Consort Li attempts to frame Lu Qingzhi and Su Wanwan as spies using forged letters, but Lu Qingzhi skillfully points out a logical flaw in the letter regarding the number of troops stationed at Hutu Gorge, turning the tables publicly. Empress Rong, as the mother-in-law, sees through Consort Li's dirty tactics and protectively defends her daughter-in-law, ordering the maid spreading rumors to be beaten to death. After the crisis is averted, Lu and Su receive generous gifts from Empress Rong. In private, they plan to save up five hundred taels of silver and escape the capital for a life of freedom. However, brothers Xiao Jingyuan and Xiao Beichen, wary of the women's profound schemes, begin to harbor murderous intent towards them.
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