Episode Summary
Rumors of Lu Chang's impending marriage to Lu Ruishan distress Jian Mingshu, but Lu Chang reassures her it's a political tactic and confesses his true feelings for her during a lantern festival. They become a couple, much to Song Qingzhao's heartbreak. Meanwhile, political intrigues continue with Lu Shangshu leveraging his newly returned daughter, Lu Wan'er. Song Qingzhao confronts Lu Chang but ultimately accepts Jian Mingshu's choice. The group discusses ways to help refugees, with Jian Mingshu suggesting selling crafts. The episode ends ominously with Su Tangli being punished by Prince Yu after a failed attempt to sabotage Hualang Ge's relief efforts.
Spoiler Alert
"Serendipity" Episode 32 Recap: Confessions, Complications, and Crushed Hearts
So, the episode kicks off with Jian Mingshu in a total panic. Rumors are flying that Lu Chang is about to marry Lu Ruishan, and she is not having it. Lu Chang, bless his heart, tries to calm her down, explaining that the whole engagement buzz is just a strategic move by Prince Rui to mess with Lu Shangshu. He’s actually pretty surprised by how worked up Jian Mingshu gets, which, come on Lu Chang, read the room! Mingshu’s terrified he’ll end up in a miserable, lifelong commitment he doesn’t want. Lu Chang, ever the stoic hero, gently wipes the rain from her face (swoon!) and assures her that nobody, and he means nobody, can force him into something he doesn’t want to do.
Meanwhile, the ever-observant Zeng Yi is having a chat with Lu Chang, wondering where Jian Mingshu’s heart truly lies – with him or Song Qingzhao? Yin Shujun chimes in, pointing out that Mingshu already turned down Song Qingzhao, so it’s pretty clear Lu Chang is her guy. But Zeng Yi, always thinking ahead, voices a valid concern: what if Jian Mingshu remembers that Lu Chang actually rejected her in the past? Could that drive a wedge between them? Lu Chang, to his credit, admits he messed up back then and is determined to make things right and treat her like gold.
Speaking of misunderstandings, Yin Shujun realizes she totally misjudged Prince Rui (she was just being a fierce friend to Mingshu, after all!) and spends the morning trying to make amends. Prince Rui, cool as a cucumber, isn't holding any grudges. He’s more intrigued by the revelation that Lu Chang is the man Jian Mingshu has feelings for. While he's not sure if Lu Chang's feelings are romantic, it's obvious Lu Chang cares deeply for his "sister."
Now, for the part we’ve all been waiting for! The Zhao Wangfu is hosting a lantern festival, and Lu Chang, smooth operator, is waiting by Jian Mingshu’s door to invite her. As they stroll through the festival, Mingshu finds it a bit odd that they’re the only ones around. Lu Chang’s excuse? "Oh, we're probably just early." Riiight. They start solving lantern riddles, and surprise, surprise, the answers string together to form Lu Chang’s heartfelt confession: "Wo xinyue ni" (My heart desires you!).
Jian Mingshu, playing it cool (or maybe just a little flustered), pretends to be annoyed, bringing up that mysterious "Jianglin young lady" he’s supposedly been pining for. She admits she’s pretty sure who that lady is but wants to hear it from his own lips. And Lu Chang delivers! He confesses that the one he can’t get off his mind, the one who makes his heart skip a beat, is none other than Jian Mingshu herself. Cue the romantic music! They finally, finally, confirm their feelings for each other.
The next morning is pure adorable awkwardness. Zeng Yi sends Lu Chang to check if Jian Mingshu is still lazing in bed. Mingshu hears him come in and totally pretends to be asleep, leading to a super sweet, private moment between our new lovebirds. Their bubble is burst when Zeng Yi calls them for breakfast. Mingshu, in a cute panic, shoves Lu Chang out the door, wanting to keep their brand-new relationship under wraps from Zeng Yi, at least for now.
At breakfast, Zeng Yi can't help but notice their matching dark circles, figuring they just had a rough night's sleep (if only she knew!). Lu Chang, feeling bold, sneakily holds Jian Mingshu’s hand under the table. Later, he walks her to Hualang Ge, promising to pick her up in the evening. Yin Shujun, who has the eyes of a hawk for this stuff, immediately senses something’s different and gets the full scoop. Naturally, she’s thrilled for them. In stark contrast, poor Song Qingzhao is spotted in a corner, looking absolutely devastated. Lu Chang, on the other hand, is on cloud nine, even gifting Ying Xun a knife he’d been wanting for ages.
While our main couple is basking in new love, the political gears are still turning. Yin Shujun, the Wen'an County Mistress, and Jian Mingshu are celebrating when they hear that a certain Lu Wan'er has become the talk of the capital, charming everyone she meets. Lu Shangshu is practically glowing now that he has this "new" daughter. He figures Lu Wan'er’s sudden return is a power play by one of the major factions, but frankly, he doesn’t care whose side she’s on, as long as she’s useful to him. With Lu Wan'er in the picture, Lu Shangshu isn't so desperate to cozy up to Prince Rui or rush Lu Chang's marriage anymore. Instead, he's hoping Lu Wan'er will catch the Emperor's eye.
The romantic bliss doesn't mean everyone's happy. Song Qingzhao confronts Lu Chang, accusing him of breaking some unspoken agreement (likely about Jian Mingshu). But since Mingshu has made her choice, Song Qingzhao says he won’t interfere anymore. However, he throws down a serious warning: if Lu Chang ever hurts Jian Mingshu, he’ll make him regret it. On a sadder note, Aunt Li passes away, with Zeng Yi and Wei Zhuo by her side in her final moments. This prompts a heartbroken Song Qingzhao to get completely wasted and show up at Jian Mingshu’s place, tearfully asking why she chose Lu Chang over him. The Wen'an County Mistress has to step in and drag him away. In a slightly more hopeful development, Wei Zhuo moves in next door to Zeng Yi, and Jian Mingshu even teases Lu Chang, wondering if Wei Zhuo has a thing for Zeng Yi.
Amidst all this personal drama, there's a refugee crisis. The Lu Jia family sets up porridge stations, but Jian Mingshu rightly points out that while it's a kind gesture, it's just a temporary fix. They need to find a real, sustainable solution. Song Qingzhao, now sober, comes to apologize to Jian Mingshu for his drunken outburst, emphasizing that he doesn't want to lose her friendship. Mingshu assures him he’s a precious friend to her. Later, Yin Shujun and Prince Rui are brainstorming ways to help the refugees, and Jian Mingshu has a bright idea: they could make and sell small crafts to raise funds.
But, of course, where there's good, there's often scheming. Zeng Yi and Wei Zhuo are out shopping when Prince Yu summons Su Tangli. He wants her take on Hualang Ge’s relief efforts, and Su Tangli, ever perceptive, knows what he expects her to do. That night, she orders someone named Qi to cause some trouble – but tells them to go easy, not to actually cause real harm. Unfortunately, the plan seems to go awry, or at least isn't executed well, because when Su Tangli returns to Prince Yu’s residence, she’s brutally beaten by him. Yikes.
