Chapter Summaries

Zhao Ruxi revealed that she had arranged for Zhao Yuankun to be punished, explaining that he posed a danger to her family. After her elders accepted her actions, she warned them that Lady Su and the third branch would soon come to make trouble.

• Lady Su hid the truth from Zhao Yuankun and followed the steward's plan to settle the score with the first branch.
• Zhao Ruxi told the old madam, Zhao Yuanxun, and Lady Zhu that she had orchestrated Zhao Yuankun's punishment to weaken him.
• Zhao Ruxi refused to reveal how she had arranged it and told her elders to treat the matter as though it had nothing to do with them.
• Zhao Ruxi warned the family that the third branch would come to accuse them and urged them not to back down.

Zhao Ruxi anticipated that Lady Su would confront her at the lane entrance and arranged for her family to be nearby. Lady Su blocked Zhao Ruxi’s carriage and ordered her servants to attack, while Zhao Ruxi’s guards tried to protect her.

• Zhao Ruxi persuaded the elders to let Lady Su make trouble at the lane entrance, where they could intervene, and Lady Zhu agreed to watch for her.
• Zhao Ruxi spent the next day at class and work before returning to the capital with Kang Shilin, Wu Zong, and the others.
• Gao Weiqiang spotted a servant from the third branch watching the lane, and Zhao Ruxi told Lady Luo to protect her and Gao Sheng to fetch the earl and madam.
• Lady Su blocked the lane with a crowd and ordered Gao Sheng stopped as Zhao Ruxi stepped down from the carriage.
• Lady Luo caught Lady Su’s raised hand, but Lady Su ordered her servants to beat Zhao Ruxi, and Gao Weiqiang kicked away one attacker before another burly woman reached Zhao Ruxi.

Zhao Ruxi used her agility and a staged display of tears to turn Lady Su’s attempted public attack against her, while Lady Luo and bystanders backed her up. The confrontation was interrupted when Lady Zhu arrived to defend her daughter.

• Lady Su charged at Zhao Ruxi, but Zhao Ruxi dodged and tripped her before pretending she had been slapped.
• Lady Luo pinned Lady Su down and accused her of attacking Zhao Ruxi and abusing her family’s newfound status.
• Lady Su tried to win sympathy by blaming Zhao Ruxi for her husband’s ruined post, but the crowd sided with Zhao Ruxi.
• Zhao Ruxi challenged Lady Su’s accusations and questioned why she had publicly blocked and humiliated her.
• Lady Luo accused Lady Su of bullying the first branch, and Lady Zhu arrived as Zhao Ruxi called out to her.

Lady Zhu confronted Lady Su for trying to ruin Zhao Ruxi’s reputation and publicly explained how Zhao had become entangled in the Earl of Zhongqin’s affairs. Lady Su was left unable to answer as the crowd turned against her.

• Lady Zhu arrived at the alley entrance and slapped Lady Su for bullying Zhao Ruxi and attacking her reputation.
• Lady Su accused Zhao Ruxi of provoking the Earl of Zhongqin’s Residence and causing her husband to be beaten and lose his office.
• Lady Zhu explained that Zhao had hired Ge Wu without knowing his history and that the Earl of Zhongqin’s punishment had nothing to do with her.
• Lady Zhu questioned why the Earl of Zhongqin would target Lady Su’s husband instead of Zhao Ruxi, and noted that he risked the crown prince’s anger by doing so.
• People planted in the crowd reinforced Lady Zhu’s argument, and the onlookers began to suspect Lady Su wanted to extort money.
• Lady Su could not refute Lady Zhu and burst into tears as the crowd scorned her.

After Lady Su’s confrontation with Zhao Ruxi ended with Lady Zhu proposing to sever ties, Zhao Yuanxun brought the dispute to the Zhao clan and declared he would no longer acknowledge Zhao Yuankun as his brother. The clan elders refused to witness his document, and Zhao Xingyun secretly went to Zhao Yuankun’s courtyard.

• Lady Zhu proposed that the first and third branches sever ties, then took Zhao Ruxi home while Lady Su worried about her husband’s reaction.
• Lady Su ordered her servants to keep the incident secret, but Zhao Yuanxun reported it to the clan head and elders.
• Zhao Yuanxun wrote and signed a document severing ties with Zhao Yuankun, but the elders refused to witness it.
• Zhao Yuanxun said he would submit the document to the authorities and left, insisting the clan not associate him with his younger brother.
• Zhao Xingyun left the clan meeting and secretly went to Zhao Yuankun’s courtyard.

Zhao Yuankun learned that Zhao Yuanxun had sought to sever ties with him and, despite his injuries, insisted on going to the Earl of Suiping's Residence. Zhao Ruxi returned home and learned that her family had moved to cut ties with Zhao Yuankun, approving of their plan.

• Zhao Xingyun visited Zhao Yuankun, and the steward explained how Lady Su had confronted Zhao Ruxi at the mouth of the lane.
• Zhao Yuankun discovered that Zhao Yuanxun had asked the clan leader to sever ties with him and ordered a stretcher so he could confront his eldest brother.
• Zhao Xingyun and the steward tried to dissuade Zhao Yuankun, but he threatened the steward until he agreed to prepare the stretcher.
• Zhao Yuanxun learned that Zhao Xingyun had visited Zhao Yuankun and reflected bitterly on how quickly the clan had turned against him.
• Zhao Ruxi returned to the residence, learned that her grandmother and parents planned to sever ties with Zhao Yuankun, and approved of their decision.

Zhao Yuanxun’s family prepared to sever ties with Zhao Yuankun to protect themselves from his future misconduct. After Zhao Yuankun signed and fingerprinted the document at the residence gates, Zhao Yuanxun sent it back to the clan head to request that he witness it.

• Lady Zhu reassured the old madam that the document would help protect the family from Zhao Yuankun, and Zhao Ruxi left the hall to eat.
• A servant reported that Zhao Yuankun had been carried to the residence gates, and Lady Zhu and Zhao Yuanxun went out to meet him.
• Zhao Yuankun demanded the severance document, then signed and fingerprinted it before being carried home.
• Zhao Yuanxun sent Liu Quan to ask the clan head to witness the signed document.

Zhao Ruxi explained why her family had severed ties with Zhao Yuankun’s household and taught Zhao Jingtai about the danger of the struggle for the throne. Meanwhile, Zhao Jingli took charge of the second branch’s household affairs after Zhao Yuanliang encouraged him to accept his place and value a contented life.

• Liu Quan brought Zhao Yuanxun the clan patriarch’s signed document, and Lady Zhu sent Caidie to inform Zhao Ruxi.
• Zhao Ruxi discussed the severed ties with Zhao Jingtai, who questioned whether the decision was fair to Zhao Yuankun’s family.
• Zhao Ruxi told Zhao Jingtai about Zhao Yuankun’s actions and the threat his involvement in the struggle for the throne posed to the family.
• Zhao Jingli recounted how Zhao Yuanliang had readily handed him authority over the second branch’s household affairs and urged him to be content with his lot.

Zhao Jingli reorganized the second household and learned that Zhao Yuanliang had formally severed ties with Zhao Yuankun. Zhao Jing'an and Zhao Ruyu then suspected Zhao Ruxi was behind the disasters striking those around her, with Zhao Ruyu convinced that Zhao Ruxi had returned for revenge.

• Zhao Jingli promoted Song Fang, dismissed troublesome servants, and reorganized the second household.
• After hearing that Zhao Yuanliang and Zhao Yuankun had signed a document severing ties, Zhao Jingli told Zhao Jing'an what had happened.
• Zhao Jing'an compared Zhao Yuankun's downfall to the misfortunes of his own family and the Earl of Zhongqin's Residence, and suggested Zhao Ruxi's involvement.
• Zhao Ruyu overheard the brothers and rushed in, declaring that Zhao Ruxi had caused everything.
• Zhao Ruyu privately concluded that Zhao Ruxi had returned for revenge and despaired at how much more powerful she seemed.

Zhao Jingli confronted Zhao Ruyu and Zhao Jing'an for suspecting Zhao Ruxi of bringing misfortune, then urged them to change their behavior. He left unconvinced that Zhao Ruyu would heed his warning, while she continued crying over her thwarted hopes of marrying Fu Yunlang.

• Zhao Jingli demanded proof when Zhao Ruyu and Zhao Jing'an suggested that Zhao Ruxi caused the misfortunes of those who crossed her.
• Zhao Jing'an admitted his suspicions were unfounded, and Zhao Jingli warned him that resentment could turn him against innocent people.
• Zhao Jingli told Zhao Jing'an to accompany him to inspect the family’s estates and shops, and Zhao Jing'an agreed.
• Zhao Jingli ordered Zhao Ruyu to return to the academy and focus on her future instead of schemes and marriage.
• Zhao Jing'an tried to comfort Zhao Ruyu as she cried, but Zhao Jingli left, suspecting she would ignore his advice and continue secretly corresponding with Fu Yunlang.

Zhao Ruxi requested leave from the academy so she could train painters and manage her expanding workshops, while Madam Cui set strict independent-study requirements for her. She spent the day organizing workshop staff and equipment, then returned to Green Plantain Courtyard with the work still piling up.

• Zhao Ruxi told Madam Cui she would be away from regular classes for at least half a year but intended to keep studying and take the examinations; Madam Cui assigned her books to memorize and required her to attend every ten-day examination.
• Zhao Ruxi asked Qingfeng to carry the five books Madam Cui had given her and went to the Beining Workshop.
• Zhou Chun reported that the craftsmen and workers had arrived and that Blacksmith Li had finished the iron cabinet; Zhao Ruxi ordered it brought to her courtyard.
• Zhao Ruxi instructed Ma Sheng to check whether Locksmith Hu and Locksmith Jiang had finished making the parts to her measurements.
• Zhao Ruxi reviewed the six bookkeepers' accounts and sent them to their assigned workshops, then visited the painting academy before returning to Green Plantain Courtyard.

Zhao Ruxi tested the craftsmen’s tools and assembled a drawer lock, then fitted it to a heavy iron cabinet to create a secure safe. Impressed by its security and commercial potential, she ordered Zhou Chun and Ma Sheng to bring the craftsmen into the workshops and get them running within three days.

• Zhao Ruxi inspected the custom tools, screws, and nuts made by the blacksmith and locksmiths, then assembled the drawer lock successfully.
• Zhao Ruxi attached the lock and hinges to an iron cabinet and showed everyone how difficult it was to force open without a key.
• Zhou Chun praised the safe as a solution to protecting gemstones and finished jewelry across the scattered workshops.
• Zhao Ruxi asked whether wealthy families would buy safes, and Ma Sheng and the others agreed they would sell well.
• Zhao Ruxi told Zhou Chun and Ma Sheng to bring the craftsmen into the workshops and have every workshop operating in three days.

Zhao Ruxi arranged the workshop rules and began teaching the Anzhou trainees, establishing herself as their teacher despite their varied backgrounds. The first class ended with a well-dressed trainee challenging her account of the class’s rules.

• Zhao Ruxi gave Zhou Chun detailed workshop rules and told him to oversee the workshops while she taught the training class.
• Zhao Ruxi went with Zhang Changshen, Wu Zong, and others to meet the fifteen trainees from Anzhou Province at the training compound.
• After the trainees stared at her and gave an uneven salute, Zhao Ruxi told them to call her Teacher Zhao and treat the class like a private school.
• A young man in brocade challenged Zhao Ruxi, claiming officials had said the trainees need not observe teacher-student rites.
• Zhao Ruxi recognized the young man’s expensive clothes and suspected a prominent family had sent him to provoke her.

Zhao Ruxi had a student removed for disrespecting her, then laid down strict rules for her painting class. The remaining students accepted her authority as Zhang Changshen warned that anyone who disobeyed would be sent home and replaced.

• Zhang Changshen confirmed that the Court of Judicial Review had not promised students the right to challenge Zhao Ruxi and said they owed her respect as their teacher.
• Zhao Ruxi refused to teach the richly dressed young man, and Zhang Changshen ordered constables to drag him out.
• The young man protested that he had only asked a question, but Zhao Ruxi remained silent as the constables removed him.
• Zhao Ruxi told the students she could dismiss anyone who insulted her and invite someone else to take their place.
• Zhang Changshen backed Zhao Ruxi's rules and warned that the Court of Judicial Review would replace anyone who disrespected her or shirked work.

Zhao Ruxi established rules for the fourteen painters attending her class, then demonstrated her portrait technique and explained why their training would take two months. The painters came to admire her work and accepted the need for sustained practice.

• Kang Shilin refused to intervene in the yamen’s business and warned that he could call on the emperor, while Zhang Changshen praised his authority.
• Zhao Ruxi had the fourteen students introduce themselves, outlined class officer roles and assessments, and invited them to apply for positions.
• Zhao Ruxi painted Uncle Lu’s portrait, stunning the students with its lifelike quality and earning their sincere admiration.
• Zhao Ruxi posted her lesson plan and two-month schedule, then explained that students needed time to learn the fundamentals and practice independently.
• A student questioned the length of the course, but Zhao Ruxi explained her teaching constraints, and the students agreed that thorough learning required time.

Zhao Ruxi taught the officials sketching and impressed Zhang Changshen with her skill and composure. As Zhang Changshen and Wu Zong investigated who had sent the young man in fine clothes to provoke her, Xiao Lingyan ordered a thorough inquiry, while the guard began telling students about Zhao Ruxi's powerful connections.

• Zhao Ruxi explained the principles of sketching to the officials, who treated her with respect, and Zhang Changshen praised her to Kang Shilin.
• Wu Zong told the gate guard to boast about Zhao Ruxi, Kang Shilin, and their connections to anyone who asked after class.
• Zhang Changshen asked Wu Zong about the young man in fine clothes, and they suspected someone had sent him to target the Court of Judicial Review.
• Xiao Lingyan heard about the incident and ordered a thorough investigation into who had disturbed the Grand Duke's household.
• Zhao Ruxi finished the lesson and returned to the Green Plantain Courtyard, while the guard told students about Kang Shilin's reputation.

After learning how powerful Zhao Ruxi’s backers were, several trainees reconsidered their behavior and sought to become class monitor. Zhao Ruxi heard the first applicants explain their plans, but the selection remained undecided.

• A yamen runner warned the trainees that Zhao Ruxi was protected by powerful officials and the emperor, leaving them shaken about having nearly offended her.
• Zhong Duo went to Zhao Ruxi’s residence and applied to be class monitor, accepting that the role would involve difficult work and grievances.
• Zhao Ruxi asked Zhong Duo and two other applicants how they would manage the class.
• One applicant boasted about his abilities and connections, while Zhong Duo yielded to the remaining applicant when Zhao Ruxi invited him to speak next.

Zhao Ruxi appointed class officers to manage the training class, then arranged gemstone purchases for her new silver shop. After learning that Liu Zongyao had visited the Jia Family following his expulsion, Xiao Lingyan suspected someone was deliberately framing them and decided to test the Jia family’s reaction.

• Zhao Ruxi appointed Zhong Duo class monitor and assigned three other students to class officer roles, explaining to Ma Sheng how they would manage the students and save the instructors trouble.
• Zhao Ruxi visited Shopkeeper Shen to inspect gemstones, accepted his price list, and entrusted future purchases to Zhou Chun.
• A man in gray reported to Xiao Lingyan that Liu Zongyao had visited the Jia Residence after being expelled from Zhao Ruxi’s training class, where Jia Junze had cursed Zhao Ruxi before dismissing him.
• Xiao Lingyan suspected Liu Zongyao was deliberately drawing suspicion toward the Jia Family and ordered someone to inform Jia Songlin of the visit so he could observe the family’s reaction.

Jia Songlin realized that Liu Zongyao’s visit had been a trap meant to frame the Jia family, but he could only swallow his anger and look for a chance to retaliate against the Liu family. Xiao Lingyan and Xiao Lingpu blamed the crown prince, agreed to keep Jia Songlin’s hatred aimed at him, and left Zhao Ruxi uninvolved; Xiao Lingyan decided not to tell her that he had sent people to watch over her.

• Jia Songlin berated Jia Junze for failing to recognize Liu Zongyao’s visit as an attempt to frame their family, then ordered him to endure the insult and wait for a chance to find fault with the Liu family.
• A man in gray reported the Jia father and son’s conversation to Xiao Lingyan, who told Xiao Lingpu the next day that the crown prince was likely behind the plot against Zhao Ruxi.
• Xiao Lingyan proposed passing the information to Jia Songlin, and Xiao Lingpu agreed that turning Jia Songlin against the crown prince could benefit them.
• Xiao Lingpu considered reaching out to Zhao Ruxi and her associates, but Xiao Lingyan advised him not to draw neutral officials into the factions’ struggle yet, and Xiao Lingpu agreed.
• Xiao Lingyan chose not to tell Zhao Ruxi what he had learned because it would expose that he had sent people to watch her, which he intended to keep doing.

Zhao Ruxi arranged a risky southbound expedition to bring back jadeite and discussed plans for housing and improving life at her manor. The chapter left her servants encouraged by her promise that their hard work would let them repay the cost of building houses.

• Xiao Lingyan wrote to Zhao Ruxi about transporting jadeite rough from mines in the south, and Zhao Ruxi organized a party of twenty-eight to retrieve it.
• Ma Sheng volunteered to lead the journey, and Zhao Ruxi chose veteran guards and manor servants for the expedition.
• Qian Duoduo asked Zhao Ruxi about building homes for new manor families and delivering livestock, and she approved the houses while postponing the delivery decision.
• Zhao Ruxi showed Qian Duoduo plans for a pond and fruit trees and offered timber on credit to build mud-and-tile houses.
• Qian Duoduo worried that the families could not repay the debt, but Zhao Ruxi assured him that her instructions and their hard work would make repayment possible.
• Zhou Chun praised Zhao Ruxi's abilities and encouraged Qian Duoduo to trust her.