoned and died, leaving behind only a young daughter, A-Zhi—the very same girl who had first discovered Zhuang Hanyan when she fainted at the entrance. Learning this, Zhuang Hanyan felt an overwhelming mix of emotions. She hesitated, knowing that A-Zhi would now be left without any family. Chai Jing returned to the Zhuang residence after the failed assassination attempt.

However, she managed to lock Fu Yunxi inside his own house and set it on fire. Upon hearing the news, Zhuang Hanyan was overcome with panic and rushed to the Fu estate. When she saw Fu Yunxi emerging from the flames, carrying A-Zhi safely in his arms, she felt an indescribable sense of relief. Fu Yunxi caught a fleeting moment of tenderness in her expression before she hastily fled.

In a secluded alley, she confronted Chai Jing, demanding to know why she had hidden the truth about Fu Yunxi's family affairs. As she looked at the little girl in the distance, memories of her sister’s tragic fate resurfaced, filling her with guilt and self-reproach. The next day, Zhuang Hanyan prepared travel arrangements for Chai Jing, hoping she would leave the capital to avoid further trouble. However, just as everything was set, she was summoned to the main hall.

Fu Yunxi had arrived at the Zhuang residence with A-Zhi, requesting temporary lodging in their side courtyard under the pretext that his estate had been destroyed. Overjoyed by his brother-in-law’s arrival, Zhuang Yushan eagerly offered him the best room. However, Fu Yunxi, citing the need to investigate the case, insisted on staying in Zhuang Hanyan’s courtyard so he could question her at any time. Everyone in the Zhuang family noticed the unusual way Fu Yunxi looked at Zhuang Hanyan.

At the same time, Zhuang Hanyan finally understood why Zhuang Yushan had always been hostile toward her—she had been mistaken for a romantic rival in Zhuang Yushan’s feelings for Fu Yunxi. Meanwhile, Chai Jing did not actually leave the capital but instead hid nearby, determined to continue protecting Zhuang Hanyan. A-Zhi adored the wooden rocking horse that Fu Yunxi had made for her.

Whenever Zhuang Hanyan was near, she would pull her hand, hoping the beautiful sister would play with her. Because of his busy official duties, Fu Yunxi entrusted A-Zhi to Zhuang Hanyan’s care, knowing that although she might be reluctant, she would not harm the child outright. Zhuang Yushan, displeased with Zhuang Hanyan looking after A-Zhi, forcibly took the girl away and, in the process, accidentally stepped on and broke Zhuang Hanyan’s kite. This time, Zhuang Hanyan did not remain silent.

She directly confronted Zhuang Yushan, stating that she had no intention of competing for Fu Yunxi’s affection. Left with no other choice, Zhuang Yushan left in frustration. Later, A-Zhi unintentionally mentioned the fire at the Fu estate, and Zhuang Hanyan suddenly realized the truth—Fu Yunxi had deliberately set the fire for some unknown purpose. Chai Jing was not the true culprit. This revelation gave her a new understanding of Fu Yunxi’s depth and scheming nature.

That night, when Fu Yunxi came to pick up A-Zhi, Zhuang Hanyan finally gathered the courage to ask about her elder sister’s death. Fu Yunxi revealed the truth: his wife had unknowingly consumed poisoned wine that had been intended to assassinate him. This revelation deepened Zhuang Hanyan’s understanding of Fu Yunxi’s complex nature, filling her mind with more uncertainties and speculations about what the future might hold.

The officials of the Hanlin Academy, having accepted bribes from Lord Pei in private, now feared that these unlawful actions would be exposed by the newly appointed Minister of Justice, Fu Yunxi, which could cost them their positions and even implicate their families. They turned to Zhuang Shiyang for help, hoping he could use his connection as Fu Yunxi’s father-in-law to plead on their behalf and quell the impending storm.

Faced with their pleas, Zhuang Shiyang felt deeply conflicted and was ultimately forced to admit that he, too, had once shown favoritism in the imperial examinations at Pei Dafu’s request. As night fell, Zhuang Shiyang gazed at the famous painting hanging on the wall—a piece he had cherished all his life. However, he knew it had now become a leverage used by Pei Dafu to threaten him. Keeping it any longer would bring disaster upon the Zhuang family.

Resolute, he decided to confess everything to Fu Yunxi, including the bribery scandal. Kneeling before Fu Yunxi, Zhuang Shiyang revealed how Pei Dafu had exploited his obsession with art to make him turn a blind eye during the examinations. Fu Yunxi helped his father-in-law up, stating that he had long suspected Pei Dafu. Though Pei appeared to be incorruptible on the surface, the origins of his immense wealth were dubious, defying all logic.

At that moment, Zhuang Hanyan quietly entered the study, intending to ask Fu Yunxi about his true purpose in traveling to Danzhou. Unexpectedly, she stumbled upon this scene and hid in the shadows, secretly listening to their conversation. She was deeply unsettled when she learned that Fu Yunxi's journey was to investigate Pei Dafu’s hidden wealth.

But what shocked her even more was when Fu Yunxi spoke of a baby girl taken to Danzhou seventeen years ago, recounting her tragic fate. Zhuang Hanyan’s heart pounded—she refused to acknowledge that she was that ill-fated child. However, just as she tried to suppress her fears, Fu Yunxi suddenly exposed the scar on her arm. At that very moment, Zhuang Yushan arrived and witnessed the scene, storming off in anger. The guards were puzzled by Fu Yunxi’s actions.

They couldn't understand why he was secretly supporting Zhuang Hanyan while simultaneously inciting Zhuang Yushan’s jealousy and resentment toward her. But Fu Yunxi knew that true strength was forged through adversity. He wanted Zhuang Hanyan to learn to protect herself rather than rely on others. Yet, to his surprise, Zhuang Hanyan was far from the fragile woman he had assumed. She not only sensed his true purpose in visiting Danzhou but also displayed an intelligence and foresight beyond his expectations.

Filled with resentment, Zhuang Yushan secretly ordered the servants to hide a smallpox-infected pillow in Zhuang Hanyan’s quarters. Fortunately, Chai Jing happened to witness this and grew increasingly anxious for Zhuang Hanyan’s safety. However, Zhuang Hanyan did not retreat; instead, she took the initiative by burning the pillow and instructing Chai Jing to investigate the truth at the Southern Medical Hall.

As the Lunar New Year approached, Zhuang Yushan, eager to please their grandmother, spent a fortune to acquire a rare fox-fur cloak. However, Zhuang Hanyan, unaware of New Year customs, had not prepared any gifts and instead requested the cloak from their grandmother. Though hesitant at first, the elderly woman ultimately gave the cloak to Zhuang Hanyan, albeit with a heavy heart. Seeing this, Zhuang Yushan was furious and stormed off.

After obtaining the cloak, Zhuang Hanyan devised a plan—she intended to use Doujia powder to infect herself with smallpox, thereby gaining immunity. She sent Chai Jing to uncover the mastermind behind the scheme while she waited for the right moment. Before long, Zhuang Hanyan contracted smallpox. Upon hearing the news, Zhuang Shiyang hurriedly summoned Doctor Wu from the Southern Medical Hall.

While questioning Zhuang Hanyan about any new items she had come into contact with, Doctor Wu specifically mentioned the pillow. Taking the opportunity, Zhuang Hanyan pointed out that she had only received a fox-fur cloak. When Doctor Wu examined the cloak, he indeed found traces of smallpox. Doctor Hu arrived soon after, apologizing to Zhuang Shiyang, claiming that one of his apprentices had unknowingly sold a smallpox-infected pillow, prompting him to rush over to treat Zhuang Hanyan.

Although he had not seen the pillow himself, he discovered that the fox-fur cloak carried the virus. Their grandmother was relieved that she had not kept the cloak herself, or else she would have been the one to suffer the consequences. Learning the truth, Zhuang Yushan finally confessed to their father, admitting that she had acted out of jealousy because she loved Fu Yunxi and could not bear to see Zhuang Hanyan take him away.

The revelation left the elderly woman furious—she never imagined her granddaughter could be so ruthless. Seizing the moment, Zhuang Hanyan, now gravely ill, bid farewell to her family. Her frail appearance and weak voice made their grandmother’s heart ache. However, rather than blame Zhuang Yushan, Zhuang Hanyan claimed it was her own fault for insisting on taking the fox-fur cloak.

This led their grandmother to suspect that Zhuang Hanyan had known all along that the cloak was contaminated with Doujia powder and had deliberately taken it to protect her. Zhuang Hanyan then expressed her sincere wish to return to Danzhou, hoping her grandmother would stop calling her a “barefoot ghost.

”Zhuang Yushan, growing increasingly irritated with Zhuang Hanyan’s feigned weakness, attempted to approach her but was caught off guard when Zhuang Hanyan dramatically collapsed, making it impossible for her to defend herself. As a result, she was once again placed under house arrest. Meanwhile, Zhuang Hanyan was taken back to the courtyard by her mother.

It was only the second time she had seen her mother, yet she had finally achieved her long-cherished wish of living under the same roof as her. Late at night, Zhuang Hanyan was summoned to the main hall, where Nanny Chen handed her a box of medicinal ointment that could both cure smallpox and neutralize Doujia poison—proof that her mother had already seen through her plan.

Her mother then presented her with a sum of private savings, intending to send her away. However, Zhuang Hanyan resolutely refused, using her illness as an excuse to stay. She remembered her aunt’s words—her temperament was exactly like her mother’s when she was young. Seeing that her daughter was determined to remain in the capital, Ruan Xiwen ordered Nanny Chen to place a bell on Zhuang Hanyan’s ankle, both as a punishment and a form of surveillance. Yet, Zhuang Hanyan had already steeled herself—she was determined to gain a foothold here and become a true noblewoman.

Zhuang Yushan kept serving dishes to A’Zhi in an attempt to please Fu Yunxi, hoping that she could become A’Zhi’s stepmother. However, Fu Yunxi saw through her little scheme at a glance and bluntly stated that her escape from confinement was all due to jealousy over Zhuang Hanyan’s beauty.

He had already summoned the old matron, who immediately dragged Zhuang Yushan to the ancestral hall, fearing that if the master of the house discovered her escape, she would surely be punished. Zhuang Shiyang was busy organizing this year’s cured meat in the kitchen when Zhou Ruyin deliberately brought up their confined daughter, Zhuang Yushan, remarking that she had no luck enjoying good food.

At the same time, she pretended to show concern for Zhuang Hanyan’s health, though in reality, she was trying to probe for information. Ever since Zhuang Hanyan was taken away by her birth mother, Ruan Xiwen, she had completely disappeared from sight. Even the old madam of the Zhuang family could only try to gather news through the maids in Ruan Xiwen’s courtyard, but none of them dared to reveal a single word.

Chen Momo entered Zhuang Hanyan’s room, holding three portraits. By this time, Zhuang Hanyan, who had been surviving only on rice soup to prolong her stay in the capital, was already weak and frail due to her illness. Looking at the portraits in front of her, she realized that her mother was determined to drive her away.

Summoning what little strength she had left, she stood up and swore that she would never marry and would stay in the capital no matter what. The old madam of the Zhuang family specially sent someone to deliver food to Zhuang Hanyan, but Chen Momo intercepted it, insisting that Ruan Xiwen, the mistress of the household, must approve it first. Enraged, Zhuang Hanyan fought to reclaim her meal.

When Ruan Xiwen found out, she not only fed the food to the fish but also expelled Zhuang Hanyan from her quarters on the spot. Heartbroken, Zhuang Hanyan confronted her birth mother, questioning why she treated her this way. She lamented that she had never received a shred of motherly love growing up, relying only on occasional silver sent by her father. As she spoke, she became increasingly agitated, blurting out words she could not take back.

Furious, Ruan Xiwen locked her daughter in her room once again. Recently, Yuwen Changan had been frequently associating with court officials, which aroused Fu Yunxi’s suspicion. Using business dealings as a pretext, Yuwen Changan deliberately invited two officials from Danzhou to gather information. However, the two officials, well aware of the gravity of the matters in Danzhou—where even a powerful figure like Pei Dafu could not escape doom—dared not get involved.

They quickly made excuses about urgent family matters and left. Zhuang Hanyan managed to remove the bell on her leg. By now, she was so famished that she barely had the strength to move. But with the doors and windows locked, she had no way out. In desperation, she let out a loud cry and pretended to faint. When Chen Momo came to check on her, she struck her unconscious and took the opportunity to escape.

Just as she reached the entrance, she heard a noise and quickly hid. She saw Yuwen Changan secretly sneaking into Ruan Xiwen’s room through the back door and overheard fragments of their conversation. However, her eavesdropping was soon discovered by the newly awakened Chen Momo. When Zhuang Hanyan was caught by Ruan Xiwen and Chen Momo and was about to be expelled from the manor again, Fu Yunxi intervened, taking her away under the pretense of investigating the Danzhou murder case.

He brought Zhuang Hanyan to the prison, where the sounds of wailing and the sight of tortured prisoners made her shudder. But when they reached the inner section, she was surprised to see a table filled with her favorite dishes. It turned out that Fu Yunxi had deliberately used the prison as a means to protect her. Fu Yunxi then recounted to Zhuang Hanyan the entangled past between Ruan Xiwen, Zhuang Shiyang, and Yuwen Changan.

In their youth, Ruan Xiwen and Yuwen Changan were deeply in love, but not long after, the Ruan family fell into decline. At the same time, Yuwen Changan left on an inspection mission to a distant place. Taking advantage of the situation, Zhuang Shiyang proposed marriage to Ruan Xiwen, and by the time Yuwen Changan returned, it was already too late. From then on, he remained unmarried and became a lifelong rival to Zhuang Shiyang.

Fu Yunxi hoped that Zhuang Hanyan could help him uncover what Ruan Xiwen and Yuwen Changan were plotting. He even used the Danzhou murder case as leverage to coerce her. Left with no choice, Zhuang Hanyan reluctantly agreed. Chen Momo later came to the prison to demand Zhuang Hanyan’s release, but Fu Yunxi draped his cloak over her shoulders, and the two secretly agreed to use music as a signal.

Zhuang Hanyan had already hidden in her mother’s quarters in advance. Before long, Yuwen Changan arrived, handing Ruan Xiwen a secret letter. The letter contained a request from the president of the Danzhou Chamber of Commerce to meet with Yuwen Changan. Ruan Xiwen remarked that if this president could truly testify against their target, along with her own evidence, they would be able to bring him down.

To prevent her daughter from getting entangled in this matter, she needed to send Zhuang Hanyan away as soon as possible. Zhou Ruyin, upon learning that Yuwen Changan had visited Ruan Xiwen late at night, deliberately stole Zhuang Shiyang’s official seal, aiming to have the manor sealed off for a thief hunt. She claimed she was worried that intruders might harm the family, using this as an excuse to lead the servants in sealing off the main courtyard.

This left Yuwen Changan temporarily trapped in the Zhuang residence. Chen Momo urged Yuwen Changan to leave quickly to at least preserve the mistress’s reputation. Ruan Xiwen was momentarily at a loss for what to do, but just then, Zhuang Hanyan stepped forward and suggested that "Uncle Yuwen" hide in her room. She believed that only by preserving her mother’s reputation and influence could she, as her daughter, remain safe.

Ruan Xiwen was shocked that her daughter was willing to sacrifice her own name for her. However, she was not the type to use her daughter as a shield. Resolving to handle the situation herself, she stepped outside alone to face the crisis.

Zhou Ruyin brought servants with her, ostensibly to rescue Ruan Xiwen, but in reality, she was leading people to catch an affair. Fu Yunxi was well aware of Zhou Ruyin's intentions and secretly arrived to ensure Zhuang Hanyan's safety. Zhou Ruyin ordered her people to break down the door and search the main courtyard.

Zhuang Shiyang rushed over upon hearing the commotion, outwardly showing concern for Ruan Xiwen’s well-being, but in truth, he also wanted to see if the "intruder" was Yuwen Changan, as he was a well-known figure. Ruan Xiwen allowed him to search but demanded that he write a divorce letter in exchange. Zhuang Shiyang hesitated, and at that moment, Fu Yunxi arrived at the main courtyard with the lost-and-recovered official seal.

Seeing that the seal had been found, Zhuang Shiyang and Zhou Ruyin abandoned their search and left. Before leaving, they stripped Ruan Xiwen of her authority over the household and ordered Zhuang Hanyan to move back to the side courtyard. Zhuang Shiyang had been waiting at the back gate for Yuwen Changan, and their old grudges only deepened their hatred for each other.

Zhuang Shiyang understood that if not for Yuwen Changan's time away on official duties, Ruan Xiwen would never have married him—something he could never make up for. Zhuang Hanyan returned to her grandmother's side. Her grandmother held her frail little hands, heartbroken over all the suffering she had endured, vowing to compensate her double in the future. Ruan Xiwen was overwhelmed with turmoil, so much so that she did not even notice when Nanny Chen entered.

Nanny Chen carried a new prescription from the imperial physician and prepared a foot soak for Ruan Xiwen, hoping she would recover soon. However, Ruan Xiwen no longer held onto any hope. At the family banquet the next day, Zhuang Shiyang handed over the household authority to Zhou Ruyin. Zhou Ruyin pretended to decline but was secretly delighted and eventually accepted with feigned reluctance. With the renovations of Fu Yunxi’s residence completed, he suggested moving out.

Zhuang Hanyan seized the opportunity to propose moving into his courtyard instead, so as not to trouble her elderly grandmother. Zhuang Shiyang, impressed by her filial piety, agreed to allocate the courtyard to her. After gaining control of the household, Zhou Ruyin dressed extravagantly and went to the kitchen.

She took a liking to the head maid in charge and not only promoted her to the chief steward of the Zhuang household but also secretly ordered her to keep a close watch over Ruan Xiwen. The new steward and her people stormed into the main courtyard, seizing valuable items and account books while speaking harshly and treating Ruan Xiwen with cold disdain. However, Ruan Xiwen paid no attention to their petty tactics.

Zhuang Yushan rode into the main courtyard, eager to witness Ruan Xiwen’s downfall, but was angered by Zhuang Hanyan’s sharp words and stormed off. In private, Zhuang Hanyan asked her mother about her next plan now that she had lost all real power. She had learned from a young age how to survive in dire situations—back then, she had hoped her mother would save her, but in the end, she had relied on herself.

She also knew that her mother had suffered over the years. No matter what had happened, they were still mother and daughter by blood. She begged Ruan Xiwen to share her plans, vowing to assist her. Seeing that her mother still rejected her, Zhuang Hanyan knelt down, swearing that no matter what the future held, she would be her mother’s legs. She also promised that Zhou Ruyin would be her stepping stone to reclaiming household authority.

While playing chess with Fu Yunxi, Zhuang Hanyan’s strategic moves made him realize that she had something to say. She then revealed what she had overheard about Yuwen Changan and her mother’s secret conversation that night. She also confessed to killing her uncle and aunt in Danzhou. Fu Yunxi was shocked but did not arrest her. Instead, he hinted that the arson case was actually committed by a female bandit.

Afterward, Zhuang Hanyan instructed Chai Jing to leave the capital and hide for a few days. Zhou Ruyin used the upcoming imperial examination as an excuse to entertain candidates, intending to select a husband. The next day, all the scholars gathered at the Zhuang residence for a banquet. Zhou Ruyin believed she had planned everything meticulously, only to find that six hot dishes had been served.

In Yinan customs, the numbers four and six were associated with meals given to prisoners before execution. Shocked, Zhou Ruyin stood up in a panic and privately explained to Zhuang Shiyang that there were no more dishes left in the kitchen. Just when the Zhuang family did not know how to handle the situation, Zhuang Hanyan presented a plate of plum blossoms.

Since there was already a "top scholar" dish on the table, it made sense to serve a "flower snatcher" dish as well. The scholars praised Zhuang Shiyang for his thoughtful arrangement. The officials present also took note of Zhuang Hanyan’s intelligence and remarked that she was truly worthy of being a legitimate daughter of the family. It turned out that Zhuang Hanyan had cleverly used the offering plates from the ancestral hall to cover up the Zhuang family's mistake.

By saving the Zhuang family from embarrassment, Zhuang Hanyan was seated to the right of Zhuang Shiyang. Meanwhile, Zhuang Yuchi was sent to sit among the examinees. Just as Zhuang Hanyan was conversing with her father, Yang Ping suddenly stood up from the banquet and walked toward her.

Yang Ping, having lost part of his ear to Zhuang Hanyan’s bite in childhood, took the opportunity at the banquet to slander her reputation, even accusing her of being crude and unruly as a child. Even Zhuang Yuchi stepped forward to criticize Zhuang Hanyan, claiming she was domineering at home. However, instead of denying the incident, Zhuang Hanyan openly recounted the entire story, exposing how Yang Ping had bullied her since childhood.

As a result, Yang Ping not only failed to tarnish her name but also ended up with a reputation for mistreating his young neighbor. Enraged, he stormed off, while Zhou Ruyin, who had expected to enjoy the spectacle, was visibly displeased that her scheme had failed. Zhuang Hanyan brought some food for Chai Jing in a secluded location.

Discussing Yang Ping’s arrival in the capital, Chai Jing knew that Yang Ping had harbored resentment against Zhuang Hanyan for years and would surely try to eliminate her. However, due to Fu Yunxi’s stringent investigations, Chai Jing had to remain hidden. That night, Zhou Ruyin stole the exam questions from the study and had her son memorize them overnight. When her son struggled to understand the questions, she specifically sought out Young Master He to explain them to him.

At this time, Young Master He had already developed feelings for Zhuang Hanyan at first sight, so he was naturally eager to help upon seeing Zhuang Yuchi’s elder sister. The next day, when the exam began, Young Master He saw the question and realized it was the one he had explained to Zhuang Yuchi the previous night. Knowing that answering it would result in a suspicious similarity, he chose to withdraw from the exam.

Later, Zhuang Yuchi’s response impressed the examiners, who praised him in front of Zhuang Shiyang. However, Zhuang Shiyang knew his son was incapable of such talent and could only play along, refusing to reveal any suspicion of cheating. Even Zhou Ruyin doubted her son’s ability, but Zhuang Yuchi adamantly denied any wrongdoing. Due to his performance in the exam, Zhuang Yuchi stood out among the candidates.

While drinking with other students, he became overconfident and failed to recall the original text when challenged. His statements were met with disagreement from the other scholars, leading to a heated argument that nearly escalated into a fight. The others, finding him not worth their time, left first. Coincidentally, Zhuang Hanyan was drinking next door, while Fu Yunxi and his men were discussing a case at the same tavern. They witnessed all of Zhuang Yuchi’s behavior.

Zhuang Hanyan initially intended to leave but was noticed by Zhuang Yuchi. He stubbornly pulled her along, insisting on marrying her off to Young Master You, even making inappropriate jokes about their wedding night, completely disregarding his role as a younger brother. Fu Yunxi, having noticed Chai Jing in hiding, did not act but instructed his men to summon Zhuang Hanyan, both to rescue her and to use her as bait to lure Chai Jing out.

Fu Yunxi questioned Chai Jing’s identity and her connection to Zhuang Hanyan. Seeing that Zhuang Hanyan refused to answer, he pretended to threaten her. Chai Jing, seeing her benefactor in danger, rushed into the room, only to be completely outmatched by Fu Yunxi. Taking advantage of a moment when Fu Yunxi let his guard down, Zhuang Hanyan held him at knifepoint, allowing Chai Jing to escape. Despite being held hostage, Fu Yunxi was not angered by Zhuang Hanyan’s actions.

Just as they were about to leave, they ran into Minister Gao and his colleagues from the Ministry of Justice at the teahouse. The two quickly hid in a secret chamber and overheard them discussing Pei Dafu’s adopted son, who had been hiding in the capital for years. Minister Gao even mentioned that he had met this adopted son once many years ago.

Later, in the back alley, Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi were in a heated argument when a guard, mistaking them for a quarreling couple, jokingly asked Fu Yunxi whether he should bring both of them in for questioning. Fu Yunxi agreed and suggested that Zhuang Hanyan accompany him to the Court of Judicial Review, hinting that the matter might be relevant to her. Young Master You, having previously harassed Zhuang Hanyan, remained in Fu Yunxi’s memory.

He ordered his men to teach Young Master You a lesson. The next day, officials congratulated Zhuang Shiyang—word had spread that Zhuang Yuchi’s essay had caught the emperor’s attention. Upon reviewing the exam papers, the emperor expressed his desire to meet this young talent. Hearing this, Zhuang Shiyang hurried to court. Zhuang Yuchi, believing his essay had secured his success, excitedly rushed to the kitchen to share the news with his concubine mother, Zhou Ruyin.

To his surprise, Zhuang Hanyan was present. He took the opportunity to boast, completely unaware of the consequences of his cheating. Zhuang Hanyan merely sneered, realizing she no longer needed to act against him—his downfall was imminent. Soon after, several officials arrived at the Zhuang household, questioning whether Zhuang Yuchi’s essay was truly his own work. When he insisted it was original, the officials produced an exam paper from twenty years ago by Minister Han, which was identical to his.

Zhuang Yuchi stammered, unable to explain. The officials deduced that Zhuang Shiyang, as the proctor, must have been involved in favoritism. Zhuang Shiyang knelt, claiming that the family had failed in discipline and that he would punish his son severely. In an attempt to save her brother, Zhuang Yushan accused Young Master He of being the true author. Young Master He, bewildered, explained that he had merely shared his perspective and that his writing was not identical to Minister Han’s.

To prove his innocence, he even presented his original draft. Zhuang Yushan could not understand why Zhuang Yuchi’s essay matched Minister Han’s so precisely. In the end, Zhuang Yuchi was sentenced to a lifetime ban from the imperial examinations and was publicly humiliated for three days, while Zhuang Shiyang was fined six months’ salary.

Zhuang Shiyang and Zhou Ruyin anxiously waited at the gates of the Court of Judicial Review, as today marked the end of Zhuang Yuchi’s three-day public shaming. Seeing their son looking utterly haggard, their hearts ached for him. They quickly helped him back home, while Fu Yunxi secretly speculated that the Zhuang residence would be anything but peaceful tonight. Madam Zhuang watched her grandson return safely and advised her son not to force him into the imperial examinations any longer.

However, Zhuang Shiyang, having lost all face due to this incident, knew his future career in court was ruined, let alone any chance of promotion. As Zhuang Yuchi calmed down and reflected, he began to suspect that Zhuang Hanyan had secretly swapped his answers, especially since she had come to his room that night. Zhuang Hanyan entered to clarify, stating that she had only brought pastries to visit him that night but had been turned away.

The maids present could all testify to this. She even recounted how he had humiliated her at the tavern that evening. Zhuang Shiyang never expected his son to have committed such disgraceful acts. Zhuang Hanyan pointed out that Zhuang Yuchi had long held a grudge against her for interfering with his matchmaking plans, which was why he had resorted to such shameful behavior.

Seeing his son show no remorse, Zhuang Shiyang lashed out at him and even blamed Zhou Ruyin for raising such a son. Zhou Ruyin understood that this was all part of Zhuang Hanyan’s scheme. Now that both Zhuang Yuchi and Zhuang Yushan had been sent to a rural estate, she went alone to Zhuang Hanyan’s courtyard to play a game of chess with her. Zhuang Hanyan was straightforward, declaring that she had come to the capital for revenge.

Zhou Ruyin tried to sow discord between her and her birth mother, Ruan Xiwen, but Zhuang Hanyan not only bore no resentment toward her mother but was even grateful that Zhou Ruyin’s children were so foolish, giving her the upper hand. Ruan Xiwen received a secret letter from Yuwen Changan, stating that everything was ready and they were awaiting orders.

Meanwhile, Zhou Ruyin suspected that Fu Yunxi was assisting behind the scenes, so she had her nanny arrange a meeting with Yang Ping from Danzhou. When Yang Ping learned that it was Zhou Ruyin’s secret message that had brought him to the capital, he recounted his long-standing grudge with Zhuang Hanyan, claiming that if he hadn’t lost half an ear, he wouldn’t have failed the provincial examination. He wished he could kill Zhuang Hanyan to avenge his ear.

Zhou Ruyin hoped Yang Ping would hand over the autopsy report of his aunt and uncle from Danzhou. She, too, despised Zhuang Hanyan and wanted to use this as leverage to recruit Yang Ping, offering a high price for the document. Fu Yunxi arrived at the Zhuang residence, ostensibly to deliver medicine but actually to inform Zhou Ruyin of her noon meeting with Yang Ping, urging her to recall if she had any weaknesses in his hands.

Zhuang Hanyan didn’t understand why he was concerned about this matter, so Fu Yunxi lied, claiming that he had previously covered for her and didn’t want to be implicated. That night, Chai Jing planned to kill Yang Ping, but Zhuang Hanyan, considering his elderly mother, couldn’t bear to see her lose her only son after already losing her husband. Instead, she instructed Chai Jing to tie Yang Ping up before they made their move the next day.

After everything was settled, she hoped he would let go of his hatred and start anew. The next day, during the sacrificial ceremony, Yang Ping’s wristband concealed a hidden mechanism, allowing him to escape, with Chai Jing in close pursuit. During the grand ritual, Zhou Ruyin presented the memorial tablets of the aunt and uncle from Danzhou, urging Zhuang Hanyan to personally pay respects to the people who had raised her. Zhuang Hanyan endured it silently.

Zhou Ruyin had anticipated something happening to Yang Ping during the ceremony, so she had already obtained the autopsy report. The person holding her token was none other than Lang’er, a former maid who had been expelled. Lang’er publicly accused Zhuang Hanyan of murdering her aunt and uncle, claiming that she had harbored resentment since childhood due to their mistreatment. The scars on her arms were undeniable proof, and she even presented the autopsy report as evidence.

Zhuang Hanyan did not deny the abuse she suffered but, out of gratitude for being raised by them, chose not to dwell on the past. Lord Yan, in order to quell the growing gossip, decided to take both parties into custody for further investigation. Lang’er signed and sealed her testimony before leaving. Fu Yunxi, knowing she was acting under someone’s orders, decided not to waste time on her and instead focused on uncovering the mastermind.

A maid from Zhuang Hanyan’s residence sought guidance from Ruan Xiwen on how to rescue her mistress, but Ruan Xiwen had no intention of intervening. She had known the dangers of sending her daughter to Danzhou long ago, and even if she saved her now, it wouldn’t prevent future calamities. Chai Jing, worried about Zhuang Hanyan’s safety, went to Fu Yunxi’s residence to gather information, unaware that Fu Yunxi had been expecting her.

Fu Yunxi questioned her about the true cause of the aunt and uncle’s deaths in Danzhou, and Chai Jing admitted it was an accidental killing. Fu Yunxi then informed her that Zhuang Hanyan would be subjected to twelve rounds of torture that night. Chai Jing was willing to disguise herself as the culprit and confess to save Zhuang Hanyan. Before turning herself in, she pleaded with Fu Yunxi not to tell Zhuang Hanyan, not wanting her to be heartbroken.

Chai Jing's thoughts drifted back to that stormy night. She didn't know who her parents were or where she was born. For a long time, she lived on a boat, where the captain provided her with food and drink. Back then, she had no emotions, only the knowledge that she was meant to be a weapon in her master's hands. However, on that fateful night of thunder and lightning, the ship was suddenly attacked by bandits.

Although she had been trained as a cold-blooded assassin from childhood, she was the only survivor of that brutal raid. In despair, she leaped into the freezing sea, and with sheer will to live, she ultimately survived. When she regained consciousness, she found herself lying next to a shackled young woman—Zhuang Hanyan. It was Zhuang Hanyan who had saved her life.

As she woke up from the waves' impact, Zhuang Hanyan attempted to take Chai Jing’s shoes and leave, but upon hearing Chai Jing’s voice, she hesitated. In the end, she put on one shoe herself and tossed the other to Chai Jing, who, too weak to move, fainted. Unable to harden her heart and leave, Zhuang Hanyan chose to save Chai Jing instead, offering her water.

When Chai Jing awoke, she revealed her name and learned that the girl before her was called Zhuang Hanyan, also known as the "Barefoot Ghost. " Zhuang Hanyan even gave Chai Jing her only ration of food. Zhuang Hanyan's presence was like a ray of light piercing through the darkness, warming Chai Jing’s weathered heart. The two soon became inseparable confidantes, relying on each other for survival.

In gratitude for Zhuang Hanyan’s rescue, Chai Jing used her dagger to remove the shackles from Zhuang Hanyan’s wrists. Chai Jing had once believed she would always remain detached from the world, yet she unexpectedly forged such a deep bond with Zhuang Hanyan. She even crafted an iron hairpin shaped like a wild goose from the broken shackles as a token of their connection.

Before escorting Zhuang Hanyan to the Zhuang family, Chai Jing couldn't understand why she insisted on returning instead of joining her at sea. Zhuang Hanyan explained that she wanted to see her birthplace and urged Chai Jing to continue living freely without being tied down by her. The two had shared an unforgettable four years together, leading Chai Jing to swear loyalty to Zhuang Hanyan.

If Zhuang Hanyan wished to reach for the stars, she would be the ladder; if Zhuang Hanyan was persecuted, she would be her shield. And so, she watched as Zhuang Hanyan collapsed before the Zhuang residence, saw Ah Zhi discovering her, and knew that their paths were diverging. At the Court of Judicial Review, Chai Jing endured branding in Zhuang Hanyan’s place but remained silent throughout the ordeal. When Zhuang Hanyan regained consciousness, visitors flooded her home.

Outwardly, Zhou Ruyin seemed concerned, but Zhuang Hanyan could see the cruelty hidden beneath her gentle facade. At that moment, Fu Yunxi arrived, making the atmosphere even more tense. He revealed the progress of the case—he was implicated and could no longer investigate, but he knew that a woman had confessed.

Zhuang Hanyan grew anxious and wanted to go to the Court of Judicial Review to identify the confessor, but Fu Yunxi stopped her with various justifications, making her even more desperate to uncover the truth. Fu Yunxi's concern was not unwarranted. He knew that if Zhuang Hanyan learned that Chai Jing had confessed, she would go to any lengths to seek death herself. Yet, Zhuang Hanyan did not give up.

She sent secret signals calling for Chai Jing and even hung red lanterns as a sign, but there was no response. By dawn, when she saw the burnt-out lantern, she realized something had happened to Chai Jing. Zhuang Hanyan rushed to the Court of Judicial Review in a panic, but Fu Yunxi deliberately avoided her, claiming he had expected her arrival. She insisted on answers until Fu Yunxi finally appeared, yet he remained evasive.

Desperate, Zhuang Hanyan took a knife and wounded herself, forcing him to tell the truth—Chai Jing had confessed and her fate was unknown. Heartbroken, Zhuang Hanyan confided in Fu Yunxi about her miserable past in Danzhou, the night she saved herself in the rain, and the accidental killing of her uncle and aunt. All she ever wanted was a stable home, and now Chai Jing, her only support, was imprisoned.

She declared she was willing to pay any price to save Chai Jing. Seeing Zhuang Hanyan covered in wounds, Fu Yunxi was moved with pity. He promised to do everything he could to rescue Chai Jing but on the condition that Zhuang Hanyan disclose every detail of the case. In her desperation, she agreed to offer herself as payment. However, Fu Yunxi did not take advantage of her vulnerability.

Instead, he gently covered her with his robe and solemnly vowed to help. After many trials, Zhuang Hanyan finally learned that Chai Jing was still alive—Fu Yunxi had secretly saved her and placed her in a secluded courtyard outside the capital to recover. Seeing Chai Jing in such a frail state, Zhuang Hanyan felt an indescribable pain.

She was deeply grateful for Fu Yunxi’s assistance and decided that Chai Jing should remain there to heal, vowing never to let her return to the capital. Through this near-death experience, the bond between Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi grew even deeper and more complicated. Though neither had openly expressed their feelings, they both knew that they held a place in each other's hearts.

When Zhuang Hanyan visited her mother, she finally understood the reason behind Ruan Xiwen’s lifelong coldness—her mother had done everything to protect her from harm. However, peace in the Zhuang family was fleeting. With Zhou Ruyin bringing back Zhuang Yushan and Zhuang Yuchi, Zhuang Hanyan sensed that new challenges lay ahead. Though she did not yet know what schemes the mother and daughter would devise, she was prepared to face them head-on. After all, she knew she had two unwavering pillars of support—Chai Jing and Fu Yunxi.

The Fu residence was bustling with activity. Kou Eryi, the aunt of the Fu family, meticulously pointed out every detail of the chores in the courtyard, seemingly dissatisfied with everything. The servants moved swiftly, their brooms and cloths performing a silent dance, each person tense with fear that the slightest mistake might disrupt the festive occasion. Meanwhile, in the grand hall of the Fu residence, a warm yet solemn banquet was taking place.

The primary lady of the house, Kou Daniangzi, was dressed in luxurious attire, smiling as she gathered with the Zhuang family. The flickering candlelight reflected off the scattered dishes, and just as Kou Daniangzi was about to raise her cup in a toast, Kou Eryi suddenly burst in, holding a silver needle with a worried expression. Her arrival interrupted the celebration, as she insisted on testing every dish for poison to ensure the family’s safety.

As Kou Eryi scrutinized the room, her gaze landed on Zhuang Hanyan, the woman who would soon become Fu Yunxi’s companion. Seeing her graceful and refined demeanor, Kou Eryi secretly nodded in approval. Late at night, Fu Yunxi had a deep conversation with his mother. With a grave expression, he mentioned that the prolonged delay of Pei Dafu’s case had angered the emperor, and the Fu family could be implicated at any moment.

He suggested that his mother take Kou Eryi and Ah Zhi to the countryside for refuge. However, his mother, having witnessed the unpredictable changes of the political world and having lost her husband due to this very case, wished for her son to resign and live a peaceful life in the countryside. Yet, Fu Yunxi understood the weight of his responsibilities—resigning was not a simple matter. The mother and son fell into silence.

The New Year arrived in the blink of an eye. Ah Zhi, like a lively little sprite, bounced around Zhuang Hanyan, asking for a red envelope. Since Zhuang Hanyan was unmarried and it was inappropriate for her to give one, she carefully selected a silver hairpin as a gift. In return, Ah Zhi presented a kite made by her father. This innocent exchange reflected their pure friendship.

Fu Yunxi, noticing the concern on Zhuang Hanyan’s face, decided to secretly take her out of the city to visit the recovering Chai Jing. However, Zhuang Yushan insisted on coming along, and the three of them set off together. At the lively marketplace, Fu Yunxi took the opportunity to slip away with Zhuang Hanyan, leaving Zhuang Yushan behind. Hand in hand, they strolled along the city wall just as fireworks lit up the night sky.

In a fleeting moment, a misstep nearly brought them into each other's arms. Their eyes met, and an unspoken emotion lingered between them. Chai Jing's injuries were gradually healing, and she was eager to regain her martial skills, though she faced constant setbacks. In the cozy atmosphere of the kitchen, while making dumplings, she asked Fu Yunxi what he considered most important in life. He answered, "Family.

" Chai Jing, however, stated bluntly that in her heart, there was only Zhuang Hanyan. This conversation made Fu Yunxi deeply realize Chai Jing’s devotion to Zhuang Hanyan while also stirring his own longing and reflections on family. As Fu Yunxi escorted Zhuang Hanyan back, he assured her that he would continue to care for Chai Jing’s health, but Chai Jing could no longer appear in the capital.

Zhuang Hanyan understood and was grateful to Fu Yunxi, yet she still wasn’t sure whether she could fully trust him. During the New Year’s Eve feast, the family gathered, except for Zhuang Hanyan and Ruan Xiwen. A thoughtless remark from Zhuang Yushan caused the atmosphere to freeze. The sight of mung bean cakes on the table stirred memories—Zhuang Hanyan’s father had personally made and sent them to her while she was in Danzhou.

That paternal love was something she had never forgotten. At that moment, Ruan Xiwen arrived late, bearing New Year's gifts, each carrying deep meaning—a reflection of the past and hopes for the future. However, the warmth of the reunion did not last long. The next day, Zhuang Shiyang and several other officials were summoned to the palace and detained, putting the Zhuang family in an unprecedented crisis.

Ruan Xiwen swiftly distributed the household servant contracts, dismissing them to lighten the family’s burden. Zhou Ruyin, as the household matron, found herself helpless in the face of adversity. She had no choice but to relinquish control of the household to Ruan Xiwen and voluntarily confine herself to her courtyard, understanding that the family’s fate was tied to Zhuang Shiyang’s safe return. Zhuang Hanyan congratulated her mother, for her plan was quietly unfolding.

Yet, the resentment she harbored for her mother’s failure to save her father was still difficult to quell. At that moment, Yuwen Changan led a group to surround the Zhuang residence, declaring that Pei Dafu’s adopted son was among the detained officials. If confirmed, the Zhuang family would be exonerated. Inside the palace, the officials were ordered to bathe and cleanse themselves for identification.

After a thorough examination, the eunuchs found no abnormalities, forcing Yuwen Changan to turn his attention to the officials’ family members.

In the capital, the family members of officials were all confined to one place, creating a tense and oppressive atmosphere. Old Madam Zhuang was deeply worried, murmuring prayers throughout the day, hoping they could safely overcome this crisis. At this moment, news came from Yu Wen Changan, informing the twelve families that one of them had harbored a member of Pei Dafu’s faction.

He issued a ruthless threat—if no one reported the whereabouts of Pei Dafu’s adopted son, he would execute one person every hour as a warning. Zhuang Hanyan observed the reactions of those around her and noticed that Ruan Xiwen remained unusually calm, raising her suspicions. She privately questioned Ruan Xiwen, hoping that she knew some inside information and could help everyone escape danger.

Meanwhile, Fu Yunxi, who had been in charge of the Pei Dafu case, was also among those confined. The other officials’ family members quickly gathered around him, hoping he could reveal some truths. Seeing this, Fu Yunxi no longer concealed anything and openly admitted that he had received an anonymous report stating that the Deng family’s carriage had been seen in front of the Pei residence.

As soon as he spoke, the Deng family became the target of everyone’s suspicion, wrongly accused of colluding with the Pei family. Unable to prove their innocence, the Deng family members ended up in a physical altercation with the person who had leaked the information, creating chaos. At that moment, Fu Yunxi’s mother and Ah Zhi, who were originally sent to the countryside, were also captured and brought back.

Seeing his daughter crying in fear, Fu Yunxi felt a deep pain in his heart and argued with the soldiers. No one dared to offend the soldiers except for Zhuang Hanyan, who stepped forward and persuaded Fu Yunxi to put down his weapons, warning him not to bring disaster upon the entire Fu family. With just a few words, she managed to intimidate the soldiers.

In the end, they released Ah Zhi and the others, allowing them to reunite with Fu Yunxi. Zhuang Hanyan originally planned to use the clue regarding Pei Dafu to request an audience with Yu Wen Changan, but she was publicly rejected. Shortly after, the soldiers took away the Deng family’s young master and executed him in front of everyone. This horrifying scene left the onlookers paralyzed with fear.

Then, one man after another was dragged away for execution, continuing until dawn. When Zhuang Yuchi was taken, he desperately claimed to know the identity of Pei Dafu’s adopted son in an attempt to delay his execution. However, he was still dragged away. Zhou Ruyin knelt before Ruan Xiwen, pleading that she had eavesdropped on a secret conversation between Ruan Xiwen and Zhuang Hanyan the previous night, proving that Ruan Xiwen knew the identity of Pei Dafu’s adopted son.

She begged her to report the name and save Zhuang Yuchi. Seeing the despair in everyone’s eyes, a surge of determination rose in Zhuang Hanyan’s heart. She encouraged them, saying that instead of waiting helplessly for death, they should use whatever tools were at hand to fight back. They outnumbered the soldiers and had a chance of winning. Her words ignited hope within the group, and they united, preparing for a final battle against the soldiers.

Sensing that the situation was escalating, Yu Wen Changan privately summoned Zhuang Hanyan. Yu Wen Changan admired her courage and admitted that this entire ordeal was merely an act—the executed individuals were not truly dead. It was all a ploy to root out the traitors of the Pei family. The president of the merchant guild had personally reported that the suspect was among the twelve families. After a thorough investigation, the primary suspect was now Zhuang Shiyang.

At this moment, Ruan Xiwen arrived. Seeing that her daughter had already uncovered the scheme between her and Yu Wen Changan, she went as far as to harm herself. In front of everyone, she falsely claimed that she could not withstand torture any longer and reported that Pei Dafu’s hidden son was Zhuang Shiyang. She even revealed that a secret passage in the Zhuang family’s back kitchen led directly to Pei Dafu’s private residence.

Three years ago, Ruan Xiwen and Nanny Chen had accidentally discovered this hidden passage. Upon following it to its depths, they arrived directly at the Pei residence. Since then, Ruan Xiwen had been waiting for an opportunity to take revenge on Zhuang Shiyang. The detainees were released, but the Zhuang family alone was kept under house arrest.

At this moment, Zhuang Yushan still refused to believe that his kind-hearted father was a villain and placed his last hope in Fu Yunxi. However, Yu Wen Changan arrived with an imperial decree, announcing that Zhuang Shiyang, Old Madam Zhuang, Ruan Xiwen, and the mother-son duo Zhou Ruyin and Zhuang Yuchi would all be executed the next day. Zhuang Yushan was outraged and demanded to know why Zhuang Hanyan’s name was not on the list.

It was then revealed that two years ago, Zhuang Hanyan had been officially adopted by Zhang Youchang of Danzhou, making her no longer a member of the Zhuang family. At that moment, Zhuang Hanyan finally understood her mother’s painstaking efforts—why, for so many years, she had continuously tried to push her away.

After the people of the Zhuang family were taken away, Ruan Xiwen finally avenged her great hatred and had no regrets in this life. Meanwhile, Zhuang Hanyan, who had just felt the warmth of maternal love, was now facing the pain of losing her mother.

She walked alone through the streets, and in a daze, she seemed to see herself as a barefooted child who once sought refuge with the Zhuang family, only to realize now that it was all a fleeting illusion. She could not accept that her loved ones were leaving her one by one. Fu Yunxi was ordered to lead a raid on the Zhuang family.

Zhuang Hanyan questioned him, believing he must have known the truth but had hidden it so deeply. She swore that she would not sit idly by and would go to the imperial prison to save her mother, even if it cost her life. Fu Yunxi did not want her to take such a risk and hoped she would stay at the Fu residence, but she refused to live under someone else’s roof.

Zhuang Shiyang was granted a final meeting with Zhuang Hanyan. He explained that the secret passage was something he had been forced into by Pei Dafu and secretly passed her information, instructing her to use it to help him escape. After leaving the prison, Zhuang Hanyan went straight to a property broker. From the broker, she discovered that the Zhuang residence originally belonged to Wu Youzhi, the former Prince Shunping of this dynasty.

At that moment, she suspected that Prince Shunping was the mastermind behind all these conspiracies and matched the profile of Pei Dafu’s rebel son. If she could find Wu Youzhi, she might be able to save the Zhuang family. Upon learning that Wu Youzhi had gone missing and that only the princess remained in the palace, she disguised herself as a maid planted by the prince and approached the princess, inquiring about his whereabouts.

The princess mistakenly believed that the prince had returned and trembled in fear. From her expression, it was clear that she was terrified of him. As it turned out, she had long suffered domestic abuse, and their marriage was merely in name. She wished that the prince would disappear forever. The true wife of the prince was actually a courtesan from Hongliu Garden. Zhuang Hanyan then went to Hongliu Garden to investigate.

The courtesan, seeing the ownership document she had longed for, confessed that although the prince often spent the night with her, he never touched her and never removed his clothing. This statement confirmed Zhuang Hanyan’s suspicion—Wu Youzhi must have been of official background, so he avoided intimate relations with both his princess and the courtesan, merely using a life of debauchery as a cover for his true identity.

The courtesan unintentionally revealed that a handsome official from the Court of Judicial Review had recently visited before Zhuang Hanyan arrived. At that moment, Zhuang Hanyan suspected that it must have been Fu Yunxi. Having nowhere to go, Zhuang Hanyan went to the Fu residence and falsely claimed she hadn’t eaten all day, hoping to have a proper meal. Ah Zhi was playing with Fu Yunxi’s waist token like a toy.

Fu Yunxi was on guard, fearing that Zhuang Hanyan would take it to rescue someone, but he was tricked by her diversion. Zhuang Hanyan then stole someone else’s waist token and headed to the Court of Judicial Review, claiming that Fu Yunxi had been captured by Wu Youzhi and presenting the waist token as proof. Upon hearing this, Chief Mu hurriedly led Zhuang Hanyan to a secluded courtyard where Wu Youzhi had previously been detained.

However, the courtyard’s eerie calmness made Chief Mu realize he had been deceived by Zhuang Hanyan. Fu Yunxi rushed to the courtyard, realizing he had underestimated Zhuang Hanyan’s cunning. At this moment, Zhuang Hanyan pieced everything together—from the start, rather than saying her mother had planned everything with Yu Wen Chang’an, it was actually Fu Yunxi who had been orchestrating events from behind the scenes.

Zhuang Hanyan declared that she had just found familial warmth and would not let this opportunity slip away. She was determined to find Wu Youzhi. When she heard that his body was buried in the rear forest, she immediately went there. Suddenly, she felt weak and, glancing at the tea in front of her, realized that Fu Yunxi had drugged her.

Fu Yunxi hoped she would give up, explaining that Wu Youzhi had been arrested months ago but had died under the first round of torture. Although he was a prince of a different surname, he was still of royal blood, and as the chief examiner, Fu Yunxi could not escape responsibility. If his body was exposed, the emperor would surely punish him. Using the last of her strength, Zhuang Hanyan pulled out her hairpin and stabbed him.

When Zhuang Hanyan awoke, it was already evening. She vaguely remembered that Wu Youzhi was buried in the rear forest clearing, so she dug up his grave with her bare hands and rushed to the Court of Judicial Review with his body. Noon was approaching, and the Zhuang family members were about to be publicly executed. At the same time, Zhuang Hanyan dragged the corpse forward step by step.

As the moment of Zhuang Shiyang’s execution arrived, he desperately shouted that the Zhuang family’s old residence was purchased from Prince Shunping and that they were being framed. At the critical moment, Zhuang Hanyan arrived at the execution ground with the corpse of Prince Shunping. Ruan Xiwen collapsed to the ground—she never expected that all her years of scheming would be undone by her own daughter.

After Zhuang Hanyan carried Wu Youzhi's corpse to the execution ground and saved the Zhuang family, she fell into a coma for several days. When she woke up, she learned that the Zhuang family had been vindicated. However, her mother had refused to eat ever since returning from the execution ground, completely disheartened. All her years of planning had been ruined by her own daughter.

Feeling heartbroken for her mother, Zhuang Hanyan went to visit her, but Ruan Xiwen refused to see her and drove her away. Madam Chen did not want the mother and daughter to grow apart, so she pulled Zhuang Hanyan aside and privately told her that when Ruan Xiwen first married into the Zhuang family, she had experienced a brief period of happiness. However, everything changed when she gave birth.

A Daoist priest came to perform a ritual for the elderly master of the house, but the master passed away, and the priest blamed it all on the newborn Zhuang Hanyan, claiming she was the reincarnation of a barefoot ghost. To protect her daughter, Ruan Xiwen pleaded with the matriarch, but the matriarch remained indifferent. Later, as the legal wife, Ruan Xiwen knelt before Zhou Ruyin to beg for mercy, willing to trade everything she had for her daughter’s safety.

However, no one in the Zhuang household stepped up to protect them, not even the weak and incompetent Zhuang Shiyang, who blindly believed the Daoist and wanted to kill his own newborn daughter. With no other options, Ruan Xiwen pretended to be possessed by a vengeful ghost to shield her daughter, but she was brutally beaten and had both legs broken. From then on, Zhuang Hanyan was sent away to the countryside in Danzhou.

After hearing this, Zhuang Hanyan rushed to her mother’s side, looking at her crippled, scarred legs with deep remorse, feeling that she had hurt her mother deeply. The mother and daughter embraced and wept bitterly. Ruan Xiwen revealed that the downfall of the Ruan family and her marriage into the Zhuang family were all orchestrated by Zhuang Shiyang. She had spent years plotting revenge, but now she no longer had the chance.

Zhuang Hanyan apologized to her mother and begged for a chance to stay by her side and help her exact revenge so that they would never be separated again. At this moment, Ruan Xiwen finally forgave her daughter and held her tightly. Zhuang Hanyan was summoned to the Court of Judicial Review, where the case involving Pei Dafu’s rebel faction had been transferred to a new official. The official questioned her about how she had discovered Wu Youzhi’s corpse.

Not wanting to implicate Fu Yunxi, she lied and said she stumbled upon it while tracking an internal traitor, managing to gloss over the matter with just a few words. Afterward, Fu Yunxi warned Zhuang Hanyan that the Court of Judicial Review would not be easily fooled by her brief explanation and advised her to be cautious. Zhuang Hanyan and her father went to the ancestral hall.

Though she had saved the Zhuang family and deserved credit, her father showed no gratitude. Not only did he refuse to hold her coming-of-age ceremony, but he also made excuses about being too busy with official duties. Zhuang Hanyan then requested that her mother host the ceremony instead. A few days later, Ruan Xiwen personally held the ceremony for her daughter. As the legitimate daughter, Zhuang Hanyan was officially declared the heir to the household by Zhuang Shiyang.

At that moment, Noble Consort Miao sent a congratulatory gift from the palace. Unexpectedly, it turned out that Ruan Xiwen and Noble Consort Miao had been childhood friends, though they had rarely interacted after getting married. Yuwen Chang'an personally delivered a coming-of-age gift. Due to the Pei Dafu case and his failure to conduct a thorough investigation, he had been dismissed and sent back to his hometown. This visit was also a farewell.

Even now, he still harbored feelings for Ruan Xiwen, but time had passed, and the past was beyond reach. Fu Yunxi used the opportunity of delivering Zhuang Hanyan’s coming-of-age gift to visit the ancestral hall. He took out an incense stick, explaining that it was meant to suppress the souls of the dead. At that moment, Zhuang Hanyan recalled her mother’s words about how the family’s patriarch had died when she was born and started to believe Fu Yunxi’s claim.

Now dismissed from his position, Fu Yunxi remained suspicious that the Zhuang family harbored a dark secret and hoped to join forces with her to uncover evidence and bring down Zhuang Shiyang. When Zhuang Hanyan took over household management, she immediately transferred Tao Momo, Zhou Ruyin’s trusted servant, to her side.

Knowing that she had mistreated the legal wife in the past, Tao Momo realized she had no good fate awaiting her, so she pleaded with Zhou Ruyin to keep her. However, as a mere concubine with no power, Zhou Ruyin gladly handed her over to Zhuang Hanyan.

Later, Zhou Ruyin had her children personally deliver a cherished ginseng root she had kept for years as a gift to Zhuang Hanyan, instructing them to curry favor with her, as she was now the head of the household. But Zhuang Yushan was unconvinced and instead plotted revenge against Zhuang Hanyan. Zhuang Hanyan received an invitation, noticing that it required both mother and daughter to attend.

She suspected it was a trap meant to humiliate them, but she also saw it as an opportunity. That night, she and Fu Yunxi discussed how best to turn the banquet to their advantage.

Zhuang Hanyan received an invitation to a banquet specifically organized for unmarried individuals in the capital, aiming to help them find suitable matches. Parents would also attend to oversee the process. Persuaded by Zhuang Hanyan, Ruan Xiwen agreed to attend this gathering of noblewomen, unwilling to continue being the subject of gossip. Ruan Xiwen suggested dismissing Tao Momo, but Zhuang Hanyan explained her reasoning—keeping Tao Momo around as bait to see if anyone from Gongtong Courtyard would make a move.

If they did, she would surely contact Tao Momo. Ruan Xiwen chuckled, saying she should just throw her into the fish pond to be raised there. On the day of the banquet, Fu Yunxi also arrived. As someone who never attended such events, his presence caused quite a stir. Zhuang Hanyan escorted her mother to the banquet as well.

However, due to Ruan Xiwen’s crippled leg and the fact that she had reported her own husband’s crimes, she was met with ridicule and mockery. Zhuang Hanyan stepped forward to defend her mother, but Ruan Xiwen stopped her, unwilling to waste words on ignorant people. At the steps of Jianglin Pavilion, Ruan Xiwen, seated in a wheelchair, was unable to ascend.

Just as the onlookers were waiting to enjoy the spectacle, Fu Yunxi ordered wooden planks to be laid over the steps, respectfully inviting Ruan Xiwen inside. Li Jiaqi mocked Zhuang Hanyan for once carrying a corpse on her back, but Ruan Xiwen cited classical texts, listing historical precedents and proudly expressing her admiration for her daughter. Spurred by Zhuang Yushan’s instigation, Li Jiaqi continued to challenge Zhuang Hanyan through riddles, trying to embarrass her.

However, Zhuang Hanyan, being highly knowledgeable, not only answered them correctly but also pointed out missing parts in the riddles and elaborated on their origins, winning the crowd’s praise. Li Jiaqi then presented another riddle, this time mocking Ruan Xiwen’s limp. Zhuang Hanyan refused to answer, but Ruan Xiwen graciously revealed the answer—“limping. ” She then posed a riddle of her own to Li Jiaqi and the others, leaving them unable to solve it and causing Li Jiaqi great embarrassment.

Ruan Xiwen shared her reflections, saying that she once felt inferior due to her physical disability, but now she no longer saw it as a flaw. Zhuang Hanyan followed up by stating that people with filthy hearts always spew foul words. She then directly called out Zhuang Yushan as the one secretly manipulating Li Jiaqi, making Li Jiaqi realize that she had been used. Seeing an opportunity, Zhuang Hanyan took Li Jiaqi’s hand, expressing her desire to befriend her.

Li Jiaqi, in turn, acknowledged that she had been deceived and distanced herself from Zhuang Yushan. Madam Tan, upon hearing that Ruan Xiwen had arrived despite her disability, quickly invited her to the main hall to reunite with old acquaintances. Wanting to outshine Ruan Xiwen, she deliberately dressed herself up, intending to humiliate her. Many of the noblewomen present had envied Ruan Xiwen’s former glory as a celebrated young lady and publicly demanded that she demonstrate her tea-making skills.

They also intentionally sent Chen Momo and Zhuang Hanyan away. Ruan Xiwen, well-versed in tea arts, pointed out the poor quality of the tea sets. Chen Momo was reluctant to leave, but Ruan Xiwen, confident in handling the situation, insisted. Unbeknownst to her, the noblewomen kept offering her tea, aiming to force her into an embarrassing situation where she would be unable to hold her bladder and wet her dress.

Meanwhile, Chen Momo was not actually guiding the servants in tea-making but had been locked away in a room. Outside, fireworks lit up the sky. The event’s host announced that the young ladies could write acrostic poems incorporating their names, and if a gentleman successfully composed a matching couplet, they could share a drink together. Zhuang Hanyan, Li Jiaqi, and the others all participated. Fu Yunxi hung a poem of his own alongside Zhuang Hanyan’s.

Young Master He, who had admired Zhuang Hanyan’s talents throughout the gathering, wanted to do the same, but seeing that Fu Yunxi’s poem was already there, he felt a tinge of disappointment. Meanwhile, a drunken Zhuang Yushan snatched the poem and blocked Fu Yunxi’s path, openly declaring her feelings for him. However, Fu Yunxi rejected her once again. Hearing that Zhuang Yushan had taken a horse outside, Zhuang Hanyan sensed trouble and quickly went to find Ruan Xiwen.

Seeing her mother being deliberately forced to drink excessive tea, she immediately understood their scheme. She stood up for Ruan Xiwen and argued with the noblewomen. At that moment, Chen Momo broke free and scolded them furiously. Madam Tan, feeling insulted, sneered that Ruan Xiwen couldn’t even stand up, let alone hit her. In response, Zhuang Hanyan kicked Madam Tan’s leg, forcing her to kneel before Ruan Xiwen.

Ruan Xiwen then slapped Madam Tan across the face as the situation spiraled into chaos. Just then, Noble Consort Miao arrived. The crowd assumed she was there to defend Ruan Xiwen, but to their surprise, she also made things difficult for her. Madam Tan was ordered to tidy her appearance, but since Ruan Xiwen couldn’t kneel, Zhuang Hanyan knelt on her behalf.

However, Noble Consort Miao accused Ruan Xiwen of failing to discipline her daughter properly and sentenced Zhuang Hanyan to kneel in punishment. Hearing the whispers around her, Zhuang Hanyan learned that Ruan Xiwen and Noble Consort Miao were once known as the “Twin Beauties. ” However, Ruan Xiwen had always overshadowed the consort. In reality, Zhuang Hanyan had asked Fu Yunxi to invite Noble Consort Miao, hoping she could persuade Ruan Xiwen to seek divorce and escape future misfortunes.

But seeing the consort’s attitude now, Zhuang Hanyan began to feel uneasy. Noble Consort Miao noticed the handkerchief in Ruan Xiwen’s hand and took it for a closer look. She commented on the poor embroidery, remarking how vastly different it was from Ruan Xiwen’s former craftsmanship. Moreover, the handkerchief had an unusual scent, unlike any fragrance. Just then, Zhuang Hanyan received a report that Zhuang Yushan had released a horse.

Recalling that Chen Momo had previously seen Zhuang Yushan handing a handkerchief to Tao Momo, she sensed something was amiss. Before she could fully piece things together, the horse suddenly charged into the hall, heading straight for Noble Consort Miao. Zhuang Hanyan shielded Noble Consort Miao from the horse’s hooves and swiftly mounted it, retrieving the handkerchief from the consort. Recalling Chai Jing’s teachings on horseback riding, she managed to control the horse and rode it out of Jianglin Pavilion.

Fu Yunxi arrived on horseback as well, rescuing Zhuang Hanyan. As they fell from their horses, they accidentally kissed, stirring unexpected emotions in both of them. Handing the handkerchief to Fu Yunxi, Zhuang Hanyan realized that it had been laced with a substance that drove horses mad. And the one behind it all was none other than Zhuang Yushan. At that moment, a messenger arrived with orders from Noble Consort Miao—demanding that both of them return to Jianglin Pavilion.

Imperial Concubine Miao was startled but felt grateful to Zhuang Hanyan for saving her. She believed that Zhuang Hanyan had returned good for evil and asked Fu Yunxi, who was skilled in solving cases, about what had truly happened today. Fu Yunxi took out a handkerchief and pointed out that it contained herbs that could frighten horses. However, Ruan Xiwen was completely unaware of this.

Imperial Concubine Miao speculated that only someone from the inner residence could have swapped the handkerchief. She immediately suggested dealing with the matter on Ruan Xiwen’s behalf, but Ruan Xiwen refused. Imperial Concubine Miao then summoned Zhuang Hanyan and ordered her to kneel and extend her hand, which made Ruan Xiwen cry out in fear, worried that Imperial Concubine Miao would punish her. Instead, Imperial Concubine Miao took out a jade bracelet.

Back in the day, when she was still unmarried, she had won a horseback riding competition against Ruan Xiwen because Ruan Xiwen had let her win, which had earned her this bracelet. Imperial Concubine Miao considered it only fitting to return it to its rightful owner and handed it to Zhuang Hanyan. In private, Ruan Xiwen and Imperial Concubine Miao drank tea together, with Ruan Xiwen personally brewing tea for her.

Imperial Concubine Miao reproached Ruan Xiwen for never revealing the secret to her tea-making skills. However, Ruan Xiwen candidly stated that she had no special secret—she simply brewed tea according to her mood. Imperial Concubine Miao also blamed Ruan Xiwen for deliberately letting her win back then, which ultimately led to her entering the treacherous imperial palace. Though she had survived many dangers there, she had been permanently deprived of the ability to bear children.

She claimed that everything she had suffered was the result of Ruan Xiwen’s intentional concession. But Ruan Xiwen believed that the competition was merely a pretense and that the real purpose was selecting a consort. Everyone had known this at the time, and she had not schemed against Imperial Concubine Miao. She had simply seen that Imperial Concubine Miao was determined to win, so she had decided to grant her wish. While they were arguing, Lord Tan arrived.

Imperial Concubine Miao deliberately had Lord Tan examine Ruan Xiwen’s leg injury. After carefully checking, Lord Tan discovered that Ruan Xiwen was actually capable of walking. It was due to a hidden scheme and years of suppression that had kept her from walking for so long. Ruan Xiwen suddenly broke into tears, realizing that all the doctors Zhuang Shiyang had hired over the years had deceived her.

Imperial Concubine Miao was also displeased, feeling that Ruan Xiwen, despite being clever all her life, had still fallen victim to such a cruel scheme. Lord Tan offered to visit every day to treat Ruan Xiwen, assuring her that as long as she let go of her resentment and gradually relaxed, she would be able to walk again. Imperial Concubine Miao was genuinely happy for Ruan Xiwen, knowing that once her legs recovered, she would regain her freedom.

Wiping away her tears, Imperial Concubine Miao prepared to leave but instructed Ruan Xiwen that by next year, when they met again, she must stand up from her wheelchair and kneel before her in greeting. Only then would their contest be settled. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ruan Xiwen wept. Zhuang Hanyan later sought out Zhuang Yushan in private and revealed that she was behind everything. However, she had deliberately not exposed the truth before Imperial Concubine Miao to keep leverage.

She also urged Zhuang Yushan not to destroy herself for a man who did not love her. But Zhuang Yushan refused to back down and showed no fear. Sitting in the pavilion, Ruan Xiwen gazed at the thousands of lights outside. Madam Chen urged her to return home, but she remained unmoved, forcing Madam Chen to withdraw. At that moment, Yuwen Changan appeared before Ruan Xiwen and handed her an old keepsake from the past.

Upon opening the box, she found old betrothal letters and wedding gift lists. Unfortunately, the destined couple from back then had never been able to be together. Yuwen Changan expressed his desire to have closure with Ruan Xiwen and hoped that she could find a place where she belonged. He did not wish to pressure her but simply waited for her answer.

Meanwhile, across the way, Zhuang Hanyan watched everything from a distance, feeling both happiness and sorrow for her mother. Fu Yunxi approached Zhuang Hanyan from behind and admired her for having made the right gamble. Likewise, Zhuang Hanyan was impressed by how Fu Yunxi had managed to summon Imperial Concubine Miao with just a few words.

She now realized that Imperial Concubine Miao and her mother were neither enemies nor old friends—they were simply two women who shared the same fate, having both married the wrong man. Fu Yunxi asked Zhuang Hanyan about her plans and whether she longed for a lifelong love with one person. Zhuang Hanyan, however, believed that emotions were fickle and had never placed her happiness in the hands of a man.

She was not opposed to marriage, but to her, marriage was not about romance and growing old together—it was about finding a safe haven, a place where she would no longer have to suffer from instability. At that moment, fireworks lit up the night sky. Zhuang Hanyan looked up at the fireworks, while Fu Yunxi looked at her and suddenly declared that he could give her everything she desired. However, the sound of the fireworks drowned out his voice.

When Zhuang Hanyan asked him to repeat what he had said, Fu Yunxi remained silent and simply walked away. Watching his departing figure, Zhuang Hanyan smiled. Lord Tan visited daily to perform acupuncture on Ruan Xiwen, instructing Fu Yunxi to move around frequently rather than stay curled up in his wheelchair. He assured him that as long as he remained determined, his condition would improve, though he could not guarantee how long recovery would take.

Fu Yunxi insisted that Lord Tan keep his treatment a secret and tell others that he was merely recuperating. Every day, Zhuang Hanyan and Madam Chen accompanied Ruan Xiwen in her rehabilitation. Though she often fell, she got up again and insisted on doing it herself. Zhuang Hanyan felt distressed for her mother and wished to take her away, but Ruan Xiwen could not bring herself to leave, as she was worried about Zhuang Hanyan. Meanwhile, matchmakers arrived with proposals.

Ever since Imperial Concubine Miao had given her the jade bracelet, many influential families had sent marriage requests for Zhuang Hanyan. However, Ruan Xiwen was uninterested in these proposals—her only concern was whether Zhuang Hanyan had feelings for Fu Yunxi. She advised Zhuang Hanyan not to make love her only support but also not to reject love out of fear. She hoped that Zhuang Hanyan would have a life of her own and not become someone else’s accessory.

Ruan Xiwen suspected that Zhuang Shiyang had already noticed the unusual bond between Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan and feared their growing closeness, so he would likely try to marry off Zhuang Hanyan as soon as possible. Sure enough, when a suitor came to propose, Zhuang Shiyang was about to accept when Fu Yunxi arrived. He deliberately brought up an old case implicating Zhuang Shiyang, making the suitor fear involvement and quickly withdraw.

Satisfied with his success, Fu Yunxi left, but not before glancing at Zhuang Hanyan, who was secretly watching from the shadows. Meanwhile, Young Master Xue was drunkenly boasting at a restaurant that he possessed a love token from Zhuang Hanyan. The news reached Fu Yunxi, who immediately taught him a lesson. The Xue family then pleaded with Zhuang Hanyan to forgive their son.

At that moment, Fu Yunxi arrived, returned the handkerchief, and expressed relief that Zhuang Hanyan’s reputation had not been tarnished. However, Zhuang Hanyan instantly recognized that the handkerchief was not hers. Seeing the room filled with marriage proposals, Fu Yunxi offered to help her select a suitor. He criticized each one, while Zhuang Hanyan countered by listing their strengths, frustrating Fu Yunxi so much that he jokingly suggested she marry them all as live-in husbands.

After meeting Zhuang Hanyan at a banquet, He Wenshen could not forget her and learned that she planned to visit a temple. He rushed to meet her there. Hearing this, Fu Yunxi heeded his subordinate’s suggestion to stage a robbery so he could play the hero. However, Zhuang Hanyan saw through the ruse and threw a stone at the hiding Fu Yunxi, forcing him to flee.

When he returned, his subordinates could not help but laugh at the bruise on his face. To his frustration, Zhuang Hanyan even sent him a box of powder to cover the bruise, infuriating him. Having observed everything, Ruan Xiwen was convinced that Fu Yunxi had feelings for Zhuang Hanyan. However, Zhuang Hanyan believed that if he truly cared, he should have already spoken up. Just then, He Wenshen arrived, and Zhuang Shiyang had already arranged their engagement.

Shocked, Zhuang Hanyan rushed over to stop it, but Zhuang Shiyang refused to listen. At that moment, Fu Yunxi appeared and publicly accused Zhuang Shiyang of double engagement. He brought out a twenty-year-old marriage contract and tore up the agreement with He Wenshen. He Wenshen proposed that if Zhuang Hanyan annulled her prior engagement to Fu Yunxi, then their marriage could proceed. He confessed his feelings for her, but Zhuang Hanyan rejected him. Sitting nearby, Fu Yunxi smiled subtly.

Seeing He Wenshen leave, Fu Yunxi also turned to go. But Zhuang Hanyan stopped him and demanded to know his true intentions. Fu Yunxi openly admitted that everything he had planned was for her. He understood that she only desired wealth and power—things he could provide. He proposed that Zhuang Hanyan become his wife, while he would be her strategist, ensuring that she became the most distinguished lady in the capital within a year. Zhuang Hanyan asked why he had chosen her.

Fu Yunxi was usually very busy and rarely ate at home. His mother had always been worried about this and urged him to marry Zhuang Yushan, the eldest daughter of the Zhuang family, as soon as possible. Zhuang Yushan was the legitimate daughter, kind-hearted, and carried herself with grace. His aunt joined forces with his mother to persuade him, hoping that he would have descendants to accompany him. Fu Yunxi had no choice but to agree to the marriage.

On their wedding night, it was the first time he met Zhuang Yushan. The two treated each other with respect, and soon a year had passed. One day, while drinking together, Fu Yunxi realized that the wine was poisoned. By the time he tried to stop her, it was already too late. He carried Zhuang Yushan to find a doctor, but it was futile—she could not be saved.

Fu Yunxi knew that his position at the Court of Judicial Review had earned him many enemies, and he regretted not taking precautions earlier, which ultimately led to his wife's demise. So when he found Zhuang Hanyan and she asked why he chose her as his partner, Fu Yunxi spoke about his feelings. The first time he saw Zhuang Hanyan, despite her outwardly weak appearance, he could see her inner strength.

After several tests and interactions, he became certain of his suspicions—Zhuang Hanyan was a meticulous and strategic woman. He needed to plan for his parents and daughter’s future, hoping that Zhuang Hanyan could protect his family. In return, he would no longer hold himself back and would help her rise to power.

Fu Yunxi repeatedly emphasized that this was merely a transaction—if Zhuang Hanyan wished to leave at any time, she could, and he would not force her to stay, nor would he claim her body. However, Zhuang Hanyan refused Fu Yunxi. She could see his honesty, but it was not the kind of honesty she wanted. She was even more conflicted, wondering whether Fu Yunxi truly had no feelings for her and only valued her abilities.

From that day on, she became increasingly absent-minded, constantly recalling their encounters. When Master Tan came to treat Ruan Xiwen, he discovered that she had injured her leg due to excessive training, making it nearly impossible to apply acupuncture. He instructed Zhuang Hanyan to find a few rare medicinal herbs that were even scarce in the palace.

It was also from Master Tan that Zhuang Hanyan learned that Fu Yunxi had been injured before the Mid-Autumn Festival gathering and was being treated at Nanshan Medical Hall. Unexpectedly, Zhuang Hanyan came looking for him herself. She was inadvertently seen by Fu Yunxi’s subordinates. To help Fu Yunxi with his feelings, they deliberately let her see his scar-covered back and told her that Fu Yunxi had long been fond of her but was too stubborn to admit it.

They revealed that even in the bamboo forest incident, when he could have stopped her from uncovering the buried corpse, he did not. He knew that if the body was discovered, he would surely be punished for dereliction of duty, yet he willingly took the risk. He had helped her many times, never intending to harm her. His actions were filled with deep emotion, yet he insisted it was merely to protect his family and work with her.

Zhuang Hanyan heard everything and was deeply moved. She accidentally touched a flower pot outside, causing a noise that startled her into hiding. Fu Yunxi seemed to have noticed a familiar figure, yet neither of them spoke. Zhuang Hanyan also seemed to see the image of Fu Yunxi being beaten with sticks in the heavy snow. Ruan Xiwen was eager to walk again, practicing even at night. When Zhuang Hanyan returned and saw this, she felt distressed.

Ruan Xiwen nearly fell and, feeling frustrated, feared she would never recover. Zhuang Hanyan urged her not to rush, assuring her that if she followed Master Tan’s advice, she would definitely walk again. Feeling sorry for her mother, Zhuang Hanyan carried her back to her room. Ruan Xiwen blamed herself for not being there to watch Zhuang Hanyan learn to walk as a child. Zhuang Hanyan comforted her, believing that they would one day regain what they had lost.

The next morning, leaning on a cane, Ruan Xiwen managed to walk step by step into the courtyard to admire the snowy scenery. Zhuang Hanyan, rushing out, was stunned. Seeing the footprints her mother had left in the snow, she teared up and followed them, embracing her mother tightly. It was as if her mother had finally taught her to walk.

Madam Chen was so excited that she rushed over to congratulate Ruan Xiwen, who had been in a wheelchair for seventeen years and was finally healed. Ruan Xiwen, with tears in her eyes, apologized to Madam Chen for the years of suffering she had endured. Now that she was recovering, she promised to personally care for Madam Chen. Madam Chen nestled into Ruan Xiwen’s arms, vowing to serve her for life.

Ruan Xiwen then confided in Zhuang Hanyan, saying that she had made a mistake twenty years ago and could not afford to repeat it now. Regaining her ability to walk felt like being given a second life. She wanted to leave—not to escape, but to divorce with dignity and walk away with her head held high. Zhuang Hanyan reassured her mother, promising to handle the matter herself.

She also stated that she would discuss it with Fu Yunxi before making further decisions. Zhuang Hanyan hinted at her intention to marry Fu Yunxi. Her mother reminded her that the most important thing between people was trust, and after marriage, the most trusted person should be her husband. She asked if Fu Yunxi was the person Zhuang Hanyan trusted the most. Zhuang Hanyan said she was willing to trust him this time.

Ruan Xiwen urged her daughter not to rely on others, not to live for others, but to live for herself. Zhuang Hanyan went to see Fu Yunxi and agreed to his proposal. However, she requested that he promise her two things. First, if she ever had doubts in the future and asked him about something, he must not lie. Second, he must help her obtain the divorce papers and gather evidence against Zhuang Shiyang.

They conspired together, and Fu Yunxi revealed his suspicion that Zhuang Shiyang was the adopted son of Pei’s faction. Years ago, Fu Yunxi had once dined at Pei Dafu’s residence and eaten a particular dish. Later, he had the same dish at Zhuang Shiyang’s residence. The dish was called "Fushouquan," and Zhuang Hanyan suddenly realized that the uniqueness of this dish came from the addition of a certain type of wine.

When Zhuang Shiyang returned home, he found a plate of "Fushouquan" on the table. Zhou Ruyin praised it as one of his specialties, but Zhuang Shiyang denied ever cooking. Just then, Zhuang Hanyan walked in. Zhuang Shiyang hastily drove both Zhou Ruyin and Zhuang Hanyan out before retrieving a small bamboo tube from the dish, inside which was a note. That night, in a daze, Zhuang Shiyang found himself putting on a eunuch’s robe.

The next day, another note was found in a dish, arranging a meeting. His behavior became increasingly anxious. While a servant was feeding the horses, he was threatened by a mysterious figure, who demanded that Zhuang Shiyang meet them immediately. Zhuang Shiyang discovered that the person who wanted to meet him was Minister Pei’s advisor, Huang Can. He was shocked—he had personally seen Fu Yunxi kill Huang Can, yet here he was.

Huang Can told him that what one sees with their own eyes is not always the truth and claimed that Pei Dafu was still alive, arranging a meeting at their old gathering place, where Zhuang Shiyang was to hand over the gold and silver under his care. That night, Zhuang Shiyang secretly arrived at a dilapidated house, only to find that the people waiting for him were Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi.

Fu Yunxi criticized him for his theatrical deception, which allowed him to evade detection for so long. He demanded that Zhuang Shiyang confess whether he was Pei Dafu’s adopted son. Zhuang Shiyang admitted that he had long known Pei Dafu was dead. He claimed he had come not for Pei’s faction but for Zhuang Hanyan, accusing Fu Yunxi of trying to seize the wealth for himself. Zhuang Shiyang turned the accusations back on Fu Yunxi, saying he was manipulating Zhuang Hanyan.

He urged him to let the Zhuang family go and not drag things to the point of mutual destruction. Zhuang Hanyan then questioned Fu Yunxi, asking what else he was hiding. Zhuang Shiyang declared that Fu Yunxi was a hypocrite—claiming to hunt down Pei’s faction, yet in reality, he was Pei Dafu’s adopted son. Stunned, Zhuang Hanyan demanded to know if it was true. Fu Yunxi calmly admitted—he was indeed the adopted son of Pei’s faction.

Back then, the reason Zhuang Shiyang recognized Pei Dafu as his sworn father was that his own father, Zhuang Hanliang, had a grudge against Pei Dafu. Zhuang Hanliang intended to submit a memorial to impeach Pei Dafu for corruption. Zhuang Shiyang tried to plead with Zhuang Hanliang not to expose Pei Dafu, believing he could beg Pei Dafu not to implicate the Zhuang family. He feared that offending Pei Dafu would lead to the entire Zhuang family’s destruction.

However, Zhuang Hanliang despised Zhuang Shiyang for his lack of backbone and was so enraged that he beat him with a stick. That night, while Zhuang Hanliang was writing the memorial, Zhuang Shiyang poisoned his pastries, leading to Zhuang Hanliang’s sudden death. Yet, he shifted the blame onto Zhuang Hanyan, publicly announcing that she was a reincarnation of the Barefoot Ghost and had caused Zhuang Hanliang’s death.

In front of both Zhuang Shiyang and Zhuang Hanyan, Fu Yunxi admitted that he was Pei Dafu’s sworn son. The two accused each other, and Zhuang Hanyan was heartbroken, feeling betrayed by the person she trusted the most. She had long known that Zhuang Shiyang was not a good person, and she had already learned the truth about the Barefoot Ghost from Ruan Xiwen.

She no longer saw Zhuang Shiyang as a father but was shocked to find herself once again being used by Fu Yunxi. Zhuang Shiyang then revealed that when his family was imprisoned and sentenced to be executed in a few days, he secretly summoned Fu Yunxi to the prison. His words implied a threat—he had known all along that there was another sworn son of Pei Dafu, and that person was Fu Yunxi.

He had hoped to use this secret in exchange for the safety of the Zhuang family. Because of this, Zhuang Hanyan was able to find Wu Youzhi’s body, and Fu Yunxi could do nothing but watch as she took it away, willingly accepting punishment. None of it was for Zhuang Hanyan—it was all for self-preservation. Fu Yunxi accused Zhuang Shiyang of causing Zhuang Yuqin’s death.

Zhuang Shiyang had originally planned to get rid of Fu Yunxi, but instead, he ended up poisoning his own biological daughter. Tears streamed down Zhuang Hanyan’s face as she asked Fu Yunxi whether, outside the Nanshan Medical Hall that day, he had already known she was eavesdropping and had deliberately let Mu Feng say those things.

Fu Yunxi admitted that Mu Feng had likely seen Zhuang Hanyan, but at the time, he was unaware, and the words spoken were not meant for her ears. At this moment, Zhuang Hanyan fully understood her mother’s words—why she had always urged her to leave the capital. The capital was a place that devoured people without leaving a trace, filled with sinister and deceitful figures. Zhuang Hanyan went alone to find Chai Jing.

Chai Jing understood why Zhuang Hanyan was upset—if someone she didn't care about had deceived her, she would simply beat them up. But if it was someone she cared about, it would undoubtedly bring heartbreak and tears. Zhuang Hanyan expressed her desire to forget everything here and leave with her mother, even hoping to take Chai Jing with her. However, her words were overheard by Fu Yunxi, who had just arrived. He silently turned and left.

After returning home, Fu Yunxi drank continuously. Ah Zhi came to comfort him. Fu Yunxi explained that he felt uneasy because he had deceived someone and was sure she would never forgive him. Ah Zhi advised him to apologize, saying that as long as he was sincere, he would surely be forgiven. Fu Yunxi pulled Ah Zhi into his embrace.

Zhuang Hanyan informed her mother of her plans to leave and declared her intention to retrieve the divorce letter for her mother. She then went to demand it from Zhuang Shiyang. However, he refused to write it and instead accused Zhuang Hanyan of trying to break up his marriage. At that moment, Ruan Xiwen arrived, leaning on a cane. Seeing Ruan Xiwen walk, Zhuang Shiyang was shocked.

Ruan Xiwen furiously denounced him as a hypocrite who had betrayed both her mentor and father. If this truth were revealed to the public, his true nature would be exposed. Left with no choice, Zhuang Shiyang finally wrote the divorce letter, his tears falling onto the paper. Zhou Ruyin was surprised that Ruan Xiwen had left without a word and came to speak with her, only to be met with sarcasm.

Ruan Xiwen believed that Zhou Ruyin was simply trying to attach herself to someone powerful, without realizing that the person she clung to was already a decayed tree. Fu Yunxi sought out Zhuang Hanyan, hoping to clear up the misunderstanding before she left. However, Zhuang Hanyan stated that no matter his intentions, she had indeed received kindness from him, and Chai Jing had also been saved by him. As a sign of gratitude, she bowed deeply to him.

Fu Yunxi wished for Zhuang Hanyan to finally gain her freedom—it had always been his deepest wish. He acknowledged that they might never see each other again and only hoped that she would no longer be a "cold wild goose in winter. " Zhuang Hanyan shed tears and wished that they would each take care of themselves from then on. Zhuang Hanyan helped her mother pack and escorted her onto the carriage to leave.

Ruan Xiwen turned back to look at the secluded residence—she had arrived twenty years ago, and now she was leaving, never to return. Yuwen Changan also came to take Ruan Xiwen away, hiring people to protect them along the way. Zhuang Hanyan rode in a separate carriage, heading in the opposite direction. Zhuang Shiyang chased after them but only stood there smiling as he watched them depart. On the way, Zhuang Hanyan’s carriage stopped because the horse seemed unwell.

She suddenly realized the coachman was unfamiliar, immediately sensing danger and borrowing a fast horse. Ruan Xiwen and Yuwen Changan held a simple wedding. The house was decorated with red celebratory banners. Yuwen Changan was overjoyed that his dream had come true and promised to make up for Zhuang Hanyan’s regrets, vowing to be a safe harbor for the two of them, taking them to see the world’s beauty. However, Ruan Xiwen felt uneasy.

When Yuwen Changan served her food, she suddenly noticed it was poisoned and stopped him from eating—but it was too late. They realized Zhuang Shiyang had poisoned them. However, since it was their wedding night, they did not want to ruin the moment and continued their ceremony. After bowing to each other, Yuwen Changan collapsed, coughing up blood. He expressed no fear, believing that even in the afterlife, they would still be together.

Ruan Xiwen brought the wedding wine, and they drank their final toast. She told him that her greatest regret was not waiting for him back then, for she had always loved him. Yuwen Changan had thought his love was one-sided, but hearing her confession, he died in her arms without regrets. Ruan Xiwen, leaning on her cane, shouted for Zhuang Shiyang to come out. As the door opened, Zhuang Shiyang walked in through the heavy snow.

She had expected it to be him, and her hatred deepened. Zhuang Shiyang claimed that no one had ever valued him, except Ruan Xiwen. He had once sworn to cherish her forever. He believed he had given his true heart, but no one had ever truly loved him. He knew that even though Ruan Xiwen had married him and borne him a daughter, she had always loved Yuwen Changan.

Zhuang Shiyang had deliberately poisoned the ginger vinegar fish, knowing she disliked it, but he never expected her to eat it willingly with Yuwen Changan. He offered her the antidote if she agreed to return with him, but she pulled out a dagger to kill him, only to be slain instead. Before leaving, Zhuang Shiyang overturned all the wine and set the place on fire. Covered in blood, Ruan Xiwen crawled out of the burning room, exhausted.

Zhuang Hanyan arrived on horseback, wanting to take her to a doctor, but Ruan Xiwen could no longer move. She recalled only holding Zhuang Hanyan once, while Zhuang Hanyan had carried her twice. Finding her daughter was her greatest joy, and her only regret was not watching her grow up. She died in Zhuang Hanyan’s arms, who wailed in despair. Zhuang Hanyan, clutching the dagger that killed her mother, arrived at the Zhuang residence. Zhuang Shiyang stood behind the gates as soldiers rushed to protect him.

Zhuang Hanyan, filled with hatred, tried to rush in, but Fu Yunxi’s subordinates struck her with sticks. Seeing that she was still determined to charge forward, Fu Yunxi stepped in, persuading her that forcing her way in was no different from courting death—this was not true revenge. He then ordered his men to confine Zhuang Hanyan, which was, in fact, a form of protection.

After learning the full story, Fu Yunxi personally sought out Zhuang Hanyan, wanting to understand the reason behind her overwhelming hatred that day. With tears streaming down her face, Zhuang Hanyan told him that the knife wounds on her mother’s body were inflicted by Zhuang Shiyang. She was determined to avenge her mother and threatened Fu Yunxi, revealing that she knew of his status as an adopted son.

If he refused to help her seek revenge, she would ensure the downfall of his entire family. Once Fu Yunxi managed to calm Zhuang Hanyan down, she brought up the continuation of their engagement, suggesting that they could use it as an opportunity to discuss dealing with Zhuang Shiyang together. At present, Zhuang Shiyang was considered a national treasure due to his role in compiling the grand ceremony records, making it impossible to touch him.

However, Zhuang Hanyan could not afford to wait too long—she needed to plan quickly and hoped that Fu Yunxi would help her become the most esteemed noblewoman in the capital. At the same time, she demanded that Fu Yunxi reveal his connection to the Pei faction. Years ago, when Fu Yunxi served at the Court of Judicial Review, his exceptional abilities caught the attention of Pei Dafu, who attempted to recruit him.

Fu Yunxi approached Wen Mingchang, the then-chief minister of the Court of Judicial Review, proposing to feign acceptance and act as an undercover agent to gather evidence against Pei Dafu. This mission was top secret, known only to the two of them. Fu Yunxi later visited Pei Dafu, who sent his guards to ambush him as a test of his martial skills.

After Fu Yunxi effortlessly defeated them, he met with Pei Dafu, who, rather than reprimanding him, admired him even more. To Pei Dafu, human lives were insignificant—what mattered was capability. From then on, he took Fu Yunxi in as his adopted son, entrusting him with many secret tasks. To dispel any suspicion from the emperor, he even instructed Fu Yunxi to openly impeach him in court, cementing Fu Yunxi’s status as an undercover agent.

Later, Fu Yunxi gathered enough evidence and planned to hand it over to Wen Mingchang, believing this would allow him to return to the righteous path. However, Wen Mingchang was suddenly framed and killed. Since he was the only one aware of Fu Yunxi’s true mission, Fu Yunxi found himself lost, unsure of what to do next. Soon after, the imperial court launched an unexpected investigation into Pei Dafu, leading to his downfall overnight.

Seizing the opportunity, Fu Yunxi suggested to Minister Yan that they eradicate Pei Dafu’s remaining forces—partly because he had insider knowledge that would make the investigation easier and partly to protect himself. When Wu Youzhi was captured, he was interrogated about Pei Dafu’s hidden assets. From his confession, it was revealed that Pei Dafu’s adopted son was in charge of managing his wealth. However, no one had ever seen or knew the identity of this adopted son.

This led Fu Yunxi to the realization that Pei Dafu had another adopted son. As his investigation progressed, he suspected that this person might be Zhuang Shiyang. Meanwhile, Zhuang Shiyang, aware that he was being investigated, attempted to poison Fu Yunxi. However, this scheme resulted in the unintended death of his own daughter. To continue his probe into Zhuang Shiyang, Fu Yunxi deliberately used Zhuang Hanyan’s case to get close to him.

At Ruan Xiwen’s grave, Fu Yunxi revealed everything to Zhuang Hanyan. Swearing to ensure Zhuang Shiyang faced the consequences he deserved, Zhuang Hanyan vowed that when the time came, she would personally engrave her mother’s name on the tombstone. The two then agreed to marry the following day. However, before the wedding, Zhuang Hanyan insisted that her name be restored to the family genealogy; otherwise, Zhuang Shiyang might use it as an excuse to deny their past engagement.

Fu Yunxi agreed to handle the matter. After returning, Zhuang Hanyan went to find Zhuang Shiyang, who was preparing to eat. Pretending to be kind and smiling, Zhuang Shiyang invited her to join him for a meal. However, Zhuang Hanyan mocked his hypocrisy. After dismissing Zhou Ruyin, Zhuang Shiyang dropped his pretense. Zhuang Hanyan then announced that she would marry Fu Yunxi the next day and demanded that the outwardly righteous Zhuang Shiyang prepare a dowry.

Under the guise of protection, Fu Yunxi had people keeping a close watch on Zhuang Shiyang. By chance, he learned that Zhuang Shiyang had visited a matchmaker—one who specialized in arranging last-minute marriages for terminally ill individuals. This led him to suspect that Zhuang Shiyang intended to hastily marry off Zhuang Hanyan, unwilling to let her escape his control. Determined to thwart this plan, Fu Yunxi decided to storm the wedding that night.

As night fell, Zhuang Shiyang ordered people to lock up Zhuang Hanyan in her courtyard and had the main gates sealed, ready to forcefully marry her off. However, Fu Yunxi arrived with his men, breaking down the gates of the Zhuang residence, and the two sides clashed. Heartbroken over Zhuang Yushan being unable to marry her beloved, Zhuang Yuchi wept uncontrollably.

In his grief, he stormed into Zhuang Hanyan’s room and threatened her, demanding that she hand over the wedding dress to Zhuang Yushan and give up the groom to her. A conflict erupted between them, and in the chaos, Zhuang Yuchi was accidentally stabbed by a dagger mounted on the wall. For self-defense, Zhuang Hanyan had been gripping a hairpin the entire time. As she watched Zhuang Yuchi collapse before her eyes, she was left in shock.

Zhuang Shiyang and his wife rushed into the room to find their son dead and broke down in grief. Zhuang Yushan was also wracked with guilt. Shortly after, Fu Yunxi arrived, his gaze filled with concern as he took in the terrified Zhuang Hanyan. Without a word, he placed the red bridal veil over her head, lifted her into his arms, and carried her away.

After bringing Zhuang Hanyan back, Fu Yunxi held the wedding that very night. Tears fell from beneath Zhuang Hanyan's bridal veil as she grieved over Zhuang Yuchi’s death. If she had grown up in the Zhuang family, she would have been close to Zhuang Yuchi, and things wouldn’t have turned out this way. Sitting alone in the room, Zhuang Hanyan was suddenly embraced by Azhi, who excitedly called her "Mother.

" However, Zhuang Hanyan stated that she was not her mother, which saddened Azhi, making her feel unloved. Just then, Fu Yunxi arrived and witnessed the scene, comforting Azhi. He assured her that Zhuang Hanyan did care for her, but she needed time to accept it. After Azhi left, Fu Yunxi handed Zhuang Hanyan a letter from Chai Jing, who had personally witnessed their wedding and left a note before returning to the sea.

Zhuang Hanyan ran to the shore, but the ship had already set sail. Using all her strength, she shouted Chai Jing’s name. Chai Jing turned back with tears in her eyes and set off countless fireworks over the sea. When they were together before, Chai Jing had promised that if Zhuang Hanyan ever got married, she would release fireworks over the ocean for her.

Watching the dazzling display, Zhuang Hanyan recalled the times she had spent with Chai Jing by the sea and how she once thought she would never marry. Fu Yunxi arrived shortly after, draping a cloak over her shoulders. In her heart, Zhuang Hanyan wished for Chai Jing’s well-being and believed they would meet again. Zhou Ruyin, devastated by Zhuang Yuchi’s death, refused to accept reality. She blamed Zhuang Shiyang for causing their son’s demise and ruining their daughter’s life.

However, Zhuang Yushan was ungrateful and accused her mother of using them for personal gain. While Zhuang Yushan was away, Zhou Ruyin revealed that she had long known Zhuang Shiyang’s secrets. Over the years, she had overheard his nightmares countless times, and she was aware of his ties to the Pei faction. Realizing that Zhou Ruyin was a threat, Zhuang Shiyang harbored murderous intent.

But Zhou Ruyin reassured him that her survival depended on him, and she would never betray him. Understanding her stance, Zhuang Shiyang formally made her his wife. The next day, now officially a wife, Zhou Ruyin gave orders in the courtyard, delighted that Zhuang Yushan would no longer have to address her as "Concubine Mother" but as "Mother. " Additionally, Zhuang Yushan would no longer be regarded as an illegitimate daughter. However, Zhuang Yushan felt no joy.

Instead, she sarcastically remarked that Zhou Ruyin had finally achieved her long-cherished wish and that Zhuang Yuchi’s death was not in vain. She then reminded Zhou Ruyin that Zhuang Yuchi’s death was her fault. Enraged, Zhou Ruyin slapped Zhuang Yushan and insisted that it was Zhuang Hanyan who had killed him. She also planned to arrange a prestigious marriage for Zhuang Yushan so she would have a powerful ally in the future.

But Zhuang Yushan refused to have her fate controlled. Zhuang Hanyan fell ill due to Chai Jing’s departure. Fu Yunxi personally brought her medicine, but she refused to take it. She then told him that before Yuwen Changan and her mother left, she had met with Yuwen Changan. He had spent years gathering evidence against Zhuang Shiyang, intending to help Fu Yunxi seek revenge.

However, since Fu Yunxi had chosen to let go of his grudges and leave with him, Yuwen Changan abandoned his plan for vengeance and sealed the evidence in a sandalwood box before retreating into seclusion with Ruan Xiwen. Zhuang Hanyan asked Fu Yunxi to retrieve the box from the Censorate. Meanwhile, Lady Fu and Kou Eryi were terrified when a bloodstained wild goose was delivered to them. Zhuang Hanyan, arriving at that moment, remained unfazed.

Instead, she remarked that such a rare bird would make an excellent meal, earning Lady Fu’s approval for her composure. However, Kou Eryi took the opportunity to make things difficult, insisting on teaching Zhuang Hanyan the skills of a household manager. Though initially reluctant, Zhuang Hanyan had no choice but to agree. Kou Eryi deliberately instructed Zhuang Hanyan in the etiquette of serving Lady Fu before handing her a stack of account books, reciting figures for her to calculate.

Zhuang Hanyan skillfully used an abacus to keep up, but Kou Eryi deliberately sped up her recitation to overwhelm her. Annoyed, Zhuang Hanyan stuffed Kou Eryi’s mouth with a cloth, bluntly stating that she saw through Kou Eryi’s schemes—her real fear was losing her authority as the household manager. She assured Kou Eryi that she had no interest in power and would not take it from her.

However, Kou Eryi went a step further, suggesting that Fu Yunxi should take a concubine. Without hesitation, Zhuang Hanyan agreed—just as Fu Yunxi walked in and overheard. Fu Yunxi immediately rejected the idea and warned Kou Eryi not to interfere in his marriage again, storming off in anger. Fu Yunxi was visibly bothered by how indifferent Zhuang Hanyan was about him taking a concubine.

She reasoned that their marriage was purely a contractual arrangement, so she had no right to interfere in his affairs. Meanwhile, Fu Yunxi failed to find the sandalwood box at the Censorate. Zhuang Hanyan grew anxious that Zhuang Shiyang would gain even greater power after completing the national compendium, making him harder to bring down. She was eager to become the most influential noblewoman in the capital.

However, to do so, she first needed to win the favor of Noble Consort Miao, the current highest-ranking noblewoman. Having witnessed a past meeting between Noble Consort Miao and her mother, Zhuang Hanyan knew they were not truly close friends. She had heard that Noble Consort Miao was facing difficulties and asked Fu Yunxi to investigate. Rumors spread throughout the household about Zhuang Hanyan’s lack of a "bridal red stain. " Kou Eryi openly accused her of not being a virgin.

Anticipating this issue, Zhuang Hanyan had invited Lord Tan, a former imperial physician, whose word carried weight. Kou Eryi demanded that Lord Tan examine Zhuang Hanyan to determine whether she was a virgin. However, Lord Tan refused, explaining that regardless of his conclusion, it would invite criticism. Instead, he spoke from a medical perspective, stating that the traditional belief in "bridal red" had harmed many women.

He argued that the presence or absence of such a stain was not a reliable measure of chastity. He further pointed out that Zhuang Hanyan was intelligent—if she had any ulterior motives, she could have easily faked it with a bloodstained cloth. The fact that she had not done so proved her integrity. His reasoning left everyone speechless.

As Zhuang Hanyan walked Lord Tan out, she tried to discreetly inquire about Noble Consort Miao, but because of the sensitive nature of the issue, Lord Tan dared not speak freely. Just then, Fu Yunxi returned with news. Since the last Lantern Festival, Noble Consort Miao had been seeking to adopt the Crown Prince, making her ambition to become Empress clear. Many officials feared that if she became Empress, she would dominate the government.

Consequently, some ministers had proposed her removal, but the Emperor, out of past affection, had refused. Fu Yunxi revealed that five influential ministers planned to jointly petition for Noble Consort Miao’s removal—this petition could be the final blow against her. Zhuang Hanyan decided to eliminate these obstacles and help Noble Consort Miao regain power, as it would be beneficial to her own plans. Seeing through Zhuang Hanyan’s ambitions, Fu Yunxi took her to Minister Deng’s residence.

He had only managed to uncover the identity of one of the five officials—Minister Deng, who would be the final recipient of the joint petition before it was presented to the Emperor. It was crucial to intercept it before that happened. Fu Yunxi asked Zhuang Hanyan if she was afraid to take action, but she appeared completely fearless, impressing him.

Today, Lord Deng’s daughter-in-law, Zhang Wanjun, received a chastity memorial arch personally inscribed by the emperor, bringing great honor and prestige to the Deng family. To celebrate, Lord Deng hosted a banquet, inviting the nobility and high-ranking officials of the capital to congratulate them.

Fu Yunxi personally escorted Zhuang Hanyan to the entrance of the Deng residence, reminding her to be cautious and to keep a close watch on Lord Deng, as he did not know exactly who would be delivering the letter today. Zhuang Hanyan arrived uninvited to visit Lord Deng, yet he did not show any suspicion. On the contrary, he had previously observed that she was a clever girl.

However, one of Lord Deng’s subordinates mentioned that Zhuang Hanyan was skilled at currying favor with the powerful and had previously received a bracelet from Imperial Concubine Miao. Lord Deng seemed to have guessed her true intentions for coming. The banquet soon began, and Zhuang Hanyan keenly noticed that Zhang Wanjun and her daughter, Deng Chan, seemed a bit uneasy, glancing past the screen toward someone outside. Before she could think further, she saw Lord Deng leave the banquet hall.

Without hesitation, she quickly followed, but unfortunately, she lost track of him. Meanwhile, Fu Yunxi had secretly entered the Deng family’s gift storage room, inspecting all the presents from the guests but finding nothing suspicious. Just as Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi thought their plan was about to fail, a man entered the inner courtyard. This man was Cheng Lei from the Censorate.

Believing him to be the one delivering the letter, Zhuang Hanyan deliberately claimed she had been sent by Lord Deng to receive the item, demanding that Cheng Lei hand it over. However, he refused. Fu Yunxi suddenly emerged from behind and knocked him out, then searched him and found a book.

They took it back to the carriage to examine it, only to discover that it was just a copy of "The Tale of Blossoms and Moon", filled with numerous annotations. These notes revealed emotional entanglements between Cheng Lei and someone named Yao Jian. Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi suspected this to be a scandal within the Deng family. Since Lord Deng prided himself on his integrity and strict family discipline, any exposure of such a scandal would damage his reputation.

They decided to use this as leverage to force Lord Deng into revealing the names of the other officials involved in the impeachment petition. The author of "The Tale of Blossoms and Moon" was Zen Zhixue, and the only one in the Deng family with "Zen" in their name was Deng Chan. When Lord Deng discovered Cheng Lei unconscious in the inner courtyard, he immediately had him captured and interrogated about his illicit affair.

Deng Chan stepped forward and admitted that she was Zen Zhixue. She was soon to marry Young Master Zheng, yet she suddenly confessed to having ties with Cheng Lei, bringing great shame to Lord Deng. However, he remained indifferent to Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi’s threats. Instead, he declared that he would annul the Deng family’s engagement and have Deng Chan marry Cheng Lei instead. At that moment, Deng Chan’s mother, Zhang Wanjun, rushed out in tears, vehemently opposing the decision.

She accused Cheng Lei of being unworthy of her daughter and pleaded for Deng Chan to marry into a respectable family. Cheng Lei, in turn, looked at Zhang Wanjun with a gaze full of sorrow—something that did not escape Zhuang Hanyan’s notice. Deng Chan clutched her mother’s arm, signaling her to stop speaking, and firmly stated that she was willing to marry Cheng Lei. The night’s events left Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi full of suspicion.

They ordered people to secretly watch over the Deng residence and soon discovered that Zhang Wanjun went to meet Cheng Lei in private. Zhuang Hanyan realized that Cheng Lei’s true love was actually Zhang Wanjun, while Deng Chan had gone to break off her engagement with Young Master Zheng. However, in her conversation with Zheng, she revealed that she had never loved Cheng Lei—her heart had always belonged to Zheng alone.

As Zhang Wanjun and Cheng Lei secretly met, Lord Deng suddenly arrived with his household guards. He furiously accused Zhang Wanjun of being unchaste and ordered both of them to be captured. Zhuang Hanyan immediately stepped forward to intervene, criticizing the double standard that allowed men to take multiple wives and concubines while women were forced to abide by strict moral codes. She argued that such shackles should be broken.

Enraged, Lord Deng attempted to punish her, but Fu Yunxi arrived just in time to stop him. Zhang Wanjun also refused to remain silent any longer. For years, the world had praised her as a devoted widow, but in reality, her marriage had been filled with misery. All of her husband’s literary works had been written by her, yet he had only repaid her with beatings and abuse. From this day forward, she vowed to reclaim her identity.

Despite being twelve years older than Cheng Lei, she declared that she would still pursue her own love. Furious, Lord Deng ordered her to be locked up, insisting that Cheng Lei must marry Deng Chan the next day and warning Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan not to interfere in Deng family affairs. However, with Zhuang Hanyan’s help, Zhang Wanjun feigned a suicide attempt by setting fire to her room, then secretly escaped with Cheng Lei, leaving the capital behind.

Meanwhile, the person who arrived for the wedding was not Cheng Lei but Young Master Zheng. Zhuang Hanyan had taken Zhang Wanjun’s place in the locked room. By the time Lord Deng realized the deception, Zhang Wanjun was already gone. Holding the imperial commendation decree in her hands, Zhuang Hanyan threatened to burn it in the fire.

Left with no choice but to protect his family’s century-old honor, Lord Deng reluctantly complied with her demands and revealed that the mastermind behind the impeachment of Imperial Concubine Miao was Yao Zhidong. If they wanted to solve the problem, they would have to deal with him. As he watched Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi leave, Lord Deng clutched the imperial decree to his chest, fervently proclaiming to his ancestors that he had preserved the family's honor.

Zhang Wanjun had been waiting in the outskirts before leaving, anxiously awaiting Deng Chan’s arrival, fearing that Deng Chan would blame her. However, Deng Chan was genuinely happy for her mother. She had worried that after her marriage, her mother would be left alone and desolate in the inner residence. Now, she could finally be at ease.

Deng Chan also warned Cheng Lei not to mistreat her mother, vowing that she would track him down no matter where he fled if he dared to do so. Cheng Lei gently embraced Zhang Wanjun and swore that he would take care of her and protect her for life.

Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi also came to bid farewell, suggesting that Zhang Wanjun could settle down in Min’an, as Young Master Zheng’s family was there, meaning that she and her daughter could reunite every year during family visits. Zhang Wanjun and Deng Chan were deeply moved, kneeling together to express their gratitude. Zhuang Hanyan hurriedly helped them up, stating that she had her own selfish motives as well—this was merely a mutually beneficial arrangement.

However, Zhang Wanjun knew that if Zhuang Hanyan truly only had ulterior motives, she wouldn’t have come to see them off today. Watching Zhang Wanjun’s carriage disappear into the distance, Zhuang Hanyan seemed to see Ruan Xiwen’s gentle smile and couldn’t help but smile herself, relieved that everything had gone smoothly this time. Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan then sought out Yao Zhidong. Seeing that they had come to persuade him, Yao Zhidong was anything but polite.

He firmly believed that Consort Miao was a wicked enchantress who had enjoyed the emperor’s favor for years and was now even trying to interfere in state affairs, calling her nothing but a femme fatale. However, Zhuang Hanyan cited past beauties from the history of Emperor Li Chao’s dynasty, arguing that in reality, the problem was never the beauties themselves but the rulers.

After all, if the beauties could not even control their own fate, how could they control an emperor? Zhuang Hanyan knew that Yao Zhidong’s daughter, Yao Wangshu, had been forcibly married to Prince Qi and suffered torment day and night. She offered to help Yao Wangshu escape her misery, but Yao Zhidong saw this as an attempt at a trade and adamantly refused to cooperate.

As Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi were leaving, a servant came running in with a report—Yao Wangshu had once again sent a letter pleading for help. However, Yao Zhidong could only sigh in helplessness. Determined to assess the situation at Prince Qi’s residence, Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi set out. Meanwhile, Prince Qi was inside his manor, tormenting Yao Wangshu, forcing her to imitate his deceased wife, Pei Yingyue.

Pei Yingyue’s portrait hung in his chamber every day, and he demanded that Yao Wangshu copy her every word and action. Even making tea incorrectly resulted in a whipping. He forcibly made her drink talisman-infused water, leaving Yao Wangshu feeling worse than death. When Prince Qi learned that Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan had come to visit, he immediately ordered his servants to turn them away.

Ah Zhi, hearing that Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan were struggling to find a way into Prince Qi’s residence, devised a plan. She deliberately provoked Prince Qi’s son, which escalated into a conflict. During the commotion, the young prince fell into the water, giving Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan the perfect excuse to enter the manor. Prince Qi was furious and initially wanted to hold Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan accountable for harming his child.

However, when he laid eyes on Zhuang Hanyan, his anger dissipated into a smile. He had long heard of Zhuang Hanyan’s name, and her cool and elegant demeanor bore an even stronger resemblance to Pei Yingyue. Prince Qi summoned Yao Wangshu to meet the guests, but she refused, which infuriated him. Just as he was about to punish her, Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan intervened, persuading him to let it go.

Zhuang Hanyan took the initiative to visit Yao Wangshu and was granted permission. However, upon arriving at Yao Wangshu’s quarters, she found the doors tightly shut, with charcoal burning inside—the young woman was attempting suicide. Zhuang Hanyan hurriedly opened the windows and reassured Yao Wangshu that she could help her escape this hell. Hope flickered once more in Yao Wangshu’s eyes.

Yao Wangshu revealed that ever since Pei Yingyue’s death, Prince Qi had consulted Master Duan, who claimed that as long as he found someone with a similar appearance to Pei Yingyue and made her drink talisman-infused water daily, Pei Yingyue’s soul would eventually possess her body. Thus, Yao Wangshu was forced to drink the water every day.

According to Yao Wangshu, Zhuang Hanyan’s cold and refined features resembled Pei Yingyue’s even more, which made Zhuang Hanyan finally understand why Prince Qi had reacted so differently upon seeing her. With this realization, she devised a plan—one that would turn the situation in Yao Wangshu’s favor. Returning to the tea hall, Zhuang Hanyan pretended to scold Yao Wangshu for being unworthy, while lavishly praising Prince Qi’s devotion and deep love.

She marveled at how rare it was for a man to still cherish a deceased wife after so many years. Before leaving, Zhuang Hanyan deliberately refused to hold Fu Yunxi’s hand while mounting the carriage and even complained that the carriage was too cramped. Prince Qi, pleased with himself, immediately ordered his own carriage to escort them back. Fu Yunxi sensed that Zhuang Hanyan had another plan and asked if she intended to marry Prince Qi to free Yao Wangshu.

However, Zhuang Hanyan merely smiled knowingly and cryptically replied, “Pei Yingyue is about to return. ”Later, Yao Wangshu attempted suicide once again, prompting Prince Qi to personally intervene to save her. This was the final stage of the talisman ritual—Prince Qi believed that Yao Wangshu was resisting the spirit of Pei Yingyue. Sure enough, when Yao Wangshu awoke, she had completely transformed into Pei Yingyue, recalling their first meeting and past moments together.

Overjoyed, Prince Qi indulged in a few blissful days with her. However, one night, Yao Wangshu suddenly woke him and questioned how long a mere wandering soul like hers could remain in the mortal world. She insisted that they must die together, terrifying Prince Qi to the point where he no longer dared to stay in his own manor. At that moment, Zhuang Hanyan arrived unannounced.

Overjoyed, Prince Qi personally welcomed her into the inner residence, ordering that Yao Wangshu be locked away. He subtly expressed his affections for Zhuang Hanyan, proposing that she divorce Fu Yunxi and offering to marry her instead. Zhuang Hanyan seized the opportunity to have Prince Qi write a divorce decree, officially freeing Yao Wangshu. Without hesitation, Prince Qi complied. As Prince Qi was writing the decree, Yao Wangshu escaped and cried out from outside the doors, demanding to see him.

Terrified, Prince Qi hastily finished the document and banished her forever. However, as he watched her leave without any resistance or pleading, he sensed something was amiss. Ordinarily, Yao Wangshu should have been weeping and making a scene, so he quickly ordered his men to pursue her. By then, Yao Wangshu had already reached the back gates, where Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi were waiting with a carriage.

They whisked her away, while Fu Yunxi locked the pursuing guards inside the estate. Yao Zhidong was overjoyed to see his daughter return and was deeply grateful to Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan. Zhuang Hanyan once again pleaded on behalf of Consort Miao, arguing that the empire’s true troubles were not caused by her. She reminded Yao Zhidong that he, too, had a daughter he cherished, and Consort Miao’s parents must feel the same about her.

Moved by these words, Yao Zhidong agreed to postpone any action against Consort Miao, though he vowed to intervene if she ever harbored ill intentions. From then on, no one attempted to impeach her again. Fu Yunxi urged Zhuang Hanyan to visit Consort Miao immediately to make it clear that they were her secret allies. With her support, even if Prince Qi caused trouble in the future, he would not be able to act against them.

Realizing he had been tricked, Prince Qi stormed into Fu Yunxi’s residence, demanding that he turn his sham divorce into reality. He even drew his sword, intent on killing Fu Yunxi. Just then, Zhuang Hanyan stepped out and rebuked Prince Qi for trying to break up another couple’s marriage in their own home. Taking advantage of the distraction, Fu Yunxi seized Prince Qi’s sword and forced him to leave. However, Prince Qi soon returned with soldiers, surrounding the couple. Just as battle seemed imminent, Eunuch Feng arrived with an imperial decree—Consort Miao had summoned Zhuang Hanyan to the palace.

Zhuang Hanyan carefully dressed up to meet Imperial Concubine Miao, placing the iron wild goose hairpin in her hair once again. At the palace gate, Fu Yunxi saw her off, curious as to why she wore the hairpin again. Zhuang Hanyan hinted that every time she wore it, it brought her good luck, and she hoped for a favorable outcome this time as well.

Upon hearing of Zhuang Hanyan's arrival, Imperial Concubine Miao dismissed all her attendants and handed a box to Zhuang Hanyan. Inside was the three feet of white silk she had prepared for herself. Ever since returning from the Lantern Festival, she had kept it ready. She then asked Zhuang Hanyan if she was feeling triumphant, as she had now saved her twice.

However, Zhuang Hanyan used the story of Imperial Concubine Chen to persuade her to take a gamble and revealed that she understood her true mindset—Imperial Concubine Miao simply wanted a way to survive, not to cause any trouble. Zhuang Hanyan suggested investigating the matter to intimidate those involved so that they would no longer have to live in fear.

In return, she only requested that Imperial Concubine Miao issue an order for Zhuang Shiyang to complete the revision of the grand ceremony within ten days and to withdraw the guards. Imperial Concubine Miao wanted to know the reason but was refused an answer. Zhuang Hanyan also urged her not to stand idly by. However, Imperial Concubine Miao argued that the harem was forbidden from interfering in politics and that she had no reason to help.

Zhuang Hanyan accused her of being ungrateful, but Imperial Concubine Miao countered that everything Zhuang Hanyan had done was of her own volition and had nothing to do with betrayal. Zhuang Hanyan drew the hairpin from her hair and pressed it against Imperial Concubine Miao’s neck to force her compliance. Yet, Imperial Concubine Miao remained calm and only demanded to know the reason.

Zhuang Hanyan accused Zhuang Shiyang of deserving his fate, and suddenly, Imperial Concubine Miao realized that something must have happened to Ruan Xiwen. Zhuang Hanyan then revealed that Ruan Xiwen had been stabbed multiple times and died. Imperial Concubine Miao collapsed onto her couch in tears, speaking of her feelings for Ruan Xiwen.

Back in the capital, they had both been noble ladies, and Imperial Concubine Miao had admired Ruan Xiwen’s literary talent, able to recite her poems from memory even now. She had arranged for Ruan Xiwen’s legs to be treated not just to force her to kneel but in hopes of giving her freedom. Zhuang Hanyan could see that Imperial Concubine Miao truly wanted to help.

Imperial Concubine Miao then took hold of the hairpin in Zhuang Hanyan’s hand and reminded her that the hairpin should not be pointed at her but at someone else. Outside, Fu Yunxi had already guessed that Zhuang Hanyan intended to use force against Imperial Concubine Miao, but entering the palace was impossible. He anxiously waited until she emerged, immediately deducing what had happened.

Enraged, he nearly strangled her, scolding her for her recklessness and accusing her of being insane and indifferent to the lives of others. Zhuang Hanyan, however, told him that in ten days, he would no longer have to protect Zhuang Shiyang. Additionally, by using Imperial Concubine Miao’s investigation into Yao Guangdong as a pretext, they could openly search the Censorate for evidence left behind by Yuwen Changan.

Prince Qi, having lost his princess consort, was furious and ordered his subordinates to find another matchmaker. However, they dared not act without permission, and no matchmaker in the capital was willing to assist him. Enraged, Prince Qi commanded them to seize a princess consort if necessary. The Emperor then issued an edict requiring Zhuang Shiyang to complete all preparations for the grand ceremony within ten days, or he would be charged with deceiving the monarch.

After the decree was announced, Zhuang Hanyan arrived. Zhuang Shiyang tried to appeal to their father-daughter bond to persuade her to relent, but Zhuang Hanyan coldly reminded him that in ten days, he would be as worthless as a shattered teacup. Previously, Zhuang Shiyang had requested additional protection, and this time, he strengthened his security. His residence was now heavily guarded by soldiers, and he was placed under house arrest.

With no other choice, Zhuang Shiyang instructed Zhou Ruyin to deliver a message to Prince Qi’s residence. Ah Zhi came to find Zhuang Hanyan, who looked at her guiltily and admitted that she had done something that might sadden Ah Zhi. She asked if Ah Zhi would forgive her.

However, Ah Zhi suddenly burst into tears, saying that what hurt her most was not Zhuang Hanyan’s past actions but the fact that, despite marrying Fu Yunxi, she refused to let Ah Zhi call her "Mother. " Seeing that Zhuang Hanyan was unwilling, Ah Zhi suddenly pleaded to be hugged, as they were both motherless children. Zhuang Hanyan embraced Ah Zhi and told her that from this day forward, she could call her "Mother.

" Overjoyed, Ah Zhi hugged Zhuang Hanyan and called her "Mother" before asking her to play hide-and-seek together. Just then, a servant arrived to inform Zhuang Hanyan that the Old Madam wished to see her. Madam Fu received numerous invitations from high-ranking families eager to host gatherings with them. She was delighted, remarking that Fu Yunxi had previously offended many people and had never enjoyed such treatment before—it was all thanks to Zhuang Hanyan’s presence that even they were benefiting.

However, Kou Eryi mockingly suggested that Zhuang Hanyan was merely leveraging someone else's power. At the gathering with these noble ladies, Zhuang Hanyan was inevitably questioned about her visit to the palace. She lied, saying she had gone to tell stories to the young princesses and even made up some tales on the spot, which greatly amused the ladies. They were so entertained that they proposed setting up a private school just to hear her stories regularly.

On her way back, Zhuang Hanyan happened to see the examination results being posted. He Wenshen had made the list, much to her relief, as it meant that their broken engagement had not affected him. He Wenshen also saw her in the carriage. When she nodded at him, he seemed lost in thought. Prince Qi confronted Zhuang Shiyang, furious that the daughter he raised had turned him into a lonely man.

Zhuang Shiyang hastily apologized and hinted that he had another daughter. Prince Qi, recalling his previous encounter with Zhuang Yushan, immediately proposed marrying her. This way, he could offer Zhuang Shiyang protection and eliminate Imperial Concubine Miao. Zhou Ruyin overheard their conversation and, after Prince Qi left, immediately volunteered to persuade Zhuang Yushan. At first, Zhuang Yushan opposed the idea, knowing exactly what kind of man Prince Qi was.

However, Zhou Ruyin pointed out the benefits of becoming a princess consort—even Zhuang Hanyan would have to bow before her in the future. She also reminded Zhuang Yushan of her filial duty to Zhuang Shiyang, urging her to help him. This swayed Zhuang Yushan’s thoughts. Later, Zhuang Yushan visited Zhuang Shiyang and asked if, like her mother, he also wished for her to marry Prince Qi.

Holding her hand, Zhuang Shiyang, overcome with fatherly affection, assured her that he did not want her to marry and would rather risk everything than see her regret it. Moved by his words, Zhuang Yushan resolved to marry Prince Qi to save Zhuang Shiyang, unwilling to watch him remain imprisoned. Outwardly, Zhuang Shiyang appeared heartbroken, but inwardly, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Zhuang Yushan released her horse, crying out for it to leave and live freely. Then, she burned its saddle and accessories.

Zhuang Yushan was married from her secluded residence, officially becoming the Princess Consort of Prince Qi. As she stepped over the threshold, she took a deep breath, mustering her courage to move forward. However, Prince Qi impatiently glanced at her before riding off with his entourage. In an attempt to please him, Zhuang Yushan referred to herself as Pei Yingyue when her bridal veil was lifted.

On the third day of her marriage, Prince Qi accompanied Zhuang Yushan on her return visit to her family. However, his attitude toward her family was far from friendly. Seizing the opportunity, Zhuang Yushan revealed Zhuang Hanyan’s deep resentment toward the Zhuang family. Already harboring hatred for Zhuang Hanyan, Prince Qi, fueled by these revelations, decided to personally execute Zhuang Hanyan, Consort Miao, and others.

When Zhuang Hanyan learned that Zhuang Yushan had already married Prince Qi, she realized it was too late to intervene. Any attempt to stop it now would only make Zhuang Yushan misunderstand her intentions as opposition to her marrying into nobility. Upon seeing Fu Yunxi return, Zhuang Hanyan took the initiative to ask about Zhuang Yushan and the investigation into the evidence left by Yuwen Changan, but there was no progress, and Fu Yunxi's attitude was cold.

Zhuang Hanyan quickly understood that Zhuang Yushan had married Prince Qi purely for self-preservation and would likely soon target Consort Miao. Determined, Zhuang Hanyan set off for the palace to find Consort Miao. Meanwhile, Zhuang Hanyan’s maid sought out Fu Yunxi, revealing that Zhuang Hanyan had never intended to harm his family.

During her last visit to the palace, she had even signed a divorce letter to sever ties with him, but she had deliberately spoken harshly to make Fu Yunxi experience the pain of betrayal—just as he had deceived her before. Fu Yunxi immediately chased after Zhuang Hanyan, warning her not to enter the palace. At this moment, many were plotting against Consort Miao, and going to the palace now was too dangerous.

As they spoke, they overheard children singing a folk rhyme in the streets about a second Wu Zetian rising. Fu Yunxi had also learned that the imperial astronomers had observed celestial omens the night before, predicting a woman’s ascension to power. They had reported this to the emperor, and court officials had submitted petitions demanding Consort Miao’s execution. When Zhuang Hanyan arrived at the palace gates, she was blocked from entering.

Her request for an audience went unanswered, signaling that a shift had already occurred within the palace. At that moment, Consort Miao’s family arrived outside the palace under imperial orders, and Zhuang Hanyan seized the opportunity to follow them inside. However, she was too late—Consort Miao had already been given a white silk scarf to end her life. Zhuang Hanyan was devastated, especially after reading Consort Miao’s final letter.

The letter revealed that Consort Miao had long understood the cruel reality: no matter how noble a woman became, power always took precedence, and in the end, her lack of power had sealed her fate. Upon returning home, Zhuang Hanyan retrieved a dagger hidden in her cabinet, ready to storm the Zhuang residence for revenge. But before she could act, Fu Yunxi arrived just in time to stop her. Enraged, Zhuang Hanyan stabbed Fu Yunxi in the process.

The commotion startled Ah Zhi, who had been hiding in a cabinet, playing hide-and-seek. Terrified, the child curled up inside, crying and begging her mother not to kill her, saying she had only wanted to play. Seeing the bloodstained dagger in her hands, Zhuang Hanyan was overwhelmed with sorrow and at a loss for what to do. To hide her emotions, she turned away, but Ah Zhi called out to her, using her heartfelt words to make Zhuang Hanyan stay.

The child pleaded that whenever they missed their mothers, they should hold each other for comfort. Moved, Zhuang Hanyan embraced Ah Zhi, tears streaming down her face as she imagined the warmth of her own mother’s arms. Witnessing this, even Fu Yunxi was touched. Mu Feng later sought out Zhuang Hanyan to apologize.

He admitted that back at the Nanshan Medical Hall, he had indeed seen Zhuang Hanyan and had deliberately led Fu Yunxi into revealing the truth—his only intention was to let Zhuang Hanyan know what really happened. However, Fu Yunxi himself had been completely unaware of this setup. Swearing an oath, Mu Feng insisted that Fu Yunxi’s feelings for Zhuang Hanyan were genuine.

The day Zhuang Hanyan fainted, Fu Yunxi had carried her back and had already planned to abandon his previous scheme and hand over Wu Youzhi. It was only afterward that Zhuang Shiyang summoned Fu Yunxi to the prison and coerced him. Unexpectedly, Zhuang Hanyan admitted that she had always known Fu Yunxi’s love was real—she had simply used it to her advantage.

Later, unable to resist, Zhuang Hanyan went to check on Fu Yunxi and found him tending to his wounds alone. She stepped forward to help, gently asking if it hurt. In a sulky manner, Fu Yunxi, like a stubborn child, challenged her to try it herself and see how it felt. Zhuang Hanyan spoke of her hatred for Zhuang Shiyang, her fury undiminished.

Fu Yunxi acknowledged that Zhuang Shiyang’s crimes were beyond forgiveness, but no matter how he died, he didn’t want Zhuang Hanyan sneaking into the Zhuang residence under the cover of night to kill him. Not only would she fail, but she would also bring disaster upon herself. Zhuang Hanyan deduced that while Prince Qi was ruthless, he lacked strategic intelligence. The plan to eliminate Consort Miao must have originated from Zhuang Shiyang.

She regretted involving Consort Miao in her schemes, as it may have ultimately led to her downfall. However, Fu Yunxi saw things differently—he believed that with Consort Miao’s death, at least no one else had been implicated. The emperor had shown rare mercy by not extending the punishment to those around her. Meanwhile, Zhuang Yushan was struggling in Prince Qi’s household. No matter how she tried to please him, she could not escape his growing impatience.

When he heard that Zhuang Hanyan had once again evaded disaster, he was furious. Eager to offer a plan, Zhuang Yushan was met with a brutal slap. Prince Qi scolded her for overstepping her place, declaring that a woman should not speak of such matters. Clutching her reddened cheek, Zhuang Yushan forced a smile and then cautiously suggested that Prince Qi accompany her back home for her grandmother’s birthday celebration.

He refused, granting her only two hours to visit her family. Meanwhile, Fu Yunxi discovered that Sun, the coroner at the morgue, was closely acquainted with Yuwen Changan. Seeking him out, Fu Yunxi learned that Yuwen Changan had left a sandalwood box in his care. The two had been longtime friends, both unmarried, and had shared a deep bond. Upon opening the box, Fu Yunxi found several manuscripts.

Further investigation led them to another container, which, to their shock, contained human remains. At that moment, Zhuang Hanyan arrived. Seeing the bones, she was stunned and instinctively reached out to touch them, but Fu Yunxi stopped her, warning her that they might be poisoned. These remains, he revealed, belonged to Zhuang Hanliang.

Seventeen years ago, in the secluded residence, thunder and lightning raged. On this day, Wei Shi received news that Zhuang Hanliang had severely beaten Zhuang Shiyang. She intended to intervene, but upon arrival, she found Zhuang Hanliang lying lifeless in his room, blood oozing from his mouth. On the floor was a half-eaten pastry. In shock, Wei Shi glimpsed Zhuang Shiyang's figure passing by the window.

Frightened, she hid and watched as Zhuang Shiyang knelt before Zhuang Hanliang’s body, confessing his crime. However, he justified his actions, saying that his own survival was more important than his father’s. Since Zhuang Hanliang had offended Pei Dafu, death was inevitable. Wei Shi, hidden in the shadows, was eventually discovered by Zhuang Shiyang. He then brought her some food, pretending to be filial while actually testing her reaction.

Wei Shi ate heartily, feigning ignorance, and even suggested that Zhuang Shiyang should become the head of the family. Only then did he relent. Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan examined Zhuang Hanliang’s remains alongside the letter left behind by Yuwen Changan. The letter stated that Yuwen Changan had personally retrieved the bones from Zhuang Hanliang’s grave and had local officials authenticate the findings. The case involved Ruan Xiwen, who had long suspected Zhuang Shiyang's involvement.

She noticed that Wei Shi always avoided eating meals at home, preferring to find food elsewhere. This raised her suspicions, and she attempted to test Wei Shi three times without success. Zhuang Hanyan planned a fourth test on Wei Shi’s birthday. When Zhuang Hanyan returned, Zhuang Yushan was playing mahjong with some noblewomen.

Seeing Zhuang Hanyan, she deliberately made things difficult for her, forcing her to drink the leftover tea from Zhou Ruyin's cup, mocking her for always drinking others’ leftovers. Zhuang Hanyan refused and countered with her own sarcasm, insinuating that Zhuang Yushan enjoyed drinking tea tainted by multiple people's saliva—implying something about King Qi's character. Infuriated, Zhuang Yushan tried to strike her, but Fu Yunxi arrived in time to take Zhuang Hanyan away, ignoring Zhuang Yushan’s angry shouts.

Zhuang Hanyan visited Wei Shi and openly questioned her about Zhuang Hanliang’s death, suspecting she knew the truth. Wei Shi, having lived under her son’s roof all these years, refused to speak. Zhuang Hanyan promised to provide for her in old age, but Wei Shi still declined and instead begged to be left alone.

Zhuang Hanyan warned that if she continued to visit Wei Shi often, it would arouse Zhuang Shiyang’s suspicions, and he would not let Wei Shi off easily. She gave Wei Shi three days to decide whether to bring the true culprit to justice. Despite her words, Zhuang Hanyan remained unsure of Wei Shi’s decision. At that moment, a maid brought a box that Wei Shi had entrusted someone to deliver. Inside was a piece of water celery.

At first glance, it looked ordinary, but its roots were poisonous. Wei Shi recalled events from seventeen years ago as she examined the water celery. Just then, Zhuang Yushan entered, searching for a rabbit. Wei Shi helped her look, only to find the rabbit dead after eating the celery leaves. She lamented how her once timid son had turned so ruthless. Fu Yunxi led the authorities from the Court of Judicial Review to arrest Zhuang Shiyang and interrogate him.

He presented Zhuang Hanliang’s remains as evidence. Initially, Zhuang Shiyang tried to deny everything, but confronted with irrefutable proof, he shifted all blame onto Zhou Ruyin, claiming she was the true mastermind. Zhou Ruyin noticed something strange about the celery and went to discuss it with Zhuang Yushan, only to be intercepted by the Court of Judicial Review. Realizing the danger, she sent someone to summon Zhuang Yushan for help.

However, she never imagined that Zhuang Shiyang would betray her, pushing all responsibility onto her. Zhou Ruyin insisted that she had only hired the exorcist Master Duan back then, but her argument was full of loopholes. It became clear that Zhuang Shiyang had always planned to use her as a scapegoat. Master Duan was brought to the courtroom and confirmed that Zhuang Hanliang had indeed died from poisoning. He also claimed that Zhou Ruyin was the true mastermind.

At that moment, Zhuang Yushan arrived. Zhou Ruyin had hoped she would testify in her favor, as she had been present on the day of Zhuang Hanliang’s death and should have known what really happened. However, Zhuang Shiyang preemptively admitted fault, offering to take the blame for Zhou Ruyin. Unexpectedly, Zhuang Yushan turned against her, accusing her of poisoning the water celery. Zhuang Hanyan, watching from behind a screen, smirked—her plan had finally succeeded. Without lingering, she quietly left.

Zhuang Yushan continued accusing Zhou Ruyin, while Zhuang Shiyang pretended to defend her, urging Zhuang Yushan to stop speaking ill of their mother. Realizing she had been completely abandoned, Zhou Ruyin confessed to everything. However, Fu Yunxi stepped forward, pointing out inconsistencies in her confession and requesting a thorough reinvestigation, which the presiding official approved. Zhuang Yushan looked at Zhou Ruyin and remembered her childhood. Their father used to cook meals, but Zhuang Yushan never liked them.

However, Zhou Ruyin always told her they had to rely on Zhuang Shiyang to survive, so they had to eat everything he provided, even if they disliked it. Over time, Zhuang Yushan understood that only by pleasing Zhuang Shiyang could she obtain what she wanted. Realizing how futile everything had become, Zhou Ruyin watched as Zhuang Yushan helped Zhuang Shiyang up and walked away, leaving her mother kneeling on the ground, tears streaming down her face.

Ever since Zhou Ruyin confessed in court to plotting against Zhuang Hanliang, Zhuang Shiyang feared unexpected changes and secretly arranged for a human trafficker to sell her off. Enraged, Zhou Ruyin slashed her own face with a hairpin, hoping to render herself undesirable, but Zhuang Shiyang forcibly took the hairpin away and insisted on having her taken.

He pretended to be considerate, telling the trafficker to find her a good household, but in truth, he had arranged for her to be bought and buried alive in the outskirts. Fortunately, Zhuang Hanyan, who had been secretly watching, intervened just in time to save her. Zhou Ruyin had anticipated many things but never thought that it would be Zhuang Hanyan who would save her.

What shocked her even more was learning from Zhou Ruyin that Ruan Xiwen had already been killed by Zhuang Shiyang, along with Zhou Ruyin’s eldest daughter, Zhuang Yuqin. Grief-stricken and filled with hatred, Zhou Ruyin despised Zhuang Shiyang. Zhou Ruyin never expected such a tragic end. She began to doubt whether she could trust anyone, including Zhuang Hanyan, suspecting that Zhuang Hanyan had saved her merely to use her.

However, after much persuasion, Zhou Ruyin and Zhuang Hanyan decided to join forces against Zhuang Shiyang. Zhou Ruyin reflected on how, when she first married into the Zhuang family, Zhuang Shiyang looked down on her merchant background and only took her as a concubine. All these years, she had only wanted to stay by his side, allowing herself and her daughter to become noblewomen in the capital and escape their fate. But in the end, she had gained nothing.

Zhuang Hanyan pointed out that both of the once-famous "Twin Beauties of the Capital" had now fallen into ruin, yet Zhou Ruyin had spent her life striving to become a noblewoman, enduring humiliation and submission. True nobility, however, did not come from wealth but from living freely and controlling one’s own fate. Zhou Ruyin had once relied on her husband and son for survival, but she could also live by relying on herself.

She recalled that Ruan Xiwen had once told her the same thing. Zhuang Hanyan believed that Zhou Ruyin was a smart woman who had simply chosen the wrong person to follow, leading to her current downfall. Understanding one another at last, they clasped hands. Zhuang Hanyan then asked about the evidence Zhou Ruyin possessed, as her grandmother had once mentioned that the key evidence was in Zhou Ruyin’s hands.

Zhou Ruyin admitted that she had crucial evidence to bring down Zhuang Shiyang—a promissory note for an enormous sum. Since Zhuang Shiyang had been absent when the debt was incurred, the servants had given the note to Madam Wei. However, as Madam Wei was illiterate, she had someone read it for her. Zhou Ruyin sensed that the document was unusual, as it had been issued in Shiyang Village.

Later, she and Nanny Tao switched the original note, keeping the real one and handing a forged version to Zhuang Shiyang, using it as a safeguard for herself. Now, she finally decided to hand this evidence over to Zhuang Hanyan to expose Zhuang Shiyang’s true nature. With Nanny Tao’s full support, Zhou Ruyin successfully retrieved the land deed and promissory note.

Out of gratitude, she gifted Nanny Tao silver banknotes and urged her to leave the secluded residence quickly to avoid any trouble. She then handed the promissory note to Zhuang Hanyan and confessed that she had hidden it during the interrogation at the Court of Judicial Review, fearing that Zhuang Shiyang would destroy it.

Zhou Ruyin was determined not to leave the capital, as her daughter, Zhuang Yushan, was still in the dark, and she wanted to see Zhuang Shiyang receive his rightful punishment. Meanwhile, Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan were diligently pursuing the case against Zhuang Shiyang, unaware that chaos had already erupted at home. Zhuang Shiyang’s room was ransacked, and a divorce letter was found. The family was both shocked and furious.

Fu Yunxi had to face his mother’s interrogation alone, but he cleverly dismissed it as nothing more than a heated remark during an argument with Zhuang Hanyan, successfully appeasing her. However, the ordeal deeply affected young Ah Zhi, who had just begun to experience motherly warmth but now feared losing it again. At a critical moment, Zhuang Hanyan arrived, comforting Ah Zhi by expressing her sincere feelings for Fu Yunxi, lulling her into a peaceful sleep.

Hearing Zhuang Hanyan’s words, Fu Yunxi felt immense happiness, yet when he turned to face her, he handed her a divorce letter. Confused, Zhuang Hanyan asked if he was hiding something from her, but Fu Yunxi remained silent, only inviting her to join him in Shiyang Village the next day. On their way to Shiyang Village, Fu Yunxi offered Zhuang Hanyan some pastries, but she declined and instead reminded him of the divorce letter he had given her the previous day.

She pointed out that, since their relationship had no real substance, he didn’t need to treat her with such care. Fu Yunxi felt a pang of discomfort. Upon arriving in Shiyang Village, they found that the villagers were mostly elderly, weak, and disabled, yet they all knelt before Zhuang Hanyan, begging her to spare their children and grant them more time. Perplexed, Zhuang Hanyan sought out an elder named Li San for clarification.

Li San revealed that the villagers had all taken out high-interest loans, but the lender was merely an old woman acting as a front. The real debt owner’s name wasn’t on the documents, though someone had secretly glimpsed it—Zhuang Hanyan’s name. A sudden realization struck Zhuang Hanyan—ever since the enormous wealth of Pei Dafu had been placed under her name, Zhuang Shiyang had been funneling funds through her, secretly issuing loans to impoverished people.

Fu Yunxi speculated that it wasn’t just farmers affected but businesses across the country. Wu Youzhi and Zhou Ruyin had merely been scapegoats for Zhuang Shiyang, and from the beginning, Zhuang Hanyan had been set up to be the ultimate scapegoat. She suspected that Zhuang Shiyang’s true targets were both herself and Fu Yunxi. Since Fu Yunxi was Pei Dafu’s adopted son, their marriage made them appear as co-conspirators in embezzling Pei Dafu’s fortune.

Fu Yunxi now realized they had likely fallen into Zhuang Shiyang’s trap long ago, and the old woman handling the loans was most likely Nanny Tao. At that moment, Nanny Tao was in the kitchen with Zhuang Shiyang, sharing a meal he had personally prepared. She was content—after sending off Zhou Ruyin, she could finally serve Zhuang Shiyang in the kitchen again. Sensing danger, Fu Yunxi urged Zhuang Hanyan to leave immediately. They couldn’t afford to be caught together.

From a distance, they spotted Lord Yan leading the Court of Judicial Review officers toward them. Left with no choice, Zhuang Hanyan hid while Fu Yunxi faced them alone. When Lord Yan arrived, Zhuang Hanyan was already gone. Fu Yunxi lied, claiming she had already returned home. Lord Yan then ordered his men to arrest Fu Yunxi, who turned to glance at Zhuang Hanyan’s hiding place.

In the prison of the Court of Judicial Review, Fu Yunxi, covered in blood, confessed to everything himself. When Lord Yan questioned him again, Fu Yunxi knew that even if he claimed to be framed, there was no evidence to support his innocence. Lord Yan also stated that they had searched Fu Yunxi’s room and found many loan notes, with debtors from all over the land, and all the notes bore Zhuang Hanyan’s name.

Even if Fu Yunxi took all the blame, no one would believe him. Fu Yunxi reminded Lord Yan that Zhuang Hanyan was still a child at the time and could not have done this. He admitted that he had merely used Zhuang Hanyan—though they were not married, they had an engagement, and he exploited that status to avoid suspicion. Everything was done by him alone.

Lord Yan was skeptical and continued questioning him, but Fu Yunxi countered by asking if, as a man with a wife and daughter, Lord Yan truly intended to pursue this matter to the end. Lord Yan dismissed his subordinates, hoping Fu Yunxi would tell the truth, as he firmly believed Fu Yunxi was not the mastermind. Fu Yunxi, understanding the dire situation, knew that only by shouldering the fabricated charges himself could he protect Zhuang Hanyan and her family.

Resolutely, he struck a deal with Lord Yan, offering his life in exchange for Lord Yan’s promotion, with the sole request that his family be kept safe. Seeing Fu Yunxi coughing up blood, Lord Yan was moved and agreed to his terms. Later, he proceeded to Zhuang Hanyan’s residence with his men and compared the handwriting on the loan notes, proving they were not written by Zhuang Hanyan, thus clearing her of any connection to them.

However, Lord Yan warned Zhuang Hanyan coldly not to waste her efforts trying to save Fu Yunxi, as Fu Yunxi had already given up on life and wished only for death. At the Fu family’s gate, the entire household anxiously awaited Zhuang Hanyan’s return with news of Fu Yunxi. However, she came back alone. Kou Eryi knelt before Zhuang Hanyan, begging her to save Fu Yunxi, even willing to leave the Fu family in exchange.

Looking at the worried faces of the entire family, Zhuang Hanyan realized that only by uniting all possible forces could she hope to rescue Fu Yunxi. Determined, she went alone to seek help from the Deng family, only to be heartlessly turned away. Minister Li refused to see her. Left with no choice, she sought assistance from Zhuang Yushan at Prince Qi’s residence, despite knowing how much Zhuang Yushan despised her.

Swallowing her pride, she humbled herself and pleaded, but Zhuang Yushan was unmoved, suspecting her of sowing discord and treating her with cold disdain. With no options left, Zhuang Hanyan departed, heavy-hearted. After a day of fruitless efforts, Zhuang Hanyan returned to the Fu family’s gate, too ashamed to face her mother-in-law.

At that moment, the women she had once helped, including Yao Wangshu, used their resources to bribe the prison guards at the Court of Judicial Review, allowing Zhuang Hanyan to see Fu Yunxi. When she found him covered in wounds and locked in a water dungeon, her heart ached. She couldn't understand why, if he had already confessed, he was still subjected to such torture.

She encouraged Fu Yunxi not to give up hope, promising that she was working tirelessly to secure his release and that his family was waiting eagerly for his return. However, Fu Yunxi then revealed a shocking truth: he had been poisoned long ago and was already at death’s door. Years ago, when Zhuang Yuqin was poisoned, he had been poisoned as well. To protect his family, he chose to endure the pain alone in silence.

He had accelerated his efforts to expose the crimes of the Pei faction, initially intending to use Zhuang Hanyan, but as time passed, he found himself falling in love with her. Zhuang Hanyan, furious, accused him of manipulating her feelings and making her fall for a dying man. Zhou Ruyin also expressed deep regret to Zhuang Hanyan, explaining that she had intended to help but had inadvertently turned the loan notes into a tool used against Fu Yunxi.

However, Zhuang Hanyan remained resolute, acknowledging the unpredictability of life and vowing not to give up. Just then, Lady Wen arrived like a saving grace. It turned out that Fu Yunxi had been working under Minister Wen’s orders, infiltrating Pei Dafu’s side to gather evidence. Before his death, Minister Wen left behind a letter proving Fu Yunxi’s ties to the imperial court, which had been hidden in a fish pond.

For years, Lady Wen had safeguarded the letter, and now, it had become the key to exposing the truth. Zhuang Hanyan knew that if she submitted the evidence through official channels, corrupt officials would likely intercept it. Thus, she pretended to seek Minister Deng’s help and invited He Wenshen under false pretenses. He Wenshen, still bitter over Zhuang Hanyan’s past rejection of his marriage proposal, was enraged at the sight of her.

Cautiously, she apologized, admitting her past offense but pleading for his assistance in gaining access to the Inspectorate’s archives. He Wenshen reluctantly agreed to let her enter the archives at night. However, just as Zhuang Hanyan found the memorial records, He Wenshen suddenly turned on her, accusing her of theft and calling for guards to search the archives. But when they entered, she was already gone, and only an open window remained.

He Wenshen immediately ordered a pursuit, but Zhuang Hanyan had quietly slipped away. Just as she stepped out of the Inspectorate’s main gate, she was surrounded by He Wenshen’s men. At that critical moment, Li Jiaqi and Yao Wangshu arrived in time, and with the assistance of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, they managed to help Zhuang Hanyan escape. Zhuang Hanyan found refuge in a secluded courtyard, where she met the owners, Xiao Shen and A’Lan.

Hearing the approaching soldiers, they quickly hid her. When the pursuers arrived and asked if a woman had passed through, A’Lan lied, saying she had gone north. A’Lan, revealing herself to be a legal advocate who defended commoners, reminded the soldiers that trespassing into a private residence without cause was punishable under the law. However, the soldiers ignored her warning and insisted on searching.

Xiao Shen stepped forward, revealing his status as an official and demanding to know who dared to disturb the people so recklessly. Left with no choice, the soldiers withdrew. Having escaped danger, Zhuang Hanyan expressed deep gratitude to Xiao Shen and A’Lan. As she gathered her belongings, a letter addressed to Fu Yunxi fell out of her box. Overcome with emotion, she embraced A’Lan.

Touched by Zhuang Hanyan’s plight, A’Lan guided her toward an escape route and encouraged her to fight against injustice. In gratitude, Zhuang Hanyan knelt before A’Lan before rushing toward the capital’s ""Drum of Petition"". When the pursuers caught up, they saw her standing before the drum and dared not act rashly, instead hurrying back to report to He Wenshen. With her heart full of determination and love for Fu Yunxi, Zhuang Hanyan raised her hand and struck the Drum of Petition with all her might.

Zhuang Hanyan finally entered the palace and reported everything to the emperor, explaining Fu Yunxi’s wrongful accusation and his identity as a spy. Due to He Wenshen abusing his power for personal revenge, he was dismissed and sent to Yingtian Prefecture for investigation. Fu Yunxi was also released from prison, returning home covered in wounds. A few days later, under Zhuang Hanyan’s meticulous care, Fu Yunxi slowly opened his eyes.

He assumed that it was Zhuang Hanyan who saved him, but she told him that many people had helped, including Zhou Ruyin. She handed him a letter, which was sent by Madam Wen. When Master Wen died, he had not specified where the letter should be sent.

It was only when Zhuang Hanyan revealed at the Court of Judicial Review that Fu Yunxi was a spy that Madam Wen realized the letter was meant for him, so she risked delivering it to him. The emperor also verified the original memorial and confirmed that it was indeed Master Wen who had arranged Fu Yunxi’s mission, thus ordering his release.

Fu Yunxi knew that Zhuang Hanyan must have gone through countless dangers, so he held her hand and scolded her for taking such risks. He believed he was already a dying man, and even if he had returned, he didn’t have much time left. Zhuang Hanyan also stated that she hadn’t told the emperor about Zhuang Shiyang’s involvement because it was Zhuang Shiyang who had poisoned Fu Yunxi. She hoped to obtain the antidote from him to help Fu Yunxi.

However, Fu Yunxi only wished for Zhuang Shiyang to lose all chances of redemption. Moreover, he had been poisoned for so many years that a cure seemed impossible. Unexpectedly, Zhuang Hanyan suddenly declared that she regretted making a pact with him. She wanted him to protect his family on his own. If he refused to live properly, she would take the divorce letter along with gold and silver and leave, never caring for his family again.

Fu Yunxi, however, only smiled indulgently, knowing that Zhuang Hanyan was all talk but soft-hearted. At that moment, someone came to report that Zhuang Shiyang had arrived. Zhuang Shiyang, knowing that his crimes were about to be exposed, immediately began to argue, claiming that he was not a member of the Pei faction. He stared at Fu Yunxi with a sinister gaze, fully aware that Fu Yunxi wouldn’t live much longer.

He attempted to use the antidote as leverage, proposing a so-called “win-win” solution—if Fu Yunxi helped clear his name, he would hand over the antidote. But in reality, both Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan knew he was unreliable. Even if they complied, the so-called antidote might very well be poison. Zhuang Hanyan wanted to try persuading him again, while Fu Yunxi preferred to take time to think.

Zhuang Hanyan suggested keeping Fu Yunxi’s recovery a secret for now, fearing that if the emperor summoned him and questioned everything, he wouldn’t know how to respond. Meanwhile, Prince Qi learned that Zhuang Hanyan had visited his residence and was furious. He lashed out at Zhuang Yushan for driving her away.

Originally, he had planned to take advantage of Zhuang Hanyan’s plea for help to bring her into his household as his consort, but his plan was ruined by Zhuang Yushan. In anger, he picked up a whip and walked menacingly toward her. Zhuang Yushan was shocked to realize that even Prince Qi had feelings for Zhuang Hanyan, which only made her angrier.

She lashed out at Prince Qi, accusing him of pretending to be a devoted widower, only to reveal his true nature as a beast. Her words enraged Prince Qi even further, and he showed her no mercy. After returning home, Zhuang Shiyang grew uneasy. He knew Fu Yunxi would not let him off easily, so he sent people to closely monitor the Fu residence. As he toyed with a jade lock in his hand, his heart was filled with anxiety.

That night, Zhuang Yushan watched Prince Qi’s fickle behavior with growing resentment. She deliberately brought him a cup of tea and suggested drugging and kidnapping Zhuang Hanyan to satisfy his desires. Prince Qi took her words seriously and asked if she really meant it. But then, Zhuang Yushan changed her tone, stating that she wasn’t that crazy, and outright rejected him. This angered Prince Qi, who once again struck her. Fu Yunxi, knowing his time was running out, summoned Mu Feng.

He planned to use his remaining days to bring down Zhuang Shiyang. He instructed Mu Sizhi to deliver a letter exposing Zhuang Shiyang’s crimes to the palace, hoping the emperor would make his sins public—fulfilling the promise he once made when seeking Zhuang Hanyan’s hand in marriage. At dawn the next day, Ah Zhi tearfully complained to Zhuang Hanyan, saying that during the ancestral worship ceremony, neither Grandmother nor Second Grandmother had taken her along.

Zhuang Hanyan, feeling sorry for Ah Zhi, decided to take her to visit her mother’s grave. Before leaving, she worriedly instructed the maid to take good care of Fu Yunxi and ensure his safety. Zhuang Shiyang arrived at the Fu residence as promised, engaging in a heated confrontation with Fu Yunxi in the secret chamber. Fu Yunxi’s gaze was sharp as he firmly declared that he would bring Zhuang Shiyang to justice.

Moreover, he vowed that Prince Qi would accompany him to the afterlife. Hearing this, the maid turned pale with fear and hurriedly sent someone to inform Zhuang Hanyan. Zhuang Yushan, severely injured, fled back to the Zhuang household in disgrace, waiting for her father to return. Soon after, Prince Qi came to settle his grudges and happened to encounter Zhuang Shiyang. He was furious upon hearing that Fu Yunxi was heading to the palace to expose his misdeeds.

Overcome with rage, he decided to set an ambush for Fu Yunxi on his way and even threatened to kill Zhuang Hanyan unless Zhuang Shiyang handed over Zhuang Yushan in exchange. Returning home, Zhuang Shiyang saw Zhuang Yushan covered in wounds, yet he felt no pity. He coaxed her into resting in her room while secretly preparing silver notes to help her escape. However, he had already let Prince Qi’s men into the house.

Zhuang Yushan, still unaware of her father’s betrayal, naively revealed her injuries, hoping he would save her. But Zhuang Shiyang coldly told her to endure it once more, claiming that only by doing so could he regain his power. Zhuang Yushan could only watch helplessly as she was taken away by Prince Qi’s men, tears welling up in her eyes. Prince Qi gathered his assassins and ordered them to kill Fu Yunxi, leaving no survivors.

Meanwhile, at her mother’s grave, Zhuang Hanyan mournfully recounted the past years. Ah Zhi thoughtfully placed a bouquet of flowers before the tombstone. Just then, a servant reported that Fu Yunxi was heading to the palace. Zhuang Hanyan’s heart tightened—she knew that Fu Yunxi was walking into a deadly situation. Without hesitation, she mounted her horse and rushed back to the Fu residence, determined to face everything alongside him.

Fu Yunxi stepped out of the residence, glanced around, and got into his carriage. At that moment, Zhuang Hanyan’s maid intercepted him, pleading for him to wait until Zhuang Hanyan returned before leaving. But Fu Yunxi ordered his men to drag the maid away and drove off. Meanwhile, Zhuang Yushan was tied up in a room, utterly hopeless. Prince Qi kept murmuring the name “Yue’er.

” To escape, Zhuang Yushan had no choice but to suppress her disgust and pretend to comply, offering to prepare tea for him. Seizing the moment when she was unbound, she grabbed a teacup and smashed it at Prince Qi. Prince Qi screamed in terror for an imperial physician, while Zhuang Yushan took advantage of the chaos to mount her beloved horse and flee the Qi residence. She knew this was her only chance to claim her freedom. As she rode away at full speed, her hairpin fell to the ground, but a joyful smile spread across her face as she galloped off into the distance.

Fu Yunxi's carriage continued forward but soon encountered a dispute blocking the road. Forced to take a detour through a back alley, he suddenly noticed the scent of sulfur powder from behind the curtain. Before he could react, someone set the sulfur powder on fire, and assassins hidden in the shadows began firing crossbows at his carriage. After a moment of eerie silence, the assassins surrounded the carriage.

One of them rushed inside, attempting to kill Fu Yunxi, but was swiftly kicked out. Fu Yunxi warned them to surrender if they valued their lives, but the assassins were determined to fight to the death. Just then, the Imperial Guards suddenly arrived, rescuing Fu Yunxi and capturing the assassins. They praised Fu Yunxi for his foresight in anticipating the ambush. Before setting out, Fu Yunxi had already entrusted a secret letter to Mu Feng, who delivered it to the Emperor.

In the letter, Fu Yunxi and the Emperor had agreed on a plan to lure out the mastermind behind the attacks and eliminate them all at once. The Imperial Guards were thus present to witness everything firsthand. As the assassins loyal to Prince Qi were taken away, one of them warned Fu Yunxi that while his strategies were flawless, his wife might not be so lucky.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Hanyan and Ah Zhi were on their way home when masked men blocked their path. Zhuang Hanyan instructed Ah Zhi to stay hidden in the carriage, but upon hearing the sound of arrows being drawn, Ah Zhi rushed out, urging Zhuang Hanyan to get back into the carriage. Concerned for Ah Zhi's safety, Zhuang Hanyan shielded her with her body. Fortunately, Mu Feng arrived in time with reinforcements, subduing the attackers.

Mounting a horse, Zhuang Hanyan instructed Mu Feng to escort Ah Zhi home while she hurried off to find Fu Yunxi, fearing for his life. As Zhuang Hanyan galloped anxiously, a group of black-clad riders pursued her, shooting down her horse. She was thrown to the ground, ready to face death, when Zhuang Yushan suddenly appeared on horseback. Lifting Zhuang Hanyan onto the saddle, she rode through a dense bamboo forest, making it difficult for their pursuers to follow.

Eventually, Zhuang Yushan managed to escape with Zhuang Hanyan. She brought Zhuang Hanyan to a side gate of the palace, where Zhuang Hanyan was surprised to see her. Zhuang Yushan casually remarked that she had returned simply because she wanted to, and it had nothing to do with Zhuang Hanyan. At the palace gates, Zhuang Hanyan asked the guards if they had seen Fu Yunxi enter.

Just then, Zhou Ruyin arrived, informing her that Fu Yunxi had already left the palace after confessing everything. He had asked Zhou Ruyin to wait there for Zhuang Hanyan and advised her to go home and await the final verdict, as he had laid out all evidence to ensure Zhuang Shiyang's conviction. Borrowing Zhuang Yushan’s horse, Zhuang Hanyan rode off to the Court of Judicial Review in search of Fu Yunxi.

This gave Zhou Ruyin the opportunity to speak with Zhuang Yushan. Seeing how weary and haggard she looked, Zhou Ruyin felt deep remorse and admitted she had been wrong. She never blamed Zhuang Yushan for identifying her in court. Noticing Zhou Ruyin's injured face, Zhuang Yushan felt a pang of distress, suspecting that Zhuang Shiyang was responsible.

Zhou Ruyin confessed that she had made mistakes from the very beginning, having been raised in a similar manner and thus not knowing how to properly guide her own child. It was too late for regret. She did not expect Zhuang Yushan to forgive her, but she vowed to rescue her from Prince Qi’s residence, even if it cost her life. Zhuang Yushan clung tightly to her mother.

Outside Zhuang Shiyang’s residence, an unusual group of people appeared, making him realize that something was amiss. Meanwhile, Zhuang Hanyan arrived at the Court of Judicial Review just in time to witness Prince Qi being dragged inside, furiously screaming that he would kill her. At the same time, Fu Yunxi led a search of the secluded residence, but Zhuang Shiyang had already fled through the back gate. Upon discovering this, the patrolling officers quickly gave chase.

Zhuang Shiyang smeared his face with dirt to disguise himself and took advantage of the dark, snowy night to escape. However, Fu Yunxi immediately ordered the city gates to be shut, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving. Following the fresh footprints in the snow, they soon cornered Zhuang Shiyang. Zhuang Shiyang pleaded for his life, but Fu Yunxi coldly reminded him that the moment he took his first step down this path, his fate was already sealed.

Zhuang Shiyang retorted that even if he died today, Fu Yunxi would not have long to live either. When Fu Yunxi turned around, he saw Zhuang Hanyan standing there, accusing him of deceiving her once again. She declared that from now on, whether he lived or died was none of her concern and that they were no longer connected in any way. Fu Yunxi rode past her without offering a word of comfort.

Despite enduring brutal torture, Zhuang Shiyang stubbornly maintained his innocence, merely stalling for time in hopes that Fu Yunxi would succumb to his poisoning before he could be executed. That night, Zhuang Hanyan, armed with Fu Yunxi’s stolen waist token, infiltrated the Court of Judicial Review alone. Using her intelligence and courage, she deceived the guards and snuck into the prison. She promised Zhuang Shiyang that if he handed over the antidote, she would help him escape.

Zhuang Shiyang agreed but demanded that she free him first. Covering him with her cloak, Zhuang Hanyan disguised him and smuggled him past the guards. Sensing something was wrong, Fu Yunxi quickly led a pursuit. Meanwhile, Zhuang Hanyan hid with Zhuang Shiyang, watching as Fu Yunxi’s horse passed by nearby. Holding his breath in fear, Zhuang Shiyang dared not make a sound.

Once Fu Yunxi and his men left, Zhuang Hanyan took Zhuang Shiyang to a hidden chamber within the Zhuang residence, believing that the most dangerous place was often the safest. Using the Zhuang family’s secret passage, she led him inside and demanded he write down the antidote’s formula. She warned him that if he refused, he would be locked in the chamber forever. Zhuang Hanyan reminded him that he had only two choices: cooperate or die.

Left with no alternative, Zhuang Shiyang decided to trust her one last time. Zhuang Hanyan swore that if she broke her promise after he provided the antidote, she would suffer a terrible fate. However, instead of writing it down immediately, Zhuang Shiyang insisted that she leave and return the next day. Zhuang Hanyan agreed and ordered Shu Hong, the maid guarding the door, to unlock it.

The moment the door opened, Zhuang Shiyang seized a dagger and lunged at Zhuang Hanyan. However, Zhuang Hanyan swiftly raised the firearm Fu Yunxi had gifted her and pointed it at Zhuang Shiyang’s head, reminding him that times had changed. After much struggle, she finally obtained the antidote and handed it over to Fu Yunxi. But before he could take it, he coughed up blood and collapsed.

As his consciousness faded, he only hoped that in this lifetime, he would not fail Zhuang Hanyan. Holding him tightly in her arms, Zhuang Hanyan cried out his name in desperation.

Fu Yunxi’s residence was bustling with care. Every day, Minister Tan came to check Fu Yunxi’s pulse and prescribe medicine, while Zhuang Hanyan personally prepared the decoctions for him. The whole family stayed by Fu Yunxi’s side, while Zhuang Shiyang remained locked in a dark, windowless chamber. Their efforts finally bore fruit—Fu Yunxi opened his eyes. He stepped outside and happened to see Zhuang Hanyan tending to the medicine.

In the morning light, she appeared especially frail, her face etched with exhaustion and worry. A surge of indescribable warmth filled Fu Yunxi’s heart. With deep affection, he draped a cloak over Zhuang Hanyan’s shoulders. She looked at him in disbelief, and the two embraced tightly. Zhuang Hanyan visited Zhuang Shiyang, bringing him food. To assure him it wasn’t poisoned, she drank a cup of wine in front of him.

Zhuang Shiyang immediately followed suit, knowing that Zhuang Hanyan had sworn an oath and would not kill him. She then asked him whom he had truly loved in this lifetime. Zhuang Shiyang admitted that Ruan Xiwen was the only woman he had ever loved. Her disability had been an accident—he had never intended to harm her. He was devastated when Ruan Xiwen died in his arms.

Over the years, he had frequently dreamed of their first meeting, reminiscing about how deeply he loved her, yet he was ultimately forced to kill her with his own hands. The moment Pei Dafu found Zhuang Hanliang, the gears of fate had begun to turn, pushing him to where he was today. Zhuang Hanyan mocked Zhuang Shiyang, saying that while he spoke the most tender words, he committed the cruelest acts.

She ridiculed him further, claiming he never truly understood love or family. Sitting before a table full of food, he didn’t dare take a single bite, yet he drank the cup of wine without hesitation. Zhuang Hanyan stated that, unlike him, she could sever the pain caused by their predecessors, ensuring that the next generation would not be entangled in their turmoil. That was the fundamental difference between them.

She reminded him of their agreement—she would release him, but whether others would spare him was beyond her control. As Zhuang Hanyan left, she did not close the door. Starving, Zhuang Shiyang dared not touch the food, choosing instead to drink another cup of wine. When Zhuang Hanyan stepped out, she found Zhou Ruyin waiting. Zhuang Hanyan told her that things could have turned out differently for her.

Zhou Ruyin, holding a box filled with memories, slowly took out the dagger Ruan Xiwen had given her. Zhuang Shiyang managed to escape from his chamber, only to find the courtyard deserted. He rushed toward the back door, only to discover it had been locked from the outside. Just then, Tao Mammy’s cries for help echoed from the woodshed, but Zhuang Shiyang ignored them, focusing only on his own escape, abandoning her without hesitation.

Continuing forward, he found that Zhuang Hanyan had shut the doors on him. Desperately, he cried out, admitting his mistakes and begging her to spare him. But standing outside, Zhuang Hanyan gazed at the locked door with a satisfied smile. It was as if she had traveled back in time, seeing her mother cradling her newborn self, struggling to survive under the cold, indifferent stares of the family. Now, she would let Zhuang Shiyang taste that same despair.

With that thought, she calmly rode away in a carriage. Zhuang Shiyang pounded on Wei Shi’s door, but she refused to open it. He blamed his mother for his downfall. Just then, Zhou Ruyin arrived with the dagger in hand, terrifying him into fleeing. He ran straight into Zhuang Yushan, who was returning on horseback. In agony, he insisted that his past actions had been mere temporary measures and that he would one day rescue Zhuang Yushan.

But Zhuang Yushan ignored him and rode away. Zhou Ruyin, still clutching the dagger, chased after Zhuang Shiyang, who scrambled away in fear, tumbling as he fled into a room. Zhou Ruyin confronted him, listing all the suffering he had inflicted on her over the years. No matter what, she could never forgive him. Zhuang Shiyang kept running, but behind him, Zhou Ruyin, drenched in blood, relentlessly pursued him. Step by step, she forced him into the secret chamber.

Once inside, Zhuang Shiyang saw a horrifying sight—Ruan Xiwen, whom he had killed, stood before him with a dagger in hand. From another direction, Chen Mammy approached, and the dead surrounded him, all wielding daggers aimed at him. In the end, Zhou Ruyin drove the dagger into Zhuang Shiyang, ending his life. Dressed in festive garments, she prepared his funeral as if celebrating her liberation from years of hatred.

Though Fu Yunxi had regained consciousness, the lingering poison in his body still threatened his life. This made him cherish every moment with Zhuang Hanyan even more. Kou Eryi, feeling guilty for the hardships she had once caused Zhuang Hanyan in the Fu household, decided to fulfill her promise and leave. However, Zhuang Hanyan, in a gesture of magnanimity, chose to let her stay and enjoy a peaceful old age in the Fu household.

Touched by this kindness, Kou Eryi treasured the warmth of this newfound family. Azhi, in conversation with a maid, expressed her yearning for the life of a noblewoman, aspiring to become someone like Zhuang Hanyan. Zhuang Hanyan understood that cultivating true grace and nobility took time, and she was willing to invest the effort. Just then, she received an urgent letter from home, informing her of her father Zhuang Shiyang’s death.

Though she knew the truth behind it, she chose not to return for the mourning. Instead, she went to Ruan Xiwen’s grave and personally engraved her epitaph, offering solace to the departed. In that moment, she fulfilled a long-held wish, finding her own sense of peace and happiness. Fu Yunxi solemnly vowed to his mother that he would protect Zhuang Hanyan with his life and spend the rest of his days with her.

A radiant smile spread across Zhuang Hanyan’s face—at last, she had found someone who would shield her from the storms. As snowflakes danced through the streets, Zhuang Hanyan seemed to see a younger version of herself trudging through the snow, as if asking, "Are you well? Have you found a true home? " With a gentle smile, she reassured her past self—everything was fine now. She had a warm home. Fu Yunxi appeared behind her, wrapping her in his embrace.

Wei Shi, too, found the courage to face reality, no longer choosing to escape. Taking Zhuang Hanyan’s advice, she abandoned the useless medicines and resolved to welcome the future with a peaceful heart. Though she had always been timid, this time, she had finally shown bravery. She wished her late sister could see her now. Zhou Ruyin and Zhuang Yuchi lit incense together, paying respects to the ancestors of the Zhuang family.

Hand in hand, mother and daughter walked away, locking the ancestral hall behind them. The inscription above the entrance fell, but neither of them bothered to fix it—it seemed to suit the neglected shrine. Zhuang Hanyan gazed at the hairpin Chai Jing had given her for a long time before carefully storing it in a small box. Stepping outside, she joined Fu Yunxi to admire the plum blossoms in the courtyard.

Though March 3rd should have been a time of blooming flowers, heavy snow fell unexpectedly. Yet, nestled beside her beloved, she did not feel the cold. At that moment, Zhuang Hanyan seemed to see Ruan Xiwen, Chen Mammy, and Yuwen Changan appear in the courtyard. Yuwen Changan gently helped Ruan Xiwen to her feet, his eyes full of tenderness. Azhi, holding Ruan Xiwen’s hand, jumped around joyfully, setting off fireworks.

Zhou Ruyin, Zhuang Yuchi, and Zhuang Yushan lit sparklers and danced together. Zhuang Hanyan wanted to confess a hidden truth to Fu Yunxi, but he dismissed it, unwilling to dwell on the past. Their future was bright, and that was all that mattered. As snowflakes swirled, they shared a deep kiss. Azhi dashed over, teasing them for being so affectionate before pulling them to join in the festivities. Laughter filled the air as everyone celebrated together, their faces glowing with joy.

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