Episode Summary
Following her wedding night, Yin Shujun focuses on maintaining appearances, while Lu Chang deals with a confrontation at the academy. Jian Mingshu agrees to help the Wen'an County Lord investigate her fiancé, Xie Xu, whom she suspects is unfaithful. At a wine-tasting event, Lu Chang, encouraged by Jian Mingshu, showcases his literary talent, winning the top prize (a golden goblet) which he gives to her. Jian Mingshu observes Xie Xu but finds his behavior suspiciously flawless. A drunk Lu Chang reveals his possessiveness towards Jian Mingshu when seeing Song Qingzhao's embroidered sleeve. To investigate Xie Xu further, Jian Mingshu disguises herself as Song Qingzhao's study attendant and enters the academy, narrowly avoiding Lu Chang while tailing Xie Xu.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 12 Recap & Spoilers: Love Doubts, Wine Contests, and Undercover Ops
So, the morning after the big wedding ceremony, Yin Shujun wakes up alone. Turns out, Rui Wang already left for court duties. But honestly? She doesn't seem too bothered. For her, the wedding itself wasn't the point – it's all about playing the part convincingly. Mission accomplished, apparently, as she had a peaceful night's sleep.
Meanwhile, things are less peaceful over at the Songling Academy. Lu Wen Cai spots Lu Chang and immediately grabs him, clearly looking for trouble. But Lu Chang isn't having it and quickly turns the tables, giving Lu Wen Cai a harsh lesson he probably won't forget anytime soon. Ouch.
Later, Jian Mingshu and Liu Yuan Ying pop over to congratulate Yin Shujun on her marriage. They bring a thoughtful, handmade gift: a pair of exquisite bracelets. During their chat, the Wen'an County Lord shows up, seeming a bit wary of Jian Mingshu. Yin Shujun quickly smooths things over, introducing Jian Mingshu as her close friend and mentioning she actually needs a favor.
And here's where it gets juicy: The Wen'an County Lord is stressed about her own upcoming marriage. Her family arranged it three years ago with a guy named Xie Xu. Everyone thinks he's perfect – gentle, upright, treats her well. But she has a bad feeling. Since last year, something feels off, and she suspects Xie Xu's heart isn't in it anymore. She absolutely refuses to marry someone who doesn't love her (you go, girl!). Jian Mingshu totally gets it and agrees to help investigate Xie Xu's true character before the wedding. After all, better to know the truth now than find out after tying the knot, right? Conveniently, Xie Xu will be at a wine-tasting event the next day, and the Wen'an County Lord will arrange for Jian Mingshu to meet him there.
Now, let's talk about our guys. Song Qingzhao has a plan: he wants Lu Chang to really shine at this wine-tasting event. If Lu Chang impresses everyone and builds a reputation in the capital, it'll make things easier for him and Jian Mingshu down the line. Ying Xun tries to tell Lu Chang he can't just stand by while Jian Mingshu potentially falls for someone else, but Lu Chang's stance is firm: her happiness comes first. Still, seeing the bamboo embroidery on Song Qingzhao's sleeve clearly bothers Lu Chang (hello, jealousy!). Song Qingzhao encourages him to seize the day and become the most sought-after scholar, but Lu Chang insists he's only going to keep Jian Mingshu company.
Speaking of Jian Mingshu, she shows up looking absolutely radiant, earning genuine compliments from both Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang.
The wine-tasting event kicks off! Song Qingzhao is instantly swarmed by admirers. Lu Chang gets pulled aside to sample wine at a smaller stall. When Xie Xu arrives, he's the center of attention among the scholars – he's tipped to be the top scorer in the upcoming spring exams and seen as the perfect match for the Wen'an County Lord. Jian Mingshu, seeing Song Qingzhao mobbed by merchants trying to curry favor, rolls her eyes at their opportunism and joins Lu Chang. He's happily chatting with the old stall owner and advises her not to let the social climbing get to her.
The wine competition begins! Jian Mingshu eyes the grand prize – a golden goblet (Jin Zun) – casually mentioning it would look great back at her place, Hua Lang Ge. Xie Xu takes the stage first, presenting a poetic challenge. Song Qingzhao easily matches him. Lu Chang, however, seems uninterested in the fame... until Jian Mingshu encourages him. She wants him to step up, not just for himself, but to represent scholars from humble backgrounds. That does the trick! Lu Chang takes the stage and absolutely blows everyone away with his brilliance, even stumping Song Qingzhao. He wins the competition and chooses the old stall owner's wine as the best. Naturally, he gives the coveted golden goblet straight to Jian Mingshu for her Hua Lang Ge. Song Qingzhao is genuinely thrilled to see Lu Chang finally showing off his talents.
Later, Jian Mingshu gets a chance to observe Xie Xu interacting with the Wen'an County Lord, thanks to the Lord's maid leading her to a private room. Their interaction is close, but maybe too perfect, almost staged? It lacks a certain warmth. The Wen'an County Lord admits she's been investigating for six months without finding any concrete proof, but she hasn't checked into his life at the academy yet.
Elsewhere, Lu Chang has had a few too many drinks. Song Qingzhao helps the tipsy scholar back to the academy. Drunk Lu Chang keeps mumbling about taking Jian Mingshu home. Then, spotting the bamboo embroidery on Song Qingzhao's sleeve again, he musters surprising strength, rips the embroidered piece right off, clutches it protectively, and repeatedly insists, "It's mine!" (Okay, the feelings are definitely strong with this one!)
Determined to get answers about Xie Xu, Jian Mingshu decides the academy is the next step. Not wanting to bother Lu Chang, she asks Song Qingzhao for help. Her plan? Go undercover as his study attendant (shu tong)! Song Qingzhao agrees without hesitation.
So, Jian Mingshu dons a disguise and enters the academy as Song Qingzhao's attendant. Ever the gentleman, Song Qingzhao thoughtfully gives her a catalog of jewelry designs. Jian Mingshu can't help but think he's possibly the kindest, most considerate guy ever. A moment later, his hand accidentally brushes against hers, and that brief touch seems to linger in Song Qingzhao's mind, even distracting him during lessons.
Once classes are over, Jian Mingshu gets down to business, tailing Xie Xu. She sees him airing out some books, but a quick look reveals nothing out of the ordinary. Just as Xie Xu leaves, Lu Chang shows up! Jian Mingshu quickly grabs the books and ducks out of sight.
And that's where Episode 12 leaves us! Jian Mingshu is undercover, the investigation into Xie Xu is heating up, Lu Chang has finally shown his capabilities (and his possessive side!), and the romantic tension between Jian Mingshu, Lu Chang, and Song Qingzhao is thicker than ever. Can't wait to see what happens next!
