Recaps

At a plum blossom banquet, Lin Yunwan heard people discuss the Lu family and watched Zheng Shi publicly claim to be arranging her marriage. As Lin Yunwan headed toward the plum grove, A Fu arrived and told her that the Prince had been waiting for her.

• Lin Yunwan heard the madams discuss Lu Chang'gong’s mourning and the late Lin clan Di Daughter’s fate, while Lin Yunjiao praised her as a model of wifely virtue.
• A lady asked about Lin Yunwan’s age and betrothal, and Zheng Shi explained that she was twenty, unmarried, and supposedly raised away from home for her health.
• Zheng Shi announced that she would seek a suitable match for Lin Yunwan, while Lin Yunwan quietly left the gathering with Xiruo.
• Lin Yunwan and Xiruo walked toward the Prince’s plum grove and spoke about whether the Prince liked plum blossoms.
• A Fu found Lin Yunwan and invited her to follow him, saying the Prince had been waiting for her.

Lin Yunwan met Qi Lingheng in his study, where he reassured her about life at the Lin family and said her younger brother had sent her something. They went to a pavilion on a lake island, where Qi Lingheng gave her a box containing a letter from Yun Yi.

• A Fu led Lin Yunwan and Xiruo to Qi Lingheng’s study, where he was reviewing Jiangqian’s taxes.
• Qi Lingheng asked whether the Lin family had troubled Lin Yunwan, and she assured him that she was well.
• Qi Lingheng explained that his uncle was receiving the guests and said Yun Yi had sent Lin Yunwan some things.
• Qi Lingheng rowed Lin Yunwan and Xiruo to a pavilion on the lake island.
• Qi Lingheng gave Lin Yunwan a box, and she found a thick letter from Yun Yi inside.

Lin Yunwan read a letter from Lin Yunyi and learned that her mother’s sight was recovering and her brother had returned to his studies. After discussing her family, the burned corpse, and her plans, she left Qi Lingheng with the gifts and money her family had sent, determined to consider choosing her own future.

• Lin Yunwan read Lin Yunyi’s letter and learned that her mother’s sight was recovering and her brother had returned to the Academy.
• Qi Lingheng told Lin Yunwan that he had sent A Fu to check on her family and offered to have her family’s money sent to her through Lin Huabin, but she asked him to keep it.
• Lin Yunwan asked Qi Lingheng about the woman who had burned to death in the Lu family’s private nunnery, and he said the dead deserved their fate.
• Qi Lingheng urged Lin Yunwan to make her own decisions about her future and to be bolder, and she agreed to consider it.
• Lin Yunwan left the thank-you gift and money with Qi Lingheng and returned across the lake with Xiruo, while Qi Lingheng watched their boat go.

Lin Yunwan returned to the Garden after meeting Qi Lingheng, while he worried about the trouble she faced at the Lin Residence and attended a gathering arranged to help find him a wife. Lin Yunjiao hinted that Lin Yunwan hoped to become Princess Huan, but Lin Yunwan rebuked her.

• A Fu escorted Lin Yunwan and Xiruo back to the Garden, then returned by boat to fetch Qi Lingheng.
• Qi Lingheng learned Lin Yunwan had gone the rest of the way alone and suspected Lin Huabin was causing her trouble at the Lin Residence.
• Qi Lingheng went to the Front Courtyard, where Zhao Jingyi introduced him to Jiangqian families as part of the search for a suitable wife.
• Qi Lingheng recalled his agreement with Emperor Jingshun to marry within a year in exchange for the Lu family's Heir Apparent losing his title.
• Lin Yunjiao accused Lin Yunwan of hoping to become Princess Huan, and Lin Yunwan warned her to stop speaking carelessly.

At a banquet at Prince Huan’s Residence, Lin Yunwan learned that Lin Yunjiao had spread a false story about her, while she recognized the suffering of Dong Shuangshuang, an old acquaintance. After returning to the Lin Residence, she began making inquiries to clear her name, as Qi Lingheng went to meet his maternal uncle and aunt.

• Lin Yunwan asked the women at the banquet about Jiangqian’s temples, and Dong Shuangshuang told her that Ci'en Temple was known for efficacious blessings.
• Dong Shuangshuang revealed bruises and binding marks on her arm, then identified herself as an old acquaintance and warned Lin Yunwan not to suffer the same fate.
• After the banquet, Xiruo told Lin Yunwan that Lin Yunjiao had claimed Lin Yunwan nearly killed Madam by ramming into her belly as a child, causing the other young ladies to view her as vicious.
• Lin Yunwan instructed Xiruo to investigate the rumors, and Xiruo questioned servants around Zheng Shi and Lin Yunjiao.
• Qi Lingheng closed the thank-you gift Lin Yunwan had left and went to meet his maternal uncle and aunt.

Qi Lingheng rejected the marriage prospects Nanny Wang and Zhao Jingyi presented, saying he was waiting for a spark at first sight. At the Lin Residence, Lin Yunwan learned more about West Lin and uncovered further doubts about the childhood incident that had driven Miss Lin away.

• Qi Lingheng told Nanny Wang and Zhao Jingyi that the young women they described were all good but lacked the spark he wanted, leaving them to report his answer to the Empress and Emperor.
• Xiruo told Lin Yunwan how West Lin's Old Madam had guided the eldest master back to his studies and supported his talented study attendant until he earned an official degree.
• Lin Yunwan questioned the account of Miss Lin's childhood accident and learned that the pretty, well-liked maid who had served Zheng Shi was married off far away after the incident.
• Xiruo urged Lin Yunwan to ask the Prince to help locate the former maid, and Lin Yunwan considered taking her advice.

Lin Yunwan sought permission to visit Ci'en Temple and offer eternal lamps for her deceased loved ones, while Zheng Shi used the trip to secure Lin Huabin’s agreement that Xiruo must sign a deed of servitude. The next morning, Lin Yunwan challenged Zheng Shi’s complaint about missed greetings by pointing out that Lin Yunjiao did not observe them either, and Zheng Shi reminded Lin Huabin to deal with Xiruo.

• Lin Yunwan decided not to ask the Prince for help and asked Lin Huabin for permission to visit Ci'en Temple and offer eternal lamps for deceased family members and a loyal servant.
• Lin Huabin agreed, and Zheng Shi protested the plan before persuading him that Xiruo should sign a deed of servitude to remain in the residence.
• Lin Huabin told Zheng Shi to take Lin Yunwan and Lin Yunjiao to Ci'en Temple, and Zheng Shi agreed to offer eternal lamps as well.
• When Lin Yunwan paid her respects the next morning, Zheng Shi scolded her for arriving late, and Lin Huabin urged her to observe morning and evening greetings.
• Lin Yunwan pointed out that she had followed Lin Yunjiao’s example, since Lin Yunjiao was still asleep, leaving Lin Huabin to say they should be treated alike.
• Zheng Shi agreed perfunctorily and signaled Lin Huabin to send Xiruo away.

Lin Huabin investigated Xiruo’s fight with Lin Yunjiao’s maids and learned that Lin Yunjiao had ordered a maid serving Lin Yunwan to be stripped. He sent Lin Yunwan away and ordered Lin Yunjiao to stay home and reflect, while Lin Yunwan looked forward to meeting the Lin family’s Old Madam.

• Lin Huabin objected to Xiruo’s assault on Lin Yunjiao’s servants, while Zheng Shi demanded that Xiruo sign a deed of servitude.
• Xiruo explained that she had fought because Lin Yunjiao ordered a maid serving Lin Yunwan to be stripped, and Lin Huabin demanded an investigation.
• Nanny Zhao gathered witnesses, who confirmed Lin Yunjiao’s order, and Lin Huabin let Lin Yunwan keep Xiruo.
• Lin Yunwan asked about visiting Old Madam, and Lin Huabin said Zheng Shi would take her to visit her aunts in a few days.
• Lin Huabin rebuked Zheng Shi for spoiling Lin Yunjiao and ordered her to take Lin Yunwan to offer incense the next day while Lin Yunjiao stayed home to reflect.
• Lin Yunjiao complained to Zheng Shi about her punishment and insisted she would keep acting as she pleased.

Lin Yunwan visited Ci'en Temple with Zheng Shi and offered an Eternal Light Lamp in her birth name. There, Dong Shuangshuang revealed that Lin Yunwan’s wet nurse had once begged her for help, and urged Yunwan to seize her chances and save herself; Yunwan was left considering what opportunity she should take.

• Old Madam Lin remarked that Zheng Shi was intolerant when provoked and agreed to see Lin Yunwan if she came to pay her respects.
• Zheng Shi sent Lin Yunwan to offer an Eternal Light Lamp at Ci'en Temple while she went elsewhere with most of the attendants.
• Lin Yunwan prayed for Miss Lin, her family, and Chang Gong, then offered a lamp for Lin Yun Wan using only her birth date and time.
• Dong Shuangshuang told Lin Yunwan that her wet nurse had begged her for help before Yunwan was sent away, but she had been too young and afraid to act.
• Lin Yunwan reassured Dong Shuangshuang that she did not blame her and asked about her healing hands and difficult married life.
• Dong Shuangshuang urged Lin Yunwan to seize every opportunity and save herself before leaving, and Yunwan pondered her advice.

Lin Yunwan learned that Zheng Shi had miscarried years earlier and was now praying and seeking treatment to have a child of her own. During a visit to the Lin relatives, Old Madam Lin unexpectedly asked Zheng Shi to leave Lin Yunwan behind, then ordered the girl to raise her head.

• A matron told Lin Yunwan that Zheng Shi had miscarried at four months and had not conceived since, while her two concubine-born sons remained in wet nurses' care.
• After drawing an auspicious fortune at Ci'en Temple, Zheng Shi resolved to consult a physician and take medicine in hopes of bearing a son.
• Zheng Shi arranged visits to the first and third branches, privately resenting their warmer reception of Lin Yunwan than of her daughter, Jiao'er.
• The next day, Zheng Shi brought Lin Yunwan to pay respects at Old Madam Lin's courtyard, where Nanny Fan welcomed them inside.
• Old Madam Lin asked why Yun Jiao was absent, then told Zheng Shi to leave Lin Yunwan with her.
• After Zheng Shi left, Old Madam Lin told Lin Yunwan to raise her head, and Lin Yunwan worried that the Old Madam had noticed something.

Old Madam Lin tested Lin Yunwan’s composure and aptitude, then arranged for Nanny Fan to teach her the arts expected of a young lady. After Lin Yunwan left, Old Madam Lin ordered Nanny Fan to teach Yun Jiao as well and focus on correcting her character.

• Old Madam Lin had Nanny Fan show Lin Yunwan how to whisk tea, and Lin Yunwan quickly recreated the first five steps to the elders’ satisfaction.
• Nanny Fan taught Lin Yunwan to trim flowers, and Old Madam Lin praised her aptitude and gave her a pair of bracelets.
• Old Madam Lin asked Lin Yunwan to study with Nanny Fan, who would visit her residence each day, and Lin Yunwan agreed.
• Lin Yunwan left to visit her eldest aunt and third aunt, while Nanny Fan returned to discuss Yun Jiao with Old Madam Lin.
• Old Madam Lin ordered Nanny Fan to teach Yun Jiao too, focusing less on tea and flower arranging and more on training her character.

Lin Yunwan and Lin Yunjiao began lessons with Nanny Fan, while Zheng Shi arranged for Yunjiao to meet Prince Huan at Ci'en Temple. Nanny Fan granted both girls a day off for the outing, so Lin Huabin insisted Yun Wan go along too.

• Lin Huabin agreed that Lin Yunwan and Lin Yunjiao would study together under Nanny Fan at Misty Smoke Pavilion.
• Zheng Shi urged Lin Huabin to help Yunjiao find a suitable match and persuaded him to take her to Ci'en Temple when Prince Huan visited.
• Lin Yunjiao initially refused Nanny Fan's lessons, but agreed to attend when Zheng Shi promised she could meet Prince Huan.
• Nanny Fan reported that both girls behaved well, though Old Madam Lin cautioned that one good day was not enough to judge Yunjiao.
• Lin Huabin asked Nanny Fan to excuse Yunjiao from lessons for an incense offering, and Nanny Fan gave both girls the day off.
• Lin Huabin told Zheng Shi to take Lin Yunwan along with Yunjiao, despite Zheng Shi's objections.

Lin Yunwan tried to persuade Lin Huabin to clear her name, but he refused to send her back to her father and arranged for her to go to Ci'en Temple with Zheng Shi and Lin Yunjiao. At the temple, she sought out Qi Lingheng, who agreed to meet her somewhere more private.

• Lin Yunwan told Lin Huabin that rumors about her had damaged her reputation and asked to return to her father, but he refused and insisted she go to Ci'en Temple with Zheng Shi.
• Lin Yunwan reasoned that Zheng Shi had brought Lin Yunjiao to the temple because Qi Lingheng would be there, and she decided to seize the chance to meet him.
• Zheng Shi sent Lin Yunwan away from herself and Lin Yunjiao to keep her from seeing Qi Lingheng, while Lin Yunjiao complained that Lin Yunwan was prettier than she was.
• Lin Yunwan told Xiruo to find Qi Lingheng, and Xiruo located his guarded courtyard and brought A Fu to her.
• A Fu told Qi Lingheng that Lin Yunwan had arrived, and Qi Lingheng asked for her to be brought somewhere private so no one would see them together.

Lin Yunwan asked Qi Lingheng to find Zheng Shi’s former dowry maid, hoping to uncover the truth about Miss Lin’s childhood accident and the people later dismissed from the household. Afterward, Lin Yunwan wondered whether Qi Lingheng treated her differently, but she concluded his kindness came from his respect for her father and went to pray for Zhu Qing’s unborn child.

• Qi Lingheng praised Lin Yunwan’s housewarming gift and asked her to copy congratulatory passages for his expected younger female cousin.
• Lin Yunwan asked Qi Lingheng to find Zheng Shi’s former dowry maid and explained the suspicious circumstances surrounding Miss Lin’s childhood accident.
• Qi Lingheng agreed to search for the maid and said he would notify Xiruo if she was found.
• Xiruo suggested that Qi Lingheng treated Lin Yunwan differently, but Lin Yunwan decided his kindness was due to his respect for her father.
• Lin Yunwan chose to visit Miss Lin and then pray for Zhu Qing’s unborn child.

Lin Yunwan went to Ci'en Temple to pray for Zhu Qing and drew a supreme fortune, but Lin Yunjiao snatched it and turned the other worshippers against her. After drawing another fortunate stick, Lin Yunwan left with plans to make Lin Yunjiao face public humiliation, while Xia Jin glimpsed her and wondered if he had seen the dead Miss Lin.

• Lin Yunwan waited with Xiruo to pray at the crowded Main Buddha Hall, then drew a supreme fortune stick.
• Lin Yunjiao took the stick and claimed Lin Yunwan should give it to her, prompting several noble young ladies to criticize Lin Yunwan.
• Lin Yunwan challenged Lin Yunjiao to swear before the Buddha that her accusations were true, but Zheng Shi arrived and cleared the onlookers away.
• Lin Yunwan drew another supreme fortune, received an auspicious interpretation, and told Xiruo she would make Lin Yunjiao suffer a public spectacle of her own.
• Xia Jin saw Lin Yunwan in a veiled hat and wondered if she resembled the Miss Lin he believed had died.

After learning that Lin Yunwan had been mistreated at Ci'en Temple, Qi Lingheng enlisted her maternal uncle, Zhao Jingyi, to confront Lin Huabin. Zhao Jingyi went to warn Lin Huabin, who had just heard Zheng Shi's version of the dispute.

• A Fu told Qi Lingheng that Lin Yunjiao had berated Lin Yunwan at Ci'en Temple and that Zheng Shi had left Lin Yunwan behind.
• Qi Lingheng went to Zhao Jingyi and explained how Lin Huabin's family had treated Lin Yunwan.
• Qi Lingheng persuaded Zhao Jingyi that Lin Huabin's behavior insulted Zhao Jingyi's reputation, prompting Zhao Jingyi to go warn him.
• Zheng Shi told Lin Huabin that Lin Yunwan had refused to give way to Lin Yunjiao, and Lin Huabin initially dismissed the quarrel as unimportant.
• A servant announced Zhao Jingyi's arrival, and Lin Huabin hurried to receive him.

Zhao Jingyi scolded Lin Huabin for the Lin family’s treatment of Yun Wan at Ci'en Temple, prompting Lin Huabin to question Zheng Shi about what happened. After Zheng Shi explained herself, Lin Huabin remained uneasy and summoned Nanny Zhao to hear her account.

• Lin Huabin welcomed Zhao Jingyi, who angrily accused him of treating their friendship lightly and mistreating Yun Wan.
• Zhao Jingyi said Zheng Shi had caused trouble with the Lin daughters at Ci'en Temple and warned Lin Huabin to prevent a repeat.
• Lin Huabin asked Zheng Shi what had happened at Ci'en Temple and said the incident had damaged his chance to ask Zhao Jingyi about the Prince.
• Zheng Shi said Yun Wan’s past and the gossip at the temple had led to the commotion, then explained that she had sent everyone away and brought her daughters home.
• Lin Huabin comforted Zheng Shi and said he would ask Zhao Jingyi again about the Prince, while Zheng Shi wondered about the prince's residence’s plans for a marriage.
• After reflecting on Zheng Shi’s account, Lin Huabin summoned Nanny Zhao to hear her version of what happened.

Lin Huabin learned that Zheng Shi had treated Lin Yunwan unfairly in public, but his attempt to persuade Zheng Shi to support her led to another quarrel. Lin Yunwan continued lessons with Lin Yunjiao, who bragged about being taken to meet Prince Huan, and the chapter ended with Qi Ling finding a maid Zheng Shi had driven away years earlier.

• Nanny Zhao told Lin Huabin what had happened at Ci'en Temple and said Zheng Shi should not have rebuked Lin Yunwan in public.
• Lin Huabin tried to win Zheng Shi over with the promise of Purple Pearls, but she accused him of only doing it for Lin Yunwan and they quarreled before making up.
• Lin Yunjiao taunted Lin Yunwan before lessons, and Lin Yunwan answered with a cutting remark about death.
• After lessons, Lin Yunjiao boasted that Madam had taken her to meet Prince Huan, but Lin Yunwan asked whether she had actually met him and left.
• Lin Yunwan told Xiruo that the Old Madam likely disapproved of Zheng Shi, and Qi Ling found the maid Zheng Shi had driven away years earlier.

Lin Yunwan went to the Jiangqian flower market to meet Lingxiang, the maid who had been sent away from Zheng Shi’s side. Lingxiang confessed that Zheng Shi had forced her to kick Lin Yunwan, confirming Lin Yunwan’s suspicion that Zheng Shi had deliberately tried to drive her away.

• Nanny Fan encouraged Lin Yunwan and Lin Yunjiao to visit the April flower market, and Lin Yunwan asked Xiruo to arrange a meeting with Lingxiang there.
• Xiruo delivered Lin Yunwan’s calligraphy to Qi Lingheng and told him where Lin Yunwan wanted to meet Lingxiang; he arranged for Xiruo to stay at a garden near the market.
• Lin Huabin gave Zheng Shi his calling card, allowing her and the two young ladies to enter the Zhao family’s private garden during the crowded flower market.
• After Lin Yunjiao went exploring with Zheng Shi, Xiruo led Lin Yunwan to the garden’s restricted courtyard, where Qi Lingheng directed her to Lingxiang.
• Lin Yunwan confronted Lingxiang about kicking her, and Lingxiang wept and confessed that Zheng Shi had forced her to do it.

Lin Yunwan questioned Lingxiang about the incident that led to Miss Lin being driven from the Lin family, and Lingxiang confessed that Zheng Shi had ordered her to kick the child and then framed her. Lingxiang revealed that she had hidden the prescription used to provoke bleeding in Bixi Hall, and Lin Yunwan promised to help her bring a complaint to the prefectural yamen.

• Lin Yunwan asked Lingxiang to recount what happened, and Lingxiang said Zheng Shi had promised to make her Lin Huabin's concubine in exchange for helping her.
• Lingxiang confessed that Zheng Shi ordered her to kick Miss Lin and accuse the child of running into Zheng Shi's pregnant belly.
• Lingxiang said Nanny Fan later gagged her and sold her to a human trafficker, after Zheng Shi had her confined and led her to expect a reward.
• Lingxiang revealed that she had obtained medicine to cause bleeding and hidden the physician's prescription beneath a wall in Bixi Hall.
• Lin Yunwan promised to find the prescription and help Lingxiang lodge a complaint at the prefectural yamen in exchange for testimony and evidence.

Lin Yunwan arranged for Lingxiang to accuse the Second Madam of the Lin Residence and uncovered an old prescription as evidence. When Lin Huabin tried to handle the complaint privately, Lin Yunwan planned to confront the Lin family during Old Madam Lin’s incense offering, while Qi Lingheng prepared to intensify the confrontation.

• Lin Yunwan told Qi Lingheng she would report Lingxiang’s case to the authorities, and he agreed to have A Fu assist her.
• Xiruo dug up the buried leather packet, and Lin Yunwan confirmed that the prescription inside supported Lingxiang’s account.
• Lingxiang submitted a written complaint at the Jiangqian Prefecture yamen but withheld the prescription, and the prefect sent word to Lin Huabin instead of pursuing the matter.
• Lin Huabin told his wife he would not settle accounts with her until after Old Madam Lin’s birthday and ordered that Lingxiang be found.
• Lin Yunwan arranged for Lingxiang to appear at Ci'en Temple during the Lin family’s incense offering and decided to bring her before Old Madam Lin.
• Qi Lingheng ordered A Fu to bring Old Madam Lin into the Main Buddha Hall during the offering.

Lin Yunwan received clothes and hairpins for the trip to Ci'en Temple, while Lin Huabin and Zheng Shi remained troubled by the missing maid Lingxiang. The Lin family arrived at the temple for the Old Madam’s birthday celebration, where the large gathering from both residences put pressure on Lin Huabin to face the situation.

• Lin Yunwan told Nanny Zhao to deliver the Eldest Miss’s gifts before the Second Miss’s, then finished flower drawings that Nanny Fan praised.
• Lin Yunjiao questioned Lin Yunwan about the flower market and later went to pay her respects to Zheng Shi, but Lin Yunwan warned her that Lin Huabin was upset.
• Lin Huabin and Zheng Shi argued over Lingxiang’s disappearance, and Lin Huabin ordered his aides to keep searching for her.
• Lin Huabin instructed guards to watch for Lingxiang and secure the Old Madam’s quarters at Ci'en Temple.
• Lin Yunwan arrived at Ci'en Temple and saw congee being distributed as the East Lin and West Lin families gathered in large numbers.

At Ci'en Temple, Lin Yunwan saw how rumors had made the West Lin household distance itself from her, while Lin Huabin and Zheng Shi tried to prevent Lingxiang from disrupting Old Madam Lin’s birthday rites. Lingxiang reached the Main Buddha Hall and appealed to Old Madam Lin for justice, leaving Lin Huabin and Zheng Shi aghast.

• The West Lin household’s mistress treated Lin Yunwan coolly after learning she was Lin Huabin’s daughter, while the other young ladies kept their distance from her.
• Lin Yunwan realized that Zheng Shi and Lin Yunjiao had let rumors about her spread, and she went toward the Main Buddha Hall with Xiruo.
• After learning Lingxiang had entered the temple, Zheng Shi urged Lin Huabin to bribe her and have her sent to the prefectural yamen; Lin Huabin ordered guards to seize and silence her.
• Lin Yunwan watched the guards search for Lingxiang and suggested that Lin Huabin and Zheng Shi had lost their chance to clear Lin Yunwan’s name.
• As Old Madam Lin prepared to offer the First Incense, Lingxiang rushed into the Main Buddha Hall, knelt before her, and begged her to see justice done.

Lingxiang interrupted Old Madam Lin’s birthday incense ceremony to expose Zheng Shi’s plot against Lin Yunwan. She presented an old prescription and testified that Zheng Shi had made her frame the four-year-old Lin Yunwan for causing her miscarriage.

• Lingxiang refused to leave until she could clear her name, but Old Madam Lin persuaded her to wait until the incense ceremony was over.
• Old Madam Lin finished the ceremony and invited the madams of both Lin residences to hear Lingxiang’s grievance.
• Nanny Fan recognized Lingxiang as Zheng Shi’s former dowry maid and feared that she would reveal what had happened years earlier.
• Lingxiang accused Zheng Shi of plotting to harm Lin Yunwan and produced a prescription for medicine that induced bleeding.
• Lingxiang testified that Zheng Shi had forced her to kick Lin Yunwan and then framed the child for Zheng Shi’s bleeding.

Lingxiang accused Zheng Shi of arranging the old plot that injured Lin Yunwan, but Zheng Shi blamed Lingxiang and denied responsibility. Old Madam Lin dismissed Lingxiang after hearing her out, acknowledged Lin Yunwan had been wronged, and turned her anger on Lin Huabin, leaving Zheng Shi kneeling as the others were sent out.

• Lingxiang revealed that Zheng Shi had ordered her to make Zheng Shi bleed and kick Lin Yunwan so the child would be sent away, but Zheng Shi accused Lingxiang of drugging her and plotting for favor.
• Lingxiang tried to run into a pillar, and the maidservants stopped her before she broke down in tears.
• Old Madam Lin said Lingxiang had been rightfully punished for kicking Lin Yunwan, but believed her remorse and ordered the Eldest Madam to give her silver and let her go.
• Old Madam Lin told Lin Yunwan that she had never harmed Zheng Shi and should not have been left in the countryside, while the Mistress of West Lin Residence affirmed her innocence.
• Lin Huabin protested Old Madam Lin's decision, and she rebuked him for failing as a father before the First Branch Madam sent everyone else outside.