This episode had Chen asking JinZhao why she was so helpful to YeXian even when dangerous. She responded quite truthfully that they were good friends. Ye Xian has a relationship with her that is very similar in sincerity as Yao. He is a lot different and far more complex and morally gray, but his loyalty is undeniable. He would do anything to help her and she would respond in kind. Chen candidly tells her to consider marrying him. She is taken aback at the idea. It is not that she’s not interested, she is just very well aware that she would not be seen as suitable. She also has the inside view of her mother’s sad case and she definitely is not interested in a repeat. She has made it clear to both Chen and Yao that she fully intends to go to Shanxi and stay single. She only entrusts her future to herself. When her maid said she knew JinZhao liked Chen, why would she not consider it? Her response was as much as she liked him she liked herself more. This determined and independent spirit is one of the things that makes Chen smile. Jian Zhao went to check on a shipment with Ping that was heading to Shanxi. Chen showed up demanding to know why she hadn’t given him more thought. She had to smile at his outburst as she said she wasn’t going but sending off Ping with the convoy. It is not often Chen is sheepish, but this was one time he found himself at a loss and went to get tea and wait on her. He is making himself more noticeable to her and she can’t deny interest. But she is still not convinced that Shanxi isn’t the best destination for her future. The Gu family are getting her father and stepsis back to the Daxin home. They plan on using that tie to get to Ji resources and money. JinZhao decides to move with them after finding out about a 20k tael debt her mother loaned and was never repaid. Nanny Zhao overheard her chat with the maid about not getting married and gave JinZhao a box. Inside was a wedding dress and letter from her mother. This was a beautiful tribute to her daughter, and a lovely memory whether the dress was used or kept a memento. Ye Xian was rather put out JinZhao didn’t tell him she was moving so he came unannounced to see her. His new job has him feared and ostracized. Even JinZhao wanted to know why this path was chosen. With his skillset, this really was his best option to rebuild his home. She yelled at him for thinking she would be too fearful to talk to him. He gave her a beautiful bracelet from a house that was raided if she dared to not see it as tainted. Lan and Lian are bickering and JinZhao intervenes. Her gma is impressed with her calm disciplining and asks JinZhao to massage her legs. In this quiet time when the gma was pleased with her, she mentioned the 20k tael debt which was vehemently denied. I can’t wait to see her eyes when the signed contract is shown. This episode had the proposal from Chen we’ve been waiting for. He is getting more determined but knows she isn’t ready. For once he is at a loss on how to change her mind about Shanxi. The very independence he admires is what may cost him any future with her. I am looking forward to watching these two negotiate terms.