Xue Ning subtly threatens Zhou Yin Zhi to stop his collusion with Duke Xue to frame the Yan family. Despite her attempts to not be the Princess’ study partner, Yan Lin and the Princess work hard to get her admitted. The noble women are given etiquette tests to see if they are worthy of staying at the palace, and though Xue Ning tries to fail miserably, the Princess finds her attempts endearing.