Episode 4 recap: Luo Yi Lian’s Failed Attempt to Poison Luo Yi Ning
In Episode 4, Luo Shen Yuan learns that Luo Yi Ning plans to visit Lin Hai Ru after dinner. He secretly arranges for his men to search Luo Yi Ning’s study for a scroll. However, in her private chamber, he unexpectedly encounters Ying Er, Luo Yi Lian's maid, sneaking in and pouring powder from a pouch into a water jug.
With a subtle signal from Luo Shen Yuan, one of his servants cleverly pretends to run into Ying Er and skillfully takes the pouch from her hands.
When Luo Yi Ning returns to her room, she immediately senses something is off. Being observant, she quickly grabs some lime powder and quietly sprinkles it by the window, then hides to watch what unfolds.
Seeing the situation deteriorate, Luo Shen Yuan takes advantage of the night to escape through the window, leaving clear footprints behind. Noticing the footprints and the signs of tampering on the scroll tube, Luo Yi Ning connects these clues to Luo Shen Yuan’s recent interest in her grandfather’s artwork, leading her to suspect that the shadow from that night was likely him.
Meanwhile, Lin Hai Ru successfully takes control of the family finances, which sparks dissatisfaction among Chen Lan and her daughters. Chen Lan harshly reprimands her daughters and punishes them by making them transcribe Buddhist scriptures as a form of discipline.
As Luo Shen Yuan gazes at her grandfather’s painting, he reflects on his childhood when he secretly learned from the young masters, driven by a thirst for knowledge. His teacher’s words inspire him to endure humiliation and strive for greatness. Unfortunately, his teacher was wrongfully accused, a painful memory that fuels Luo Shen Yuan’s desire for revenge.
Luo Shen Yuan carefully orchestrates a plan by placing Ying Er’s pouch in a conspicuous spot in Luo Yi Ning's courtyard. Upon discovering it, Luo Yi Ning instructs her maid to examine it closely, only to find that the powder inside is highly toxic—just a small amount would cause rashes all over the body. She realizes that this is another scheme orchestrated by the mistress.
Further investigation reveals chaotic accounts in the household; the quantities of valuable items like bird’s nest and ginseng do not match, and the rental prices for the land are far below market value, making everything seem increasingly suspicious.
While Lin Hai Ru struggles to find fault with the mistress, the clues provided by Luo Yi Ning prove to be a lifesaver. She immediately confronts the mistress with the account books, leading to an inevitable confrontation.
The conflict between Luo Yi Ning and Ying Er escalates. Luo Yi Ning requests that Mama Zhang, who is close to the mistress, be reassigned to her side. Although this was initially approved by Old Master Luo, Ying Er feigns fainting to manipulate Old Master Luo into rescinding the order.
Understanding Mama Zhang's close ties to the mistress, Luo Yi Ning decides to retaliate. She seizes the opportunity when the mistress is present and instructs Qing Qu to quietly sprinkle Ying Er's powder on her. After the mistress is affected, Luo Yi Ning pretends to feel ill as well, both of them scratching their necks in distress. Qing Qu exaggerates the symptoms, causing Luo Yi Lian to inadvertently reveal the truth.
Taking advantage of the situation, Lin Hai Ru reports the incident to Old Master Luo, who is furious. He not only punishes Luo Yi Lian but also dismisses the servants in her chamber. Once again, Luo Yi Ning successfully achieves her goal through her cleverness.
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