Court Lady Episode 1 Recap, Plot

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Sheng Chumu, the son of the respected Duke of Lu State, Sheng Xiaojing, was known for his frivolous nature, quite unlike his valiant father. One day, he engaged in a brawl with Lu Qi, Lu Yunji’s son, over Lian Yan'er, the top courtesan at Yanhui Pavilion, and lost. This infuriated Sheng Xiaojing, who chased Sheng Chumu with a stick.

Princess Consort Han, Sheng Chumu's sister, arrived to mediate, but Sheng Chumu further agitated his father by mentioning that the Emperor had appointed Lu Yunji as the new general due to Sheng Xiaojing's age, considering him too old for the border conflicts. Seeing no way out, Sheng Chumu fled the manor and happened upon his friend, Du Ning, whose carriage was waiting outside. Du Ning was on his way to Guangzhou City to congratulate a distant cousin on his marriage.

Sheng Chumu, eager to escape his father's wrath, decided to join Du Ning on his journey. Upon their arrival at the Chen Manor in Guangzhou, Chen Madam, Du Ning's aunt, warmly greeted them. Inside, the atmosphere was different for Fu Rou, who was preparing to marry Chen You. Her mother, the Second Madam of the Fu family, shed tears of reluctance, while the Third Madam of the Fu family made sarcastic remarks and demanded the family's accounting books.

Unperturbed, Fu Rou instructed her maid, Zi Yun, to hand over the books. Before leaving, Fu Rou’s eldest sister, Fu Jun, advised her to temper her personality once married. Meanwhile, Chen Madam confided in Du Ning that she was displeased with the marriage, only agreeing due to her son Chen You's persistent pleas, and intended to discipline Fu Rou once she entered their home.

A servant then reported a note posted on a back alley wall, claiming Fu Rou was not a virgin. Seizing this opportunity, Chen Madam announced her intention to cancel the marriage. Du Ning, aware of Chen You's unvirtuous character and Chen Madam's dislike for Fu Rou, did not intervene, allowing Chen Madam to prevent Fu Rou from entering the manor. Chen Madam then publicly demanded a purity test for Fu Rou. Despite the humiliation, Fu Rou agreed.

The attending midwife confirmed Fu Rou's purity, leaving Chen Madam stunned. Overwhelmed by the public disgrace, Fu Rou attempted to commit suicide by running towards a stone lion outside the gates, but Sheng Chumu swiftly intervened, saving her. Fu Rou, along with Zi Yun, returned to the Fu Manor without lingering. Her mother wept for her, feeling Fu Rou had endured immense injustice, but Fu Rou appeared unfazed.

She later revealed to Fu Jun that she had orchestrated both the anonymous notes and the public purity test. Her motive was to avoid being used as a pawn for the family’s pursuit of wealth and to prevent being married off against her will to any undesirable man. Fu Jun was exasperated upon learning the truth.

Fu Rou then explained that the demanded 5,000 guan bride price was not just a retaliation against Chen You, who had previously attempted to molest her at a temple, but also to cover a debt. Her brother, Fu Tao, had accidentally killed someone in a distant city while defending a young girl being molested, and the victim's family demanded 5,000 guan as compensation, threatening his life if not paid. The Fu family's finances were already strained due to increasing taxes.

Fu Rou also confessed that she still remembered Yan Zifang, her childhood sweetheart. Their families had arranged their marriage before birth, but the Yan family fell from grace after offending Lu Yunji, and Yan Zifang was forced to flee and was believed to have drowned. Fu Rou held onto his memory, cherishing their bond which was like that of siblings.

Soon after, Chen Madam arrived at the Fu Manor, forcefully demanding Fu Rou's return, addressing her demand to Fu Rou's mother. Fu Rou greeted her respectfully but firmly stated that, according to Tang law, a woman who suffers great humiliation in her husband's home has the right to return to her maiden family. Enraged, Chen Madam threatened to cancel the marriage and demanded the bride price back.

Fu Rou countered that since she was formally wed with the traditional three matchmakers and six formal ceremonies, the marriage could not be so easily rescinded. Chen Madam then threatened that Chen You would divorce her and take a concubine.

Fu Rou again cited Tang law, warning that divorcing a wife without cause was a crime, and if Chen You dared to take a concubine within a month of their legal marriage, she would arrive at the Chen Manor in her wedding gown, exposing him to the authorities for marrying again while legally married, leading to a year of imprisonment for both of them. Fu Rou’s sharp arguments left Chen Madam speechless.

Ultimately, Chen Madam was forced to leave, having lost 5,000 guan and gaining a painful lesson. Meanwhile, Sheng Chumu, captivated by Fu Rou, was determined to get closer to her. He and his attendant, Junhui, visited the Fu Manor. Sheng Chumu concocted a story, claiming his deceased wet nurse, Nanny Lin, had wished for him to find someone with her surname to ensure she had a family to light incense for during festivals.

He then "recognized" Third Madam, who also bore the surname Lin, as his aunt. Flattered by the attention from a Duke's son, Third Madam eagerly accepted him into the family and offered him lodging at the manor. She quickly instructed her daughter, Fu Yin, to make a good impression on Sheng Chumu at the dinner. Fu Rou, however, chose not to attend the meal, instead waiting for Fu Tao's return.

Upon his arrival, she initially reprimanded him with a feather duster for causing trouble and incurring such a large debt. Fu Tao explained that he was merely defending a young girl, which calmed Fu Rou's anger. Later, Junhui informed Sheng Chumu of Fu Rou's room location in the northeastern courtyard. Sheng Chumu sneaked to her chambers and hid in a tree.

As he watched, Fu Rou emerged, having heard the distinct sound of an eagle flute, a melody that reminded her of Yan Zifang from their childhood. She walked into the courtyard, speaking aloud as if to his spirit, recalling how he loved to play the eagle flute and expressing her enduring feelings, wondering why he chose this moment to visit her in a dream.

Unbeknownst to her, Yan Zifang was secretly observing her from the shadows, choosing not to reveal his presence. Overhearing Fu Rou's heartfelt words, Sheng Chumu, still hidden in the tree, lost his footing on a slippery branch and fell directly in front of her.

Episode 2 Recap