Chapter Summaries

Xu Weibei was summoned to the palace while preparing a beautiful ice-flower display for Gu Wanning, then learned that the emperor was considering ending their marriage. He rejected the divorce and accused Gu Yuanshi of lying about his daughter’s wishes, leaving the emperor to stop their argument.

• Xu Weibei returned to find the ice flowers arranged and waited for Gu Wanning, but Gao Lan told him the emperor had summoned him.
• Xu Weibei reluctantly went to the imperial study, where he found Gu Yuanshi and faced the emperor’s accusations over memorials impeaching him.
• The emperor proposed ending Xu Weibei and Gu Wanning’s marriage, but Xu Weibei insisted he had changed and refused an amicable divorce.
• Gu Yuanshi claimed Gu Wanning wanted the divorce, prompting Xu Weibei to angrily accuse him of sowing discord and mistreating his daughter.
• The emperor ordered Xu Weibei and Gu Yuanshi to stop arguing and focus on serving the realm.

Gu Wanning was summoned before the emperor to decide whether to remain married to Xu Weibei or divorce him. She chose divorce, citing her failure to bear children and saying Xu Weibei should take a new bride.

• The emperor decreed that Gu Wanning alone would decide whether her marriage to Xu Weibei continued.
• Xu Weibei and Gu Yuanshi waited with the emperor while discussing disaster relief and reform.
• Gu Wanning arrived at the palace and appeared calm, reassuring Xu Weibei with a smile.
• The emperor directly asked Gu Wanning whether she wanted to stay married to Xu Weibei or divorce him.
• Gu Wanning asked the emperor to grant her a divorce, saying she had failed the Xu family's ancestors by bearing no children and would make way for a worthier woman.

Gu Wanning secured a divorce from Xu Weibei in the emperor’s presence, despite Xu’s last attempt to keep their marriage intact. She returned to her family and prepared to visit the Marquis’s Residence to collect her belongings and say goodbye to the concubines.

• Xu Weibei told the emperor that his absence and lack of children were not Gu Wanning’s fault, but Gu Wanning insisted on ending their marriage.
• Gu Wanning told Xu Weibei she was unworthy of him, and the emperor ordered a decree for their divorce.
• Xu Weibei followed Gu Wanning and Gu Yuanshi after they left the palace, hoping she would turn back, but she never did.
• Gu Wanning told her family about the divorce, and Er Ya offered to pack her things from the Marquis’s Residence.
• Gu Wanning decided to return to the residence with Gu Anqi to collect her belongings and bid farewell to the four concubines.

Gu Wanning returned to the Marquis's Residence to end her marriage with Xu Weibei, where the four concubines pleaded to go with her and she said goodbye to them. She saw Xu Weibei's elaborate birthday gift and prepared to speak with him after packing.

• Gu Wanning returned to the residence with Gu Anqi and found the four concubines waiting, upset that she was divorcing the Marquis.
• Gu Wanning saw the ice flowers Xu Weibei had arranged as a birthday present and took in the scene despite her tears.
• Gu Wanning told First Concubine, Second Concubine, and Third Concubine to plan for their own futures and promised they could stay in touch after she left.
• Fourth Concubine asked Gu Wanning to take her and First Concubine along, but Gu Wanning said she could not support them.
• Fourth Concubine pointed out that Xu Weibei's birthday gifts, displayed in brocade boxes, could be sold for money.

Gu Wanning returned to her family home after leaving Xu Weibei’s residence, feeling guilty about the trouble her divorce had brought him. Wei Shi recognized the new servant Shitou as Zhi Nu and tearfully welcomed him back.

• Gu Wanning said goodbye to Xu Weibei, who coldly told her to get out, and left with Er Ya and Shitou.
• Gu Wanning chose not to warn Xu Weibei about Gu Wanqing and decided to speak to Gu Wanqing instead.
• Wei Shi waited anxiously for Gu Wanning, who returned with Shitou and introduced him as a new errand boy.
• Wei Shi recognized Shitou as Zhi Nu, called for Gu Anqi, and embraced the boy while crying that he had come home.

Gu Wanning’s family recognized Shitou as the long-lost Zhi Nu because he looked exactly like Gu Anqi as a child, and they welcomed him home. Gu Wanning took Shitou to stay with her for the night while Gu Anqi planned to investigate the old case records.

• Wei Shi and Gu Yuanshi saw Shitou and recognized his strong resemblance to Gu Anqi as a child.
• Wei Shi found old portraits that confirmed the family’s impression, and Shitou clung to Gu Wanning in shock.
• Gu Anwei returned and agreed that Shitou looked like Gu Anqi, while He Shi said Zhi Nu had no birthmarks.
• Gu Wanning told her father and brothers that she would take Shitou to stay with her, and Gu Anqi said he would review the old case records.
• Gu Wanning asked the family to tell Gu Wanqing the happy news the next day.

Gu Wanning comforted Zhi Nu as he struggled to believe he was the Gu family's missing second young master, while He Shi insisted on publicly celebrating his return. The next day, Gu Anqi persuaded Gu Yuanshi to agree to a banquet for Zhi Nu.

• Gu Wanning reassured the frightened Zhi Nu that the evidence pointed to him being the missing second young master and urged him to take time to settle in.
• Unable to sleep, Gu Wanning told Zhi Nu about her own difficult return to the family and encouraged him to trust that their relationships would grow closer.
• He Shi argued with Gu Anqi that Zhi Nu deserved a banquet to show the family and outsiders that he was their legitimate son.
• Gu Anqi agreed to arrange the celebration after He Shi pleaded with him and reminded him of what had happened to Gu Wanning.
• The next day, Gu Anqi proposed a banquet to Gu Yuanshi, who initially objected but soon agreed when Gu Anqi insisted.

He Shi and Gu Wanning arranged a small celebration for Zhi Nu’s return, but a rumor that it was for Gu Wanning’s return enraged Xu Weibei. Three days after the divorce, Xu Weibei learned that the Grand Princess intended to challenge the Emperor’s decision and bring Gu Wanning back, and he resolved to stop her.

• He Shi and Gu Wanning invited Gu Yuanshi’s colleagues and the brothers’ colleagues to celebrate Zhi Nu’s return, while refusing gifts.
• A rumor reached Xu Weibei that the Gu family was holding a grand banquet for Gu Wanning’s return, and Gao Lan corrected him that the celebration was for Zhi Nu.
• Xu Weibei angrily refused Fourth Concubine permission to visit Gu Wanning and ordered her never to see her again.
• Gao Lan told Xu Weibei that the Grand Princess planned to appeal to the Emperor and then go to the Gu family to bring Gu Wanning back.
• Xu Weibei realized the Grand Princess might force Gu Wanning to return and decided he could not let her do so.

Xu Weibei confronted the Grand Princess over Gu Wanning’s divorce and insisted he would not give up on her, despite claiming he wanted no part in the marriage. He ordered Gao Lan to settle Gu Wanning’s payment and give her all the money from selling the items, while remaining unsure how to win her back.

• Xu Weibei arrived at the Grand Princess's Residence as she prepared to petition the emperor over Gu Wanning’s divorce.
• Xu Weibei told the Grand Princess he had planned the divorce and warned her not to provoke a complete break with the Gu family.
• Xu Weibei left, privately deciding that he would not give up on Gu Wanning and would seek to propose to her again after she had time to calm down.
• Gao Lan asked whether Xu Weibei meant to smash the Gu Residence’s pots, and Xu Weibei rebuked him.
• Gao Lan reported that someone from Baoji had come for payment, and Xu Weibei ordered him to settle it with Gu Wanning and give her all the money from selling the items.

At the Gu family banquet celebrating Zhi Nu, Gu Wanning reassured him about the guests' gossip and watched him begin to bond with Gu Anqi. The gathering left Gu Wanning welcomed by her family, while Gu Wanqing had yet to arrive.

• Xu Weibei arranged silver for Gu Wanning and offered his three present concubines the chance to leave, but all refused.
• At the Gu family banquet, Zhi Nu nervously greeted the guests after rehearsing with Gu Wanning.
• Gu Wanning told Zhi Nu not to fear gossip and reminded him that his eldest aunt, Gu Wanqing, was expected home.
• Gu Anqi took Zhi Nu to meet people, and Zhi Nu timidly called him Father.
• Gu Anwei explained that his wife had stayed home to avoid the crowd and invited Gu Wanning to visit them at the Princess's Residence.

Gu Wanning welcomed Gu Wanqing and discussed her divorce from the Marquis, insisting she was content with her decision. The chapter left Gu Wanqing and Wei Shi worrying about Gu Wanning’s future, while Gu Wanning dismissed concerns about marriage and ancestral offerings.

• Gu Anwei left after extending an olive branch to Gu Wanning, and she reflected on why he might understand her.
• Gu Anqi returned with Zhi Nu, and He Shi persuaded her son to accompany her to greet his uncle and aunt.
• Gu Wanqing arrived with her entourage, and Gu Wanning arranged a place for them to rest while Gu Xiaoxiao fawned over her.
• Gu Wanqing sent Gu Xiaoxiao away to sort her gifts so she could speak privately with Gu Wanning and Wei Shi.
• Gu Wanqing cautiously raised Gu Wanning’s divorce from the Marquis, and Gu Wanning said the divorce had been mutual and she was fine.
• Wei Shi worried that Gu Wanning might have no one to make offerings to her after her death, but Gu Wanning dismissed the concern.

Gu Wanning refused Wei Shi’s suggestion to adopt Zhi Nu, insisting that her sister-in-law should not have to sacrifice for her and asking her mother not to make decisions on her behalf. She brought Gu Wanqing to her rented home, where the sisters laughed together after Little Flower spat at them both.

• Wei Shi suggested that Zhi Nu be adopted into Gu Wanning’s line, but Gu Wanning firmly refused.
• Gu Wanning explained that Gu Wanqing and her husband deserved the chance to make up for the time they had lost with Zhi Nu, and asked Wei Shi not to arrange things behind her back.
• Gu Wanqing backed Gu Wanning, and Wei Shi accepted that she had been mistaken.
• Gu Wanning invited Gu Wanqing to her rented home, where Gu Wanqing was surprised to see Little Flower the alpaca.
• Little Flower spat at Gu Wanqing and then Gu Wanning, and the sisters retreated indoors laughing.

Gu Wanning comforted Gu Wanqing as she grieved her miscarriage and struggled with jealousy over the Prince of Qin’s concubines, urging her to stop blaming herself and face the realities of her marriage. She returned the silver Gu Wanqing had lent her and warned her to guard her reputation, recalling the fabricated past with the Marquis.

• Gu Wanning welcomed Gu Wanqing into her cozy room, and the sisters shared popcorn as they talked.
• Gu Wanqing confessed that she was still grieving her miscarriage, had been bleeding for a month, and resented the Prince of Qin visiting his concubines.
• Gu Wanning told Gu Wanqing that her jealousy was normal and urged her to protect herself rather than hold herself to impossible standards.
• Gu Wanning returned the two hundred taels and warned Gu Wanqing about the dangers surrounding her and her family.
• Gu Wanning cautioned Gu Wanqing not to give anyone a chance to ruin her reputation, pointing to the false past with the Marquis.

Gu Wanning reassured Gu Wanqing that she was not to blame for the rumors about the Marquis and urged her to put the past behind her and protect herself and An-ge. After Gu Wanqing left, Fourth Concubine arrived with a gift she had stolen from the residence.

• Gu Wanning told Gu Wanqing that she had divorced the Marquis for their own sake and warned that someone might be trying to frame them.
• Gu Wanning encouraged Gu Wanqing to focus on raising An-ge and revealed that she already knew Gu Wanqing was not their parents’ biological daughter.
• Gu Wanqing apologized, and Gu Wanning said she had made peace with the past but would not tolerate being dragged into future trouble.
• Gu Anfang called for Gu Wanqing, and she left after accepting Gu Wanning’s offer of popcorn for An-ge.
• Fourth Concubine visited Gu Wanning with a parcel of garlic she had stolen because she could not afford a proper gift.

Gu Wanning hosted Zhou Yaya, who had snuck out of the Marquis’s Residence, and sent her home with dumplings and fried chicken. Zhou Yaya sneaked back over the wall, where Xu Weibei’s dogs surrounded her.

• Zhou Yaya visited Gu Wanning and admitted she had come without the Marquis’s permission.
• Gu Wanning let Zhou Yaya stay for lunch and dinner, then packed her dumplings and fried chicken to take home.
• Zhou Yaya returned to the Marquis’s Residence by climbing over the wall after checking that no guards were nearby.
• Xu Weibei came outside for air and noticed Zhou Yaya, but the scent of her food drew three dogs to surround her.

Zhou Yaya argued with Xu Weibei after he took the fried chicken Gu Wanning had given her, and Gao Lan tried to keep the dispute from worsening. The next day, all four concubines visited Gu Wanning, who played tiles with them while refusing to discuss Xu Weibei.

• Zhou Yaya defended taking food from Gu Wanning, but Xu Weibei confiscated the box and said he would feed the fried chicken to the dog.
• Gao Lan tried to persuade Fourth Concubine to apologize to Xu Weibei, but she complained that he had eaten her food and was dragged away before finishing.
• Gao Lan asked Fourth Concubine to pretend she had been paddled, and she agreed not to expose him.
• Fourth Concubine told Gu Wanning about the incident the next day, and all four concubines visited Gu Wanning after Second Concubine obtained Xu Weibei's permission.
• Gu Wanning played tiles with the concubines and pushed her tiles forward to declare a win.

Gu Wanning planned to buy land after her divorce, while the concubines discussed their futures and Jiaoniang’s security. Xu Weibei waited in vain for food from Gu Wanning, then Qin Lie arrived with rabbits for Jiaoniang.

• First Concubine watched Jiaoniang and Zhi Nu study and worried about Jiaoniang’s future marriage and dowry.
• Gu Wanning told the concubines she planned to buy land, and Second Concubine offered to find a reliable broker.
• Third Concubine said the Grand Princess was seeking a replacement for Gu Wanning, but Xu Weibei might no longer let her control him.
• Gu Wanning sent the others home and told First Concubine to keep Fourth Concubine from provoking Xu Weibei.
• Xu Weibei waited for Gu Wanning to bring him food, but she returned empty-handed.
• Qin Lie visited Xu Weibei with a pair of white rabbits for Jiaoniang, and Xu Weibei mocked him about serving them as food.

Gu Wanning investigated and bought a discounted 120-mu tract of land owned by Bao Tonghe, while Xu Weibei considered how to win her back after Qin Lie urged him to reconcile with her family. The chapter ended with Gu Wanning completing the land purchase in her own name without meeting Bao Tonghe.

• Qin Lie advised Xu Weibei to arrange land near his Estate, stop making things difficult for the Gu family, and find out why Gu Wanning refused to marry him.
• Xu Weibei agreed to wager a thousand taels that he would persuade Gu Wanning to return before Qin Lie married his woman.
• Gu Wanning inspected a discounted 120-mu tract of land and asked Gu Anqi to investigate its owner and background.
• Gu Anqi reported that the land belonged to Bao Tonghe, the owner of Baoji, who was selling it to free up funds.
• Gu Wanning bought the land and completed the formalities in her own name, with Baoji's manager handling the handover.

Gu Wanning spent a sleepless night after Xu Weibei and Zhou Yaya clashed in her courtyard, and she remained determined not to reconcile with Xu Weibei. On New Year’s Eve, he slipped into the Gu family’s courtyard hoping to see her, but she was celebrating at home with Zhi Nu and Er Ya while he waited outside in the snow.

• Gu Wanning was woken by Xu Weibei and Fourth Concubine arguing in her courtyard, where Xu Weibei claimed he had come to catch her sneaking out.
• Gu Wanning sent Xu Weibei and Fourth Concubine away and lay awake thinking that she would not return to Xu Weibei.
• Xu Weibei remembered coming to watch Gu Wanning the previous night and regretted that Zhou Yaya had interrupted him.
• Xu Weibei claimed to be gravely ill and skipped the emperor’s New Year’s Eve banquet, then entered the Gu family’s courtyard looking for Gu Wanning.
• Gu Wanning celebrated New Year’s Eve at home with Zhi Nu and Er Ya, eating hot pot and planning red envelopes, while Xu Weibei waited outside in the snow.

As Er Ya questioned Gu Wanning about why she separated from Xu Weibei, Gu Wanning admitted she had never held him in her heart and explained that what she wanted was something he could not give. Xu Weibei listened secretly, devastated by her words, as Er Ya pressed her to explain.

• Gu Wanning drank fruit wine with Er Ya and Zhi Nu while Xu Weibei listened nearby.
• Er Ya asked Gu Wanning why she had separated from Xu Weibei, and Gu Wanning said they could at least have been friends.
• Gu Wanning said Xu Weibei had been good to her and that he was unlucky to have met her.
• Gu Wanning told Er Ya she did not feel jealousy because she did not hold anyone in her heart, leaving Xu Weibei heartbroken.
• Gu Wanning said Xu Weibei had tried hard to treat her well, but what she wanted was something he could not give; Er Ya asked whether she had asked him for it and been refused.