Gu Jiu catches a cold and rests. Gu Cheng tells Xie shi he will be moving to the academy to focus on his studies. Xie shi feels guilty and ashamed, realizing she has damaged her relationship with Gu Cheng because of her actions involving Pei Yun. Xie shi asks Ping mama to send a letter to Xie Mao, saying that she no longer wants to be involved in his plans, but Ping mama secretly rewrites it.
Gu Jiu recovers. Gu Jiu speaks with Jiang Yan about her ambitions and offers her an opportunity to go to the capital with a group of beauties being presented to the Emperor. Gu Jiu makes it clear that Jiang Yan will be on her own and cannot return. Jiang Yan accepts the offer. Qing Zhu informs Gu Jiu that Gu daren has summoned her to the outer study.
Gu Jiu is summoned to discuss the banquet at the general’s fu. Gu Jiu admits to setting up Gu Yue to reveal the truth about the incident where Gu Jiu fell into the water. Gu daren questions Gu Jiu about rumours concerning Xie shi and Lu hou. Gu Jiu feigns ignorance. Gu daren warns against stirring up trouble among her sisters and sends her away.
Gu daren goes to Xie shi after speaking with Gu Jiu. He informs Xie shi that he is aware of her communication with her older brother and that he will not tolerate interference in his household affairs. He instructs Gu Quan to draft a letter to Xie Mao, making it clear that he should not meddle in his affairs. Xie shi is left shocked and helpless.
Jiang Yan leaves the governor’s fu with Gu Jiu’s help. Gu Jiu gives Jiang Yan money and books for her journey. Gu Jiu meets Liu Zhao in the marketplace after sending Jiang Yan off.
Liu Zhao informs Gu Jiu about Gu daren‘s actions against Xie daren‘s spies and suggesting a rift between them. He probes Gu Jiu for the deeper reason for Gu daren’s actions. Liu Zhao says he will be returning to the capital. Gu Jiu receives a banknote for two thousand taels from Liu Zhao as payment for her prescription.
Gu Jiu learning about Xie shi‘s miscarriage. Gu Jiu goes to shangfang. Gu Yue arrives and accuses Bai yiniang, who is kneeling in the courtyard. Doctor Xu confirms Xie shi lost the child and may not be able to conceive again. Bai yiniang collapses and is found to be pregnant. Gu daren orders Bai yiniang to be taken care of. Gu daren tells Xie shi that he still trusts her to manage the household.
Hu yiniang visits Xie shi, who subtly suggests that Bai yiniang was behind Gu Zhen’s embarrassment and implies that Hu yiniang should take action. Hu yiniang decides to visit Bai yiniang.
Wang Erya is introduced, with her backstory of poverty and despair, leading her to attempt suicide. Gu Jiu encounters Wang Erya and stops her from jumping off a cliff. Gu Jiu argues with a beggar, Zhou Shian, who encourages Wang Erya to die. Gu Jiu convinces Wang Erya to guide her to the Xiahegou Horse Ranch. After arriving there, Gu Jiu hires Wang Erya. Gu Jiu learns that Gu Ting has been injured.
Gu Jiu rushes to see Gu Ting. She learns he broke his leg after falling from a horse during a ride with Li gongzi and others. Gu daren forbids Gu Ting to talk about joining the military. Gu Jiu suspects foul play and questions Li Chuan, who recounts the events of the horse riding incident. Gu Jiu asks Li Chuan to contact Li gongzi to inspect the horse, suspecting someone tampered with it. Gu Jiu speaks with Gu Yu, and asks him to keep the horse ranch purchase a secret. Gu Yu agrees to help with the horse ranch transaction.
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