Duanwu sees an opportunity in discarded gemstone scraps. A heated encounter unfolds between her and Cui Shijiu at Yan Zijing's poetry contest.

A meeting further stokes Cui Shijiu's fury toward Yan Zijing. Hoping to make a sale, Duanwu resorts to a scheme that she later regrets.

As a challenge from Cui Shijiu threatens Yan Zijing's business in Guangzhou, Duanwu steps up and confronts dangerous trials.

While Duanwu's jewelry gains traction in the market, Zhang Jinran's investigation leads him to seek shelter in Yan Zijing's fleet.