After some discussion, the gang decides to go with Er’kang idea, which is sending Ziwei into the palace to gain the emperor’s favor.
Ziwei briefly stops by the Fu family to say goodbye before moving out. The Fu parents are overjoyed that she is back, probably because they don’t think they can handle Er’kang’s tantrums any longer. But seriously speaking, they do love Ziwei. Lady Fu even accepts Ziwei as her daughter-in-law.
That night, Er’kang visits to make Ziwei listen to his lengthy farewell speech say goodbye, and give her a whole list of what to do and what not to do. Ziwei promises to be careful in the palace. In the end, Ziwei decides to play Er’kang a song because words can’t express how she feels. Or it could be that she feels there’s been enough talking already and since a song only takes up 2 minutes, she goes for that option.
With Lady Ling’s permission, Ziwei (and Jinsuo) enter the palace. On their first day, when Lady Ling is giving them instructions, the emperor visits! This puts Ziwei in a trance and she daydreams all the way back to Xiaoyanzi’s residence. When asked, Ziwei says she now understands why her mother waited her whole life for this man.
Xiaoyanzi introduces Ziwei to her servants and they hold a party that night. Of course, classic Xiaoyanzi. Everyone is reluctant at first but Xiaoyanzi’s energy spreads to them and before they know it, they’re all drunk, even Ziwei. Drunk Ziwei is… not something I ever imagined I would see.
The Trio come to see the girls the very next day. Did anyone really expect Er’kang to wait for one full day before seeing Ziwei again? They rightly call the girls out for partying in that reckless manner. But in the middle of the conversation, guess who decides to show up and make trouble again? Empress and her nightmarish Nanny Rong.