Su Ahao accompanied and supported Shen Congzhang for ten years through his imperial examinations, helping him pass. When the agreement expired, she intended to return home, but Shen Congzhang single-mindedly fawned upon the Cui family miss, wishing both to marry into the family and keep Ahao as a concubine, restricting her freedom. Ahao reunited with Zhou Xianyu, a brocade-clad guard who had once saved her, and the two felt a mutual affection. Shen Congzhang grew jealous and constantly made things difficult, so Ahao resolved to leave, joining others to set up a scheme. Shen Congzhang, who valued his official career, immediately destroyed her indenture and let her go. Cui Ying saw through his character and secretly helped her. Ahao headed to Jiangzhou to open a noodle shop, and Zhou Xianyu was reassigned to follow her.