Romance of a Twin Flower Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Romance of a Twin Flower Synopsis
Since childhood, Ji Man grew up in Haifang, she was a carefree girl, living a happy life. Unexpectedly, an accident occurred during a trip to the capital.
She woke up again and became the wife of Ning Yuxuan, the Moyu Marquis. After being treated as the brutal and jealous Nie Sangyu, Ji Man not only had to suffer the humiliation of being repudiated by Ning Yuxuan but also faced the danger of her life.
In order to get out of the situation, Ji Man decided to escape from the Ning Mansion by her own ability.
But at this time, Ning Yuxuan was put in prison and sent to Hai Fang. Ji Man followed him there in order to realize her business dream.
In Haifang, Ji Man helped Ning Yuxuan to relieve the victims and punish the evil and promote the good.
With the support of Ning Yuxuan, Ji Man also opened her own rouge store “Hao Xue Tang”.
Along the way, they had deeply fallen in love with each other.
On the occasion of the marriage between Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man, Ji Man’s original identity was revealed. Her real father was the leader of the tea gang who killed Ning Yuxuan’s father.
Faced with their father’s debt the lovers parted ways in pain.
Two years later, they reunited, facing the past, how should they choose this time…
Romance of a Twin Flower Recap
Episode 1 Recap
On a cliff edge, Nie Sangyu is surrounded by household guards. Ning Yuxuan approaches, stating that Wen Wan's life is uncertain and ordering Nie Sangyu to return with him for punishment. Nie Sangyu vehemently denies causing harm, questioning why Ning Yuxuan is so unforgiving after four years of marriage.
After he gives a final command to return, a desperate Nie Sangyu curses him to a lifetime of despair and pain like her own, with a tragic end, before leaping off the cliff. Nie Sangyu wakes up in a room with amnesia, not recognizing her maid, Muxu, or her surroundings. Muxu explains that Nie Sangyu is the First Lady of the Marquis Moyu's Mansion and is confined for having "done something wrong."
When Nie Sangyu tries to leave, she is immediately stopped by guards, confirming she is trapped. Inside, Nie Sangyu asks Muxu for an explanation. Muxu recounts that Nie Sangyu is the eldest daughter of General Zhenyuan, Nie Xiangyuan. Despite falling for Marquis Moyu Ning Yuxuan at first sight, her cruel behavior earned her the title "No. 1 Vicious Woman of the Capital."
Muxu explains their troubles began "with a chicken," revealing that Nie Sangyu herself had a wedding ceremony with a rooster four years prior. To humiliate Ning Yuxuan's new bride, Wen Wan, Nie Sangyu recently replicated this by sending a rooster to the bride's pickup ceremony. Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan, discussing security for his wedding with his subordinate Gui Bai, anticipates that bandits—remnants from past campaigns—might use the event for revenge and arranges for increased patrols and men among the guests.
On the wedding day of Ning Yuxuan and Wen Wan, Nie Sangyu storms in to stop the proceedings, declaring that as the hostess, she forbids the marriage. When Ning Yuxuan ignores her, she produces a knife, claiming he forced her hand. Wen Wan shields Ning Yuxuan and is wounded. Nie Sangyu, shocked, denies responsibility for the injury. Amidst the chaos, bandits who had infiltrated the ceremony reveal themselves but are swiftly apprehended by Gui Bai's prepared forces.
Following the wedding, Muxu informs Nie Sangyu that Wen Wan's wound was not fatal and she is recovering in the mansion. Ning Yuxuan learns from Gui Bai that three bandits escaped and orders the captured men to be interrogated, suspecting a link to the Tea Gang. He then summons Nie Sangyu to his study. There, Ning Yuxuan confronts her, calling her crimes unforgivable.
He presents a "Statement of Confession" for offenses like violence and abusing servants, demanding she sign it, move to the Reflection Pavilion, and live confined to the mansion for life. He offers this as a final chance due to their past marriage. Nie Sangyu refuses, maintaining her innocence and pointing out how having a convicted criminal as his wife would damage his public standing as Left Consul.
Ning Yuxuan dismisses her claims, insisting her actions are undeniable, regardless of her amnesia. Realizing it's her only way out, Nie Sangyu flippantly signs the document, irritating Ning Yuxuan. The confession states that if she reoffends, she will be at his disposal. Nie Sangyu and Muxu relocate to the dilapidated Reflection Pavilion. Nie Sangyu surprises Muxu by readily cleaning the neglected space. For meals, they are served only vegetarian dishes.
Muxu explains that Nie Sangyu has been a vegetarian for years to pray for Ning Yuxuan's well-being, a fact that astonishes Nie Sangyu. However, this diet is also a rule Ning Yuxuan enforces for anyone sent to the pavilion. Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan expresses doubts to Gui Bai, questioning if the woman he rescued was truly Nie Sangyu. Gui Bai confirms her identity is certain.
Ning Yuxuan then shows him a sample of Nie Sangyu's recent writing, noting its powerful style contrasts sharply with her usual delicate script, suggesting years of practice that the old Nie Sangyu did not possess. He wonders what she is plotting. Feeling hungry one night, Nie Sangyu sneaks into the kitchen and, finding ingredients, decides to cook. Suddenly, the kitchen catches fire, and she discovers the door is locked from the outside.
Hearing her cries for help, Ning Yuxuan, despite his deep-seated fear of fire, rushes into the burning building to rescue her. After carrying her to safety, he abruptly pushes her away and leaves, leaving her confused by his coldness. Later, Ning Yuxuan soaks in a tub of cold water. Gui Bai remarks that this only suppresses his "heart disease"—a deep-seated trauma—but cannot cure it.
Alone, Ning Yuxuan is tormented by his pyrophobia, recalling a past event and questioning when he will overcome his inner demon. Unaware of this, Nie Sangyu, realizing someone intentionally locked her in the kitchen, goes to confront Ning Yuxuan and walks in on him bathing.
Episode 2 Recap
Upon finding Ning Yuxuan unresponsive in a bath, Nie Sangyu helped him to bed and covered him. Discovering he was merely asleep, she spoke to his sleeping form, asserting that the kitchen fire was a setup, as she had been locked in from the outside. She returned to the kitchen ruins and found the burnt door lock and a hairpin used to secure it, solidifying her belief she had been deliberately targeted.
Meanwhile, Gui Bai informed Ning Yuxuan that Nie Sangyu had been searching the fire scene. Ning Yuxuan instructed that everyone be gathered in the main hall. Rumors quickly spread through the mansion that Nie Sangyu had intentionally started the kitchen fire to harm Wen Wan, who resided next door. Nie Sangyu found the rumor ridiculous, pointing out that she had been locked inside the burning building herself.
Earlier, while Ning Yuxuan was still asleep, Wen Wan had visited his room and taken his outer robe. Later, Nie Sangyu encountered Wen Wan, who appeared fearful and claimed Ning Yuxuan had given her his coat to wear. Nie Sangyu, recalling her past act of stabbing Wen Wan, understood the fear and left without a word. Once Nie Sangyu was gone, Wen Wan instructed her maid to secretly return the robe to Ning Yuxuan's room.
Arriving in the main hall, Nie Sangyu was met with trepidation by the servants. She told Ning Yuxuan that she had saved him, but he remained silent, instead questioning why she was at the kitchen in the first place. Feeling unappreciated, Nie Sangyu stated she was simply hungry and looking for food, but admitted she had no proof. The investigation into the fire began.
The head butler, Mr. Liu, explained that outer court servants were under a curfew, leaving only the first-class maids of the inner court—Muxu, Banxia, and Tanxiang—as potential suspects. Muxu had an alibi, while Banxia and Tanxiang denied involvement. Nie Sangyu produced the burnt hairpin and lock, presenting them as evidence of arson. She then bluffed, claiming to have detected a unique scent on the hairpin that matched one of the maids present.
As she feigned pinpointing the individual, Banxia grew visibly nervous. To heighten the pressure, Nie Sangyu asked Mr. Liu to state the punishment for arson according to the harsh family rules she herself had previously established. Mr. Liu confirmed the penalty was to be burned alive. Terrified, Banxia confessed. She explained her resentment stemmed from Nie Sangyu having branded a plum blossom mark onto her shoulder, ruining her body.
Banxia insisted she only intended to scare Nie Sangyu and did not anticipate the fire spreading so intensely, also claiming her mistress, Qian Lianxue, was unaware of her actions. Upon seeing the plum blossom scar, Nie Sangyu expressed genuine remorse, acknowledging the cruelty of her past actions, which she now witnessed firsthand. She apologized to Banxia, admitting her own mistreatment had caused the resentment.
She then apologized to Wen Wan for stabbing her and to all the servants for her past wrongdoings. Declaring that Banxia's actions were a result of her own prior cruelty, she chose not to pursue the matter further and announced the immediate abolition of all the harsh family rules she had enacted. Ning Yuxuan, observing, simply stated that since Nie Sangyu had pardoned Banxia, the matter was closed.
Witnessing the scar, Nie Sangyu decided to find ingredients to make a scar-fading cream for Banxia. Later, Ning Yuxuan discussed Nie Sangyu's sudden change in temperament and sharp wit with Gui Bai, finding it highly unusual. Meanwhile, Wen Wan attempted to get closer to Ning Yuxuan while assisting him, but he gently pushed her away, reminding her that their arrangement was not a real marriage and he would send her away once the current troubles subsided.
Nie Sangyu asked Muxu for her savings, only to find she possessed very little money, as her allowance had been drastically reduced. When she inquired about her dowry, Muxu explained that Nie Sangyu had no dowry because she had married Ning Yuxuan against her family's wishes, deeply angering her father. Muxu then pointed out a box Nie Sangyu highly treasured.
After prying open the lock, Nie Sangyu was dismayed to find it filled entirely with portraits she had painted of Ning Yuxuan, and no money. Nie Sangyu received an invitation from Qian Lianxue, Ning Yuxuan's cousin who resided in the mansion, to dine at Kuixing Restaurant. Qian Lianxue apologized for her maid Banxia's actions. At the restaurant, Nie Sangyu, who was formerly a vegetarian, surprised Qian Lianxue by ordering meat.
They overheard noise and realized Ning Yuxuan was working in the Politics Hall across the street. Qian Lianxue explained that many noble ladies in the capital, captivated by Ning Yuxuan, gathered at this restaurant to catch a glimpse of him—a practice Nie Sangyu herself had started before her marriage. Observing the ladies' fervent interest, Nie Sangyu devised a plan to profit from it.
She returned to the restaurant the next day with her portraits of Ning Yuxuan and successfully auctioned one for a high price, selling others to the eager ladies. Unbeknownst to them, hidden observers plotting against Ning Yuxuan saw this as an opportunity to potentially get close to him through his wife. Nie Sangyu shared a portion of her earnings with Qian Lianxue and used the rest to buy ingredients for the Scar Recovering Cream for Banxia.
Muxu was amazed that Nie Sangyu, who previously didn't even know her way around a kitchen, could now create such a remedy. Nie Sangyu explained she felt responsible for Banxia's injury and didn't want a young woman left with a permanent scar. However, Nie Sangyu's enterprise was short-lived. After ladies were caught sneaking into the mansion to see Ning Yuxuan, he investigated. Gui Bai presented him with a ledger kept by Muxu detailing the payments received.
Ning Yuxuan confronted Nie Sangyu, accusing her of using him to make money. He confiscated all her earnings and placed the mansion under strict lockdown. Despite this setback, Banxia delivered a message from Qian Lianxue: a lady was willing to pay 500 taels for an opportunity to have dinner with Ning Yuxuan, giving Nie Sangyu a new idea. Finding Ning Yuxuan practicing swordsmanship, Nie Sangyu approached him with uncharacteristic affection, calling him "husband" and praising his skill.
She proposed they dine at Kuixing Restaurant, claiming her doctor suggested revisiting familiar places could help her memory recovery. She informed him that she had already made a reservation for them in three days and insisted he accompany her, but Ning Yuxuan flatly refused.
Episode 3 Recap
An admirer of Ning Yuxuan offered Muxu five hundred taels for a chance to dine with him. Muxu relayed this to Nie Sangyu, who, eager to earn money, accepted. She approached Ning Yuxuan, claiming that her doctor suggested revisiting past activities could restore her memory and that she used to watch him eat at Kuixing Restaurant. She told him she had booked a table for three days later, but he flatly refused.
When she questioned him, he retorted that he had no desire for the "provocative and arrogant" Nie Sangyu to return, preferring her current amnesiac state. Gui Bai reported to Ning Yuxuan that their investigation into bandit gangs had revealed sightings of a man named Lang, but little else was known about him. The key informant had also died in prison overnight.
Ning Yuxuan ordered the investigation to continue, expanding the search to the South, determined to find Lang no matter how difficult. Nie Sangyu then tried a different tactic, bringing Ning Yuxuan a bowl of soup she claimed to have made herself and apologizing for her past behavior. He rejected both the apology and the soup, reminding her he never consumed anything she prepared.
For the sake of the five hundred taels, Nie Sangyu endured the rejection and revealed a new story: a gravely ill girl who deeply admired him wished only to share a meal with him as her last wish. Unmoved, Ning Yuxuan instructed Gui Bai to keep her away. Desperate, Nie Sangyu asked Muxu about Ning Yuxuan's hobbies, hoping to find leverage.
Muxu mentioned that besides suppressing bandits, Ning Yuxuan was only attached to Gui Bai and a prized Ferghana horse, a gift from the Emperor. Nie Sangyu decided to take the horse, leaving a note for Ning Yuxuan: meet her at Kuixing Restaurant, or she would kill and eat the horse. Recognizing the threat but intrigued by her persistence, Ning Yuxuan asked Gui Bai for his opinion. Gui Bai suggested she might be seeking reconciliation.
Ning Yuxuan decided to go but instructed Gui Bai to bring along concealed archers. At the restaurant, Nie Sangyu explained to a worried Muxu that her constant pestering followed by an unconventional threat was a form of reverse psychology. The client, Miss Gao, arrived, and Nie Sangyu instructed her to act like a friend. When Ning Yuxuan arrived and Nie Sangyu introduced them, the startled Miss Gao fled. Immediately, masked assassins led by Lang attacked.
Nie Sangyu, genuinely shocked, insisted she didn't arrange the ambush. As Ning Yuxuan's hidden archers revealed themselves, Lang seized Nie Sangyu as a hostage. He demanded Ning Yuxuan lower his weapon, but Ning Yuxuan aimed his arrow at them, coldly stating that he would thank Lang for killing his disruptive wife. As Lang's men retreated, Ning Yuxuan ordered his own men to pursue and capture Lang alive.
The chase led to Hongta Temple, which was thoroughly searched except for the Scripture Repository. Master Liao Ran stopped Ning Yuxuan from entering the repository, stating it was off-limits and that the monks on duty had seen no intruders. Just as Ning Yuxuan was about to insist, Tao Siwei arrived. He pulled Ning Yuxuan aside, explaining that Hongta was a royal temple and trespassing was a capital offense that their political rival, Consul Ling, would eagerly exploit.
Reluctantly, Ning Yuxuan withdrew. Inside, it was revealed that Master Liao Ran had hidden Lang and his men. Liao Ran arranged for their safe escape in food carriages and tried to persuade Lang to abandon his revenge, pointing out that the feud, which saw both Lang’s leader and Ning Yuxuan's father die, should end.
Lang refused, declaring that his life's purpose was revenge, just as Ning Yuxuan’s was to eradicate the Tea Gang, and that only one of them could survive. Back at the mansion, Ning Yuxuan interrogated Nie Sangyu. She maintained her innocence, admitting she had lured him into danger for money but argued they were even since he was willing to let her die.
He pointed out the suspicious timing of her and Lang’s appearances at both the wedding and the restaurant, and questioned why Lang had blocked an arrow for her. She denied any knowledge. Wen Wan arrived, feigning concern but subtly trying to incite trouble by commenting on Nie Sangyu's supposed good character. Ning Yuxuan sent her away and presented Nie Sangyu with a whip, giving her one incense stick's time to confess or be punished.
Ning Yuxuan then privately told Gui Bai that while he was suspicious, his test had led him to believe Nie Sangyu was truly unaware, and he had no intention of torturing a woman. Meanwhile, Wen Wan told Nanny Wang that Ning Yuxuan had ordered Nie Sangyu to be whipped if she didn't confess. The nanny carried out the punishment until Ning Yuxuan returned and furiously stopped her.
Gui Bai later reported that Nie Sangyu’s wounds were not critical and that Wen Wan was the true instigator, seeking revenge. Wen Wan had also confessed that during the wedding, she had grabbed Nie Sangyu's hand to stab herself. Realizing the chaos this truth would cause with Nie Sangyu’s temperament, Ning Yuxuan decided to take the blame for ordering the whipping, accepting that it would only add to their already fraught relationship.
Nie Sangyu confided in Muxu, lamenting that everyone in the mansion hated her for her past actions, such as inflicting a "plum blossom brand" on a servant. She felt Ning Yuxuan's willingness to see her shot and his ordering her whipping proved there was no hope for forgiveness. Tao Siwei and Qin Yixian visited Ning Yuxuan, concerned about the rumors of the whipping and its potential political fallout, given her father General Nie's influence.
Tao Siwei defended Nie Sangyu, while Qin Yixian warned Ning Yuxuan to be cautious. Tao gave him a bottle of medicine for Nie Sangyu's wounds. Despite her injuries, Nie Sangyu confronted Ning Yuxuan, presenting him with a letter of divorcement. She declared she was leaving him. Stunned, he reminded her that only husbands could initiate divorce. Tao Siwei, still present, remarked that anyone who makes a mistake should be held accountable.
Nie Sangyu, her memory still gone, praised Tao Siwei as a good person. Qin Yixian explained to a confused Tao Siwei that Nie Sangyu had lost her memory. Tao Siwei expressed his disbelief, questioning how a whipping could possibly cause amnesia. After his friends left, Ning Yuxuan told Nie Sangyu their marriage was an imperial decree and could not be broken without the Emperor's consent. She scoffed at his talk of having "indulged" her, asking if whipping her was indulgence.
He insisted it was a warning and ordered her back to her pavilion to recover. Later, Nie Sangyu planned her escape with Muxu, intending to go to her father, General Nie, in the Northwest. Muxu reminded her they had no money. Nie Sangyu declared that she would find a way to earn money within seven days, even while injured, and then proudly leave the mansion.
Overhearing this, Gui Bai reported the conversation to Ning Yuxuan, stating that her motivation truly seemed to be money. After hearing Gui Bai quote Nie Sangyu's regrets about ever falling for him, Ning Yuxuan grew thoughtful and asked Gui Bai a startling question: "Are you sure the person you fished out that day was really Nie Sangyu?"
Episode 4 Recap
Gui Bai reported to his superior that he was certain the person they had rescued was Nie Sangyu, noting that while she looked the same, her demeanor was entirely different. He questioned if two people could look so alike, but his superior dismissed the possibility of a coincidence. They decided not to reveal the truth to her, believing she would never be able to leave the Ning household anyway.
Shortly after, Wen Wan visited Nie Sangyu, expressing false sympathy for her whip injuries and urging her not to pursue a divorce from the Marquis. Citing Nie Sangyu’s status as his first wife, she suggested enduring such hardships was necessary. Nie Sangyu cut her off, declaring her firm decision to leave and stating that their contrasting, strong-willed personalities would inevitably cause problems. She also warned Wen Wan to be cautious around men like the Marquis.
Before Wen Wan left, Nie Sangyu gave her a box of Scar Recovering Cream she had made, describing it as a facial cream that could beautify, moisturize, and whiten skin. Wen Wan accepted it, praising its scent, but once outside, she casually handed it to her maid to use.
Meanwhile, Muxu worried aloud about their lack of funds now that the Marquis had confiscated their money, but Nie Sangyu asserted she wouldn't rely on him and had an idea for a big business venture using the Scar Recovering Cream. Nie Sangyu sought out Qian Lianxue, excitedly proposing a plan to make money. Having recently gotten into trouble, Qian Lianxue was hesitant, wanting only a peaceful life and fearing the Marquis's infamous interrogation methods.
Nie Sangyu dismissed the Marquis as a one-time problem and emphasized the potential of the "big business" she envisioned. Observing that Qian Lianxue hadn't bought new clothes recently and surely needed money, Nie Sangyu used Qian Lianxue's maid, Banxia, as proof of the cream's effectiveness, as Banxia's skin had noticeably improved after using it. Nie Sangyu elaborated on the cream's ability to heal scars and enhance beauty, promising significant profit.
Though Qian Lianxue was still doubtful, Nie Sangyu revealed her true goal: to make enough money to leave the Ning household and the Marquis for good. Admitting she was in a difficult position, she asked for Qian Lianxue’s help as her most suitable partner, and Qian Lianxue finally agreed. Despite her injury, Nie Sangyu instructed Muxu on how to create the Scar Recovering Cream, carefully mixing ingredients like saffron crocus, hibiscus flower, and almond oil.
Once the cream was successfully produced, Qian Lianxue began selling it within the mansion. Servants who used it were impressed by its moisturizing effect and the disappearance of their blemishes and scars, quickly becoming eager customers. However, Qian Lianxue soon rushed to Nie Sangyu with alarming news: all the roses in the Rose Garden, a critical ingredient, had withered overnight, halting production. Nie Sangyu immediately understood this was deliberate sabotage but decided investigating would be a futile effort.
She dismissed Qian Lianxue's suggestion to buy more roses from outside the mansion, declaring she had a better solution. Elsewhere, Wen Wan was seen confirming to her maid that she had poured hot water on the roses, though she publicly feigned innocence, blaming the garden's neglect. Nie Sangyu turned the situation to her advantage, instructing Qian Lianxue to spread the news that the raw material was gone and the remaining stock was extremely limited.
She then sold the existing inventory at double the price, marketing it as a "limited edition." The strategy worked perfectly, creating a buying frenzy among the servants, who lamented that the cream had sold out so quickly. Nie Sangyu was pleased with the increased profit, wryly thanking the saboteur for inadvertently boosting their sales.
She also revealed that interest in the cream had spread to the ladies of the capital and planned to build anticipation by offering them only samples at first, adhering to the principle that "scarcity increases value." Meanwhile, two men were discussing recent events, concluding that Ning Yuxuan had manipulated them during the Kui Xing Lou incident, using their assassination attempt as a way to eliminate his own wife, Nie Sangyu. They decided to temporarily halt their plans against him.
Back at the mansion, Wen Wan attempted to deliver tonic soup to Ning Yuxuan, but he refused it and sent her away, noting her sallow complexion. After she left, he ordered his attendant to buy him a bottle of the Scar Recovering Cream.
Later, it was reported to Nie Sangyu that Wen Wan, after being dismissed by the Marquis, had noticed the servants' radiant skin and tried to purchase the now-scarce cream, ultimately paying triple the price to a servant to acquire a bottle. Nie Sangyu found this strange, recalling that she had already given Wen Wan a free bottle, but didn't dwell on it. With sufficient funds earned, Nie Sangyu prepared to leave.
She gathered everyone in Reflection Pavilion, announced her departure for the following evening, and requested they see her off at the front gate. She generously invited them to take anything they liked from the pavilion, as she couldn't carry it with her. She privately informed Qian Lianxue of her plans to open her own shop. Qian Lianxue expressed envy but explained she couldn't leave yet, as her brother needed the Marquis's support for the imperial examinations.
Nie Sangyu reassured her, calling them the "best business partners." She then formally told Ning Yuxuan of her intention to leave the next day, stating they would be enemies from then on. He confirmed a carriage was ready and surprisingly offered to see her off at the front gate. The next evening, while everyone, including Wen Wan and Qian Lianxue, waited at the front gate, Nie Sangyu and Muxu headed towards the back gate.
Nie Sangyu explained this was their strategy: "making a feint to the east and attacking in the west." However, Ning Yuxuan was waiting for them there with guards. He blocked her path, questioning where she thought she was going. She reiterated that they were incompatible, but he countered by asking why she had tried so hard to marry him in the first place. She dismissed it as youthful ignorance.
He then ordered his guards to take her back to Reflection Pavilion. She vehemently refused, stating she would rather sleep on the street. He called her actions reckless and ordered the guards to take her by force. As she struggled, she cried out that he was going back on his word, as he had already agreed to the divorce. Meanwhile, Ling Jianxing received a report that Gui Bai had been seen leaving the city alone late at night.
He ordered his men to intercept him. Posing as bandits, his men stopped Gui Bai, killed his horse, and robbed him, finding a prescription for stopping bleeding and reducing inflammation. Noting the strength of the ingredients, Ling Jianxing suspected Ning Yuxuan was seriously injured and ordered his men to continue investigating his recent activities. Earlier, Ning Yuxuan had been stabbed at a derelict temple. He had gone there expecting to find bandits but instead found starving refugees.
A desperate woman, pleading for her child, stabbed him, accusing him of being a ruthless official whose actions had driven their families to starvation. This confrontation caused Ning Yuxuan to question whether his harsh methods were truly just. Secretly returning to the mansion, he staggered to Reflection Pavilion, trying to hide his severe injury. Nie Sangyu discovered him there, bleeding heavily. He refused to let her call a doctor or allow anyone else to know.
Despite his protests, she insisted on treating him. She wrote a prescription for a medicinal decoction, sending Muxu to fetch the ingredients, which included an unusual item called "Horse's Manure." When Ning Yuxuan refused to drink the strange-smelling medicine, she tied him up with a sailor's knot and, with Muxu's help, held his nose shut to force-feed him the decoction. The next morning, Nie Sangyu found Ning Yuxuan awake but with no memory of the previous night's events.
She mockingly recounted a dramatic and exaggerated version of the story: how he had staggered in, how she had heroically saved him despite his disobedience, and how she had to acquire the special "Horse's Manure" medicine, joking about whether he preferred it "poop-flavored" or "horse-manure-flavored." She gleefully described prying his mouth open with a bamboo ruler to force the medicine down, relishing his predicament. She finished her tale with a triumphant, "And that's how it happened."
Episode 5 Recap
Ning Yuxuan, injured, was visited by Gui Bai, who reported he had been ambushed by a fierce, armed group in the night. They had stolen his money and medicine. Nie Sangyu remarked that these robbers must be very powerful to overcome Gui Bai. Ning Yuxuan ordered that news of his injury must be kept secret. He wanted to return to his bedroom, but Gui Bai noted his injuries were too severe for easy movement, so he remained where he was.
Nie Sangyu complained about having to care for him. Wen Wan arrived, claiming she was worried about Nie Sangyu after she was scolded by His Lordship the previous day. She brought gifts and insisted on entering Nie Sangyu's room despite Nie Sangyu's protests that the room was messy, cold, and that she had a cold. Wen Wan's attendant pressed to enter, suggesting something might be hidden inside. Ning Yuxuan called out, telling them to stop and leave.
Wen Wan left, startled. Afterward, Nie Sangyu pointed out that Ning Yuxuan seemed recovered enough to sit up and suggested he go back to his own room, fearing that the commotion caused by Wen Wan's visit would draw attention and reveal his presence. Ning Yuxuan stated he couldn't leave yet due to the scrutiny on the area. Gui Bai brought food, but there was nowhere to put it as the table and other furnishings had been given away.
Ning Yuxuan declared he was not there to suffer and ordered many items brought in to furnish the room comfortably. Servants seemed pleased, believing this meant the First Lady was favored again. Nie Sangyu was angered by Ning Yuxuan arranging her room to his taste, but he overruled her objections, stating he wanted comfort. He asserted that the entire mansion belonged to him.
Nie Sangyu questioned his character, noting he had been assassinated multiple times, implying he wasn't a good official. Ning Yuxuan ordered Gui Bai to remove her, but she quickly relented and agreed to be quiet. Later, she observed that in her own room, Ning Yuxuan slept on the bed while she was on the couch. Meanwhile, Lord Tan spoke with Ling Jianxing, expressing frustration that Ning Yuxuan was closely allied with the Emperor.
He called Ling Jianxing a "piece of trash" for having to settle for him. Lord Tan pressured Ling Jianxing to defeat Ning Yuxuan and secure the position of prime minister, threatening his life if he failed. Ling Jianxing pledged to find a countermeasure. Later, Ning Yuxuan thrashed in his sleep, having a nightmare about his father, calling out for help. Nie Sangyu woke him despite his resistance.
Gui Bai reported that a doctor found no issues with the medicine Nie Sangyu had prepared, even praising the prescription, which Ning Yuxuan found strange. Gui Bai also reported on the attackers, saying they looked like bandits but seemed trained by the government. Ning Yuxuan, suspecting Ling Jianxing was already aware of the incident, reiterated that his rival must not learn about his injury. Ning Yuxuan heard a noise and saw Nie Sangyu pounding herbs in the courtyard.
He watched her, intrigued. Noticing him, Nie Sangyu got an idea. She brought several varieties of Scar Recovering Cream, including one for the soles of the feet, and insisted on applying it to Ning Yuxuan. He strongly refused. While they argued, Wen Wan's attendant arrived, but Muxu blocked her, claiming Her Ladyship and His Lordship were busy. Inside, Nie Sangyu persisted until Ning Yuxuan finally told her to stay away from him.
Seizing the opportunity, Nie Sangyu took his words as permission to leave, announcing she would go to the flower market so as not to bother him. She left with Muxu. Nie Sangyu and Muxu explored the market. Nie Sangyu asked a vendor about cosmetic shops and learned there were none currently. Recognizing the business opportunity, she decided to set up a stall to sell her creams. A man, accompanied by his subordinates, noticed her.
His subordinate found it amusing that the Marquis's wife was selling goods on the street. The man watched her closely. Nie Sangyu passionately explained her ambition was not just a stall but a chain of cosmetic shops across the land. The man introduced himself as Yuan Lang, a wandering merchant looking for opportunities, and immediately offered to partner with her, with him providing the money and her providing the products. Nie Sangyu was surprised by his direct offer.
Gui Bai arrived to fetch Nie Sangyu. Yuan Lang saw him and announced he had to leave, giving Nie Sangyu some money as a token of sincerity and instructing her to find him at Wanghua Restaurant if she was interested. Nie Sangyu refused the money. Gui Bai informed Nie Sangyu that Ning Yuxuan wanted her to return to the mansion immediately, claiming he needed his medicine changed.
Nie Sangyu returned and checked Ning Yuxuan's wound, quickly realizing he didn't need his medicine changed and had just summoned her back deliberately. She confronted him about lying. He accused her of embarrassing him by setting up a street stall, reminding her she was the Marquis's wife. She countered that she earned her money through her own efforts and had already requested a divorce.
She stated that every penny she earned was to better facilitate her departure from him, seeing her memory loss as a chance at a new life. Ning Yuxuan mused that her change since the amnesia was a mystery. Nie Sangyu firmly declared that the best outcome for them was separation, stating her intention to leave the Ning Mansion once his injury healed.
Spies reported to Ling Jianxing that Ning Yuxuan seemed to have a cold and had stayed in the First Lady's courtyard. Ling Jianxing suspected the cold was a cover for an injury, finding Ning Yuxuan's prolonged stay with the notoriously difficult Nie Sangyu abnormal. At court, Ling Jianxing reported a recent military victory and requested the soldiers be rewarded. The Emperor agreed to hold a Flower Fair in the Imperial Garden for the meritorious officials and their families.
Ling Jianxing then highlighted Ning Yuxuan's crucial role in the victory and suggested he attend, arguing his absence might dishearten the soldiers. The Emperor agreed. Nie Sangyu, excited about her business, went to look at a potential shop space. The owner described it as a prime location and asked for her best offer. Nie Sangyu offered eighty taels, but the owner stated the price was eight hundred taels, cash only.
Shocked, Nie Sangyu protested the high price, but the owner refused to negotiate and told her to leave. Two officials, friends of Ning Yuxuan, discussed Ling Jianxing's actions at court. They deduced that Ling Jianxing deliberately waited until the Emperor announced the Flower Fair for families before suggesting Ning Yuxuan attend, forcing him to bring his wife. They noted that only the principal wife is appropriate for such formal events.
Knowing Ning Yuxuan's poor relationship with Nie Sangyu, they concluded Ling Jianxing aimed to create a public embarrassment that would damage Ning Yuxuan's reputation and ruin his prospects for the position of prime minister. Ning Yuxuan informed Nie Sangyu that she was required to attend the Flower Fair. She refused, reminding him of their impending divorce. He insisted she must fulfill her duties as the First Lady.
When she suggested his concubine, Wen Wan, could attend, he explained that bringing a concubine to a formal court event would cause a scandal. Nie Sangyu offered to divorce him that day so he could bring Wen Wan legitimately. Instead, he presented clothes for her and offered that if she attended the event, he might agree to the divorce. Nie Sangyu called his bluff, stating she had earned enough money to leave regardless.
Ning Yuxuan countered that without a formal divorce, their property was jointly owned, meaning he could legally take half of her earnings. Angered, Nie Sangyu ultimately conceded, agreeing to compromise one last time.
Episode 6 Recap
Because Nie Sangyu was his legitimate wife, Ning Yuxuan had to bring her to the imperial banquet. He approached her to discuss signing a divorce agreement, and Nie Sangyu, feeling she had no other choice, agreed to attend the banquet with him as a compromise. Upon arriving at the palace, Ning Yuxuan reminded Nie Sangyu to be cautious with her words and actions, as no one knew about her amnesia, and instructed her to stay close.
Nie Sangyu sarcastically asked what kind of relationship they should portray—a loving couple, friendly on the surface but estranged at heart, or outright enemies—stating she could perform any role, which left Ning Yuxuan speechless. Inside, Nie Sangyu saw several ladies discussing face creams and tried to join their conversation. However, she was interrupted by General Tao Siwei, who led her to a seat he had specially cleaned, knowing her preference for neatness.
When Nie Sangyu thanked him, Tao Siwei was shocked, remarking that she used to be demanding and critical, even hitting him, and had never shown gratitude. He speculated that Ning Yuxuan was restraining her and encouraged her to revert to her old self, much to Nie Sangyu's bewilderment. She internally questioned his sanity for enjoying poor treatment and politely excused herself by suggesting he go greet the arriving Emperor. The banquet commenced after the Emperor's arrival.
A tense, veiled exchange about past rebellions and current military power took place between the Emperor and Lord Tan. The Emperor then addressed Ning Yuxuan, inquiring about his health. Administrator Ling Jianxing approached to offer a toast, expressing surprise that Ning Yuxuan had brought Nie Sangyu instead of his recently married concubine, whose virtues he then praised. Ning Yuxuan retorted that Ling Jianxing should focus on his own marriage prospects rather than others' family matters.
Nie Sangyu later commented on Ling’s sharp tongue, and Ning Yuxuan replied that it was his usual manner. Ling Jianxing announced he had transported fresh crabs from Haifang as a treat. Ning Yuxuan, unable to eat seafood due to an injury, grew uneasy. When Ling questioned why the couple wasn't eating, Nie Sangyu remarked that transporting the crabs over six hundred miles was a great waste of resources. Ling accused her of mocking both him and the Emperor.
Ning Yuxuan quickly intervened, but Nie Sangyu clarified that she simply knew a less troublesome method to prepare seafood while preserving its freshness. Intrigued, the Emperor commanded her to demonstrate. Nie Sangyu prepared marinated raw crab, or "qiang xie," explaining that eating it raw was key to its flavor. Despite Ling Jianxing's concerns about the Emperor consuming raw food, the Emperor tried the dish and was greatly impressed, recommending it to the court.
When Ling Jianxing offered a crab to Ning Yuxuan, Tao Siwei intercepted it, declaring his love for the dish and taking it for himself. The Emperor then asked Nie Sangyu about her culinary skills. She listed numerous ways to cook tofu and mentioned a medicinal seahorse wine that could nourish yin and invigorate yang, prompting a flustered Ning Yuxuan to usher her back to her seat. The Emperor commented that Ning Yuxuan had married a truly sincere and good-natured lady.
Ling Jianxing then challenged Ning Yuxuan to a sword fight. Nie Sangyu tried to decline on her husband's behalf, citing his incomplete recovery from illness. Despite her protests, Ning Yuxuan accepted. The rule was to seize a flag from the opponent's back. During the duel, Ling Jianxing repeatedly targeted Ning Yuxuan's wound. Seeing this, Nie Sangyu rushed in, blocked a blow, and snatched Ling Jianxing's flag.
The Emperor reprimanded Nie Sangyu for breaking the rules and declared Ning Yuxuan the loser. However, he was so moved by their profound affection and mutual support that he proclaimed them a model couple for the realm and conferred upon Nie Sangyu the title of Second-rank Lady with Imperial Mandate. Nie Sangyu was reluctant, but Ning Yuxuan urged her to accept the decree.
Back at the mansion, while treating Ning Yuxuan's wound, Nie Sangyu mused about the value of her new title and robes. She realized the title could greatly boost her business, envisioning a product like "Scar-Removing Cream with Imperial Mandate." She suggested they delay their divorce, and Ning Yuxuan agreed to a "cooling-off period." Nie Sangyu then proposed a system to track their deeds for each other: a box with colored beads, each representing 100 guan.
Whoever did a good deed would add a bead of their color, and on the day of their divorce, the person with more beads would take the money. She immediately added beads for tending to his wound and bringing honor to the family, while he deducted one because she almost exposed his injury. Ning Yuxuan struggled to recall any good deeds he had done for her, as Nie Sangyu confidently predicted she would leave the mansion a rich woman.
Meanwhile, Ling Jianxing was furious. Noting Ning Yuxuan’s weakness during the duel, he concluded the injury was severe and ordered his subordinate to investigate its cause. Suspecting it was related to an unauthorized investigation into bandits, an act forbidden by the Emperor, Ling saw an opportunity to bring about Ning Yuxuan's downfall. Nie Sangyu told her maid, Muxu, that her new title was a source of "endless gold."
Learning they had only 280 taels of silver, she decided to spend 100 taels to host a lavish banquet for the capital's elite. Her plan was to leverage her new status to network and sell her products, keeping all the profits for herself. Nanny Liu informed Nie Sangyu that the Marquis had ordered her to move back to the main residence, the Rose Garden, as her current dwelling, the Reflection Pavilion, was unbefitting her new rank.
Nie Sangyu refused, stating she had grown fond of the pavilion and decided to rename it "Feiwan Pavilion," meaning "it's not too late." Nanny Liu reported this to Ning Yuxuan, along with Nie Sangyu's plan to host a self-funded banquet to promote her business. Ning Yuxuan was intrigued by the new name but doubted anyone would attend due to her poor reputation. Nanny Liu then mentioned that General Nie, Sangyu's father, and his family were expected to arrive in the capital soon.
Episode 7 Recap
Nanny Liu informed Nie Sangyu that she should move back to the Rose Garden, but Nie Sangyu declined, stating she was comfortable where she was. She decided to rename the Reflection Pavilion to Feiwan Pavilion, explaining the name meant it was not too late to learn from past mistakes. Nie Sangyu also announced she would personally fund a banquet for the ladies of the capital, planning to sell her products there and keep the profits.
On the day of the banquet, no one arrived for a long time. The first guests to finally appear were her father, General Nie, her mother, and her sister, Nie Qingyun. Having lost her memory, Nie Sangyu didn't recognize them at first. Once she did, she greeted them enthusiastically and showered Nie Qingyun with compliments, shocking her sister.
Muxu later reminded Nie Sangyu that she used to be cruel to Qingyun, but Sangyu explained that her amnesia had changed her for the better. Mrs. Nie brought Sangyu unique items from the Northwest, but when Sangyu expressed interest in business opportunities, General Nie advised against it, citing the high transportation costs. Privately, General Nie questioned Nie Sangyu about her change in temperament, asking if Ning Yuxuan had mistreated her.
Nie Sangyu declared her intention to divorce Ning Yuxuan, listing his flaws: besides his handsome face, he had no virtues, ground his teeth, was a picky eater, and was overly rigid. She complained that he ignored her when she sought him out but secretly watched her when she ignored him. General Nie cut her off, stating that such private marital matters shouldn't be discussed, and made a hasty exit. With only her family present, the banquet commenced.
Nie Sangyu argued that Ning Yuxuan should pay, but he refused, citing a house rule that required expenses to be requested in advance. Frustrated at having spent a hundred taels for nothing, Nie Sangyu began drinking heavily, consuming five flagons of expensive osmanthus wine to "drink her money's worth." During the banquet, General Nie was deeply shaken when he noticed the jade pendant Nie Sangyu was wearing.
He recalled a past time when, struggling to raise two young daughters, he gave one child away to a man named Xiangyuan. As a token for a future reunion, he gave each sister a jade pendant, with the elder sister receiving the one with a right crescent moon. After the memory, he instructed a subordinate to go to his hometown, Luan County, and find a man named Ji Ming. Later that evening, a drunken Nie Sangyu sought out Ning Yuxuan.
She stumbled into his room, calling him her "Mr. Right" and attempting to embrace him. Wen Wan arrived outside to deliver something and overheard the commotion, clenching her jaw in anger. To manage the situation, Ning Yuxuan wrapped Nie Sangyu in a quilt and carried her back to her room. The next morning, Nie Sangyu woke up with a headache. Muxu happily recounted that Ning Yuxuan had carried her back after she had drunkenly pursued him.
Muxu encouraged her to keep trying to mend their relationship, but Nie Sangyu insisted she was only focused on making money and clearing her name. Muxu then revealed that Ning Yuxuan had, in fact, paid the hundred taels for the banquet from the Marquis's estate funds. While Muxu saw this as a sign of affection, Sangyu remained focused on her goals.
Meanwhile, Ling Jianxing learned that Ning Yuxuan had been injured by refugees at a ruined temple, not bandits as rumored. He saw an opportunity, noting that with Ning Yuxuan's harsh reputation for hunting bandits, he would become the prime suspect if the refugees were killed, especially since a Ministry of Justice official, Wang Mang, already disliked him.
When Nie Sangyu went out, she was accosted by a crowd repeating malicious rumors started by paid scholars, including a fabricated story about her killing and eating a horse. They refused to listen to her explanation and threw rotten vegetables at her. She returned to the mansion distressed and was seen by Ning Yuxuan. He told her not to be bothered by idle talk and promised to handle it.
The next day, the scholars who had been slandering her were all mysteriously mute. Separately, assassins arrived at the ruined temple to kill the refugees. Yuan Lang returned just in time to fight them off and save the survivors. He took them to Master Liao Ran for care and reported finding a Tea Gang mark on an assassin. Concerned that someone was misusing the gang's name, he vowed to investigate and purge the culprits.
Episode 8 Recap
After her maid Muxu reported that the scholars who had spread rumors about her had all lost their voices overnight, Nie Sangyu grew uneasy. She worried the public would suspect her, further solidifying her reputation as a cruel woman, especially since the incident occurred right after they slandered her. Yuan Lang found Nie Sangyu, having heard she was upset by the gossip, and suggested they go somewhere for fresh air.
Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan instructed his subordinate Gui Bai to handle the scholars, ensuring their slanderous activities in the capital were completely silenced. From a restaurant, Ning Yuxuan watched as Nie Sangyu and Yuan Lang left together. Yuan Lang took Nie Sangyu and Muxu to a quiet spot by the water. He offered them vegetable pancakes, explaining that while he had intended to treat them to meat, the market was too crowded.
Nie Sangyu, not a picky eater, found the pancakes delicious. Yuan Lang shared that the pancakes were his happiest childhood memory. Clarifying that his mother died when he was young, he explained he was raised by his father and uncles, who made him these pancakes because their family was poor. After Nie Sangyu apologized for the sensitive topic, Yuan Lang recounted how his village was burned down by villains, killing nearly everyone.
He had spent years searching for any surviving relatives and had finally found one, but that person did not recognize him. Changing the subject, Yuan Lang asked about Nie Sangyu's plans. She mentioned wanting to open a shop but was discouraged by the current rumors. Yuan Lang encouraged her, stating that from his experience with many merchants, he believed she had the vision and talent to succeed in business, and he toasted to her future success.
Upon returning home, Nie Sangyu confronted Ning Yuxuan, demanding to know if he was responsible for silencing the scholars. Ning Yuxuan claimed he had only sent Gui Bai to "visit" them. He explained they confessed and provided evidence of their slander, which he was compiling to submit to the authorities. As for their muteness, he sarcastically suggested they had simply talked themselves hoarse confessing their many misdeeds.
He added that Ling Jianxing had escaped blame after one scholar took responsibility, claiming to have acted by falsely using Ling Jianxing's name. Nie Sangyu questioned Ning Yuxuan's sudden attentiveness, asking if he had feelings for her. He deflected, stating he was only acting because, as a second-rank lady, she should not be framed. Their conversation was interrupted when Gui Bai announced that officials from the Court of Judicial Review had forced their way into the manor.
The officials informed Ning Yuxuan that several refugees, including a mother and son with whom he had a connection, had been murdered in a suburban temple, and he was the prime suspect. Nie Sangyu protested, vouching that Ning Yuxuan was with her, compiling evidence for her case. However, Ning Yuxuan admitted he had no alibi. He instructed Gui Bai to investigate the temple, then calmly agreed to accompany the officials, telling Nie Sangyu not to worry.
Meanwhile, Yuan Lang consulted a monk named Lanyan, who recalled that a Tea Gang member named Huang Han had told him many surviving members had followed a previously unknown but now influential figure to Haifang. Yuan Lang also noted that the assassins at the temple wore rattan shoes, typical of boatmen. Gui Bai found clues at the temple but couldn't get them to Ning Yuxuan in the Court of Judicial Review's prison.
Nie Sangyu devised a plan: she disguised Gui Bai as a maid and used her status as a titled lady and daughter of General Nie Xiangyuan, along with a bribe, to gain entry. Inside, Gui Bai presented Ning Yuxuan with two items from the scene: a boatman's shoe and a handkerchief bearing the Tea Gang's symbol. Ning Yuxuan, who had initially suspected Ling Jianxing, now realized the Tea Gang and possibly Yuan Lang were involved.
He speculated that his long-standing investigation into the Tea Gang, whom he believed were hiding in Haifang, was connected. He saw the crisis as a potential turning point. Nie Sangyu left him a box of snacks, and he smiled after eating one. She playfully told him he now owed her for two favors: bringing Gui Bai and giving him the snacks. After leaving, Nie Sangyu pressed Gui Bai for details, who confirmed Ning Yuxuan was previously wounded by bandits.
She surmised the murdered refugees were likely their vengeful families, and despite their tragic fate, she acknowledged that Ning Yuxuan was a good official. Rumors about Ning Yuxuan murdering refugees spread, painting him as a cold-blooded killer. Furious, Nie Sangyu confronted gossipers until a childhood acquaintance, Tao, who was on patrol, intervened. Deeply distressed, Nanny Liu pleaded with Nie Sangyu to save Ning Yuxuan.
She tearfully recounted his traumatic past: he was a lively child until his father's death rendered him mute for over a year. Shortly after he recovered, his mother passed away, the last time Nanny Liu ever saw him cry. She expressed her recent joy at seeing him smile again due to Nie Sangyu's influence, making Nie Sangyu realize how little she knew of his pain. Determined, Nie Sangyu launched a campaign to restore his reputation.
She bribed a scholar to write articles about Ning Yuxuan's good deeds, such as his flood control efforts and disaster relief work, and spread them in influential places like the Kuixing Restaurant. She also set up a public shrine for citizens to pray for him and instructed Muxu to have household staff subtly inform palace eunuchs of Ning Yuxuan's integrity. Though this exhausted their funds, Nie Sangyu felt it was necessary to save an incorruptible official.
In his cell, Ning Yuxuan declared that the Tea Gang members who killed innocent people to frame him deserved to die. The Emperor told Ning Yuxuan that he was aware of his unauthorized anti-bandit operations but had turned a blind eye. Ning Yuxuan maintained his innocence, stating that while he would never forget his father's killers, he would never harm innocents.
The Emperor then drily remarked on Ning Yuxuan's "good wife," whose campaign had caused a public outcry that reached the palace gates. At the trial, the court proposed to acquit Ning Yuxuan due to a lack of evidence. Enraged, the Emperor declared the scandal damaged the nation's image and required severe punishment.
Citing ancestral rules that forbade him from executing Ning Yuxuan but finding exile insufficient, the Emperor stripped him of his title and rank and banished him to the coastal region of Haifang to serve as a magistrate and reflect on his actions. After the verdict, an unknown lord questioned whether the assignment to Haifang was truly a punishment or part of a larger plan. His subordinate vowed to ensure Ning Yuxuan would never reach Haifang.
Muxu reported the verdict to Nie Sangyu, who was relieved Ning Yuxuan's life was spared. Muxu described Haifang as a mysterious place with conflicting reputations—some said the people were tough, others simple, while some claimed it was a lawless land of pirates from which no one returned. As Muxu worried for his safety, Nie Sangyu suspected the Emperor's decision had a deeper meaning.
Episode 9 Recap
After his release from prison, Ning Yuxuan returned home to find his household gathered to welcome him. Nie Sangyu had prepared a homecoming ceremony with a brazier of burning willow branches for him to step over to dispel bad luck. Ning Yuxuan dismissed the ritual as superstitious and ordered it removed, but later that night, he was seen soaking his feet in water prepared with grapefruit leaves, which Gui Bai revealed Nie Sangyu had specially selected for him.
Meanwhile, Yuan Lang learned that members of the Tea Gang had appeared in Haifang and resolved to go there himself. Ning Yuxuan instructed Gui Bai to follow up on the matter of the scholars, which had been delayed due to his imprisonment. Gui Bai mentioned that Nie Sangyu had skillfully used the scholars to rally support and clear Ning Yuxuan's name, acknowledging her contribution to his release.
Ning Yuxuan advised Gui Bai to handle the scholars discreetly, treating each case individually rather than applying a blanket approach. Ning Yuxuan decided that Nie Sangyu should accompany him to Haifang, explaining he was concerned for her safety in the capital after she had offended Ling Jianxing. Nie Sangyu initially refused, stating her intention to open a shop.
Wen Wan then arrived, expressing sympathy for Ning Yuxuan's hardship and suggested she accompany him to Haifang to cook for him and explore the local novelties and snacks. Hearing this, Nie Sangyu changed her mind and agreed to go, suggesting she and Wen Wan could travel together for company. Ning Yuxuan then gave Nie Sangyu a box of beads as a reward for helping restore his reputation, which she quickly accepted.
Later, Nie Sangyu made an anti-motion sickness balm and gave a bottle to Wen Wan. Wen Wan reciprocated by offering Nie Sangyu a dish of freshly picked cowpeas, explaining it was her first attempt at making a dish her mother used to cook. Nie Sangyu later brought a balm for Ning Yuxuan and saw he also had a dish of cowpeas from Wen Wan.
Nie Sangyu revealed that she had already sampled Wen Wan's dish, found it undercooked, and was now feeling unwell. She pointed out that if she hadn't tried it first, Ning Yuxuan would have been the one to get sick from the poisonous, undercooked beans. Concerned, Ning Yuxuan urged her to rest and said he would call for a doctor. Ning Yuxuan then summoned Wen Wan.
She feigned ignorance, claiming she didn't know undercooked cowpeas were poisonous and would never harm Nie Sangyu. Acknowledging her past suffering but stating it didn't justify her actions, Ning Yuxuan pointed out that Nie Sangyu had changed and had done nothing to harm her. He told Wen Wan it was time to stop her manipulations and ordered her to remain in the capital to reflect, informing her she would not be joining them in Haifang.
Wen Wan pleaded for forgiveness, but Ning Yuxuan remained firm. On the day of departure, Nie Sangyu insisted on personally carrying her most important belongings onto the carriage. Wen Wan appeared to see them off, presenting Ning Yuxuan with a straw mat and promising to pray for his safety. Ning Yuxuan instructed her to apologize to Nie Sangyu. Wen Wan did so, admitting her mistake. Nie Sangyu accepted the apology but declined the mat.
Meanwhile, Old Man Ji returned after three months at sea and immediately asked his attendant, Sang Shen, where Man'er was. Sang Shen informed him that Man'er had gone to the capital to find her beloved, which enraged him. He resolved to travel to the capital immediately. On the journey to Haifang, Ning Yuxuan shared information about their destination. He explained that Haifang was originally a small fishing village used by pirates to sell stolen goods.
As more merchants arrived, they collectively built a private port, and the area gradually developed into a hub for overseas trade. When Nie Sangyu asked why the court didn't govern it, Ning Yuxuan revealed it was difficult to control, as the previous three county magistrates sent there had all died under mysterious circumstances. Unconcerned, Nie Sangyu excitedly listed the famous local foods she had researched along their route.
Elsewhere, Ling Jianxing, convinced Ning Yuxuan had uncovered something significant, planned an ambush, noting that Ning Yuxuan's small escort made him vulnerable. That evening, they stopped at a post house. Ning Yuxuan had Nie Sangyu register for rooms, telling her to use her status as a second-rank lady with an imperial mandate to secure better accommodations for them.
Instead, Nie Sangyu used her title to request a premium room for herself while assigning a woodshed to Ning Yuxuan, claiming her rank could not be extended to benefit family and that a seventh-rank county magistrate warranted no more. To her surprise, Ning Yuxuan accepted the woodshed without protest, leaving her puzzled. In the woodshed, Ning Yuxuan ordered Gui Bai to remain vigilant, certain Ling Jianxing would try to attack them on the road.
He recalled his recent audience with the Emperor, who acknowledged that Ning Yuxuan had been framed and that Nie Sangyu's actions had provided a convenient excuse for his release. The Emperor tasked him with bringing Haifang under central control, promising it would create a justification for his eventual return to the capital.
Ning Yuxuan privately reflected on his perilous journey and thought of his deceased father, hoping his spirit would guide him in finding the remnants of the Tea Gang to avenge him. Later, Ning Yuxuan found Nie Sangyu outside looking at the stars. She pointed out specific constellations, explaining how she could tell the weather and time from their positions—a knowledge that had appeared in her mind spontaneously.
She confided that she felt isolated and considered the stars her friends, whom she often snuck out to talk to. She shared a belief that deceased loved ones become stars, watching over those they left behind. Briefly leaning on his shoulder, she mused about this connection. Ning Yuxuan softly said, "Thanks," but she didn't hear him clearly and asked, "What?"
Episode 10 Recap
Having led a patrol, Gui Bai reported to Ning Yuxuan that some individuals at the inn seemed suspicious, confirming that all preparations were in place. Ning Yuxuan then informed his companion that she would be sleeping in the woodshed with him. He explained that due to his many enemies, assassins would likely target the premium room. She accused him of using her as bait, but he insisted it was for her safety, assuring her that Muxu would be looked after.
Despite her reluctance, she moved to the woodshed, where she dozed off while sitting on the bed. Ning Yuxuan watched her, recalling the plum blossom-shaped birthmark he knew was on Nie Sangyu's shoulder and wondering if this woman, identical in appearance, also had it. Meanwhile, assassins broke into the empty premium room, only to be ambushed by Gui Bai. Awakened by the commotion, Ning Yuxuan calmed his companion, telling her to stay put and promising to protect her.
He joined Gui Bai to fight the assassins inside the inn. After neutralizing the threat, Ning Yuxuan left two men to guard her and took the rest outside with bows and arrows to surprise the remaining attackers. Worried, his companion disobeyed his orders and went outside, where an assassin feigning death seized her. Dragging her before Ning Yuxuan, the captor demanded his men retreat five miles.
She told Ning Yuxuan not to save her, declaring she would bear the consequences of her own actions. To her astonishment, Ning Yuxuan ordered his men to withdraw. The assassin then demanded Ning Yuxuan drop his sword, and after a moment of hesitation marked by a painful memory, he complied. During the ensuing struggle, Ning Yuxuan was stabbed in the abdomen. He grabbed his companion, and with attackers in close pursuit, they leaped into a river to escape.
The next day, Ning Yuxuan awoke to Gui Bai, who reported that his companion had dragged him from the water. While some assassins were killed, the captured ones had all committed suicide. Ning Yuxuan, certain that Lord Ling was behind the escalating attacks, ordered Gui Bai to discreetly investigate the real Nie Sangyu's whereabouts in the capital.
He explained that when they emerged from the river, he saw through a tear in her clothing that her shoulder was bare, with no birthmark. This confirmed his growing suspicion that the woman with him was an impostor. Elsewhere, Ling Jianxing was furious about the failed mission. He then received a secret letter from Lord Tan, advising him to let Ning Yuxuan reach Haifang, where they could collaborate to trap and eliminate him.
In another location, Yuan Lang learned his subordinates had failed to locate Ning Yuxuan and his "little sister." He concluded the assassins were Ning Yuxuan's political enemies and resolved to rescue her from the dangerous situation soon. As she tended to Ning Yuxuan's wound, his companion made him promise never to drop his sword for anyone again, including her, to which he agreed. She helped him rest against her, vowing to protect him.
Ning Yuxuan reflected that she was the first person ever willing to face death with him, strengthening his resolve to help her recover her memory and uncover the truth of her identity. They arrived at the dilapidated magistrate's residence in Haifang. On the journey, they had playfully nicknamed each other "Hongzhu" (Red Pig) and "Lanzhu" (Lazy Pig).
She noted the sign had incorrectly written characters, but Ning Yuxuan interpreted them as a virtuous message: the character for "guilt" was missing a stroke, and the one for "people" had an extra, signifying an official who wished to have less guilt and care more for the people. She wondered how such a man could have been accused of corruption before his suicide.
The trial hall frightened her, but Ning Yuxuan reminded her it was tradition for the magistrate's family to live there. In the backyard, she screamed upon finding a coffin and ran to Ning Yuxuan. He calmly investigated and found it empty. He explained the previous magistrate's family had perished with him, so the coffin and a mourning hall setup were clearly a warning meant for him, the new magistrate.
He gave her a bead to motivate her to clean the dusty room. Soon after, the local staff arrived, acting lazy and disrespectful. Ning Yuxuan recognized this as a tactic to drive him away, just as they had his predecessors, and began plotting how he would return their "gift."
Episode 11 Recap
Nie Sangyu finished tidying up their new residence when she was startled by a mouse, and her scream woke Ning Yuxuan. After Gui Bai searched the room but couldn't find the mouse, Ning Yuxuan suggested Nie Sangyu sleep in his room for the night. He offered to sleep on the floor while she took the bed, an arrangement she accepted after some initial hesitation. As a reward, she gave him a blue bead.
Recalling her past success managing the servants in the Ning Mansion, she proposed a bet: if she could successfully win over the servants in Haifang, he would give her two red beads. Ning Yuxuan scoffed, countering that if she could actually manage it, he would give her one hundred red beads, a deal she eagerly accepted. In court, Minister Wang reported that Prime Minister Liu Pingzhang was still too ill to attend and proposed appointing an acting prime minister.
He recommended Ling Jianxing, the Right Consul, noting that the Left Consul, Ning Yuxuan, was in exile. The Emperor dismissed the idea, stating that Liu Pingzhang would recover in a few days. However, Lord Tan then arrived and also argued that the aging Liu Pingzhang should be replaced, similarly recommending Ling Jianxing. The Emperor, wary of the coincidence, said he needed more time to consider such an important decision.
When other ministers also urged for a swift appointment, an official loyal to Liu Pingzhang spoke out against the hasty decision and even nominated himself. This prompted several other ministers and a general to also put themselves forward for the position. The Emperor, calling the situation ridiculous, ended the court session, promising to think it over.
Later, Nie Sangyu complained to Ning Yuxuan that her attempt to win over the servants had failed, as they were stubborn and refused any bribes. Ning Yuxuan hinted that the problem might not be a matter of money. Deciding to pursue her original plan to open a cosmetics shop, Sangyu announced she was going into town to scout locations. Ning Yuxuan offered to accompany her, and she agreed.
In the market, Nie Sangyu was thrilled to discover that pearls were sold at only a fifth of the price in the capital. She planned to grind them into powder to add to her Feiwan Face Cream, enhancing its quality while lowering costs. At a flower stall, Ning Yuxuan bought some Jidan flowers for her after learning they were popular hair ornaments for local women.
Nie Sangyu was also drawn to a Calla Lily, and despite the owner's warning that it was poisonous if eaten, she bought several, dismissing the idea that anyone would eat a flower. When she asked about future purchases, the owner explained that all shipments required permission from the Dragon Gang to dock, and their operations were controlled by the Magistrate's Residence since the previous magistrate's death.
She was warned not to ask too many questions, as the gang had spies everywhere. Feeling hungry, Nie Sangyu was steered by Ning Yuxuan to the Tingyun Restaurant. Upon seeing the empty establishment and its exorbitant menu, she declared it a tourist trap and stormed out, calling him a spendthrift.
Ning Yuxuan stayed behind and instructed the waiter to tell the owner, "Mr. Lu," that he expected better quality and would not tolerate the same tricks that were used on the previous magistrate. After leaving, Nie Sangyu was confronted by a thug. She warned him that the Calla Lily she was holding was poisonous, but he scoffed and ate a petal, immediately suffering the effects. As he was carried away, she urged him to see a doctor.
Nie Sangyu then ran off but was knocked unconscious. She was rescued by Yuan Lang, who claimed he fought off her attackers, whom he described as bandits. Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan interrogated the butler, Lu Dekui, threatening him with a coffin. He confirmed that Lu Dekui was the owner of the Tingyun Restaurant and forced him to reveal who might have targeted them.
The butler confessed that Li Ming from the Jiumu Casino had been threatening to cause trouble for the new magistrate. Ning Yuxuan went to the Jiumu Casino and demanded Li Ming reveal his wife's whereabouts. Li Ming feigned ignorance and challenged Ning Yuxuan to a game of dice, offering information as a prize. The stake for losing was that Ning Yuxuan would have to put on Li Ming's shoes, a humiliation previous magistrates had endured.
Ning Yuxuan agreed, calling it a minor matter, and proceeded to lose several rounds. Just as Li Ming declared he was about to win the final round, Ning Yuxuan exposed him for using loaded dice. Nie Sangyu woke up in a strange residence with Yuan Lang by her side. He explained he was a wandering merchant in Haifang and had saved her from bandits.
Suspecting Ning Yuxuan was involved in her attack, she set off to find him after Yuan Lang told her he had gone to a casino. She arrived to hear the crowd gossiping about the new magistrate's heavy gambling losses. Enraged, she burst in and began swinging a stick at Ning Yuxuan, ignoring his attempts to explain that the women around him had swarmed him. She bit his hand when he tried to restrain her.
When she swung the stick again, he dodged, and she accidentally struck Li Ming. Ning Yuxuan praised her bravery, declaring that Li Ming, as the owner of a crooked casino, deserved it, and then had him seized. To the cheers of the crowd, Ning Yuxuan ordered Gui Bai to shut down the casino. Afterward, Nie Sangyu explained she was angry about seeing the women with him.
He apologized, and she told him that Yuan Lang, a merchant from the capital, had saved her. Intrigued, Ning Yuxuan instructed Gui Bai to investigate Yuan Lang. Wang Jinyao, a local dignitary, heard about the magistrate's wife being accosted and sent an invitation for Ning Yuxuan to attend his birthday banquet as a gesture of goodwill. He warned his daughter to be cautious, as Ning Yuxuan was no ordinary official but had been personally appointed by the Emperor.
Meanwhile, Nie Sangyu was frustrated after a long day of searching for a suitable shop. Yuan Lang found her and, learning of her trouble, led her to a perfectly located shop. The owner offered it for 800 taels. Though she loved it, Sangyu didn't have the money. Yuan Lang immediately offered to buy it for her.
She initially refused, but he persuaded her by detailing the shop's strategic location near the Shuiyan House and wealthy residences, demonstrating a surprising knowledge of her cosmetics business, which he claimed to have heard about from a friend. She accepted, insisting the money was a loan she would repay. Back at the residence, an ecstatic Nie Sangyu announced she had found the perfect shop.
Ning Yuxuan then showed her the invitation to Wang Jinyao's party, suggesting it would be a great opportunity to network with Haifang's elite ladies, her potential customers. Wary of another trick but tempted by the prospect, she agreed to go.
Episode 12 Recap
Ning Yuxuan received an invitation from Wang Jinyao for his birthday celebration and decided to attend, inviting Nie Sangyu to join him. He explained that the event would be an opportunity for her to connect with the prominent ladies of Haifang. Nie Sangyu took some time to get ready, and when she emerged, Ning Yuxuan seemed captivated by her appearance, although he avoided directly answering when she asked if she looked beautiful.
Upon arriving at the party, Nie Sangyu was disappointed to find no meat dishes served. Wang Jinyao claimed that despite being a wealthy businessman, he donated most of his earnings to help the poor, believing this contributed to the region's peace. Ning Yuxuan brought up the subject of the previous magistrates, mentioning that his wife was troubled by rumors of violent incidents at the Magistrate's Residence.
Wang Jinyao confirmed that previous magistrates met unfortunate ends, adding that rumor suggested the former magistrate's entire family committed suicide after his corruption was exposed, while others said he was forced to die by order of "higher-ups." He emphasized Haifang's importance as a trade hub and the involvement of powerful figures, but claimed ignorance of specific details. Wang Jinyao introduced his daughter, Wang Yueli, asking her to toast the guests.
When Wang Yueli lifted her veil, Nie Sangyu noticed her severe acne. She had her maid, Muxu, give Wang Yueli a jar of her homemade Feiwan Face Cream, suggesting it would be very effective for her condition. Perceiving this as a public humiliation, Wang Yueli stormed off angrily.
As a gift, Ning Yuxuan presented Wang Jinyao with a box containing soil collected from places he had previously served, explaining it was a symbol of his integrity and a warning against corruption. He requested that Wang Jinyao add a handful of Haifang soil to the box when he eventually left the area.
Before departing, Ning Yuxuan announced his wife’s plan to open a cosmetic shop in Haifang and invited everyone to visit, with Nie Sangyu adding that all guests present would receive a generous discount. Returning from the party, Nie Sangyu noted inconsistencies she observed, such as Wang Yueli's expensive gold-inlaid jade bracelet and the fact that the supposedly frugal vegetarian dishes were cooked in a wok used for meat, suggesting the family's simple lifestyle was a facade.
She asked Ning Yuxuan why he publicly revealed her intention to open a shop, potentially making her a target. Ning Yuxuan explained that Haifang was controlled by two main forces: the visible Dragon Gang and the hidden influence of Wang Jinyao. He stated that his intention was to introduce Nie Sangyu, like a "catfish" into the "river," to disrupt the established order and uncover their strategies.
Nie Sangyu understood his goal of "stirring up the water" but was irked by his analogy of "putting her out," questioning if he saw her as a dog. Meanwhile, Wang Yueli confronted her father, furious about Nie Sangyu's comment. Wang Jinyao, however, instructed her to keep the cream, explaining that a person's needs reveal their weaknesses.
He stressed that forming a connection with Nie Sangyu was a matter of life and death for him and ordered his daughter to interact more with her. Later, Gui Bai reported to Ning Yuxuan on the ongoing investigation into Wang Jinyao's messenger and the assassins from the temple, noting their high skill level made them difficult to track. He also presented numerous invitations from young ladies who had attended the party, all wanting to meet Nie Sangyu.
Nie Sangyu returned late one evening, exhausted but enthusiastic about her shop preparations, which she said were going well with the help of Yuan Lang. She referred to him as her business partner, who provided the funds while she provided the skills. Ning Yuxuan strongly disapproved of her accepting Yuan Lang's money.
He told her a cautionary tale about a magistrate's wife whose tea shop was used by others to channel bribes to her husband, warning that Yuan Lang could use her name to solicit favors, which could lead to her prosecution and the seizure of her shop. Alarmed, Nie Sangyu asked for a solution. Ning Yuxuan offered to provide the funds himself.
In return, he tasked her with using the invitations to visit the homes of officials and businessmen to gather intelligence. He suggested she start with Huang Ruoyun, the daughter of the Assistant Magistrate, known for her rivalry with Wang Yueli. At Huang Ruoyun's gathering, Nie Sangyu promoted her Feiwan Face Cream. Wang Yueli arrived uninvited and, seeing Nie Sangyu, demanded to buy all of her cream.
Huang Ruoyun, initially angry at Wang Yueli for crashing her party, noticed her rival’s visibly improved complexion and also insisted on buying the entire stock. This led to a physical struggle between the two, during which Nie Sangyu was caught in the middle and twisted her ankle. Upset that she hadn't sold any cream, Nie Sangyu drank heavily. Ning Yuxuan found her intoxicated and injured and carried her away as she drunkenly babbled about her "treasure"—the cream.
Later, at the newly opened Haoxue Cosmetics Shop, Nie Sangyu celebrated the launch. Ning Yuxuan arrived, proclaiming himself the first customer and symbolically paying with a pearl since he had no money on him. Overjoyed, Nie Sangyu embraced him, exclaiming that her shop was finally open. To celebrate, Nie Sangyu and Ning Yuxuan went out to eat, where they ran into Yuan Lang.
Ning Yuxuan remarked that Yuan Lang’s eyes looked familiar, but Yuan Lang politely denied they had ever met, identifying himself as a traveling merchant. Yuan Lang bonded with Nie Sangyu over their shared taste in food, making a pointed comment about a "free girl" not being confined to a cold mansion. When he ordered shrimp for her, Ning Yuxuan warned her against eating seafood due to her ankle injury.
Yuan Lang countered that everyone has the right to pursue what they like. As Nie Sangyu continued to chat animatedly with Yuan Lang, a displeased Ning Yuxuan abruptly left the table. Back at the residence, a moody Ning Yuxuan asked Gui Bai if the mansion—and by extension, his company—was truly so dreary. When Gui Bai hesitantly agreed, Ning Yuxuan resolved to liven things up and ordered food.
Shortly after, Nie Sangyu returned with a large assortment of his favorite dishes, including pork loin with preserved sausage, beef, roast goose, and smoked fish. Though he initially pretended not to be hungry, Ning Yuxuan stopped Gui Bai from clearing the table and began to eat. Nie Sangyu teased that he looked handsome even when jealous, which he denied.
She then recounted a strange experience at the Precious Treasure Pavilion: the female owner instantly recognized her, offered to buy all her Feiwan Face Cream, and insisted they stay in contact. Suspecting Wang Jinyao might be involved, Ning Yuxuan instructed Gui Bai to monitor the store. Nie Sangyu also added that she noticed the shop's backyard was filled with fragrant and expensive rare flowers.
Episode 13 Recap
Nie Sangyu woke up to find her courtyard filled with her favorite flowers, expressing her delight. She asked Ning Yuxuan who was responsible, and he explained it was the new steward who wanted to arrange the house properly. Ning Yuxuan also presented her with several dishes prepared by different chefs, asking her to identify which flavor resembled that of the Chen family mansion.
Nie Sangyu initially suspected he had prepared everything himself, but Ning Yuxuan quickly denied it, again crediting the new steward. Nie Sangyu mentioned needing to go to her shop, Haoxue Cosmetics, and took some of the meat with her. Meanwhile, Gui Bai informed Ning Yuxuan he had written to Lord Qin because Ning Yuxuan seemed unwell. Gui Bai then recited several poems from Lord Qin's reply, explaining their meaning: Ning Yuxuan was jealous.
Flustered, Ning Yuxuan questioned if this was true. At Haoxue Cosmetics, Nie Sangyu found no customers and lamented her mounting expenses, including fifteen taels for materials like pearl powder and coral. Ning Yuxuan arrived, claiming to be inspecting Haifang, and asked for tea. Nie Sangyu gave him a tiny amount, prompting him to call her petty. She explained the high costs of running the shop, particularly mentioning a twenty-tael shipping tax.
Ning Yuxuan was surprised, stating the tax had been reduced to two taels per shipload three years ago. Realizing she had been cheated, Nie Sangyu insisted they go confront the person responsible, dragging Ning Yuxuan along. At the Dragon Gang headquarters, Chief Shen Liancheng berated his men for their incompetence. A subordinate announced that a man named Yuan Lang wished to see him to apologize for injuring their men.
Suspecting this might be the person who rescued Nie Sangyu, Shen Liancheng allowed him in. Yuan Lang, accompanied by two friends, introduced himself as a traveling businessman wishing to operate in Haifang. He offered silver as a token of goodwill, explaining that it was a misunderstanding between allies. Shen Liancheng accepted the gesture, stating that anyone who follows the Dragon Gang's lead in Haifang is a friend.
At the dock, Nie Sangyu confronted the vendor, Li San, about overcharging her for the shipping tax. Li San insisted the twenty-tael tax was a long-standing rule. When Registrar Liu arrived, Nie Sangyu pressed him for clarification. He reluctantly admitted the correct tax was two taels. The surrounding merchants, who had all been paying twenty taels, were outraged. Ning Yuxuan arrived, and the crowd appealed to him for justice.
Under pressure, Registrar Liu confessed that the extra money was given to the Dragon Gang as a fee for suppressing bandits. Ning Yuxuan announced they would go to the Dragon Gang immediately. As they left, he overheard someone comment that Nie Sangyu resembled a Miss Ji. At the Dragon Gang's base, Ning Yuxuan questioned Shen Liancheng about the government payments. Shen Liancheng claimed the money was given directly at the dock and never entered official records.
Ning Yuxuan demanded to see the gang's account books. When Shen Liancheng scoffed at his accounting knowledge, Nie Sangyu stepped forward, declaring that as a Second-rank Lady with Imperial Mandate, she was skilled in accounting. After examining the books, she found significant discrepancies, calculating that of the 5,981 taels the government had paid, only 800 were spent, leaving a difference of over 5,000 taels.
Ning Yuxuan declared that he would enforce the court's rules, cease all payments to the Dragon Gang, and have the county office collect the proper shipping tax. He then demanded the return of the 5,000-tael difference. Yuan Lang visited Huang Han at his pawnshop and used a specific hand gesture. Huang Han recognized it as belonging to the Tea Gang and addressed Yuan Lang as A-Lang, remembering him from childhood.
Yuan Lang expressed his disappointment that former Tea Gang members were now following Shen Liancheng, who was using the gang's name for nefarious deeds. Huang Han explained that after the Tea Gang disbanded, Shen Liancheng formed the Dragon Gang using their symbols, forcing old members to rely on him. Yuan Lang declared his intention to eliminate these criminals and revive the Tea Gang, and Huang Han pledged his loyalty.
Yuan Lang then revealed he was not the true master but had located him. At the Dragon Gang headquarters, Hu Da proposed a solution to their financial loss: robbing the Ship Guihai, a treasure-filled vessel docked with minimal security. He suggested that a successful heist would also help them gain favor with connections in the capital. Shen Liancheng approved the plan. Later, Ning Yuxuan confirmed to Nie Sangyu that the overcharged tax had been returned to the people.
While reviewing a list of Haifang's prominent figures that Nie Sangyu had compiled, Ning Yuxuan again overheard people commenting on her resemblance to Miss Ji, which made him thoughtful. Gui Bai then reported that one of Shen Liancheng's men was seen using secret signals to arrange a meeting at the Shuiyan House. Deducing this was Shen's response to losing control of the docks, Ning Yuxuan ordered Gui Bai to monitor the meeting.
He also asked for an update on the search for his first wife and information on Miss Ji. Gui Bai arrived at the Shuiyan House and was surprised to see Nie Sangyu entering, dressed in men's attire. Inside, a Mr. Pei from a rival cosmetic store was promoting a lotion he claimed was made from expensive snake oil.
Nie Sangyu publicly debunked his claim by demonstrating that his product sank in water, unlike real animal oil, proving it was made from inferior, harmful ingredients. After the fraudulent Mr. Pei was driven out, Nie Sangyu introduced herself and her brand, Haoxue Cosmetics, to the owner, Madam Wu, and the star performer, Miss Shui. She gifted Miss Shui her Feiwan Face Cream.
Miss Shui, noticing Nie Sangyu's unique scent, correctly guessed she was a woman and, impressed by her honesty and business acumen, invited her to wait in Room Tingshui to talk further. In another room, Miss Shui told her attendant, Qingqing, to burn any more letters from a Mister Qian in the capital, stating he was only interested in her "medicine formula," which she considered her most valuable possession.
Meanwhile, Hu Da and other Dragon Gang members arrived near the Shuiyan House, searching for Room Tingshui to finalize their plan. They openly discussed their plot to rob the Ship Guihai, expressing nervousness but reassuring each other that the ship's feared owner, Guihai Yidao, was absent. Gui Bai, hidden nearby, overheard their entire conversation. When the men realized they might have been heard, they vowed to kill any eavesdropper, at which point Gui Bai revealed himself to them.
Episode 14 Recap
At Shuiyan House, Hu Da and his men were discussing their plan to rob Ship Guihai when Nie Sangyu mistakenly entered their private room. Realizing she had overheard their conversation, Nie Sangyu quickly excused herself, claiming she hadn't heard anything. However, fearing exposure, Hu Da decided she must be killed. Gui Bai intervened, preventing them from harming Nie Sangyu. A fight ensued, alarming other patrons who fled the scene.
During the scuffle, a dart was thrown towards Miss Shui, the owner of Shuiyan House. Gui Bai swiftly intercepted the dart, getting struck himself. Hu Da and his men seized the opportunity to escape while Gui Bai was injured. The shopkeeper, Madam Wu, informed Nie Sangyu that Miss Shui was unavailable due to the incident, so Nie Sangyu left her product samples and returned to her shop.
Back at Haoxue Cosmetics, Ning Yuxuan found Nie Sangyu dressed in men's clothes and questioned her attire. She explained she had just visited Shuiyan House. Shortly after, a messenger arrived with a message from Miss Shui, informing them that Gui Bai was staying at her place to recover from his injury. Nie Sangyu was surprised to learn Gui Bai had also been at Shuiyan House. Meanwhile, Gui Bai awoke at Shuiyan House.
Miss Shui explained that he had been poisoned by a Feihai dart and warned him not to move as she bandaged his wound. Upon learning that she had cleaned his body to treat the poison, Gui Bai offered to take responsibility, but Miss Shui dismissed his offer, stating she was only saving his life. Gui Bai recognized the Feihai dart as a weapon used exclusively by coastal pirates and knew he had to report this to Ning Yuxuan immediately.
In their hideout, Shen Liancheng was informed of the fight at Shuiyan House. Suspecting Ning Yuxuan was aware of their plans, he decided they must proceed with robbing Ship Guihai immediately. Gui Bai reported to Ning Yuxuan that the weapon was a Feihai dart, confirming the attackers were pirates. Ning Yuxuan deduced that Ship Guihai was their next target and, despite Gui Bai's injury, ordered him to gather elite troops to patrol Haifang and protect the ship.
Elsewhere, Yuan Lang received intelligence from Huang Han detailing Shen Liancheng's plan to rob Ship Guihai. Recognizing the importance of protecting the ship of the renowned Guihai Warrior, Yuan Lang and his subordinates, Zhao Long and Zhao Hu, disguised themselves as pirates and headed to the vessel. At Ship Guihai, Hu Da's crew attacked and were met by the ship's defender, Sang Shen, and his men.
Yuan Lang's group also boarded in disguise, but the original pirates soon noticed the three newcomers were strangers. They ordered everyone to unmask, exposing Yuan Lang's group as infiltrators, which led to a fight between the two pirate factions. Ning Yuxuan arrived with his forces, apprehending Hu Da, Li Ming, and their gang. He then had Shen Liancheng brought forward, revealing that his captured men had confessed to everything, implicating him.
As the captives were taken away, Ning Yuxuan and Gui Bai searched the ship. In a cabin, they discovered a formula for a scar-recovering cream signed with the name "Ji Man." Ning Yuxuan instantly recognized the handwriting as Nie Sangyu's and finally realized the woman he knew was, in fact, Ji Man, the daughter of the Guihai Warrior.
The next day, Ning Yuxuan went to see Ji Man, intending to reveal that he knew her true identity, but he lost his nerve and left. Ji Man misinterpreted his awkwardness as a sign that he was about to confess his feelings for her. Later, determined, Ning Yuxuan went to Haoxue Cosmetics to confess both his knowledge and his love.
He bravely began his speech, explaining how he learned she was Ji Man, only to find that he had been confessing to Muxu, who informed him that Ji Man was out buying materials. Meanwhile, Yuan Lang spoke with Sang Shen and the surviving crew of Ship Guihai. While the crew expressed their gratitude to Ning Yuxuan for recovering their ship, Sang Shen corrected them, hailing Yuan Lang as their immediate savior.
Sang Shen then spoke highly of his master's daughter, stating that she would admire a straightforward man like Yuan Lang and that the two would make a good match. Ji Man visited Miss Shui to check on Gui Bai and was relieved to hear he was recovering well. She also thanked Miss Shui for exposing a rival's inferior products. Miss Shui praised Ji Man's Feiwan Face Cream, calling it the best she and her sisters had ever used.
Ji Man proposed a business collaboration: Miss Shui would endorse the products by having her portrait displayed and making regular appearances at Haoxue Cosmetics. In return, all of Miss Shui's sisters would receive a half-price discount. Miss Shui, confident in the products, readily agreed. The partnership was an immediate success. Customers, drawn by Miss Shui's endorsement, flocked to Haoxue Cosmetics and quickly bought out the entire stock of Feiwan Cream, with many placing pre-orders.
Word arrived that Tao Siwei had been transferred to Haifang. Qian Lianxue, Qin Yixian, and Nie Qingyun decided to travel with him. Upon hearing that Wen Wan was also heading there, Ling Jianxing wryly noted that Ning Yuxuan's life was about to get complicated with both of his wives in the same city. Soon after, Tao Siwei, Qian Lianxue, and Qin Yixian arrived at Haoxue Cosmetics, surprising Ji Man. As she was showing them around her impressive shop, Wen Wan also walked in.
Episode 15 Recap
Upon arriving in Haifang, Wen Wan quickly made herself at home, arranging a room for herself and informing Qian Lianxue she would share it temporarily. She also noted Nie Sangyu's old bedsheets and suggested they be replaced. Wen Wan then sought out Ning Yuxuan, asking him to accompany her around Haifang. When Ning Yuxuan initially declined, citing official duties, Wen Wan claimed the outing was to select new fabric for Nie Sangyu's bedsheets, prompting his agreement.
Muxu observed Nie Sangyu's clear displeasure upon seeing Ning Yuxuan and Wen Wan shopping together and commented that Nie Sangyu was jealous, which Nie Sangyu denied. Later, Gui Bai delivered the newly purchased fabric to Nie Sangyu, revealing it was a gift from Ning Yuxuan, but Nie Sangyu refused it. Gui Bai returned the fabric and informed Ning Yuxuan that according to Muxu, Nie Sangyu was jealous and had skipped dinner. Concerned, Ning Yuxuan immediately went to find her.
He urged her to eat a bowl of noodles he had prepared. Surprised by the broken, mushy pieces, Nie Sangyu tasted it and found it very salty. Ning Yuxuan sheepishly admitted it was his third attempt, as the first became soup and the second was undercooked. Realizing he had cooked for her for the first time, Nie Sangyu was touched, declared it the most delicious meal she'd ever had, and playfully insisted he try some, much to Gui Bai's amusement.
Wen Wan was furious upon learning that Ning Yuxuan had personally cooked for Nie Sangyu. Recalling how Ning Yuxuan had rescued her from bandits after she ran away from home, Wen Wan reaffirmed her possessive belief that he belonged solely to her and that no one could ever take him away. Meanwhile, Qingyun arrived at the military barracks looking for General Tao Siwei.
He initially refused to see her, but she pushed past the guards to enter, twisting her ankle in the process. She confronted him, asking why he was avoiding her. He explained that as he was older, he needed to be mindful of their interactions to protect her reputation, stating he only saw her as a younger sister. Unfazed, Qingyun confessed her romantic feelings for him. A flustered Tao Siwei reiterated that he only viewed her as a sister.
When she asked if he liked someone else, he evaded the question but stated he could not deceive or hurt her because she was Nie Sangyu's family. Interpreting his concern as treating her like a child rather than a woman, Qingyun left, heartbroken. At Shuiyan House, a young woman named Lianxiang arrived seeking refuge. After impressing Miss Shui with her pipa skills, she was welcomed to stay.
Miss Shui noticed severe scars on Lianxiang, who explained they were old injuries from her previous master. Sympathetic, Miss Shui promised to protect her and get her some Feiwan Face Cream for the scars. She later met with Nie Sangyu to request the cream and discuss an upcoming promotional event for Haoxue Cosmetics.
Hearing that Lianxiang's arms and back were covered in whip marks, a shocked and angered Nie Sangyu gave Miss Shui all of her remaining old Scar Recovering Cream, as the new batch of Feiwan Cream was not yet ready. Nie Sangyu hosted the promotional event at Shuiyan House, where Ning Yuxuan and his rival, Mr. Yuan, exchanged tense words.
Nie Sangyu introduced the new Shuilan Face Cream, after which Miss Shui prepared to perform, bringing out Lianxiang as her "new treasure." Upon seeing Nie Sangyu, however, Lianxiang became distressed, knelt, and identified Nie Sangyu as the cruel former master who had abused her in the capital. She recounted being viciously whipped, dragged behind a horse, and sold to traffickers simply for interacting with Ning Yuxuan.
Nie Sangyu, genuinely confused, claimed she had no memory of these events due to amnesia from a serious illness. Ning Yuxuan stepped forward to take full responsibility for the "Ning family matter," but Lianxiang recoiled in terror and tried to drown herself, only to be pulled back by Nie Sangyu. The crowd erupted in anger, denouncing Nie Sangyu and threatening to destroy her business, while Wen Wan watched from a distance, pleased.
Lianxiang then demanded that Nie Sangyu publicly kneel and beg for forgiveness. Nie Sangyu prepared to do so, but Ning Yuxuan intervened, declaring that as her husband, he would kneel on her behalf. Nie Sangyu stopped him, worried about the damage to his reputation. As she moved to kneel herself, Lianxiang abruptly announced that she forgave her, though the crowd remained hostile.
Episode 16 Recap
Reflecting on the public humiliation, Ji Man felt that her hope of leaving the "She-devil" moniker behind in the capital and starting a new life was futile. Citing Lianxiang's accusations, she lamented that those she had supposedly hurt would never forget her past misdeeds. Feeling unworthy of comfort, she asked Ning Yuxuan to leave her alone. Qingyun returned home to find Ji Man gone and, upon learning what had happened, blamed herself for not being there to protect her sister.
As the group gathered, Qian Lianxue recalled that the Marquis's Mansion had given Lianxiang one hundred taels to leave three years prior, casting doubt on Lianxiang's story of being sold to a brothel. Tao Siwei concluded that Lianxiang's sudden reappearance was no coincidence and that someone was deliberately targeting them. Meanwhile, Miss Shui comforted Lianxiang at Shuiyan House, expressing shock at the cruelty attributed to Nie Sangyu. Lianxiang feared retaliation for shaming Ji Man, but Miss Shui promised her protection.
It is revealed that Lianxiang was sent by Wen Wan to cause trouble. Ning Yuxuan found Ji Man cleaning up her vandalized shop. Unable to bear her suffering, he confessed the truth: she was not the cruel Nie Sangyu but Ji Man, the daughter of the Guihai Warrior. Devastated, Ji Man angrily questioned why he hadn't told her sooner, arguing that if she could have proven her true identity, her shop would not have been destroyed.
She tearfully ordered him to leave. Shen Liancheng, having been freed from prison by a mysterious benefactor, vowed to personally kill Ning Yuxuan. In another scene, Lord Tan and Shen Liancheng played chess, with Lord Tan using the game to stress the importance of controlling the overall situation. Shen Liancheng, agreeing, spoke of using unconventional moves, declaring that the game had only just begun.
Gui Bai reported to Ning Yuxuan that Lianxiang had been murdered at Shuiyan House and Ji Man's jade pendant was discovered at the scene. At the crime scene, Liu Zhubu and Wang Laoban pressured Ning Yuxuan to act impartially. Wang Laoban pointed out that witnesses confirmed the pendant was the same one Ji Man wore earlier, calling it conclusive evidence. Cornered, Ning Yuxuan had no choice but to order the arrest of the suspect, Nie Sangyu.
Qin Yixian visited Ji Man in jail, informing her of the murder and the incriminating evidence. Ji Man explained she was in her shop all night, with Ning Yuxuan as her only, albeit unreliable, witness due to their relationship. She insisted the pendant was stolen to frame her. Qin Yixian reassured her that Ning Yuxuan was investigating. Ning Yuxuan later questioned Miss Shui, the first to find the body.
He then explained to a confused Gui Bai that imprisoning Ji Man, a lady with an imperial title, was a strategic move to keep the case under his local jurisdiction and prevent it from escalating to the Court of Judicial Review in the capital. Sensing Miss Shui was hiding something, he ordered Gui Bai to watch her.
Ning Yuxuan's investigation led him to suspect the pendant was stolen near Xiajiu Fang, ordering his men to seek information from the Dragon Gang. Meanwhile, the conspirators who had freed Shen Liancheng plotted their next move. They hired assassins to force a signed confession from Ji Man, believing this would ensure the case was transferred to the capital, taking Ning Yuxuan with her and stripping him of his power.
Ning Yuxuan brought Ji Man her favorite foods and bedding in prison, but she refused to eat or see him, urging him to focus on finding the real killer, as she felt responsible for Lianxiang's death. Later, two men hired by Wang Laoban and others entered her cell, falsely claiming Ning Yuxuan sent them, and tried to force her to sign a confession by threatening her with a hot branding iron.
Ji Man staunchly refused, and Ning Yuxuan arrived just in time to stop them, ordering the men arrested for interrogation. After freeing a distraught Ji Man, Ning Yuxuan sincerely apologized for deceiving her about her identity and causing her pain. He promised to stay and protect her, offering any future compensation she desired and vowing to stand with her to unmask the true culprit. Elsewhere, at Wang Laoban's birthday banquet, a string on Miss Shui's guzheng snapped during her performance.
An angered Wang Laoban took it as a bad omen and tried to force her to drink in apology. As others pressured her, Gui Bai intervened, drinking on her behalf and warning the men to back off, declaring he would stay to ensure her safety.
Episode 17 Recap
Gui Bai drank heavily to protect Miss Shui at a gathering. Afterward, a grateful Miss Shui took the intoxicated Gui Bai back to her room, moved by his efforts to keep her safe. Ning Yuxuan informed Ji Man that news of her case had reached the capital with suspicious speed, indicating her opponents were well-prepared.
He explained they wanted her transferred to the Court of Judicial Review, but their true aim was likely to force a confession out of her before she ever reached the capital, fearing complications. Ji Man understood that being sent to the capital would be a death sentence and that remaining in Haifang under Ning Yuxuan's watch was her safest option. She expressed her gratitude, realizing he had been protecting her all along.
Later, Miss Shui provided Ning Yuxuan with a critical clue. Reconsidering Lianxiang's murder, she realized that while all evidence pointed to Ji Man, the smell in the room was wrong. She hadn't detected Ji Man's signature rouge scent but rather an unfamiliar mix of fish and mildew—a smell she later identified on the Dragon Gang boatmen at the dock. This convinced her that Ji Man had not been in Lianxiang's room.
Separately, Ning Yuxuan's men confirmed that a minion of Shen Liancheng named Qiang confessed to stealing the jade pendant on his orders, suggesting the framing was a plot aimed at Ning Yuxuan. To lure out the real killer, Ning Yuxuan spread a rumor that Miss Shui had seen the murderer's face and was about to identify them. Gui Bai immediately volunteered to guard Miss Shui at Shuiyan House, pledging his life for her safety.
That night, Shen Liancheng and his men approached Shuiyan House, but retreated upon seeing the heavy presence of Gui Bai and other officers. Shen Liancheng's unseen superiors were displeased with his failure, warning him that he would face dire consequences if he failed again. Ning Yuxuan then removed Ji Man from her cell, telling her the prison was no longer safe and that she must hide and not emerge no matter what.
Seeing his initial plan foiled, Shen Liancheng launched a desperate, all-out assault on the magistrate's residence. Ning Yuxuan, anticipating this, was waiting with his men. He confronted Shen Liancheng, stating he knew Shen Liancheng was a pawn and urging him to reveal his master. Shen Liancheng refused and attacked, declaring he wouldn't leave alive. In the ensuing fight, Ji Man, fearing for Ning Yuxuan's safety, disobeyed his orders and ran out to be with him.
When Shen Liancheng moved to strike her, Ning Yuxuan threw himself in front of her, taking the blow and sustaining a severe injury. Before Shen Liancheng could finish them off, Yuan Lang arrived, killed him, and rescued the pair. The next morning, Ning Yuxuan awoke and anxiously asked for Ji Man. Gui Bai reassured him she was making medicine for him but had mentioned leaving for Ship Guihai once he was stable.
When Ji Man arrived with the medicine, Ning Yuxuan pretended to be in agony, clutching his heart to prevent her from leaving. Ji Man, initially concerned, quickly saw through his act. She stated firmly that she was Ji Man, not his wife Nie Sangyu, and now that she knew her home, she had to return. Ning Yuxuan insisted he never saw her as just Nie Sangyu, but she was resolute about finding her own family.
Elsewhere, with Shen Liancheng dead, Yuan Lang declared to his followers that it was time to restore the Tea Gang. He planned to purge members who had willingly committed evil with Shen Liancheng while offering a chance at redemption to those who were coerced, establishing a new code focused on justice and helping the weak. Ji Man and Muxu arrived at the dock and were awestruck by the massive Ship Guihai.
A woman named Sang Shen ecstatically greeted Ji Man as her "miss," embracing her. Ji Man, still with amnesia, did not recognize her. Sang Shen insisted she was certain, identifying Ji Man by her unique and unforgettable custom cream scent. Sang Shen confirmed that Ji Man was the only daughter of the famous Ji Ming, known as the Guihai Warrior. Sang Shen then gave Ji Man a tour, revealing her astonishing wealth.
She showed Ji Man a lavish room, chests of expensive fabrics, cabinets of jewels, and shelves of rare medical texts. She presented ledgers detailing Ji Man's vast holdings of properties, shops, and ranches, and a drinking cup carved from a single piece of white jade, noting there were several more in storage. Ji Man was stunned but still couldn't remember her past.
Sang Shen also showed her detailed records of face cream formulas that Ji Man had spent years developing to protect the ship's crew from the harsh elements, prompting Ji Man to realize she must have known how to create them. When Sang Shen asked if Ji Man had found the man she ran away to the capital to find, Ji Man was surprised to learn of this "heart's desire."
Hearing that she fell for someone after just a fleeting glimpse at the dock, Ji Man wryly commented on her past self's shallowness. She then asked about her father, Ji Ming. Sang Shen explained he had gone to the capital to find her after she left and hadn't been heard from since, but assured her he was resourceful and had instructed them to wait for him in Haifang.
Unexpectedly, Ning Yuxuan arrived with his men, declaring that Ship Guihai was old and required immediate mandatory repairs for safety. He ordered everyone to disembark and relocate to the magistrate's residence. Ji Man refused, stating they had the funds for their own repairs and would rather camp on the dock with nets and canvas. After Ji Man introduced him as the magistrate, Sang Shen added that he was also "Miss Ji's husband," surprising the crew.
Playing along with his own ruse, Ning Yuxuan then ordered Gui Bai to supervise the "repair" of their nets and canvas, pointedly instructing that nothing from the ship was to be removed.
Episode 18 Recap
Ji Man refused to stay at the magistrate's residence, opting instead to stay at her Haoxue Cosmetics shop with Muxu and Sang Shen. Though Muxu was concerned about their lack of money for an inn, Ji Man assured her she had a plan. Upon arrival, they found the shop had already been repaired. They improvised bedding and prepared to stay the night. When Sang Shen mentioned Ji Man's official status as a second-rank lady, Ji Man quickly hushed her.
Soon after, Ning Yuxuan and Gui Bai arrived with food, with Ning Yuxuan claiming he was worried she might be hungry. Ji Man initially refused, but Muxu's reminder that they hadn't eaten all day convinced her to accept. Ning Yuxuan explained that her ship, the Guihai, genuinely needed repairs and that he only wanted them to be comfortable at his residence. Ji Man insisted she was fine at the shop.
Later that night, as the three women slept, Ning Yuxuan and Gui Bai quietly entered. Noticing that Sang Shen had pulled the blanket off Ji Man in her sleep, Ning Yuxuan gently covered Ji Man again. Ji Man stirred, waking just in time to see their backs as they departed. The next day, Ji Man, Muxu, and Sang Shen found the streets bustling with activity.
Sang Shen explained it was for the upcoming Shangsi Festival, a grand lantern festival where couples light lanterns together to receive blessings. Ji Man declined Sang Shen’s suggestion to attend with Ning Yuxuan and instead led them to Shuiyan House to see Miss Shui. Ji Man met privately with Miss Shui, thanking her for helping clear her name. Miss Shui expressed remorse for her own weakness having caused Ji Man trouble.
Ji Man then shared two revelations: first, that she was not the real Nie Sangyu but Ji Man, the daughter of the Guihai Warrior Ji Ming, having lost her memory after a fall from a cliff. Miss Shui found this explained Ji Man’s honorable character, which was unlike the capital "She-devil's" reputation. Second, Ji Man offered Miss Shui the position of manager at Haoxue Cosmetics, with Ji Man handling product development.
Miss Shui, reflecting on her life and reliance on men for security, was moved by Ji Man's belief in her and her speech about choosing one's own path. She gratefully accepted the partnership. Subsequently, Ji Man presented share certificates to Miss Shui and Qian Lianxue, formally appointing them as manager and accountant, respectively. While they worried about the shop's tarnished reputation, they were ultimately confident in their joint ability not just to revive, but to expand Haoxue Cosmetics.
Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan instructed Gui Bai to expedite the ship repairs for Ji Man. He then shared his suspicions about Yuan Lang, noting his suspiciously rapid takeover of the Dragon Gang since their arrival. Ning Yuxuan theorized that Yuan Lang could be the operative known as Alang, possibly with ties to Tea Gang remnants, and ordered Gui Bai to investigate.
At the same time, Yuan Lang solidified his new authority and formed a strategic alliance with Mr. Wang of the Sea Trade Guild. They agreed to join forces to resist external influence, namely Ning Yuxuan's, and control the Haifang wharf. Qian Lianxue's troubles mounted when she received a letter from her younger brother revealing he had accrued a 500-tael gambling debt. She was distraught, lamenting his irresponsibility and her inability to procure such a large sum.
On the night of the Shangsi Festival, Wen Wan invited Ning Yuxuan to release a lantern with her, but he declined, citing official duties. Elsewhere, Qian Lianxue encouraged a hesitant Nie Qingyun to invite Tao Siwei to the festival, arguing she still had a chance as long as he wasn't officially with the person he liked. During the festival, Miss Shui performed a dance, throwing a flower into the crowd that was caught by Gui Bai.
Later, Nie Qingyun found Tao Siwei, but he politely refused her invitation to walk with her, as he was on duty supervising security. Dejected, Nie Qingyun went to release a lantern alone, only to spot one floating by with the character for her family name, "Nie," written on it. Realizing it must be from Tao Siwei, she was filled with joy.
Nearby, a drunk Qian Lianxue argued with a waiter over her bill until Qin Yixian intervened, paid for her, and led her outside. Desperate, she offered to do anything for him—sing, dance, or perform chores—if he could give her a lot of money, tearfully insisting she had personal difficulties she couldn't explain. Miss Shui later found Gui Bai and asked why he wasn't releasing a lantern for a loved one. He replied that his only devotion was to the Marquis.
As she turned to leave, he stopped her, not to say something romantic, but to bluntly tell her that her dress was too revealing and she should change. In his own meeting, Yuan Lang confirmed to his subordinates that both Ji Man and the missing "She-devil of the Capital," Nie Sangyu, were his younger sisters. He ordered his men to search for the missing Nie Sangyu while keeping her identity an absolute secret to ensure her safety.
That evening, Yuan Lang visited Haoxue Cosmetics, where Ji Man was preparing for the reopening. Noting she was missing the festival, he made a surprising proposal: that they go out and use the festive crowds to generate some advance publicity for her products.
Episode 19 Recap
At the Shangsi Festival in Haifang, Ji Man runs into Yuan Lang, who has already booked a stall for her shop’s reopening, expressing confidence in its success. As they walk through the lively market, Ji Man notices a stall selling beads and internally tallies the "beads" Ning Yuxuan owes her for various favors. Yuan Lang offers to buy the beads for her, but Ji Man politely declines.
He then buys a bouquet of flowers for her, but she refuses them, explaining she cannot accept such a gift. Yuan Lang, flustered, clarifies he meant it as a friendly gesture, and Ji Man laughs off the awkward moment. When he suggests they go elsewhere, Ji Man states she must return to prepare for her shop’s reopening. Meanwhile, at the festival, a delighted Miss Shui asks Gui Bai to smile for her on the romantic evening.
He claims he doesn't know how, but she coaxes a rare smile from him with a funny face, telling him how handsome he looks. They then watch a ring toss game for lanterns. As Ji Man heads back, she unexpectedly encounters Ning Yuxuan. After they exchange surprised greetings, Yuan Lang suggests he and Ji Man go release lanterns, prompting Ning Yuxuan to immediately insist on joining them.
At a ring toss stall, both men compete to win the largest wishing lantern for Ji Man. After they both miss their initial throws, and as Ning Yuxuan prepares to use the final ring, Muxu rushes up, frantically announcing that the shop's warehouse is on fire. At the scene, the storage area is engulfed in flames.
Concerned about the medicinal materials inside, Ji Man tries to rush in, but Ning Yuxuan stops her, insisting he will handle it and asking her to trust him. Miss Shui and Gui Bai also arrive. When Miss Shui attempts to help, Gui Bai holds her back, telling her to stay put while he goes in, stating that his duty is to protect her. After the fire is extinguished, Gui Bai tends to a burn on Miss Shui’s arm.
He warns that the serious injury might leave a scar and must be kept dry. When she worries about a potential scar, Gui Bai promises to be her "left and right arm" for life. Asked if he would do the same for Ning Yuxuan, he confirms he would serve the Marquis forever. When Miss Shui playfully asks him to choose between them, Gui Bai chooses Ning Yuxuan, earning a fond "nerd" from her.
Later, Ning Yuxuan wakes with Ji Man by his side. She informs him the fire is out and a burnt lantern was found nearby, making it look like an accident. They agree to treat it as such for now, though Ning Yuxuan worries the arsonist has further plans. Ji Man apologizes for letting him rush into the fire, knowing his phobia. Surprised, Ning Yuxuan asks how she knew about his fear.
She recounts seeing him faint in the bathtub during a previous kitchen fire, connecting his reaction to his pyrophobia. Realizing Ji Man saved him back then, he offers her the promised beads. She declines, instead asking why he is so afraid of fire. Ning Yuxuan avoids the question, instead expressing how much she has changed him, making him experience new feelings and act impulsively, like rushing into the fire. He then solemnly reveals that Nie Sangyu is dead.
His subordinate, searching downstream, found a grave dug by a farmer for a female corpse that had washed ashore. Upon exhuming the body, it was identified as Nie Sangyu by her clothing and a distinctive jade pendant. Describing their marriage as an ill-fated connection, Ning Yuxuan admits he has been emotionally closed off since childhood and now deeply regrets his actions toward both Nie Sangyu and Ji Man, vowing to change.
He then takes Ji Man to release a wishing lantern, apologizing for his past secrecy and promising to win her the biggest lantern next year. Separately, Qian Lianxue wakes to find 500 taels of silver by her bedside. She writes a letter to her brother, Bingyan, sending him the money for an emergency. She warns him this must be the last time, urging him to quit gambling and study for the imperial exams, as she cannot help him again.
Haoxue Cosmetics reopens to an empty storefront. Muxu reports that ladies from prominent families all gave excuses not to attend, likely due to rumors. Their situation is dire, with half their raw materials destroyed in the fire and no income. Unseen, Wen Wan celebrates her success, gloating that after she framed the maid Lianxiang, using Haoxue products became shameful among servants, a stigma that has now spread to their mistresses. Ning Yuxuan finds the team disheartened.
After Miss Shui "borrows" Gui Bai to be her "left and right arm," Ji Man explains their predicament to Ning Yuxuan. He suggests they walk around to observe other businesses. They notice Liang's Apothecary, famous for its expensive, limited ginseng, and across from it, a small tea stall. The owner explains his popular brew is Gynostemma, or "Southern Ginseng," an affordable substitute with similar benefits for common people.
This gives Ji Man an epiphany: she had forgotten her original goal of helping ordinary people, like the sunburnt sailors she first created her cream for, by providing high-quality, affordable products. Following her new resolve, Ji Man and Muxu visit apothecaries for new ingredients but find prices have been uniformly tripled by the Sea Trade Guild, who blame shipping difficulties from a storm.
They find one small shop still selling at the old price, but Guild enforcers quickly arrive and shut him down. Witnessing the desperation of poor people unable to afford medicine for their sick children, Ji Man gives her last pouch of silver to a distraught mother. The Guild's excuse about "shipping difficulty" sparks an idea in her mind.
Episode 20 Recap
Ji Man, while researching a new formula, discovered that the price of medicinal ingredients had increased so drastically that common people could no longer afford them. Gui Bai reported to Ning Yuxuan that after Ji Man visited the Guihai Ship, two of its officers set sail, likely to procure both face cream materials and medicine.
Realizing the cargo would pass through the wharf—an area where authority was split between Wang Jinyao's Sea Trade Guild and Yuan Lang's Dragon Gang—Ning Yuxuan decided it was time to officially meet the new gang leader. Ning Yuxuan met with Yuan Lang and pointed out a suspicious coincidence: a Tea Gang tattoo was found on the deceased Shen Liancheng's arm in the exact same spot where Yuan Lang now had a fresh injury.
He suggested other Dragon Gang members might also be part of the Tea Gang. Yuan Lang denied any knowledge of the Tea Gang and proposed a wager: if his arm was free of any tattoo, Ning Yuxuan must publicly apologize and never bother the Dragon Gang again. Ning Yuxuan agreed. Yuan Lang unwrapped his arm, revealing only a wound and no tattoo. Ning Yuxuan formally apologized but remained suspicious and ordered Gui Bai to continue monitoring Yuan Lang.
Later, in private, Yuan Lang revealed to his men, Zhao Long and Zhao Hu, that he did have the tattoo but had deliberately cut his own arm to destroy the evidence. He dismissed their suggestion to openly confront Ning Yuxuan, stating that the Dragon Gang was not yet strong enough and that his true goal was to lead his people down a righteous path. His meeting was interrupted by a summons from Wang Jinyao.
Meanwhile, apothecary owners complained to Wang Jinyao that Ji Man was undercutting them with cheap herbs. Wang’s suggestion to vandalize her distributors was dismissed, as county officials were now patrolling the area. Wang then brought the merchants to Ning Yuxuan, accusing Ji Man of disrupting the market. Ning Yuxuan countered by questioning the guild's unreasonable forty-percent price hike and defended Ji Man's actions as beneficial to the public, dismissing their complaints.
Frustrated, Wang Jinyao met with Yuan Lang and proposed a plan to stop Ji Man. Citing the recent scourge of pirates, he suggested that Ji Man's cargo ships could be "intercepted." He entrusted this task to Yuan Lang as a test of loyalty, telling his subordinate that if Yuan Lang would betray his friend, he could be trusted as an ally. Yuan Lang accepted the mission.
At Haoxue Cosmetics, Ji Man happily calculated that the new, cheaper herbs would not only make medicine affordable for the public but also lower the cost of her Feiwan Face Cream by twenty percent. Her hopeful mood was shattered when Sang Shen burst in with news that their cargo ship had been robbed by pirates.
Unable to find Ning Yuxuan at the magistrate's office, Ji Man desperately sought help from Yuan Lang, believing his gang's knowledge of the sea could help track the cargo. Yuan Lang, who had secretly intercepted the goods and hidden Ji Man’s portion to be returned later, feigned ignorance and agreed to help, deliberately leading her on a search into the mountains. Concurrently, Ning Yuxuan's inspection at the docks uncovered Ji Man's stolen herbs hidden in barrels of guano.
After arresting the warehouse keeper, he was informed by Sang Shen and Muxu that Ji Man had gone with Yuan Lang. Alarmed, Ning Yuxuan raced to the mountains. He found them near a village, where Ji Man explained that Yuan Lang was helping her search. Having already recovered the goods, Ning Yuxuan accused Yuan Lang of staging the robbery and luring Ji Man away. Yuan Lang denied everything, promising to investigate.
After he left, Ning Yuxuan warned Ji Man to stay away from the complex gang leader, prompting a playful accusation of jealousy from her. Later, Yuan Lang met with Wang Jinyao, falsely reporting that he had seized the cargo and disposed of the crew. Deceived and pleased by this apparent loyalty, Wang granted Yuan Lang the Sea Trade Guild token, cementing their new alliance. Ning Yuxuan accompanied Ji Man to the nearby impoverished village.
They distributed supplies but were met with initial hostility from an old woman who called them bad omens, though other villagers gratefully accepted their help. They learned that most of the village men were away working at sea, leaving their families in dire straits. When Ji Man asked Ning Yuxuan to fix a broken table, his clumsy efforts resulted in a minor injury and a villager's comment about needing a hardworking husband.
Spurred on, Ning Yuxuan took on various chores, earning the villagers' praise. That evening, during a bonfire celebration, Ji Man encouraged him to join the dancing, helping him overcome his hesitation and suggesting it was time for his emotional wounds to heal along with his physical ones.
Episode 21 Recap
After drinking by the river, Ji Man suggested to Ning Yuxuan that they play "Truth or Wine": they play rock-paper-scissors, and the loser must either drink or answer a question truthfully. Ning Yuxuan agreed. He won the first round and asked Ji Man if she had someone she liked. She admitted she did, but when he asked who, she reminded him that was a second question he had to win the right to ask.
In the next round, Ji Man won and asked Ning Yuxuan the same question; he also said yes but used the same tactic to avoid saying who. Ji Man won a third time and pressed him for the name. Ning Yuxuan revealed it was her. When Ji Man asked if he was confessing, he confirmed and kissed her.
Ji Man then asked when he started liking her, but he playfully called that a third question, which she had lost the right to ask. The next day, as Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man prepared to leave the village, the grateful villagers came to see them off. They then sought out Granny Liu, whom they had noticed watching them earlier.
They explained they believed she wasn't crazy, just that no one would listen to her, and suspected she had something to say about the men who went to sea. Surprised by their insight, Granny Liu shared her story. Her filial son, Gen, who had always avoided going to sea to spare her worry, left for work one day and never returned.
She later received a single letter with money, claiming Gen had gone to sea and was well, but it gave no details. That was four years ago. She recalled that just before Gen disappeared, Mr. Wang's men had been in the village providing porridge. She realized that every man who had gone to sea after one of these visits had never returned.
Believing something terrible had happened, she had tried to warn the other women, but they dismissed her as crazy. She pleaded with them to ask the officials to investigate her son's fate. Ning Yuxuan then revealed he was the Magistrate of Haifang and personally vowed to see justice done for Gen. On their journey back, Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man connected the dots. Ning Yuxuan now understood why the pirates in Haifang were so hard to eradicate.
He had checked the records and found a pattern: whenever a major case that would attract the court's attention occurred, "pirates" would conveniently appear to take the blame. He concluded that Wang Jinyao was capturing innocent villagers and forcing them to pose as pirates. Ji Man wondered why only Granny Liu had noticed. Ning Yuxuan explained Wang Jinyao's cunning: he took victims from multiple surrounding villages, specifically targeting quiet, isolated individuals whose disappearances would go unnoticed.
Distressed, Ji Man urged Ning Yuxuan to stop him, and he promised he would. Meanwhile, Wang Jinyao met with Yuan Lang, proposing a "gift" for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival. The plan was to rob the Tael Ship, which transports the annual official silver tax to the capital. When Yuan Lang expressed concern over the severe crime, Wang Jinyao assured him they would frame the local pirates, a tactic he admitted to using for years with commoners as scapegoats.
Feeling he was taking all the risk, Yuan Lang hesitated until Wang Jinyao offered him a fifty-fifty split of the silver (after their superiors' cut), a share far more generous than his predecessor ever received. Yuan Lang agreed to the partnership. On the day of the Tael Ship's departure, Ning Yuxuan arrived at the wharf to escort the vessel alongside Wang Jinyao. As they prepared to board, Wen Wan arrived with supplies for Ning Yuxuan.
Shortly after, Ji Man also appeared, admitting she felt uneasy and had to see him off. While Wen Wan took the items aboard, Ji Man gave Ning Yuxuan a piece of wood for protection, explaining her father carried one for safety at sea, calling it "touch wood to stay safe." After he boarded, Ji Man and Muxu, feeling suspicious of Wang Jinyao's easy cooperation, decided to go back on the ship to investigate.
Onboard, Muxu found Wen Wan still in Ning Yuxuan's room. Under Ning Yuxuan's direct order, Muxu escorted a reluctant Wen Wan off the ship. As the ship set sail, Wen Wan realized Ji Man was still aboard and felt she had been tricked. Aboard the ship, Ji Man's search led her to the smell of fierce fire oil, which she found highly suspicious. Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan's subordinate reported to him on the number and positions of Wang Jinyao's men.
Wang Jinyao's attendant then invited Ning Yuxuan to his room for a game of chess. During the game, Wang Jinyao tested Ning Yuxuan, asking his opinion of Yuan Lang, the Dragon Gang's new chief. Wang Jinyao remarked on using people like chess pieces, noting Yuan Lang had a guild badge allowing free access.
He then mentioned that recent pirate attacks had targeted ships carrying medicine for Ji Man, and deliberately pointed out that Yuan Lang and Ji Man were old acquaintances, subtly implying a connection. When Wang Jinyao declared that Ning Yuxuan was about to lose a section of the board, Ning Yuxuan calmly replied that the outcome of the game was not yet decided.
Episode 22 Recap
Upon learning that pirates were attempting to rob the Tael Ship, Ning Yuxuan immediately went to the deck. Confronting the masked attackers, he demanded to know who had sent them. As Ning Yuxuan and his men engaged the intruders in a fierce fight, Wang Jinyao ordered his men to bring the chests of taels to the deck, offering them to the pirates.
Sensing the ruse was over, Ning Yuxuan declared there was no need for further pretense and called out Yuan Lang's name. Yuan Lang removed his mask, confirming his identity. Wang Jinyao revealed his true intentions, stating that Ning Yuxuan was never meant to leave the ship alive and ordering Yuan Lang to kill him.
He then explained his plan to cover up the crime: he had recruited villagers under the guise of hiring workers, intending to have them killed, dressed as pirates, and used as scapegoats. Ning Yuxuan would be posthumously hailed as a hero who died protecting the taels. At Ning Yuxuan's signal, Yuan Lang drew his sword but turned on Wang Jinyao, stunning him.
Ning Yuxuan revealed his own counter-plan: the chests on deck contained only stones, as the real taels were already safely on their way to the capital. A flashback shows Ning Yuxuan visiting Yuan Lang before the voyage. He brought up the stolen tael cases of the past and the fate of the men from Liu's Village, revealing they were innocent laborers used by Wang Jinyao as scapegoats.
Ning questioned why Yuan Lang would serve such a man, arguing that the killings in Haifang would only stop if Wang was removed. Yuan Lang confirmed that Wang had proposed a deal for him to stage the robbery, after which Wang's men would kill the innocent villagers. Yuan Lang would then be forced to dress the bodies as pirates, fully implicating him and binding him to Wang's service.
Disgusted by the plan to murder civilians, Yuan Lang agreed to join forces with Ning Yuxuan. Back in the present, after Wang Jinyao is apprehended, Ning Yuxuan reveals that the villagers Wang planned to use were replaced by his own men as a precaution. Yuan Lang remarks that Ning Yuxuan must have trusted him, to which Ning replies that Yuan Lang's feigned attacks during their fight also seemed dangerously real.
Suddenly, Wang Jinyao broke free, grabbed a fire starter, and threatened to detonate explosives hidden in the chests. Ji Man arrived on deck, shouting a warning about the "fierce fire medicine." As she tried to snatch the fire starter, Wang pushed her overboard. Ning Yuxuan screamed her name and leaped into the sea after her. Wang threw the fire starter, but Yuan Lang lunged and caught it just in time.
As Ji Man sank into the water, a flood of lost memories returned. She recalls arriving in the capital six months earlier, excited to open a shop and finally meet her secret love. In a dress shop, she admires a gown made of rare Linglong Silk. The owner tells her it's one of only two in the city; the other was ordered by the First Lady of the Marquis Moyu's Mansion.
Ji Man learns the Marquis, Ning Yuxuan, is marrying a second wife that very day, and his jealous First Lady intends to wear white to the wedding in protest. Devastated, Ji Man gets drunk, reaffirming her principle that her husband must love only her. She resolves to confess her feelings to Ning Yuxuan, even if they can't be together. Arriving at the Marquis's mansion, Ji Man is stunned to see a woman who looks exactly like her—Nie Sangyu—fleeing the estate.
She chases the woman to a cliff, calling her name, but watches in horror as Nie Sangyu jumps. Ji Man then leaps in after her. In the present, Yuan Lang is relieved to hear Ji Man is safe. His men, Zhao Long and Zhao Hu, curse Ning Yuxuan for endangering her and suggest they "rescue" her, fearing she is falling for her enemy. Lying unconscious, Ji Man is tended to by a guilt-ridden Ning Yuxuan.
He holds her hand, confessing he was wrong to put her in danger and begging her to wake up. When Ji Man finally awakens, she asks for noodles cooked by Ning Yuxuan himself. He eagerly agrees. While he clumsily prepares the meal, Sang Shen worries her mistress’s brain was damaged in the fall. She describes Ji Man’s ideal man as handsome, ambitious, and, most importantly, modest—a quality she insists Ning Yuxuan lacks.
Ning Yuxuan brings the noodles, and after he leaves, Ji Man declares them delicious, much to Sang Shen's dismay. Ji Man then sits her maid down and reveals, "It's me. I am your Miss Ji. I am Ji Man." To prove it, she recounts their shared history, from saving Sang Shen as a child to their mutual love for simple pleasures. Overjoyed, Sang Shen realizes her mistress's memory has returned.
Later, Yuan Lang gazes at the stars, wondering aloud if "she and he" ever watched them together. Elsewhere, Ning Yuxuan reflects on Sang Shen's description of Ji Man's ideal man and teases his guard, Gui Bai, for becoming more talkative lately. Ji Man tells Sang Shen she has found her heart's desire, but hints that there is a complication.
Episode 23 Recap
Sang Shen was astonished to discover that the man Ji Man loved was Ning Yuxuan. Sang Shen reminded Ji Man of her past efforts in pursuing him, traveling extensively and even losing her memory. Sang Shen suggested they reveal Ji Man's recovered memory to Ning Yuxuan and leave the mansion, but Ji Man refused, declaring her love for him and her unwillingness to leave since he was right there.
Sang Shen doubted Ning Yuxuan's worthiness, but Ji Man passionately defended him, confirming to Sang Shen that her memories were indeed back. At the dock, Ning Yuxuan inspected the Ship Guihai, noting its nearly completed repairs. He commented on the paint, suggesting another coat was needed, and his subordinate Gui Bai, after initially stating the paint was fresh, promptly agreed when Ning Yuxuan insisted.
Yuan Lang arrived, stating his intention to visit Ji Man, whom he referred to as Ms. Nie. Ning Yuxuan informed him that Ji Man was awake and well but required quiet rest, implying that Yuan Lang's presence would be a disturbance. Yuan Lang suggested that perhaps Ji Man herself didn't wish for Ning Yuxuan to disturb her, but Ning Yuxuan dismissed his speculation.
Continuing their conversation, Ning Yuxuan thanked Yuan Lang for his help with the case involving official taels, which benefited the people of Liu's Village. However, he warned Yuan Lang that if any members of the Dragon Gang committed evil acts in the future, he would show no leniency, despite their previous cooperation.
Yuan Lang asserted that the Dragon Gang had changed and now operated on the principle of protecting the good and punishing evil, asking Ning Yuxuan not to be prejudiced by past events. Ning Yuxuan acknowledged the impending changes in Haifang, stating that if Yuan Lang guided the Dragon Gang towards goodness, they would find their place. He cautioned Yuan Lang against following the path of Shen Liancheng and advised him to be careful.
Ning Yuxuan revealed his plan to establish a specialized Shipment Department in Haifang to transform it into a major cargo transportation hub. He submitted a memorial to the throne outlining his proposal, arguing that Haifang's strategic location as a nexus for merchants, connecting land and sea, made it ideal for implementing new sea trade policies that would benefit the entire nation.
The Emperor received the memorial and was highly impressed, praising Ning Yuxuan for both clearing his name and tackling such a challenging issue. Acknowledging that Ning Yuxuan, currently a seventh-rank magistrate, would face difficulty implementing such a large-scale project and would likely incur the wrath of Lord Tan, whose finances would be impacted, the Emperor decreed that Ning Yuxuan be reinstated to his original post and concurrently placed in charge of all matters related to the new Haifang Shipment Department.
He added a personal message for Ning Yuxuan: if his actions genuinely served the people and contributed to national prosperity, the Emperor would personally clear any obstacles, encouraging him to proceed without fear. Meanwhile, Lord Tan was furious about the Emperor's decree, seeing it as an attempt to seize control of Haifang, which he had managed for a decade. He found the idea of the Shipment Department ridiculous.
Ling Jianxing noted Ning Yuxuan's appointment was confirmed and he would likely reside in Haifang. Ling Jianxing admitted responsibility for the previous failures to eliminate Ning Yuxuan, explaining that being in the capital limited their reach and forced them to rely on others, which led to their frequent failures.
Now that their intentions were openly declared and they were confronting Ning Yuxuan directly in Haifang, Ling Jianxing declared he would personally step in to determine who the true "chosen one" was. Lord Tan stated he only cared about the outcome, leaving the methods to Ling Jianxing, who vowed to fight Ning Yuxuan relentlessly.
Back at the mansion, Sang Shen prepared a tonic for Ji Man, adding fish based on her past preference, resulting in a foul-smelling concoction Ji Man refused to drink. Sang Shen reminded her of her former fondness for fish and how she used to send the freshest catches to her beloved in the capital. Later, Ning Yuxuan brought Ji Man a bowl of fish soup he had prepared himself.
His maid, Muxu, commented that Ning Yuxuan had never cooked for anyone but Ji Man since childhood. Upon tasting it, Ji Man found the soup unappetizing. Offering the soup, Ning Yuxuan explained it was good for her recovery. He admitted he had overcome a psychological barrier to make it, asking her not to be angry. He then recounted how, years ago, a woman anonymously left buckets of fish and sometimes strange love poems at his mansion gate every month.
He explained that because the source was unknown, his staff often treated them as suspicious, sometimes finding them rotten in the summer and mistaking them for attempts by enemies. Ji Man realized he was describing her past actions. Upset that her heartfelt efforts were perceived as an attack, she angrily told him to leave with the soup. Ning Yuxuan, observing her strong reaction, concluded she was simply jealous.
Upon hearing that Ship Guihai was nearing completion, Ji Man remembered a hidden box she had on board and worried Ning Yuxuan might find it during inspections. She and Sang Shen snuck to the ship at night to retrieve it. They found the box and the key. Sang Shen suggested throwing it into the sea to prevent discovery, but Ji Man was hesitant, unable to discard the contents.
Believing the most dangerous place could be the safest, Ji Man decided to bring the box back to the mansion. Later, Ning Yuxuan unexpectedly arrived in Ji Man's room, finding her sitting on the box. He offered to take her to see the moon in the yard, but Ji Man refused, making excuses about sore legs. Ning Yuxuan pressed her, asking how long she would pretend and what was inside the box.
He even offered to help her by claiming the contents were his own. Ji Man, however, insisted the contents were private and unrelated to him, refusing to move or let him see. Their confrontation was interrupted by a report that Ji Man's maid, Sang Shen, and Wen Wan's maid, Tanxiang, were fighting. Wen Wan arrived with Tanxiang. Amidst the disruption, Tanxiang managed to open Ji Man's box, claiming it contained men's items, with an implicit accusation against Ji Man.
However, Ning Yuxuan's subordinate, Gui Bai, immediately recognized the contents, including Ning Yuxuan's poetry collection and a sachet he had lost years ago, thus discrediting Tanxiang's insinuation. Ning Yuxuan sternly warned Tanxiang against slandering Ji Man again and instructed Wen Wan to control her servants. Wen Wan accepted the reprimand and left with her maid. After the others departed, Ning Yuxuan picked up the sachet from the box, recognizing it as something he wore many years ago.
He questioned Ji Man about how she obtained it. Ji Man replied by revealing the truth: she had regained her memories. Ning Yuxuan reacted with surprise upon hearing this confession. Separately, General Nie was informed that Ji Ming had been located in the capital but was preparing to leave. General Nie rushed to meet him.
Addressing the man as both Ji Ming and the Guihai Warrior, General Nie demanded an explanation for his eighteen-year disappearance and how he became the renowned warrior. He questioned why Ji Ming had neglected one daughter for so long while seemingly living a carefree life with another. Ji Ming claimed he stayed away for their mutual safety, needing to sever ties with his past. General Nie challenged this, asking about Sangyu and if Ji Ming knew who she was.
Ji Ming was unaware. General Nie revealed that Sangyu was Ji Man's twin sister and was deceased, expressing disbelief that Ji Ming did not know this. Ji Ming was visibly shocked by the news of his daughter's death.
Episode 24 Recap
Ji Ming confessed to General Nie that he had intentionally severed ties with his past to protect himself and those around him. General Nie revealed that he had recently visited Marquis Moyu's Mansion and encountered Ji Man, recognizing immediately that she was not his daughter, Nie Sangyu. He surmised she must be Sangyu's twin sister, the child Ji Ming had taken away years ago.
General Nie admitted he kept this discovery quiet, only later learning that the real Sangyu had a dramatic confrontation with Ning Yuxuan, fell from a cliff, and died. He did not fully understand how the sisters' identities were swapped, leading to Ji Man taking the place of the deceased Sangyu. General Nie expressed regret for his over-indulgence of Sangyu, which may have contributed to her fate.
Ji Ming lamented that despite their efforts to live new lives, the sisters were still entangled with the Ning family, caught in a seeming curse from the previous generation. Ji Ming explained the connection: he was Tiger, the Third Chief of the Tea Gang, and Ning Yuxuan's father, Ning Zhongtian, was the imperial official who destroyed it. Ji Ming had escaped and rescued the twin infant daughters of the gang's chief, Cai Wenzheng.
This revelation exposed the deep blood feud between the twins and Ning Yuxuan's family. Ji Ming was adamant that Ji Man could not be with Ning Yuxuan due to this irreconcilable hatred. He vowed to give all his wealth as a dowry if Ji Man married anyone else, but never the son of the man who destroyed their family and gang.
General Nie cautioned Ji Ming against acting impulsively, reminding him that Ji Man was currently recognized as his daughter, Nie Sangyu, a Second-rank Lady with Imperial Mandate. Forcibly removing her would cause significant trouble with the Ning family and attract official pursuit, risking the exposure of their true identities—a fatal disaster. General Nie suggested that since Ji Man had told him she and Ning Yuxuan were unhappy and had discussed divorce, they could quietly encourage their separation.
Once a divorce was finalized, they could safely take Ji Man away. Ji Ming agreed this was the only viable course of action and resolved to return to Haifang immediately. Ji Man recounted the entire sequence of events to Ning Yuxuan, explaining how she ended up at Marquis Moyu's Mansion because his household staff had mistakenly pulled her from the river. She insisted she never intended to impersonate his wife, emphasizing it was his household's mistake.
Teasingly, Ning Yuxuan prompted her to repeat the part of the story where she claimed to be deeply fond of him. After she had told the story four times, a frustrated Ji Man asked what he still didn't understand, but he maintained he didn't grasp it. Annoyed by his lack of a serious reaction after her confession, Ji Man asked if he had anything to say to her.
When Ning Yuxuan replied he had no questions and then asked to hear the story one more time, she told him to leave. Once outside, Ning Yuxuan was visibly overjoyed and popped back in to ask if she would like to watch the moon with him. Ji Man said she was busy but was surprised and slightly disappointed to see he had actually left when she opened the door.
The next day, Ji Man noticed odd looks from everyone and realized that rumors of her deep affection for Ning Yuxuan and her collection of his portraits had spread throughout the mansion. Feeling mortified, she hid under a tree in the garden, declaring she couldn't continue living there due to the embarrassment. Ning Yuxuan found her, stopped her from leaving, and kissed her. Though she feigned annoyance, she was secretly happy and embraced him.
Ning Yuxuan promised to help her regain face by telling everyone that he loved her even more. Later, Sang Shen and Muxu argued over whether Ji Man preferred a thin or thick pillow. Ji Man intervened, asking Sang Shen to call her "Your Ladyship" to avoid suspicion. Sang Shen refused, insisting that because Ji Man had no formal wedding ceremony or marriage certificate with Ning Yuxuan, she was not truly his wife but still "My Lady."
This blunt reminder of her precarious status made Ji Man deeply upset. The following morning, Ning Yuxuan came to the lobby for breakfast, expecting to eat with Ji Man, but she avoided him and left without a word, leaving him puzzled by her sudden coldness. Meanwhile, Qian Lianxue's brother, Bingyan, arrived in Haifang, upset by a letter from his sister urging him to find work and refusing to support his gambling habit any longer.
Tanxiang, a maid claiming to be sent by the Magistrate, met Bingyan and offered to show him Haifang's attractions. She guided him to Dongshan Casino and colluded with the owner to ensure Bingyan accumulated a large debt. Ji Man and Ning Yuxuan visited Liu's Village to comfort the residents, whose men had died at sea. The villagers expressed immense gratitude to Ning Yuxuan for exposing Wang Jinyao's crime of tricking the men into posing as pirates.
With Wang Jinyao's confession, the deceased men's names were cleared. Ning Yuxuan, as Magistrate, reassured the grieving widows and orphans that the government would provide monthly food and ensure they could live peacefully. Ji Man also offered comforting words to a child, encouraging him to grow strong and protect his village.
By the river, Ji Man reflected on the villagers' sorrow and pondered his true nature—calling him a money-grubber and hot-tempered, yet also brave enough to risk his life for her. She admitted he had become very important to her, and Ning Yuxuan reciprocated. Ji Man confessed she had been avoiding him because she was struggling with her identity, yearning to stop living as Nie Sangyu and be openly with him as Ji Man.
Ning Yuxuan urged her to trust him, promising a satisfactory resolution. At Dongshan Casino, Bingyan gambled heavily and lost everything. When he tried to leave, the casino boss demanded payment for his debt of one thousand taels. When Bingyan claimed to have no money, the boss's men threatened to cut off his hand. Desperate, Bingyan directed them to his sister at the Magistrate's Residence. A letter was urgently delivered to Qian Lianxue, summoning her to Dongshan Casino.
She rushed there to find Bingyan beaten. The boss confirmed the one-thousand-tael debt and had his men strike Bingyan again when she tried to negotiate a longer payment period. Seeing her brother's agony, Qian Lianxue finally agreed to pay the full amount within three days. The boss accepted, ordering his men to keep Bingyan as collateral. As she left, Bingyan was dragged away, crying out for her to save him.
Episode 25 Recap
Late at night, a distressed Qian Lianxue is discovered by Wen Wan while attempting to take money from Haoxue Cosmetics. Qian Lianxue tearfully confesses she was driven by desperation, begging Wen Wan not to tell Ji Man and promising to return the funds. Feigning concern, Wen Wan claims she was worried about Qian Lianxue and offers to help. Qian Lianxue explains her worthless brother has incurred a massive gambling debt, putting their family in urgent need of money.
Dismissing the issue as minor, Wen Wan offers to solve the financial problem and keep the theft a secret. In return, she asks Qian Lianxue to do her a small favor in the future, promising to explain when the time is right. Soon after, Ji Man finds a troubled Qian Lianxue. Sensing something is wrong, Ji Man gently coaxes the story out of her.
Qian Lianxue confesses to her attempt to steal money, her brother's gambling debt, and Wen Wan's subsequent offer of help in exchange for a future favor. Suspicious of Wen Wan's timely appearance at Haoxue Cosmetics, Ji Man suspects a trap. She advises Qian Lianxue to play along and agree to Wen Wan's request to uncover her true intentions. Ji Man then arranges for Qin Yixian to rescue Qian Lianxue's brother.
She also reveals her suspicion that Wen Wan was behind the earlier warehouse fire, though she still lacks proof. Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan gifts Ji Man a crystal necklace from overseas, explaining it symbolizes "one life, one world, one couple." Ji Man wryly notes that with Wen Wan in the household, they are not truly a "couple."
Ning Yuxuan clarifies that his relationship with Wen Wan is not a true marriage—they have no official certificate or bride-price, and he only brought her into the manor to give her a place to live. He asks Ji Man to trust that he has never been unfaithful, and she affirms her belief in him. At Haifang Wharf, Yuan Lang learns from Sang Shen that Ji Man regained her memory after falling into the water.
Surprised, he visits Ji Man, who confirms her memories have returned, recalling childhood moments with her father. However, when he presses for earlier memories, she claims they are too distant to recall. Their conversation is interrupted by the news that her father, the Guihai Warrior, is on his way back to Haifang. Qin Yixian finds Qian Lianxue anxiously waiting outside a gambling den for her brother, Bingyan. He goes inside and confronts Bingyan, who is on a winning streak.
Qin Yixian challenges him to a private game, where Bingyan, growing overconfident, bets everything and loses to a rigged outcome. After showing Bingyan how the casino cheats its patrons, Qin Yixian arranges for him to be sent to Huangzhou to work and reform, forbidding him from contacting his sister until he has changed. As he is taken away, a remorseful Bingyan asks Qin Yixian to tell his sister he is sorry.
Later, Qin Yixian confesses his feelings to Qian Lianxue, admitting that despite their initial animosity, he has come to care for her deeply. She reciprocates, and they happily agree to be together. Wen Wan summons Qian Lianxue, revealing the favor she requires. She describes a rare poison that causes violent convulsions or death and demands Qian Lianxue administer it to Ji Man.
When Qian Lianxue refuses, Wen Wan reveals she orchestrated the entire situation, from luring Bingyan to Haifang to setting him up with gambling debts. She gives Qian Lianxue an ultimatum: poison Ji Man, or she will let Bingyan die. As planned with Ji Man, Qian Lianxue publicly confronts Wen Wan with the packet of powder. Just as she accuses Wen Wan of trying to force her to poison Ji Man, both Ji Man and Ning Yuxuan arrive.
Wen Wan immediately claims she is being framed, insisting the packet contains valuable reishi powder, not poison. She explains she gave it to Qian Lianxue to deliver because she feared Ji Man would reject a gift directly from her. Ji Man, playing her part, stops Ning Yuxuan from calling a doctor and apologizes for the "misunderstanding," while Qian Lianxue acts outraged at the deception. Ning Yuxuan, sensing the complexity of the situation, dismisses everyone.
Later, news arrives that Qian Lianxue’s brother has been safely rescued by Qin Yixian. Ning Yuxuan correctly speculates to Ji Man that news of the rescue must have reached Wen Wan, causing her to swap the poison for a harmless powder at the last minute to avoid being caught.
Wen Wan, realizing her initial plan failed because Qian Lianxue and Ji Man worked together, vows to her servant that trust is irrelevant; she will not stop until Ji Man is gone for good. Sometime later, while preparing a new batch of "common people's Feiwan Face Cream," Ji Man notices the cream's color is unusually dark. Her concern turns to alarm when she learns Qin Yixian has already sent the batch to be sold at the market.
She immediately summons a doctor and Ning Yuxuan. The doctor confirms the cream has been tainted with Qianji Powder, a substance harmless on intact skin but lethal if it enters a wound. Realizing this was an attack meant to kill customers and ruin her business, Ji Man rushes to the market. She successfully recalls every bottle by publicly offering to buy them back at five times the price.
Though she lacks proof, she is certain Wen Wan is behind this deadly plot. That evening, Ning Yuxuan visits Wen Wan. After she presents him with a hand-embroidered handkerchief, he gifts her a bottle of the new Feiwan Face Cream, suggesting she try it. Unaware of the danger, Wen Wan agrees to use it right away.
Episode 26 Recap
Upon examination, a doctor determined that Qianji Powder had been added to the medicinal ingredients. Although the amount wasn't large, using it on broken skin would lead to more severe poisoning. Upon learning this, Ji Man immediately rushed out and, at five times the original price, successfully recalled all the products that had been sold. Ning Yuxuan went to confront Wen Wan, bringing a jar of Feiwan Face Cream made by Ji Man and suggesting she use it.
Wen Wan was naturally unwilling. Ning Yuxuan pressed her, asking why she had done it, but Wen Wan continued to deny any involvement. Ning Yuxuan then had Tanxiang brought in, stating that she had confessed everything. Still, Wen Wan insisted she was innocent, claiming Ji Man must have lied to him.
Ning Yuxuan countered, listing her past actions: the fire at Haoxue Cosmetics, the whipping of Nie Sangyu, the stabbing incident at the wedding (implying she orchestrated it), and the incident where she claimed to have been humiliated by bandits, suggesting she had arranged that herself. Holding a knife to herself, Wen Wan declared that since Ning Yuxuan refused to believe her, she would prove her innocence by taking her own life.
Ning Yuxuan watched her calmly, making no move to stop her performance. He then ordered Wen Wan and Tanxiang to be taken away and sent to the Court of Judicial Review for trial. Later, Ning Yuxuan explained to Ji Man about Wen Wan. He recounted that their families were old friends, but communication became infrequent after his father's death. Over a year ago, Wen Wan's father contacted him, asking for help locating Wen Wan who had run away.
Ning Yuxuan led a search into the mountains and found her in a distressed state. She was disheveled, and a man lay dead nearby. Wen Wan claimed she had encountered bandits after running away, was molested, and had stabbed the man with a dagger she carried for self-protection. She pleaded with Ning Yuxuan not to involve the authorities and reveal the incident, fearing ruin and shame for herself and her father.
To protect her reputation, Ning Yuxuan agreed to marry her temporarily, planning to find another solution later. He revealed to Ji Man that he later investigated (especially after the fire and the incident where Ji Man was whipped) and discovered that the entire incident was staged by Wen Wan. The man was not a bandit but an innocent woodcutter, and she had orchestrated the scene.
Ning Yuxuan lamented that her feelings had driven her to such extreme actions, harming an innocent life. He assured Ji Man that with the undeniable evidence now, Wen Wan and Tanxiang would face punishment, and Ji Man would no longer be targeted by such schemes. Ji Man visited Liu's Village to teach the residents how to cultivate herbs. She explained planting techniques, focusing on easy-to-grow varieties like wild chrysanthemum and dandelion that thrive even in the wilderness.
The villagers expressed concerns about their lack of experience, but Ji Man reassured them, promising to bring experienced cultivators to provide guidance regularly. She announced that Liu's Village would become the exclusive herb supplier for Haoxue Cosmetics, guaranteeing they would purchase all their medicinal plants and ensure a better life for the villagers with plenty of food and prosperity. Miss Shui was preparing to leave Shuiyan House.
Her manager tried to persuade her to hold a grand farewell performance, emphasizing her popularity and offering a significant share of the profits. However, Miss Shui declined, revealing that her farewell performance was already booked. That evening, Miss Shui performed a private dance for Gui Bai, who was her sole audience. She shared her long-held wish to have her own courtyard and dance only for the person she loved.
She told Gui Bai that he was the one who had given her the courage to leave Shuiyan House. Gui Bai responded that he felt honored but couldn't bear such a performance. Miss Shui asked if he didn't understand her feelings or if he was like others and minded her past identity. Gui Bai stated clearly that her past didn't matter to him, but he couldn't give her happiness and only felt appreciation for her, nothing more.
With that, he left, citing his duties, leaving Miss Shui heartbroken. As the death anniversary of the Old Master approached, the entire household observed three days of vegetarian meals. Ji Man went to find Ning Yuxuan and found him restless, possibly having a nightmare. She gently woke him. Noticing his distress, she asked if he had had another nightmare and if this was the reason he never shared a bed with anyone.
Ning Yuxuan half-jokingly replied that those who knew his secret either ended up dead or had to keep it forever by staying with him. He confessed that his nightmares were a result of childhood trauma. He recounted being five years old and witnessing his father's death. His father had taken him to recruit the Tea Gang, but the leader, Cai Wenzheng, betrayed and killed his father right before his eyes. He was left to drag his father's body home alone.
Since that day, he hadn't slept soundly, tormented by the memory and resulting nightmares. Ji Man apologized for making him recall such painful events. She comforted him, telling him he wasn't alone anymore and promised to stay with him forever. She told him that if his father visited him in a dream, she would tell him Ning Yuxuan had grown up and would live a better life with her taking care of him.
Ning Yuxuan decided he wanted to give Ji Man a formal wedding. Feeling overwhelmed by the task of selecting a wedding dress, he asked Gui Bai to invite Miss Shui to assist him, claiming it was a surprise for Ji Man and he didn't want her to discover it. Gui Bai went to arrange the meeting. Miss Shui arrived at the designated shop expecting to meet Gui Bai, but her excitement faded when she found Ning Yuxuan waiting for her.
Ning Yuxuan explained his plan to give Ji Man a proper wedding and asked for her expertise in choosing a dress. Miss Shui agreed to try on the dresses. After helping him select a set of wedding robes, she departed, and Ning Yuxuan requested that she keep their meeting and the purpose a secret from Ji Man. Later, Ning Yuxuan spoke to Gui Bai, observing Miss Shui's disappointment.
Gui Bai stated that he didn't understand romantic feelings and that Miss Shui desired a stable life that he, as a guard dedicated to Ning Yuxuan, could not provide. Ning Yuxuan encouraged Gui Bai to have his own life beyond his duty, but Gui Bai insisted that his sole focus was protecting Ning Yuxuan. Meanwhile, Lord Tan met with Ling Jianxing, informing him that the position of Transport Commissioner for the upcoming Imperial Supplier Contest was vacant.
Ling Jianxing immediately recognized that this position was ideal for restraining Ning Yuxuan, especially since Ning Yuxuan now managed the Shipping Department, effectively holding power over Lord Tan. Lord Tan confirmed his intention for Ling Jianxing to take the position under the guise of supervision to counterbalance Ning Yuxuan. Ling Jianxing vowed to secure the role, noting it would also be favored by the Emperor.
Lord Tan also discussed the position of Chairman for the Sea Trade Guild, which would go to the manager of the winning business in the contest, and planned to support his own candidate to recover losses in Haifang, with Ling Jianxing expressing high confidence in success. Back at Haoxue Cosmetics, news of the Imperial Supplier Contest being held in Haifang reached Ji Man and her colleagues, brought by Qin Gongzi.
They discussed the significant opportunity it presented, potentially making them a royal supplier. Ji Man found Ning Yuxuan's recent behavior unusual; he seemed to be acting secretively and hadn't mentioned the contest. She confided in Muxu, who agreed he had been acting strange and elusive. Ji Man suspected he was intentionally hiding information about the contest to ensure she competed fairly without special advantages. Determined to find out what he was up to, she went to his room.
There, she discovered red organza and other items that led her to believe he was seeing another woman and was secretly getting married, sparking her anger and accusations of keeping a mistress.
Episode 27 Recap
Ji Man discovered a man's style wedding robe in her room that was her size, realizing it was meant for her. Just as she decided to leave, Ning Yuxuan returned. He informed her that he had confirmed this year's Imperial Supplier Contest, to be held in Haifang next month, would include a category for cosmetics. He added that if she won first place, she could become the chairman of the Sea Trade Guild.
Ji Man asserted that she didn't need his help and was confident she could win based on her own abilities. Ji Man then asked Ning Yuxuan if he had anything else to tell her besides the competition details. Ning Yuxuan quickly replied that he didn't. As Ji Man, feigning sleepiness, prepared to leave, Gui Bai entered, mentioning something Ning Yuxuan had asked him to prepare, but Ning Yuxuan interrupted him.
Gui Bai urged Ning Yuxuan to confess his feelings to Ji Man, finding their secrecy tiresome, but Ning Yuxuan insisted he had his own plan. Later, at Haoxue Cosmetics, Ji Man reflected on how Ning Yuxuan had prepared so much yet told her nothing, wondering how long he could keep things from her. Gui Bai delivered Ji Man's favorite pastries. As she ate, Ji Man found a note inside, inviting her out. She was pleased to receive the invitation.
Ning Yuxuan prepared for a proposal, decorating an area by the riverside with roses. Meanwhile, Ji Man got ready to go out, asking Muxu and Sang Shen if she looked good and if she should change her hair clip or other accessories. Both assured her she looked beautiful, to which Ji Man replied it was a secret where she was going. Despite Sang Shen's guess that she was meeting Ning Yuxuan, Ji Man insisted she would go alone.
As she left, Ji Man was surprised to see Guihai Warrior return and rushed to embrace him. Guihai Warrior brought Ji Man back to Ship Guihai. Ji Man asked him if he had another illegitimate daughter, as she found it too coincidental that she was mistaken for Ning Yuxuan's wife due to their identical appearance if her father didn't have another daughter.
Guihai Warrior dismissed it as a mere coincidence in a vast world, asserting that he only had one daughter. He then asked Ji Man to come home, but she explained she needed to discuss it with Ning Yuxuan, as her current identity as his wife would cause him trouble and affect his official position if exposed.
Guihai Warrior questioned her concern for Ning Yuxuan, and Sang Shen revealed that Ning Yuxuan was the man Ji Man had gone to the capital to find. Hearing this, Guihai Warrior reacted strongly, forbidding her from living improperly in Ning Yuxuan's county office. Despite Ji Man's assurances that their relationship was pure and they lived separately, Guihai Warrior insisted she return to the ship with him immediately, even though Ji Man had a prior appointment.
Ning Yuxuan waited for Ji Man for two hours, but she didn't appear. A servant reported that Ji Man had left Haoxue Cosmetics with an old gentleman, whom she called "Dad," and Sang Shen called "Master," and hadn't returned. Ning Yuxuan was shocked. He went to find Ji Man at Ship Guihai. Informed of Ning Yuxuan's arrival, Ji Man told Sang Shen to let him in, but Sang Shen reported that Guihai Warrior had stopped Ning Yuxuan.
Ji Man instructed Sang Shen to lure Guihai Warrior away. Ning Yuxuan finally managed to enter, but before he could say much, Guihai Warrior returned. Guihai Warrior stated that Ji Man's entry into the Marquis's residence was an accident, as she had swapped identities with his wife, Nie Sangyu. Ning Yuxuan apologized for the misunderstanding, explaining he had only recently uncovered the truth.
He then declared his intention to formally marry Ji Man with a dowry, making her his only true wife, though her real name might not be publicly disclosed immediately due to his previous wife's Second Rank Imperial Wife status. Guihai Warrior, however, laid out two essential qualities for his son-in-law: honesty and diligence. He accused Ning Yuxuan of lacking honesty by concealing Ji Man's identity and lacking diligence as an official.
Therefore, he proposed the best solution was for Ning Yuxuan to divorce Ji Man, allowing her to leave the residence legitimately. Ning Yuxuan refused, asking Guihai Warrior for a chance to prove himself. Guihai Warrior didn't listen further and asked Sang Shen to escort Ning Yuxuan out, so Ning Yuxuan had to leave. Ji Man asked Guihai Warrior to explain his actions.
He stated that she could love anyone but Ning Yuxuan, claiming she was young, ignorant, and misled by him. He then forbade her from associating with Ning Yuxuan, and refused to agree to either their marriage or their divorce. Meanwhile, wanting to personally inspect the situation at the dock, Ning Yuxuan disguised himself as a laborer and went there to work.
Later, Ji Man brought Guihai Warrior to the dock to see Haifang's current improved conditions, detailing Ning Yuxuan's many positive contributions, such as establishing the Shipping Department, implementing tax-free policies, and eradicating corrupt officials like Wang Jinyao and Shen Liancheng. They spotted Ning Yuxuan moving cargo. Ji Man told her father that Ning Yuxuan's efforts were concrete and real, not just a show, although Guihai Warrior remarked that a parent's love for their child plans for their distant future.
Yuan Lang learned that Guihai Warrior had returned and wanted to meet him. Huang Han suggested sending a formal visit request first, noting Guihai Warrior's status as a major merchant and an elder. He also mentioned that Guihai Warrior was known to be an upright and honorable person, making it important to leave a good impression. Yuan Lang agreed.
Ji Man returned to Ship Guihai later that night and instructed Sang Shen to lie in her bed, pretending to be her and even imitating her voice to mislead her father, promising to return within an hour as she had urgent business with Ning Yuxuan. She then went to find Ning Yuxuan at the dock and saw his hands were chafed from work, so she applied medicine for him.
Ji Man asked Ning Yuxuan what he wanted to tell her when he invited her out that night. He, appearing tired, deferred the conversation, saying they could talk later as the moment had passed, and quickly left. The next morning, Ning Yuxuan secretly went to visit Ji Man at Ship Guihai, but Guihai Warrior discovered him there, forcing him to leave. Yuan Lang visited Guihai Warrior.
Guihai Warrior, pleased to recognize him as "A-Lang," Yuan Lang's childhood name, and as the new leader of the Jiaolong Gang. Yuan Lang, addressing him as "Third Uncle," revealed Guihai Warrior's real name is Ji Ming and his alias in the tea gang was Lei Hu. He also confirmed that Ji Man, who runs Haoxue Cosmetics under the name Miss Nie, is Guihai Warrior's daughter.
Guihai Warrior acknowledged that he had been troubled by Ji Man's relationship with Ning Yuxuan, seeing it as an unfortunate karmic bond. He expressed worry for her safety with Ning Yuxuan. Yuan Lang suggested telling Ji Man about her true identity, but Guihai Warrior refused, hoping she would never learn about her background or the past grudges, wishing for her and Yuan Lang to live free from hatred and danger and be peaceful and joyful.
Yuan Lang then asked about avenging their tea gang's past, but Guihai Warrior, stating that he had been in business for years precisely for their sake, insisted the old generation's grievances should end with them.
Episode 28 Recap
Ning Yuxuan visited Ji Man at Haoxue Cosmetics, bringing her favorite almond crisp. He remarked on how busy the shop was, anticipating even more work with the upcoming Imperial Supplier Contest. Ji Man credited her hard work to him, calling him her husband. Ning Yuxuan then reminded her of the time he took her to the riverside, admitting he had intended to propose but was too shy to say it.
Ji Man revealed she already knew his intention, having even seen the wedding dress he prepared. Curious about how he knew her size, she learned he had asked Miss Shui to try on the robe for him, which explained Miss Shui's recent strange behavior. Ning Yuxuan formally proposed, promising to make her the happiest woman in the world. Ji Man urged him to keep his voice down so others wouldn't overhear.
Their conversation was interrupted by Muxu, who announced Ji Man's father was arriving. Ning Yuxuan quickly hid. Guihai Warrior entered, and Ji Man greeted him affectionately as "Godfather." She introduced the renowned Guihai Warrior, Mr. Ji Ming, as the consultant she had specially invited to assist Haoxue Cosmetics for the Imperial Supplier Contest. She explained they had quickly formed a strong bond, leading her to recognize him as her adoptive father.
She enthusiastically told him that if she won the contest, she would become the chairwoman of the Sea Trade Guild. Others present expressed admiration for Guihai Warrior and commented that with his support, Haoxue Cosmetics was likely to win the top prize. Later, Guihai Warrior met with Yuan Lang. He expressed concern that Ji Man's ambition to win the Imperial Supplier Contest and become the chairwoman of the Sea Trade Guild would place her in greater peril.
Yuan Lang agreed, specifically pointing out that her identity as a Tea Gang descendant could cause significant trouble if discovered. Guihai Warrior then revealed his decision to take Ji Man away from Haifang by sea for half a year, specifically to separate her from Ning Yuxuan. He instructed Yuan Lang to prepare the necessary supplies, stating he would ensure she went, even if he had to tie her up, viewing this as his final means to sever their connection.
Muxu overheard this conversation and later reported it to Ji Man, informing her that Guihai Warrior planned to forcibly remove her from Haifang to keep her apart from Ning Yuxuan. Infuriated by her father's plan, Ji Man resolved to fight back. She decided to feign illness, believing her doting father would be softened if she appeared gravely ill. She planned to use a warmer to raise her temperature and add croton seeds to her tea to induce symptoms.
When Guihai Warrior visited, Ji Man claimed to feel terribly unwell and to have a fever. Guihai Warrior felt her forehead, confirming it was hot, but then uncovered the warmer and questioned her about the croton seeds, suggesting she needed to suffer genuinely for her act to be convincing. Ji Man acknowledged his astuteness. Her next attempt was to use her considerable wealth to escape by buying a boat.
She instructed Sang Shen to purchase a small boat to meet her near her father's ship if they sailed, allowing her to return to Haifang. However, Sang Shen later reported that Guihai Warrior had preemptively ordered the confiscation of all Ji Man's valuables, leaving her unable to afford even an oar. Ji Man was baffled by her father's constant ability to thwart her plans and suspected he had a mole.
Ji Man confronted Sang Shen, speaking hypothetically about people who claim to act in her best interest but disregard her feelings, especially regarding her relationship with Ning Yuxuan. She emphasized the struggles she and Ning Yuxuan had overcome and her determination that no one would succeed in separating them. Sang Shen broke down, tearfully apologizing. She confessed that Guihai Warrior had instructed her to report on Ji Man's activities after she visited Ning Yuxuan.
She had followed orders but realized the depth of her mistake after witnessing Ji Man's distress and hearing her sincere words about her love for Ning Yuxuan. Sang Shen promised never to betray her again. Muxu added that Ning Yuxuan had rarely smiled before Ji Man entered his life, underscoring their deep connection. Ji Man then instructed Sang Shen to find Ning Yuxuan the following day and arrange for him to meet her at the wharf.
The following day, Ning Yuxuan was discussing the security of the Imperial Supplier Contest and the potential threat posed by Ling Jianxing with another official. He was told Ji Man was currently in seclusion, focused on developing a new cosmetic product. Soon after, he received Sang Shen's message about Ji Man wanting to meet him at the wharf, as Guihai Warrior was scheduled to dine with friends.
Ning Yuxuan immediately ordered Gui Bai to buy out all the flowers from a specific vendor for Ji Man. However, as Guihai Warrior prepared to leave for dinner, he saw Ji Man dressed up and announced that she would be joining him and his old friends. Ji Man protested, but Guihai Warrior was adamant that she would accompany him everywhere until they left Haifang, ordering his servants to ensure she went.
Earlier that day, Guihai Warrior's servants had already informed him that all valuables had been removed from Ji Man's room, confirming his orders had been carried out. Gui Bai went to the flower stand as instructed, only to discover that all the flowers had already been purchased by Miss Shui. Miss Shui approached him, commenting on the romance between Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man and asking if Gui Bai would be as devoted to his own future love.
When Gui Bai tried to politely excuse himself, citing official duties, Miss Shui offered him the flowers she had bought, stating she was touched by Ning Yuxuan's gesture. Gui Bai declined, saying he would find flowers elsewhere. Miss Shui then directly asked why he had been avoiding her since the night she danced for him.
She acknowledged that she might have made him uncomfortable and apologized for her forwardness, stating that if he had no feelings for her, they could simply be friends, removing the need for him to avoid her. She left, leaving the flowers with a speechless Gui Bai. At the dinner, Guihai Warrior hosted old friends and Yuan Lang.
He praised Yuan Lang's leadership of the Dragon Gang, highlighting its transformation into a reputable organization, and suggested his merchant friends partner with the Dragon Gang for their sea transportation needs for safety and efficiency. His friends agreed and toasted Yuan Lang. One friend remarked that Yuan Lang and Ji Man seemed well-suited and inquired if Yuan Lang was married. Upon learning he was single, the friend proposed a match between the two, calling it perfect.
Guihai Warrior then began asking for Yuan Lang's birth details. Ji Man, who was present, reacted strongly to the attempted matchmaking. Claiming she needed to use the bathroom, she quickly excused herself from the table and rushed out. After Ji Man left, Guihai Warrior and Yuan Lang had a private conversation.
Yuan Lang expressed concern about Ji Man's deepening involvement with Ning Yuxuan, fearing that if Ning Yuxuan were to discover Ji Man's heritage as the daughter of his father's killer from the Tea Gang, Ji Man would be in grave danger. Guihai Warrior acknowledged that the grudges of the previous generation were impacting the current one and that delaying the truth was the best course for Ji Man's safety.
Meanwhile, Ji Man found Ning Yuxuan waiting for her outside the restaurant. She vented her frustration about her father's unreasonable opposition. Ning Yuxuan suggested they accelerate their plans, implying that marriage might finally end her father's resistance. As they spoke, a street fortune teller approached them. The fortune teller predicted a life of hardship and misfortune for Ning Yuxuan if he married, but predicted high office if he focused solely on his career.
Ning Yuxuan angrily drove the fortune teller away. Ji Man apologized for the comments about his painful past, but Ning Yuxuan said it was alright, acknowledging the truth in the prediction about his previous suffering. Ji Man vowed to stand by him through any future difficulties. Ning Yuxuan then returned to his earlier thought, suggesting they make their relationship irreversible by speeding up their plans.
Later, Guihai Warrior, having been informed earlier that all valuables had been removed from Ji Man's room, waited for her return to the restaurant. Upon her arrival, he ordered her to immediately pack her belongings, stating they would set sail the next morning, never to return to Haifang. Ji Man refused, demanding a clear explanation for his strong opposition to Ning Yuxuan. Guihai Warrior remained dismissive, initially downplaying Ning Yuxuan's accomplishments.
Ji Man passionately defended Ning Yuxuan, recounting his good deeds, including aiding refugees and suppressing bandits, and spoke of his difficult childhood. She declared her desire to protect him, be with him, and make him happy for the rest of his life. Guihai Warrior angrily interrupted her, proclaiming that their relationship would only bring disaster.
He accused her of being willing to betray her family for Ning Yuxuan and ordered Sang Shen and Muxu to pack her bags, reiterating that they would leave Haifang permanently in the morning. Ji Man again refused, and Guihai Warrior vowed that as long as he lived, she would never be with Ning Yuxuan. Determined not to be separated, Ji Man resolved to drug Guihai Warrior.
She gave Sang Shen a packet of non-toxic sleeping drug, explaining it would cause six hours of unconsciousness when mixed in tea. She instructed Sang Shen to administer it to her father, stressing that this plan had to succeed and was Sang Shen's chance to prove her loyalty. Sang Shen promised to ensure Guihai Warrior drank the tea and to stay by his side.
Ji Man expressed her hope that her father would forgive her, reflecting on the difficult path she and Ning Yuxuan had taken to be together. Sang Shen reassured her that once she was happily married to Ning Yuxuan, her father would surely understand. Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan had arranged a location beautifully decorated for a wedding. Ji Man arrived and became emotional upon seeing the setup, admitting she felt nervous and scared.
Ning Yuxuan comforted her, offering to remove the decorations if they displeased her, but Ji Man insisted she loved them, appreciating the flowers he had chosen. As Muxu helped Ji Man into her wedding dress, she complimented her appearance and performed traditional hair combing rituals, offering blessings for a happy marriage.
Ji Man voiced her long-held dream of marrying Ning Yuxuan and her hope for a simple, peaceful future, wishing her father would eventually accept their love and bless their union. Just as she was fully prepared in her wedding attire, Yuan Lang dramatically entered the room, declaring he had arrived just in time to prevent her from making a terrible mistake.
Episode 29 Recap
Gui Bai informed Ning Yuxuan that Ji Man was missing. He explained that when he went to remind her and Muxu that it was time for the wedding, he found the door locked. After knocking with no response, he broke in out of concern for her safety and found the room empty. He searched the entire residence but could not find them. Based on the servants' accounts, it seemed Ji Man had left voluntarily.
Ning Yuxuan was greatly alarmed and rushed to the Ship Guihai. There, he encountered Sang Shen, who revealed that Ji Man had drugged Guihai Warrior so she could leave the ship to marry Ning Yuxuan, and she was not currently on board. Distraught, Ning Yuxuan did not know where Ji Man could have gone. Gui Bai suggested that given Ji Man's helpful nature, she might have gone to assist a friend in need.
Considering this possibility, Ning Yuxuan hurried to check with Qin Yixian, but Ji Man was not there. Qin Yixian was at the post, proposing to Qian Lianxue and asking her to marry him so she would not have to travel to the post every day. After checking with Qin Yixian, and confirming that Tao Siwei and Qingyun also had not seen her, Ning Yuxuan searched fruitlessly all night.
He wondered where else in the small town Ji Man could be if she was not on the ship, at her shop, or with her friends. He decided there was one more place to check. Meanwhile, Yuan Lang was waiting early in the morning, expecting someone certain to arrive. He revealed he had gone to Ship Guihai the previous day to see Guihai Warrior, only to discover that Guihai Warrior had been drugged by Sang Shen.
He then left to look for Ji Man. Ning Yuxuan eventually found Yuan Lang and urgently asked about Ji Man's whereabouts. Muxu then appeared and told Ning Yuxuan that Ji Man had returned to Ship Guihai. She delivered a message from Ji Man, stating that she chose her father over Ning Yuxuan, suggesting their relationship was over.
Devastated by this message, Ning Yuxuan ordered Gui Bai to leave with him and instructed his men to escort Muxu back to Ship Guihai. Back on Ship Guihai, Guihai Warrior spoke with Ji Man. He explained that he had kept the truth from her previously to protect her from the pain of hatred but also did not want her to forget the tragic deaths of the Tea Gang members.
He emphasized how horribly her father, Yuan Lang's father, and the other innocent people in the gang had died, insisting she should not forget them. Ji Man expressed understanding for his previous actions and admitted she had been too willful. Now comprehending his anxiety, she agreed to his plan to leave Haifang soon. The emotional turmoil affected both Ji Man and Ning Yuxuan. On the ship, Ji Man was unable to eat, causing Muxu and Sang Shen concern.
Ning Yuxuan also had no appetite and was urged by Gui Bai to eat something, but he was too preoccupied. He had a dream where he was marrying Ji Man, seeing her dressed beautifully, and she asked him to promise they would never leave each other. In the dream, he happily agreed, only to wake up and find it was not real. Yuan Lang visited Ji Man on the ship.
Ji Man asked him directly if he still held onto his hatred and intended to seek revenge against Ning Yuxuan. Yuan Lang admitted that before reuniting with her, his sole focus was revenge, and he saw his future ending in mutual destruction with those who harmed the Tea Gang. However, meeting her again had changed him, and he now desired to live.
He offered to let go of all hatred and live a good life with her and Guihai Warrior if she would leave with him. Ji Man reiterated that she had already agreed to leave Haifang with her father and expressed hope that Yuan Lang would remember his words. Yuan Lang promised to find a beautiful place for them to forget the past and start anew.
Soon after, Sang Shen rushed to inform Ji Man of a serious problem: a recent shipment of safflowers had been completely waterlogged due to the crew's negligence. With the Imperial Supplier Contest rapidly approaching, there was no time to order more, and their current stock was insufficient to produce enough Feiwan Face Cream. Ji Man immediately consulted her medical books to find a substitute. Miss Shui arrived and was also distressed upon hearing the news.
Ji Man considered alternatives like Pseudo-ginseng, rhizome of Chuanxiong, and myrrh, noting they had similar blood-circulating properties and would yield white powder when prepared. Although the smell differed, she was confident she could handle the fragrance. However, given the time constraints, the only option was to go to the mountain to collect the herbs. Miss Shui offered to search the market for safflowers, while Ji Man prepared to go to the mountain despite the impending rain.
Miss Shui went to the market and noticed Gui Bai following her. He explained that Ning Yuxuan, worried about Ji Man, had instructed him to keep an eye on her. Miss Shui then informed Gui Bai about Ji Man's predicament with the waterlogged safflowers and her intention to climb the mountain to find substitute herbs. Gui Bai returned and reported this to Ning Yuxuan, who was surprised Ji Man would venture onto the mountain alone.
Elsewhere, Qingyun suggested to Tao Siwei that they try a new restaurant. Muxu suddenly arrived in a panic, explaining that Ji Man had gone up the mountain alone to collect herbs, and Ning Yuxuan was not at the county residence. Worried about Ji Man's safety in the rain, Tao Siwei immediately set off for the mountain, with Qingyun accompanying him. On the mountain, they asked for directions at a tea shed.
The men there harassed Qingyun, leading to a fight with Tao Siwei. Tao Siwei was injured while protecting Qingyun, who insisted they return so she could treat his wounds. Alone on the mountain in the heavy rain, Ji Man fell. As she lay there, she had a vivid flashback to a conversation with Yuan Lang.
He had revealed her true identity: she was the daughter of Cai Wenzheng, the Chief of the Tea Gang, and he was the son of Yuan Dingshan, the Second Chief. He explained that eighteen years ago, Cai Wenzheng, her biological father, had been killed by the Ning family's pursuit, while Ning Zhongtian was killed by Cai Wenzheng. Cai Wenzheng had entrusted his twin daughters, Ji Man and Nie Sangyu, to Ji Ming, who was her foster father.
Because Ji Ming could not raise both, he gave Nie Sangyu to Nie Xiangyuan. Yuan Lang explained that her jade pendant was a gift he gave her as a child. Ji Man, finding this hard to believe, insisted she would not believe a word and wanted to find Ning Yuxuan, saying their relationship was strong and nothing could break them apart.
Yuan Lang warned her that she could deceive herself, but if Ning Yuxuan learned she was the daughter of his father's killer, he might not feel the same way. The narrative then reveals Ning Yuxuan had witnessed his own father's death by Cai Wenzheng's hand at the age of five, and this deep-seated hatred had tormented him ever since, causing him restless nights filled with nightmares.
Episode 30 Recap
Ning Yuxuan found Ji Man in the rain, questioning how long she intended to hide and demanding an explanation for her sudden departure. Ji Man stated there was nothing to explain and urged him to forget her. Ning Yuxuan, however, declared that his heart only held her. Ji Man then revealed that her father (Guihai Yidao) would not approve of them being together, especially with someone living in hatred, implying their best outcome was to start new lives.
When Ning Yuxuan pressed for the real reason, Ji Man confessed that her biological father was Cai Wenzheng, the leader of the Tea Gang, and further revealed that both she and Nie Sangyu were Cai Wenzheng's biological daughters, having been fostered in different families from birth. Ning Yuxuan was shocked by this revelation, but Ji Man insisted there was no future for them and left. Devastated, Ning Yuxuan sat under a tree and fell unconscious.
He woke up two days later and discussed the matter with Gui Bai, who found it hard to believe. Ning Yuxuan ordered all items related to Ji Man, including the cook, removed from the house, both men expressing deep sadness. Qian Lianxue visited Ji Man, asking why she wasn't returning to the county office and whether she had argued with Ning Yuxuan. Ji Man admitted she planned to leave soon after doing some more work for Haoxue Cosmetics.
She confessed her true identity: she was not Nie Sangyu but Ji Man, the biological daughter of Guihai Yidao. She explained that she had accidentally entered the Marquis's Mansion after losing her memory from falling into the water. Due to her status as a second-rank lady with imperial mandate, she could not immediately reveal the truth, but she intended to find an opportunity to leave and live openly as Ji Man, completely unconnected to Ning Yuxuan.
Qian Lianxue, expressing strong belief in Ning Yuxuan's genuine love, highlighted how much he had changed and done for Ji Man, citing examples like his newfound happiness, the improved atmosphere in the mansion, his constant vigil when she was in danger, and his efforts to learn cooking for her. Ji Man thanked Qian Lianxue, expressing her wish for them to remain good partners, and politely asked her to leave, stating she was very busy.
Afterwards, Ji Man became visibly emotional, reflecting on her cherished memories with Ning Yuxuan and concluding that perhaps "not meeting each other was the best choice" for them both. Meanwhile, General Nie received an imperial decree stating that the Emperor would attend the Imperial Supplier Contest in Haifang and ordered him to depart immediately to prepare defenses and escort the Emperor. Ling Jianxing was also nearing Haifang.
He confirmed that most merchants, many of whom were old acquaintances of Lord Tan and himself, had been contacted and were cooperative. However, Haoxue Cosmetics, which dominated the rouge industry, was an exception, and Ling Jianxing considered it a crucial strategic piece. Aware of the recent discord between Ning Yuxuan and Nie Sangyu, Ling Jianxing planned to arrange a meeting with his "old acquaintance" upon arrival. Ji Man sought out Gui Bai to inquire about Ning Yuxuan's well-being.
She confessed that after leaving him that day, she had returned to check on him, found him unconscious, and brought him back, but instructed Gui Bai not to tell Ning Yuxuan it was her. Gui Bai reported that Ning Yuxuan's old illness had relapsed, severely exacerbated by soaking in ice water for an hour the night before last.
He added that the medicine was proving ineffective and Ning Yuxuan had stopped taking it, implying Ning Yuxuan's issue was an emotional "heart ailment" that medication alone couldn't cure. Gui Bai, despite his humble status as a guard, directly urged Ji Man to reconsider, emphasizing that he had witnessed Ning Yuxuan's deep feelings for her. Ji Man acknowledged his words but maintained that perhaps not meeting each other was currently the best choice for both of them.
Qian Yiming approached Shui Niangzi, calling her "Qingqing," and admitted he had been following her. He expressed his happiness at seeing her doing so well and running her own business. He confessed that he had been in pain for three years since their parting in the capital, regretting his past obedience to his mother which led to him hurting her. He pleaded for another chance to prove his love.
Shui Niangzi refused to speak privately, telling him to say whatever he had to say there. She then told him to stop acting, criticizing his performance for lacking tears and noting his acting skills had regressed. She firmly told him to leave, as she had work to do. Qian Yiming pleaded with her not to leave, repeatedly professing his love. Shui Niangzi then told him not to call her "Qingqing" anymore, saying the name made her sick.
As she walked away, he speculated if she liked someone else, continuing to declare his love. Later, Ling Jianxing arrived in Haifang and met Ning Yuxuan, inviting him for a drink. After Ning Yuxuan declined due to official duties, Ling Jianxing revealed his true purpose: His Majesty's specific instruction to visit the "lady with imperial mandate," for whom he had brought gifts. When Ning Yuxuan tried to deflect, Ling Jianxing insisted on personally going to the residence to pay respects.
Upon arriving at the magistrate's residence, Ling Jianxing questioned Ning Yuxuan about why he wasn't immediately invited in, speculating if his wife wasn't home. Just then, Ji Man appeared, putting on a convincing performance of affection with Ning Yuxuan. Ling Jianxing remarked on Ning Yuxuan's apparent infatuation despite seeing her daily. Ji Man apologized for missing Ling Jianxing's banquet, citing her busy schedule with business.
Ling Jianxing, seemingly satisfied after meeting "Mrs. Ning," mentioned the gifts, but when Ji Man stated they wouldn't accept them, he agreed not to force them. He then declined to enter the residence, stating he wouldn't press if they preferred not to invite him in. Ning Yuxuan led Ji Man away. Ling Jianxing then instructed his subordinate to closely watch Nie Sangyu and Ning Yuxuan, suspecting their display of affection was merely an act.
It was revealed that earlier, Gui Bai had warned Ji Man that Ning Yuxuan was in trouble and Ling Jianxing was heading to the magistrate's residence to see her. Ji Man had rushed over because she feared Ling Jianxing would discover their discord, exploit it, and implicate Haoxue Cosmetics.
After their successful deception, Ji Man indicated she was leaving, but Ning Yuxuan stopped her, explaining that Ling Jianxing's men were likely still watching and it was not safe for her to leave immediately. Ji Man declined Ning Yuxuan's offer to send her back later, stating she would leave by herself then. As she remained in the familiar residence, memories flooded back, making her visibly emotional, and she eventually ran out.
Ling Jianxing's subordinate later reported that Nie Sangyu went to Ship Guihai after leaving the residence and did not return that night. Ling Jianxing, recalling Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man's earlier affectionate performance, concluded that their estrangement was a serious crime of deceiving the Emperor. He ordered continued surveillance to determine the full extent of their discord.
The Imperial Supplier Contest commenced with the arrival of a special guest, Princess Ruyue, who announced her participation as a merchant bringing her own facial cream, aiming to win. When she unveiled herself, Ji Man was shocked to see it was Wen Wan. Ji Man confronted her, initially addressing her as "Wen Wan" and pointing out her past wrongdoings and her supposed imprisonment at Dali Temple.
She then addressed her as "Princess Ruyue," warning that while past mistakes might have been covered up, as a princess, any further wrongdoing would reach the Emperor's ears. Wen Wan arrogantly dismissed Ji Man's warning, boasting about her uncle Lord Tan and her close ties to the Emperor, questioning Ji Man's right to lecture her. She then ordered her guards to seize Ji Man and her companions. Ning Yuxuan and Ling Jianxing intervened.
Wen Wan then introduced herself to Ning Yuxuan as Princess Ruyue, niece of Lord Tan, and introduced Ning Yuxuan's wife as the lady with imperial mandate, suggesting there had been a misunderstanding between them just now. She politely asked Ning Yuxuan and his wife for their care, being new to Haifang. Ning Yuxuan warily noted Haifang's mixed environment but suggested Ling Jianxing's presence would prevent any issues.
Wen Wan, feigning fatigue from her journey, excused herself and left, bidding farewell to Ning Yuxuan and his wife. Privately, Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man acknowledged to each other that Wen Wan's return was ominous and they needed to be cautious. Back at Haoxue Cosmetics, Ji Man's group expressed their shock and anger at Wen Wan's return and elevated status, speculating on her "dirty tricks" to become Princess Ruyue and the complex story behind it.
They resolved to compete against her, defeat her, and expose her true nature. Ji Man, realizing she could not abandon them now, decided to postpone her plans to leave Haifang and fight alongside her team against Wen Wan. Meanwhile, Wen Wan conversed with Ling Jianxing, expressing her satisfaction at Ji Man's frustration and her unwavering intention to make Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man pay back in full for the pain they had inflicted upon her. Ling Jianxing, observing her, implicitly supported her continued actions.
Episode 31 Recap
Ling Jianxing sat drinking, recalling his conversation with Lord Tan. Lord Tan had inquired if he had chosen candidates for the Imperial Supplier Contest. Ling Jianxing replied that he had, but these individuals were primarily driven by profit. Lord Tan suggested cultivating someone loyal to them, mentioning his sister who married far away and had a daughter, Princess Ruyue, who was reportedly lost in a sandstorm and presumed dead, though he had never met her.
Ling Jianxing understood Lord Tan’s intention was to find someone to impersonate the princess, participate in the contest, and become their loyal agent. Lord Tan stated there were no suitable candidates currently, and Ling Jianxing suggested he had someone perfect in mind. Ling Jianxing brought Wen Wan out of prison, offering her two choices: return to jail or go to Haifang to deal with Ning Yuxuan and his associates.
Wen Wan declared that her current predicament was entirely Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man's doing, stating Ning Yuxuan had no affection for her, and she was determined to make both of them suffer. She insisted she would make them repay the pain they inflicted upon her. Ling Jianxing clarified that by saving her and giving her a new identity, he intended for her to make them pay back double. He urged her not to disappoint him and Lord Tan.
Wen Wan then met with Lord Tan. When asked why she should be chosen for this task, she explained that her background in a merchant family provided her with insights into business strategies, which she believed would help them win the Imperial Supplier Contest. She also emphasized her profound understanding of both Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man, stating that knowing her adversaries well would ensure victory. Furthermore, she declared her deep-seated hatred for the Ning family, vowing to seek revenge.
Lord Tan presented her with a conferment document, instructing her to claim him as her uncle only after she successfully accomplished the task and was crowned the Sea Trade Guild chairman. Ling Jianxing emphasized the significance of her new identity in securing victory in the contest and controlling Haifang's trade for Lord Tan, reminding her to understand her mission and not fail them.
Ji Man, hearing about Wen Wan's return and connection to Lord Tan, felt it was a challenge but remained resolute, believing they could handle whatever came their way. Ling Jianxing explained the Imperial Supplier Contest's structure: three rounds. The first round evaluated existing product quality, the second tested production capacity within a set time, and the third judged new product creativity. The ultimate winner would be appointed the chairwoman of Haifang's Sea Trade Guild by the Emperor.
Ling Jianxing then revealed his broader plan to consolidate various businesses, including cosmetics, tea, and medicine, under their control. Wen Wan expressed confidence in winning the balsam selection and outperforming Haoxue Cosmetics, but Ling Jianxing cautioned her not to underestimate other competitors. Wen Wan asked if Ning Yuxuan would notice their acquisition efforts. Ling Jianxing dismissed her concern, revealing that Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man were reportedly at odds, with Ji Man having moved out of their residence.
Ling Jianxing believed this marital discord would significantly harm Ning Yuxuan's reputation. Ling Jianxing then noted that Wen Wan was now addressing Ning Yuxuan by his given name. Wen Wan, embracing her new identity as a princess, asserted it was her prerogative to address a mere minor official like Ning Yuxuan directly. At Haoxue Cosmetics, Ji Man directed her staff, including Qingqing, during a busy period.
She announced a wage increase for everyone working hard due to the increased business driven by the approaching Imperial Supplier Contest, promising a bonus at the end of the year. She reiterated the need to work together to face any enemy tactics and stressed the importance of protecting goods and raw materials, confirming reliable workers were watching the warehouse. One staff member suggested hiring an additional security guard for the lobby, which Ji Man approved, agreeing that caution was necessary.
Meanwhile, outside, Gui Bai observed Qian Yiming bothering Qingqing, a staff member at Haoxue Cosmetics. Gui Bai intervened, physically confronting Qian Yiming and warning him not to trouble Qingqing again. Gui Bai then noticed spies outside Haoxue Cosmetics. Gui Bai reported the presence of spies to Ning Yuxuan. Ning Yuxuan revealed he had also been followed that morning, speculating that Ling Jianxing or Wen Wan had likely detected the discord between him and Ji Man and sent the spies.
Ning Yuxuan discussed the situation with Yuan Dingshan, Ji Man's father. Ning Yuxuan explained that Ji Man holding the title of a second-rank lady with imperial mandate meant that public knowledge of their marital disharmony would be a serious offense for both of them. He proposed staging a show of marital harmony by having Ji Man temporarily move back to the magistrate's residence.
Yuan Dingshan agreed for Ji Man's safety but stipulated that Ning Yuxuan could not use her title to control her permanently and must announce Nie Sangyu's death after the Imperial Supplier Contest. Ji Man accepted the arrangement but insisted Ning Yuxuan must not interfere with her affairs while they were putting on the act. Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man went out, publicly displaying affection as part of their act.
They bought sugar-coated haws, appearing as an affectionate couple, and were encountered by Ling Jianxing. Ling Jianxing commented on their apparent leisure before excusing himself to attend to market order. After Ling Jianxing left, Ji Man immediately dropped the act, gave Ning Yuxuan the sugar-coated haws, and stated she was returning to Haoxue Cosmetics alone, declining his offer to accompany her. Ning Yuxuan watched her leave with a look of disappointment.
Later that evening, Ning Yuxuan was looking at the stars when Ji Man approached him. Ning Yuxuan remarked on how different their interactions felt now and that he was not used to it. He brought up the stars they had watched before, remembering the brightest one was called Shenxiu.
Ji Man responded by mentioning Shangxiu, another star, explaining how Shenxiu and Shangxiu never appear together, a metaphor for their destiny to remain apart, suggesting it was better for them to stay in their own orbits and not interfere with each other. Ning Yuxuan conceded that some distances seemed fated and insurmountable. News spread that Wen Wan had purchased and reopened Joy Cosmetics, now operating under the identity of Princess Ruyue and attracting the attention of Haifang's elite.
Gui Bai confirmed that the real Wen Wan had died while in custody in the capital. The current individual in Haifang was indeed presenting as Princess Ruyue with valid conferment documents, indicating someone was protecting her identity. Ji Man and her staff, including Qingqing and Qin Gongzi, discussed the success of Haoxue Cosmetics, particularly the increased sales of their Feiwan Face Cream.
Qin Gongzi informed Ji Man about Wen Wan buying Joy Cosmetics and the extensive publicity surrounding its reopening, noting her clear intention to compete with Haoxue Cosmetics. Gui Bai's findings confirmed that the current Princess Ruyue was not the Wen Wan they knew, but someone whose identity was being supported, making her a significant challenge.
Ji Man remained resolute, stating they needed to be more careful and expressing eagerness to see what products Princess Ruyue/Wen Wan would introduce to rival theirs. Ji Man spoke with Tao Siwei, encouraging him to consider his feelings for Qingyun, highlighting Qingyun's sincerity and their time spent together. As Qingyun's sister, Ji Man advised him to cherish the people close to him and not miss a potentially good relationship, suggesting they could start as friends. Tao Siwei seemed hesitant.
Qingyun then arrived, eagerly joining them and attempting to get some private time with Tao Siwei, who, feeling awkward, quickly excused himself, mentioning another commitment. Ling Jianxing met with Yuan Lang, the chief of the Dragon Gang. Ling Jianxing brought up the past connection of Shen Liancheng, a former associate, to the Tea Gang and noted that many former Tea Gang members were now under Yuan Lang's command.
Using this knowledge, Ling Jianxing pressured Yuan Lang, suggesting he could inform Ning Yuxuan. Yuan Lang dismissed the implied threat, stating it didn't concern him. Ling Jianxing then offered Yuan Lang a business proposition: intercepting incoming foreign merchant ships to undermine Ning Yuxuan's authority in Haifang, offering a substantial payment for the service.
Episode 32 Recap
The Imperial Supplier Contest commenced, judged by public vote. Miss Shui expressed confidence in the popularity and effectiveness of their Feiwan Face Cream, anticipating victory but also Ruyue's potential schemes. Ji Man maintained that regardless of tactics, the quality of the product would speak for itself.
As people initially flocked to Haoxue Cosmetics' booth, Ruyue's Joy Cosmetics offered a promotion: free samples of their new Moon Face Cream and a 50% discount for a year for those who voted for them, effectively drawing customers away. The testers examined both products and found Moon Face Cream and Feiwan Face Cream to be nearly identical in texture and feel. To differentiate them, they requested both owners publicly disclose their formulas.
An objection was raised, finding it inappropriate to reveal proprietary research. Ling Jianxing challenged Ji Man, asking if she was afraid. Ji Man agreed to provide her formula but insisted it only be shown privately to the selection officer, a condition Ruyue also accepted. After comparing the submitted formulas, the officer found the base ingredients of both face creams to be the same.
However, Moon Face Cream included an additional expensive medicinal material, powdered rhinoceros horn, which gave it a stronger fragrance but increased production cost. The official concluded that Moon Face Cream's formula was superior due to this additional ingredient. Ruyue then offered Ji Man some of her Moon Face Cream, taking the opportunity to emphasize the unique ingredient. Ji Man's team (or an associate) then directly accused Ruyue of copying their formula, citing Feiwan Face Cream's long-standing popularity.
Ruyue's servant asserted that the people of Haoxue Cosmetics were shielding each other and cautioned Ning Yuxuan, as Ji Man's husband and a contest official, against favoritism. Others suggested the final decision rest on the public vote for the preliminary round. The public vote for the preliminary round then commenced. Ruyue's Joy Cosmetics garnered more votes and won the first round. Ning Yuxuan, however, cast his vote for Ji Man.
After all other votes were submitted, Ling Jianxing publicly announced his vote for Feiwan Face Cream, remarking on Ning Yuxuan's evident support for his wife. Ning Yuxuan clarified that his vote was for justice, not favoritism, stating that unfair practices might succeed temporarily but would not ultimately prevail. After losing the first round, Ji Man and her team discussed the situation. They acknowledged that Ruyue had likely copied the Feiwan formula without them knowing.
They realized that Ning Yuxuan's position as a contest official and his revealed relationship with Ji Man made it difficult for him to overtly intervene on their behalf. Accepting the loss in the first round, they decided to focus their efforts on the remaining two rounds. The second round, based on production output, seemed manageable. For the third round, requiring a new product formula, Ji Man had nascent ideas and asked her assistant, Muxu, to purchase raw materials.
Miss Shui comforted Ji Man, encouraging her to look ahead. Later, Miss Shui encountered Mr. Qian, her former fiancé, who was attempting to force her to return with him. He had previously only been interested in her family's ancestral secret formula. When she refused and accused him of his true motives, he became aggressive. Gui Bai intervened, protecting Miss Shui.
Mr. Qian insulted Miss Shui, calling her a mere singer, and Gui Bai, a servant, suggesting he was her new lover. Miss Shui slapped Mr. Qian, declaring that singers and servants were far superior to a villain like him. Mr. Qian left, threatening them. Following this encounter, Shui Yiqing visited Ji Man and gave her a package. It contained her family's ancestral secret prescription for traumatic medicine.
She explained that her family in the capital used to run a pharmacy and her father had left this formula to her. She noted that the formula's effects were remarkably similar to Scar Recovering Cream and hoped it might aid Ji Man in developing her new product for the contest. Ji Man was hesitant to accept such a valuable family heirloom, but Miss Shui insisted, wanting to contribute to Haoxue Cosmetics' fight against Ruyue, especially after the first round loss.
Ji Man accepted, thanking Miss Shui for her trust and promising to work diligently on a new product, vowing that Haoxue Cosmetics would ultimately succeed. Separately, Ruyue's servant, Lan'er, who witnessed the argument between Mr. Qian and Miss Shui, reported back to Ruyue. Ruyue summoned Mr. Qian. She offered him some Moon Face Cream for the redness on his face and expressed her opinion that the women of Haoxue Cosmetics were malicious.
Mr. Qian agreed and confirmed Miss Shui was a descendant of a prisoner and possessed a unique ancestral secret formula for traumatic medicine. Ruyue immediately saw potential in incorporating this formula into a face cream. Mr. Qian expressed difficulty obtaining it due to his current strained relationship with Miss Shui and Gui Bai's protection of her. Ruyue dismissed his concerns and promised to introduce him to Ling Jianxing after he successfully obtained the formula.
Mr. Qian gratefully accepted, pledging his utmost effort. Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan had a private discussion with his subordinate, revealing his suspicions about Ling Jianxing's extensive knowledge of the Tea Gang and other hidden forces. He instructed his subordinate to investigate Ling Jianxing further to escape his coercion.
He also discussed a plan with another subordinate, involving external merchant ships cooperating with the Jiaolong Gang to stage a fake robbery, in order to assist the Jiaolong Gang leader in dealings with Ling Jianxing. Later, Ning Yuxuan received a message from Qin Yixian, stating he was in danger at Joy Cosmetics and requesting urgent help. Ning Yuxuan went to Ruyue's shop, where he found Qin Yixian on the roof.
Qin Yixian explained Ruyue had summoned him earlier that day to repair the roof, which she claimed had crooked beams, and then insisted Ning Yuxuan also come because she considered him the most upright and discerning person in Haifang. Ning Yuxuan noted he was unable to repair beams and had other commitments. Ruyue arrived and complained to Ning Yuxuan about the supposedly crooked beams despite Qin Yixian working all day.
Ning Yuxuan found the beams looked fine, but Qin Yixian sided with Ruyue, claiming they all had issues. Ning Yuxuan remarked that the problem might stem from the "upper beam not being straight" (a subtle jab at Ruyue) but agreed to supervise the repair. Ruyue invited them to a banquet to thank them, but Ning Yuxuan declined, citing prior engagements.
Ruyue insisted the roof wasn't properly inspected and ordered everyone present to climb onto the roof and check, threatening punishment if they didn't find fault. The workers rushed onto the roof, causing it to collapse, damaging Ruyue's herbs below. Furious, Ruyue ordered the workers flogged. Ning Yuxuan intervened, pointing out Ruyue had ordered them onto the roof. He changed their punishment to continuing the repairs, estimating it would take at least a month to fix the large hole.
Ruyue accused him of intentionally sabotaging her business in retaliation for her victory. Ning Yuxuan denied involving his wife and reiterated that he and Qin Yixian were there because she asked for help. He left, instructing the workers to continue repairs until the roof was fixed. During this time, Ji Man was out buying things and overheard townspeople gossiping about Ning Yuxuan helping Ruyue and rumors of marital discord between him and Ji Man.
Ji Man later met with Tao Siwei. She pressed him about his feelings for Qingyun, emphasizing the importance of his decision for both of them and noting how evident Qingyun's affection for him was. Tao Siwei responded that he was someone who committed to only one person and kept his promises. Ji Man urged him to face his feelings, telling him she knew he was just afraid to take the step.
She expressed her strong desire for him and Qingyun to be together and happy, seeing it as her own happiness as well. Tao Siwei finally declared his intention to marry Qingyun, promising to treat her well, protect her lifelong, ensure she wouldn't suffer any injustice, and never take a concubine. Qingyun, who had been nearby, overheard his declaration.
She ran out, emotionally asked if he was serious since her sister Ji Man was present, and then happily embraced him, saying she knew he would eventually care for her. Later that night, Ning Yuxuan returned home late. Ji Man was waiting for him. He noticed her late return, asking if she had been busy. Ji Man acknowledged his own strenuous efforts with the Imperial Supplier Contest and the roof repairs at Ruyue's shop. Ning Yuxuan began to explain his reasons, but Ji Man interrupted, acknowledging she already knew about it and told him he didn't need to explain.
Episode 33 Recap
Subordinates reported to Ling Jianxing that they no longer needed to monitor Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man's relationship. They also noted that Yuan Lang, despite attempting ship robberies, appeared to be acting half-heartedly and had failed every time, which was uncharacteristic of the skilled Dragon Gang members. Frustrated, Ling Jianxing ordered Yuan Lang to be brought before him, calling him out for his lack of serious effort.
When Yuan Lang arrived, he returned the money, explaining that the Dragon Gang did not accept payment for unsuccessful ventures. Ling Jianxing challenged his capability, mentioning his father, Yuan Dingshan, a key figure in the old Tea Gang. Yuan Lang replied that his father and the Tea Gang's past were history, and he only wished for a peaceful life for the elders.
Ling Jianxing warned that others would not allow him peace and that Ning Yuxuan would surely seek to kill him upon learning the truth. Yuan Lang acknowledged that his identity as a Tea Gang descendant would inevitably be discovered by Ning Yuxuan and stated he was prepared for a confrontation. Ling Jianxing then revealed a deeper, more damaging secret: Yuan Lang's father was not just Ning Yuxuan's enemy, but a traitor to the entire Tea Gang.
He accused Yuan Lang's father of opposing Cai Wenzheng and Ning Zhongtian's plan to submit to the court, instead impersonating Cai Wenzheng to assassinate Ning Zhongtian, thus betraying all their brothers. Yuan Lang vehemently denied this, threatening Ling Jianxing for slandering his father. Ling Jianxing insisted it was fact and urged Yuan Lang to investigate.
He concluded by stating that because Yuan Lang's father killed Ning Yuxuan's father, Yuan Lang's only path was unconditional obedience to him, threatening to expose the truth to the Tea Gang elders if he refused, thereby revealing his father as the one who caused their ruin. He told Yuan Lang to consider his father's reputation carefully.
After his conversation with Ling Jianxing, Yuan Lang recalled a childhood memory where his father, Yuan Dingshan, taught him that his sword should only be aimed at enemies, not comrades. Doubting the accusation, Yuan Lang went to visit his father, despite Uncle Wu's surprise and concern about revealing their location. Yuan Lang pressed his demented father about the betrayal of the Tea Gang and the killing of many brothers, but his father was unable to respond coherently.
Uncle Wu insisted Yuan Lang's father could not have done such a thing, but Yuan Lang's father suddenly mumbled apologies to "elder brother" and "third brother," admitting his past mistakes. This fragmented confession deeply disturbed Yuan Lang. Ji Ming, addressing Ji Man, inquired why she seemed sad since returning. Ji Man dismissed his concern, claiming she was fine.
Ji Ming insisted on offering his full support for her participation in the Imperial Supplier Contest, promising to provide whatever she needed, whether it was money or people. Ji Man explained they were in the second round and required 1000 bottles of Feiwan Face Cream, but her shop was severely understaffed. She asked if the trustworthy boatmen from Guihai Ship could potentially assist.
Ji Ming confirmed their reliability but doubted their suitability for the intricate work of making face cream, as they were seasoned sailors. Ji Man acknowledged his point but noted they still had time before the deadline and hoped that with sufficient training and practice, the boatmen might be able to learn. Ji Ming agreed to let her try.
A subordinate reported to Ning Yuxuan that informants had not been seen for several days, suggesting that Ling Jianxing no longer suspected him and Ji Man. Ning Yuxuan commented that their pretense was no longer necessary and that Ji Man had no reason to continue staying at the Magistrate's Residence. Ji Man, having overheard this, entered and declared they would begin packing and leave within two days. Ning Yuxuan quickly clarified that he hadn't meant to imply she should leave.
Ji Man expressed her desire to return to Guihai Ship. Ning Yuxuan then asked her to accompany him to see something urgent before she went. Ning Yuxuan led Ji Man to a courtyard where many women were diligently making face cream. He explained that these were residents of Haifang, many of whom Ji Man had previously helped.
He noted specific examples, such as a flower vendor whose business thrived after the wharf was managed by the Dragon Gang, and a woman whose husband stopped gambling after being inspired by Ji Man's actions at the casino. He stated that these women were eager to volunteer their help when they heard she needed assistance.
Ning Yuxuan suggested these individuals were better suited for making face cream than the boatmen and assured Ji Man that Wen Wan would not discover this arrangement. Ji Man thanked him for his help. Wen Wan's maid expressed surprise that Ji Man seemed to have found many helpers, despite Wen Wan having already hired nearly all the skilled female formulators in Haifang with high pay. The maid wondered how Ji Man found them without their knowledge.
Wen Wan immediately suspected Ning Yuxuan was secretly assisting her, referring to them as a "crafty and sly couple." She instructed her maid to continue the investigation and, rather than passively waiting, to actively devise new problems to challenge Ji Man. Yuan Lang gathered the remaining members of the old Tea Gang. He informed them that he had called them together to atone for his father's crime.
He repeated the accusation that his father had betrayed the entire Tea Gang by impersonating Cai Wenzheng and killing Ning Zhongtian, stating his father was responsible for their suffering. Some members initially reacted with disbelief. Yuan Lang insisted it was true and that he had confirmed it with his father. Declaring that a son should bear his father's debts, he offered himself to anyone seeking vengeance for their families, vowing not to resist.
The elders, however, stepped forward to protect him. While acknowledging that his father's mistake had led to the Tea Gang's fragmentation and their homelessness, they emphasized that Yuan Lang had since brought them back together, giving them a new Tea Gang. They highlighted his role in saving them from wandering, providing stability, and continuing the practice of helping the needy. They affirmed their acceptance of him as their brother and chief, lifting him up, deeply moving Yuan Lang.
The women volunteers were making good progress on the face cream for the Imperial Supplier Contest. However, when Ji Man's staff went to collect the necessary containers, they discovered that Wen Wan had reserved all the ceramic kilns in Haifang. She had also purchased all the available retail stock, leaving Ji Man's shop without the required bottles, which posed a significant challenge for the contest where packaging was important. Ji Man acknowledged her carelessness in overlooking this possibility.
She called for her father, Ji Ming, known as Guihai Warrior. Ji Man explained the urgent need for 1000 bottles and how all local supply was blocked. She asked if he could arrange to have bottles shipped from overseas. Ji Ming initially expressed concern about the time frame for sea travel but, prompted by Ji Man referencing his reputation as Guihai Warrior, he immediately agreed.
He promised to dispatch someone by sea to acquire the bottles using the fastest possible vessel and guarantee their delivery before the conclusion of the second round of the contest. Ji Man and her staff were elated. Ji Ming joked that while he knew nothing about cosmetics, he had never failed in shipping cargo. Prioritizing the task, he declined an offer of lunch and left for the wharf to contact suppliers.
Miss Shui and Muxu were out, planning to buy a thank-you gift for Ji Ming. Gui Bai was secretly keeping watch over them. When Miss Shui was nearly caught in an altercation between two men, Gui Bai intervened to ensure her safety. Later, Gui Bai observed Miss Shui being followed by her former fiancé, Qian Yiming. Gui Bai followed Qian Yiming but was ambushed in an alley and struck in the shoulder by a crossbow bolt.
Miss Shui found the injured Gui Bai and brought him back for treatment. Standard medicine proved ineffective. Miss Shui retrieved an ancestral medicinal formula and sent Muxu to get the herbs. While injured, Gui Bai urged Miss Shui to flee, but she refused to leave him, reminding him of his vow to protect her for a lifetime. Ning Yuxuan arrived and was informed of Gui Bai's severe condition.
Miss Shui explained that her former fiancé, Qian Yiming, had been bothering her and Gui Bai had been protecting her, leading her to believe Qian Yiming was behind the ambush. Ning Yuxuan stated he would investigate the matter personally. Meanwhile, as Muxu went to the herbalist to fill the prescription from Miss Shui's formula, Qian Yiming was present and overheard her order the specific herbs.
Later conversation revealed that this was a planned scheme orchestrated by Wen Wan, referred to by Qian Yiming as County Princess, both to injure Gui Bai and obtain Miss Shui's unique medicinal formula. Qian Yiming thanked Wen Wan for a plan that facilitated both his revenge on Gui Bai and the acquisition of the formula. Ji Man was assisting her father, Ji Ming, with carrying baskets of goods.
Ji Ming told her to focus on preparing for the Imperial Supplier Contest rather than helping with his work. He asked if she had finished packing her belongings and when she intended to move back. He expressed his concern about her relationship with Ning Yuxuan, fearing that she might act impulsively and that continuing her involvement with him would only result in suffering. Ji Man indicated that she understood his concern.
Ji Ming then mentioned that a new shipment of provisions had arrived and left to inspect it. While speaking with a visitor named Nie Xiangyuan, who was in Haifang on official imperial duties, Ji Ming called Ji Man over and introduced her. Ji Ming informed Ji Man that Mr. Nie was aware of her true identity.
Ji Man apologized to Mr. Nie for having concealed her identity, explaining that her amnesia after falling into the water led her to the Marquis's Mansion by mistake. Nie Xiangyuan was visibly moved by Ji Man's appearance, remarking how much she resembled Sangyu, noting that only their closest relatives would be able to tell them apart and even he found it difficult. He commented on her likeness to Sangyu and lamented Sangyu's unfortunate fate.
Episode 34 Recap
General Nie arrived in Haifang and met Ji Man. He remarked on her strong resemblance to his deceased daughter, Nie Sangyu, lamenting Sangyu's fate and his regret at not seeing her before her death. Ji Man offered him comfort, telling him Sangyu would not want to see him so sad. General Nie mentioned he had written to his other daughter, Qingyun, about his visit, wondering why she hadn't told Ji Man.
Ji Man suggested Qingyun might have been preoccupied with her upcoming betrothal. General Nie, surprised, asked who she was to be betrothed to. Soon after, General Nie met with Tao Siwei to arrange Qingyun's marriage. Qingyun, dressed up by Ji Man for the occasion, arrived feeling awkward but was assured she looked good. General Nie expressed his long-standing admiration for Tao Siwei and his happiness that Tao Siwei and Qingyun were fond of each other.
He stated that once their betrothal was official, a great weight would be lifted from his mind. They shared a toast to the impending union. Tao Siwei praised Qingyun and gave her an heirloom hairpin, declaring his decision to marry her and cherish her. Qingyun happily accepted and presented him with a handmade gift. General Nie entrusted Qingyun's happiness to Tao Siwei, warning him not to fail her. The betrothal was agreed upon, and they toasted the happy couple.
General Nie expressed his contentment that both his daughters were finding good partners. Later, Ning Yuxuan spoke privately with a still-drunk General Nie. General Nie was thinking of Sangyu, admitting his fault in spoiling her and regretting not being stricter, which he felt led to her fate. He recounted saving Ji Man after she fell from the cliff, believing at the time it was Sangyu.
He acknowledged the peculiar nature of the situation and Ning Yuxuan's innocence, as he couldn't have known they were twin sisters. Ning Yuxuan mentioned establishing a memorial altar for Sangyu in an old temple, and General Nie asked for the location so he could visit. General Nie commented on Ji Man being luckier than Sangyu and noted the apparent deep affection between Ji Man and Ning Yuxuan, calling it a strange twist of fate.
He asked Ning Yuxuan how he intended to handle his relationship with Ji Man, given the complex history. Ning Yuxuan stated he did not want Ji Man to be hurt by the past events. Unseen, Tao Siwei overheard their conversation and realized that Nie Sangyu was dead. He was stunned, realizing that the current Mrs. Ning was not the Nie Sangyu he knew, but someone named Ji Man. He questioned how such a thing could happen.
After the celebration, a drunk Qingyun was being helped away. Tao Siwei attempted to speak with her but was stopped by her attendants. He then sought out Ji Man, asking her to share a drink and reminisce about their days as classmates. Tao Siwei noted how quickly time had passed and that they had both achieved their wishes. He pressed Ji Man, asking if her wish was to marry the person she loved most. Ji Man responded that people change.
Tao Siwei commented positively on how she had changed and become more endearing, wishing her and Ning Yuxuan lasting happiness. He pointed out the similarity in their stubborn personalities, recalling a past incident involving a kite stuck in a tree where she insisted on retrieving it herself. Ji Man interrupted, reiterating that there were things she could not reveal at the moment but would explain when the time was right.
She expressed her sincere hope that he and Qingyun would marry, fulfilling both Qingyun's and her own wish. Tao Siwei thanked her and again wished her and Ning Yuxuan well before retiring for the night. Ji Man later told Ning Yuxuan that she believed Tao Siwei knew she was not Nie Sangyu. She described his changed tone, attitude, and gaze during their conversation, indicating he had realized something.
Ning Yuxuan found it hard to believe, considering Tao Siwei his close and upright friend, and doubted he would do anything to harm them. Ji Man stressed the need for extreme caution regarding her true identity. Meanwhile, Gui Bai was recovering from his injuries, telling Miss Shui how quickly he was healing thanks to her care. Miss Shui urged him not to move around too much. Gui Bai thanked her for taking care of him.
Miss Shui felt she should be the one thanking him. Gui Bai expressed his belief that his life was unstable and could be lost at any moment, feeling he couldn't provide her with a secure life. Miss Shui told him she didn't care about his status or lifestyle, only if he loved her. Sang Shen finished packing Ji Man's belongings. Ji Man prepared to leave. She declined Ning Yuxuan's offer to help her pack, stating she could do it herself.
She left behind some items and a message for him, expressing her wish for him not to compromise himself and her reluctance to see him do so. Discovering that Ji Man had left, along with her message and packed items, Ning Yuxuan felt conflicted. He wondered if giving up everything for her constituted a form of betrayal. Later, Yuan Lang, visibly drunk and troubled, sought out Ji Man.
She expressed concern about his state and recent behavior, asking if something was wrong. Yuan Lang indicated something had been tormenting him and he needed to tell her. However, Guihai Warrior, whom Ji Man referred to as 'Dad', entered, interrupting their conversation. Yuan Lang excused himself, promising to talk later. Elsewhere, Ling Jianxing discussed securing all the ceramic kilns to prevent the production of Nie Sangyu's face cream, thus hindering her business.
Tao Siwei then unexpectedly arrived and demanded to speak with Ling Jianxing privately. Ling Jianxing quickly had Wen Wan hide before allowing Tao Siwei in. Tao Siwei stated that the real Nie Sangyu was dead and the current Mrs. Ning was an imposter. He mentioned that General Nie and Ning Yuxuan were aware of this. Ling Jianxing demanded evidence, to which Tao Siwei suggested interrogating the imposter's close servants, as they would know the truth despite any outward deception.
Tao Siwei then challenged Ling Jianxing to seek him out if he believed his information. Ling Jianxing discussed Tao Siwei's claims with Wen Wan. Wen Wan found it credible, noting the significant change in the 'First Lady' and confirming her earlier suspicions that they were not the same person. She acknowledged that while there was no hard evidence, she believed the current Mrs. Ning was not the original Nie Sangyu, wondering who the imposter was.
Ling Jianxing considered Ning Yuxuan's actions bold. He regretted that General Nie had left Haifang to receive the Emperor, as he would have questioned him. He speculated there might be others who could provide information. Ling Jianxing visited Guihai Warrior. He politely acknowledged Guihai Warrior's reputation before stating his purpose was to discuss the upcoming Imperial Supplier Contest, praising Haifang's advantages and seeking Guihai Warrior's experienced input as a seasoned merchant.
Guihai Warrior humbly demurred, saying he was just a small merchant and the contest was well-handled by Ling Jianxing and Ning Yuxuan. Ling Jianxing then inquired about Guihai Warrior's daughter, suggesting her participation given his expertise and resources. Guihai Warrior replied his daughter was frail and recovering in the south, thus unable to appear publicly. Ling Jianxing offered to send doctors from the capital, but Guihai Warrior politely declined, citing concerns about the capital's climate worsening her condition.
Ling Jianxing then brought up Guihai Warrior's foster daughter, Nie Sangyu, and the public murmurs questioning the contest's fairness due to her being Ning Yuxuan's wife and a contestant. Guihai Warrior countered by mentioning Princess Ruyue's royal status also being a potential source of public comment. Citing business matters, Guihai Warrior concluded the meeting. After Ling Jianxing's probing visit, Guihai Warrior came to Ji Man.
He noted Yuan Lang's troubled state and warned Ji Man that her identity might have been exposed. He stressed that with her identity revealed, both she and Ning Yuxuan would be in danger and insisted she must leave immediately, prioritizing her safety over her business. Ji Man sent Sang Shen to deliver an urgent message.
Gui Bai found Ning Yuxuan staring at a bead and told him Ji Man had left, suggesting he discard the item and acknowledging the mutual feelings between them. Ning Yuxuan denied thinking about her. Sang Shen then delivered Ji Man's urgent message to Gui Bai, who immediately gave it to Ning Yuxuan. The message stated that Ji Man's identity might have been exposed and her father was taking her to Yunzhou immediately.
Guihai Warrior urged Ji Man to leave for her and Ning Yuxuan's safety, believing it was the best course of action for them. Ning Yuxuan rushed to the dock, heartbroken to find that Ji Man had gone. As he despaired, Ji Man suddenly reappeared and asked him what he would do if she were not there. They embraced, and Ji Man declared she would not leave, promising to face any future dangers together with him.
She also mentioned they needed to discuss the Tea Gang matter, as she felt something about it was wrong. Just then, Yuan Lang arrived, having come to see Ji Man before her expected departure. Seeing them together, he told them he had something important to tell them about the Tea Gang and asked them to come with him. They went to another location, where Yuan Lang continued drinking.
Ji Man again expressed concern about his recent behavior and offered their help. Yuan Lang felt misunderstood and described himself as a complete joke. He told Ning Yuxuan they should have reconciled earlier. He confessed he had hidden a crucial fact: there was no real feud between them. His father had caused all the tragedy. Ning Yuxuan asked for clarification.
Yuan Lang revealed that the person who killed Ning Yuxuan's father was not Cai Wenzheng, but his own father, who had disguised himself as Cai Wenzheng. He declared himself Ning Yuxuan's true enemy and offered himself for revenge. Ning Yuxuan was shocked. As Yuan Lang insisted Ning Yuxuan kill him, Ji Man intervened, urging Ning Yuxuan to calm down and not be impulsive, noting that the full truth was unclear and Yuan Lang was unaware of his father's actions. She questioned whether the cycle of revenge stemming from their fathers' generation needed to continue.
Episode 35 Recap
Upon seeing Yuan Lang kneel and offer himself for revenge, Ji Man urged him to rise, stating that the generational feud had troubled them for too many years and should not continue to impact their current lives. Ning Yuxuan agreed to investigate the matter thoroughly, advising them to act as if nothing had happened for now, and led Ji Man away.
Ning Yuxuan confided in Ji Man that he felt there was more to the events of the past, especially concerning the fire that occurred after his father's death. He questioned who could have set the fire if Yuan Dingshan, as the second chief of the Tea Gang, would not kill his own men. Ji Man expressed her concern that Ling Jianxing had already discovered her true identity.
She reasoned that her identity as a descendant of the Tea Gang would put her in danger regardless of whether she left or stayed, and decided to remain and face the challenges alongside Ning Yuxuan. Ning Yuxuan promised to protect her. He then told her there was something he had long wanted to say and presented her with a marriage contract he had written.
He asked her to marry him and become his true wife, acknowledging their union would not have traditional ceremonies or guests. Ji Man accepted, stating they had the stars as witnesses. They exchanged vows, promising to stay together through good and bad, trusting and respecting each other, and both declared their love. After exchanging their heartfelt vows, they embraced, their hearts now fully aligned. Inspired by recent events, Gui Bai sought out Miss Shui.
He confessed his feelings, admitting that his past hesitation and lack of courage had caused her suffering. He took responsibility, stating he had finally realized he wanted to be with her and would dedicate his life to taking good care of her. Miss Shui told him she understood and reciprocated his feelings. Ling Jianxing learned that Ji Man had procured porcelain containers from outside Haifang. He instructed a subordinate to tell Yuan Lang to prevent their arrival.
When the subordinate questioned what would happen if Yuan Lang refused, Ling Jianxing produced a roster detailing 83 fugitive remnants of the Tea Gang, all imperial prisoners, warning that giving this list to the Emperor would result in the death of everyone on it, including Yuan Lang. The subordinate understood the threat. Subsequently, Yuan Lang instructed his subordinates that he must proceed with the ship hijacking as ordered by Ling Jianxing.
However, he privately directed them to divert the goods to Liu's Village and send an anonymous letter to Ji Man, assuring her and instructing her to retrieve the goods there. Yuan Lang expressed his intention to bear responsibility for his father's actions and provide an explanation to the members of the Tea Gang. Meanwhile, General Tao Siwei was informed of a suspicious individual possibly heading towards Haoxue Cosmetics.
Recalling Ling Jianxing's earlier conversation about tasking Yuan Lang with robbing Ji Man's goods, Tao Siwei suspected the man was a messenger sent by Ling Jianxing and ordered him detained until after the Imperial Supplier Contest concluded. Wen Wan, also known as Princess Ruyue, encountered a serious problem when a maid who had tested their face cream suffered severe facial damage. Furious, Princess Ruyue summoned Mr. Qian, the formulator.
He insisted his formula was sound but suggested the issue might stem from incorrect dosage or ratio, requesting time for adjustment. Princess Ruyue stressed they had run out of time. Mr. Qian then proposed adding a potent, fast-acting ingredient that would improve the cream's efficacy and appearance but warned of potential toxicity with prolonged use. Determined to win, Princess Ruyue ordered him to add the ingredient regardless of the risks.
Time was of the essence to package the one thousand bottles of Feiwan Face Cream required for the afternoon deadline for the Imperial Supplier Contest. Sang Shen arrived with distressing news: the ship carrying their porcelain bottles was robbed by pirates just as it was nearing the shore. Ji Man suspected Wen Wan's involvement.
Facing potential disqualification, Ji Man quickly devised a plan: they would post notices announcing that anyone who returned an empty Feiwan Face Cream bottle to their shop before noon that day would receive an exchange voucher. Her staff immediately began posting notices throughout the area. Initially, they were anxious about the plan's success, but soon, customers started arriving in large numbers, bringing their empty bottles.
With the overwhelming support of their customers, Haoxue Cosmetics managed to gather the necessary thousand bottles just in time. At the selection round later, Wen Wan's Joy Cosmetics was declared qualified for submitting the required quantity on time. As the selection officer prepared to finalize the results, Ji Man was late. Ling Jianxing questioned her absence, but Ning Yuxuan maintained she would arrive before the timed incense burned out, remarking on Ling Jianxing's impatience.
Princess Ruyue expressed confidence in Ji Man's failure. Just as the incense was about to extinguish and the officer prepared to announce Joy Cosmetics as the sole qualifier, Ji Man arrived with her delivery. She explained that their initial contract with the porcelain kilns was thwarted when someone suddenly took over all the kilns in Haifang, forcing them to procure bottles by sea.
She pointedly noted to Ling Jianxing the "coincidence" that these sea-transported bottles were then robbed by pirates right before docking. After verifying her product's quantity and quality, the selection officer announced that Haoxue Cosmetics, alongside Joy Cosmetics, had qualified for the final round, eliminating Qingxin Cosmetics. Princess Ruyue looked displeased. Tao Siwei presented Qingyun with a painting he had completed.
He shared a poem that resonated with his experiences fighting for the people, describing how he had once dedicated his life to the greater good until meeting her led him to prioritize building a family with her, while still vowing to protect both. He recalled that Qingyun's sister, Nie Sangyu, also liked the poem when they were younger and suggested Qingyun ask her to inscribe it on the painting as a blessing for them.
Later, Qingyun found Ji Man, addressing her as "Sister" and "Sangyu," and showed her the painting, explaining Tao Siwei wanted her to add the poem for their bedroom. Ji Man readily agreed and promised to write the poem for her that evening after finishing her work. Lord Tan visited Ling Jianxing, observing the dramatic positive changes Ning Yuxuan had brought to Haifang and acknowledging Ling Jianxing's comparable efforts.
Ling Jianxing apologized for past failures in Haifang but assured Lord Tan he was completely prepared for the upcoming final. He revealed he had acquired concrete evidence against the "imposter" Nie Sangyu (Ji Man) and guaranteed that Ning Yuxuan would meet his end this time. Lord Tan strictly instructed him that only one of them, either Ling Jianxing or Ning Yuxuan, could survive the competition battle. Ling Jianxing accepted the instruction.
At the Imperial Supplier Contest award banquet, the Emperor arrived, praising Haifang's current prosperity and the importance of the event. The official announced the champion of the face cream category was Haifang Joy Cosmetics, owned by Wen Wan (Princess Ruyue). Princess Ruyue accepted her award and shared a smug look with Ji Man. It was revealed during greetings that Princess Ruyue is Lord Tan's niece.
Lord Tan introduced her to Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man, noting Ji Man's renown and declaring her a formidable competitor for Princess Ruyue. As Princess Ruyue held her award, Ji Man observed that her hands were severely festered. Ji Man offered her some Feiwan Face Cream, mentioning its soothing properties.
She then pointedly asked why Princess Ruyue wasn't using her own product, which also claimed to reduce swelling and pain, questioning if she was afraid or if there was an issue with its quality. Addressing the Emperor, Ji Man stated her knowledge of face cream ingredients, noting the common use of small amounts of mercury powder for whitening but warning that excess amounts cause poisoning, suggesting Princess Ruyue's condition could be due to mercury poisoning from the product.
Princess Ruyue denied this, claiming it was a simple pollen rash. Ji Man countered that the festering indicated mercury poisoning, not a rash. Concerned about the potential harm if a mercury-laden product set an industry standard, Ji Man proposed an immediate public verification of Princess Ruyue's product to confirm its safety or reveal its dangerous components.
Episode 36 Recap
Wen Wan stated that her hand was merely experiencing a slight allergy, but Ji Man countered that allergies typically cause redness and swelling, not ulceration. She observed that it appeared as though mercury powder had been used, a common ingredient in face creams, but one that could cause poisoning if used excessively. Ji Man expressed concern that if products produced by Haifang were standardized based on this winning formula, incorporating large amounts of mercury powder, it would be detrimental.
She proposed testing the product from Joy Cosmetics. At this point, Wen Wan knelt and confessed, acknowledging that mercury powder was a common ingredient but claiming she did not know that overuse would lead to poisoning. The Emperor inquired if Ji Man's products contained mercury powder. Ji Man replied that her creations were formulated exclusively with natural Chinese herbal medicines to ensure they were safe for delicate skin.
The Emperor then declared that, in that case, Haoxue Cosmetics should be the true champion of the face cream category. Ji Man further proposed making all of Haoxue Cosmetics' product formulas public for the benefit of all cosmetic shops, explaining that this aligned with the Emperor's goal for Haifang to prosper for the common people, not just a select few. She stated that Haoxue Cosmetics was duty-bound to help promote the industry.
When the Emperor asked Ning Yuxuan if this was his idea, he clarified it was his wife's. The Emperor praised Ji Man's broad-mindedness and indicated he had chosen a candidate for the chairman of the Sea Trade Guild. Ling Jianxing then announced he had a gift for everyone. He informed the Emperor that during his initial time in Haifang, he noticed Ning Yuxuan's wife was significantly different from before.
He became concerned that someone might be impersonating the Second-rank Lady with Imperial Mandate and secretly investigated. He presented the spirit tablet of Ning Yuxuan's first wife, Nie Sangyu, found in a temple after following General Nie. General Nie and Ning Yuxuan were visibly surprised.
Ling Jianxing insisted the matter of impersonating a second-rank lady was serious and questioned the identity of the current Mrs. Ning, pointing out she did not behave like a general's daughter who had lived in seclusion but instead seemed well-versed in the lives of common people. He suggested searching Ning's Mansion for more evidence. General Nie and Ning Yuxuan were asked to speak.
General Nie stated the matter was complex and requested to explain privately to the Emperor, which the Emperor took as confirmation that Ling Jianxing's claim had some basis. Tao Siwei stepped forward, asserting that the woman present was definitely not Nie Sangyu, citing differences in painting skill, handwriting, and personality. He mentioned that Nie Sangyu was good at painting and studied regular script, while the current woman knew nothing about painting and had lively, vigorous handwriting.
He added that Nie Sangyu had a gloomy personality and was feared by servants, contrasting with the current Mrs. Ning who abolished strict rules after an incident involving a servant named Banxia. Tao Siwei stated he knew Nie Sangyu since childhood and could guarantee with his life the woman was an imposter, proposing to take her for severe interrogation at the Court of Judicial Review.
Ji Man confessed that she was not Nie Sangyu but maintained that her identity had no connection to Ning Yuxuan, her father General Nie, or anyone else in Ning's Mansion, and that she alone should bear the consequences. She then exposed the person posing as Princess Ruyue, revealing her true identity as Wen Wan, a former concubine of Ning's Mansion. Wen Wan was shocked that Ji Man knew this.
The Emperor, furious, confirmed with Ning Yuxuan that his first wife Nie Sangyu was deceased and that 'Princess Ruyue' was indeed Wen Wan. The Emperor ordered both Ji Man and Wen Wan to be taken out and flogged to death. Ning Yuxuan intervened to stop the guards. Wen Wan pleaded with Ling Jianxing to save her, reminding him that he had rescued her from prison and instructed her to impersonate Princess Ruyue to frame Ning Yuxuan, promising her safety.
Ling Jianxing denied this, calling her a vicious woman and accusing her of slandering him, suggesting she had colluded with Ning Yuxuan. Terrified of returning to prison, Wen Wan offered to confess everything she had done if Ning Yuxuan would save her. Lord Tan, who had been present, realized he had been deceived by Wen Wan posing as his niece. He ordered Wen Wan taken away for flogging and execution.
Ling Jianxing was also ordered arrested for colluding with a criminal and deceiving the Emperor. Ling Jianxing, before being taken away, accused Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man of being guilty as well, reiterating that Ji Man was not Nie Sangyu and was actually the daughter of Ji Ming, the court criminal who was the chief of the Tea Gang. He claimed they conspired to fraudulently obtain the title of Second-rank Lady with Imperial Mandate.
He suggested the Emperor send Tao Siwei to search the County Yamen for more evidence. Tao Siwei volunteered to lead the search personally to prevent interference, and the Emperor agreed, urging a thorough and impartial search. The Emperor, dismayed by the chaos at the Imperial Supplier Contest, ordered Ling Jianxing and Ji Man temporarily imprisoned in the County Yamen Jail. As Ji Man was led away, Ning Yuxuan apologized for not protecting her, and she urged him to protect himself.
Tao Siwei reported back to the Emperor, presenting evidence found in the rooms of Ning Yuxuan and 'Nie Sangyu' at the County Yamen. He produced Nie Sangyu's old regular script writing from school and a painting with similar verses, but pointed out the handwriting was completely different. He also presented a marriage contract found, bearing the names Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man. The Emperor dismissed everyone else, confronting Ning Yuxuan alone.
Ning Yuxuan confirmed that the woman was indeed not Nie Sangyu but the daughter of Cai Wenzheng, the chief of the Tea Gang, explaining he had intended to report this to the Emperor upon returning to the capital but was preempted.
The Emperor recalled that Ning Yuxuan, after effectively managing Haifang, establishing the Shipping Department, and improving tax collection, had previously asked for a favor for his wife, stating she was reckless by nature and might make a grave mistake in the future. The Emperor had promised to protect her life under the premise of fairness if such a situation arose. Ning Yuxuan confirmed this was why he requested the favor.
Ning Yuxuan confessed his actions were those of a husband protecting his wife and stated that there was more to the Tea Gang case from twenty years ago, implicating Lord Tan. He claimed his father, Ning Zhongtian, was ordered to subdue the Tea Gang, but Lord Tan instigated conflict from behind the scenes and sabotaged the peace talks.
When asked for evidence, Ning Yuxuan said he had Lord Tan's correspondence and believed Lord Tan would target Ling Jianxing after the day's events, having already sent Gui Bai to protect him. He expressed confidence that with Ling Jianxing's testimony and the evidence, he could dismantle Lord Tan's faction. The Emperor gave Ning Yuxuan a token, granting him full authority over the case and permission to execute Lord Tan on the spot if he resisted.
Meanwhile, as Lord Tan attempted to leave Haifang, his carriage was stopped by Yuan Lang. Yuan Lang revealed that he had investigated the events of twenty years ago and found proof that Lord Tan intentionally sent false messages to his father, sowing discord that led to the tragic deaths of his father and Ning Zhongtian.
He accused Lord Tan of exploiting his father's reluctance to submit by promising the Tea Gang a new path, leading his father to impersonate Cai Wenzheng to meet Ning Zhongtian. As soon as Ning Zhongtian arrived, Lord Tan set a fire, killing both men. Yuan Lang presented secret letters Lord Tan had written to his father, which miraculously survived the fire because one was found on his father's person after the blaze.
Lord Tan admitted to planning the Tea Gang's elimination but dismissed Yuan Lang's attempt to apprehend him. However, Ning Yuxuan then appeared, having anticipated Lord Tan's movements based on Yuan Lang's information. It was revealed that Yuan Lang, doubting his father's actions, had collaborated with Ning Yuxuan to uncover the truth.
They reasoned that Lord Tan, who didn't leave the capital, must have contacted Yuan Lang's father via secret letters and that Lord Tan benefited most from the Tea Gang's destruction as Ning Zhongtian was his rival. They suspected Ling Jianxing or someone close to him was also involved, given his detailed knowledge of the events. They decided to wait for the letter before acting, but after the events at the competition, Ning Yuxuan acted quickly, securing authority from the Emperor.
Brought before the Emperor, Lord Tan accused Ning Yuxuan of colluding with a rebel and framing him. The Emperor asked Ning Yuxuan if this was true. Ning Yuxuan accused Lord Tan of forming cliques, seeking private gain, and harming loyal officials over the years, stating his claims were true. When Lord Tan dismissed Ning Yuxuan's evidence as forgery, Ning Yuxuan produced a letter showing the handwriting matched Lord Tan's.
Lord Tan continued to deny writing it and claimed it was forged. The Emperor acknowledged that letters could be forged and asked for further evidence. Ning Yuxuan stated he had a witness. Ling Jianxing was then brought in, surprising Lord Tan.
Episode 37 Recap
Gui Bai arrived and informed Ling Jianxing that Ning Yuxuan had anticipated Lord Tan's scheme and specifically sent him to protect Ling Jianxing. Gui Bai relayed Ning Yuxuan's message: "The tribulations are endless. It is never too late to mend. Don't let the world go into chaos because of your own selfish desires." Ling Jianxing realized that he was ultimately just an abandoned pawn of Lord Tan.
Lord Tan appeared, surprised to see Ning Yuxuan, and accused him of framing him. Ling Jianxing countered that Ning Yuxuan wasn't framing him, as he himself was a witness to Lord Tan's evil deeds. Ling Jianxing exposed Lord Tan's crimes, including embezzling relief funds during the northwest grain disaster and secretly ordering the deaths of the three Haifang magistrates who wouldn't obey him. Lord Tan vehemently denied the accusations, claiming everyone was lying and plotting against him.
Seeing the witness and physical evidence presented, the Emperor asked Lord Tan if he had anything more to say. Lord Tan defiantly claimed the country should have been his, stating that when his power was overwhelming, the Emperor was still a baby. The Emperor commented that Lord Tan had used every means imaginable but ended up like this, stating his belief that the Court of Judicial Review would handle the matter fairly, and ordered Lord Tan taken away.
Lord Tan continued to protest, claiming he was the true ruler. The Emperor then told Ning Yuxuan to handle the remaining matters, stating he needed time alone as the situation with his uncle was unsettling. Ling Jianxing spoke with Ning Yuxuan, reflecting on how they entered the academy and became officials in the same year, yet he had never once won against Ning Yuxuan. He admitted that this obsession was why he had ended up in his current state.
Ning Yuxuan noted Ling Jianxing's contribution in exposing Lord Tan and said the Court of Judicial Review would take it into consideration. Ling Jianxing stated he would reflect deeply on himself in prison. He confessed that his youthful ideal was to work for the welfare of the common people, but he made one wrong step that led to a total loss. He entrusted their original ideal to Ning Yuxuan, urging him not to forget their duty as officials.
The Emperor visited Ji Man in prison. Ji Man knelt and pleaded with the Emperor not to blame Ning Yuxuan, explaining that Ning only learned her true identity and the details of the Tea Gang matter after she was awarded the second-rank lady with imperial mandate. The Emperor revealed that Ning Yuxuan had already confessed about Lord Tan obstructing the Tea Gang's surrender, indicating he knew everything. Ji Man rose, asking if the Emperor no longer blamed Ning Yuxuan.
The Emperor confirmed the Tea Gang matter was resolved, but stated her identity remained an issue. He explained that Ning Yuxuan was currently promoting a new policy in Haifang, holding the Imperial Supplier Contest, and had brought down Lord Tan. These achievements would allow him to smoothly take over the position of Prime Minister. Ji Man acknowledged this, praising Ning Yuxuan's courage and strategy, and expressing her belief that he could become a judicious minister assisting the Emperor.
Therefore, she declared, she wanted to leave Ning Yuxuan. She reasoned that although the Tea Gang issue was public, her true identity and impersonation of Nie Sangyu were known, and the capital valued reputation and background highly. If Ning Yuxuan were associated with her, it would be detrimental to his status and career and cause the Emperor trouble.
She implored the Emperor to trust Ning Yuxuan and not be suspicious of him because of her identity, asking for the Emperor's permission to leave. The Emperor praised her as a reasonable woman and told her to decide what to do next. Ji Man thanked him.
Alone, Ji Man thought that leaving Ning Yuxuan was the best choice for him to become Prime Minister, wondering if he would blame her, if he could wait for her, and wishing she could see him one last time. Qingyun went looking for Tao Siwei. She had heard in the market that her sister was impersonated and learned that Tao Siwei had taken the imposter to jail after the contest, which he confirmed was the Emperor's order.
She realized why the person she thought was her sister had felt different lately. She concluded that her sister had died long ago, and Tao Siwei had known all along but didn't tell her. She then understood why he had asked her to get Ji Man to rewrite a poem her sister had written – he used the handwriting to expose Ji Man's identity to the Emperor.
Tao Siwei confirmed this, stating he shouldn't have hesitated, as he believed Ji Man had killed Sangyu and deserved to pay the price. Qingyun argued that Ji Man couldn't be that kind of person. Tao Siwei grew angry, accusing Ji Man of using her sister's identity to deceive everyone and becoming a lady with imperial mandate, enjoying everything that should have belonged to Nie Sangyu, whose body was still missing.
Qingyun then tearfully asked if the lantern with the character "Nie" he had released was for Nie Sangyu, realizing he had loved her sister all along. She was heartbroken, having believed that if she treated him wholeheartedly, she would become the only one in his life, only to find he loved her sister. She asked if he had agreed to marry her only to fulfill her sister's wish, which he confirmed.
He admitted he thought he could change and come to love her after marriage but was wrong and couldn't do it. Qingyun declared that looking at him now made her feel disgusted, calling his love a one-man show and regretting her sincere feelings. She stated that her love for him was not her everything. Tao Siwei apologized for failing her. Later, Tao Siwei went to the prison to take Ji Man away.
He remarked on how identical she looked, saying it was no wonder everyone was fooled. He told her to come with him to see the Emperor, who wanted to interrogate her personally. Ji Man questioned if he had received a direct order from the Emperor, pointing out that falsely conveying an imperial edict was a crime. Tao Siwei dismissively replied that since she could deceive the Emperor, he could also falsely convey an imperial edict.
Shortly after, Ning Yuxuan arrived at the prison, asking for Nie Sangyu. A guard informed him that General Tao had taken the suspect Nie Sangyu away, saying the Emperor wanted to interrogate her, and they had gone north. Ning Yuxuan immediately realized something was wrong and set off in pursuit. Ji Man left red beads along the path as she was taken away. Ning Yuxuan followed her trail, using the beads she left behind.
As they traveled, Ji Man told Tao Siwei she thought he would at least consider his long-standing friendship with Ning Yuxuan. Tao Siwei bitterly retorted that if Ning Yuxuan truly considered him a friend, he wouldn't have lied to him for so long.
He revealed that he had known her identity since the day she was at the Magistrate's Residence and had deliberately tested her, adding that if she had been the real Sangyu, he wouldn't have needed to test her. He expressed disbelief that she was still alive after committing the crime of deceiving the Emperor and assumed she believed the Emperor's supposed order would save her. He declared that she had lied not only to him but also to Sangyu.
He recounted growing up with Sangyu, being happy to see her and Ning Yuxuan together, and his immense grief when he learned she was dead. He revealed that he had gone to the cliff that day to save her. Ning Yuxuan arrived, calling out to them. Tao Siwei yelled at Ning Yuxuan to stay back. Ning Yuxuan urged Tao Siwei to stop being obsessive and let Ji Man go.
Tao Siwei stated his life felt like a ridiculous mistake, saying he had made one wrong step after another, dragging others down and losing himself. He then pulled Ji Man with him and jumped off the cliff. Ning Yuxuan lunged forward, reaching out and calling Ji Man's name, but was unable to grasp her. Gui Bai arrived, and Ning Yuxuan frantically ordered everyone to search for her.
Ji Man was swept downstream and eventually woke up, finding Tao Siwei's lifeless body beside her. Meanwhile, downstream, Gui Bai and the search party found some of Ji Man's clothing. They reported this grim discovery to Ning Yuxuan, expressing fear that she might not have survived the rapids. Ning Yuxuan was heartbroken and ordered the search to continue relentlessly.
Back at Haoxue Cosmetics, Shui Yaomei comforted Lianxue, who was distraught because Ning Yuxuan had searched the entire mountain without finding Ji Man. Shui Yaomei reassured her, saying that sometimes no news was the best news, and that they must keep Haoxue Cosmetics running well so that when Ji Man returned, she would see it was still the champion shop from the Imperial Supplier Contest. At the Magistrate's Residence, the staff were packing up.
Gui Bai informed Ning Yuxuan that the search was ongoing, but the Emperor had issued an imperial edict ordering him to depart for the capital immediately. Ning Yuxuan asked for more time, but Gui Bai emphasized the urgency of the Emperor's command. Ning Yuxuan stood outside the residence for a long time, waiting in vain, before finally having to leave with Gui Bai and his retinue.
Ji Man ran back to the Magistrate's Residence, arriving just as Ning Yuxuan's group was departing. She watched them leave from a distance. She then entered the familiar residence and went to a tree, touching its trunk. She spoke softly, expressing her deep sadness that she had returned but Ning Yuxuan was gone, calling him a "bad guy" and telling him to go far away and watch the stars alone from now on.
She lamented that she wished she could have caught up to him but couldn't, fearing that if she saw him, she wouldn't be able to bear leaving. She reflected that true love is not possession, but fulfillment. She mourned the numerous memories they shared there, wishing they could return to the first day they arrived. She referenced the stars Shenxiu and Shangxiu, which can never meet but always know of each other's existence.
She also recalled a past moment where Ning Yuxuan named her "Hongzhu" because she liked beads, and called himself "Lanzhu" (meaning lazy pig), promising that her "Hongzhu" would fly freely while his "Lanzhu" would always hold the blue bead, symbolizing their connection despite distance.
Episode 38 (Ending) Recap
Ji Man returned, much to the immense relief of her father, who had been deeply worried about her uncertain fate. Seeing her injured, her father was concerned, but Ji Man reassured him she was fine. She explained to her father that her return could not be revealed to Ning Yuxuan yet. Her identity as a stand-in wife, exposed during the Imperial Supplier Contest, was now widely known.
As Ning Yuxuan was set to become a high-ranking official (Pingzhang), with many eyes on him in the capital, any association with her would put him in danger. Her father offered to take her away and support her forever, dismissing her background as irrelevant. However, Ji Man felt it was time to grow up and not constantly rely on his protection. She planned to venture out, seek business opportunities in Yunzhou, and do something beneficial for the people.
She decided to leave the management of Haoxue Cosmetics to Miss Shui, instructing Sang Shen and Muxu to organize the supplier lists and circulating funds for the handover. She also requested they not inform Miss Shui of her return yet, to avoid causing her difficulty. Although sad to see her leave again, her father accepted her decision. Ji Man promised to make him proud upon her return, and he affirmed she had always been his pride.
A year later, an urgent letter from Haifang arrived for Ning Yuxuan in the capital. Gui Bai, who had remained in Haifang searching for Ji Man and was now married, had written the letter. He reported that Haifang was suffering from a severe flood, cutting off the grain supply. Violent sea storms made transportation by boat impossible, leading to widespread starvation. Both Gui Bai and his wife were deeply troubled and pleaded for aid to save the people.
Upon receiving the news, Ning Yuxuan immediately decided to depart for Haifang the next day, despite his busy schedule. He reflected that Haifang held many shared memories, making him hesitant to visit for the past year, but seeing it in distress, the place where they had invested so much effort, he knew he had to go, both for the sake of the people and for its significance to him.
Arriving in Haifang, Ning Yuxuan met with Gui Bai, Miss Shui, and Yuan Lang to discuss the crisis. Yuan Lang, an old acquaintance and leader of the Dragon Gang, was also present, having been instrumental in coordinating grain transportation for disaster relief. Ning Yuxuan stated that he had reported the situation to the Emperor before leaving, and royal relief funds and grain were expected to arrive in a few days.
However, Miss Shui stressed the urgency, fearing people would starve if the immediate grain shortage wasn't addressed. She explained that the flood had drastically reduced local grain output, and persistent sea storms prevented outside ships from bringing supplies. Ning Yuxuan mentioned he had money but buying sufficient grain from surrounding equally affected areas was difficult.
Miss Shui then recalled receiving a letter half a month prior from Ma Hongzhu, the owner of Ma's Firm, an established grain merchant from Hengdu, who offered to transport grain to Haifang for free. Considering the travel time, the convoy should be arriving soon. Ning Yuxuan immediately dispatched men to meet the convoy outside the city and ensure its safe entry into Haifang.
As the convoy approached Haifang, Ma Hongzhu, who was indeed Ji Man in disguise, encountered a group of desperate disaster victims. She ordered the convoy to stop and distribute food to them. While they were distributing the rations, a suspicious disaster victim slipped away. Shortly after, the convoy was attacked by bandits attempting to rob the grain. Ning Yuxuan and his group arrived just in time and subdued the robbers.
A member of the convoy explained that their boss, Ma Hongzhu, had anticipated the robbery and used empty carriages as a decoy, while the real grain had already been successfully transported into Haifang. Later, while distributing grain in the city, Ji Man saw Ning Yuxuan. They exchanged an emotional look. Local residents, receiving the grain, recognized Ning Yuxuan and fondly recalled when his wife (referring to Ji Man) helped with "Feiwan Cream" at Haoxue Cosmetics.
They expressed admiration for their relationship and assumed she was with him. Ji Man and Ning Yuxuan found a moment to speak. Ji Man explained she had been lucky to survive her fall, and then sought out her father, also visiting the Magistrate's Residence. She apologized, but Ning Yuxuan felt he was the one who should apologize. Ji Man told him she owed him an explanation for leaving a year ago.
She revealed she knew he would become a high-ranking official (Pingzhang) after the Emperor visited him in prison, and she had to leave to avoid implicating him. She had told her father it was time to venture out on her own, and reflected that her year of independent endeavors had been worthwhile. Ning Yuxuan playfully teased her about her new name, "Ma Hongzhu," finding it amusing.
As they spoke, they looked at the small beads they wore, and both were moved to tears. In the capital, the Emperor received a report detailing Ning Yuxuan's successful disaster relief efforts in Haifang, mentioning his collaboration with the merchant Ma Hongzhu. The report identified Ma Hongzhu as Ji Man. The Emperor confirmed he recognized her true identity and was pleased with Ning Yuxuan's fruitful trip, specifically delighted by Ji Man's return.
He ordered both Ning Yuxuan and Ma Hongzhu summoned to the capital to be rewarded for their contributions in Haifang. Ning Yuxuan presented himself before the Emperor, who expressed relief that the crisis was resolved and offered him a reward. Ning Yuxuan declined, stating it was his duty. The Emperor observed Ning Yuxuan's gaunt appearance and noted he shouldn't live in the past forever.
He then informed Ning Yuxuan he had found a virtuous folk woman, who was benevolent and loved the people, deeming her a suitable match. He had bestowed upon her the title Lady Dehui and decided to grant a marriage between them. Ning Yuxuan immediately refused, stating he had no plans to marry.
When the Emperor pressed him, Ning Yuxuan revealed that the merchant Ma Hongzhu, who brought the crucial grain to Haifang, was none other than Ji Man, who had survived. He praised her vital contribution, prompting the Emperor to acknowledge her survival and her help, mentioning he had already ordered a reward of five hundred taels of silver for her.
Ning Yuxuan then firmly stated that no matter how good Lady Dehui was, she could not compare to Ji Man in his heart, and he would not marry anyone else, requesting the Emperor withdraw the decree. The Emperor, deeply disappointed, insisted he must marry Lady Dehui and ordered him confined to his mansion until the wedding.
While confined, Ning Yuxuan reflected on a past conversation with Ji Man about the significance of the beads they wore: one blue for him, one red for her, each representing a hundred guan of money exchanged, to be placed in a box if one contributed more or taken out if one wronged the other. Ji Man had affectionately called them stars, destined to never meet. On the day of the wedding, Ning Yuxuan was at his mansion.
His friends, including Qian Lianxue, arrived to persuade him. Ning Yuxuan, trapped inside, asked them to help him escape by swapping clothes, adamant that he would not go through with the marriage. His friends questioned if he was willing to sacrifice his ambition and career. He stated he was, to which they warned that defying the Emperor could lead to Ji Man being implicated.
They urged him to consider the larger picture and accept that this was an imperial decree they couldn't help him evade. They mentioned Lady Dehui's beauty, virtuous deeds, and the Emperor's high regard for her, which was why the marriage was bestowed. They pressed him to change clothes as time was running out, but Ning Yuxuan repeatedly refused, resolute in his decision not to marry. At that moment, Ji Man appeared, dressed in a wedding gown.
She asked Ning Yuxuan if he was truly unwilling to marry her. The scene then shifted to an earlier conversation between Ji Man and the Emperor. Ji Man explained she had spent a year striving to be worthy of standing legitimately beside Ning Yuxuan and requested the Emperor's help to fulfill this goal, reminding him of a past commitment she had upheld.
The Emperor replied that he had already granted her wish and that Lady Dehui was the title he had bestowed upon her. He told her she hadn't disappointed him and that he had a great surprise for them. The scene returned to the wedding. Ji Man, in her bridal attire, looked at Ning Yuxuan and asked again if he was sure he didn't want to marry her.
She reminded him of his promise that she was his wife and insisted he not go back on his word. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ning Yuxuan embraced her, declaring that he would never break his promise and that they would never be separated again.
