Episode 7 recap: # A Shu's Assassination and Yuan Mo's Care
In Episode 7, Yu De Shui assigns Yu Chi Hua to the West Courtyard to supervise alongside Wang Kun Wu. An Xiu Yi requests that Yu Chi Hua be moved to the East Courtyard, as they have known each other since childhood. However, Yu Chi Hua prefers the West Courtyard to maintain equality with An Xiu Yi.
Yu Chi Hua insists on sharing a desk with Wang Kun Wu to symbolize their equal status. Wang Kun Wu argues that Yu Chi Hua only has real power when dealing with joint matters involving the Jingzhao Prefecture. He assigns Yuan Mo to run errands, but Yuan Mo, who is used to being lazy, tries to find excuses to avoid going out. Wang Kun Wu and Yu Chi Hua pressure him, and he reluctantly agrees to go.
At the market, Yuan Mo grabs a megaphone and announces Wang Kun Wu's presence, causing the townsfolk to panic and retreat into their homes. Yuan Mo uses this as an excuse to leave work early. The next day, Wang Kun Wu reprimands Yuan Mo for ruining his reputation. An Xiu Yi, passing by, witnesses the scene, and the two immediately change their attitude; had it not been for their desire to avoid being looked down upon by the East Courtyard, Wang Kun Wu would have continued scolding Yuan Mo.
Yu De Shui announces that the five-year examination for foreign scholars is about to begin, with the Sifang Pavilion tasked with verifying candidates' qualifications. Many privileged sons from Yan Le will participate, and Wang Kun Wu reluctantly accepts the assignment. A Shu is temporarily staying in Ling Xiao's room at Rui Yi Lou, where Ling Xiao generously allows her to feel at home. However, she is forced to host Long Bei Na, the son of Yan Le's Ye Hu, which displeases her. Seeing Ling Xiao upset, A Shu secretly drugs the wine served to him.
Before the drug takes effect, Long Bei Na begins to harass Ling Xiao, disregarding his discomfort. Outside, A Shu, angry and armed with a hidden weapon, attempts to intervene but is ambushed by Long Ge, Long Bei Na's bodyguard, who throws a dart at her, injuring her back. A Shu quickly hides in a corner of Rui Yi Lou.
Moments later, Long Bei Na suffers from diarrhea. Yuan Mo grows worried after several days without seeing A Shu and reflects on his previous words. A Shu, unable to return to Rui Yi Lou due to her injury, collapses in a nearby alley. Yuan Mo sets off fireworks as a signal to search for her, and they finally reunite. He carries the unconscious A Shu home, uses magnets to remove silver needles from her body, and cares for her as she rests. When he asks why she insists on earning money, A Shu explains that she has learned to rely on herself since arriving in Chang Le. She falls asleep before he can inquire further about her injuries.
The next morning, Yuan Mo nearly arrives late and overhears some foreign scholars discussing Ji Ming Li and Shen Bai Lian, who are reportedly charging for fake diplomas. Using this information as leverage, Yuan Mo coerces them into sharing some of their money. Just as the three are happily counting their earnings, they are caught by Wang Kun Wu and Yu Chi Hua.
Thanks to Yu De Shui’s plea, the three receive a penalty of three years' salary deducted. Yuan Mo, feeling down, returns home where A Shu asks to settle her monthly wages. They meticulously calculate, concluding that A Shu owes Yuan Mo twenty guan, which will decrease as she serves him. A Shu, full of clever ideas, prepares expensive breakfasts, sets wake-up reminders, and arranges a sedan chair for Yuan Mo, leaving him both amused and exasperated.
As the examinations approach, many scholars attempt to cheat. Yu Chi Hua stands guard at a popular inn where scholars gather and unexpectedly meets her cousin Bai Su Qin and her fiancé Mu Yi Kuan. Although Mu Yi Kuan is from Yan Le, he is well-versed in Da Yong culture, making them a suitable match. Meanwhile, the West Courtyard learns of An Xiu Yi's plans to approach Long Bei Na, suspecting he intends to accept bribes. Wang Kun Wu reminds everyone to focus on their own duties and refrain from gossiping about others.
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