Zoe remembers Ethan enduring a public beating on a punishment bench to protect her honor after drafting an essay opposing concubines. She also recalls his writings against lustful men, wondering whether his past devotion was genuine. In the present, Ethan visits Zoe and takes her hands. He admits her nightmare about leaving him kept him awake all night. Zoe withdraws her hands and asks him directly what if she truly meant those words.
A past memory surfaces of Ethan receiving strikes on a punishment bench. He takes the flogging after composing an essay against concubines. Ethan tells Zoe not to fear the public gossip and promises she will not hear it again.
00:25: Zoe Questions Ethan's Devotion
Ethan remembers drafting an edict that rebuked lustful men while honoring his wife. Zoe looks back on all the caring acts he performed for her in the past. She wonders to herself whether his affection for her was ever real.
00:52: A Confrontation In The Chamber
Ethan steps into the room and clasps Zoe's hands. He explains that he lost sleep after hearing her say during a nightmare that she wanted out of their marriage. Zoe pulls back from his touch and asks what if she meant it.
Key Lines from Episode 4
“Zoe, don't be afraid. I promise you won't hear this gossip again.”
“Last night, you had a nightmare. And you said you don't want to be my wife anymore. I was freaked out. I couldn't sleep the whole night.”
“What if I actually meant it?”
How Episode 4 Ends
Ethan stands before Zoe after confessing how terrified he felt hearing her sleep-talk about ending their marriage. Instead of reassuring him, Zoe yanks her hands away and asks what if she truly meant it. Will Ethan recognize that her feelings toward their marriage have changed, or will he dismiss her words as leftover anxiety from a bad dream?