Episode Summary
Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang rescue a woman from bandits with Song Qingzhao's help. Lu Chang falls off a cliff but survives, solidifying Jian Mingshu's feelings for him. They travel to the capital with Song Qingzhao, experiencing a rain shower together. They settle into a dilapidated new home, and Lu Chang leaves for Songling Academy, entrusting Jian Mingshu's care to Ying Xun and gifting her a puppy. Jian Mingshu then encounters Song Qingzhao again.
Spoiler Alert
"Serendipity" Episode 3: Cliffhangers, Confessions, and Canine Companions!
Episode 3 kicks off with Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang tiptoeing into that creepy house. Turns out, it's a total bloodbath – bodies everywhere! And just when you think it can't get worse, they hear a woman screaming from upstairs.
Lu Chang, being the protective older brother (and maybe something more?), shields Jian Mingshu as they head up. He goes to tangle with the bandits, while Jian Mingshu grabs a branding iron (yes, a branding iron!) and saves a woman from a seriously awful situation. Things get dicey when Jian Mingshu gets cornered, but just in the nick of time, Song Qingzhao shows up to save the day! The rescued woman, Tao Yiqian, is super grateful to Jian Mingshu and begs her to help save her own servants and guards.
Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao realize there are only four bandits left, so they decide to take them on. Jian Mingshu gets spotted and makes a run for it, ending up in the woods. Lu Chang comes to her rescue, but in the process, he falls off a cliff! Jian Mingshu's reaction is OTT. But wait for it… Lu Chang suddenly climbs back up! Jian Mingshu, finally convinced he cares about her, gets all teary-eyed and realizes he risked his life for her. Awww!
The trio takes a breather. Zeng Yi is overjoyed when Jian Mingshu starts calling Lu Chang "brother". Later that night, Jian Mingshu walks in on Lu Chang doctoring his wounds shirtless. She's there to bring him medicine, knowing he's hiding his injuries from Zeng Yi. She comes back and helps him apply the medicine to his back, all full of concern. She then uses some ointment given by Tao Yiqian to treat Lu Chang's frostbitten hands, and he blushes.
Song Qingzhao invites Lu Chang to go to the capital with him, but Lu Chang is wary of Song Qingzhao's wealth. Song Qingzhao seems genuine. Tao Yiqian offers them money as a thank you, which Jian Mingshu accepts. It's not just gratitude; it's also a request for them to keep quiet about what happened. As they set off again, their pursuers spot them. Luckily, Lu Chang was prepared and they manage to trick the bad guys into thinking Jian Mingshu isn't with them. Turns out, she's riding in Song Qingzhao's fancy carriage! Lu Chang trusts Song Qingzhao's character enough to let her go with him.
Of course, it starts pouring rain. Song Qingzhao's carriage leaks, so Jian Mingshu, ever the free spirit, runs out into the rain and starts twirling around. Song Qingzhao's eyes light up, and he joins her! They end up watching a rainbow together from a pavilion. Cute!
In the capital, Lu Chang, Jian Mingshu, and Zeng Yi part ways with Song Qingzhao, who tells them to reach out if they need anything. After separating from Tao Yiqian, they arrive at the place Ying Xun found for them. Ying Xun, who works in Liangzhou Prefecture, is surprised to see Jian Mingshu. He shows them to their new place, calling it "great." Jian Mingshu is less than impressed with the run-down courtyard, but Zeng Yi is optimistic.
After cleaning up the place, Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu go out for a stroll. Jian Mingshu trusts Lu Chang completely now, which makes him a little flustered. Zeng Yi makes them new clothes. Lu Chang is grumpy about it, but Jian Mingshu understands he's doing it for the family. Lu Chang overhears this and secretly smiles. That night, Zeng Yi cooks a feast, and Jian Mingshu brings out the remaining ninety taels of silver, but Zeng Yi and Lu Chang insist she keep it.
The next day, Lu Chang is off to Songling Academy. He gives Jian Mingshu a puppy, naming it Zaozao. Before leaving, Lu Chang asks Ying Xun to look after Zeng Yi and Jian Mingshu. Lu Chang is going to Songling Academy to find someone who can help with the case. Song Qingzhao's sachet is from Songling Academy. Song Qingzhao is on his way to visit Lu Chang and Jian Mingshu when Jian Mingshu runs into him on the street!
So, lots of near-death experiences, a growing connection between Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang, and a fancy new friend in Song Qingzhao. And a puppy! What's not to love?
