Qianqian's Secret

Changyu grows curious about Yu Qianqian, the mysterious young woman who lives in a secluded pavilion of the estate. Qianqian speaks in strange idioms, has oddly modern views about hygiene and medicine, and once accidentally mentions something called a "phone." When Changyu asks who she is, the household falls conspicuously silent.

Through persistence and her natural warmth, Changyu befriends Qianqian, who reveals fragments of her story. She is not from this era — though she is careful not to say this outright, her knowledge of future events and modern concepts is unmistakable. Qianqian warns Changyu cryptically that the political situation is more dangerous than she knows and that Changyu should trust Xie Zheng.

Meanwhile, Qi Min's spy network takes note of Changyu's growing influence in the household. He dispatches an agent to embed themselves among the Marquis's servants — the first move in a longer game against the couple.