Episode Summary
Lu Jingxiu faces his downfall, demoted and left alone to regret his past actions, including sacrificing loved ones for power. Meanwhile, Lu Jingming recovers from his injuries with Shen Jiangli's devoted care, leading to their reconciliation and commitment to a fresh start. Zimo peacefully entrusts Shen Jiangli back to Lu Jingming. Lu Jingming is named the Great Young Master of Dong Zhou. Chu Ya finds closure and departs Dong Zhou gracefully. Wang Danling, having reflected on her past, apologizes to Shen Jiangli, marking the end of their connection. Lu Jingxing stays to learn from Lu Jingming. Zimo returns to Lu Qingqing, and they leave for a quiet life together. Six months later, Lu Jingming and Shen Jiangli lead Dong Zhou into an era of peace and prosperity, managing military affairs and supporting the community, their own bond stronger than ever. The series concludes with them looking forward to a long life together.
Spoiler Alert
Right off the bat, we see the aftermath of Lu Jingxiu's downfall. Stripped of his rank and basically under house arrest, he's hitting the bottle hard. Alone in his room, he's haunted by memories – how his ambition led him to kill his own sister and later sacrifice Shen Qilan. Even though Shen Qilan had her own dark side, the text reminds us she was genuinely devoted to him. But his selfishness cost her life. Now, Lu Jingxiu is completely alone, stewing in regret. A pretty bleak end for him, but kinda deserved, right?
Meanwhile, Lu Jingming is recovering from that nasty stab wound he got during Lu Jingxiu's attack. And who's by his side 24/7? None other than Shen Jiangli. She's diligently nursing him back to health, personally giving him medicine and changing his bandages. Seeing how dedicated she is, and how deep their connection runs, Zimo finally feels comfortable stepping back and letting Lu Jingming take care of her. It’s a quiet moment, but it speaks volumes about Zimo respecting their bond.
Once Lu Jingming is back on his feet, he asks Shen Jiangli for a fresh start. After everything they've been through, she's seen his resilience and integrity, recognizing he's someone she can truly rely on. They finally put the past behind them and officially get back together. Cue the happy tears!
Their reconciliation isn't just personal, though. Lu Jingming takes Shen Jiangli to pay respects to the soldiers who died in past conflicts – his brothers-in-arms. It's a somber moment, looking at the graves and remembering their faces, reinforcing his wish for less violence and more kindness in the world.
Big news follows: the Lord of Dong Zhou officially names Lu Jingming the "Great Young Master" (think heir apparent or primary successor). With things settling down and Lu Jingming clearly established, Chu Ya decides it's time for her to leave Dong Zhou. She came, she saw the man she admired, fought alongside him, and confirmed his loyalty (even if not to her romantically). That closure is enough for her. She makes a graceful exit, with Lu Jingming and Shen Jiangli personally seeing her off. Classy move.
We also get closure with Wang Danling. She sends a letter to Shen Jiangli, and they meet. The formerly arrogant Wang Danling has done some serious soul-searching during her time reflecting at the ancestral tombs. She's much calmer now and even wrote a letter expressing remorse for her past actions. She returns a hairpin Shen Jiangli had given her back when Wang Danling was Lu Jingxiu's wife, symbolizing the end of that chapter. Wang Danling apologizes, and they acknowledge their connection is now truly over. Another loose end tied up.
What about the others? Lu Jingxing and his wife decide to stay in Dong Zhou and learn about managing affairs under Lu Jingming. Seems like the family is consolidating peacefully.
And for the romantics, Lu Qingqing has been missing Zimo terribly, often revisiting the courtyard where he used to live, lost in memories. Just as she's tearing up, thinking about whether he'll ever return now that Shen Jiangli is back at the Lu family estate (Lu Fu), she hears familiar footsteps. It's Zimo! He's back! He pulls her into a hug, and the implication is they're off to live a peaceful, free life together, away from the hustle ("like idle clouds and wild cranes," as the saying goes). Aww!
With all the internal conflict resolved, the Lu family estate is finally peaceful. Lu Jingming takes charge of military matters, ensuring safety for the people, while Shen Jiangli becomes his rock-solid support system. She even starts literacy classes and organizes efforts to make clothes and shoes for the soldiers, while also ensuring the women and children are cared for. Dong Zhou enters a period of harmony and prosperity.
The finale then jumps forward six months. Lu Jingming and Shen Jiangli are still going strong, their love deepened by the trials they faced. They've weathered the storm and found their clear skies. The final note is one of enduring love and partnership, promising they'll be together until old age.
