Episode 7 recap: Wu Niang Zi took in a concubine for her husband.
The case of Lin Ru Lan accusing Wu Lian of defilement still requires investigation. The constables were ordered to take Lin Ru Lan back to the yamen. Lin Ru Lan's brother intended to accompany her, but he was stopped by the constables. The family could only stand from a distance, helplessly watching Lin Ru Lan being taken away. On the way, the constables started to have ill intentions towards Lin Ru Lan, exchanging comments attacking her physically.
Seven years ago, Lin Ru Lan stood by the river, feeling lost and confused. Lin Ru Lan's family deeply regretted the current situation of Rulan. As a mother, she regretted the most for sending Rulan to Yan Yu Xiu Lou. The eldest brother was furious and wanted to go and harm Wu Lian, but he was stopped by their father. Due to Lin Ru Lan's actions, the Lin Medical Clinic refused to accept Lin Lang as an apprentice, and even their parents' shop had to be closed.
During their conversation, the sound of drums and gongs outside caught the attention of Lin's father, who opened the door. Before his eyes stood Wang Po, who came as a matchmaker. The Wu family had sent a betrothal gift, but without Lin's father's consent, Wang Po tried to forcefully enter and make the transaction. Fortunately, Lin Lang intervened with a stick and stopped her, causing Wang Po to leave with her entourage. Lin Lang also dismissed the onlookers from the crowd.
Meng Wan hurriedly returned home and heard the sound of her parents arguing and the sound of broken dishes in the alley. Meng Wan frowned as she opened the door, only to be faced with a mother who had been abused and a floor covered in broken dishes. Meng Wan immediately went forward and embraced her mother, noticing the pearl hairpin on Meng Wan's braid. Meng's father snatched it away and demanded she hand over her bracelet.
After Meng's father left, Meng Wan tidied up the room. Due to the recent incidents at the embroidery building, Meng Wan's husband temporarily suspended his classes, so she returned home. From her mother's words, Meng Wan learned that Wu Lian's marriage proposal had been rejected today and, after bidding farewell to her mother, Meng Wan hurriedly left.
When Meng Wan arrived at Lin Ru Lan's house, Gao Cheng Cheng had been knocking on the door for a while. She hated how Lin Ru Lan had slandered Wu Lian. Meng Wan explained that Wu Lian was only trying to cover up his own crimes, and the two of them began arguing at the door. Lin Ru Lan opened the door and slapped Gao Cheng Cheng, shouting at her to leave, and Gao Cheng Cheng wisely complied. After leaving, Gao Cheng Cheng went to the Misty Rain Brothel to find Wu Lian and asked him if he really intended to marry Lin Ru Lan. Wu Lian didn't give a direct answer, but instead told her to go back and focus on her embroidery.
Meanwhile, officials sent by the magistrate arrived at Lin Ru Lan's medicinal shop and were ordered to take her to the yamen for investigation regarding Wu Lian's alleged misconduct. Lin Ru Lan wanted to find Liu, the constable, but she didn't know that he had already been imprisoned. The constables were ordered to take Lin Ru Lan to the yamen, and her brother tried to accompany her but was stopped by the constables. The family could only stand from a distance and watch as Lin Ru Lan was taken away. On the way, the constables started making advances towards Lin Ru Lan, verbally attacking her. Shen Mu, who was with them, frowned upon hearing their vulgar language.
When they arrived at the yamen, Lin Ru Lan requested to provide a detailed account of the alleged misconduct. With tears in her eyes, she reluctantly recounted the incident. The constables started getting physical with Lin Ru Lan, attempting to force themselves upon her, but Shen Mu intervened and stopped their lewd behavior. Mo Mo, a woman, entered the room and demanded that Lin Ru Lan undress for examination. Lin Ru Lan pleaded with Mo Mo to make the constables leave, but Mo Mo refused. One of the constables forcibly undressed Lin Ru Lan, but Shen Mu drew his sword and protected her once again.
After examining Lin Ru Lan's body, Mo Mo confirmed that she was no longer a virgin, but there were no signs of tearing. This indicated that either it was consensual with Wu Lian or Lin Ru Lan had initiated the encounter. Lin Ru Lan shook her head in denial and pleaded with Mo Mo, but Mo Mo paid no attention and advised Lin Ru Lan to give up.
After Mo Mo left, Shen Mu kindly offered Lin Ru Lan some clothes and accompanied her to a clothing store to buy new garments. However, when it was time to pay, neither of them had money, so Shen Mu simply used his own waist token as collateral. On the way back home, Shen Mu suggested that Lin Ru Lan should find a lawyer. Lin Ru Lan couldn't understand why anyone would be willing to help her, but Shen Mu couldn't explain it either. He just believed in Lin Ru Lan and didn't think any woman would use such a matter to falsely accuse herself.
When Lin Ru Lan returned home, she completely broke down and cried alone in her room. It seemed that only through crying could she alleviate her emotional breakdown. Meanwhile, Shen Mu returned to the constable's office and faced rejection and hostility from his colleagues. The two sides ended up fighting, and Shen Mu was outnumbered and defeated.
Inside the house, Wu Lian repeatedly cleaned his hands and became furious when one of the embroidery girls accidentally knocked over a pattern on the table. He drove the girl away and personally tore the embroidery pattern to pieces and threw it on the ground. The next day, a body was secretly removed from the premises.
Lin Ru Lan went from house to house in search of a lawyer, either being rejected or subjected to harassment. She aimlessly walked the streets and saw a group of people bullying an elderly person. Lin Ru Lan stepped forward to intervene, noticing that the elderly person carried a lawyer's emblem. Lin Ru Lan hoped that the elderly person would help and, unexpectedly, the person agreed.
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