Gu Jiu extorts money and a guarantee letter from Gao Erfu, planning to retrieve Gui mama and her sons once their rented house is ready. Steward Zhang Gui arrives with gifts from Gu daren and news that the Xie family has left Jinzhou. Gu Jiu expresses her gratitude and plans to return to the fu.
Liu Zhao’s wound starts healing with Gu Jiu’s ointment. Gu Jiu returns to the governor’s fu and is informed that Xie shi wants to see her.
Gu Jiu meeting with Xie shi, Gu Yue, and Gu Shan. Gu Shan and Gu Yue make veiled accusations about Gu Jiu’s lack of filial piety. Gu Jiu retaliates with sharp remarks, causing discord between Gu Shan, Gu Yue, and Xie shi. Gu Jiu reminds Xie shi of past mistreatment and thanks her sarcastically for her recent care. Xie shi attempts to control Gu Jiu’s marriage prospects, but Gu Jiu deflects her efforts.
Xie shi accuses Gu Jiu of complaining and threatens punishment. Gu Jiu skilfully avoids punishment. Xie shi backs down from punishing Gu Jiu. After Gu Jiu leaves, Xie shi expresses her anger and summons Doctor Xu. Gu Gong arrives at Zhilanyuan, confronts Gu Jiu, and is beaten by Gu Ting.
Gu daren visits Xie shi, who feigns illness and blames Gu Jiu for upsetting her. Gu daren is pleased by Xie shi’s demeanour and tolerance. Gu daren asks Gu Quan about Gu Jiu’s behaviour and acknowledges her growth. He decides that Gu Jiu is worth nurturing because she is skilled and strategic.
Gu daren instructing Gu Quan to have Gu Jiu write an essay on ‘Harmony in the Family Brings Prosperity,’ signalling his disapproval of her open conflict with Xie shi. Gu Quan conveys Gu daren’s wishes to Gu Jiu, who accepts the task gracefully.
Jiang Yan shows Gu Jiu her calligraphy practice. Gu Zhen and Gu Lin visit Gu Jiu. Gu Lin reveals that the magistrate’s furen has invited all the daughters of the household to the party. Gu Zhen and Gu Lin argue, with Gu Zhen mocking Bai yiniang. Gu Lin leaves in tears.
Gu Lin complains to Bai yiniang about being excluded from the magistrate’s banquet. Bai yiniang promises to ensure Gu Lin attends the banquet. Xie shi discusses a plan with Ping mama for the banquet. Xie shi intends to use a sedative and orchestrate a compromising situation to force a marriage between Gu Cheng and Pei Yun.
Gu daren deciding that all the daughters should attend the magistrate’s furen‘s banquet, overruling Xie shi’s initial plan to exclude Gu Jiu and Gu Lin. The entourage leaves for the banquet.
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