Episode Summary
Shen Qilan schemes to become the main wife, using a self-inflicted injury to win Lu Jingxiu's favor. Meanwhile, Lu Jingming and Shen Jiangli's secret child, Yan Yan, is discovered by Grandpa Lu. The family decides to reveal Yan Yan's identity, leading to a celebratory banquet that fuels Shen Qilan's jealousy.
Spoiler Alert
"My Destined Consort" Episode 20: Recap & Spoilers
Drama is brewing in the Lu household! Episode 20 sees schemes, secret children, and simmering jealousies reach a boiling point.
First off, Shen Qilan is feeling the sting of her low birth. Lu Jingxiu's mother isn't exactly thrilled with her son's choice of consort. We see her meticulously going through photos of more "suitable" noble ladies, much to Shen Qilan's dismay. Shen Qilan overhears her mother-in-law's snobbish comments and is furious. She thought getting rid of Wang Danling would solve all her problems, but it seems she's just jumped from the frying pan into the fire.
Shen Qilan is convinced her status as a former concubine is the reason her own mother wasn't well cared for. Fueled by resentment, she vows to become the real wife, no matter what it takes. Enter: a classic self-inflicted injury. She deliberately bleeds her fingers and kneels in the ancestral hall, praying for Lu Jingxiu's well-being. He conveniently stumbles upon this display of devotion and, naturally, is completely moved. Looks like the "damsel in distress" act worked, paving the way for her to become the main wife.
Meanwhile, Shen Jiangli and Lu Jingming are grappling with their own secret: baby Yan Yan. Lu Jingming knows they can't hide Yan Yan forever, but he's hesitant to reveal him to the family just yet. However, he decides to take Yan Yan to the temple during an upcoming incense offering, planning to introduce his son to his father.
Fate intervenes! Yan Yan bumps into Grandpa Lu at the temple. The old man is overjoyed to discover he has a grandson! He was just praying for one, and suddenly, there's a kid practically under the Buddha's nose!
Lu Jingming explains the situation, emphasizing the need for caution due to the upcoming celebratory banquet and unrest in the city. They agree to keep Yan Yan's existence under wraps for now. Grandpa Lu, however, can't resist visiting Yan Yan every day, eager to bond with his newfound grandson.
Lu Jingming's mother, suspicious that her son has been up to no good, secretly follows him and discovers Yan Yan. Overcome with emotion at having a grandson, she's initially thrilled. But then she learns that Shen Jiangli and Yan Yan are planning to leave. Cue a sudden, dramatic illness! Lu Jingming, sensitive to his mother's feelings, decides to reveal Yan Yan's identity publicly after discussing it with Shen Jiangli.
Back to Shen Qilan: she finally achieves her goal and becomes the official wife! She visits her mother's grave, triumphant that she no longer has to live in anyone's shadow. But her victory is short-lived. She returns home to find Lu Jingming's residence hosting a celebratory banquet. The second branch of the family now has a child, and Shen Qilan's jealousy flares up again.
Lu Jingming's father officially names Yan Yan and adds him to the family tree. Shen Jiangli and Lu Jingming are closer than ever, but Shen Qilan's forced smile and envious eyes hint at major trouble ahead. A storm is definitely brewing!
