Shiyi is a smart and brave girl. I like that she doesn't give in to him. There are so many advantages on his side in the eyes of others: status, wealth, age, gender. But Shiyi does not stop anything in defending the dignity of people close and dear to her. She is probably the only one who is able to embarrass him and silence him, without imploring her or his dignity. Unlike Lingyi, Shiyi knows that she is destined to be his wife, but she still does not seek to “embellish” herself. True, the way he spoke about her mother would cost him a very long way to win her trust. Er-nyan miscalculated. Shiyi really does not like "fights", but now Er-nyan's desire for status and wealth cost the life of the most expensive person for Shiyi, and they are trying to send her to "hell". The hit will be lightning fast and ruthless. I like how Shiyi is calculating in her actions. Her gift to Wang Yu does not look reprehensible in the eyes of society, she cannot be suspected of trying to avoid a wedding. The “groom” will do everything instead of her, and Er-nyan will fly a boomerang of her “meanness”. They say the truth: "Don't dig a hole for another, you yourself will fall into it."

@@Irynash11 brilliantly said my friend. Shiyi definitely earned my respect in this scene. This moment showed her fighting spirit. During every encounter with Shiyi up to this point he is always left speechless. It's the same look he gave on the docks after she standing up for her sister...lol It was all a misunderstanding on her part...lol Every time they run into each other...she catches him off guard with her responses. She definitely knows how to leave an impression...lol Yes, Erniang really underestimated Shiyi big time. Because Shiyi never fought with her for anything she assumed that she was so much more smarter than her little sister. Erniang ended up out playing herself. If she didn't indirectly cause the death of Shiyi's mother things might've worked out differently. Erniang is another one that doesn't think of the consequences of her actions. While she was celebrating her so called victory she put her foot in her mouth. She indirectly showed all of her cards. Once Shiyi figured out what Erniang had done...it was GAME OVER. She was like a dog with a bone...lol It was a brilliant strategy. Erniang didn't see it coming at all. Shiyi used someone else's hands to get the job down with one simple move. Erniang didn't stand a chance. Erniang is similar to Lianfang...they're always blaming others for their actions. Karma hit them both in the a$$

@@shontelagrone8713 Shiyi's main advantage is that she doesn't try to win over anyone. From Madame Luo's lessons, Shiyi drew conclusions that she did not expect. Er-nyan and her mother humiliated and sucked up to get a better life. They did not take into account at all that such devotion means nothing to Madame Luo, and she uses them as she sees fit. Shiyi came to the conclusion about her own “value” as a child, she knew for sure that no fawning, devotion and humiliation would give her privileges in the future. Madame Luo taught Shiyi to value herself and freedom, much more than wealth and status. Madam Luo never understood that Shiyi would NEVER rely on the Luo family, only on herself - this is the lesson that Shiyi learned. Er-nian and Lianfang are two selfish, evil fools who believe that the world revolves around them (especially Lianfang). They believe that everyone owes them, but they do not want to do anything for others. Both Shiyi's unwillingness to compete is mistaken for weakness and stupidity. It doesn't occur to them that she just doesn't want what they fight so hard for. They forget that any person has a line that is better not to cross. Shiyi is not a harmless rabbit that can be pulled by the ears. As long as they don't cross the line, Shiyi looks at them like they are stupid monkeys, but as soon as they cross the line, they get a lightning strike with their paw. And only out of mercy, the tigress does not immediately release her claws.

@@Irynash11 I agree. I think that's her greatest asset. It shows just how much she values herself. Madame Luo was evil as hell. I was so happy when karma bit her in the ass...lol She was of some use though because she taught Shiyi the greatest lesson of them all. Erniang and her mother were to stupid to realize no amount of devotion would move Madame Luo's dark heart. They worked hard at the feet of Madame Luo only to be fed scraps. They wasted their entire lives and ended up with nothing. It was hard for me to feel sorry for them because they were ready to throw Shiyi into the abyss just so they could gain the status of a Marquis wife. Erniang/Lianfang greatly underestimated Shiyi. They really believed that their victories were due to Shiyi's weakness. They were to stupid to see that she chose not to compete with them. Lianfang thought she won the managing of the household with her tricks. She didn't understand that Shiyi relinquished the position because she wasn't planning on staying. She was there to find her mother's killers and nothing beyond that point. Erniang thought she won against Shiyi as well. When she conspired to change places with her in order to marry the Marquis. It was her own stupidity that led Shiyi to the truth. Once Shiyi knew what Erniang had did...she turned the tables on her. All of her well laid plans blew up in her face. It seems to be a patter with of success for Shiyi whenever she's being challenged by others. Every time someone plots against her...it always ends in defeat. She is so quick to turn the tables on her opponents. Erniang/Lianfang were putty in her hands.

@@shontelagrone8713 Everyone who opposed Shiyi tried to control her did not understand that she was just living her own life and interests, she did not care about their fuss. This does not mean that she is weak, her interests are simply different. But if there is something really valuable for Shiyi, then she will fight for it, she will not feel pity for her enemies, if necessary. Shiyi said this to Lianfang almost in plain language, but she didn't understand. And she preferred to eliminate Shiyi by deporting / stealing her. Shiyi did not start scandals and showdowns, she simply hinted to her husband, who understood the hint correctly, unlike Lianfang. To Lingyi's personal dislike was added a desire to protect his wife. An explosive mixture and very unsafe for Lianfang. The only one who correctly understood Shiyi's behavior was Yizhen. She perfectly understood that Shiyi intentionally ceded her rights to Lianfang and she did it brilliantly without arousing anyone's suspicions and without losing her dignity. I think at that moment Yizhen realized that fate was favorable to her brother-in-law, sending Shiyi to him as his wife. Therefore, she always supports her.

The Sword And The Brocade