Xie Mao learns that Gu Zhili has arrested his spies in Jinzhou. Xie Mao is furious and vows revenge against Gu Zhili. The gatekeeper reports that Zhang daren, a key supporter of the Crown Prince, has been arrested by the Imperial Guards. Xie Mao decides to visit the East Palace to meet the Crown Prince.
Xie Mao advises Crown Prince Liu Xian to recommend Gu Zhili as the new Prefect of Jingcheng. Xie Mao plans to bring Gu Zhili back to the capital to hinder his plans as well as to build ties with Pingnan hou fu. Pingnan hou is furious about Gu Zhili’s appointment, suspecting Xie Mao’s involvement and, in a letter, warns Gu Zhili to stay away from him. Gu daren learns of his appointment and realises he has been manipulated by Xie Mao. He informs his wife, Xie shi, who is both happy to return to the capital and worried about the implications.
Gu Jiu learning about the family’s return to the capital. Gu Jiu treats Gu Ting’s injured leg, prescribing new medicine and administering acupuncture. Gu Jiu advises Gu Ting to read military strategy and historical records if he wants to join the army. Gu Jiu makes arrangements to handle her business affairs outside the estate before leaving for the capital.
Xie shi announces their upcoming departure to the capital and instructs the daughters to prepare gifts for the sisters of the hou fu. Gu Lin relays a message from Bai yiniang to Gu Jiu, who rebuffs her.
Bai yiniang realises she had miscalculated her abilities. Xie shi advises Gu Yue to impress the lao furen of the hou fu to gain connections with the Zhu guogong fu. Gu Yue promises to listen to her mother. Gu Shan agrees to help Gu Yue, who tells her to stop speaking up for Gu Jiu. Gu Jiu meets with Da Zhuang, who reports on the successful acquisition of the Xiahegou Horse Ranch. Gu Jiu discusses the wool weaving business with Da Zhuang and realizes she needs a powerful ally, leading her to consider Pei Yun.
Gu Jiu seeks an opportunity to meet with Pei Yun. Xie shi plans a visit to Tianmen Temple, providing Gu Jiu with the opportunity.
The Gu family arriving at Tianmen Temple. She meets Pei Yun, with whom she strikes a business partnership. Gu Yue falls and is carried back by Pei Meng, Pei Yun’s brother. Xie shi is upset and warns Gu Yue not to have any wayward thoughts. Xie shi suspects Ping mama of orchestrating Gu Yue’s accident and warns against anyone trying to make Gu Yue a concubine.
Gu daren instructs Xie shi to treat Gu Yue’s incident as an accident and avoid connections with the Lu hou fu. Xie shi confirms the departure date and begins packing. Gu Jiu prepares for the journey, entrusting Gui mama with Erya and Er Zhuang. The Gu family leaves for the capital.
The Gu family arrives in Jingcheng and settles into their residence in Baiyi Alley. Xie shi greets Zhang shi, her sister-in-law, who has a lukewarm demeanour. Zhang shi brings up Gu Jiu’s deceased mother and expresses an intention to help oversee Gu Jiu’s marriage. Zhang shi leaves to deal with a commotion caused by Gu laoyezi. Gu Jiu discovers a piece of her luggage is missing.
Zhang shi orders a public search for Gu Jiu’s missing luggage to undermine Xie shi. Gu Jiu learns of Zhang shi‘s actions and decides to cooperate. The luggage is found, and Shaoyao, Zhang shi’s maid, invites Gu Jiu to a banquet, while also running into Chun He. Chun He, sent by Xie shi, reminds Gu Jiu that the second branch should handle its own matters. Gu Jiu learns about the strained relationship between her aunt and Xie shi, and the good relationship her mother and her aunt shared.
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