In their bedroom, Ethan Parker swears to Zoe Brooks that he will never take a concubine. A flashback shows him stamping a divorce paper with his thumbprint on their wedding day. Ethan then tries to move a purple flower, but Zoe stops him. Zoe travels by carriage to Everpeace Ward. There, she secretly watches Ethan sitting with Wendy. A waiter explains how Ethan defended Wendy, and Ethan warns an acquaintance to stay quiet about Wendy.
Ethan asks Zoe what he did wrong and promises to change. Zoe asks if he has met any cute ladies lately. Ethan insists that he loves only her and swears he will never take any concubines.
00:24: Wedding Night Promise
Dressed in red wedding robes, Ethan presses his ink-stained thumbprint onto a written divorce paper. He then marks Zoe's open palm. He declares that he would rather die than ever take a concubine into their home.
00:40: The Window Flower
Ethan spots the purple flower sitting on the windowsill and reaches to move it away from the breeze. Zoe commands him to leave it alone. Ethan promises he will simply fetch another plant from the Floral Chancery if this one dies.
00:59: Leaving for Everpeace Ward
Zoe walks out through the main gate of Parker Manor and enters a waiting carriage. She rides toward Everpeace Ward while remembering how Ethan frequently praised and pitied a pipa musician named Wendy during their previous life together.
01:14: Discovery at Everpeace Ward
Covered by a veiled hat, Zoe spots Ethan sitting beside Wendy. A waiter pours tea and tells Zoe that Ethan treats Wendy generously. The waiter adds that Ethan received the scar on his forehead while defending Wendy against a bully.
01:29: The Acquaintance's Advice
The man in black urges Ethan to buy a private house for Wendy or bring her home as a concubine. Ethan listens quietly. He then orders his acquaintance never to repeat those words because of what Zoe might do.
Key Lines from Episode 5
“Have you met any cute ladies lately?”
“If I'm to take a concubine, I'd just kill myself. I don't even fear death, why would I fear this divorce paper?”
“Was that how he got the scar on his head?”
“Never say that again. If Zoe hears it, you know what will happen.”
How Episode 5 Ends
At Everpeace Ward, Ethan's acquaintance suggests housing Wendy elsewhere or taking her as a concubine. Ethan firmly silences the man so Zoe does not discover his secret connection. Zoe watches nearby from under her veil. Will Zoe confront Ethan about Wendy right now, or will she quietly use what she learned to plan her departure?