Episode Summary
The episode sees Jian Mingshu's family moving into a new, prestigious home. An outing organized by Jian Mingshu, Yin Shujun, and Princess Wen'an leads to several romantic tensions: Yin Shujun is disappointed by Prince Rui's absence but later has a tender moment with him after spraining her ankle. Princess Wen'an and Lu Chang discuss their disinterest in marriage, while Lu Chang grows jealous watching Song Qingzhao and Jian Mingshu bond over archery. Lu Chang warns Song Qingzhao about hurting Jian Mingshu. Later, Lu Chang gets angry when Jian Mingshu suggests he and Princess Wen'an would make a good couple, which Jian Mingshu misinterprets as him still loving Su Tangli. Lu Chang starts his new job and immediately pushes to reopen Mr. Su's case. The major bombshell drops when Song Qingzhao confronts Lu Chang about Jian Mingshu not being his real sister, a conversation Jian Mingshu accidentally overhears, leaving her devastated and determined to uncover her true identity. Meanwhile, Su Tangli is shown to have some leverage over Prince Yu's mother.
Spoiler Alert
"Serendipity" Episode 23 Recap: Secrets, Sprains, and Some Serious Spoilers!
The episode kicks off with Jian Mingshu, Yin Shujun, and Princess Wen'an attempting a pleasant little outing. They even rope in Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao for good measure. However, Prince Rui is conspicuously absent, which leaves Yin Shujun feeling pretty down. So down, in fact, that our usually composed, tea-sipping lady actually starts drinking alcohol – a rare sight! On a happier note for Jian Mingshu, her family is moving into the super-swanky "Zhuangyuan Mansion," an imperial gift bestowed upon top scholars. Talk about a serious upgrade!
Back at the outing, the awkward vibes are palpable. Song Qingzhao suggests they all head to the training grounds, an idea Jian Mingshu is keen on. Princess Wen'an, playing the not-so-subtle matchmaker, nudges Lu Chang to let Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao have their fun. Yin Shujun, meanwhile, ducks out, claiming fatigue but really just wanting to nurse her drink and her disappointment over Prince Rui's no-show. Later, Princess Wen'an lets Lu Chang in on a little secret: Yin Shujun is actually trying to set them (Lu Chang and Princess Wen'an) up. Lu Chang admits he's still not over his past, and frankly, Princess Wen'an isn't looking for marriage either. After the whole Xie Xu debacle, she's realized that a woman's world is far bigger than the confines of a household. As they're chatting, they spot Song Qingzhao teaching Jian Mingshu archery, and the two look decidedly cozy. Princess Wen'an remarks what a "perfect couple" they make, and you can practically see Lu Chang's heart crack. Oof.
Lu Chang, clearly rattled by the archery display, pulls Song Qingzhao aside for a private "chat." Princess Wen'an immediately senses the jealousy brewing – the tension between the two men is thick! Lu Chang, in his self-appointed "older brother" role, questions Song Qingzhao about his feelings for Jian Mingshu, warning him that if he hurts her, he'll regret it. Elsewhere, Yin Shujun, seeking some solitude, unfortunately sprains her ankle. But just when things look bleak, who should appear but Prince Rui, leading a search party for her! Yin Shujun is overjoyed to see him, and he shows genuine concern for her injury.
The matchmaking efforts don't stop there! Yin Shujun tries to pair up Princess Wen'an with Lu Chang, and even Jian Mingshu chimes in, thinking it's a good idea. This, however, makes Lu Chang lose his temper, and he snaps at Jian Mingshu to stay out of his personal affairs. Jian Mingshu, bless her heart, completely misinterprets this outburst, concluding that Lu Chang must be deeply in love with Su Tangli. (If only she knew!)
Later, Yin Shujun confronts Prince Rui about his recent avoidance. She lays it on the line: if he wants a divorce, he should just say so. But Prince Rui insists that divorce hasn't crossed his mind. He acknowledges that he knows she's guarded when it comes to love, and he's not trying to rush things. This is all Yin Shujun needs to hear. She then dramatically "faints" onto his shoulder (nice one, Shujun!), and he gallantly sweeps her into his arms and carries her back to their residence. These two!
Big changes are afoot as Zeng Yi, Lu Chang, and Jian Mingshu move into the Zhuangyuan Mansion. Minister Lu, Lu Chang's father, shows up to offer congratulations, likely hoping to pave Lu Chang's way into the imperial court and perhaps mend their strained relationship. However, both Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu give him the cold shoulder. Lu Chang then officially starts his new position at the Dali Temple (think Ministry of Justice), with Ying Xun as his assistant. His first move? To request a retrial for Mr. Su's case. Despite some resistance, the Emperor grants permission.
Meanwhile, Song Qingzhao has begun his tenure at the Hanlin Academy, but he's bogged down with tedious writing and copying tasks, far from the impactful work he desires. While delivering documents to the Ministry of Rites, he stumbles upon something unexpected in the old registers of exam candidates.
And now, for the bombshell of the episode! Late that night, Song Qingzhao confronts Lu Chang in his room. He knows the truth: Jian Mingshu is not Lu Chang's biological sister but is actually the daughter of the Jian family, connected to that infamous "grabbing a son-in-law from the graduates" incident. The secret is out! Lu Chang confesses (most of) the situation – the Jian family's case is intricately linked with Mr. Su's case, and he can't reveal the full story to Jian Mingshu until the true culprit is brought to justice. Song Qingzhao then presses Lu Chang about his real feelings for Jian Mingshu, warning him that if he's chosen to be her brother, he shouldn't dare cross that line.
As fate would have it, Jian Mingshu arrives at that very moment with food for Lu Chang and overhears Song Qingzhao's words. The revelation that she and Lu Chang are not siblings hits her like a physical blow. She wanders away in a daze, her entire understanding of her life shattered. She's not Lu Chang's sister? Not a Lu family daughter? It's all too much!
The following morning, the atmosphere at breakfast is thick with unspoken tension. Jian Mingshu, still reeling, arrives late. Their close-knit bond has felt so genuine, but now she's questioning who they truly are. She makes an excuse to go to Hualang Ge, while Zeng Yi and Lu Chang, still in the dark about her discovery, fuss over her, reminding her to eat. Before leaving, Jian Mingshu pointedly asks Song Qingzhao if he would ever hide anything from her. Panic flickers in his eyes; he suspects she knows something. Jian Mingshu wants to confront Lu Chang but is terrified of facing the truth. Nevertheless, a new resolve forms: she will find out who she really is.
In a seemingly separate plot thread, we learn that Su Tangli has some leverage over Prince Yu's mother, Consort Chen. Apparently, auspicious omens at Prince Yu's birth later became a source of misfortune. Prince Yu grew up lacking maternal affection and now craves it intensely as an adult. File that away; it’s sure to be important down the line!
