Episode Summary
At the Lantern Festival, Chu Ya is burned by a lantern, leading to Shen Jiangli's punishment. Shen Qilan stirs trouble, while Lu Jingming investigates. Chu Ya reveals her feelings for Lu Jingming and her desire to find her savior. Marital schemes unfold as Chu Ya seeks a husband in Dong Zhou.
Spoiler Alert
"My Destined Consort" Episode 23: Lanterns, Lies, and Lingering Looks – Oh My!
The Chengping banquet is in full swing, and Shen Jiangli's Lantern Festival is a total hit! She's clearly put a ton of effort into every detail. Shen Qilan, not wanting to be left out, whips up some lotus lanterns for blessings. Shen Jiangli, ever the gracious hostess, even makes Kongming lanterns, painting a particularly beautiful floral design on the one for Princess Chu Ya.
But here's where things get a little heated. Chu Ya gets a nasty burn on her hand when she tries to light her lantern. Ouch! The Dong Zhou envoy, being the proper matron, is not happy and accuses the hosts of being inhospitable.
Shen Jiangli takes the fall and gets grounded. Back at her place, she wonders if her grandmother was too harsh. Grandma's like, "Nah, this is Dong Zhou territory. If we're too nice, they'll think they can walk all over us. This is just a little 'welcome to the party' gift."
Then, out of the blue, Shen Qilan comes to visit Chu Ya finds this odd. Shen Qilan, pretending to be all concerned, subtly suggests that there was something wrong with Shen Jiangli's lantern. Apparently, everyone else's lanterns were fine, but Chu Ya's was the problem. Chu Ya, being no dummy, says she's already handed it over to the governor and trusts he'll sort it out fairly.
Meanwhile, Lu Jingming, hearing his wife is in trouble, rushes home. Shen Jiangli tells him she noticed white phosphorus on Chu Ya's lantern. That stuff has a super low ignition point and would definitely cause a burn like that. Lu Jingming suspects Shen Qilan is behind it all and decides he needs to find some evidence.
Now, let's talk about Chu Ya. Ever since laying eyes on Lu Jingming, she's been totally smitten. She sees him again at the Lu family estate and is convinced he's her soulmate. Lu Jingming is there to thank her for something related to Shen Jiangli's situation, and Chu Ya brings up how he saved her five years ago when she was captured.
They start bickering about why their countries are always at war, with each blaming the other. Then, a light bulb goes off – maybe they're both being manipulated! Chu Ya promises to investigate in Xi Zhou.
Originally, Chu Ya was supposed to leave Dong Zhou, but she's dragging her feet, claiming she wants to find a suitable husband in Dong Zhou. Governor Lu, being a gracious host, is all for it. He mentions his three sons are already married, but Chu Ya says she's not worried about formalities. Shen Qilan, overhearing this, remembers Chu Ya asking about the Lu family sons and suspects she has her eye on Lu Jingxiu, the eldest. To avoid any drama, Shen Qilan fakes being sick and takes a few days off.
Shen Jiangli gets stuck with the task of looking after the Dong Zhou princess. When she hears Shen Qilan is avoiding this, she gets suspicious. Shen Qilan never misses a chance for something good, so why is she backing out now? Something's definitely up.
Soon enough, Chu Ya confesses to Shen Jiangli that she's totally crushing on Lu Jingming and is staying in Dong Zhou to find her long-lost savior.
And finally, Lu Jingxiu's mother hears that Chu Ya is looking for a husband in Dong Zhou and sees an opportunity. She tells Shen Qilan to help Lu Jingxiu and Chu Ya connect, because Chu Ya has power in Dong Zhou, and being with her would be great for his career.
